Then, she slowly raised her head, her bright eyes filled with a hint of bewilderment.

What came into view was Mu Yunxi's smiling eyes, which seemed to sparkle like stars. She seemed to be enveloped in a soft halo, like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.

After a moment's thought, Qin Qianluo understood the reason for her gratitude.

A blush crept onto her cheeks, like a delicate peach blossom in spring, making her even more charming and beautiful.

She quickly picked up a delicate handkerchief and gently wiped her mouth, her movements elegant yet flustered.

Then, she picked up her wine glass, her posture upright and graceful, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

He said softly, "General, you are too kind. It is my honor to be able to help you. Congratulations on your triumphant return."

Their eyes met, they smiled at each other, and then they raised their glasses together and drank the wine in one gulp, as if drinking down their friendship as well.

Three days later, the first rays of dawn, like strands of golden silk, gently and delicately fell upon the magnificent and solemn imperial palace.

The ancient building gradually awakens under the gentle touch of the soft light, its glazed tiles reflecting shimmering golden light, and its exquisite eaves and brackets seem to come alive.

Every detail speaks of the dynasty's majesty and glory, making the entire palace resemble a sacred hall that has stepped out of ancient mythology, exuding an aura of inviolability.

As the deep, resonant bell tolled, seemingly traversing the long river of history, its steady and powerful sound echoed in every corner of the palace.

As if awakening a sleeping dynasty, and also rousing the ministers' enthusiasm for the affairs of the court in the new day, the curtain of the morning court slowly rose in this solemn atmosphere.

After several days of careful recuperation, Mu Yunxi and the other general had completely recovered from their fatigue and weariness, and were now full of energy and high spirits.

Their posture was as straight as a poplar tree, their steps were steady and powerful, and every step they took exuded the unique pride and confidence of soldiers.

The stone slabs beneath their feet seemed to tremble slightly with each determined step.

Their eyes revealed the fortitude, composure, and calmness that came from the baptism of battle; their gazes were deep and bright, as if they could see through all difficulties and challenges.

The two of them, together with the assembled officials, entered the court in an orderly fashion according to strict rank, each step demonstrating respect and reverence for court etiquette.

At the start of the morning court session, the emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power, his posture exuding authority without anger.

His expression was dignified and solemn, yet it also carried a hint of undisguised joy—a joy and pride in the dynasty's victory and the return of its meritorious officials.

With a wave of his hand, he made a graceful and decisive gesture, and announced in a loud voice the generous rewards for Mu Yunxi and the others.

This decision instantly ignited a heated atmosphere in the court, with officials casting congratulatory and admiring glances at Mu Yunxi and the general.

The ministers whispered among themselves, their faces bearing genuine smiles.

The court was filled with hushed conversations and exclamations, their words brimming with recognition and admiration for the achievements of the two generals.

The entire court was immersed in a joyful, peaceful, and festive atmosphere, as if everyone was celebrating this glorious moment that the dynasty had ushered in.

Everyone was immersed in this joy and glory, enjoying this rare harmony and peace.

However, in this harmonious and joyful moment, a discordant voice suddenly emerged from a corner of the court.

The voice was filled with resentment and unwillingness, sharp and abrupt, like an untimely shriek that instantly shattered the beauty of the moment.

Although the sound wasn't loud, it was like an invisible arrow, precisely reaching the ears of the officials in the back row.

Upon hearing this, the officials' smiling faces instantly darkened, their expressions turning extremely cold, like frost in the dead of winter.

Their eyes blazed with fury, like a raging fire that could erupt at any moment.

They reacted swiftly, turning around in unison, their gazes sharp as swords, scrutinizing and questioning the source of the sound with unwavering ruthlessness.

That gaze seemed to pierce through everything, inspiring fear in those who looked upon it.

Caught off guard, the person who spoke trembled in fright at the sudden gaze, the color draining from their face instantly, turning ashen white, as if all life had been drained away.

His body trembled slightly involuntarily, like a fallen leaf drifting in the cold wind.

His eyes were filled with fear and regret. He looked around frantically, and subconsciously glanced at the scene in front of him where the emperor and his ministers were getting along well and laughing.

A sudden wave of panic washed over me, like a little bird lost in a storm, unable to find its way.

He quickly took a deep breath, trying to suppress the turmoil surging within him, and kept telling himself to stay calm.

He tried to calm his wildly beating heart, but his slightly trembling hands betrayed his inner fear.

At this moment, a young official stepped steadily out from the neat queue, his posture as straight as a pine tree, standing proudly.

His expression was solemn and serious, and his eyes revealed determination and perseverance.

He raised his head slightly and said in a clear, firm voice, "Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report."