Especially for those young and passionate individuals, looking at the naval soldiers marching with their heads held high, they couldn't help but conjure up magnificent images of sailing against the wind and waves and conquering overseas.

After the welcoming ceremony, Liu Hong immediately ordered a grand banquet to be held in the square in front of Deyang Hall to welcome the soldiers back.

Deyang Palace.

Liu Hong, dressed in military attire, stood in front of the hall. Opposite him, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, and Sun Jian stood side by side, their eyes fixed straight ahead.

Behind Cao Cao and his men were Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and over a hundred soldiers who had killed more than ten people each.

Everyone looked excitedly at the emperor and the eunuchs behind him carrying trays.

On each of those trays lay an exquisite battle sword and a fine medal.

Liu Hong glanced at everyone, then turned around, took the medal from the tray, and looked at Cao Cao.

Seeing this, Zhang Rang immediately held up the list of awards and loudly proclaimed:

"Cao Mengde, for his outstanding achievements in the overseas campaigns, is hereby specially promoted to the rank of Imperial Guard Commandant, awarded with ten thousand taels of gold, five thousand bolts of silk, an imperial military sword, and a naval medal as a reward!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

As Cao Cao loudly expressed his gratitude, he gave Liu Hong a military salute and then straightened his posture.

Liu Hong smiled, and then, under Cao Cao's excited gaze, stepped forward and personally pinned the medal to Cao Cao's chest.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Cao Cao's dark cheeks flushed slightly.

After offering a few words of encouragement to Cao Cao, Liu Hong personally pinned naval medals on Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, and Sun Jian.

Then, Liu Hong picked up a medal and went to Guan Yu.

"I have heard that Yun Chang achieved brilliant results in this campaign, killing more than forty enemies in a single battle. He is truly brave and extraordinary. With such a valiant general, I am very pleased!"

"I am willing to die for Your Majesty!!"

Faced with the emperor's praise, the hot-blooded Guan Yu was so excited that he could hardly contain himself and loudly swore allegiance to Liu Hong.

"good!!"

Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction, and then personally pinned the medal on Guan Yu's head.

After offering a few words of encouragement, Liu Hong then turned his gaze to Zhang Fei, who was standing to the side.