Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 30

It was not until evening that Madam Pei finally brought her two daughters home.

After all, this was her younger daughter’s first appearance within the capital’s social circle. As a mother, Madam Pei naturally cared very much about how it had gone. Once the three of them had settled into the carriage, she asked concernedly: “How was it today?”

Before Zhen Tingyun could answer, Zhen Yiyun spoke first: “Nothing much happened. It’s just that Second Sister is still too shy and didn’t speak very much.”

Perhaps because of the lessons learned from Zhen Yiyun’s previous conduct, Madam Pei did not simply take her eldest daughter’s word for it. Instead, she turned to look at Zhen Tingyun and gently asked: “Ting Jie’er’er, what do you think?”

Zhen Tingyun thought about it carefully. Feeling that a long story should be made short, she summarized succinctly: “Everything was quite good. Everyone was very nice and easy to get along with. Oh, and I even told two jokes today.”

The only issue was that these people were always talking about clothes, jewelry, the Regent, and similar topics. Such subjects were truly boring and a waste of time. Especially since Zhen Tingyun was currently preparing for the Women’s Academy entrance examination in June. She already felt pressed for time and naturally regarded this sort of socializing as rather useless, particularly because it consumed so much time.

Thinking this, Zhen Tingyun very rarely chose to speak honestly with her mother. “Mother, the Women’s Academy entrance examination is in June. There are only a few months left now. My foundation is weak, so I definitely need to devote more effort to my studies. As for everything else, it won’t be too late to think about it after the examination is over.”

Madam Pei’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

The truth was that she had never believed that Zhen Tingyun’s current academic foundation was sufficient to gain admission to the Women’s Academy this year.

What she had planned was this:

First, properly teach her younger daughter etiquette and manners. Once she was presentable, gradually introduce her to families with whom they were close and friendly so that everyone could become acquainted. If Zhen Tingyun proved clever enough to naturally enter the social circles of girls her own age, so much the better.

After her foundations were firmly established, perhaps she could try taking the Women’s Academy examination again next year. If she passed, that would naturally be wonderful. If she failed again, then it would be time to begin considering her marriage.

By then, the families with whom they had close relations would already understand her circumstances, and those willing to discuss a marriage alliance would naturally be sincere about it.

Madam Pei felt that she had carefully considered everything for her daughter’s sake. What she had not expected was that Zhen Tingyun was a girl with ideas of her own. She had her own plans and simply had no intention of cooperating. Moreover, Zhen Tingyun’s reasoning was completely aboveboard. After all, one could hardly claim that loving to study was a fault.

Thus, hearing those words, Madam Pei could not help feeling somewhat uncomfortable. There was a sense of annoyance and displeasure at having her plans disrupted. Yet she did not argue openly. She merely sighed and said: “If that’s the case, then we’ll do as you wish.”

After a pause, because she was still her daughter and a mother’s heart naturally cared for her child, she patiently offered some advice: “You yourself once said that ‘the Women’s Academy teaches more than just the Six Arts; it also teaches human relationships and worldly wisdom.’ Studying is certainly important, but you mustn’t neglect everything else. Interactions and social exchanges among young ladies are also things that require attention.”

Zhen Tingyun nodded, but said nothing.

Judging by her expression, she clearly had not taken the advice to heart. Madam Pei became even more disappointed. She only felt that her daughter was utterly lacking in understanding, and she no longer had anything to say.

What she did not know was that Zhen Tingyun was thinking:

This is ultimately Zhen Yiyun’s social circle. For someone like me, who has only just arrived, forcing my way in would be difficult anyway. I’d be better off focusing on preparing for the examination. Once I pass the Women’s Academy exam, I’ll naturally meet classmates my own age. The status of students at the Women’s Academy is hardly ordinary. By then, I can build a social circle of my own. There’s no need to shamelessly cling to Zhen Yiyun.

Madam Pei no longer felt like talking, and some of her displeasure inevitably showed on her face. Her expression became noticeably cool.

Naturally, Zhen Yiyun noticed her mother’s unhappiness. Rather than being concerned, however, she felt delighted. Immediately, she moved over, linked arms with Madam Pei, and said coquettishly with a smile: “Mother, don’t worry. No matter what happens, you still have me.”

Then she cheerfully began telling Madam Pei about how she and her cousins had arranged to go together and watch the excitement on the day the Regent entered the city.

