Chapter 76: Triumphant Return

When the victorious report of Liu Ju's great defeat of the Xiongnu and Wusun spread through Chang'an City like lightning, the entire city instantly brimmed with joy and pride.

Extra! Extra! The Son of Heaven crushed the Xiongnu and Wusun, raising the prestige of our Great Han!

The newsboys of the Chang'an Daily and the Chang'an Women's Daily, like cheerful birds, darted through streets and alleys, waving newspapers printed with the victory report, shouting at the top of their lungs.

In an instant, whether bustling market or quiet lane, everyone was drawn to this exhilarating news.

Street vendors forgot to tidy their stalls, hastily dropping their goods, rushing to surround the newsboys, pulling out a few copper coins, vying to buy a copy, eager to read the detailed battle report.

A cloth-selling old woman, trembling with excitement, almost crumpled the newspaper in her hands, muttering nonstop: 'Heaven bless us, our Son of Heaven is truly formidable; now our Great Han can finally be at peace!'

The news spread swiftly, like a spring breeze over the land, and all of Chang'an City was immersed in jubilation.

The elders gathered under the big tree by the street, passing the newspaper back and forth while sighing: 'Back then, the Xiongnu constantly harassed us, the people suffered terribly. Now the Crown Prince has won a complete victory, truly giving us a vent for our resentment!'

The young people excitedly clapped each other's hands, their eyes sparkling.

Although the children didn't quite grasp the meaning of war, they were infected by the adults' joy, playing and running through the crowd, chattering about the Son of Heaven's brave deeds.

Finally, the day arrived when Liu Ju led his troops back in triumph.

Before dawn, the people of Chang'an City surged toward the streets like a tide, from the city gate all the way to both sides of the avenue before the imperial palace, already packed shoulder to shoulder.

Everyone waited with eager anticipation, heads held high.

An old man with white hair, holding a finely crafted wooden staff inscribed with the four characters 'Great Han Mighty', aided by his family, arrived early at the city gate and took a favorable spot.

His eyes full of expectation, he murmured: 'I have lived most of my life just to see the day our Great Han holds its head high. The Son of Heaven truly is our Great Han's pride; today I must see him in person.'

Shopkeepers along both sides of the street closed their doors, set out tables and chairs with tea and snacks, preparing to refresh the triumphant troops.

An innkeeper personally stood at his shop's entrance, directing his assistants to move several jars of fine wine to the street, shouting loudly: 'Today our inn's drinks are free; we'll use this fine wine to welcome and cleanse the Son of Heaven and the troops!'

When Liu Ju's troops appeared in the distance, the crowd instantly erupted in thunderous cheers: 'The Son of Heaven is mighty! Long live the Great Han!'

The cheers rose wave upon wave, as if they would break through the heavens.

Chang'an City, the sky was clear and cloudless for thousands of miles.

Outside Chang'an City, Wei Qing led all civil and military officials, dressed in solemn court robes, waiting early to welcome the triumphant return of the Son of Heaven, Liu Ju.

Wei Qing stood tall at the forefront of the officials, his gaze firm as he looked toward the distance.

The officials beside him quietly discussed Liu Ju's mighty feat of crushing the Xiongnu and Wusun, their faces glowing with pride and excitement.

Here they come!

As dust rose in the distance, Liu Ju's triumphant procession gradually came into view.

The soldiers marched in step, their armor glinting coldly in the sunlight, the military flags snapping in the wind, displaying the dignity of victory.

Liu Ju rode a tall warhorse, imposing and full of heroic spirit.

He wore golden battle armor, his cape fluttering in the wind, fully displaying the bearing of a king.

When the procession drew near, Wei Qing hurried forward, leading the officials to kneel in unison, shouting together: 'Welcome the Son of Heaven's triumphant return, Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand times ten thousand years!'

The sound echoed through the heavens, and the bystanders also fell to their knees, shouting aloud.

Liu Ju hastily dismounted, personally helping Wei Qing to his feet, saying: 'Lord Wei, no need for excessive ceremony; this great victory would not have been possible without your guarding Chang'an, the assistance of the various ministers, and the brave fighting of the soldiers.'

Wei Qing lifted his head, eyes full of satisfaction and praise, saying: 'Your Majesty, brave and martial, wise and strategic, this crushing of the Xiongnu and Wusun has raised the prestige of our Great Han; it is indeed a fortune for our Han and a blessing for all under heaven. Your achievements will surely be recorded in history, to be sung by future generations.'

The other ministers stepped forward one after another to offer congratulations and respect to Liu Ju.

Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand times ten thousand years!

The continually gathering crowds kept shouting, rising and falling in waves.

Amid an atmosphere of celebration and glory, Liu Ju entered Chang'an City together with the officials.

Inside the Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace, with Liu Ju's triumphant return, the atmosphere was filled with celebration.

Liu Ju's first court assembly after his return also officially commenced.

He wore the dragon robe, seated upon the dragon throne long unseen; although weary from the journey, he still radiated vigor.

Golden sunlight streamed through the hall's doors and window lattices, falling upon the polished floor, reflecting the officials' court robes, shining brightly.

'In this campaign where I personally led the troops, our Great Han soldiers were fearless and valiant, their merits splendid. I hereby reward the meritorious officials to highlight their achievements!'

Liu Ju's voice was clear and strong; the officials who had just been excitedly discussing fell silent at once.

Following Liu Ju's edict, commendation orders were read out one by one; the commanders and soldiers who had fought bravely on the battlefield, earning their martial merits, all received due recognition.

Then, when mentioning the fallen soldiers, Liu Ju's expression grew solemn and grievous: 'These heroes sacrificed their lives for the peace of our Great Han and the tranquility of the people. Their brave deeds will be forever recorded in history, and their families, our Great Han will surely not let down.'

Then Liu Ju rose and spoke loudly: 'Effective immediately, I decree the erection of a Great Han Hero Monument, to stand upon the Weiyang Palace Square, for all the people of our Great Han to pay homage.'

Your Majesty is wise!

All the court officials felt the same; this is the best reward for the meritorious officials.

They too will be forever remembered by the people of our Great Han!

It also inspires generation after generation!