Half a month had passed since the Coalition Army disbanded in Qi.
The greatest invasion in Qin's history had been repelled, and peace had finally returned to the kingdom. Throughout Qin, people celebrated their hard-earned victory, while the scars of war slowly began to heal.
In the northeastern territories of Qin, under the rule of the Hyou Clan, preparations had been underway for another historic occasion.
Today, all of the nobles governing the northeastern region had gathered in Hyou City.
Today was the official succession ceremony recognizing Hyou Ren as the new Duke of Hyou.
Within Hyou Manor, however, the atmosphere was much warmer than the grand ceremony taking place outside.
Hyou Ren sat in the family courtyard with a broad smile across his face.
Resting carefully in his arms was one of Shin's infant sons, while Ri Yue gently cradled another.
The third baby lay peacefully in a finely crafted wooden cradle beside them, waving his tiny hands and occasionally letting out cheerful giggles.
"They're getting heavier every day," Hyou Ren laughed.
Ri Yue smiled warmly.
"That's because they're healthy."
The great general gently tickled his grandson's tiny hand, causing the baby to laugh happily.
"Look at that grip," Hyou Ren chuckled. "Strong already. Just like his father."
Ri Yue softly shook her head.
"They've barely learned to crawl, and you're already imagining them becoming generals."
"They're my grandsons," Hyou Ren replied proudly. "Of course they'll become great men."
Nearby stood Shin, smiling as he watched his parents fuss over their grandchildren.
Beside him, Kyou Kai gently rocked one of their sons after exchanging him with Ri Yue, humming softly until the baby closed his eyes.
Karyo Ten carefully adjusted another baby's blanket before smiling at Shin.
"I don't think your parents have put them down once since we arrived."
Shin laughed.
"I don't think they want to."
"They've completely stolen Father and Mother's hearts."
"They deserve it," Kyou Kai quietly said, looking fondly at her sleeping son.
For a brief moment, the family simply enjoyed the peace they had fought so hard to protect.
Soon, the deep sound of ceremonial drums echoed throughout Hyou City.
Boom...
Boom...
Boom...
The succession ceremony was about to begin.
Today marked a historic day for House Hyou.
Within the grand ceremonial hall, every noble from the northeastern region of Qin stood in respectful silence. Crimson and Black banners bearing the crest of House Hyou hung proudly from every pillar, while rows of armored retainers lined both sides of the hall with their spears planted firmly upon the stone floor.
At the center stood Hyou Ren and his wife, Ri Yue.
Before them stood Princess Ei You, widow of the late Duke Hyou and mother of Hyou Ren.
Between them rested a finely crafted lacquered wooden stand. Upon it lay an ancient ceremonial dagger enclosed within an ornate wooden sheath.
It was not a lavish weapon adorned with gold or jewels. The bronze fittings had been worn smooth by time, while the leather wrapped around its hilt bore the marks of generations of use.
It was the ceremonial dagger of House Hyou.
The sacred heirloom passed from one Duke of Hyou to the next.
The hall fell completely silent as Princess Ei You stepped forward.
She gently lifted the dagger with both hands.
"This dagger has been carried by every head of House Hyou since our family's founding."
"It is not merely a weapon."
"It is the symbol of the Duke's authority."
"It represents our duty to protect the people."
"Our courage to stand at the front of every battlefield."
"And the unwavering loyalty House Hyou has always shown Qin."
She slowly ran her fingers along the worn leather grip.
"Your father carried this dagger throughout his life."
"He bore it while defending Qin's borders."
"He carried it through countless campaigns."
"And until his final breath..."
"He never once dishonored the name of House Hyou."
For a brief moment, Princess Ei You lowered her gaze.
A gentle smile appeared upon her face.
"He would have been proud to see this day."
She looked directly at her son.
"Hyou Ren."
"Following the passing of your father, the leadership of House Hyou has awaited its rightful successor."
"You have faithfully governed our lands, protected our people, and upheld the honor of our family."
