A few days later, dragon banners snapped in the wind at the Sky River landing, and imperial guards stood watch.

The Xuan Emperor had come in person at the head of all his civil and military officials to welcome Ning Chen home in triumph.

Wrapped in a fox-fur cloak, the Xuan Emperor kept rubbing his hands together and craning his neck to watch the river.

"Why isn't he here yet?"

It was so cold that his breath came out in white puffs the moment he spoke.

Eunuch Quan said quickly, "Your Majesty, he should be here soon... It's cold out here. Wouldn't Your Majesty rather wait in the carriage?"

The Xuan Emperor waved a hand. "This emperor isn't cold!"

A little while later, the Eldest Prince's excited voice rang out. "Father Emperor, here he comes!"

The Xuan Emperor had spotted it too: a warship gliding slowly toward them.

The warship came alongside the bank and lowered its gangplank.

Ning Chen led his horse down off the ship.

Even from a distance, he could see the golden dragon banners streaming in the wind.

"We welcome my lord prince home from the campaign!"

More than a thousand imperial guards shouted it in unison.

Ning Chen hurried forward at a trot.

"Your child greets Father Emperor!"

Ning Chen knelt and respectfully touched his forehead to the ground.

"You may rise!"

The Xuan Emperor had spoken up.

The Xuan Emperor hadn't waited on purpose for the kowtow before saying it. Before the emperor, a subject had to perform three kneelings and nine kowtows, and when the Xuan Emperor said you may rise, it meant the rest of the ceremony was waived.

The Xuan Emperor helped Ning Chen up and looked him over, his face full of pride.

"You've worked hard, my son!"

Ning Chen bowed his head. "To win new lands for Father Emperor is your child's duty. Your child has had no hardship!"

His Majesty was delighted.

"You brat, you've grown taller again!" As he said it, he clapped Ning Chen on the shoulder. "And you've filled out, too."

"Father Emperor, your child…