Chapter 488: A-Nuo Turns Fourteen

The war that had lasted for over ten years finally came to an end.

When the news of peace reached the capital, the entire city erupted in celebration. The emperor even declared a three-day holiday for the whole nation.

Afterward, the armies returned one after another, and the capital became incredibly lively.

The first to return was the army led by Qin Xiang. After they entered the capital, they quickly made their way to the palace.

The emperor was overjoyed and personally went out to greet them. Seeing Qin Xiang, who was still young and full of vigor, though a bit thinner and darker, the emperor patted his shoulder vigorously. “Good, good, good! You are truly my most outstanding son!”

Qin Xiang knelt down and bowed. “Father Emperor, this son has not failed your trust!”

The emperor laughed heartily. “You have not failed my trust! You have even exceeded my expectations! The Southern Barbarians have been completely pacified, and the territory of Daqi has expanded again. This is all your contribution!”

Afterward, the emperor hosted a grand banquet in the palace, inviting all the generals and officials who participated in the war. Qin Xiang, as the main general, naturally sat at the head of the table.

In addition to celebrating the victory, the emperor also arranged for rewards and promotions for the returning generals.

After the banquet, Qin Xiang was summoned to the imperial study by the emperor. “Xiang’er, you are no longer young. It is time to establish a main consort.”

Qin Xiang was silent for a moment. “Father Emperor, this son is willing to go to the frontier again.”

The emperor frowned. “Why do you always want to go to the frontier? Don’t you want to marry and settle down? Aren’t there any women you like?”

Qin Xiang still shook his head. “This son only wants to serve the country.”

The emperor sighed. “It seems you are still thinking of that little girl from the Gu family. But it’s impossible. She is your younger sister, and she will soon be married to the Crown Prince.”

Qin Xiang’s eyes dimmed slightly. “This son understands.”

The emperor looked at him and thought for a moment. “Alright then, I won’t force you. But you are the Crown Prince’s older brother. If you don’t marry, it will make the younger generation a laughing stock.”

Qin Xiang said, “This son is willing to marry the daughter of a meritorious official.”

The emperor was pleased. “That’s more like it. How about the daughter of General Li? She is gentle and virtuous, and her father is also a meritorious official.”

Qin Xiang nodded. “As Father Emperor wishes.”

Gu Nian was fourteen years old this year. The war had ended, and the Crown Prince would soon be marrying.

The Crown Prince had returned to the capital a year ago. After the war ended, he came to the Gu family to visit Gu Nian.

“A-Nuo, you are fourteen now. Are you happy?” The Crown Prince looked at Gu Nian with a gentle gaze.

Gu Nian smiled. “Happy.”

The Crown Prince thought of something. “A-Nuo, when we get married, I will take you to see the world. We will go to the frontier, to the desert, and to the sea.”

Gu Nian’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Of course it’s real. I will not lie to you.” The Crown Prince smiled.

Gu Nian was very happy, looking forward to her future life. She didn’t know that Qin Xiang was about to marry.

Qin Xiang’s marriage was handled quickly. It was a simple ceremony, not as grand as a royal wedding, but it was still quite lavish.

Gu Nian didn’t know about it until the day of the wedding when she heard from Gu Ming.

“A-Nuo, did you know that Prince Xiang is getting married today?” Gu Ming said, his tone a bit strange.

Gu Nian was stunned. “What?”

Gu Ming sighed. “It’s true. The emperor decreed it. He’s marrying General Li’s daughter.”

Gu Nian felt a strange tightness in her heart. She couldn’t describe the feeling. It was a bit like sadness, a bit like regret, and a bit like emptiness.

She had always thought that Qin Xiang would be alone forever, just like her. But now he was getting married.

Gu Nian felt a little lost.

Gu Ming looked at her and comforted her, “A-Nuo, you’ll be marrying the Crown Prince soon. You should be happy.”

Gu Nian forced a smile. “I know.”

The wedding date of the Crown Prince and Gu Nian was set for the winter.

After Gu Nian learned about Qin Xiang’s marriage, she rarely mentioned him.

But her mood was still a little down. Even though the Crown Prince came to visit her frequently, she couldn’t cheer up.

