Chapter 1416: A Grand Reception

Early summer was already half over, and even though the summer breeze carried wisps of coolness from the valley waters, the air was still thick with lingering heat. Yet for the brothers Liu Fang and Liu Min, there was not the slightest complaint—they genuinely savored it.

Basking in the golden sunlight, Liu Fang's dark face turned directly toward the summer's blaze, and he said with some intoxication: "The Central Plains really is better—even this scorching sun feels so comfortable!"

A grueling and perilous expedition was not only a tempering of the spirit and will, but also a torment to the body. Especially after experiencing that hellish bitter cold, the heat of the Central Plains seemed all the more precious.

"That place called Jinshan—I never want to go there again in this lifetime!" Liu Fang sighed, then turned to look at Liu Min's gaunt and weathered face, saying: "Sixth Brother, before we return to the capital, you need to tidy yourself up. Otherwise, when the Empress and the Dowager Consort of Prince Wei see you, who knows how heartbroken they'll be!"

"A few days of rest and I'll be fine! This time returning to the capital, I'm definitely going to rest well—consider it a reward to myself!" Hearing this, Liu Min's mouth curved into a grin, revealing a row of white teeth. Gazing toward the direction of Luoyang, a hint of longing flickered in his bright pupils, and his desire to return grew ever stronger.

With the military order given, the returning soldiers noticeably quickened their pace. As they marched, the two brothers chatted desultorily—though mainly Liu Fang did the talking; under normal circumstances, Liu Min didn't speak much.

Murong Defeng and Yang Yanzhao had been dispatched on orders, and the round trip had consumed considerable time. By the time they returned, the main army had already reached the outer suburbs of Luoyang, the sun had set in the west, and the hour of shen was approaching.

Only Yang Yanzhao returned. It was clear he had hurried—drenched in sweat—but his handsome, valiant face was brimming with excitement. Liu Fang tossed him a waterskin and said: "Quench your thirst, then speak slowly!"

Yang Yanzhao didn't stand on ceremony. He took it and drank deeply, a look of satisfaction spreading across his face.

"Where's Murong Rixin? Why didn't he come back?" Liu Fang asked.

Wiping his mouth, Yang Yanzhao said: "Murong was detained by the Crown Prince to report the details in person. He specially ordered me to return and lead the army back!"

"The Crown Prince?" Liu Fang couldn't help but be surprised.

"Reporting to Your Highness," Yang Yanzhao announced: "Upon learning of the soldiers' return, the Crown Prince personally led the assembled officials and ceremonial guard to wait outside the Dingding Gate in the southern city. He is already waiting at the gate now! His Majesty has decreed that the soldiers pass through Heavenly Street and hold an entry ceremony!"

Hearing this, even Liu Fang's face flashed with delight. He remarked with emotion: "The court honors us so greatly—how can we possibly deserve this!"

Clearly, Emperor Liu's intention was for them to return in glory, entering the capital amid cheers and applause. Such respect and honor was an extremely profound recognition for these soldiers returning from the distant campaign.

"Notify Generals Yang and Wang!" Steadying his surging emotions, Liu Fang immediately ordered: "Pass the command—maintain formation, advance toward the southern city!"

The setting sun hung low in the west, casting a rich glow that enveloped the majestic and magnificent city of Luoyang. Before the Dingding Gate, a solemn and stately scene had already taken shape. Dragon banners stood in rows, ceremonial regalia was fully arrayed, and the officials and honor guards maintained neat ranks, silently awaiting—utterly grave, not daring to glance about.

Crown Prince Liu Yang and Chancellor Zhao Pu were both present. The other princes, ministers, and nobles who could come had all come. Such a reception standard was something only Emperor Liu himself had previously enjoyed.

Around them were no shortage of onlooking citizens of the Western Capital. Though held back at the perimeter by guards, their enthusiasm was undiminished. Toward the soldiers of the expeditionary army about to return, they harbored both curiosity and admiration.

During this period, tales of the expeditionary army had spread throughout Luoyang. From the Pacification Commission on down, great efforts had been made to publicize the merits and spirit of the expeditionary soldiers. Various versions of the stories, polished by skilled pens, had imbued the soldiers' experiences with a legendary quality, drawing the admiration of the Western Capital's scholars and commoners alike.

The great road outside the city spanned the moat, passing through the Dingding Gate and connecting directly to Heavenly Street. The road had been cleared clean; the crowds surged all around, yet the thoroughfare itself stood empty and open. After a long wait, the expeditionary army finally appeared at the edge of sight.

