Homecoming

[A seemingly gentle and courteous but actually bold, calculating shou × a proud and reserved gong at first, who later becomes clingy, straightforward, and devoted]

An Changyan entered government service at seventeen. In just eight years, he rose to the rank of Grand Censor. He was relied upon by the emperor and praised by the people. For a time, his fame and glory were unmatched, and countless men of letters envied him.

But An Changyan knew that the emperor's supposed trust and reliance merely made him a convenient tool for keeping the court's various factions in check. Being relied on or cast aside was a matter of degree, yet the difference between the two was like heaven and earth.

Still, if he could enact good policies and bring peace to the people, An Changyan would have no regrets, even if one wrong move could leave him utterly defeated with no chance to turn things around.

He treated everyone with warmth and courtesy, but whenever one particular person came up, his expression changed.

People began to speculate that the two were bitter enemies, and that Lord An must hate General Zhao. Even Zhao Jiheng himself believed it.

The story of their childhood friendship turning into separate paths, along with all kinds of rumors about what happened, spread far and wide and became a favorite topic of gossip.

Many years later, they meet again. One has become a battle-hardened general, the other a newly appointed acting army supervisor.

An Changyan, who was rumored to hate the other, is the first to offer an olive branch.

Zhao Jiheng, who was rumored to be hated, instead puts on airs and ignores him.

Then, while investigating the kidnapping of a prince at the border, An Changyan uncovers evidence that someone at court has colluded with a foreign enemy and leaked secrets. To protect their homeland, the two decide to join forces temporarily to find the culprit.

As their investigation deepens, the truth gradually comes to light. Zhao Jiheng unexpectedly learns what really happened all those years ago, and the two clear up their misunderstanding.

An Changyan ought to be happy that their investigation is making progress, but Zhao Jiheng's recent words and behavior leave him frowning with worry.

Zhao Jiheng has become very strange. He keeps saying baffling things, and he's incredibly clingy.

“A-Heng, lately... you seem a little different.” An Changyan tries to be tactful, asking in a roundabout way.

Zhao Jiheng understands what he means. He looks at the room filled with gifts from An Changyan, then at their hair, scattered across the bed and entwined together, and falls silent for a moment.

Then An Changyan hears a dejected, pitiful voice. “Does big brother not like it?”

...Never mind. It really isn't a problem.

[Reader's Guide]

1. The shou spoils the gong at first, then they spoil each other. Their feelings are mutual from the start, and it has a happy ending.

2. Set in an invented dynasty, with plenty of fictional details. Please don't get hung up on them.

Theme: Strive unceasingly.