Green Mountain
Chapter 360 - 297, Long Time No See (Volume Four Completed)

Chapter 360: 297, Long Time No See (Volume Four Completed)

The officials of Honglu Temple brought a brand new coronation robe for the Crown Prince, the dark robe embroidered with nine symbols: sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, flower beetles, temple vessels, algae, fire, rice, and diagrams. He wore the Nine-Streamed Crown and a white jade belt around his waist.

They brought silver armor and helmets for the thirty-seven Yulin Army members. Li Xuan and Qi Zhenzhuo, along with the other thirty-five, shed their cloth garments and transformed into the imposing Yulin Army again, their white pheasant tails fluttering in the wind.

They brought a brand new fourth-rank official robe for Chen Liqin, with Cloud Goose insignias sewn on his chest and back, and black boots on his feet.

Among the forty summoned, only Chen Ji remained without an official title, dressed in a simple cloth garment.

The young man stood tall and straight in his black high-collar robe, but he seemed out of place among the forty.

Xiao Man leaned on the window sill of the second floor, indignantly, "Why didn’t they bring an official robe for my master? He would look so heroic in it, not any worse than them!"

Zhang Xia patted her head and said with a smile, "Chen Ji’s official position will be decided after meeting the emperor today."

Xiao Man sighed, "When we return to the capital, there will definitely be many officials and noblewomen waiting to see. If my master wore an official robe, he would look so impressive."

Zhang Xia casually replied, "It doesn’t matter, he doesn’t care for those infatuated girls."

Xiao Man thought for a moment and agreed, "True!"

She rolled her eyes, "Second Sister, who did you say the master wants to meet? Who is it?"

Zhang Xia said softly, "The stars in the sky."

Downstairs, the officials from Honglu Temple began to arrange the entry procession.

The Crown Prince led the way, followed by Li Xuan and Chen Liqin riding side by side, Chen on the left, Li on the right. Behind them, the remaining thirty-five Yulin Army members walked in pairs, and at the end, alone, was the commoner Chen Ji.

Qi Zhenzhuo immediately spoke to the Honglu Temple official, "This won’t do. In the battle of Guyuan, Chen Ji’s achievements were second only to Commander Li. How can he be at the end?"

Li Xuan shook his head, "No, his achievements surpass mine. He should ride alongside Mr. Chen."

The other Yulin Army members stayed in place, unwilling to march ahead of Chen Ji.

The middle-aged Honglu Temple official said impatiently, "Heroes, there are tens of thousands of citizens along the streets to witness the celebration. I can’t waste time debating the order with you. The order is based on rank, not achievements. Should I place Mr. Chen at the end despite his contributions?"

Qi Zhenzhuo whispered, "That’s not unacceptable..."

Li Xuan glared at him and then clasped his hands to the official from Honglu Temple, "But Chen Ji is personally bestowed the Right Guard by the Crown Prince..."

The Honglu Temple official raised his hand, "Stop, that’s not yet formalized by the Ministry of Personnel. This sixth-rank Right Guard title will only be valid after the imperial audience. Today’s audience is just a ceremony to reward the troops and showcase the returning heroes to the citizens, enhancing the military prestige of our Ning Dynasty. Though it doesn’t matter if Chen Ji is at the front or the end, it doesn’t diminish the emperor’s praise. Let’s not waste time, as the emperor still has to meet the Barbarian’s Envoys after you all."

Qi Zhenzhuo wanted to say more.

Chen Ji, leading Zaozao by the reins, smiled and said, "There’s no need to argue. It doesn’t matter where I stand."

Li Xuan and Qi Zhenzhuo fell silent, but the Honglu Temple official noticed Zaozao behind Chen Ji and then looked at the Crown Prince’s white horse.

The carefully selected white horse was actually shorter than Zaozao.

The Honglu Temple official quickly said, "No, no, how can a horse overshadow the Crown Prince? Swap this horse with the Crown Prince’s."

But as he approached, Zaozao bared his teeth fiercely, scaring him so much that he retreated repeatedly.

Chen Ji gently patted Zaozao’s cheek, "Go back to the stable. You and Second Sister can return to the capital together later."

Zaozao obediently returned to the stable and began eating fodder. The Honglu Temple official, adjusting his official hat, exclaimed, "Amazing, this horse understands human nature!"

