Inside the inn, Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and their entourage, having received the emperor's edict, changed into court robes for paying homage under the guidance of the officials in charge of rites, and then headed towards the palace.

Before the Deyang Palace, Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and the others officially entered the palace after being checked by the palace guards. Everyone held their breath and followed closely behind the eunuch who was leading the way, and no one dared to look around.

Upon entering the hall and standing still, the young eunuch who had led the way said with a laugh:

"His Majesty is changing his clothes, generals please wait a moment!"

"good!"

Lu Bu and the others nodded, then straightened their posture and stood quietly inside the hall.

Everyone held their breath, staring straight ahead. Their flushed faces and constantly bobbing Adam's apples clearly showed their excitement and tension.

Where everyone's eyes fell was a huge map hanging behind the emperor's throne.

In the center of the map, two large, bright red characters are written: Great Han!

The Xiongnu and Xianbei in the north, the Wuhuan, Goguryeo, and Three Han in the northeast, and the Western Qiang, Eastern Qiang, and various kingdoms in the Western Regions in the northwest—all the places they were familiar with were clearly marked on the map.

Of course, what attracted them most were the other places: Kushan, Parthia, Rome, Southeast Asia, Japan, Russia, Russia, and so on, all of which appeared on the map.

This was the first time they had ever known that there was such a vast land beyond the Han Dynasty.

The crowd stared intently at the unfamiliar places and place names, their eyes gleaming with fervent desire.

As military generals, their lifelong dream was to be like the Marquis of Champion, trampling the Xiongnu on horseback and drinking from the Han Sea.

But now, seeing this map, they felt that their goal seemed a little too small.

Lu Bu scanned the map from all sides, his gaze filled with aggression.

At this moment, Lü Bu's feelings perfectly reflected the saying: "Wherever the sun and moon shine, wherever rivers flow, all is Han territory!"

Such a vast land, if we cannot conquer it, it would be a disservice to the military uniform we wear, to the emperor's favor, and even more so to our own flesh and blood.

"This map was drawn by my men after consulting numerous geographical records and interviewing many foreign merchants and people of Central Asia, and it took a great deal of effort!"

Just as Lü Bu and the others were engrossed in the map, a clear yet authoritative voice entered their ears.

Lu Bu and the others felt a chill run down their spines. They looked in the direction of the sound and saw Liu Hong, dressed in ordinary clothes, walking slowly toward them.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

Everyone quickly clenched their fists and pounded their chests, giving a military salute.

Because the emperor was wearing ordinary clothes, they were so startled that they completely forgot the etiquette for worship that the officials had taught them beforehand.

Liu Hong smiled and then lightly tapped his chest: "No need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

The excited and loud voices of Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and others resounded throughout the hall.

Liu Hong looked intently at the young Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and the other young officers before him, a satisfied and gratified smile on his face.

"Come with me!"

Liu Hong smiled, then turned and walked towards the map, with Lü Bu and the others following closely behind.

Arriving at the map, Liu Hong picked up a finger-thick baton and pointed it directly at Lake Baikal.

"When the Marquis of Champion attacked the Xiongnu in the north, he once watered his horse here!"

As Liu Hong finished speaking, Lu Bu and the others fixed their gazes on that spot, their eyes filled with longing.

Liu Hong simply smiled slightly, then pointed to the western part of the Western Regions.

"Back then, Emperor Xiaowu sent troops on a distant expedition, conquered Dayuan, and brought back a large number of fine horses and various exotic species!"

As he spoke, Liu Hong pointed to the Yue people and Korea, recounting the civil and military achievements of Emperor Xiaowu.

As Lu Bu, Gao Shun, and the others listened to the emperor's introduction, their hearts were filled with surging passion.

After the introductions, Liu Hong put down his baton and looked intently at Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and the others.

"What do you gentlemen think of Emperor Xiaowu?"

Gao Shun respectfully replied, "During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the Xiongnu were subdued and all the barbarian tribes submitted. No one has surpassed him in terms of civil administration and military achievements!"

Lu Bu and the others nodded in agreement.

Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "Emperor Xiaowu was indeed wise and powerful, but he could not have done without the assistance of civil officials and the loyalty and bravery of military generals."

In my eyes, you are all my Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. I look forward to the day when I can create a great cause with you that far surpasses that of Emperor Xiaowu!

"Let future generations see that although I am not as capable as Emperor Wu, you all far surpass Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. With you by my side, I am truly fortunate!"

Liu Hong's words ignited the passion in the hearts of Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and others.

Although they knew that the emperor's words were self-deprecating and that comparing them to Wei Qing and Huo Qubing was also an encouragement, it still could not stop their desire to surpass Wei Qing and Huo Qubing.

"Your Majesty, we are willing to follow you to the death and establish this great achievement for all ages!"

Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and others immediately knelt on one knee, shouted in unison, and swore allegiance to their emperor.

"Gentlemen, please rise!"

Liu Hong, with a kind face, helped Lü Bu and the others up one by one, and first looked at Gao Shun.

"Gongren is a man of strict self-discipline and skilled in training troops. He is a rare talent. I hereby appoint you as the Inspector of the Imperial Guard, responsible for the military discipline of the Imperial Guard trainees!"

"Your subject obeys!"

Then Liu Hong looked at a young officer named Zhang Xun behind him: "Wenyi is brave in battle and skilled in military formations. I hereby appoint you as an instructor of the Imperial Guard, in charge of the students' troop deployment!"

"Your subject obeys!"

Subsequently, Liu Hong encouraged and appointed these officers from Bingzhou one by one, making them either course instructors or group leaders.

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