Yasuke was put in charge of escorting the prisoners of war, weapons, provisions, and other supplies, while Dongfang Mao led fifty light cavalry ahead to return to Tsukimiura.
They galloped the whole way. When they reached the city gate and saw that the city had not descended into the turmoil they had feared, Dongfang Mao finally felt somewhat relieved.
He rode into the city and headed straight for the Governor's Mansion, only to find it brightly lit.
Luzhen, Tsunade, Shizune, and the others had gathered in the main hall.
"What happened here? Were you attacked by ninjas?"
Dongfang Mao hurriedly reined in his horse and dismounted when he saw them, then asked.
Hearing him, Tsunade proudly thrust out her chest, a smug smile lifting the corners of her lips.
Luzhen also stepped forward, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled and explained to Dongfang Mao.
"Some bandits did sneak into the Governor's Mansion earlier. Fortunately, Lady Sen—Tsunade's alias—noticed them and captured them all. The Night Patrol Bureau is still interrogating them, and we're worried they may have accomplices, so we gathered here for the time being, just in case."
Dongfang Mao glanced at Tsunade in surprise, then couldn't help feeling regretful.
His impression of Tsunade's hemophobia was so strong that he unconsciously kept thinking of her as a frail woman.
He had completely forgotten that, in the eyes of enemies who knew nothing about her, she was still the Sannin Tsunade, who could shatter mountains and split the earth with a wave of her hand!
He had actually worried that a few ninja nobodies, who might not even be as strong as jonin, could sneak into the Governor's Mansion and cause trouble under Tsunade's nose. He really had been muddleheaded.
"We truly owe it to Lady Sen. Without her, the Governor's Mansion would have suffered a terrible loss."
Dongfang Mao finally felt completely at ease. He hurriedly smiled and praised Tsunade. As for a reward, she had everything she needed, so he would have to repay her in person later.
The ministers standing nearby also smiled and showered Tsunade with praise.
Tsunade's cheeks were unusually flushed in front of everyone.
She had heard plenty of such flattery back in Konoha, and it had never stirred her.
But these ministers shared Dongfang Mao's ideals. They devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their duties and did their utmost to keep the Governor's Mansion running.
Their approval touched her deeply, filling her with a satisfaction she had never experienced before.
"By the way, how many assassins did you capture?"
Dongfang Mao suddenly thought of something and asked.
"My lord, Lady Sen captured nine bandits in all," Luzhen replied.
At Luzhen's answer, Dongfang Mao's brow furrowed.
"The Tian Kingdom general sent ten assassins to kill me this time. One is still missing, and Lady Sen may have scared him off.
"But we can't let our guard down. Inumaru, the Night Patrol Bureau must keep a close watch on the whole city over the next few days. Don't let anything slip."
"Yes!"
"Understood, my lord!"
Inumaru clasped his hands and accepted the order.
After Dongfang Mao had finished making arrangements, Luzhen suddenly stepped forward.
"My lord, you just mentioned a Tian Kingdom army general. Does that mean your expedition outside the city...?"
"Indeed!"
Dongfang Mao strode toward the seat of honor, slapped the table, and laughed loudly.
"On this expedition, I captured the Tian Kingdom army's commander alive and won a great victory! Yasuke is escorting the prisoners and the spoils back to the city. They should arrive around dawn!"
At his words, the hall fell silent for a moment. Then, joy visibly spread across everyone's faces.
"Your subjects congratulate the Grand Governor!"
Dongfang Mao smiled and raised a hand to acknowledge them, then said loudly, "The same to you all! This great victory is thanks to everyone's diligent efforts and careful planning. Once Yasuke returns with the prisoners, I will reward each of you according to your contributions!"
When he finished speaking, Dongfang Mao turned to Tsunade beside him.
She was smiling brightly, genuinely happy for him.
Without warning, Dongfang Mao reached out and pulled Tsunade into his arms.
Her smile froze. She stiffened against his chest and stared at him in disbelief. They were right in front of everyone—what was this little rascal doing?
Dongfang Mao simply smiled at her, then turned to the ministers.
"Our success would not have been possible without Lady Sen's generous assistance from the very beginning. I hereby confer upon her the title 'Lady Shanci' and bestow upon her the honorific 'Meritorious Minister of Assistance.' Does anyone object?"
"Your subjects have no objections! Greetings, Lady Shanci!"
The ministers answered in unison. Every one of them kept their eyes respectfully lowered, pretending not to see the two people embracing in full view of everyone.
Even Luzhen, the head of the Ministry of Rites, didn't dare step forward and rebuke them for their improper conduct.
Only Shizune kept sneaking glances at the pair. She could barely contain her smile as she watched Tsunade fidgeting in Dongfang Mao's arms.
Tsunade was both embarrassed and annoyed, but she also felt an indescribable delight.
Before this, her intimacy with Dongfang Mao had always been private, leaving their relationship vague in the eyes of others.
Quite a few people had even assumed she was simply an elder to Dongfang Mao.
But now, in front of everyone, Dongfang Mao had practically made their relationship plain for all to see.
A sweetness she could hardly describe stirred in Tsunade's heart.
Still, she put on an angry face and glared fiercely at Dongfang Mao, complaining in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"You little rascal. You always do this. Could you at least tell me beforehand next time, so I can prepare myself?
"And what kind of title is 'Lady Shanci'? It sounds awful!"
Dongfang Mao couldn't help laughing at her response.
"I'm praising you for your kindness, your dedication to helping people, and your excellent medical ethics. What does that have to do with whether it sounds nice?"
Tsunade's lips immediately curled up a little, and she accepted the title in her heart. But she still chided him.
"Hurry up and let go of me! How much longer are you going to embarrass me in front of everyone?"
Tsunade was delighted, but also terribly shy.
If she hadn't been concerned about Dongfang Mao's dignity, and if she weren't so weak and boneless in his arms, she would have already broken free and fled.
Dongfang Mao saw the tips of Tsunade's ears turn bright red and knew she was at her limit.
If he kept going, he really might lose his Multi-Shadow Clone package.
He gave an awkward laugh and sensibly let go.
Tsunade immediately slipped away and tried to compose herself as she straightened her disheveled clothes.
But her flushed cheeks and wandering gaze gave away her embarrassment.
Once the two of them had finally settled down, Luzhen lightly waved his feather fan and stepped forward. He stroked a beard that did not exist, unable to hide his smile.
"With the Grand Governor's triumphant return, our city's troubles have been swept away and our position secured. From now on, we can hold our own territory and face the Tian Kingdom, or press our advantage and pursue greater ambitions!"
Before you continue