“The rest of the armies,” Zhao Muyun’s gaze fell on the generals Han Fang, Li Mao, Liu Qi, Guo Luo, Murong Chunhua, Huan Wu, Namtso, Mozang Epang, Lin Yuan, Liu Yi, Xi Sheng and others, “have followed me in battle for a long time and have made great contributions. By His Majesty’s grace, they have been promoted to different ranks.”

"I hereby order you to lead your troops to escort Li Jingang, Ma Zongliang, and other key traitors of the Fengtian regime, along with hundreds of officials who had sided with the rebels, back to Xijing, to present them as prisoners to the emperor, receive rewards, and reunite with your long-separated families."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall subtly changed.

Being able to return to Xijing to receive rewards and reunite with family is naturally a wonderful thing.

However, some astute generals, such as Guo Luo and Murong Chunhua, discerned a different meaning in this arrangement—it seemed that the Grand General did not intend to immediately lead all the main forces back to Xijing.

As expected, Zhao Muyun continued, "I need to stay in the capital for a while longer to handle the urgent aftermath and then inspect Huainan and other places before returning to the capital. I have already submitted a memorial to His Majesty in Xijing explaining the situation."

He paused, his tone turning serious: "Although the world is roughly at peace, internal and external troubles still exist. The northern barbarians, the southeast, and even the southwest may not be without uncertainty."

"Your return to the capital to receive your rewards is a well-deserved honor. However, you must not become complacent. You must always remember your duty as soldiers, strengthen your military preparedness, and ensure that the court will rely on you in the future."

These words were both a reassurance and a warning.

The generals responded in unison, "We will remember the General's teachings!"

With personnel arrangements finalized, they discussed specific matters such as the allocation of provisions, the resettlement of surrendered soldiers, and the selection of local officials, continuing until the sun was setting in the west.

After everyone left, only Zhao Muyun, Fan Bingbing, Wu Shangzhi, Murong Chunhua, and Han Fang remained in the White Tiger Hall.

Zhao Muyun looked at Han Fang and whispered, "After you return to Youzhou, work with Han Zhong and Tian Qing to intensify training, especially for the cavalry."

"Although the Northern Barbarians have temporarily submitted, they certainly have other plans. I will try to prioritize supplying Youzhou with provisions and weapons."

"In addition, His Majesty has approved the proposal to move the capital to Youzhou. The Ministry of Works will soon send people to investigate. You must be prepared to provide support and assistance to ensure safety."

Han Fang's eyes sharpened: "Move the capital to Youzhou? Your Majesty's decision is divine! This subordinate understands, and will ensure the absolute safety of Youzhou!"

A surge of passion welled up within him. The emperor guarding the nation's gates—what a magnificent spirit!

Youzhou will become the new heart of the empire; this is both an unparalleled honor and a heavy responsibility.

"Wu Shangzhi," Zhao Muyun continued, "I'm temporarily entrusting the defense of the capital to you, especially the palace and the treasury. There must be no trouble. As for the newly recruited Imperial Guards and city defense troops, you must use both kindness and severity to integrate them as quickly as possible."

"Your subordinate obeys!"

Finally, he looked at Murong Chunhua and pondered for a moment: "Chunhua, I'm keeping you in the capital. Besides reorganizing the army, you need to pay extra attention to the other side of the river, and... the sea."

"Send out more scouts to gather intelligence, especially regarding Chen Youhai in Fujian, and the possible movements of Japanese pirates. Report to me immediately if anything unusual happens."

"Japanese pirates?" Murong Chunhua frowned. "This humble general has noted it down."

After the three Han representatives also took their leave, the hall fell completely silent.

Fan Bingbing stepped forward lightly and poured Zhao Muyun a cup of hot tea: "General, with this arrangement, what about His Majesty in Xijing..."

"Your Majesty is young, but ambitious and open to advice."