This was the first Madam Pei had heard of it, and she was startled. She quickly asked several questions. After understanding the matter, she felt greatly pleased and gently stroked her eldest daughter’s hair. “The county princess is, after all, a member of the imperial family. Naturally, she’d be the first to know about such things.”

She was pleased that her daughter got along so well with the county princess and her companions, all of whom came from powerful and noble families.

Of course, Madam Pei was not an ignorant woman. Upon hearing news about the Regent, she could not help considering what effect his arrival might have on her own family. In fact, she felt that it was not without benefits.

After all, Grandfather Pei had originally been dismissed from office because he opposed the marriage alliance that would have sent Princess Ningguo to the Northern Barbarians.

It was said that after Princess Ningguo was married off to the Northern Barbarians, she remained melancholy and depressed, passing away at a young age. Imperial Noble Consort Wu also died early because of this. Deep down, Emperor Xiaozong may not have been entirely free of regret. However, the Son of Heaven could not simply admit his mistakes. The more regret he felt, the less willing he was to acknowledge it publicly. Thus, he stubbornly took out his frustrations on Grandfather Pei and refused to employ him again.

Only shortly before his death did Emperor Xiaozong somehow think of Grandfather Pei again. Sighing, he told his son: “He is, after all, a loyal minister. My son may make use of him.”

Having been stubborn for half his life, the aging emperor finally lowered his head before his death and indirectly expressed the regret hidden in his heart. It was for this reason that the late emperor later valued Grandfather Pei so highly.

In Madam Pei’s view, the current political situation was as follows:

Grand Secretary Sun, the Chief Grand Secretary, was a veteran official who had served three reigns. Naturally, he had many disciples and followers and held immense power.

Vice Grand Secretary Zheng, meanwhile, had a daughter who was the Empress Dowager. He also controlled the Ministry of Personnel, and his influence was scarcely less than that of the Chief Grand Secretary.

Grandfather Pei stood between the two factions as Minister of Revenue and had always maintained a neutral position. Moreover, Grandfather Pei had also submitted memorials opposing Princess Ningguo’s marriage alliance. Given that connection, coupled with his lifelong loyalty to the nation and refusal to join political factions, the Regent likely would not treat the Pei family poorly.

***

A few days later, news of the Regent’s arrival in the capital indeed spread throughout the city. It was said that the Emperor himself would lead the senior ministers outside the city to welcome him, and the entire capital became lively with excitement. Since the county princess’s information had come early, Zhen Yiyun and the others had gotten a head start and reserved excellent seats in a restaurant well in advance.

On the day the Regent entered the city, Zhen Yiyun informed Madam Pei ahead of time and then set out with Zhen Tingyun in the family carriage to meet the other noble young ladies at the restaurant.

Zhen Tingyun truly could not stand such pointless activities.

What’s so special about the Regent? Doesn’t he have just two eyes, one nose, and one mouth? Besides, with so many people on the streets today, even looking down from an upper floor, I’d probably see an entire street full of heads before I ever saw the Regent’s face!

She would much rather spend the time reading a few more books at home.

Therefore, once the carriage reached the street, Zhen Tingyun simply said to Zhen Yiyun: “Why don’t Elder Sister go ahead first? I haven’t been in the capital very long. I’d rather spend some time looking around the city.”

Since she had finally managed to get out of the house, she might as well take the opportunity to visit Yuanhui on Western Hill. She had accumulated quite a few questions she wanted to ask him.

Naturally, Zhen Yiyun was delighted to get rid of Zhen Tingyun. Although the county princess would be attending the palace banquet hosted by Empress Dowager Zheng and would not be coming today, many of the young ladies present would still be of exceptionally distinguished status. Zhen Yiyun would be more than happy to keep her younger sister away from such people.

Thus, upon hearing the suggestion, she did not become angry. Instead, she put on a troubled expression and sighed. “But we’ve already made arrangements with everyone. Wouldn’t it be rather inappropriate if Second Sister didn’t come?”

Zhen Tingyun replied casually: “What’s inappropriate about it? I’m not familiar with any of them anyway. They only invited me because of you. As long as Elder Sister is there, it doesn’t really matter whether I go or not.”

