It was already August, and the weather was sweltering.
Wang Yan rode out of the imperial city, and when he reached home, he saw Shi Wansui lying in the shade of the front courtyard with the puppies Da Gou had just given birth to in his arms, teasing the Wang household children.
"Brother, it has been a long time. You are as impressive as ever."
"I can't compare to you, Wang Ziyan. You truly accomplished something huge. Just hearing about it made my heart tremble."
Wang Yan laughed heartily. "They were nothing but rabble. What is there to fear? Brother, wait a moment. I am covered in dust from the road, so I will wash up first, then drink with you to our hearts' content."
Shi Wansui waved a hand and continued playing with the children.
Smiling, Wang Yan patted his sons' and daughters' heads. Under Da Gou's watchful gaze, he kicked two mischievous little brats who were tormenting the puppies. With the pitch-black Da Gou looking on in satisfaction, he ambled into the rear courtyard, instructed the kitchen to prepare wine and dishes, then went to bathe...
Shi Wansui had only returned not long ago himself. He had previously been sent out alongside He Ruobi and other generals to fight Tuyuhun, so they had not gotten involved in the Sui Dynasty's shifts in power. Still, Shi Wansui had supported Yang Guang from the start. This time, they had beaten Tuyuhun half to death and all earned another round of military merit. Yang Guang had no interest in dealing with them, so they were all quite safe.
In truth, Shi Wansui's destiny had already changed, all because of Wang Yan's influence. Otherwise, Shi Wansui likely would not have escaped the tragic fate of being brutally slain by Yang Jian in