Outside the massive city gates, Uncle Yi called Mo Lixia to his carriage.
"Lixia, go home with your father now. Your family needs this reunion. I won't occupy his time anymore," he said with a warm smile. "When you're settled, have your father bring you to visit me."
"I understand, Uncle Yi. Please take care of your health," Mo Lixia replied.
Beside her, Mochen spoke up like a little adult. "Uncle Yi, remember not to overwork yourself. And drink plenty of water!"
Mo Wushang tried to stop him, but it was too late. Fortunately, the Emperor chuckled, clearly fond of the boy's blunt concern.
"Haha! I'll remember, Mochen. Would you like to come to my house sometime?"
Mochen shook his head. "No, I have to stay with Master and keep up with my medical studies."
"Studies? Why not a proper academy? Wushang, have Mochen enrolled in Ying Tian Academy in a few days."
Mo Wushang was stunned. Ying Tian Academy was founded by the Emperor's own mentor; one couldn't simply buy their way in with silver. "Thank you, Brother... Yi."
"Thank you, Uncle Yi!" Mochen chirped.
Yang Baiwen also smiled. "It seems our Niece Lixia will have a quiet few days. I'll have my daughter, Yufu, visit the General's Residence soon so you two can be companions."
"Thank you, Uncle Yang."
After the goodbyes, Mo Wushang led Mo Lixia and Mochen through the gates. To Mo Lixia, the Capital was a strange, ancient, and breathtakingly prosperous world. The streets were lined with shops, and the air was thick with the scent of street food and the clamor of trade.
"Master, look! Those masks are so beautiful!" Mochen pointed at a stall, his eyes wide with wonder.
"If you like them, I'll have someone buy them for you once we reach the manor," Mo Wushang said dotingly.
As they moved deeper into the city, Mo Lixia peeked through the curtain. A grand procession was approaching—soldiers in gleaming armor, led by a handsome young man on horseback, followed by palace maids and attendants.
"Father, who are they?"
Mo Wushang smiled. "They are here to receive your Uncle Yi."
Mo Lixia's heart skipped a beat. "Uncle Yi... is he the Emperor?"
Mo Wushang nodded. "My Lixia is smart. You guessed correctly."
"Master... we've met the Emperor?" Mochen gasped.
Mo Lixia was still in shock, her eyes fixed on her father. Mochen then asked, "Is Uncle Mo a big official in the Capital too?"
"Haha! Does the 'General of the State' count as a big official?"
"Yes!" Mochen cheered.
Mo Lixia felt a sense of vertigo. She had gone from a struggling rural doctor to a high-ranking noble lady in an instant.
"Don't blame me for keeping it a secret, Li'er," Mo Wushang explained softly. "We were attacked while returning from a mission to the Northern Border. To stay safe, we had to travel in secret. Not even your mother or brother know I've found you yet."
The carriage eventually turned away from the noisy marketplace and stopped before a magnificent estate.
"General, we have arrived at the Protector's Manor," a servant announced respectfully.
"Li'er, we are home." Mo Wushang took his daughter's hand.
They stepped down from the carriage. The grand entrance of the General's Residence was flanked by hundreds of servants, standing in perfect rows. The scale of the welcome was staggering.
Standing at the center was a young man, Mo Zhanchen. He stepped forward to greet his father but then froze, his eyes darting to Mo Lixia.
"Father... is this... Li'er? Is it my sister?"
"It is. I've brought her back."
Without warning, Mo Zhanchen lunged forward and gently but firmly pulled back Mo Lixia's left ear.
"Ow!" Mo Lixia winced.
Finding the familiar mole, Mo Zhanchen's face exploded into a grin of pure joy. He grabbed her shoulders, his eyes brimming with tears. "It really is you! Father, how did you find her? It's been so many years... Sister, you... you look so much like Mother."
Mo Lixia felt a rush of warmth. So this is what a brother's love feels like. The young man before her shared their father's sharp, heroic features but possessed a more spirited, carefree aura.
"Zhanchen, you're hurting your sister," Mo Wushang barked, though he was smiling.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm just too happy!"
Mo Lixia smiled sweetly. "Brother."
"Welcome home, General! Welcome home, Young Miss!" The hundreds of servants bowed in unison, their voices echoing through the courtyard.
It was a new beginning.