Since she insisted, Zhen Yiyun could only pretend to reluctantly agree. She even left the family carriage behind for her. “Keep the carriage. If it gets late and you can’t make it back in time, there’s no need to hurry home. Third Sister and the others will be there anyway. I can simply ride back with them.”

In truth, she wished Zhen Tingyun would go as far away as possible and preferably never return.

Naturally, Zhen Tingyun had no intention of being polite with her. She nodded immediately and instructed the coachman to head for Western Hill.

Halfway there, however, she suddenly remembered that it would be improper for a student to visit a teacher empty-handed. So she stopped at a pastry shop and purchased a jin of osmanthus cakes and red date cakes. She had eaten them before at Old Lady Zhen’s residence and thought they were quite delicious. Perhaps Yuanhui would like them as well.

Thus, carrying her freshly purchased pastries and accompanied by Pinglan and Qiusi, Zhen Tingyun rode in the carriage toward Yuanhui’s villa on Western Hill.

Yet when she arrived full of enthusiasm at the villa entrance, she found only two armed guards standing watch. As for that scoundrel Yuanhui, there wasn’t even a shadow of him to be seen.

Zhen Tingyun: “!!!!”

Pinglan and Qiusi, who followed behind her, had both been carefully trained by Madam Pei. They knew that those who owned villas on Western Hill were usually people of great power and influence. Particularly a residence guarded by armed sentries…

They had been nervous the entire journey, and now, seeing the two guards at the gate, they quietly reminded her: “Miss, could we have come to the wrong place?”

After all, Zhen Tingyun had only recently arrived from the countryside and had barely gone out since returning home. How could she possibly know some noble person living in a Western Hills Estate?

For a moment, even Zhen Tingyun began to doubt herself. She looked around carefully before confirming again: No mistake. This was definitely the place.

Fortunately, she had brought the purple jade pendant Yuanhui had given her.

Recalling his words,  “Next time you come looking for me at the villa, if I’m not here, just show the jade pendant to the gatekeepers. They’ll understand immediately.” She gathered her courage, took the purple jade pendant from her robes, and handed it to the guards.

The two guards immediately recognized it. The vigilance on their faces disappeared at once, replaced by great respect. Bowing politely, they said: “Please come inside, Miss.” After a pause, one of them added: “We shall immediately send word to our master.”

Seeing that the jade pendant worked and that she had indeed come to the right place, Zhen Tingyun finally relaxed. Since Yuanhui would presumably return soon, she nodded with restrained dignity. “Then please notify Teacher as quickly as possible. I only managed to slip away for a short while, and I shouldn’t remain out too long.”

The guard quickly agreed. One escorted Zhen Tingyun inside, while the other summoned a hidden shadow guard to carry a message to the Regent.

Zhen Tingyun noticed none of this. The moment she entered the courtyard, she was startled.

After all, her memory of the place was still fixed on that night. Back then, the flowers and plants throughout the courtyard had gone untended for a long time. The place had been overgrown, quiet, and desolate, clearly uninhabited. Now, however, the entire estate had been completely transformed. The flowers and trees flourished in lush abundance. Everything was arranged beautifully and harmoniously. There was even a newly constructed flower trellis.

When she entered the house, she found that although the furnishings were simple, they possessed a unique elegance and refined charm.

Zhen Tingyun only vaguely understood what she was seeing. But Pinglan and Qiusi, standing behind her, were utterly stunned. They became more convinced than ever that the person known by Second Miss must possess an extraordinary identity.

The guard was quite quick-witted. Before long, he had hot tea brought in and invited Zhen Tingyun to sit and wait inside.

Zhen Tingyun was not the sort of person who could sit idle. However, she also knew it would be improper to rummage through someone else’s belongings without permission, so she merely asked: “Do you have any books? Sitting around is boring. Reading for a while would make the wait more bearable.”

The guard thought for a moment. Remembering Wangye’s instructions, he quickly brought over several books.

Zhen Tingyun was not picky. She read while drinking tea. Since she had also brought pastries for Yuanhui and Yuanhui was absent, she decided to eat them herself first.

***

After finally dealing with those old foxes from the Grand Secretariat, Fu Changxi at last rose and headed toward the palace.

Since he was entering the capital and going to court, he was naturally dressed in the full regalia of a feudal prince. Upon his head was a golden princely crown. He wore a formal black ceremonial robe embroidered with red-gold soaring dragon patterns. Around his waist was a carved openwork jade belt.

