At that moment, everyone straightened up, adopting a respectful demeanor.
Xiao He also returned to his senses, adjusting his official attire. The officials around him followed suit, mirroring his actions.
After all, the person arriving was Zhao Feng
The hero of Great Qin!
They did not want to appear disrespectful before such a figure.
"The Supreme General is about to arrive."
"They say the Supreme General is incredibly young and possesses an imposing presence. It is an honor for us to witness him today."
"Indeed! He is not only a hero of Great Qin but also a hero of the Hua Xia people. Moreover, the Supreme General is a native of Shaqiu this is the pride of our city!"
"To see the Supreme General in person today is a blessing."
"Quiet now he's here!"
As the formation of black-armored cavalry drew closer, all eyes were eagerly fixed on the approaching procession, their anticipation akin to awaiting the arrival of a revered idol.
Finally
After a brief wait, amid the escort of over a thousand personal guards, Zhao Feng's carriage arrived at the gates of Shaqiu.
As soon as the carriage stopped
"Your subordinate, Xiao He, Governor of Shaqiu, along with all officials of Shaqiu, humbly welcome the Supreme General!"
Xiao He stepped forward to the carriage and bowed deeply.
"We welcome the Supreme General!"
The gathered officials immediately followed suit, bowing in unison.
Hearing this, Zhang Ming swiftly dismounted, stepped forward, and lifted the carriage curtain.
Zhao Feng slowly emerged.
"To have you all come to personally welcome me with such kindness is unnecessary."
Zhao Feng smiled, his gaze falling directly on Xiao He.
"Supreme General, you are the hero of Great Qin, the protector of our Hua Xia people!"
"To be able to welcome you home is our honor."
Xiao He spoke with utmost sincerity.
Not just him
The officials and soldiers behind him, as well as the countless civilians, gathered outside the city, all bore expressions of deep reverence and excitement.
At this moment
When they saw Zhao Feng step down, the tens of thousands of people outside the city erupted with excitement.
"We, the people of Shaqiu, humbly welcome the Supreme General back home!"
Countless voices echoed with enthusiasm as if greeting the return of a legendary warrior.
Zhao Feng looked up, momentarily stunned by the massive crowd that had gathered to welcome him.
But then, he stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said
"Fellow countrymen, I am humbled by your warm welcome."
"Supreme General!"
"You have rendered unparalleled service to Great Qin and the Hua Xia people!"
"We came here today specifically to witness the greatness of our hero. The rumors did not exaggerate!"
"Indeed! Seeing the Supreme General today is the honor of a lifetime!"
"He truly possesses the bearing of a war god. No wonder he is hailed as Great Qin's greatest warrior!"
"The Supreme General is a true hero!"
"We respect you!"
"You have avenged the countless innocent people slain by the barbarians. You are a true warrior of our people!"
"We salute you!"
Their voices were filled with genuine admiration.
If this were merely a political gathering, such words might have seemed like empty flattery.
However, in this case, every word spoken by the people of Shaqiu carried sincerity and deep reverence.
They had come of their own will
To welcome home their hero.
Even though they had not personally witnessed Zhao Feng's battles, they could vividly imagine the danger and sacrifice through the imperial edicts.
Leading ten thousand troops deep into enemy territory
Surrounded by threats at every moment
Yet, not only did he survive, he emerged victorious.
He destroyed the Donghu royal court!
"Fellow countrymen!"
"To defend our homeland is the duty of a soldier."
"Though I bear the title of Protector General, at heart, I am still a soldier of Great Qin."
"This campaign into enemy lands"
"First, to avenge the tens of thousands of innocent people who perished in Yan at the hands of the barbarians."
"Second, to secure lasting peace along our borders."
"Fortunately"
"I have succeeded!"
"And today, I bring you all another piece of good news"
"The King of Donghu has been slain by my hand."
"For the next ten years, the Donghu will not dare challenge Great Qin's might!"
As soon as these words fell, the gathered crowd was overwhelmed with excitement.
"The Supreme General is invincible!"
"Hahaha! The King of Donghu is dead!"
"Justice has been served!"
"These barbaric dogs will never again invade our Great Qin!"
