While young people in Luoyang were traveling westward together, Juyan City was also in an uproar over the impending arrival of the emperor.

Today, after several years of development by immigrants, coupled with the abundant resources of Juyan Lake, Juyan has become a comprehensive city integrating agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and commerce.

Those who settled in Juyan, apart from a small number of Juyan remnants, were all migrants from various parts of the Han Dynasty, mostly workshop owners and illegitimate children of various families.

Therefore, the prosperity of Juyan City was comparable to that of Dunhuang.

At this time, the official road south of Juyan City had been cleaned up and a red carpet about three miles long was laid on the road. The shops and residences in the city were all decorated with red lanterns and curtains to welcome the emperor's arrival.

The five thousand soldiers stationed at Juyan were also lined up on both sides of the official road in bright armor, and behind them stood a crowd of onlookers.

As for the merchants, workshop owners, and some wealthy households, they stood behind Tao Qian and the other officials with expectant eyes.

Before long, a large banner appeared on the distant horizon.

Upon seeing the flag symbolizing the emperor, the once bustling city gate fell silent. Everyone held their breath and watched the approaching procession.

When the people at the southernmost end saw the carriage in the center of the procession and the emperor in his imperial robes on it, they immediately erupted in excitement.

"Long live Your Majesty!!"

"May the Han Dynasty live ten thousand years!!"

The soldiers stationed at Juyan were the first to shout loudly, followed by the people on both sides who also shouted in unison. These shouts, like surging waves, came from afar and grew higher and higher, lasting for a long time.

These people were among the first to benefit from the immigration policy, and their support and gratitude for the emperor were no less than those of the people in Luoyang.

Dian Wei, Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, and others, who were ordered to protect the emperor, felt a great sense of responsibility and honor as they watched the emperor sitting upright on the chariot, receiving cheers from the people.

Which emperor throughout history has enjoyed such high prestige among the people?

How fortunate I am to be able to follow and protect such a monarch.

Amidst deafening cheers, Liu Hong's carriage arrived at the south gate of Juyan.

As soon as the procession stopped, Tao Qian led everyone forward to pay their respects.

"Your subject, Tao Qian, and the entire Juyan region pay homage to Your Majesty!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Everyone around shouted in unison and bowed in respect.

Several burly men hidden among the onlookers exchanged glances as they bent over, their expressions a mixture of solemnity and excitement.

These people were all spies planted by Tan Shihuai in Juyan.

They never expected that the emperor of the Han Kingdom would actually come here.

It should be noted that Tanshihuai has now occupied the former Xiongnu grasslands. If they were to march quickly, Juyan City would only be a three-day journey from the Xianbei.

Liu Hong, who was sitting upright on the vehicle frame, also stood up and gestured with his hands in a gesture of respect: "Please, everyone, no need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Liu Hong's carriage entered Juyan City.

Here, he will lead the Han soldiers to complete a decisive battle that will determine the fate of the grasslands.

Upon entering the city, Liu Hong immediately announced that he would stay in Juyan for ten days to meet with representatives from various sectors and to investigate the situation in Juyan.

When the news spread, the local people were once again in an uproar.

The longer the emperor stayed, the more important he was to this place, which naturally excited them.

After entering the city, Liu Hong first met with officials such as Tao Qian, as well as merchants and wealthy households who brought large sums of gifts.

After only a few casual words, Liu Hong ordered a grand banquet to be held at the prefectural governor's mansion in Juyan, and all the merchants and wealthy families were invited to stay behind, which greatly excited them.

The emperor was a hero of great stature, yet so approachable and kind to the people, which truly earned him the utmost respect.

The banquet did not end until 9 PM.

In a quiet room in the backyard of the prefect's mansion, Jia Xu, with a slightly ruddy complexion, sat opposite Liu Hong.

As the Left Commander of the Investigation Division, Jia Xu is now a man of high rank and great power, and a promising young man.

However, because he had been away from home for a long time and had not had much contact with the emperor, he still couldn't help but feel excited when Liu Hong summoned him alone.

Seeing Jia Xu's somewhat nervous expression, Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh. The Jia Xu before him was quite different from the ruthless and vicious strategist he remembered.

Liu Hong then asked with a smile, "How are Wenhe's preparations going here?"

Upon hearing the emperor's question, Jia Xu immediately sat up straight and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, all of Tan Shihuai's spies in Juyan City have been located by me and are under constant surveillance!"

Liu Hong nodded slightly: "Hmm~, has the information about my visit to Juyan been sent out?"

Jia Xu said respectfully, "It has already been sent out. If nothing unexpected happens, Tan Shihuai should be able to arrive here in nine days!"

"Alright, then let's send a message to Huangfu Song, telling him to bring four battalions of cavalry and Gao Shun's Trapped Battalion over in three days!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Jia Xu respectfully agreed.

"Has Wenyou sent any news recently?"

After discussing the military deployment, Liu Hong began to inquire about Li Ru's situation.

"Your Majesty, Wenyou says he cannot control Tan Shihuai. Therefore, he plans to kill Tan Shihuai and support his son to complete the expulsion plan...!"

Jia Xu also told Liu Hong in detail about Li Ru's secret poisoning of Tan Shihuai.

"Sigh, Li Wenyou, there are some things he shouldn't have to bear!"

After hearing about Li Ru's situation, Liu Hong couldn't help but sigh.

Jia Xu calmly said, "Your Majesty, some things must be borne by someone. This is Wen You's own choice!"

Liu Hong asked expectantly, "Could you arrange for me to meet with Wen You?"

"cannot!"

Faced with Liu Hong's question, Jia Xu shook his head without hesitation.

"Oh well!!"

Liu Hong sighed, a hint of disappointment showing on his face.

"Your Majesty can go to the city wall to take a look at him then!" Jia Xu added, sensing the emperor's mood.

"Okay!" Hearing this, Liu Hong had no choice but to nod.

On this morning, Cao Cao led five thousand Wuhuan cavalrymen across the vast grasslands.

Not far ahead of them was a small tribe with a population of a thousand.

Cao Cao, on horseback, frowned as he looked at the distant tribes.

Because this tribe is so quiet.

When Cao Cao led his troops to the tribe, his brows furrowed even more deeply.

In the village, many corpses lay scattered about, and judging from their appearance, they had been dead for about two days.

"General Cao, this is the third one already. Who on earth did this?" Qiu Liju asked, frowning.