December 30th, night.

As in previous years, on this New Year's Eve, Liu Hong held a grand banquet in the palace, inviting officials and members of the imperial family and nobles in the capital to attend.

The fourth year of Jianning was arguably the year with the most events and the busiest officials, but it was also the year with the greatest gains.

In that year, the emperor personally led an expedition to expand the territory of the Han Dynasty, which inspired the people and initiated the largest migration in history.

In that year, an earthquake struck Zhao County, and the emperor personally visited the disaster area, uniting the hearts of the entire Han Dynasty.

In that year, the Han army set out to conquer the Western Regions, officially taking the first step towards dominating all directions.

That year, sea routes were opened, broadening the horizons of the masses and opening the door to a new world.

That year, the Grand Canal project was finalized, laying the foundation for the development of the Jiangnan region and the connection between the north and south.

Fortunately, the year has finally come to an end, and the officials can finally catch their breath and happily welcome the new year.

While the imperial palace was hosting a banquet, people in countless households across the five provinces of the Central Plains were also decorating their homes with lanterns and colorful decorations, gathering with their families.

Looking down from the night sky, the Central Plains are already immersed in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

This year is also known as the beginning of the Jianning Golden Age.

Liaozhou.

After a year of construction, the Youliao defense line has taken initial shape, and the people who have migrated to Liaozhou have all been properly resettled.

Daqing Military Town, one of the outposts of the Youliao defense line, was garrisoned by a full 40,000 troops.

Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian were ordered to garrison this place.

Besides being responsible for defending against the Northern Wuhuan, they also had another task: to complete the Heilongjiang region that the emperor had previously included.

Many tribes lived there, the largest of which belonged to the Yilou people. Like Goguryeo and Buyeo, they also had their own royal family and officials.

(Based on archaeological speculation, the Yilou people may have been the ancestors of the later Jurchens!)

When the Han army first arrived in Daqing, the King of Yilou sent an envoy to express his willingness to submit and pay tribute every year, but the envoy refused.

In Cao Cao's words, what can such a small tribute do? We, the Han Dynasty, want all of you, including your people, your land, and everything else.

Since there's no room for negotiation, let's fight.

After months of repeated raids by Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and others, the Yilou people suffered heavy losses, with many able-bodied men being captured and taken to Daqing Military Town as slaves to repair the city's defenses.

On this New Year's Eve, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and several others gathered together to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

"Come on, let's drink!"

Inside the tent, several glowing red coal stoves continuously emitted waves of heat. The four men each picked up their wine bowls, clinked them together, and then drank them down in one gulp.

After downing a bowl of strong liquor, Cao Cao's dark cheeks flushed slightly, and he casually tore off a roasted lamb leg and began to chew it heartily.

"Alas, at this moment, His Majesty and his officials must be in the palace, enjoying the dance of those beautiful women!"

While eating, Cao Cao couldn't help but recall the beautiful scenery of the night banquet in the palace.

"Hey Mengde, besides women and courtesans, haven't you thought of anything else?" Liu Bei couldn't help but tease him.

"Yes, of course!" Cao Cao raised his eyelids: "I've heard that the Queen and Princess of Yilou are extremely beautiful. Next year, when I conquer their palace, I'll capture them and let you have a taste!"

"Cough cough~!"

Sun Jian, who was focused on eating meat, couldn't help but cough when he heard this, and he also spat out a few pieces of meat.

"Haha~, it seems Wentai really wants it, he's so excited!"

Seeing Sun Jian's embarrassing state, Cao Cao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Upon hearing this, Sun Jian's lips twitched, and he then looked at Cao Cao with ill intent.

"Whether I want to or not, let's put that aside for now, but I think Mengde must be hungry right now!"

Cao Cao was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

"It's meaningless!"

As he spoke, Sun Jian stretched out his arm and wrapped it around Cao Cao's neck, pulling him close and then picking up a leg of lamb.

"You talked so much!"

As he spoke, Sun Jian stuffed the lamb legs into Cao Cao's mouth.

"Waaah~"

Cao Cao, who had been force-fed meat by Sun Jian, immediately began to struggle fiercely.

"Still dare to resist? Come on, the more you resist, the more excited I get!"

As he spoke, Sun Jian tightened his grip on Cao Cao's neck and shoved a lamb leg into his face.

In no time, Cao Cao's dark cheeks were rubbed until they were shiny and glossy.

"Haha~, serves you right!"

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei and Yuan Shao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"How about it, Mengde? Are you still spouting nonsense?"

Looking at Cao Cao struggling under his arm, Sun Jian grinned and asked with a laugh.

"No...no...no."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao quickly shook his head.

"Heh, that's more like it!"

Sun Jian chuckled and then released his arm.

"Cough cough~, you Sun Wentai, we're classmates and comrades-in-arms, how could you be so ruthless? If I could beat you, I would definitely teach you a lesson!"

Having escaped Sun Jian's clutches, Cao Cao coughed and uttered harsh words.

"Um?"

Sun Jian gave him a single glance, which made Cao Cao immediately shut his mouth.

After the four of them drank another bowl, Cao Cao wiped his mouth and looked at Yuan Shao and the others with a mysterious expression.

"I wasn't joking just now. The imperial court might issue an edict next year to send troops to conquer Yilou. We need to be prepared."

Sun Jian looked puzzled: "How can you be so sure? Didn't Your Majesty say within five years? It's only been a year."

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