When those tattered yet proudly raised military banners were spotted, everyone perked up. A cavalry force of nearly three thousand approached slowly. The closer they came, the clearer the soldiers' bearing became—that resolute temperament forged through life-and-death battles and survival, profoundly stirring.

By this point, Yang Ye, Wang Yansheng, and Guo Jin were unquestionably at the center. They were the commanders of the three expeditionary forces, so of course they occupied the C position. Even if they had been willing to yield, Liu Fang firmly declined—in this regard, Liu Fang had both discernment and magnanimity.

When they saw the high-specification scene before the Dingding Gate, even they were momentarily stunned. Though they had been mentally prepared, facing such a spectacle in person, emotion welled up unbidden.

Yang, Wang, and Guo were all resolute and valiant generals, all hard men—but even hard men found themselves moved at this moment. Wang Yansheng looked older than before; his beard and hair were more than half white, and a flush of red gathered on his aged face—whether from illness or excitement, none could tell.

"The court treats us like this—even if we die on the battlefield, we'll have no regrets!" This sigh gave full voice to Wang Yansheng's inner feelings.

"All officials, pay respects!" With the ritual officer's sonorous cry, all the officials standing before the road immediately clasped their hands and bowed. All the honor guards also rendered military salutes—their movements perfectly uniform, their bearing imposing.

Such a display startled Yang Ye and the other two. Especially when they saw even Crown Prince Liu Yang, clad in his yellow robe, making the same gesture—that truly made their hearts uneasy.

Yang Ye dared not be remiss. He raised his hand and called out loudly: "All troops, hear the order—dismount!"

The soldiers behind him were mostly veterans of the northwestern frontier garrisons. Most of them were visiting Luoyang for the first time. Before they could even take in the capital's grandeur and splendor, they were already shaken by this welcoming scene.

Instant obedience to orders was their ironclad quality. The command passed down through the ranks, and they dismounted one after another—their movements equally crisp and uniform, without the slightest hesitation. The sound of boots hitting the ground carried an imposing force, displaying the bearing of these frontier warriors.

Yang Ye and the other generals dismounted and hurried forward, bowing together toward Liu Yang and Zhao Pu: "We, your subjects, pay respects to Your Highness!"

"Greetings, Chancellor!"

Seeing Yang Ye and the others, Liu Yang wore a warm smile on his face. He personally stepped forward to help them up, then firmly grasped Wang Yansheng's rough hand, saying: "Gentlemen, no need for such ceremony. Your expedition was arduous—I have specially received the imperial decree to welcome you. It is you meritorious officers who deserve the honors!"

Hearing this, Wang Yansheng immediately said: "The court's treatment is too generous—we cannot bear it. Please, Your Highness, return to the palace!"

Wang Yansheng was no longer the reckless, crude, arrogant, and unbridled fierce general of years past. After all these years, his insight and wisdom had both grown. Though shocked by the court's lavish reception, he also knew well in his heart that such a standard was truly exceptional. They could not bear it, nor did they dare to simply accept it outright.

Seeing this, Liu Yang assumed a solemn demeanor. Still not releasing Wang Yansheng's hand, he swept his gaze across the generals and said: "Gentlemen, do not decline. His Majesty has said that you fought far away, killed enemies in service to the state—it was extraordinarily difficult. Having endured such hardships to return, you should naturally be crowned with glory.

More importantly, in terms of the peril of combat and the harshness of circumstances, among the entire army, only you—you, in foreign lands, not only upheld the might and dignity of the Great Han army, but also displayed the very soul of our Great Han military. No matter how high the honor, it is not excessive!"

At these words, the seasoned generals all felt their eyes redden and their hearts surge. They bowed deeply in the direction of the imperial palace.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty has decreed that the expeditionary soldiers march through Heavenly Street into the city, to receive the cheers of the Western Capital's citizens. His Majesty will receive the presentation of captives at the palace!" At this moment, Zhao Pu also extended goodwill toward these meritorious generals, his aged face exceptionally warm.

"Thank you, Chancellor Zhao!" They returned the courtesy once more.

"Fourth Brother! Sixth Brother!" Liu Yang then turned his gaze to Liu Fang and Liu Min.

More than a year had passed since they last met, and their appearances and bearing looked somewhat unfamiliar. But Liu Yang's manner was extremely cordial—especially seeing the current state of the brothers Liu Fang and Liu Min, he felt even more moved.

"Your younger brothers pay respects to the Crown Prince!" Perhaps due to the occasion, the brothers Liu Fang and Liu Min were also very solemn as they bowed in salute.

"No need for such ceremony!" Liu Yang's smile did not fade. He waved his hand and said: "Come, enter the city with me, and receive the cheers of the citizens..."