The following day, Shen Yun led a thousand soldiers back in triumph.

When the army passed through Wu'an County, they saw that both sides of the road were lined with people who came to see the war god's demeanor.

With a joyful expression, Shen Yun raised his hand to signal to the people, a sense of pride welling up within him.

In this campaign against the bandits, he displayed both wisdom and courage, swiftly annihilating 30,000 bandits with only 1,000 soldiers!

He knew very well that such a victory, once reported back to the imperial court, would surely cause a sensation throughout the court and the country!

It will also help him become the Crown Prince's top general!

Once he returns to Kyoto, he will be rewarded by His Highness the Crown Prince and enjoy countless riches and honors.

Just then, a group of people suddenly appeared in front of him on the official road, blocking his way.

The leader, dressed in official robes, quickly lifted his robes and knelt before Shen Yun's horse, speaking respectfully.

"Wang Peng, the magistrate of Wu'an County, has been ordered to come and respectfully welcome the General!"

"General, your campaign against the bandits was truly swift and decisive, demonstrating the true qualities of a great general. With only a thousand men, you managed to incorporate thirty thousand bandits. You are truly a role model for us all!"

"I have dared to order thirty tables to be set up at Yuanyang Tower to welcome the General and his soldiers! I hope the General will do me the honor of joining us."

"The Assistant Magistrate of Wu'an County?"

Shen Yun, on horseback, looked down at the Wu'an County Magistrate kneeling before him with sincere eyes.

While feeling proud, a slight chill ran through me.

As far as he knew, Wu'an County was the fiefdom of the Second Prince.

So... the magistrate of Wu'an County is naturally one of the Second Prince's men.

It seems the Second Prince still harbors ill intentions towards him, resorting to such methods to force him to choose sides!

The second prince was already very dissatisfied with the last time the offer was refused.

If he doesn't agree this time, he might completely offend the Second Prince!

But so what!

He will soon become the Crown Prince's top general!

Thinking of this, Shen Yun's gaze turned cold, and his voice became indifferent.

“Since it is the county magistrate’s kind offer, I will certainly go... However, I have been traveling a long way recently and am quite tired. In addition, I have not seen my beloved wife at home for a long time and miss her very much. I think it would be better to postpone it to another day.”

"This... I'm afraid that's not a good idea." Wang Peng's words carried a warning tone, and his tone implied a threat.

"Oh? Does the County Magistrate intend to stop me?"

Seeing Wang Peng's audacity, Shen Yun also lost his temper. Since he intended to join the Crown Prince, he was not afraid of tearing off the mask of civility.

"I have heard recently that Wu'an County has been hit by a series of disasters. Now, instead of busy opening the granaries to distribute grain, the county magistrate is going to hold a banquet with thirty tables to entertain me. I don't know where you get the audacity to be so extravagant?"

"this……"

Upon hearing this, Wang Peng knew that Shen Yun was determined not to join the Second Prince, but he still tried to persuade him.

"Since the general insists on this, then I will not force you to stay. However, before I leave, I must remind you that you are eager to return home to receive the imperial decree and reward. But... I hope you will not regret it later."

"regret?"

Shen Yun's expression changed. "This is alarmist talk. I have performed such a great service and will be richly rewarded. Do you think I will be demoted? Get out of the way!"

Wang Peng reluctantly stepped aside, watching Shen Yun's receding figure, and couldn't help but give a cold smile.

"When you return to the manor and find out that you have offended the Crown Prince, you will probably regret it deeply, won't you?"

Ignoring his previous displeasure, Shen Yun quickly passed through Wu'an County and headed towards the capital.

However, just as the army was about to arrive at the general's mansion, Shen Yun suddenly noticed that another horse was catching up with him at a fast speed and blocking the way.

Shen Yun didn't know who the newcomer was. He was already somewhat annoyed by his previous encounter with Wang Peng, and now that his way back to the manor was blocked, his expression was naturally displeased.

"Who dares to block General Shen's path? Get out of here at once!"

A general drew his longsword and pointed it at the man, threatening him fiercely.

To everyone's surprise, the man didn't make a move at all. Instead, he cleared his throat and replied sternly, "General Shen, I'm here to read out His Highness the Crown Prince's decree."

Shen Yun and the others then noticed that the visitor was Eunuch Chen, a close attendant of the Crown Prince. Upon hearing that it was His Highness's decree, everyone hurriedly jumped off their horses and exclaimed with joy.

"Your Highness!"

"It is His Highness the Crown Prince's oral decree!"

"The general's reward has arrived, that's wonderful!"

Feeling the joy of his soldiers, Shen Yun was also freed from his previous gloom and became extremely excited.

I thought that since I had just returned to the capital, the Crown Prince would not bestow any rewards upon me until tomorrow's court session.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince was so considerate of him, coming to reward him in front of so many people.

Choosing to side with the Crown Prince was definitely the right decision.

With his heart pounding, Shen Yun quickly lifted his robe, knelt down, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"His Highness has issued an imperial edict: General Shen is brave and skilled in battle, and has defeated the bandits. He should be greatly rewarded, but in order to gain merit, he disregarded the people and rushed forward recklessly, destroying more than 500 acres of grain along the way."

"To knowingly commit such a crime at a time of low grain yields is a grave offense! Considering your meritorious service in suppressing bandits, we will make amends for your mistake. We hope you will learn from this lesson and never repeat it!"

As Eunuch Chen finished speaking, word by word, Shen Yun listened attentively.

At first, his face was beaming with excitement, but gradually, his excitement was replaced by astonishment.

His complexion gradually turned liver-colored.

He didn't even realize what the Crown Prince meant.

The generals stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

They finally returned in triumph, but not only did they receive no reward, they were also accused of trampling on grain.

This outcome was truly unacceptable to him.

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