"Those wretched beasts deserved it!"
"The Supreme General is our guardian!"
"Even their king has been slain none can stand against the Supreme General!"
Xiao He, too, was deeply shaken.
"The King of Donghu... is dead?"
"Zhao Feng truly lives up to his title as the War God!"
Even he, a high-ranking official, had not expected such a shocking development.
Zhao Feng took a deep breath, his heart stirred by the overwhelming reception.
He then turned to the gathered civilians and said
"My dear countrymen, it has been far too long since I last saw my mother."
"During my campaign, I know she must have been filled with worry."
"I must hurry home to see her."
"Forgive me for not staying longer."
"Of course, Supreme General!"
"Please, return home!"
"Family is the foundation of all things how could we stand in your way?"
"We shall send you off with our blessings!"
"Safe travels, Supreme General!"
As Zhao Feng's convoy continued toward his family home, the people of Shaqiu stood united, watching with admiration and reverence.
Bidding farewell to their hero.
All the citizens spoke up one after another.
In this era where filial piety was paramount, everyone naturally supported his decision.
Zhao Feng turned his head and set his gaze on Xiao He.
"Governor Xiao," he said with a slight smile. "Would you be willing to accompany me to Sha Village for a discussion?"
Upon hearing this, a look of excitement flashed across Xiao He's face. He immediately responded, "How could I refuse the invitation of the Grand General?"
The surrounding officials of Shaqiu all showed expressions of envy.
Although this new governor was a newcomer, his capabilities had already earned the admiration of many. However, in this era, ability alone did not always guarantee advancement.
But now, things were different.
Grand General Zhao Feng had taken an interest in him.
This was a great opportunity.
The previous governor of Shaqiu, Yan Bing, had once gained Zhao Feng's favor, and now he held an important position in the capital, with the potential to rise even higher.
Such an opportunity was not something that everyone could come by.
And now, Xiao He had it.
"Then make the necessary arrangements for Shaqiu's affairs," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile. "Governor Xiao, let us return to my hometown together."
"Many thanks, Grand General," Xiao He replied, suppressing his excitement.
He quickly turned to the officials behind him and said, "I will accompany the Grand General to Sha Village. I entrust the governance of the county to you all in my absence."
"Governor, please go ahead."
"The county affairs are in capable hands," the officials reassured him.
"Do you know how to ride a horse?" Zhao Feng asked, looking at Xiao He.
"Of course," Xiao He replied with a smile.
"Zhang Ming," Zhao Feng called out.
Zhang Ming immediately had a guard bring over a warhorse.
Zhao Feng mounted his horse.
"Let's depart," he said with a smile.
With that, the convoy continued toward Sha Village.
As they rode, Zhao Feng glanced at Xiao He and asked, "How long have you been in Shaqiu?"
"Grand General," Xiao He replied, "I have been in Shaqiu for four years, serving in one of its counties.
"I was originally scheduled for a transfer to another region, but thanks to the recommendation of Governor Yan Bing, I was appointed as the Governor of Shaqiu."
"What is your view on the state of the world?" Zhao Feng asked.
"In my humble opinion," Xiao He said, "within four years, the world will be unified.
"The land will become the domain of Great Qin.
"And in that time, there will be no more wars. The people of the Huaxia race will finally know peace."
His face was filled with longing for such a future.
"Is governing a county difficult?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Shaqiu County has a total population of about four hundred thousand," Xiao He replied. "I would say I manage well enough."
He could tell that Zhao Feng was testing him.
"Governor Xiao, you have great talent," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"To receive such praise from the Grand General is the greatest honor of my life," Xiao He said excitedly.
In history, Xiao He was one of the Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty, yet here, in front of Zhao Feng, he was like an eager disciple testament to Zhao Feng's immense prestige.
At this moment, Zhao Feng was already a high-ranking official, only one step away from becoming the Grand Marshal of Qin.
And anyone with foresight indeed, all of Great Qin's citizens knew that this position would inevitably be his.
No other general in Qin had achieved as many military victories as Zhao Feng.
