Chapter 434: A Man Should Be Like This!

The morning mist over the Wei River ferry has not yet cleared, the creak of warships docking mingles with the sound of horse hooves splashing the vapor, sending ripples across the river surface.

Seven thousand Xuan Armor cavalry surge down from the ships like a black torrent.

The crisp clash of armor and the hoofbeats intertwine, shaking the fine sand on the bank into a rustling cascade.

Yu Yan leashed his horse at the front of the column, his eyes passing over the gradually clearing imperial road ahead, landing on the familiar silhouette in the distance that finally pierces the thin mist; he draws a deep breath, his chest filled with the dampness of the Wei River, and the sigh in his heart can no longer be held back:

"I'm back, finally back!"

"The sky of Chang'an, the soil and water of Chang'an—how nostalgic!"

The other generals who grew up in Chang'an felt the same, gazing at the long‑separated homeland with boundless emotion.

The spring official of the bureau stood on tiptoe looking toward the western avenue, his fingertips unconsciously twisting the belt at his waist, when his eyes suddenly lit up—

Through the morning mist a faint cold glint of Xuan Armor emerged, followed by the thudding of hooves on the ground, growing louder, making the fine dust on the surface tremble.

He spun sharply, his robe's hem sweeping over the stone steps at the platform's edge, his voice hurried by excitement:

"Duke of Wei has arrived!"

"Play music!"

The musicians, hearing the call, instantly focused; the drummer's arms lowered slightly as he struck first.

"Dong! Dong! Dong!"

Three booming drum beats cracked like spring thunder, instantly drowning out the babbling of the Wei River.

The bianzhong player's fingertips fluttered, the gilded bells struck by wooden mallets producing clear, lingering tones that intertwined with the ethereal timbre of the bianqing.

The flute players pressed transverse flutes to their lips, the long melody drifting with the wind toward the distance, gradually blending with the army's hoofbeats.

The honor guard, previously standing solemnly, quickly unfurled their banners; the large flag embroidered with the character "Zhou" billowed in the wind, rustling loudly.

He Ba Le reined his horse at the front of the Xuan Armor cavalry formation, his ears first catching the ceremonial music drifting on the wind—

The deep drum reverberation tingled the horse's belly, while the rhythm of the bianzhong and transverse flutes wrapped in warmth, flowing through the morning mist.

He looked up; the bright yellow silk ribbons on the Wei Bridge's labor‑troops platform and the various court robes stood out, the current Emperor's twelve‑patterned ceremonial robe gleamed in the morning light, and the officials' court crowns on the platform's side were clearly discernible.

His gaze swept down; the bridgebank and both sides of the avenue were already packed with civilians.

Figures in blue cotton shirts and silk brocade intermingled, everyone standing on tiptoe looking toward the army; children waved homemade little flags, and women carried bamboo baskets, as if waiting to hand out food.

He Ba Le involuntarily straightened his spine; the armor on his shoulder clicked lightly with the movement, he lifted his hand to press his side‑carried sword, a surge of heat rose in his chest, and he thought, "Sticking with the Grand General is promising—not only battles to win, but also the Emperor, the Grand Preceptor, the civil and military officials of the court, and the people of Chang'an coming out of the city to greet us!"

At that moment, witnessing the scene, He Ba Le could describe it in only two words:

"What a display!"

All this is the glory brought by following the Grand General.

Wang Xiong stared straight at the labor‑troops platform on the far side of Wei Bridge, his Adam's apple gently bobbing, his gaze pausing on the purple‑clad officials at the platform's side, and he muttered to himself, "Father must be up on the high platform..."

Wang Xiong's old wish was for his father to be proud of him.

This great victory on return did not bring shame to the old Wang family.

Lu Ming held the horse rein as he walked in the column, his eyes unable to shift away from the surging crowds on both sides, his heart suddenly roiled, and he could not help exclaiming, "The Grand General in Zhou State truly commands such prestige?!"

From the eyes of these Zhou State civilians he saw genuine reverence…

He had only heard of the Grand General's illustrious war exploits, never imagining he was so beloved by the people.

Lu Ning sat upright on his horse, his gaze passing over the cavalry formation ahead, landing directly on the labor‑troops platform of Wei Bridge.

Beside the vermilion pillar, Yuwen Hu, clad in a four‑claw python robe, leaned on the platform rail looking out; officials in purple, cyan, scarlet and green court robes lined both sides, and even Yuwen Yong's robe embroidered with sun, moon and stars stood out in the crowd.

These high‑ranking Zhou State nobles, usually seen only in documents, were now personally waiting here for the army's return.

She lightly tapped the saddle with her fingertip, a faint smile curling her mouth, a hint of understanding shining in her eyes, and thought, "My choice was indeed right!"

With Chen Yan's status and abilities…

He is the perfect ally for their siblings' revenge, to strike back to Jiangnan!

Beside Lu Ning, Huan Jing gripped his horse rein tightly, his eyes fixed on the scene before him, watching the Xuan Armor army interwoven with Chang'an's splendor, his blood boiling, and he could not help murmuring, "A man should be like this!"

Who wouldn't want to become such a beloved figure among the people?

Hou Mo Chen Yi stood on the left side of the labor‑troops platform, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the pattern on the hem of his court robe, his gaze locked onto the distant avenue.

Seven thousand riders wound in like a black long dragon, armor bright, formation orderly, even the warhorses' steps matched the same rhythm.