"You have also distinguished yourself during the Coalition War, bringing even greater glory to House Hyou."
"It is now time for your father's legacy to pass to the next generation."
Hyou Ren stepped forward before lowering himself onto one knee.
"I, Hyou Ren, humbly accept the burden entrusted to me."
"I swear before Heaven, before our ancestors, and before every citizen of House Hyou..."
"That I shall uphold my father's legacy."
"I shall protect these lands."
"I shall never bring disgrace upon our family."
"And I shall devote my life to serving Qin, just as Father did before me."
Princess Ei You slowly drew the dagger several inches from its sheath.
Its polished blade reflected the light filling the ceremonial hall.
She returned the blade to its sheath before presenting it horizontally with both hands.
"Hyou Ren."
"Accept the dagger of House Hyou."
"Before Heaven, the ancestors of House Hyou, and all those gathered here..."
"I proclaim you the rightful successor to the late Duke Hyou."
"From this day onward..."
"You are Duke Hyou Ren."
With both hands, Hyou Ren respectfully accepted the ceremonial dagger.
The moment his hands closed around the heirloom, every noble in the hall bowed deeply.
The herald struck his staff against the stone floor.
"Hear the proclamation!"
"Hyou Ren has inherited the authority of House Hyou!"
"Henceforth..."
"He shall be known as Duke Hyou Ren!"
The hall immediately erupted into thunderous applause.
"Long live Duke Hyou Ren!"
"Long live the House of Hyou!"
Outside, hundreds of thousands of citizens joined in the celebration as cheers echoed throughout Hyou City.
"Long live Duke Hyou Ren!"
"Long live the House of Hyou!"
After several moments, the cheering gradually subsided.
Princess Ei You spoke once more.
"With Hyou Ren now succeeding as Duke, the line of succession must also be affirmed."
She turned toward Shin.
"Shin, eldest son of Duke Hyou Ren and Ri Yue."
"Step forward."
For a brief moment, Shin stood in stunned silence.
The boy who had once dreamed of becoming the greatest general under the heavens had now become the heir to one of Qin's most prestigious noble houses.
He stepped forward and knelt before his grandmother.
"From this day onward, you are formally recognized as the Heir to the Duchy of Hyou."
"One day, this dagger shall pass into your hands."
"When that day arrives, I expect you to uphold the honor of House Hyou just as your father and grandfather did before you."
Shin bowed deeply.
"I accept this responsibility."
"I swear upon the honor of House Hyou that I will protect our people, serve Qin with unwavering loyalty, and one day become a Great General worthy of carrying my family's name."
Princess Ei You smiled warmly before placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"Rise, my grandson."
"The future of House Hyou now rests with both your father... and one day, with you."
The assembled nobles bowed in respect.
For the first time since the passing of Duke Hyou, the succession of House Hyou had been fully completed.
Princess Ei You stood as the revered matriarch of the House.
Duke Hyou Ren stood as the new Duke of Hyou, the ceremonial dagger of his forefathers resting at his waist.
And beside him stood Shin, the newly acknowledged heir to the Duchy of Hyou, destined one day to inherit both the title and the ceremonial dagger of House Hyou.
That evening, a magnificent banquet was held throughout Hyou City.
Music filled the palace while nobles, generals, and soldiers celebrated together.
Away from the formal festivities, Hyou Ren once again held one of his grandsons in his arms, gently rocking the sleepy infant to sleep.
Ri Yue smiled as another baby rested peacefully against her shoulder.
Nearby, Kyou Kai and Karyo Ten lovingly cared for the third child while Shin watched his family with quiet contentment.
For one precious evening, there were no battlefields.
No enemies.
No bloodshed.
Only family.
Only peace.
The three infant boys slept peacefully, completely unaware that they were the fourth generation of House Hyou and the grandsons of Qin's newest Duke.
Yet beyond Qin's borders, the defeated states had already begun rebuilding their strength.
The Coalition War had ended.
But the struggle to unite China had only just begun.