BMN : Chapter 47

When the military news reached the capital, the Emperor was delighted. He immediately sent officials to reward the army and set the date for Jin Yi’s return to the capital.

After the war, many soldiers were injured. It was late summer by the time the army had recovered and prepared to return to the capital.

For the past few days, Fang Fan had been stationed at the military camp, working alongside the army doctors to treat the wounded. Once most of the injuries had stabilized, he returned to Xianquan Town. His father was leaving Liangzhou to continue his travels as a wandering doctor, and the young apprentice they had taken in two years ago wasn’t quite ready to manage everything on his own, so Fang Fan needed to return to the clinic.

The night before he left, Fang Fan visited Jin Yi’s tent, carrying his qin.

As the tent door lifted, a beam of moonlight streamed in.

“General, I’m here to say goodbye,” Fang Fan said as the door flickered with light and shadow.

Jin Yi knew Fang Fan was leaving soon. Although he wasn’t surprised, he still felt a faint sense of loss but didn’t show it. He only said, “I have important matters tomorrow and can’t see you off. I’ll have two familiar faces escort you. Thank you for all you’ve done these past days.”

Fang Fan was familiar enough with the route from the military camp to Xianquan Town and didn’t really need an escort, but he accepted the gesture and didn’t refuse. He only said, “That night, I couldn’t sleep and went for a walk outside. I saw the guards at the town gate. You sent them, didn’t you?”

Jin Yi paused, then admitted, “I had some confidence in our victory, but nothing is certain. If Longshuo Pass fell, they would have escorted the townspeople out.”

Fang Fan smiled, “So, my being here is just returning the favor, as it should be.”

Realizing that Fang Fan’s response was a subtle way of thanking him, Jin Yi chuckled and said affectionately, “You.”

Fang Fan seemed slightly uncomfortable and lowered his head. Jin Yi said nothing more and waited patiently for his response.

After a moment, Fang Fan looked up and said, “General, do you remember the things you said to me the night I came here a month ago? You talked about understanding the mindset a general should have. I was quite moved by your words. During these quiet nights, I pondered your feelings and my own thoughts, and composed a piece. If you’re willing, may I play it for you?”

Jin Yi smiled, “I’d be delighted.”

Fang Fan sat down and placed the qin before him. The candlelight illuminated his face, reminiscent of the setting sun’s glow over beautiful mountains. His thin summer robe revealed slender, graceful wrists as his hands moved. As his fingers touched the strings, the music began to form.

The piece started with a light, ethereal melody, like a young hero drinking and laughing, discussing aspirations with friends. Then, the tempo slowed as the young man joined the army, discovering that military life was far from romantic, full of hardship instead. The tune fluctuated, expressing the youth’s conflicting emotions—sometimes heavy as sighs, sometimes broken like sobs, and sometimes sharp with determination. Suddenly, Fang Fan’s plucking of the strings mimicked the sound of arrows, drawing the listener into a battlefield. After each intense passage, the music softened, expressing pain, then pride, and finally a calm, like a seasoned soldier’s heart, pained by killing, emboldened by achievements, and tranquil from the battlefield’s trials. After this calm, the melody changed again, a variation of the earlier intense sections, now imbued with resilience. The piece concluded with a peaceful yet profoundly compassionate note, evoking reflection and contemplation.

When the music ended, Jin Yi remained silent for a long time.

Only when Fang Fan hesitantly spoke, “General…” did Jin Yi return to his senses and smile, asking, “It’s a beautiful piece. Unknowingly, it made me relive my life in the military. Have you thought of a name for it?”

Fang Fan smiled and replied, “There was once ‘The Battle Song of Prince Lanling.’ Though my composition is far from that level, I dared to name it ‘The Battle Song of General Jin.’ What does the General think?”

Jin Yi laughed, “If you like it, there’s no reason not to use that name. I hope I can hear you play it often in the future.”

Fang Fan did not respond to this but said, “That’s all then. It’s late, so I won’t disturb you any longer.”

Jin Yi stood and walked to the door, lifting the curtain for Fang Fan, sending him off into the boundless moonlight. In that moment, Jin Yi almost called out Fang Fan’s name, wanting to rush to his side and embrace him, but he restrained himself. He watched silently, his gaze mingling with the moonlight, lingering around Fang Fan.

A few days after Fang Fan left, Jin Yi was also scheduled to return to the capital.

Pressed for time, Jin Yi couldn’t find an opportunity to visit Fang Fan for a proper farewell. In the days after the battle, there were many affairs to handle. After finally finishing them, during the day, he stayed in the camp discussing future defense strategies with Jiang Yisun, and at night, knowing Fang Fan was already asleep, he thought it was best not to disturb him.

In truth, one night he had ridden to Xianquan Town, stopping at the town gate. He dismounted and tied his horse under the old willow tree, walking to the Fang Medical Clinic. The lights were out, blending into the deep night.