Chen Ji went to the station and changed to a different horse, smiling as he said, "Sir, we can depart now."

The Honglu Temple official waved to everyone, "Enter the capital, and remember to proceed slowly. Don’t disrupt the formation!"

Qi Zhenzhuo, feeling frustrated, muttered, "Master, they always judge by status first... I used to be like that too. Don’t hold it against them, and don’t hold it against me."

Chen Ji responded nonchalantly, "It’s okay, not a big deal."

...

...

The long procession started moving slowly. They departed from Fengtai, headed east along the official road made of compacted earth, riding for four hours to reach You’an Gate.

Entering the outer city of the capital, citizens filled both sides of Xuanwu Gate Street, cheering excitedly.

When the Crown Prince passed through the city gate, the Yulin Army appeared as majestic as dragons, and the citizens erupted in applause. The commoners, dressed in coarse garments, threw freshly picked flowers onto the ground, exhilarated.

Young men ran alongside the procession, eagerly asking, "Is it true that Lord Li beheaded the general of Jing Dynasty in the midst of tens of thousands at Guyuan?"

"Is it true that the Crown Prince, through clever planning, thwarted a secret attack by the Jing Dynasty Heavenly Strategy Army, with the Yulin Army eliminating them all?"

A young scholar shouted, "I wrote a poem for the generals!"

Then, without any concern for others, he recited aloud in the street, "Hooves crack the snowy grounds of Guyuan, bows startle the stars of Quwu. Silver armor burns the Barbarian’s camps, long swords slash the capital. Flowers spread along Xuanwu, the Yulin Army stars align. Songs resound through the Nine Halls, and ten thousand citizens celebrate the new achievements!"

The atmosphere was lively and joyous.

The last time Xuanwu Gate was so bustling seemed to be in the 25th year of Jianing.

The cheers of the citizens filled the air, but none were directed at Chen Ji. In the storytellers’ tales, Chen Ji’s name was absent.

People knew the stories of the Yulin Army well, but hardly anyone had heard of Chen Ji. Storytellers would have to go to great lengths to explain who he was, and the customers at teahouses might not even remember.

Li Xuan looked back worriedly at Chen Ji, seeing him quietly trailing at the end of the procession.

Chen Ji, meanwhile, was curiously observing the capital, his gaze wandering aimlessly.

The capital was even grander, cleaner, and more orderly than Guyuan, with iron cannons and firearms mounted on its walls, and high red banners fluttering in the wind, with armored soldiers standing guard.

This was the true majestic appearance of Ning Dynasty’s city... yet something seemed to be missing for Chen Ji.

The procession continued along Xuanwu Gate Street into the inner city, then east along Chang’an Street, heading towards the Imperial Palace.

In the inner city, the roads were no longer made of compacted earth but neatly paved with blue bricks.

The houses were neatly aligned and orderly, their white walls and gray tiles creating a refreshing sight.

Here, brightly dressed girls, unafraid of the early spring chill, had already changed into gauze blouses and skirts with pearl buttons on the collar, covering their faces with light veils, unabashedly checking out the Yulin Army soldiers on their white horses.

Their gazes moved from the front of the procession to the end, finally resting on Chen Ji, before drifting back up front.

Noblewomen from official families pointed at some Yulin Army members, proudly saying, "See, that’s my brother!"

The girls immediately gathered, excitedly asking, "Hey, ask your brother for me—that Yulin Army member in the fourth row..."

At this moment, someone whispered, "Who’s that at the end of the procession, not wearing armor?"

"Probably a minor official responsible for the ceremonial arrangements from Honglu Temple."

...

...

The procession slowly approached the Imperial Palace Gate, where everyone was frisked and checked.

The Yulin Army soldiers stationed at the Imperial Palace Gate laughed as they patted down their returning comrades, "Congratulations, Lord Li and Lord Qi. This battle of Guyuan truly brought honor to the Yulin Army. Even the Longevity Army lads speak to us with a bit more respect lately. We’ve arranged a welcome banquet at Baishun Alley for our returning brothers tonight."

"Haha, you’ve saved face for us. A welcome banquet at Baishun Alley shows your sincerity," Qi Zhenzhuo beamed, "Tomorrow night, my Qi family will host a celebration banquet at Gufu Building. Everyone come!"

"Wow, Gufu Building!"

