Zhāng Kingdom

The streets of Zhāng capital city were alive with a welcoming celebration for their successful army. While the majority of their soldiers had returned to either their training camp or home, a small division led by the two princes formed a parade down the main road of town.

Spectators threw flowers and colorful streamers toward the officers on horseback and the infantrymen walking behind. Cheers of gratitude at the sacrifices and the wins erupted in waves, with the names of Yǒng Ming and Jié Qiáng prevalent on everyone’s lips.

“Your Highness!” called a man riding toward them.

Yǒng Ming and Jié Qiáng slowed their horses but didn’t stop, eager to finally rest.

“I have a message from His Majesty,” the messenger reported. He turned his horse to follow as he spoke. “He has ordered you both to report to the grand hall. The officials are waiting to welcome you home.”

Jié Qiáng shook his head in frustration. “If they want to see us home, they can join the people on the streets. My brother and I are exhausted. I want to return to my manor and he wants to return to his wife and children at his palace. Tell our father we’ll see him tonight.”

“You know it’s expected,” Yǒng Ming reminded him. “We won a great victory against the Wáng Píng, and we managed to negotiate a truce with the Yīng army so we could do so.”

“That truce was all you and your gift with golden words,” chuckled Jié Qiáng.

“The sacrifice to get us to that clan’s secret base was all yours,” replied Yǒng Ming. “You know Father will want to praise you for that. You’ve earned his respect and you deserve it from everyone.”

“I’m not concerned with any of that,” Jié Qiáng admitted. “I just want to eat, rest, and above all else, see my mother. She’ll be worried about me, unlike Father.”

Yǒng Ming glanced at Yáng Ning riding behind them. He wondered if the feud between his father and brother would ever be resolved, even after the suffering Jié Qiáng had endured for all of their people.

The messenger hurried in front of them and stopped his horse to block their way.

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” he quickly told them with a bow. “Prince Jié Qiáng, your mother has fallen ill. Your father wanted you at the palace before he told you, but you should know before you speak with her.”

“What?” Jié Qiáng replied in shock and worry. “What happened? What do you mean she’s fallen ill?”

“Your Highness, it’s her mind,” he reported. “She suffered from the shock of hearing your capture by the Wáng Píng. The palace physician said she may never recover. She may not even recognize you, Your Highness. I’m sorry.”

Yáng Ning quickly moved his horse beside Jié Qiáng’s and nodded toward Yǒng Ming. “I’ll escort His Highness to the concubine courtyard while you meet with His Majesty. We’ll be with you as soon as he’s seen his mother.”

“Very well,” Yǒng Ming replied. “Qiáng, I’m so sorry. Go to your mother. Take all the time you need. I’ll see that Father understands. I’ll seek the queen’s help if he argues.”

The messenger moved aside and Jié Qiáng and Yáng Ning quickly rode ahead toward the king’s palace.