Jin Yi stood outside for half the night. When the wind passed, he caught a faint scent of medicine, similar to the one Fang Fan carried. In the past, Fu Ming always had a fresh, sweet scent from the fruits and flowers he grew in Fang Manting and the homemade incense he often steamed indoors. Now, the medicinal scent on Fang Fan had a slight bitterness and could be overpowering, but Jin Yi found it pleasant. Whenever he was close to Fang Fan, he would breathe deeply, taking in his scent, feeling content and fulfilled.

That night, Jin Yi stood there for a long time, savoring the air, but before dawn, he left without a word, returning to the camp.

In the end, Jin Yi sent Fang Fan a handwritten letter.

The letter contained only a few words:

“I do not know what the next life holds, so I wish to spend this life well with you. I will return soon, please wait for me, by all means, please wait.”

Fang Fan replied with a letter. When Jin Yi received it, he immediately opened it. The letter contained even fewer words, just two lines:

“The northern horse depends on the north wind; the southern bird nests in the southern branches.”

Jin Yi couldn’t decipher Fang Fan’s exact meaning, but the handwriting wasn’t the same as the one Fang Fan used for prescriptions. Instead, it was the familiar handwriting of Fu Ming. Jin Yi read it several times, then carefully folded and treasured it.

The army returned, with the people lining the streets to send them off. Jin Yi rode at the head of the troops, looking down from his high vantage point, searching all the way, but did not see Fang Fan.

After the army had passed and the crowd had dispersed, a man rode his camel slowly back home.

The royal army’s triumphant return was met with the Emperor himself coming out of the western gate of the capital to welcome them. The Emperor bestowed great honors, and the title of Duke of Sui was once again conferred upon a member of the Jin family. Jin Yi’s subordinates were also generously rewarded, making the Jin family highly sought after in the capital. However, Jin Yi used his grandmother’s illness as an excuse to take leave from the court, refusing to see anyone who wasn’t a close friend or family member.

Madam Jin’s illness was indeed not an excuse. Since last winter, her health had deteriorated significantly and had not improved since the beginning of this year. She was in the twilight of her years, beyond medical help. The only thing keeping her going was the desire to see her grandson, who had been away at war, one last time.

“Changji, now… now is the best time for you. Grandmother doesn’t want to… burden you,” Madam Jin said with difficulty, her eyes struggling to stay open.

Jin Yi gently supported her, taking the medicine bowl from Xinyue and feeding it to her once she caught her breath.

Madam Jin’s breathing remained labored. She continued, “You should go, attend to important matters. Why stay here with an… old woman like me?”

Jin Yi felt pained but didn’t show it. He didn’t offer empty words of comfort, only saying, “Grandmother, you raised me from a young age. Now, I’m just repaying a fraction of what you’ve given me. I can meet outsiders anytime, but family comes first.”

Madam Jin sighed, “You’re… just like your grandfather, so… so much like him.” She managed a weak smile, “As long as you’re happy, then… that’s all that matters.”

Madam Jin had seen the Jin family fall from grace. She had been strong her whole life, hoping to guide her grandson to restore the family’s honor. But now, as she faced the end, even though her grandson had succeeded, he was still alone. She thought of him growing up, losing his wife, having only one son, Yan’er, with no one to share his triumphs or comfort him. The injuries he suffered and the honors he earned—there was no one to cherish them with him. The loneliness was his alone to bear. Thinking of this, she let go of much of her  former determination, filled only with concern and pity for her grandson.

Jin Yi seemed to understand her thoughts. Holding her hands, he said, “Grandmother, you don’t need to worry about me. I’m content now, and things will only get better.”

Madam Jin was silent for a moment, then cautiously said, “It’s been so many years, Changji, you should… let it go. Your life can’t remain so… lonely.”

“You’re right, Grandmother. I will find someone to be by my side soon.”

Jin Yi’s response surprised and delighted Madam Jin. She smiled and nodded repeatedly, “Good, good, that’s wonderful.” But despite her joy, her body couldn’t hold on any longer. After a few breaths, she said, “You go… get some rest. I’m tired, I need… to sleep.”

Jin Yi gently placed her hands down and tucked her in, “Grandmother, I’ll leave you to rest. I’ll come back to see you later.” He stood up and nodded to Xinyue, who smiled back, saying softly, “Don’t worry, sir, I’ll take good care of her.”

Jin Yi returned her smile, full of gratitude. Xinyue felt warmth in her heart, as if the fatigue of the past months had melted away.

As Jin Yi left, Zhao Yan was waiting outside the door. Seeing his father, he stepped forward to greet him and said, “Father, I heard you’re going out today?”

“Yes, I have something to attend to.”

“Will you be back for dinner?”

“I will. Is there something you need?”

Zhao Yan smiled and nodded, “I want to spar with you, Father. While you were away for more than half a year, I’ve been practicing diligently and want to show you my progress!”

Jin Yi laughed, “Alright! I’ll test you when I get back. If you’ve improved, there will be a reward.”

“Okay! I’ll see you off, Father!”

Zhao Yan accompanied Jin Yi to the gate, personally taking the reins of his father’s horse from a servant. After Jin Yi mounted, Zhao Yan handed him the whip, smiling up at him, “Father, I’ll wait for your return!”

“Alright! I’m off!” Jin Yi urged his horse forward, heading towards the outskirts of the capital.

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