Zhao Muyun took the teacup, his fingertips tracing the warm porcelain surface. "The fact that the proposal to relocate the capital was approved is proof enough. I sent most of my generals back to present the prisoners and receive rewards, firstly to appease the soldiers' longing for home, and secondly to show His Majesty and the court that what I, Zhao Muyun, and my men seek is peace and stability for the world, not to amass power for ourselves. As for my temporary stay in the Central Plains..."

He looked out at the darkening sky and said, "There are some hidden dangers that need to be seen with our own eyes and dealt with personally."

Fan Bingbing didn't ask any more questions, only firmly stating, "Bingbing will go."

Zhao Muyun turned to look at her, a faint smile curving his usually cold lips: "Of course."

......

June 30th, midsummer.

The general also prepared a simple banquet to bid farewell to the several garrison commanders who were about to take up their posts in the regions.

The banquet wasn't lavish, but the atmosphere was harmonious.

After three years of fighting, everyone was filled with mixed emotions.

During the banquet, Zhao Muyun announced the final decision: on the sixth day of the seventh month, the army would set off and return to Xijing.

The news quickly spread throughout the camps.

Although it was expected, the official order still brought joy to the soldiers who were longing for home.

A sense of eagerness and joy to return home began to permeate the military camp.

However, on the third day of the seventh month, a secret edict from Xijing, personally written by Emperor Yinji, was delivered to Zhao Muyun by a palace eunuch on horseback.

Inside the secret room, the candlelight flickered.

Zhao Muyun unfolded the secret decree, and familiar handwriting came into view.

The first half praises and expresses satisfaction at his recapture of the capital and his proposal to relocate the capital; the words are sincere, and the brotherly affection flows from the pen. But in the second half, the tone shifts:

"...However, national affairs are complex, and military and political matters are of utmost importance. More than four months have passed since the General left the capital to campaign against the rebel Li."

"Although I have tried my best to maintain order, the affairs of the Six Ministries cannot be managed without the presence of the Grand General, otherwise things will become sluggish."

"The movements of the Northern Barbarians, the hidden worries in the southeast, and the initial stabilization in the southwest—there are countless issues to consider, and Master needs to return to the capital to oversee the overall situation."

"I know that my master wishes to tour the Central Plains and stabilize the region, which is indeed a wise and experienced way of governing the country. However, the central government is the foundation of the country and cannot be left vacant for long."

"I implore you, Master, to prioritize the well-being of the nation and return to the capital as soon as possible to assume the power of regent, overseeing both military and political affairs. This would allow me to focus on governing the country, bringing great fortune to the nation and our ancestors..."

Between the lines, one can sense the young emperor's reliance and expectations, as well as a subtle anxiety stemming from his high position and inability to fully control the situation.

Yinji needed him back, not just as a commander, but also as a "regent" who could keep order in the court, coordinate all parties, and make decisions on major military and national affairs.

Zhao Muyun put down the secret decree and remained silent for a long time.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and a cold wind rushed in, blowing a few strands of hair across his forehead.

In the distance, the faint sounds of soldiers chanting as they drilled could be heard from the military camp; it was their final training before returning home.

He understood the pressure Yinji was under.

In the Western Capital court, former officials of the Prince of Jin, newly appointed bureaucrats, and various factions were intertwined, and the emperor was young, so there were many things that indeed required his presence.

Moreover, he had been away from Xijing for more than four months, and it was time for him to go back.

The soldiers longed to return home, and he himself... how could he not also miss everything in Xijing?

There was the familiar palace, his old subordinates who had followed him for many years, the military and political system he had painstakingly rebuilt, and his wife and children.

More importantly, the world today appears calm on the surface, but is actually turbulent beneath.

Relocating the capital, pacifying the remaining remnants, guarding against the northern barbarians, and dealing with potential Japanese pirate raids in the southeast...

These major issues indeed require overall planning and coordination at the court level, rather than being fully resolved by him alone traveling around.

It's time to go back.

He summoned his personal guards: "Order all battalions that the original departure date of the sixth day of next month remains unchanged. Also, tell Zhang Tao, Wu Shangzhi, Yang Chao, and Zhong Meng to come see me tomorrow; I have important matters to discuss with you."

"yes!"