The people had already heard the news that Qin Ze was returning to the capital today. So, from ten miles outside the city to the city gate, in addition to the court officials and ceremonial guards brought by Zhang Li, there were countless ordinary people. After Qin Ze arrived, they cheered and followed on both sides of the carriages and horses. Their cheers were endless. The ceremonial guards were still beating the drums of returning to the capital, which almost shattered Qin Ze's eardrums.
Although he had caught a cold, Qin Ze felt that it had subsided after a few days. However, he was still a little listless. But as more and more people followed him, he had no choice but to get off the carriage and ride on a horse to be admired by the crowd.
This return to Jinling is different from the last one. The last time he returned to the capital, he chased after Jin Jianren all the way into the city, and the important matter was not yet completely accomplished. This time, however, he has completely overthrown the Jin family and ended all the domestic war. Therefore, this return to the capital is much grander than the last one.
Upon entering the city gate, apart from the soldiers guarding both sides of the road, the rest of the place was crowded with a huge crowd of people, men, women, and children. As soon as they saw Qin Ze riding into the city, they bowed down in worship.
Even when Qin Ze told them to get up, the people continued to kowtow and sing praises. Now, they almost regarded Qin Ze as a god.
After all, he not only overthrew the incompetent and corrupt old dynasty, but also went to sea to attack Japan and wiped out the group of wolves and pirates, accomplishing something that no dynasty had ever done before.
As for the naval battle with the various countries that took place in the South China Sea, it was also reported back to Jinling a few days ago along with the news of Qin Ze's return to the capital. At this moment, everyone knows that the royal army defeated the fleets of several powerful overseas countries in one fell swoop on the vast sea.
The people knew that this battle not only defended their homeland but also inflicted heavy losses on those foreign nations; of course, this was only their understanding.
In fact, Qin Ze knew that the battle was just the beginning. The various states had already become rich and powerful through continuous plunder, and they had even larger armies on their own soil. Therefore, Yan State would have to wage an even more intense war against them next.
But at least not now.
Amidst continuous cheers, several hours later, Qin Ze finally arrived at the capital. What followed was an even more solemn ceremony to enter the palace. Zhang Li had already arranged all the complicated formalities, and Qin Ze could only comply.
Upon arriving at the Golden Palace, another series of trivial matters ensued. It wasn't until evening, when the ministers dispersed, that the palace gradually quieted down.
At that moment, outside the Golden Palace, Qin Ze, dressed in casual clothes, stood on the steps, gazing at the sun about to set behind the western mountains.
Beside him, Zhang Lizheng stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.
Qin Ze turned his gaze away from the setting sun and instead focused on Zhang Li.
In just a few months, the old man's hair seemed to have turned much whiter, and his figure was now slightly hunched.
"Thank you for taking care of me while I was away," Qin Ze said, looking at him.
"Your Majesty is too kind."
"Your Majesty's trust in entrusting this old minister with the responsibility of overseeing the country is paramount. I am merely fulfilling my duty," Zhang Li said slowly.
"On the way from Nanze, I have witnessed good governance and harmonious people, which shows that your governance during this period has been quite effective." Qin Ze cast an approving glance at him.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Li shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, it is not that this old minister is being modest, but this is by no means the work of this old minister."
"If it weren't for Your Majesty's campaigns in the south and north, overthrowing the Kim family and repelling foreign enemies, how could the country have achieved peace? It was only after the establishment of the new dynasty that the people saw new hope, and thus I and the ministers were able to reshape the court."
"If the law is followed by the people, it is not an oppressive policy, and the people will naturally comply."
"The common people don't want anything rare or precious. They just need a piece of land to grow food and a house to shelter them from the scorching heat and bitter cold. If they can have these two things, they won't cause trouble."
"As for more, we'll have to take it slowly. Right now, everything is in need of rebuilding, and the whole country is full of vigor. If we implement benevolent policies, given time, things will naturally flourish."
After listening to his words, Qin Ze nodded slightly: "Implementing benevolent governance and then enforcing the rule of law should lead to a natural outcome."
Zhang Li stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly. Then he suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I heard that you caught a cold. There were too many people around and I didn't have time to ask. I wonder how you are now?" As he spoke, he looked straight at Qin Ze's face.
Qin Ze chuckled and said, "Do I look like I have something on my mind?"
"It doesn't seem like it; the illness must have subsided." Zhang Li shook his head with a smile.
Qin Ze nodded and said, "I was a little listless on the way, but riding a horse under the scorching sun all the way into the city seemed to have dispelled all the chill in my body."
"That's good. With the people praying for you, no illness can harm your health."
"Then I'll take your kind words." The two looked at each other and smiled.
With a faint laugh, Zhang Li hesitated before saying, "Your Majesty, this old minister has another matter to ask."
"Speak."
Zhang Li's expression turned serious: "In the battle of the South China Sea, Your Majesty led your army to defeat the fleet assembled by various nations. This was a great victory, but Your Majesty allowed a foreign fleet to return home. Isn't that...?"
Before he could finish speaking, Qin Ze laughed and said, "Release the tiger back to the mountain?"
"I wouldn't dare," Zhang Li hurriedly waved his hand.
Qin Ze suppressed his smile and continued, "Whether or not we've let the tiger return to the mountain is not important. You just need to know that the other nations will not give up plundering my Yan Kingdom's territory because of this defeat."
"They will come again."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Li frowned, and his expression gradually became serious.
His conversation with his daughter a few days ago came to mind. His daughter had said that the other nations would not restrain themselves because of this, and now His Majesty was saying the same thing, which made him sigh inwardly.
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