223 Dalong Prefecture Thirty-one

The enthusiasm continued unabated, with cheers and applause surging like a tide, making the ground outside the city gates seem to tremble.

The army marched forward amidst the crowds of civilians. Having just arrived in this border region, the group had many expectations, but they never anticipated being so well received.

My steps became firmer and more powerful, a surge of pride welled up within me, and my heart was filled with excitement. This excitement and pride gave me an instant feeling of boundless power.

There were no loud slogans, only solemn faces and firm steps. Weskind led the way, and the group moved quickly, soon arriving at their lodgings.

Looking at all these brand-new houses, a surge of excitement welled up inside him, but the procession remained motionless. On both sides of the street stood many beautiful young women, dressed in their finest attire, standing gracefully and secretly observing the procession.

Yun Qing and Yun Su arrived at the group of women's group. After joining them, they saw Han Linling and the Master of Jingzhai, and were slightly surprised. Then, they said softly, "We'll stay here tonight. Those with family members, please make arrangements first."

Yun Su greeted the two women with a soft laugh. As for the team's accommodation arrangements, Yun Qing's team would make their own arrangements, and Elder Weng was already arranging the logistics and supplies.

Behind them, the family carriages slowly entered, and what they saw was vastly different from what they had heard and imagined.

In my imagination, the borderlands were desolate and lonely. On this vast land, there was hardly any sign of human habitation, only endless wilderness and mountains.

Sparsely populated, no merchants, no cattle or horses, sandstorms raged, dilapidated, withered grass, dried-up streams, no city walls to speak of, life was difficult, thatched huts offered no shelter from wind and rain, cold nights, a scene of utter desolation and loneliness.

Now, along the way, the fields, beginning to turn golden, rippled like waves of gold in the autumn breeze. Children, women, and the elderly all craned their necks, carefully observing the place where they would live in the future.

Looking out into the distance, the fields stretch to the horizon, a scene of abundant harvest. Golden corn kernels gleam brightly in the sunlight, along with some unfamiliar crops.

The city walls were towering and stretched as far as the eye could see. Outside the city gates, people lined the streets to welcome the city, their faces radiating genuine welcome. They were dressed in all sorts of clothes, including merchants and vendors.

Upon arriving at their lodgings, the new house, a two-and-a-half-story building, filled everyone with joy.

Instantly, an overwhelming sense of happiness welled up inside me.

A voice rang out, "One person per room. Those with family members may choose their own room. Please proceed in order."

A bright-eyed little boy asked in surprise, "Mommy, is this room for just us all by ourselves?"

The mother was also very excited at this moment, "Yes, I heard that's true. One room per family. From now on, you and your sister will each have your own room."

In Dalong Prefecture, on the streets, government officials and hired men were quickly fetching water to clean up the bloodstains.

The blood flowed like a small river, and the strong smell of blood quickly faded after being washed away.

Captain Guan was covered in blood, which he hadn't wiped away; it was as if the general hadn't bothered to clean it, leaving a trace of blood on his battle robe. A hint of sorrow and grief flickered in his eyes as he softly asked, "How are the casualties among the soldiers?"

Fang Lin held back his words, remaining completely still as he said, "General, there were a total of ninety-eight soldiers, one hundred lightly wounded and twenty-three seriously wounded. They are already receiving treatment."

For the wounded and injured soldiers, those with families are being contacted; for those without, preparations are underway for a proper burial.

Generals die in a hundred battles, their corpses piled up and the grass and trees smell foul. Where are there green hills that do not bury bones? In the end, they are wrapped in horsehide and returned home. I held back a few tears and swallowed them back.

Captain Guan had made preparations long ago. War and death are inevitable. No one is human. It's just that he could only look at the familiar soldiers. After the battle, they might never be seen again. The familiar people would never return.

Do not speak of the glory of being enfeoffed as a marquis, for the success of one general is built upon the bones of ten thousand.

When a hero rises to power, another ten years of calamity befall the people. Though I don't want to wield the copper hammer, how can I expect my subordinates to receive what they deserve if I neither fight nor seize?

In an instant, a myriad of thoughts surged forth like a raging torrent. Suddenly, it was as if everyone could see the pain and sacrifice brought by war, and that they themselves were forced to make difficult choices.

Go with the flow? But wasn't that what I did before? I could only protect myself and those around me, and now, having just taken the first step, I'm already facing constant sacrifices.

However, the battle at Two Blades Cliff gave him a glimmer of hope. It offered a chance to change his small, isolated existence. And since there was hope, he couldn't give up.

If one day I die and reach the underworld, I can proudly say to my comrades here, "I did my best. I achieved my goal. I have no regrets, even in death."

There will be times when the wind and waves are strong, and I will set sail to cross the vast ocean. The road ahead is long and uncertain, and life and death are unpredictable. For example, I myself have suffered losses at the expense of so many people.

Just imagine, the memorials from all the civil officials in the court would soon come pouring in like raindrops. The literary style is like a knife, a spear, and an arrow; it's hard to dodge the open attack and hard to defend against the hidden one.

After testing the waters, if there's no powerful backing, a single imperial edict could bring him down!

He rubbed his forehead, gently wiping away the jumbled thoughts that had been swirling in his mind. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they gradually subsided. Fang Lin, without him noticing, was already standing beside him with a bowl of tea.

Looking at the general, he said, "General, please have some tea. Even in the afterlife, the soldiers will smile. From the day they joined the army, they will think of this day. These past years, General, you have worked so hard."

Captain Guan calmed the situation down, saying, "Good, this matter must be handled properly. No soldier should be treated unfairly. Furthermore, after this battle, we must learn from the lessons and strengthen training."

"Yes, General."

Captain Guan continued solemnly, "Many soldiers have suffered injuries and harbor resentment, but you must strictly demand of yourselves regarding the affairs of Dalong Prefecture."

All finances must be properly accounted for, and no soldier may embezzle a single penny. All merits must be recorded and tallied, and rewards and recognition will be given after Lord He has completed the accounting. No one is permitted to commit any wrongdoing.

Otherwise, don't blame Guan for being ruthless under his hammer, especially with these temptations: marriage alliances, beautiful women, fine wine, martial arts manuals, and elixirs—whatever you desire.

The next moment will be just as you expect. You will all have to control your hands. This Dalong Prefecture does not belong to me, Guan, but to Lord He. You need to know your place. We cannot tolerate this either.

After Lord He finishes the handover, we will not interfere too much in Dalong Prefecture. If any of you act arrogantly and seek your own death, don't blame anyone else.

Fang Lin's expression remained unchanged as he respectfully replied, "Yes, General. The soldiers are very conscientious and have not had much contact with the outside world. They are always mindful of this and dare not forget it."