Li Xuan, seeing the rowdy crowd, sternly doused their enthusiasm with a cold warning, "If you want to earn respect, you still need good training. I’ve found a skilled trainer for you. Anyone who slacks off in training will be sent home without their armor."

The Yulin Army saw their commander’s stern face and immediately quieted down, obediently completing their checks and getting clearance.

Qi Zhenzhuo, upon entering the Imperial Palace Gate, muttered softly, "Brother-in-law, why the stern face on such a happy day?"

Li Xuan cast him a sidelong glance, "Did you see the performance of the Yulin Army at Guyuan? Including you, many knew the officials’ gates but not real combat. Why should I feel happy?"

Qi Zhenzhuo, grinning mischievously, said, "No worries, with my master in charge of our training, we’ll improve by leaps and bounds!"

Li Xuan looked back to see Chen Ji, head down and silent, following behind everyone else.

Entering the Six Departments Hall, they were instructed, "Remove your boots, relinquish your swords, and undergo a body search."

Chen Ji looked up, and a familiar face came into view. Dressed in black flying fish attire, with a red embroidered python extending to his chest, a long knife at his waist, it was Lin Chaoqing.

Chen Ji had dealt with Lin in Luocheng City numerous times. After the Luocheng matter ended, they hadn’t met again. Unexpectedly, Lin Chaoqing had been reassigned by the Ritual Supervision to serve in the palace.

Lin Chaoqing’s gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on Chen Ji as if puzzled but not particularly concerned.

During the Luocheng incident, Chen Ji had always worn a mask when helping Yun Yang and Jiao Tu, never showing his true face. Hence, Lin Chaoqing, although he found Chen Ji somewhat familiar, couldn’t place where they had met.

The Six Departments Hall was the last checkpoint before meeting the emperor. Everyone was thoroughly frisked, the inspection here more rigorous than the one at the Imperial Palace Gate, even requiring the outer garments to be removed to prevent smuggling.

Suddenly, a low voice from behind Lin Chaoqing announced, "The Barbarian’s Envoys have entered the palace early, currently presenting their tributes and auspicious signs at Renshou Palace. Lord Prime Minister has ordered the Crown Prince and the Yulin Army to wait at Zhongcui Palace. They will be summoned to Renshou Palace to meet the emperor when needed."

Chen Ji looked up in surprise, seeing a man in a white dragon-patterned mask and a pristine white high-collared robe. Just standing there, he commanded everyone’s attention.

Bai Long!

Mr. Feng!

Lin Chaoqing hesitated, "Lord Bai Long, it’s against protocol for them to hear the decree elsewhere."

Bai Long smiled, "What, Commander Lin only takes orders from Lord Wu Xiu now, and not from the Prime Minister?"

Lin Chaoqing quickly clasped his hands, "I wouldn’t dare, I..."

Bai Long laughed loudly, "Commander Lin, we’re of equal rank, no need for such formality."

Lin Chaoqing replied modestly, "It’s not the same. I’ll lead them to Zhongcui Palace to await the decree."

Bai Long stepped aside, allowing the path to clear.

As the tail end of the procession passed by Bai Long, Bai Long whispered to Chen Ji, "Young man, no need to thank me."

Chen Ji tightly clenched his fists.

Lin Chaoqing led the group towards Dongliu Palace, with Chen Ji trailing silently at the back.

He walked along the blue-brick paths, passing through red walls and gray tiles of the Dongliu Palace.

Through countless shadow walls.

Through numerous decorative gates.

Passing by Yanxi Palace, Jingren Palace.

Passing through Chengqian Palace, Yonghe Palace.

Finally, stopping between Zhongcui Palace and Jingyang Palace, two palaces separated by one street.

Chen Ji had walked four thousand one hundred and fifty-eight miles and killed three hundred and forty-nine people to stand here.

To stand here.

It didn’t matter if he was at the front or back, whether wearing an official robe or cloth garments, whether he was a sixth-rank Right Guard or a commoner.

Chen Ji took a deep breath and carefully glanced towards the Jingyang Palace on the right.

In the sunny afternoon of spring, the golden sunlight shone on a slender Daoist nun in a blue robe. Standing in the light, she held a bamboo broom, gently sweeping the fallen leaves together.

Long time no see, Bai Li.

...

End of Volume Four, Four Thousand Miles.