Liu Hong had known about Jian Shuo's friendship with Chu Qian for a long time.

This is also why Liu Hong was able to see Chu Qian clearly.

The fact that such a self-righteous and upright official underwent such a dramatic transformation after merely making a trip to the Xianbei people left Liu Hong deeply moved.

"Jian Shuo, if only all those upright officials could be like Chu Qian, it would save me from arguing with them all day long!"

"Your Majesty is right. Some people have never experienced hardship, which is why they act so ignorant!"

"Yes! It seems we need to find an opportunity to train them a bit!"

Although the upright officials in the court today are no longer as empty talkers as before, Liu Hong still finds them displeasing.

Moreover, those people aren't very good at governing. It would be better to find a way to send them away and use their eloquence to seek benefits for the Han Dynasty.

It's important to understand that good communication and negotiation skills are also a very powerful weapon.

This reminded Liu Hong of the most powerful verbal sparring of later generations: "Wai Jiao Bu".

"Uh... Your Majesty is right...!"

Seeing the inexplicable smile on the emperor's lips, Jian Shuo couldn't help but shudder, and silently mourned for certain people.

Liu Hong turned his head, glanced at Jian Shuo, and then said:

"Alright, summon Chu Qian to an audience. I want to have a talk with him!"

"promise!!"

Jian Shuo accepted the order and immediately ran out of the hall again.

Upon receiving the imperial edict, Chu Qian hurriedly tidied himself up, took his imperial staff in hand, and followed behind a palace attendant toward the Deyang Palace.

After entering Deyang Gate, Chu Qian looked up and immediately spotted a figure in front of the hall.

"His Majesty....?"

Upon seeing Liu Hong, dressed in imperial robes, standing before the palace, Chu Qian's expression shifted, and he quickened his pace to walk towards Liu Hong.

Upon reaching the steps, Chu Qian looked at the long-unseen face of the emperor before the palace, and couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

Taking a deep breath to calm his excited emotions, Chu Qian solemnly picked up the staff with both hands and then ascended the steps.

Upon approaching, Chu Qian bowed deeply to Liu Hong, holding the imperial staff in his hands, and raised the staff high above his head.

"Your subject Chu Qian greets Your Majesty. I have returned from this journey to complete the mission entrusted to me by Your Majesty and hereby return the imperial insignia!"

"Good, very good! Minister Chu's journey has been fraught with hardship, yet he remained steadfast in his loyalty, forcing Tan Shihuai to submit to the Xianbei, greatly enhancing the prestige of our Han Dynasty. I am deeply gratified!"

"Minister Chu is truly my Su Wu and Zhang Qian!"

Liu Hong withdrew his staff with a broad smile, and in his words, he did not hold back his praise for Chu Qian.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I was able to fulfill my mission entirely thanks to Your Majesty and the protection of the Han Dynasty. I do not deserve such praise!"

Although Chu Qian was thrilled that the emperor compared him to Su Wu and Zhang Qian, he maintained a reserved demeanor and humbly attributed the honor to the emperor.

"Haha~..!"

Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh out loud, and then said, "Chu Qing has indeed changed a lot since this trip. He has actually learned to flatter like Jian Shuo and the others?"

"Uh... Your Majesty..."

Liu Hong's words left Chu Qian slightly taken aback, unsure how to respond.

Jian Shuo, standing to the side, couldn't help but shrink back, feeling quite frustrated.

"Come, come, let's not talk about that anymore. Come with me, I have so many questions I want to ask you!"

As they spoke, Liu Hong grabbed Chu Qian's hand and walked into the Deyang Palace.

"this......!"

Suddenly feeling his wrist being grabbed by the emperor, Chu Qian paused, stunned, and followed Liu Hong.

Looking at Liu Hong's back and feeling the emperor's affection, Chu Qian couldn't help but feel his eyes redden.

Soon, Liu Hong led Chu Qian into the hall.

"Come, Chu Qing, sit down!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After the emperor and his minister were seated, Liu Hong looked at Chu Qian and said with a smile:

"Minister Chu, I have read your memorial, but I find it too vague. I would like to hear you explain the situation on the grasslands in detail!"

"promise!!"

Chu Qian nodded, then sorted out his thoughts.

"Your Majesty, I was sent on a mission to the Xianbei by Your Majesty. I first left Bingzhou and passed through the Xiongnu tribes. Because of my arrogance and refusal to listen to advice, I was captured by the Xiongnu. Fortunately, I was rescued by Attendant Jian and General Dong."

Later, I set off again...

Chu Qian then recounted in detail everything he had seen and heard on the grasslands, including the grassland's geographical environment, mountains and rivers, as well as the grassland people's living habits, customs, and so on, to Liu Hong.

Chu Qian described it very clearly, presenting everything on the grassland to Liu Hong like a painting.

Liu Hong listened with rapt attention, feeling as if he were on a vast grassland, which made him yearn for it.

After a long while, Chu Qian finally finished speaking, and Liu Hong also looked like he hadn't had enough.

"Excellent! Chu Qing's experiences and observations are truly fascinating!"

"Yes, if you don't think about the crises and hunger, being on the vast grassland can be very refreshing!"

Thinking of life on the grasslands, Chu Qian couldn't help but feel emotional.

"Yes, the grasslands... In my lifetime, I must go there in person and experience the beauty of the grasslands for myself!"

Softly muttering something, Liu Hong couldn't help but stand up, turn around and look at the large Han Dynasty map hanging there, his eyes full of longing.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!