Returning in triumph

"The former dynasty? Ha... Night Hawk Pavilion has vanished without a trace, clean to an outrageous degree." Zongzheng Hengyu tapped his fingertips on the table, his voice devoid of emotion, only a chilling coldness lingering deep in his eyes.

“We are in the open, they are in the dark. After this great chaos, Lin'an has been devastated, with its population scattered and all industries in ruins. If they are determined to hide, even if we dig three feet into the ground, we will hardly find anything in the short term. Forcibly searching the entire city will only increase the panic among the people and alert them.”

Zongzheng Zhaoran frowned upon hearing this. Although he was eager to uncover the secrets of the Night Hawk Pavilion and add to his own merits, he also understood that what Heng Wang said was indeed true.

After fighting side by side at Luoyanpo, despite their differing thoughts, he had to admit that his ninth brother was indeed far superior to him in military affairs and in judging the overall situation.

"Does Ninth Brother mean... to postpone the investigation?" Zongzheng Zhaoran asked tentatively.

“It’s not a postponement, it’s a change in strategy.” Zongzheng Hengyu raised his eyes, his gaze sharp. “The Night Hawk Pavilion has deep roots and is not confined to Lin’an. Its true lair is probably no longer in Lin’an. Our blind search here is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The most urgent task is to stabilize Lin’an and restore order.”

He paused, then said decisively, "Return to the capital in triumph."

"Return to the capital?" Zongzheng Zhaoran was taken aback.

“Not bad.” Zongzheng Hengyu stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the streets outside that were gradually coming back to life.

"The great victory at Lin'an, which repelled the main force of the Northern Di, is a great achievement. As commanders, you and I must immediately return to the capital to report to the Emperor, present the results of the battle, and reassure the people of the court and the public. This is the first point."

“Secondly,” he turned around, looking intently at Zongzheng Zhaoran, “the Night Hawk Pavilion’s rampant activities suggest that its reach extends far beyond the martial world and the border regions. Perhaps even bigger fish are lurking in the capital. Only by returning to the capital and leveraging the power of the court can we mobilize more resources to thoroughly investigate this case from top to bottom!”

A glint flashed in Zongzheng Zhaoran's eyes, and he instantly understood Zongzheng Hengyu's deeper meaning.

Returning to Beijing was not only about reporting his achievements, but also about directing the investigation to a higher level!

"Ninth Brother's insight is brilliant!" Zongzheng Zhaoran immediately agreed, his tone even carrying a hint of fervor. "That's exactly right! You and I, brothers, fought a bloody battle and finally achieved a great victory. We should return to the capital to report to Father Emperor and let all the people of the world know the might of our Great Shang! As for the remnants of the Night Hawk Pavilion, once we return to the capital, we will conduct a thorough investigation and surely wipe them out in one fell swoop!"

With their objective set, the two kings immediately took action.

He left behind capable generals and a portion of the army to remain stationed in Lin'an, responsible for the aftermath and defense.

King Heng and King Zhao led the main army on their triumphant return to the capital.

News of the victory had already spread, and the landscape along the route of the army was vastly different from when they arrived.

The official road was crowded with people who had come from all directions.

They were no longer the emaciated, fleeing refugees they had arrived with, but instead wore simple yet neat clothes, carried baskets and water jugs, their faces beaming with the joy of surviving a catastrophe and heartfelt gratitude.

"They're here! They're here! The army is back!"

"Look! Wow! It's His Highness Prince Heng!"

"And His Highness Prince Zhao's banner!"

"Your Highness, thank you for your hard work, generals!"

"Thank you, Your Highness, for saving Lin'an!"

"Oh my! His Highness Prince Zhao is smiling at me!"

Cheers, chatter, and tearful cries of gratitude surged forth like a tsunami.

Excited crowds climbed up both sides of the road, on the rooftops, and even on tree branches and walls.

The children chased after the procession, imitating the general on horseback, shouting "Charge! Kill!"

The young women and wives huddled together, their cheeks flushed, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes constantly glancing at the two noble and dashing princes on horseback, as they threw out their carefully prepared sachets and embroidered handkerchiefs with all their might.

