"Oh my god, His Majesty the Emperor is so brave and powerful?"

Upon hearing the explanation from the Ministry of Rites official, Perence couldn't help but gasp in shock.

"Haha, don't be surprised, I was just using a metaphor. My great Han Dynasty will not attack your Rome!"

Seeing Perence's expression, the official from the Ministry of Rites couldn't help but smile and offer a reassuring remark.

Perence quickly nodded in agreement: "The Han Dynasty and Rome are brother nations. How could an elder brother possibly attack his brother?"

"Well said, brotherly nation!"

Upon hearing Perence's words, the official from the Ministry of Rites smiled and then asked, "By the way, it's almost August now, the monsoon is approaching, shouldn't you be heading back?"

Perence nodded: "We have submitted an application to your court and will board the ship at the port of Rinan at the end of August. We will set sail south tomorrow."

I have come today to bid farewell to you and all of you.

The official from the Ministry of Rites then cupped his hands and said, "I see. Then I wish you a safe journey, and I hope we will meet again someday!"

"Thank you for your guidance and care over the past year. Goodbye!!"

Perence also bowed sincerely to the officials of the Ministry of Rites.

After bidding farewell to the officials of the Ministry of Rites, Perence sought out some Confucian scholars he had made in Luoyang and said goodbye to them one by one.

Upon returning to the inn, Perence began packing his belongings.

Unlike his companions who collected various Han Dynasty products and goods, Perence's room contained only a wide variety of books.

These books were all gifts from the Confucian scholars he befriended.

Of course, these books were all classic texts and historical records; there were not a single practical books on divination, engineering, or agriculture.

The next morning, the Roman envoys, having finished their preparations, set off south of the city in several carriages loaded with various goods, guided by the postmaster.

The Ministry of Rites also arranged for a delegation to wait in the south of the city, ready to accompany Perence and his party to Rome.

The envoy in charge of leading the delegation was none other than Chu You, who had recently been summoned back from the Yamatai Kingdom.

Behind him, besides the officials of the mission, were three hundred imperial guards from aristocratic families, two hundred Taoist priests of the Taiping Sect, and more than one hundred Confucian scholars who adhered to traditional learning.

These Imperial Guards and Taoist priests of the Taiping Rebellion were carefully selected, received rigorous cultural and political education, and were tasked with promoting Han culture and religion.

Those Confucian scholars voluntarily followed the mission to Rome to spread Confucianism.

In the eyes of these Confucian scholars, the people of the Han Dynasty now all admire the emperor's new learning, and the old learning they uphold will be replaced at any time and then disappear into history.

Therefore, after seeing how highly Perence and others regarded traditional Confucianism, these Confucian scholars also saw an opportunity to carry forward traditional Confucianism.

Since the people of the Han Dynasty are unwilling to learn, then I will go to Rome. As long as I can promote the doctrines I hold dear, what difference does it make?

Of course, behind this delegation was a caravan composed of the Royal Merchant Guild and several major families, including the Cao, Xun, Yang, and Chen families.

Not long after, a group of Roman envoys passed through the city gate and arrived at the south side of the city.

Upon seeing the waiting delegation, Perence quickly stepped forward and bowed to Chu You.

"We trouble the angels and all of you to wait here!"

"Haha, it's alright, we've only just arrived here ourselves!"

Chu You smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, then looked at the Roman caravan and said with a laugh, "It seems you all have had a very fruitful year!"

Perence exclaimed with emotion, "Yes, Great Han, it is the best place I have ever been. These gains are enough to benefit me for a lifetime!"

"Haha, that's true. The culture of our great Han Dynasty has a long history, and even I have only learned a little bit of it."

Chu You laughed loudly, then looked at the prepared team and said, "It's getting late, let's set off!"

"Angel, please!"

Then, Perence and Chu You walked side by side, leading their group south along the wide official road.

Mid-August.

Liu Hong led 150,000 Han troops to Lin Han Hai.

Looking at the legendary North Sea before them, the farthest place the Marquis of Champion had ever ventured north, the entire army erupted in jubilation.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire army, Liu Hong led his warhorse to the lakeside.

Liu Hong patted the warhorse's cheek and pointed to the lake water at its feet. The warhorse obediently lowered its head, rolled its tongue, and brought the lake water into its mouth.

"Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Han Dynasty!!"

The moment the lake water entered the warhorse's mouth, the surrounding soldiers erupted in a huge cheer.

The cheers of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, like a mountain roar and a tsunami, rolled in all directions.

The once calm lake surface was suddenly rippled, and the fish in the lake were frightened and scattered.

Subsequently, generals such as Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei led their soldiers and horses to the lake to water their horses.

As if sensing their master's excitement, the warhorses neighed joyfully as they drank, as if in celebration.

Many soldiers couldn't resist taking off their battle robes and starting to frolic and play by the lake, catching fish and taking a bath, shouting loudly.

Seeing the lively scene by the lake, Cao Song, Xun Shuang, and other civil officials also came to Liu Hong's side.

"Since the Xia and Shang dynasties, only Your Majesty has been able to drink from the vast ocean!"

"Yes, such a great achievement is unprecedented and will likely never be repeated!"

"We are truly fortunate to have been able to follow His Majesty here!"

The officials were also excited and praised Liu Hong's achievements.

"Haha, you flatter me. It's fine to say there's no one like him before, but to say there's no one like him after is a bit of an exaggeration."

"New talents emerge in every generation, and I only hope that future generations will continue to strive forward, using our achievements today as the foundation for their continued advancement."

Hearing the flattery from his subordinates, Liu Hong laughed heartily and said with a sigh.

“Your Majesty is right. Whether it’s the vast sea or the Western Regions, it’s just the beginning!” Cao Song stepped forward and echoed.

The other officials nodded in agreement, joining Liu Hong in admiring the magnificent scenery before them.

Watching the soldiers playing and chasing each other by the lake, Liu Hong smiled and looked at the messenger beside him.

"Send the order: bring out all the fine wine and delicacies from the army. Tonight, I will drink to my heart's content with all my soldiers on this shore of the vast sea!"

"Here you go!"

The messenger excitedly agreed and then rode away.

Soon, Liu Hong's order spread throughout the army, and all the soldiers cheered and quickly began making various preparations.