In the first ten days of the tenth month of the fifth year of Jianning.

When news of the war in the Northeast reached Luoyang, the entire court and the public were overjoyed.

While people celebrated the Han Dynasty's expansion of territory, the expulsion of the Wuhuan, and the crushing defeat of the Xianbei, there was also much discussion about Cao Cao and others' massacre of 40,000 Yilou prisoners.

However, the academic atmosphere in the Han Dynasty had already changed by this time, and those who talked big had lost their voice.

Whether it was ordinary people or students, the most discussed topic was the Han Dynasty's attitude towards the Zhou barbarians in the future: whether to implement an iron-fisted policy or to assimilate them with force.

Liu Hong did not send anyone to interfere in the public discussions. Both policies had their advantages and disadvantages, but it also depended on the people. Some ethnic groups could be absorbed by the Han people, while others had to be exterminated.

Inside the Deyang Palace, Liu Hong smiled and nodded as he looked at the battle report sent by Cao Cao and others.

Cao Cao and his men now possess the ability to stand alone.

Liu Hong stood up, looked at the newly surveyed map of the Han Dynasty, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

After this battle, the Han Dynasty destroyed the Yilou and drove out the Wuhuan. Not only did it bring the Heilongjiang region into the Han territory, but with the surrender of Beiwoju, the port of Vladivostok, which had been coveted by countless people in later generations, also came into the possession of the Han Dynasty.

Thus, Liu Hong's plan to develop Northeast China has been initially achieved.

Liu Hong believed that with the development of Liaozhou, within twenty years, the Northeast would become the pillar of the Han Dynasty in the north, enough to guarantee the Han Dynasty's external conquests.

In this expansion of territory, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, and Sun Jian deserve the greatest credit.

After deliberation among the court officials, Cao Cao was granted the title of Marquis of Wuling and appointed General of Wuwei.

Liu Bei was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yichang and appointed as the General of Loyalty and Righteousness.

Yuan Shao was enfeoffed as Marquis of Ruyang and appointed General of Loyalty and Valor.

Sun Jian was enfeoffed as Marquis of Luling and appointed General of Tiger Might.

Although all four were generals with miscellaneous titles, their status as marquises made them quite influential.

Immediately, the Imperial Secretariat drafted an edict and headed towards Liaozhou. At the same time, Liu Hong ordered Cao Cao and others to return to the capital to report on their duties.

The news has left countless people puzzled.

It should be noted that the title of "Miscellaneous General" only appeared during wartime, and the court would reclaim it after the war ended.

However, the fact that the emperor was granted the title of "Miscellaneous General" after the war has led many to speculate about the emperor's and the court's intentions.

Soon, Kong Rong, who had been appointed as the chief editor of the Great Han Daily, published an article in the newspaper that cleared up everyone's doubts.

The article is titled: War has never ceased, and we should bravely move forward.

In his article, Kong Rong combined various historical materials to recount the threats and attacks posed by the Zhou barbarian tribes to the descendants of Yan and Huang from the Shang and Zhou periods onwards.

The stories of famous generals such as Li Mu, Meng Tian, ​​Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing fighting against foreign aggression were once again presented to the public.

The entire article revolves around the theory of revenge.

Finally, the theme is brought to the forefront: Now that the Han Dynasty is powerful, we, the youth, should inherit the will of our ancestors and repay them tenfold or a hundredfold for the suffering and bloodshed they endured.

In an instant, countless passionate young people who read the newspaper found the meaning of their existence and the goal they were striving for.

Inside the government office, Chen Fan, Li Ying, Xun Shuang, Yuan Feng, Cao Song, Yang Ci, and others sat in their respective positions, reviewing official documents and writing down their suggestions.

Only when a few people encounter a major issue will they discuss and make a decision. If they really cannot make a decision, they will report it to the emperor for handling.

As Liu Hong gradually relinquished power, the authority of the Grand Dukes and the Three Dukes is now showing a trend towards developing into the cabinet system of the Ming Dynasty.

With more free time, Liu Hong had more time to spend with the Empress and several concubines, leading a very comfortable life.

At this time, the weather in the north was already slightly cold, and the villagers took advantage of the off-season to drive their cotton, beans, chickens, ducks, sheep and other livestock to the city to sell.

Young and middle-aged people without side jobs also came to the vicinity of Luoyang, hoping to find temporary work in factories or workshops to earn some money for the New Year.

In the south of Luoyang, countless people preparing to enter the city formed two long queues, walking one after another into the city.

Just then, several messengers sped toward them on the official road to the south.

"Urgent message from Yangzhou! Make way immediately!!"

As the messenger shouted, the people in line quickly moved aside to make way for him.

When the officers guarding the city saw the command flag on the messenger's back, their expressions changed, and they hurriedly sent men to run into the city to evacuate the crowd.

Several messengers carrying urgent letters rode their horses across the city gates without stopping and sped towards the palace.

"An urgent message from Yangzhou: Has something major happened?"

"I don't know. It used to be the Northwest and the Northeast. Why did it switch to Yangzhou today?"

"Let's wait and see, perhaps news will come tomorrow!"

Only after the messenger disappeared into the city did the people begin to discuss it.

Inside Weiyang Palace.

Liu Hong, dressed in casual clothes, lay languidly on a soft couch. Wang Yan stretched out her slender hands to massage Liu Hong, while Empress Song Yue knelt beside him, fiddling with a tea set.

The other concubines also surrounded Liu Hong, arranging pastries and fruits.

The entire palace was exceptionally peaceful and serene.

"Your Majesty, please have some tea!"

Song Yue, who was in charge of making tea, stood up and came to Liu Hong with a cup of fragrant tea in her hand.

Liu Hong opened his eyes and looked at Song Yue. He then reached out and grabbed Song Yue's small hand that was holding the teacup, gently pulling her closer to him.

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