Outside the capital of Great Han, an inconspicuous rift appeared in the silent blue sky. From this rift emerged two figures, one in white and one in black, floating gently.
Yan Ge landed gracefully flicked his long hair casually. He traced an arc in the air and commented, “Hmm, the air here is indeed more comfortable.”
Naturally, the handsome man beside him was Huangfu Yuchen. With his left hand on Yan Ge’s waist and his right hand holding a folding fan, he opened it with a snap. “Baby, let’s bring Bai Guan and Yunyi out first. We’re too close to the road, and there are people coming and going. We should leave quickly.”
*Bai Guan and Yunyi are their horses.
“Alright.” Yan Ge took the fan from him and fanned himself lightly. With a wave of his hand, the two majestic horses that had been kept in his space appeared out of thin air.
Huangfu Yuchen tapped his forehead and mounted his horse. “Let’s go.”
Yan Ge leaped onto his horse and gently clamped its sides. Bai Guan ran as steadily as a flying bird, racing along the cement road and heading into the city.
Yunyi quickly caught up and rode alongside it, matching its pace.
With the sound of hooves, the two spirited horses reached the city gate swiftly. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen pulled on the reins, slowing the horses down and entered the gate at a leisurely pace.
The guards at the city gate marveled at the familiarity of these two horses. When they saw the figures on top, they were stunned and quickly knelt down. “Your Majesty The Retired Emperor, Your Highness the Grand Empress Dowager!”
*Retired Emperor is a title for the father of the reigning emperor. Empress Dowager is the title given the wife/ widow of the retired emperor/previous emperor.
Huangfu Yuchen’s lips twitched. Wasn’t “Retired Emperor” the term used to address the old man?
Yan Ge almost choked on saliva but immediately shielded his face with the fan. “Grand Empress Dowager”… what a harsh title!
Huangfu Yuchen suddenly felt a sense of balance and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He swiftly moved his hand and snatched the fan back from Yan Ge.
The passing commoners heard the guards’ words and turned their heads. So it was indeed true. They quickly moved to the sides of the road, allowing Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen to pass. They bowed respectfully and shouted in unison, “We humbly welcome the return of His Majesty the Retired Emperor and His Highness The Empress Dowager to the capital…”
“Rise.” Huangfu Yuchen had no choice but to speak.
Yan Ge lightly flicked the reins, prompting Bai Guan to move ahead. With the road clear and bystanders on both sides, there was no risk of injuring anyone.
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled and followed suit.
As the commoners rose to their feet, they once again looked at the figures of the Emperor and Empress who led them toward prosperity and strength, and were filled with excitement. They soon gathered in groups, whispering softly. Most of their conversations revolved around the glorious achievements of the Emperor and Empress from a few years ago, joy and contentment painted their faces.
Inside the palace, Huangfu Yunxi was overjoyed when he received the news and was personally welcomed them.
Yan Ge was eager to see his family, but their return caused quite a stir. It might attract unfavorable gossip if they didn’t visit the palace first. So, he joined Huangfu Yuchen and returned to the palace. He cursed himself for being too excited and forgetting to disguise himself.
The flow of time was different between the two worlds. While they had spent half a year on Earth, nearly four years had passed in Great Han.
Huangfu Yunxi, dressed in imperial robes, was visibly moved upon seeing Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen. He knelt respectfully, his head knocking the ground as he greeted, “Yunxi pays respects to Father Emperor and Second Master.”
The almost twenty year old Huangfu Yunxi bore an increasing resemblance to Huangfu Yuchen, not only in appearance but also in demeanor and style. Those who saw him praised his resemblance to his father.
“Rise.” Huangfu Yuchen helped him up, looking him up and down before nodding in satisfaction. “Not bad. I’m relieved to have entrust Great Han to you.”
“Thank you, Father Emperor, for your affirmation. Yunxi won’t disappoint your expectations.” Huangfu Yunxi felt a weight lifted on receiving his father’s approval.
The three of them took their seats in the hall.
