After Zhang Yi finished his report, many people stepped forward to request a reward for this young talent whom they had never met or heard of.

Aside from He Jin and Wang Yun, these people genuinely wanted such a young man, capable of defeating the barbarians, to continue dedicating his passion to protecting the frontier.

Although Youzhou had a White Horse General with outstanding military achievements, he was still far inferior to Zhao Hao, who had slaughtered 100,000 Xiongnu.

"Gentlemen, please do not be impatient. How could I not reward such a meritorious official who protects the country?"

"Guards, bring forth the head of Xubugudu Hou Chanyu so I may have a good look at it!"

Liu Hong's words had already silenced those old men who wanted to make trouble.

In reality, what merit or ability does a mere county commandant possess to mobilize the people and local militia of an entire county to wage war against disobedience?

Even if the cause is justified, it still aligns with the noble cause of protecting the country.

However, this practice does not conform to the 'procedural justice' that some people hold in their hearts.

If it weren't for Liu Hong's characterization of Zhao Hao as a meritorious official, they probably would have already jumped out and made a big fuss about it.

Soon, a sealed wooden box was handed to Zhang Rang.

Inside, however, was a human head preserved with lime!

"Yes, it is indeed Lord Xubugudu!"

Liu Hong glanced at it and then signaled Zhang Rang to close the box quickly.

Zhang Rang had no choice but to pretend to quickly display the severed head to all the officials before handing it to a nearby eunuch.

In reality, none of these people had ever seen what Xubuguduhou Chanyu looked like. They might have known a little more if they had known that he was the former Xiongnu Qiangqu Chanyu.

Now that Liu Hong has spoken up to vindicate this head, what can the others say?

"Your Majesty, I have another matter to report!"

However, just as Liu Hong was thinking of reporting the rewards and honors to the emperor...

Zhang Yi took another step forward, broke free from the support of the two young eunuchs, and knelt down to bow once more.

Five days ago, the Xianbei chieftain led nearly 100,000 troops to invade the border regions of our Han Dynasty!