Zongzheng Zhaoran rode a magnificent, pure white horse from the Western Regions, wearing a specially made set of bright silver armor that shone brilliantly in the sunlight, almost blinding to the eye.

He wore his signature gentle and warm smile, like a spring breeze, and would wave to the people on both sides of the road from time to time. When he encountered an elderly person kneeling in worship, he would nod slightly and signal his guards to help them up.

Every movement he made was perfectly timed, embodying the image of a benevolent and wise prince in the hearts of the people. Wherever he went, waves of cheers rose higher and higher. The sunlight seemed to favor him, gilding him with a dazzling golden edge.

A short distance ahead of him on horseback, Zongzheng Hengyu was still wearing a dark-patterned battle armor. Although the armor had been cleaned, many deep cuts and arrow marks were still visible, heavily telling the story of the cruelty of the battlefield.

He rode a magnificent black horse, which, like its master, was silent and vigilant.

His back was ramrod straight, like an unyielding spear, his face stern and taut, showing little reaction to the thunderous cheers and fervor around him, only occasionally nodding very slightly.

His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, swept silently over the cheering crowd, the rooftops and windows on both sides of the street, as if basking in the glory, yet also calmly discerning any potential danger amidst the endless clamor.

His silent yet powerful presence, like a pillar of strength, carries a reassuring and iron-willed majesty that makes people feel more secure while respecting him, and their calls for him are often more fervent and heartfelt.

If Jiang Wanzhi were in one of the accompanying carriages at this moment, she would definitely lift the curtain, stare in disbelief, and have countless thoughts running through her mind:

Wow! This is top-tier treatment! This level of fan frenzy is comparable to the Spring Festival travel rush combined with a superstar concert!

[Wang Heng's aura... did he just come back from slaying a dragon? He's handsome, but he uses up too much ice!]

[Your Highness Prince Zhao's facial expressions and approachability are perfect! You deserve an Oscar!]

After several days of travel, the majestic imperial city walls finally appeared on the horizon.

Ten miles from the city, at the long pavilion, the Prime Minister, along with the Six Ministries, Nine Ministers, princes, nobles, and civil and military officials, all dressed in solemn court attire, had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing the army's banners, ceremonial music immediately began, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

King Heng and King Zhao rode into the city side by side, followed by their victorious army, their helmets gleaming and their heads held high.

At this moment, they are heroes of the Great Entropy Dynasty, meritorious officials who saved Lin'an City from crisis.

We passed through the cheering crowd and went straight into the imperial city, arriving at the Hall of State Affairs.

The massive palace gates slowly opened, and civil and military officials lined up on both sides, their gazes filled with complex emotions as they watched the two princes return, weary from their journey but bearing the marks of their glorious military exploits.

On the dragon throne, Emperor Zongzheng Hong had been waiting for a long time. Compared to his anger and haggard appearance a month ago, the emperor's face was now rosy, and his eyes held undisguised satisfaction and excitement.

The victory at Lin'an not only restored the royal family's reputation but also greatly consolidated his rule.

"Your subjects, Zongzheng Hengyu and Zongzheng Zhaoran, were ordered to lead an expedition to the north. Fortunately, we have fulfilled our mission, quelled the rebellion in Lin'an, and repelled the northern barbarian army. Now we return to the capital to report back to our father!" The two knelt down at the same time, their voices loud and clear, echoing in the solemn hall.

"Good! Good! Good!" The emperor exclaimed three times, excitedly rising from his dragon throne and quickly walking down the steps to help his two sons up.

"My two good sons! You have worked hard! Get up quickly! Your achievements in this battle will be recorded in history! I am so pleased! I am so pleased!"

He carefully examined his two sons, noticing the damage to Zongzheng Hengyu's armor and his lingering fatigue, a pang of heartache flashed in his eyes; but seeing Zhaoran, though slightly travel-worn, was full of energy, he felt relieved.

"Quickly, tell me and all the ministers, what are the specific details of the Battle of Lin'an?" The emperor returned to his throne, his tone urgent.