Already blessed with an almost celestial appearance, he now stood upon the steps in such attire, radiating authority and majesty. Merely looking at him inspired awe.

Yet Fu Changxi’s thoughts were elsewhere.

According to the day’s arrangements, he was supposed to meet and converse with imperial relatives whom he had not seen in many years. 

That evening, Empress Dowager Zheng had also specially prepared a family banquet. Since everyone knew he disliked large gatherings, the attendees would be limited to the Emperor, Empress Dowager Zheng, several elderly imperial uncles, the Grand Eldest Princess, Eldest Princess Yongle, and the family of Yan Wang.

The imperial clan was thinly populated, and these were practically the only close relatives Fu Changxi had left.

Speaking of them, those elderly imperial uncles and the Grand Eldest Princess were all siblings of Emperor Xiaozong, making them Fu Changxi’s uncles and aunts. Their families were flourishing with descendants.

By contrast, Emperor Xiaozong’s own branch of the family had suffered many hardships.

Emperor Xiaozong had only four sons and two daughters, and nearly all of their circumstances were difficult to describe.

His eldest daughter, Eldest Grand Princess Yongle, had been widowed at a young age and had only one daughter.

His eldest son, Crown Prince Xiaoan, died young.

His second son, Yan Wang, was obsessed with the pursuit of immortality.

His second daughter, Eldest Grand Princess Ningguo, had been married off to the Northern Barbarians and died young.

His third son was the late emperor. Though born a legitimate imperial prince, he had been frail since childhood. Even after ascending the throne, he reigned only a few years and left behind only a single son, the current young emperor.

As for the youngest son, Fu Changxi, he had been granted a fief while still young. Now, despite reaching his present age, he remained unmarried and childless, making him one of the imperial clan’s most notorious problems.

To Fu Changxi, these relatives were all headaches.

Of course, if one had to choose the greatest headache among them all, it would undoubtedly be Yan Wang.

In truth, Fu Changxi had already recovered some of his memories. From time to time, he recalled his two elder brothers. Especially after the late emperor’s death, Yan Wang had become his only surviving elder brother, making him his closest remaining sibling. As the saying goes, “What is rare becomes precious.”

Because of this, Fu Changxi had occasionally felt a little nostalgic toward this sole remaining brother. Unfortunately, meeting was far worse than remembering. The moment he saw Yan Wang and heard him speak, Fu Changxi felt his temples throbbing violently.

It was unbelievably aggravating.

A voice seemed to echo in his heart:

That’s him. It has to be him.

Only my own elder brother could be this infuriating.

“Fourth Brother, ever since I heard you were coming to the capital, I’ve been thinking about refining a batch of pills to strengthen your health.” Yan Wang produced a red sandalwood box from his sleeve as though presenting a treasure and handed it over with a broad smile. “Well? Haven’t I treated you well, Brother?”

Fu Changxi: “…Then I thank Imperial Brother.”

In truth, Yan Wang felt somewhat reluctant to part with the box. After all, the medicinal pills inside had required many precious ingredients and a great deal of time to refine. Only after hearing his brother’s thanks did he burst into laughter and wave his hand grandly. “We’re brothers. Why bother with thanks?”

Fu Changxi genuinely could not understand how someone like Yan Wang, who spent every day obsessing over alchemy and stuffing all manner of things into his mouth, had managed to survive this long.

Just as Fu Changxi was becoming increasingly irritated and was considering whether he should simply “accidentally” drop the entire box of pills, someone suddenly approached from outside. The newcomer quickly came to his side, bowed respectfully, and whispered a few words into his ear.

At first, Fu Changxi listened absentmindedly. But the more he heard, the more his brows shifted slightly.

In the span of a single thought, he had already made a decision. “Imperial Brother, I have some urgent business and must return to my residence first. Please convey my apologies to the Empress Dowager. Tell her that tonight’s family banquet will have to be canceled.”

Without waiting for a response, his black sleeve embroidered with golden dragons swept lightly through the air.

After offering only the briefest courtesy, Fu Changxi turned and strode away.

Yan Wang was unable to stop him and could only mutter to himself: 

He’s in such a hurry… Surely he’s not rushing back to test the effects of those pills?

***

Meanwhile, inside the Qianyuan Palace.

