As August approached, Gongsun Zan and Ma Teng finally led the remaining seven hundred-plus Imperial Guards back to Luoyang.

Having experienced numerous battles during their journey across the grasslands, this cavalry appeared more imposing than before. The civilians and passersby outside the city who saw this cavalry couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

As they approached Luoyang, Gongsun Zan and Ma Teng had already sent messengers to inform the city gate guards, so they were not stopped and went straight into the city towards the palace to report to the emperor.

Upon learning of Gongsun Zan and Ma Teng's return, Liu Hong was overjoyed and immediately ordered the palace gates to be opened wide, personally waiting at the palace entrance.

The returning troops had already advanced to within a few hundred meters of the palace gate. Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, and their soldiers on horseback could see the emperor's figure at the palace gate from afar.

Seeing that the emperor had actually condescended to come to the palace gate to greet them, Ma Teng, Gongsun Zan, and the soldiers of the Imperial Guard were all extremely excited.

"dismount!!"

With a shout from the two men, all the soldiers dismounted and then marched in orderly ranks toward the palace gate.

Upon approaching, everyone stopped in their tracks, looking at Liu Hong with reverence. Then, all the soldiers clenched their right fists and pounded them on their chests, saluting Liu Hong in a military salute.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!!"

Liu Hong faced the assembled soldiers and gestured with his hands in a gesture of respect: "Generals, you may rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

After exchanging greetings, Liu Hong slowly scanned everyone's faces. He noticed that Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, and the soldiers of the Imperial Guards looked much more resolute than when they left, with a hint of iron will in their eyes.

Liu Hong knew that such a change could hardly occur without going through the baptism of blood and fire.

Liu Hong slowly scanned the faces of the crowd and said loudly, "The soldiers have avenged the blood debts owed to me, the Han Dynasty, and the people who died on this mission. I am deeply gratified!"

"You are my pride, the pride of the Han Dynasty, and I am proud of you!"

"We swear to serve Your Majesty to the death!"

"We swear to be loyal to His Majesty to the death!!"

The emperor's words stirred the blood of these tough men, who shouted in unison.

The soldiers' passionate shouts drew the attention of the surrounding people and some young students, turning a simple welcome into an exceptionally lively event.

After ordering his men to settle the soldiers properly, Ma Teng and Gongsun Zan followed Liu Hong back to Deyang Palace.

Liu Hong looked at the two men and asked in a deep voice, "I see that the number of soldiers returning is much smaller. I wonder what the casualties were this time?"

The two men were deeply moved to see that the emperor asked about the battle situation and the gains, but instead inquired about the casualties of the soldiers.

Gongsun Zan then took out the recorded list from his bosom and handed it to Liu Hong.

"Your Majesty, this is the list of soldiers who died in battle during this expedition to the grasslands. Please take a look!"

Liu Hong took the list with a solemn expression and examined it carefully. He saw the densely packed names, including several guards who had come with him from Hejian.

Although he knew that casualties in war were inevitable, Liu Hong's heart was still heavy. If possible, he really hoped that none of these passionate and patriotic soldiers would die, but that was basically impossible.

All I can do is try my best to minimize casualties and reduce the number of families torn apart.

With a soft sigh, Liu Hong handed the list to Zhang Rang, who was standing beside him. "Give these names of fallen soldiers to Lü Qiang and have him double their existing compensation. Make sure the families of those fallen soldiers are properly taken care of."

Each of the returning soldiers was awarded ten merits.

"promise!"

Zhang Rang solemnly accepted the list. From the emperor's various expressions, he could tell how much importance the emperor attached to this matter.

After Zhang Rang left, Liu Hong looked at Gongsun Zan and Ma Teng and asked, "Bo Gui, Shou Cheng, how was your trip to the grasslands?"

Upon hearing the emperor's question, the two recounted their battle achievements and the details of the tribes they had attacked to Liu Hong.

Although Gongsun Zan suffered more casualties than Ma Teng, the number of people he killed was proportional to that.

Liu Hong couldn't help but cast an admiring glance at Gongsun Zan; the White Horse General of later generations truly lived up to his reputation.

"You two have done very well. Although you did not fight under the banner of our Han army this time, you still made the Xiongnu suffer and avenged our compatriots who died. I will definitely reward you handsomely!"

The two replied in unison, "To kill the enemy and serve the country is the duty of a general; we dare not ask for any reward!"

Liu Hong smiled and said, "How can we not reward those who have rendered meritorious service in killing the enemy?"

"Jian Shuo!"

"Yes, sir!"

Liu Hong looked at Jian Shuo and said, "Order the Ministry of Personnel to draft an edict to appoint Gongsun Zan as Commandant of the Yueqi Cavalry and Ma Teng as Commandant of the Tunqi Cavalry."

"promise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Gongsun Zan and his companion quickly bowed and expressed their gratitude.

"Your Majesty, this is a record of the marching route and some information about the distribution of tribes that we have gathered, as instructed by Your Majesty. Please take a look."

Liu Hong took the map and examined it closely. He found that it was very detailed, even including information on water sources, rivers, and the living habits of different tribes. It was much better than he had expected.

"Good! With these two maps, it will be much easier for our Han army to attack the grasslands in the future."

As Liu Hong spoke, he cast an admiring glance at the two of them. Indeed, capable people will shine wherever they are. Although Liu Hong's appearance may have caused them and those dazzling generals to miss the opportunity to hone their skills in the future chaos, Liu Hong has left them with a broader stage.

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