Gu Yihan hugged the fair and chubby child in his arms and happily pressed his face against her.

“Nuonuo is so smart. As expected of my good daughter!”

He touched Gu Nuo’er’s little face twice. Her fair and tender face, which looked like a peeled egg, immediately flushed red.

Gu Nuo’er pushed him away with her two small hands and urged in a childish voice, “Father, quickly continue with the court. Don’t delay thingsh¹~”

Then, she sighed. “You really let Nuonuo worry a lot!”

Gu Yihan was amused and laughed. The officials also laughed together.

Father Chunshou handed over a milk cake at the right time. Gu Nuo’er hugged it with both hands and ate it.

She curled up in Gu Yihan’s arms and listened to the officials’ reports on the matter in the hall.

At this moment, the guard at the door quickly walked into the hall and knelt to report, “Your Majesty, General Bai has returned to the palace. He has already entered the Imperial City’s south gate.”

Gu Yihan raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I just received a memorial a few days ago saying that General Bai is returning in triumph. To think that he’s so fast?”

With that, Gu Yihan carried Gu Nuo’er and walked out.

He instructed loudly, “Dear subjects, follow me to welcome General Bai who has returned triumphant!”

Everyone quickly followed behind him.

Gu Nuo’er lay in her father’s arms and ate until her lips were covered in milk cake crumbs.

Her ears twitched slightly as she heard the whispers of the two officials behind Gu Yihan…

“The emperor is bringing the little princess to personally welcome General Bai. It’s really such a great honor.”

“That’s of course. General Bai is brave and good at wars. He led only three thousand fierce troops with him this time around and managed to defeat the Yaoxia Kingdom. The emperor naturally thinks highly of him.”

“General Bai is really amazing. I heard that Yaoxia Kingdom has a secret technique that allows one to control fierce beasts. Apart from humans, they also have wolves as their troops!

“General Bai was still able to capture the enemies despite being surrounded by a group of beasts. He is really deserving to be called a hero.”

“That’s right. General Bai Yi is so powerful and has been good friends with the emperor since they were young. What will the emperor reward him with this time?”

Gu Nuo’er listened to their mumblings.

She could not finish the remaining half of the milk cake.

She held it with her little hands and then placed it in the small bag on her waist.

There was also the candy she liked inside.

Gu Yihan carried Gu Nuo’er and had just left the palace hall when he saw a black mass of people in front of him. They were escorting the bounded captives and walking over with orderly footsteps.

Behind them, they seemed to be dragging a huge box that was covered by a black cloth. It was impossible to see what was inside.

The person in the lead had a rectangular face and was in his early thirties. He was tall and strong, and his appearance was valiant and extraordinary.

As his eyes darted around, there was a sharpness and coolness that belonged to a soldier!

This was the number one general of the Great Qi Kingdom, General Bai Yi!

Five months ago, the Yaoxia Kingdom had repeatedly attacked the borders of the Great Qi Kingdom. General Bai led troops to suppress them.

In just a few months, using only 3,000 men, he managed to repeatedly push back the Yaoxia Kingdom.

He even captured the enemy’s general alive!

On this triumphant journey back, the citizens all crowded by the road, welcoming him back.

Bai Yi walked up to Gu Yihan, dropped to one knee, and cupped his hands to greet, “Your subject pays respect Your Majesty.”

His disposition and internal energy were strong.

In Gu Yihan’s arms, Gu Nuo’er called in a childish voice with her round face, “Uncle Bai Yi! It’s been tough on ya¹~”

Bai Yi saw the child he hadn’t seen for almost half a year.

A rare smile appeared on that weatherworn and determined face.

He cupped his hands. “Hello, Your Highness.”

Gu Yihan carried Gu Nuo’er with one hand and raised his right hand slightly. “General Bai, there’s no need for formalities. You must be tired from the journey.

“I’ve already instructed someone to prepare a welcoming banquet for you in the Zichen Hall. Go back to your residence and get some rest. Come for the banquet at night.”