Huangfu Yunxi asked with concern, “I wonder if everything has been well during the years Father Emperor and Second Master were away?”
Yan Ge smiled, “We’re doing well. We just missed you all, so we came back to visit.”
Huangfu Yunxi exclaimed happily, “Second Master, since you and Father Emperor have rarely returned, please stay for a while.”
Seeing him occasionally glance at Huangfu Yuchen, it was evident that he wanted to spend more time with his father. Perhaps he also had some state affairs to seek advice on. Yan Ge nodded in agreement, “We’ll stay for about five or six days this time.” Huangfu Yunxi had ascended to the throne, and it wouldn’t be good for Huangfu Yuchen to stay in the capital for too long.
Huangfu Yunxi understood this reasoning and was moved by the consideration shown by his father and Second Master. However, he knew they valued their freedom so he didn’t want to push it.
While Huangfu Yunxi and Huangfu Yuchen discussed matters, Yan Ge strolled around. The two of them spent half a day in the palace.
After having lunch at the palace, they headed to the Yan Mansion together.
Huangfu Yunxi had made thorough preparations and sent word to the Yan family in advance.
From the oldest to the youngest, the entire Yan family eagerly waited at the entrance. When they saw the two elegant figures on horseback approaching, they rushed forward in excitement.
“Father, Mother, Elder Brother!” Yan Ge waved from a distance, a beaming smile on his face.
Yan Ge’s elder brother, Yan Su, sighed inwardly. He realized that his younger brother was no ordinary person. His cheerful smile alone could lift anyone’s mood. He glanced at his father, who looked like he was holding back but didn’t that his beard had already started to curl up.
“Your Majesty The Retired Emperor, Your Highness The Empress Dowager—”
As always, Huangfu Yuchen waved them off from the formalities. Yan Ge automatically blocked out the titles he didn’t want to hear. He walked up to the group and embraced each of them.
“Father, Mother, Elder Brother.”
“Don’t be unruly,” Yan Xiaojing reprimanded lightly, his eyes showing that he was clearly pleased.
Madam Yan couldn’t hide her amusement as she glanced at him openly, clearly mocking him. She let out a hearty laugh as she wiped her tears with her handkerchief.
“Second Uncle.” The handsome boy by Yan Su’s side greeted Yan Ge with a cheerful smile.
“You still remember me?” Yan Ge was pleasantly surprised. He picked Yan Xiangtian up and put him on Bai Guan’s back.
“I remember. Father said that you used to carry me when I was little.” Yan Xiangtian was young, but he had an air of maturity about him.
Yan Ge chuckled, “When you were little? Aren’t you still little now?”
Yan Xiangtian also laughed, his bright and clear eyes brimming with liveliness.
“Hehe, let’s chat inside.” Yan Ge led his horse with one hand and held Huangfu Yuchen’s hand with the other, winking at him.
A hint of a smile passed through Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes.
Yan Su nodded silently. The relationship between the two was still as strong as ever, which was good to see.
After settling in the main hall and enjoying tea and fruit brought by the maids, the servants were dismissed, and the family chatted merrily together.
Yan Ge shared a few interesting stories, making them burst into laughter. The worries and concerns of being separated for so long were gradually eased.
Finally, Yan Ge brought up the main topic, “Father, Yuchen and I returned this time because we want to take you all to another time and space for a visit.”
Madam Yan and Yan Su’s wife exchanged surprised glances. A journey to another time and space? They hadn’t even dared to think about such a thing.
Yan Su and Yan Xiangtian were both intrigued. Yan Su was still young and adventurous by nature, while Yan Xiangtian was curious about everything new due to his age.
“Second Uncle, I want to go!” Yan Xiangtian immediately exclaimed.
Yan Xiaojing was also intrigued. He wasn’t very old and opportunities to meet his second son would become increasingly scarce. Naturally, he wished to spend more time with him. Since his second son wanted to go and the other timeline was presumably not dangerous, why not give it a try?
Huangfu Yuchen said, “The other time and space is worth a visit. As for matters in the court, you can discuss them with Yunxi.”
