Thus, Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo, Huang Zhong, and their 12,000 troops, who were preparing for the expedition, stopped in Dunhuang.

While the army was stationed, Xun You also contacted Tao Qian, Zhong Shao, and other prefects of Jiuquan, Zhangye, and Wuwei, and began to allocate various supplies to Dunhuang in preparation for entering the Western Regions.

Following Xun You's instructions, Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu led their cavalry south to inspect the territories of the Lesser Yuezhi and other tribes. This frightened the tribe leaders, who thought the Han Dynasty was going to attack them again. They all sent people with gifts to Dunhuang to inquire about the reason.

Ma Yi, the powerful chieftain of the Eastern Qiang who had been eager to annex the territory of the Shi people, also hurriedly gathered his troops.

Mu Lang of Shanshan Kingdom also stopped seeking an audience with anyone, spending his days staying indoors and indulging in drinking and merrymaking at the inn.

November 10th.

After several days of marching, the northern expeditionary army arrived in Zhuojun.

Just like in Hejian, the arrival of the emperor's army was warmly welcomed by the people of Zhuojun.

Outside the south gate, crowds of people welcoming the emperor filled both sides of the official road, with the procession stretching for more than three miles.

At the southernmost end of the line, several strong and robust teenagers were jostling among the crowd, trying to find the highest vantage point.

The group of boys were mostly around ten years old, with the one at the front being the most robust. This boy had big eyes, a square face, and a handsome appearance, and he exuded a sense of boldness and generosity.

This young man was none other than Zhang Fei, the son of the wealthy Zhang family in the city.

Zhang Fei, along with several companions, darted through the gaps in the water like eels, exerting all his strength to finally reach the front.

"Phew, finally out. There were just too many people."

Looking at the neatly maintained official road ahead, one of Zhang Fei's companions couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh, it's to welcome the emperor, so of course there are a lot of people."

Zhang Fei said, his eyes fixed on the southern end of the official road, his slightly flushed cheeks revealing his excitement.

Before long, the red banner with the gold border bearing the character "Han," symbolizing the emperor's status, appeared faintly in everyone's sight, and the originally noisy crowd immediately quieted down.

"Tap tap tap~"

As the sound of orderly marching footsteps rang out, the members of the Royal Guard, who were leading the way, also slowly approached with synchronized steps.

"Wow~, this must be the Emperor's Imperial Guard!"

"That's so impressive!"

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Zhang Fei looked at Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Sun Jian and others in the group with envy in his eyes.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Han Dynasty!!"

As the procession drew near, a deafening cheer erupted as everyone saw the emperor riding on horseback.

With a warm smile on his face, Liu Hong waved to the people lining both sides of the official road.

Zhang Fei and his friends in the crowd also shouted and cheered loudly along with the crowd.

"May the Emperor live ten thousand years!!"

As he passed through the crowd, a childish yet unusually loud shout reached Liu Hong's ears.

Liu Hong looked in the direction of the sound and immediately saw Zhang Fei standing in front of him. He then smiled and nodded at him.

Zhang Fei, who had been watching the emperor intently, felt his mind go blank the moment he saw the emperor nod at him. He forgot to cheer and shout, and his eyes followed the emperor's procession.

Soon, as the emperor entered the city, the people who had come to welcome him gradually dispersed, but Zhang Fei was still in a daze and remained standing there blankly.

"Hey~ Zhang Fei, what are you doing?"

Zhang Fei's companions also noticed his unusual behavior, so they stepped forward and waved their hands in front of his eyes.

"His Majesty...he smiled at me...!"

Coming to his senses, Zhang Fei turned to look at his companion beside him, and his previously blank expression gradually became excited.

"Uh~, what's the big deal? His Majesty smiled at me too."

One of his companions couldn't help but purse his lips, clearly not understanding Zhang Fei's expression.

Zhang Fei's eyes widened as he looked at the other man: "No, it's different. I saw it. The Emperor was looking at me, smiling and nodding at me alone."

After saying that, Zhang Fei took off running towards the city, laughing loudly as he ran:

"Haha~, Father, the Emperor smiled at me, haha~."

Seeing Zhang Fei running and shouting wildly, his companions couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.

"Has Zhang Fei gone mad?"

"I don't know. If what he just said is true, I would be stupid too."

"Alright, let's hurry back."

Zhang Fei's companions, while talking, also ran towards the city.

Once inside the city, Zhang Fei ran as fast as he could towards his home in the west of the city.

A servant guarding the gate of the Zhang residence saw Zhang Fei running over and hurriedly went to greet him.

"Oh my, my young master, you've finally returned! The head of the family is looking for you everywhere, stick in hand."

"Looking for me with a stick? Why?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei paused, looking at his servant with a puzzled expression.

The servant said, "You skipped school again today, and the teacher complained to the master. The master was furious..."

Zhang Fei's lips twitched: "My father's face wasn't exactly fair to begin with..."

Upon hearing this, the servant hurriedly said, "Young master, you still have the mind to talk about these things? You should go out and hide for a while. I will come to find you again after the master has calmed down."

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