The Crown Prince noticed it. “A-Nuo, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy?”

Gu Nian shook her head. “No, I’m just a little tired.”

The Crown Prince didn’t believe it. “A-Nuo, don’t lie to me. Tell me, what’s bothering you?”

Gu Nian was silent for a moment. “Brother Xiang is married.”

The Crown Prince was surprised. He didn’t expect Gu Nian to be upset about Qin Xiang’s marriage.

He knew that Qin Xiang liked Gu Nian, and he also knew that Gu Nian had a special feeling for Qin Xiang.

But it was impossible for them to be together.

The Crown Prince reached out and gently stroked Gu Nian’s hair. “A-Nuo, he has his life, and you have yours. We will have a very happy life in the future.”

Gu Nian leaned into his embrace and felt a sense of security.

“I know.” Gu Nian whispered.

She had to accept this reality. Qin Xiang had his own life, and she also had her own life.

She would be the Crown Princess, and in the future, the empress. She had her own responsibilities.

Gu Nian gradually adjusted her mood. She started to prepare for her wedding, studying the etiquette of the palace and learning how to manage household affairs.

The Crown Prince was very happy to see her change. He knew that Gu Nian was slowly letting go of her past.

The day of the wedding finally arrived.

On that day, the entire capital was filled with joy. Red lanterns hung everywhere, and gongs and drums blared.

Gu Nian wore a phoenix coronet and a bridal gown, looking stunningly beautiful.

When she was carried in a palanquin to the palace, she felt a complex mix of emotions.

On the one hand, she was looking forward to her future life with the Crown Prince. On the other hand, she couldn’t help but think of Qin Xiang.

She wondered what he was doing at this moment.

Qin Xiang was sitting in his residence, drinking alone. His new wife, Li Wan, was standing beside him, gently pouring wine for him.

“My lord, it’s getting late. You should rest.” Li Wan said softly.

Qin Xiang ignored her and continued to drink. His eyes were full of sorrow.

Li Wan sighed. She knew that Qin Xiang didn’t love her. He was still thinking of Gu Nian.

But what could she do? She was already his wife.

Li Wan silently endured everything. She believed that one day, Qin Xiang would accept her.

The wedding of the Crown Prince and Gu Nian was a grand affair. The emperor personally presided over the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Gu Nian was led into the bridal chamber.

The Crown Prince followed soon after. He gently lifted Gu Nian’s veil, revealing her beautiful face.

“A-Nuo, you are so beautiful.” The Crown Prince praised.

Gu Nian’s face flushed. “Crown Prince.”

The Crown Prince chuckled. “Call me Zichen.”

Gu Nian paused. “Zichen.”

The Crown Prince was very happy. He gently held Gu Nian’s hand. “A-Nuo, I will protect you and cherish you for the rest of my life.”

Gu Nian looked at him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“I believe you.” Gu Nian said softly.

On this night, a new chapter began for Gu Nian. She was no longer just the Gu family’s miss, but the Crown Princess.

Her future was intertwined with the Crown Prince and the entire Daqi dynasty.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, three years had passed.

Gu Nian was now eighteen years old, and she had given birth to a son, who was named Li An.

The Crown Prince loved her very much, and their relationship was very good.

Qin Xiang also had a son, named Qin Feng. Li Wan was a good wife and mother, and she managed the household very well.

Although Qin Xiang still thought of Gu Nian occasionally, he had already accepted his life.

One day, Gu Nian was playing with her son in the palace garden when she saw Qin Xiang walking over.

“Brother Xiang.” Gu Nian greeted him with a smile.

Qin Xiang looked at her, his eyes full of warmth. “A-Nuo, you’ve grown up.”

Gu Nian chuckled. “You’ve grown old, Brother Xiang.”

Qin Xiang smiled faintly. “Yes, I’m old.”

Gu Nian looked at him, and suddenly felt a sense of peace in her heart.

The past was the past, and it was time to let go.

“Brother Xiang, are you happy now?” Gu Nian asked.

Qin Xiang looked at her, and then at his son, who was playing nearby. “Yes, I’m happy.”

Gu Nian also smiled. “That’s good.”

From then on, the past truly became the past. They each had their own lives, their own happiness.

And that was the best ending.