Yan Ge was somewhat surprised, “You don’t intend to take Yunxi with us?”
Huangfu Yuchen held his hand and shook his head, conveying a message through their voice transmission. “Many of the accomplishments there are too incredible and might easily sway people’s hearts. Yunxi is an emperor, and experiencing too many extraordinary things isn’t necessarily a good thing for him.”
Yan Ge carefully pondered, realizing that it was indeed a valid point. An emperor’s perspective on issues differed from that of ordinary people. The cultural gap between Earth and Great Han was vast, and it would undoubtedly have a profound impact on an emperor. With even a slight misstep, it might lead to confusion or even obsession.
He nodded in agreement with Huangfu Yuchen.
So, the matter was settled.
Next, Yan Su and Yan Xiaojing went to hand over their responsibilities. Huangfu Yuchen stayed with Huangfu Yunxi for a few days, while Yan Ge stayed with his family.
With Huangfu Yunxi’s support as the emperor, the transition of responsibilities proceeded smoothly.
Five days later, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had Yan Su, Yan Xiaojing, Lady Wen, Madam Yan, and Yan Xiangtian change into Earth-style clothing, then they activated the temporal passage and returned to Earth.
On Earth, only a little over a day had passed.
The group appeared near Fengshan Farm.
Both Yan Su and Yan Xiangtian were cultivators so they immediately sensed the abundant spiritual energy of the farm.
Huangfu Yuchen introduced, “That’s our property, Fengshan Farm. Since you’re still unfamiliar with this world and to avoid being recognized as outsiders, you’ll need to keep a low profile for the first couple of days.”
He knew his beloved didn’t like lying to his parents, so he spoke up on his behalf. The true reason was to prevent Yan Xiaojing and his wife from discovering that Yan Ge had another set of parents here.
Yan Ge patted his waist without looking at him and chuckled as he communicated through voice transmission, “I’ll thank you properly tonight.”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled, a meaningful glint in his eyes. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Yan Xiaojing nodded in agreement. “Certainly.” To make sure Madam Yan, Lady Wen, and Yan Xiangtian understood as well, he carefully explained the situation to them.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen then led them into the farm. They booked a private room and ordered a table full of delicious dishes, along with various fruits and drinks, all introduced by Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen.
Throughout the meal, the expressions of astonishment and amazement on the faces of the group never faded.
After finishing the meal, Yan Ge said, “Mom, Dad, you can rest well today. Watch some TV and movies, experience the accommodations here. Tomorrow, we’ll take Tiantian to the amusement park for fun. The day after tomorrow, we’ll teach you how to use computers. And the day after that… Well, we’ve got each day planned out for you to enjoy fully.”
The excitement was evident on the faces of the Yan family as they listened.
Suppressing their excitement, they followed Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen back to their home. The rooms there were more than enough for them.
In the living room, Yan Xiaojing and the others watched TV. Yan Xiangtian couldn’t sit still and tugged at Yan Ge, wanting to explore the farm.
Yan Ge subtly gestured at Huangfu Yuchen.
Yan Xiangtian paused for a moment, then ran over and tugged at Huangfu Yuchen with a smile, “Uncle-in-law, let’s go together.”
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled and gave Yan Ge a sidelong look before nodding. “Okay.”
Yan Ge’s lips twitched, and he pretended to clean his ear. “Tiantian, what did you call out just now? I didn’t quite hear it.”
Tiantian’s voice rang out clearly, “Uncle-in-law!” The young boy’s voice was crisp and loud.
Yan Xiaojing and the others couldn’t help but laugh.
“You little brat,” Yan Ge chuckled, pretending to chase Tiantian.
Tiantian sprinted to the door, but unfortunately, he didn’t know how to open it. Yan Ge caught up to him and raised his hand as if to spank him.
Huangfu Yuchen intervened, “Tiantian didn’t get it wrong.” With that, he grabbed Tiantian’s hand and headed outside.
Tiantian was overjoyed and shouted again, “That’s right!”
Yan Ge followed them outside, feeling somewhat exasperated.
