Third Master Huan was still on Zhongling Street when the servants sprinted back with the news. Rongguo Mansion's central gates swung wide, and firecrackers thundered.
Jia Mu, brimming with vigor, went in person to welcome him at the Western Side Gate.
The Jia Family had risen through military merit. A descendant displaying his might on the frontier battlefield and defending the family's glory through heroic deeds was surely enough to console their ancestors' spirits in heaven!
Jia Zheng stood behind her, his face positively glowing. These past days, he had drawn attention in every government office; seeing his colleagues' envious looks had left him thoroughly pleased.
"Huan'er! Huan'er!"
Concubine Zhao called out from afar, radiant with excitement. Yet when Jia Huan rode up, distress for him reddened her eyes.
"Mother, let's go back to the courtyard first."
Jia Huan nodded in greeting to Jia Mu and Jia Zheng without stopping outside the mansion.
"Huan'er, you still need to pay your respects at the Ancestral Hall in the Eastern Mansion." Jia Zheng could not stop him and could only watch his son walk away.
A bitter smile crossed his face as deep guilt welled up within him.
He had treated Huan'er far too harshly before. Now the boy barely acknowledged him, even though he was his father.
"Huan'er, you frightened your mother half to death."
Concubine Zhao's voice caught. At the thought of the suffering her son had endured, her smooth, rounded face filled with anguish.
Jia Huan chuckled.
"Your son has returned victorious. Crying like this isn't auspicious."
Concubine Zhao wiped away her tears and reached to roll up his sleeve and inspect his wounds.
Afraid of upsetting her, Jia Huan moved his arm away. "Your son has a tough hide. I've already healed, so don't look."
Back at his