CHAPTER 97: ROYAL DECREE 1

Mo residence,

Unlike the people of Xuen Empire who had been rejoicing over the return of their general, we wouldn’t say the same for the people in the Mo family.

They all stood, their faces swollen from anger or irritation.

Yet the only one in full smile was young Mo An, dressed very beautifully to welcome home her brother. She held her grandmother, who was also excited for Mo Ying’s return.

"Grandmother, brother will finally come home. It has been two long years," Mo An said excitedly, earning a nod from the old woman.

Walking towards her, Mo Lan, whose unhappiness was quite visible on her face, snapped at Mo An, "You act as though him going to war isn’t part of his duty as a general. What’s so exciting about his return?"

"Haha, typical Mo Lan, so bad at hiding her feelings," Mo Ting whispered to his sister as they both chuckled.

"I can’t wait for Mo Shen to come home and give her a little taste of her medicine. She has been a complete bitc* these past two years, she and her mother acting like they already own this house... hmph!"

Mo Qing muttered, her brother nodding in agreement.

"Mo Lan, you shouldn’t say things like that about my brother. He had spent two long years fighting in war. He’s your younger brother, you should at least be happy to see him come back home."

Mo An argued; she wasn’t going to let any of them slander her brother.

Frowning, Grandma Mo voiced out, "Madame Mo, just seeing the way your daughter talks, I can’t help but thank the heavens for not granting you a son, otherwise it would have been the end of the Mo family a long time ago."

Madame Mo’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly covered it up with a faint laugh. "Mother, you speak as if I’ve ever wished harm upon this family," she said smoothly, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "I’ve always done what’s best for the Mo name."

"Hmph! Best for the Mo name, you say?" Grandma Mo’s cane struck the marble floor with a sharp thud. "You and that daughter of yours only know how to scheme and gossip! If not for Shen and An, this house would’ve fallen into disgrace already!"

Madame Mo’s lips twitched, but she kept her head bowed slightly. "Of course, Mother. You’re right as always."

Across the hall, Mo Lan clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to snap back, but one glare from her mother silenced her immediately.

Just then, a servant rushed in, panting. "Old Madam! Madam! The general’s troops have entered the city gates! They’ll be here soon!"

The entire room shifted in an instant. Mo An gasped and jumped to her feet, her face lighting up with pure joy. "Grandmother! Brother’s here! He’s really back!"

The old woman smiled for the first time that day, her wrinkled eyes glistening. "Quick, prepare the incense. We’ll welcome him properly."

Mo Lan scoffed under her breath. "All this fuss over one man... his wife isn’t even here to greet him."

Mo Ting heard her and smirked. "Don’t worry, Mo Lan, I’m sure he’ll make sure to thank you properly for all your love and support these past years."

Mo Lan glared at him, but before she could respond, the distant sound of horses’ hooves echoed from the courtyard.

Everyone turned toward the entrance as the heavy gates swung open, and there he was.

General Mo Ying.

Behind him stood his soldiers, still carrying the Xuen Empire’s flag high.

Mo An ran forward without hesitation, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Brother!"

For the first time in two years, Mo Ying’s expression softened just slightly. He caught her in his arms, holding her close.

"I’m home," he said quietly.

The courtyard filled with murmurs and bowed heads, but standing behind the crowd, Madame Mo and Mo Lan shared a glance, one filled with bitterness and silent calculation.

Their plan had failed.

And now, the man they tried to destroy was standing right in front of them.

"Mo Shen, it has been so long." Grandma Mo’s voice rang out as she walked towards her grandson.

Letting go of his sister, Mo Ying walked towards her and went on his knees in respect.

"Grandmother, your grandson has returned. He has returned victorious, Grandmother!" he said with a deep voice.

Smiling faintly, she used her hands to help him up. "Oh, my grandson, you have truly made your family proud. I am sure wherever your parents are now, they are very proud."

Just then, Mo Zen arrived as well. Though he arrived limping, his parents and siblings quickly rushed to him.

"Oh, my Zen’er, you have lost so much weight. Look at you," his mother sobbed while using her handkerchief to wipe sweat off his face.

As he tried to kneel down to greet them, his father stopped him. "There is no need for that, son. We are happy you are back as well."

He hugged his son as their small family shared their moment.

Standing and monitoring them, the mother and daughter duo just stood with irritation.

"We were not supposed to even let him step his foot back into the residence. What a fool, he couldn’t even fight well, and he’s there limping," Mo Lan whispered to her mother.

"There are many ways to teach him and his annoying family a lesson, Mo Lan. Just smile and feel pity for now." Madame adjusted her hanfu as that fake smile on hers appeared once more, walking towards Mo Ying with open arms.

"Oh, Mo Shen, it has been so long. Your mother is happy your—" before she could finish, she was cut off.

"Grandmother, where is San Na?" Mo Ying faced his grandmother, completely ignoring the woman who had walked towards him.

"S-San Na? Ah! Well, she must be taking care of your son."

Just then, a familiar, soft voice was heard. Walking in a fast pace towards the family was a tall woman.

She was dressed in light pink hanfu, her hair nicely adorned with hairpins and jewelry.

As she walked, a full smile was plastered on her face, but she wasn’t alone, as in her arms was a small boy; you could tell who that is.

"General! General!" she called out as her maids tried to keep up with her until she finally arrived in front of Mo Ying.

"General, welcome back!"