"Flower of the battlefield, that name really suits you." Soujin remarked, acting unaware of how Jun Min hated the nickname.
Jun Min shot him a dark look. He had just found out upon reaching the capital that his name has been widely associated with that nickname. It's such a grand nickname that he wished to bury it deep into the ground. Who in the world came with that nickname? He wished to kick and beat that person vehemently.
"I want to go home first. When is the celebration?" Jun Min asked. He had never joined the celebration in the capital, which is why he was not really familiar with the tradition over here.
"Tomorrow."
"Got it."
After saying a few more things, Jun Min instructed Yabei to bring the soldiers back to the border and help Jun Qing in the matter of moving. While he was at it, he called Fan Ying.
"General." Fan Ying hurriedly bowed down in respect.
Jun Min heard from Yabei that Fan Ying was one of the commanders who achieved great results in this war. The other party's fighting ability has increased by leaps and bounds, coupled with his good leadership, he made a good commander. Because of Jun Min's relation with Fan Lanying, he had taken notice of this man, but this time it was because of his achievement.
"You did great. You and the other excellent commanders are given seven days leave in the capital. You may visit your family during this time."
"Thank you, General!" Fan Ying was excited. Normally, their general would only pass them a notice about this reward, but for him, Jun Min had come personally. He knows that it is mainly because of his sister, but this reward is something he deserved.
After telling that to Fan Ying, Jun Min turned and left. With his current status, it was not suitable to talk with Fan Ying much, but in the future, that might change. He headed towards his family residence and walked in. His grandfather was already waiting for him.
"You little rascal, finally coming back home?" Jun Zhenxian chided, yet a smile never faded from his aged face.
"Grandfather, I'm back." Jun Min laughed lightly. His grandfather was still the same as before.
"You have made me proud. Let's go inside and tell me what you have experienced."
Jun Zhenxian knew that Jun Min had wounded his shoulder, a deep one at that. He had sent people to search for a medicine to make the mark disappear while Jun Min just shook his head helplessly.
"I doubt that you're going to find it, Grandpa."
Jun Zhenxian looked troubled. "But, you're a girl, Jun Hua. You need to treat the wound."
"It's alright, with some medicine the mark wouldn't be so visible." Jun Min smiled. "There are things more important than this. That Lan Pan is active again."
"He's back? The Lan family is already pushing their luck."
"Yep, they are." Jun Min nodded.
"It seems things won't be as peaceful as before."
As Jun Min reunited with his grandfather, Soujin was ignoring his grandfather and only answering his mother's questions. Nanglong Souka was grumbling by the side, but he could not make Soujin even react to his words at all.
"Soujin, maybe you need to talk with your grandfather more. He misses you." Qin Shie, Soujin's mother, said in a soft tone.
Soujin looked towards Nanglong Souka. "I bet he just loves to brag about me to his friends."
That was absolutely correct and Nanglong Souka cannot refute it. He had just been bragging towards Jun Zhenxian for the past few days. It was more correct to say that they had been yelling at each other about who among their grandsons is the greatest. He just bragged all day solely because the emperor gave him permission to leave early due to the matter being completed.
"Hmph, you little rascal, why do you keep ignoring me?" Nanglong Souka said, feeling dejected.
Soujin just gave him a sidelong glance before returning his attention to his mother. Qin Shie gave a helpless expression towards her father-in-law. She knows that Soujin still could not forgive his grandfather. This was the cause of their relationship growing more awkward as time passed.
"Soujin, you're already 20. Do you have any girls in your mind?" Qin Shie changed the subject into one of the most worrying things for her. She had wished for her son to get married and give her cute grandsons or granddaughters. But, Soujin never wanted to get tied up with girls and didn't want to talk about this with his mother.
Soujin stopped his action. If talking about girls, usually he wouldn't have anyone he fancies. But today somehow, he faintly remembered that silhouette of a little girl; A petite little girl who hid behind her brother to hide her talents.
Soujin stopped his thoughts and looked at his mother. "No one."
"But you will soon turn 21…" Qin Shie felt that her son kept on dragging this matter. If this keeps on, when will she get to meet her grandsons or granddaughters?
"Maybe later, Mother." Soujin answered.
Soujin's answer didn't make Qin Shie retreat. For a good one hour after that, she kept on lecturing Soujin to find a girl he fancies and bring her home. Nanglong Souka was forced to hear the lecture hoping that he could find a good match for Soujin.
In Nanglong Souka's mind, he wanted to tell Qin Shie badly that Nanglong Soujin won't be able to get a lady that soon. All this boy knows is to swing his sword and play with his friends. Additionally, with his cold demeanor towards ladies, how many of them will willingly come to him? Oh wait, he remembered one that might be able to become his grandson's bride… but, she is currently not in this kingdom.
Edit (12/8/2019) Editor: Gigglypuff and Yuki