"I have quite a collection of fine wines at home," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Once we reach Sha Village, I must have a good drink with Governor Xiao."
Xiao He's eyes lit up. He immediately clasped his hands in gratitude and said, "It would be my honor."
Xianyang.
The Grand Court Assembly.
"Your Majesty," a minister reported, "I have just returned from Xiangping.
"The Grand General has successfully returned from the northern frontier."
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng finally let out a long sigh of relief.
"This kid…"
"He has finally returned safely."
"I no longer have to worry about him."
"If something had happened to him in the north, Afang would never forgive me."
In his heart, Ying Zheng felt nothing but gratitude.
Many ministers who had been concerned for Zhao Feng also breathed sighs of relief.
"The Grand General's safe return is a blessing for Great Qin."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"The Grand General's victory against the foreign tribes will be recorded in history for generations to come!"
"We offer our congratulations to Your Majesty!"
The civil and military officials of the court voiced their praises one after another.
"If he has returned from the northern frontier, why did he not come back with you?" Ying Zheng asked, his brows furrowing.
"Your Majesty," the minister replied, "after the Grand General returned, the foreign tribes continued their pursuit.
"The Grand General led the army to defend Xiangping, decisively defeating the enemy.
"He slew the King of the Donghu.
"This is the battle report."
Ren Xiao's face was filled with excitement as he held a battle report in his hands.
As soon as his words fell, the entire court was shocked.
Everyone looked at Ren Xiao in disbelief.
"Commander Ren, what did you just say?"
"Zhao Feng killed the King of Donghu?"
Wang Jian thought he had misheard and hurriedly asked for confirmation.
"After General Zhao Feng destroyed numerous enemy tribes and slaughtered hundreds of thousands of their people, the King of Donghu pursued him in fury," Ren Xiao replied respectfully.
"In the end, General Zhao personally led his troops to kill the King of Donghu."
"The details are all in this battle report."
With that, Ren Xiao raised the report high.
Ying Zheng immediately waved his hand. "Read it aloud!"
Without hesitation, Ren Xiao straightened his posture, unfolded the report, and read loudly:
"Minister Zhao Feng respectfully reports to Your Majesty!"
"I selected ten thousand elite cavalry from our main forces, in addition to my two thousand personal guards."
"With a total of twelve thousand soldiers, I led an invasion into the land of the northern barbarians."
"After four months of intense battle, we finally returned to Great Qin's Xiangping."
"In these four months, I have roughly estimated the results of our campaign:"
"We destroyed thirty-five barbarian settlements of various sizes."
"We slaughtered over five hundred thousand enemies."
"The enemy's royal court was completely razed by our forces, reduced to ruins."
"Their supplies, including grain, livestock, and resources, were all destroyed by my army."
"With our destruction of their provisions, it will take the barbarians at least five years to recover."
"After my forces withdrew from the northern border, our total casualties stood at five thousand three hundred."
"From an initial twelve thousand men, six thousand seven hundred have returned."
"But in exchange, we have annihilated over five hundred thousand of the enemy and crippled their resources."
"A great victory!"
"Following our triumphant return, the King of Donghu, unwilling to accept defeat, pursued us with his forces and attacked Xiangping."
"I led our troops in defense and sent cavalry on a flanking maneuver."
"The King of Donghu, caught off guard, was trapped by our forces, and ultimately, I led the charge to slay him."
"This battle saw another seventy thousand barbarian troops killed."
"With the King of Donghu slain, their royal succession is now in turmoil."
"For the next ten years, Donghu will have no strength to invade our Great Qin."
"Now, in addition to reporting this victory, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant double pensions and honors to the five thousand three hundred soldiers who perished in battle."
"They are heroes of Great Qin, warriors of the Hua Xia people."
"I beseech Your Majesty to reward them generously!"
"Respectfully submitted by your loyal subject, Zhao Feng!"
Ren Xiao read the report with vigor and passion.
Unlike Zhao Gao, whose reading was often hoarse and insidious, Ren Xiao, as a general, delivered the report with power and grandeur.
Everyone in the court could feel the heroic spirit embedded within.
"The King of Donghu… was killed by Zhao Feng?"
"How is that possible?"