Although evening had not yet fallen, the hall was already illuminated by lamps. The flickering light reflected off the golden floor tiles, while the black lacquered surface shone like a mirror. Bright yellow curtains hung high overhead. Behind them stood a three-legged red-gold incense burner inlaid with precious metals, from which wisps of dragon’s saliva incense drifted upward in curling streams.

The young emperor sat upon a dragon throne carved from red gold. He was only eight years old. His frame was thin, and his complexion somewhat pale. Seated upon the enormous throne, his feet could not even touch the ground. His red-gold dragon-embroidered boots dangled in midair, liable to swing at any moment. Suspended there, they seemed much like the bright yellow dragon robe draped over his small body. Upon a child so young, the robe appeared almost excessively grand, as though its weight might be too much for him to bear.

Empress Dowager Zheng sat to one side. She had entered the palace at fourteen and become empress. Only a little over ten years had passed since then. Yet she still possessed the appearance of a young maiden. She was astonishingly youthful and breathtakingly beautiful. At this moment, she was chatting and laughing with Yan Wangfei, who sat on her right. “Su Wang hasn’t returned to the capital in many years. Imperial Sister-in-law, I imagine you haven’t seen him for quite some time either?”

Yan Wangfei smiled and nodded. “Indeed. Speaking of it, Nianjia and Nianhua only met him a few times when they were children. They probably don’t even remember him now.”

She was referring to her son and daughter: Yan Wang Shizi Fu Nianjia and county princess Fu Nianhua.

The county princess stood beside her mother. As a frequent visitor to the palace, she had always been bold and outspoken. Hearing this, she laughed. “Even if we don’t remember him, we’ve heard so many tales of Su Wang’s exploits that our ears have practically grown calluses. I’ve long wanted to meet him for myself…”

“I myself haven’t seen him for many years either.” As if recalling something, a trace of complicated emotion flashed through Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes, though it disappeared almost immediately.

Just then, a eunuch came forward to report: “Your Majesty, Yan Wang has sent this servant to inform you that the Regent has left. It seems he will not be able to attend tonight’s banquet.”

The hand resting on the armrest of Empress Dowager Zheng’s chair tightened slightly, and her expression changed. “What happened?”

The young eunuch knew nothing of the matter and could only repeat Yan Wang’s words: “The Regent told Yan Wang that there is urgent business at his residence and that he must return first.”

Empress Dowager Zheng lowered her eyelashes. In the blink of an eye, she had already resumed her composed and tranquil smile. “Perhaps some urgent military dispatch has arrived from the frontier again. Affairs of state are naturally more important. Let the men busy themselves with such matters. It is rare for our family to gather together. Even if Su Wang cannot come, the banquet should still proceed.”

Although the banquet had originally been arranged for the Regent’s return, everyone had already arrived. They could hardly cancel it simply because he was absent. Otherwise, where would the dignity of the imperial family be? And where would the dignity of the Empress Dowager be?

Yan Wangfei immediately voiced her agreement and quickly steered the conversation toward other topics. One witty remark followed another, and only after considerable effort did she finally succeed in making Empress Dowager Zheng smile again.

It had to be said that Yan Wangfei was an exceptionally clear-headed woman.

Of course, had she not been, she likely would not have survived to this day.

Back when she had received imperial favor and been granted in marriage to the Emperor’s second son, Yan Wang, she too had secretly rejoiced. She had once dreamed of a harmonious marriage, supporting her husband, raising their children, husband and wife moving through life together. Then she married into Yan Wang’s household and discovered what sort of muddle-headed man her husband truly was.

At that point, she understood everything.

Unfortunately, it had been an imperial marriage decree, and she had married an imperial prince. Whether Yan Wang was a worthy husband or not, she had no choice but to accept it. So she endured several years of marriage with this infuriating man. Before others and behind closed doors alike, she played the role of the virtuous wangfei flawlessly, leaving no fault for anyone to criticize.

Only after Emperor Xiaozong passed away, after the late emperor ascended the throne, and after she had given birth to Yan Wang Shizi and the county princess, did she finally stop interfering.

Without his wife’s supervision, Yan Wang naturally felt liberated. He immediately went off to the mountains to become a Daoist priest and resumed his grand schemes of alchemy and immortality. Meanwhile, Yan Wangfei devoted herself entirely to raising her son and daughter. Under no circumstances would she allow them to grow up crooked like their father.

