The chief commander of the Xianbei royal court, along with a host of other Xianbei tribal leaders, have been handed over to my personal guard, Qin Yilu, who is leading five hundred cavalry to escort them to Luoyang. They are currently waiting outside the palace for a summons!

Liu Hong raised an eyebrow, his face immediately lighting up with joy, and his physical discomfort seemed to lessen somewhat.

"Hahaha! Good, excellent! Bring those bandit leaders, including Kui Tou, to the palace so that all the officials can see for themselves who dares to defy the might of our Great Han!"

Zhang Rang quickly bowed and smiled slightly at Liu Hong and Zhang Yi.

"Summon the Xianbei chieftain, a traitor, who has entered the palace!"

Soon, Qin Yilu and his guards handed their weapons to the Imperial Guards and escorted the tribal leaders into the court.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years! You traitor, before the Emperor of our Great Han, why do you not kneel!"

Qin Yilu kicked Kui Tou in the joint, and the other guards followed suit, forcing the thieves to their knees.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad. Kui Tou? You are indeed very special. Most of you Hu people wear your hair loose and your robes are fastened on the left, with animal skin hoods on your heads. With your big bald head, you really don't need to wear a hat."

"Hahaha!"

"Your Majesty is right!"

Kui Tou never imagined that he would suffer such humiliation.

However, if one wants to survive while retaining some dignity, the only option at this moment is to remain silent.

In contrast, the faces of the Yuan and Yang families were extremely gloomy.

Why can't their subordinates achieve such unprecedented feats?

"Gentlemen, now that the Xianbei chieftain has been captured, we must carefully consider how to reward Zhao Hao for his merit!"

Liu Hong waved his hand and sat back on the dragon throne.

"Hmm... This is indeed due to the merit of Minister Zhang Yi, so he can be rewarded first! Zhang Yi is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Guannei and appointed Governor of Bingzhou. His personal guard Qin Yilu is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and is hereby promoted to Cavalry Commandant!"

Qin Yilu was overjoyed, and his gratitude towards Zhao Hao and Li Tingzhi grew even stronger.

"This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your kindness and is willing to die for Your Majesty and for the Han Dynasty!"

"I am willing to die for Your Majesty and for the Han Dynasty!"

He was originally just a subordinate official of the governor's office, which was far less prestigious than the title of Cavalry Commandant personally conferred by the emperor.

If Zhao Hao and Li Tingzhi hadn't given him the credit for nothing, he probably would have continued to be a sinecure under Zhang Yi.

He used to have so much prejudice against Zhao Hao, but now he feels as guilty as he feels towards Zhao Hao, and he is just as grateful to Zhao Hao.

However, compared to Qin Yilu's joy, Zhang Yi remained expressionless.

"Your Majesty, I am old and frail, and I am no longer fit to be the governor of Bingzhou!"

I request to retire to my hometown and live out my remaining years in peace.

As for Commandant Zhao Hao, he is young and promising. Your Majesty may bestow a princess upon him in marriage, and appoint him as Governor of Bingzhou, so that he may continue to serve the country and its people, guarding the borders and deterring the surrounding barbarian tribes!

......