"Was the King of Donghu a fool?"
"Even after his people were devastated by Zhao Feng, he still dared to chase him down?"
"He just handed Zhao Feng another grand achievement on a silver platter!"
Wang Wan was deeply unsettled.
For him, watching Zhao Feng accumulate more and more merits was even more painful than going to battle himself.
The further Zhao Feng advanced, the worse it was for them.
"General Zhao Feng truly possesses divine might!"
"He is a born military genius!"
"He deserves the title of the 'War God of Qin'!"
"This time, I am truly convinced."
"This victory will surely shock the entire world!"
The court was filled with exclamations of astonishment.
Had it not been for the series of battle reports Zhao Feng had previously sent back, none of them would have believed it.
First, he led an incursion into enemy lands and destroyed their settlements.
Then, he razed their royal court.
And now, he had slain the King of Donghu.
Even for the seasoned ministers present, this was beyond imagination.
"Your Majesty!"
"General Zhao Feng's achievements have surpassed even the conquest of Yan!"
"Previously, Your Majesty intended to grant him a promotion of one rank, but I believe that is insufficient!"
Han Fei immediately stepped forward and spoke loudly.
It was clear he was advocating for Zhao Feng to be elevated even further.
"I second this motion!"
"General Zhao Feng should be appointed to the position of Grand Marshal!"
"With his achievements, he is undoubtedly qualified for this high office!"
Li Si also stepped forward in support.
The mention of the Grand Marshal sent shockwaves through the court.
Yet, despite their surprise, no one dared to object.
Zhao Feng's merits were simply too great to ignore.
His northern campaign against the Donghu had yielded such overwhelming success that it even eclipsed the conquest of Yan.
Wang Jian, the leading military commander, simply smiled. He did not step forward, but his expression was one of satisfaction.
There was no need for him to say anything.
"Old man, you truly found yourself a treasure."
"If I had known Zhao Feng was this remarkable, I would have had my daughter marry him instead!"
Huan Yi muttered enviously to Wang Jian.
"Haha, just be jealous!"
"But this is only the beginning of Zhao Feng's true potential."
Wang Jian chuckled with undisguised pride.
For the Wang family, the best days were yet to come.
Right now, their prestige lies in military achievements.
It looked like they had secured a son-in-law who was about to become the Grand Marshal.
But in the future?
One day, when the truth was revealed, it would shake the entire court no, the entire empire!
On the throne, Ying Zheng listened to Han Fei and Li Si.
A thoughtful expression crossed his face.
Seeing this, Chunyu Yue could no longer remain silent. He immediately stepped forward.
"Your Majesty!"
"Although General Zhao Feng has rendered great service to Great Qin…"
"He has also completely antagonized the barbarians!"
"He has slaughtered hundreds of thousands of them. From now on, the Donghu will be our sworn enemies, and the northern border will never know peace!"
Hearing this, Ying Zheng frowned and cast a cold glance at Chunyu Yue.
"Grand Tutor Chunyu."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Are you suggesting that only the barbarians have the right to massacre our people, while our Great Qin army cannot avenge them?"
Wang Jian's expression turned icy as he rebuked him.
Many officials, especially the military ministers, also looked at Chunyu Yue with displeasure.
"How foolish."
Li Si sneered.
"Father."
"Grand Tutor Chunyu does not oppose vengeance but rather believes that General Zhao Feng has gone too far," Fusu immediately defended his teacher.
"According to you, then, should we show mercy on the battlefield?"
Hu Hai retorted with sarcasm.
"When the barbarians slaughtered our people, did they show any mercy?"
"It seems Grand Tutor Chunyu is simply trying to block General Zhao Feng's advancement."
"To the point that he is now spouting such ridiculous words."
"Truly laughable!"
"Should only the barbarians have the right to kill, while we are forbidden from retaliating?"
"Grand Tutor Chunyu, this is absurd!"
"Your so-called Confucian values are disgusting!"
"Just to find fault with General Zhao Feng, you are willing to speak such nonsense!"
"It is shameful to share this court with you!"
"Ridiculous!"
One after another, officials denounced Chunyu Yue.
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