Zongzheng Hengyu stepped forward and gave a concise, steady, and powerful report on the course of the battle. His report was clear, well-organized, and highlighted the key points. He affirmed the contributions of the generals, objectively described the ferocity and difficulty of the battle, and provided a factual account of King Zhao's rescue efforts without deliberately belittling or exaggerating them.

Subsequently, Zongzheng Zhaoran also added to the remarks, describing in more detail the perilous rescue at Luoyanpo and the subsequent work of pacifying the local community and stabilizing public sentiment. His words were generous and fully demonstrated his benevolent nature.

The officials listened with a mixture of amazement, excitement, and sighs. Regardless of their factional affiliations, they all felt a deep respect for the two princes, especially Prince Heng, who commanded with composure and led from the front.

After the report was finished, the emperor clapped his hands and laughed: "Brilliant! A master strategist, brothers united in heart, their strength can break metal! This is truly a blessing from Heaven upon our Great Shang!"

Next comes the time to reward those who have made contributions.

The emperor's gaze swept over the officials, finally settling on Zongzheng Hengyu. His voice was solemn and dignified: "Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition, Prince Heng, Zongzheng Hengyu, entrusted with a critical mission, commanded with composure, led from the front, and decisively defeated a powerful enemy, enhancing our national prestige. His achievements are outstanding! He is hereby granted a nine-pearl crown and command of ten thousand troops. He is also granted a fief of ten thousand households, ten thousand taels of gold, and a thousand bolts of silk!"

A prince with nine jewels! This honor is second only to the crown prince!

A collective gasp filled the hall, quickly turning into a tidal wave of congratulations. Zongzheng Hengyu remained calm, kowtowing in gratitude: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor! This is the merit of the soldiers' valiant efforts; your subject dares not claim it all alone."

The Emperor nodded, then looked at Prince Zhao with a warm smile: "Vice Commander-in-Chief Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran, is brave and resolute, deeply understanding of righteousness. He promptly rescued the Commander-in-Chief, joined forces to defeat the enemy, and properly pacified the local area after the battle. His contributions are indispensable! He is hereby granted a seven-bead crown, an additional fief of five thousand households, five thousand taels of gold, and five hundred bolts of silk! He is also granted a purple-gold jade pendant and may enter the palace to report to the Emperor at any time!"

Although the rewards were slightly less than those for Prince Heng, they were still very generous, especially the privilege of "entering the palace to report at any time," which meant that the emperor's favor was very strong.

King Zhao was overjoyed, but he tried hard to suppress the smile on his face and respectfully kowtowed: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your kindness! It is my duty to be loyal to the country!"

Other meritorious generals, such as Li Zan, Zhang Wei, and Wang Meng, also received generous rewards, were promoted, and their descendants were granted special privileges.

The imperial court was filled with a joyous atmosphere, brimming with the happiness of victory. However, beneath this jubilation, astute individuals could detect an undercurrent of tension.

Prince Heng was granted the title of Prince of Nine Pearls and also gained military power, making his status extremely prestigious and showing signs of surpassing that of the other princes.

Although King Zhao's reward was slightly less generous, he gained the privilege of meeting the emperor at any time, making the emperor's intentions unpredictable.

The return of the two princes who have rendered great service will inevitably stir up further turbulence in the already delicate political situation.

More importantly, neither the emperor nor the Prince Heng nor the Prince Zhao tacitly agreed to discuss the "Night Hawk Pavilion" and its potential larger conspiracy in court for the time being.

That's a lid that needs to be lifted with more careful timing and more thorough preparation.

A grand victory banquet was held in the palace, with music playing, wine cups clinking, and a scene of peace and prosperity.

At the banquet, Prince Heng remained calm and taciturn, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with the civil and military officials who came to offer toasts, but his gaze would often sweep thoughtfully over those smiling faces.

King Zhao, on the other hand, was much more active, moving among the officials, chatting and laughing, and enjoying the glory and attention brought by the victory, as if he had been completely immersed in the feast of this prosperous age.