Yan Zhen's injuries healed faster than the healers had expected.
By the fourth day, he stopped wincing while sitting up or standing up.
On the fifth day, was where Yan Zhen and Jinhai visited the empire, he walked well.
By the sixth day, he walked faster, then eventually ran.
On the seventh day, the injuries were closed leaving just faint scars that would fade soon.
The eight day, he ran, walked, bent freely without pain.
On the twelfth day, the healers reported the Emperor that Yan Zhen is cured.
Jinhai smiled politely at the healers, his hands clenched into fist, not because anger, but because of supressed excitement and happiness.
He entered the room and saw Yan Zhen standing near the window,"You recovered well", Jinhai said as he approached Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen turned around and bowed to him, this body instinctively bows to the Emperor it seems. Jinhai stopped him and made him stand straight again.
"I said no need for formality when we're alone"
Yan Zhen smiled slightly,"as your wish, Your Majesty."
"So..get ready, I will take you to our palace tomorrow", Jinhai said, his eyes shone with excitement and joy.
"What do you like to eat in the grand feast? Tell me, I will have it ready when you arrive, your room will be cleaned and your weapons will be replaced by new ones...but don't worry, your sword will never be replaced", Jinhai said as he patted Yan Zhen's shoulder gently.
"What is he talking about?...does Yan Zhen had precious sword or anything?...and a grand feast? OMG...Zhen Yi, you're lucky to reincarnate here, boy"
Yan Zhen thought to himself as a smile played on his lips unconsciously.
The Emperor frowned and looked at him in confusion, "what's on your mind?".
Yan Zhen snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head,"nothing.."
"Whatever, tell me what foods you want tomorrow?"
"Your Majesty, it's okay...I don't need grand feast to welcome me".
"Ah you stay silent, it's okay if you don't tell me, i know what foods you like. I will make sure every favourite food of yours will be ready", Jinhai said with a smile while holding Yan Zhen's hand, which made Yan Zhen heart race.
Yan Zhen just laughed it off.
*
The next day ~
The whole empire was bustling with anticipation, the streets were decorated with banners bearing xia dynasty symbols. The people crowded at the sides. The sounds of drums were not loud, but still powerful enough to show whose arrival this was.
Yan Zhen, heard the commotion from the hideout. The servants entered the room, giving him his General attire dress.
Yan Zhen changed the dress.
He was clad in traditional Hanfu attire that blended the elegance of formal robes with the stern functionality of stylized armor. His ensemble was dominated by a deep black outer robe and a long, flowing red lower garment.
The wide sleeves revealed flashes of red at the cuffs, while a broad belt cinched his waist. Layered over this, a fitted black chest plate and detailed shoulder pauldrons, rich with elaborate gold embroidery and metalwork, suggested military standing.
Yan Zhen looked his own reflection at the water, hardly believing it's him.
"Tch..how handsome this Yan Zhen can be, no wonder he's popular with ladies, Zhen Yi...fate gave you an amazing afterlife.."
Yan Zhen chuckled to himself, unaware the Emperor was there and leaning against the room entrance.
"So pleased with your looks?", Jinhai asked with a smirk as he approached Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen jumped at his voice and quickly turned around to look at Jinhai.
"Um..just a little bit", he said as his face reddened in embarrassment.
"I see", Jinhai said in a teasing manner.
"You look like my Yan Zhen again", Jinhai said placing his hands on Yan Zhen's shoulder, looking at him with admiration.
Yan Zhen heart skipped a beat at the word 'my Yan Zhen', he quickly snapped out of his thoughts and smiled at Emperor Jinhai.
"I know, it's been so long since you saw me in this attire, right?", Yan Zhen asked quietly.
Jinhai nodded with a smile, "all evil eyes, may go away from you and never touch you"
Yan Zhen smiled with nod.
Two guards came inside and bowed to Yan Zhen and Jinhai.
"The carriage is ready. Can we go, Emperor?", one guard asked.
Jinhai nodded.
"W-wait...carriage?", Yan Zhen asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Yes...it's not new to you", Jinhai said, looking confused at his reaction.
"Um...forget it. Let's go", Yan Zhen said with a nervous chuckle.
Jinhai smiled and walked outside the hideout to where the carriage was.
Yan Zhen followed behind, he got surprised.
The imperial carriage sent to bring Yan Zhen back was nothing like an ordinary conveyance.
It was a grand, closed carriage forged from dark sandalwood polished. The panels were carved with coiling golden dragons, their claws gripping cloud symbols. Thin veins of gold traced the carvings, catching the sun with every movement.
The roof curved gently, layered with lacquered tiles the color of deep obsidian, and from each corner hung small jade wind chimes that rang softly as the carriage moved, low, dignified sounds meant to announce presence. Crimson silk curtains draped the windows, embroidered with auspicious clouds and phoenix feathers, shielding the interior from prying eyes.
Inside, the carriage was lined with snow-white fox fur cushions and deep blue silk, scented faintly with calming incense the Emperor favored. Even the footrest was wrapped in brocade, clearly prepared not for travel comfort alone, but for someone precious.
It was drawn by two tall imperial horses, their coats glossy and well-kept—two pure white at the front. Each horse wore ornate harnesses of red leather and gold fittings, bells tied near their necks that chimed in rhythm as they walked.
Soldiers of the Imperial Guard flanked the carriage on both sides, armor gleaming, expressions solemn.
"Y-your Majesty?", Yan Zhen called out softly.
"Hm? Yes, yan zhen?", Jinhai turned his attention towards him.
"I-is it for me?", Yan Zhen pointed at the carriage.
"Ofcourse, it's for you. Everyone should know how much respected you are and how much I care for you", Jinhai said with a small smile.
Yan Zhen didn't know how to reply him. He just smiled and sat inside the carriage.