Verdant Green Maiden and Mother Liu hurried to Liu Cailian's side.
Mother Liu gently supported Liu Cailian and nodded slightly. "My child, he will definitely return safely."
"Mm."
Liu Cailian's eyes reddened slightly as she nodded in response.
And so the day came to an end.
The messenger rider raced all across Guanzhong, carrying news of the Hexi Victory to every household in Guanzhong.
Zhao Guangyi had specifically ordered it, since most of the Provincial Army sent west had been recruited from Guanzhong.
What household in Guanzhong did not have family or friends in the Provincial Army?
After news of the Hexi Victory spread throughout Guanzhong, every household lit its lamps, afraid that their children or husbands might return at some unknown hour.
They hoped that the first thing those returning home would see was the lush, warm yellow glow of candlelight.
They were waiting.
Everyone was waiting.
Verdant Green Maiden walked through the streets of Wan Nian County.
Every household had lamps lit.
She arrived at the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden Temple. Before the temple, the crowds were even more bustling; no one knew how many had come here to pray for safety.
Every one of those voices reached Verdant Green Maiden's ears.
Verdant Green Maiden stopped.
She watched the people passing by and listened to those hopeful voices, and suddenly felt somewhat dazed.
Zhao Qingyu walked beside Verdant Green Maiden. Seeing her silent, she looked again at the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden Temple.
"Qing Xiao Jade Maiden..."
"Verdant Green Maiden..."
"Master, could it be that you are this Frost God?"
Verdant Green Maiden nodded faintly.
"It is me."
Seeing her admit it, Zhao Qingyu looked even more astonished.
Verdant Green Maiden led her into the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden Temple and slowly told her the story of the