Lan Cheng stepped into the Hall of Supreme Harmony with the grace of an imperial prince and the unwavering composure of a general forged in sixteen years of relentless warfare. Every measured step reflected the refinement of royalty, while every scar hidden beneath his robes bore silent testimony to the battles he had fought in the empire's name.
Lan Cheng advanced along the central aisle with calm, measured steps, the polished jade floor reflecting the golden light that streamed through the towering hall.
On either side, rows of civil and military officials watched him in absolute silence.
Every gaze in the Hall of Supreme Harmony rested upon the legendary General Cheng.
Yet Lan Cheng noticed none of them.
His eyes never wavered from the figure seated upon the Dragon Throne.
The Emperor.
His father.
Reaching the foot of the imperial dais, Lan Cheng came to a graceful halt.
Without hesitation, he lowered himself onto his knees, his head bowing deeply in perfect court etiquette.
"This subject greets Your Majesty."
His clear, composed voice carried effortlessly through the silent hall.
"May Your Majesty enjoy boundless fortune, and may Great Lan prosper for ten thousand generations."
The hall fell into profound silence.
No one dared utter a word.
Lan Cheng remained kneeling, his head respectfully lowered.
Seconds passed.
Each one felt unbearably long.
At last, Emperor Lan Yuhang looked down from the Dragon Throne.
His gaze settled upon the kneeling figure before him.
The child he had once banished no longer existed.
In his place knelt a man whose name had become synonymous with victory on the eastern frontier.
The emperor studied him quietly, his expression inscrutable.
No warmth crossed his features.
No trace of paternal affection surfaced in his eyes.
Only after what seemed an eternity did his deep voice finally break the silence.
"Rise."
One simple word.
Nothing more.
Lan Cheng slowly lifted his head.
For the first time in sixteen years—their eyes met.
Hope, fragile and long cherished, stirred quietly within his heart.
He rose with composed elegance, standing before the Dragon Throne with the bearing of both a prince and a general.
He waited.
Perhaps for a word of acknowledgment.
Perhaps for a question.
Perhaps... for his father to look at him as more than another official standing before the throne.
But the emperor merely regarded him in silence, his expression as unreadable as polished jade. The emperor regarded Lan Cheng for a long moment before finally speaking.
"We have heard much of your exploits upon the Eastern Frontier."
His deep, measured voice resonated throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Over the years, you have fought countless battles against Hangzhou and defended Jiangji with unwavering devotion. Your victories have preserved the peace of Great Lan and brought honor to the imperial court."
A brief pause followed.
"We are... greatly pleased with your accomplishments."
Lan Cheng's heart quickened.
For sixteen years...
These were the first words of praise he had ever heard from his father.
The emperor continued,
"Therefore, We have summoned you to the capital to reward your distinguished service."
The words echoed inside Lan Cheng's mind.
A warmth spread through his chest.
Father...
He truly sees me now.
Before he could gather himself, Emperor Lan Yuhang gave a slight nod toward the chief eunuch standing beside the Dragon Throne.
"Eunuch Liu."
The old eunuch stepped forward immediately, unfolding a scroll adorned with the imperial dragon seal.
"In accordance with the Mandate of Heaven and by the will of His Imperial Majesty..."
His voice carried clearly through the immense hall.
"General Lan Cheng, Ninth Prince of Great Lan, has devoted sixteen years to defending the Eastern Frontier. Through unwavering loyalty and extraordinary courage, he has repelled the armies of Hangzhou time and again, preserving the peace and security of the realm."
"His accomplishments have brought honor to the imperial family, inspired the soldiers of the Eastern Army, and earned the admiration of the people."
"Recognizing these unparalleled merits, His Imperial Majesty hereby bestows upon Prince Lan Cheng two hundred bolts of imperial silk, five hundred taels of gold, precious jewels and treasures from the imperial treasury, and grants him the Prince Cheng Residence on South Street within the Imperial Capital."
The hall remained silent as the decree concluded.
"Prince Cheng, receive the imperial grace."
Lan Cheng immediately knelt.
With both hands raised respectfully, he accepted the golden decree.
"This humble prince expresses his deepest gratitude for Your Majesty's boundless grace."
His voice remained composed.
But his heart was overflowing with joy.
For the first time...
His father had publicly acknowledged his achievements.
Perhaps...
Everything had truly changed.
Before that hope could fully blossom—
the emperor spoke again.
"Eunuch Liu."
"Read the second decree."
A faint murmur swept through the officials.
Second decree?
Even Lan Cheng looked up in surprise.
Eunuch Liu unfolded another scroll.
Once again, Lan Cheng respectfully knelt before the Dragon Throne.
The eunuch began.
"By the decree of His Imperial Majesty..."
"Prince Lan Cheng has rendered extraordinary service to the empire. His loyalty and integrity have been proven beyond question."
"Therefore, His Imperial Majesty hereby appoints Prince Lan Cheng as the Chief Secretary of the Royal Astronomy Bureau, effective immediately."
"Prince Cheng, receive the decree."
Lan Cheng's eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
He did not fully understand why such an appointment had been given.
Yet...It was still an imperial appointment.
His father had entrusted him with an important position within the capital.
Surely... This was another sign of recognition.
Without hesitation, he bowed deeply.
"This humble prince accepts the decree."
"I thank Your Majesty for your trust."
A faint smile finally appeared on Lan Cheng's face.
It was small.
Almost childlike.
As though, after sixteen years...
The little boy inside him had finally received the acknowledgment he had spent a lifetime seeking.
Meanwhile...
The atmosphere among the officials was entirely different.
Several ministers exchanged subtle glances.
Some lowered their eyes.
Others frowned almost imperceptibly.
Only they understood what Lan Cheng did not.
The Royal Astronomy Bureau had nothing to do with military affairs.
No army.
No command.
No soldiers.
No authority over the Eastern Frontier.
With a single decree...
The emperor had praised his greatest general before the entire court—
and, in the very next breath,
taken his army away.