He stared at the massive returning force before him, thinking, "Commander Chen is truly formidable—defeating a larger force is one thing, eight hundred riders out, seven thousand riders back…"

Indeed, the Yangtze's back‑waves push the front ones; each generation yields new talent!

Sometimes I truly wonder who this Commander learned his tactics from…

After all, his grandfather Chen Hu never had the knack for winning more with each battle!

Chen Yan tightened the rein, his warhorse halted at his command, the dark cloak rustling in the morning breeze.

He dismounted with a crisp, decisive motion, the clatter of armor striking standing out clearly amid the ceremonial music.

His foot landed steadily on the blue‑stone slab by the Wei Bridge, his eyes first scanning the cheering crowd below, then turning toward the labor‑troops platform.

He turned his body, raised a hand to signal Yuwen Ze to follow, and the two walked side by side toward the high platform, their steps steady and firm.

Reaching the platform, Chen Yan knelt first, Yuwen Ze following closely; the muffled thud of Xuan Armor meeting the ground silenced the chatter above and below for a moment.

He reached into his chest, carefully extracting a scroll tied with bright yellow silk—a report of victory—lifting it slowly above his head with both hands, his gaze passing the steps to the center of the platform at Yuwen Yong and beside him Yuwen Hu, and he declared in resonant, forceful voice, "Your Majesty, Grand Tomb Steward, I am honored not to disgrace my duty!"

Yuwen Yong strode forward from the platform's center, the hem of his ceremonial robe brushing the stone steps, reaching out to help Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze's arms, his voice brimming with joy, "Duke, heir, rise quickly! The journey was hard, no need for formalities!"

When the inner attendant handed the victory scroll to him, Yuwen Yong eagerly unrolled it, his eyes scanning the lines swiftly, a smile tugging his mouth; after reading the final line, he snapped his head up, his eyes shining, and praised Chen Yan repeatedly, "Excellent! Excellent!"

"Duke truly commands troops like a deity!"

Even though this man is Yuwen Hu's confidant, Yuwen Yong was still moved by the victory scroll…

This is the first external triumph since the founding of Great Zhou during his tenure!

It forced the Tujue Hun to sign a treaty beneath the city walls, delivering a decade of peace to the northwest in a single battle!

Following Yuwen Yong's cue, Chen Yan rose, the Xuan Armor clinking softly, he stepped back half a step, bowed his head slightly, hands clasped before him, his posture respectful yet steady.

Upon hearing the praise, he smiled calmly, with just the right modesty: "Your Majesty, you are mistaken in your praise!"

"I am ashamed and dare not accept it!"

Yuwen Yong looked at this duke, of similar age and handsome, valiant count, and couldn't help but feel: "Such a virtuous minister and capable general, a blessing for Great Zhou!"

At that moment, he harbored the desire to recruit him.....

He must think of every way to win him over!

If put to use, the two together could create unprecedented achievements, subdue Gao Qi and Xiao Liang, unify the world, and compel the Four Barbarians!

Yuwen Hu stepped forward, scanning Chen Yan from head to toe; his slightly pursed lips gradually relaxed, he nodded slowly and praised: "A Yan, well done!"

When one's own child is talented and returns victorious, which father would not be gratified?

Chen Yan lifted his gaze to Yuwen Hu; his normally steady eyes softened a few degrees, the battlefield sharpness fading, leaving only familial closeness to his elder.

He bowed slightly, his posture more earnest than before the emperor, his voice also a bit slower: "All thanks to the blessings of Grand Minister you!"

"Had it not been for your protection, I could never have achieved this great victory!"

He wasn't sure if it was Chen's illusion, but he always felt a few strands of white hair between Grand Minister father's temples......

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Hu's smile deepened, he raised his hand and lightly patted Chen Yan's shoulder; his palm met the cold armor, yet his tone was familiar and affectionate: "You lad still speak as well as ever!"

As soon as the words fell, his gaze turned to Yuwen Ze standing beside him.

His once fair face had been tanned dark, his jawline became sharper from his lean frame, yet his eyes shone astonishingly, bearing a sharpness forged by war.

Yuwen Hu examined him closely, murmuring: "Slimmer, darker, and more spirited......"

"A Ze, I heard you can also command troops, handling matters on your own now?"

Though his expression bore a hint of seriousness, he grew increasingly satisfied with this only son......

Now he is quite commendable, able to serve as the chief commander, leading the army in battle.

A Yan also understood, knowing it was a chance to temper his younger brother!

"All thanks to A Xiong's guidance! Teaching me formations and how to respond to battle situations......"

Yuwen Ze lowered his head slightly: "I am merely following A Xiong's teachings step by step; it does not count as truly handling matters alone, I am still far from it!"

Yuwen Hu looked at his son's modest demeanor, his smile deepening, he raised his hand and lightly patted his shoulder, his tone full of satisfaction: "You have indeed made some progress!"

Yuwen Ze's hand at his side clenched silently, then slowly released, trying to suppress his excitement; his voice rose a few notes higher than usual, yet still respectful: "Thank you, father, for the praise!"

Yuwen Hu, one hand behind his back, twirled the Jade Ring, lifted his eyes toward the Chang'an city towers bathed in distant sunlight, then scanned the standing soldiers and cheering populace below; his voice resonant and strong, "Let us go back to Chang'an to receive your rewards! Your Majesty has also prepared a celebratory feast for you all!"

——

PS: Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone! May your families be joyful!