Thus, she also understood her family’s position very clearly.

The late emperor had inherited the throne as a legitimate imperial son.

Compared to Su Wang, the younger brother who had been raised alongside him by Empress Dowager Wang and sent to the frontier as a prince while still young, Yan Wang naturally attracted more attention. Otherwise, he would never have been kept so close under watch. Fortunately, Yan Wang had always been foolish, and the late emperor had therefore tolerated him.

The problem was that the late emperor had been frail.

Despite a vast imperial harem, he ultimately produced only a single son. The boy had been born to a palace maid. Although he had been raised by Empress Zheng, his birth status was still somewhat lacking. Moreover, it was said that his health was as weak as the late emperor’s.

As for Su Wang, he had spent years guarding the northern frontier, rarely returning to the capital. Even now he remained unmarried and childless, completely alone. Compared with them, Yan Wang, the elder brother obsessed with alchemy and immortality, and his healthy, lively son and daughter inevitably stood out in the late emperor’s eyes.

Yan Wangfei thought deeply about such matters.

As a result, she usually stayed quietly at home and focused solely on educating her children, terrified of attracting unwanted attention. Even when the late emperor had jokingly suggested granting the county princess the title of a true imperial princess, she had not dared accept it.

Who knew whether that had been a test from the emperor?

Who knew what price might later be demanded in exchange for such an honor?

Therefore, she firmly declined.

She continued living quietly within Yan Wang’s estate with her son and daughter, leading a cautious and low-profile life.

***

Meanwhile, Fu Changxi hurried out of the palace, abandoning even the imperial banquet. As one of his closest attendants, Tang He could not help but offer some advice. “Wangye, leaving at a time like this may put the Empress Dowager and the imperial clan in a rather awkward position.”

Fu Changxi, however, appeared completely unconcerned. “At a time like this, the imperial clan won’t fall out with me. If anything, they’ll be looking for ways to get closer to me.”

He continued calmly: “For years now, the imperial clan’s numbers have dwindled. The late emperor, due to his poor health, often relied on the Grand Secretariat, and the imperial clan has been suppressed to the point of becoming toothless tigers. Now they’re hoping I’ll bear the pressure from the Grand Secretariat on their behalf and secure some benefits for them. Naturally, they won’t go looking for trouble.”

“As for Zheng…” Fu Changxi’s dislike for Empress Dowager Zheng was evidently profound. With no outsiders present, he referred to her directly as “Zheng.” 

At that point, Tang He understood.

Sure enough, when speaking of the Empress Dowager, Fu Changxi let out a cold laugh. His voice was measured and unhurried, yet carried a chilling coldness. “The Zheng family dared to send assassins after me. As Empress Dowager, she must have known about it. If that’s the case, why should I save face for her?”

Although Tang He knew Fu Changxi’s reasoning was sound, he was accustomed to the world of political courtesy and appearances. Unable to help himself, he continued: “Even so, Wangye deliberately delayed your return to the capital until today and made a great spectacle of the welcoming ceremony outside the city. Now you’ve also skipped the specially arranged palace banquet. This will inevitably damage your reputation somewhat. Petty people will certainly find things to criticize.”

Hearing this, Fu Changxi laughed instead and asked: “Qingzhi, have you been away from the capital so long that you’ve become foolish?”

Tang He, courtesy name Qingzhi: “……”

The sunlight slanted down from the horizon and fell across Fu Changxi’s handsome yet indifferent face. Because of that brief smile, the hard lines of his features softened. A man who normally seemed as cold and unyielding as a marble statue suddenly appeared a little more human and alive.

Yet when his thin lips parted, his words remained cool and detached. “The reason I hold the position of Regent is threefold. First, because of the late emperor’s dying command. Second, because of the achievements I have earned over the years on the northern frontier. Third, because my surname is Fu and I am the Emperor’s imperial uncle. So even though we’ve returned to the capital, there’s no need for us to take these social and political games too seriously.”

“Just as before, we need only do our own jobs well.”

In the end, with Fu Changxi’s current status and the entire northern frontier serving as his backing, he naturally had confidence.

Furthermore, although he had recovered some memories, they were largely those of his youth.

While no longer as immature as he had once been, a trace of youthful spirit still remained.

Though he did not say it aloud, he secretly thought to himself:

If things truly become unbearable, I’ll simply return to the northern frontier.

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