Three days later, in Xianyang City, Meng Tian led his army back to the capital.
The people of the city gathered on both sides of the streets, cheering excitedly to welcome the heroes' triumphant return.
Meng Tian rode a tall horse and walked in the front. His blood-stained silver armor made him look majestic and heroic.
Surrounded by soldiers and civilians, he was like the moon surrounded by stars. Although there was still a solemn and murderous look on his heroic face, he was still full of vigor and vitality.
Han Xin, Xiang Yu and Zhou Bo also enjoyed the attention of the crowd, each of them looked heroic and in high spirits.
If they were swords just drawn from their sheaths before the battle, now they are murderous swords that have been tempered by iron and blood, and their edge is threatening.
Some people had good memories and recognized the young men who rode horses in the parade a few months ago. The scene of them in bright clothes and riding horses was still vivid in their minds.
"Hey! Isn't that young general the top martial arts champion?"
"Yes, I remember that too. I never thought he would achieve so much success so quickly. He really is a hero from a young age!"
"And that handsome guy, he seems to be a martial arts champion."
"Huh? Why don't I see the runner-up? I heard that he's the son of the Wang family. With a father who is a general, he shouldn't be missing from the list..."
The noisy discussions reached Wang Li's ears one by one.
He withdrew his envious gaze, lowered his head in disappointment, his shoulders drooped, and an air of dejection emanated from his whole body.
Which iron-blooded man does not yearn to lead troops in battle and achieve great achievements with his own abilities?
Wang Jian sighed, patted his grandson's shoulder, looked straight at him with his sharp eagle eyes, and asked in a deep voice.
"Li'er, do you regret it?"
"No, I don't regret it."
Wang Li replied decisively without a trace of hesitation, his face gradually fading from its youthfulness, filled with determination.
Although he felt a little regretful for not participating in this war, he never regretted taking on that mission.
My father said that whether it is leading troops to fight or guarding the border, it is the duty of a soldier.
There is no distinction between high and low when it comes to defending the country.
Wang Jian looked at his grandson quietly, with an expression of indescribable relief.
The young boy who once complained about the hard work of martial arts training has now grown into a man who stands tall and proud.
"Since you don't regret it, then don't be so dejected here. What kind of words are you talking about?"
"For the descendants of the Wang family, it is never too late to achieve great things!"
"Besides, you are still young, why rush it?"
The old voice was still majestic and still retained the charm of the veteran general in his youth, which made Wang Li suddenly wake up.
Yes, he is still young and will have countless opportunities to achieve success in the future. Why should he be so eager for quick success?
After his thoughts came to him, Wang Li straightened his back, his eyes sparkled, and he became the young man full of vigor and vitality again.
"Thank you for your teachings, Grandfather. I will always remember them."
A quarter of an hour later, Meng Tian led a group of soldiers to the palace to report to His Majesty.
In Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng and all the officials had been waiting for a long time.
Meng Tian knelt on one knee, bowed, and his passionate voice echoed in the hall.
"I have lived up to your majesty's high expectations, defeated the Xiongnu, and returned in triumph!"
"Hahaha, good! Good! Good!"
"Mr. Meng is truly extraordinary and brave. I was right about him!"
Ying Zheng laughed out loud, his face no longer as cold and solemn as before, but became pleasant, his eyes slightly raised, and his brows were full of spirit.
After praising him, he strode to the bottom and personally helped up the great hero of the battle.
Meng Tian stood up flattered, and then began to thank the emperor for his grace.
For a while, the king and his ministers had a very pleasant conversation.
The officials would occasionally praise the emperor by saying "Your Majesty is wise and the general is mighty", and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
After a while, a palace servant came in at the right time and reported respectfully.
"Your Majesty, the Queen has ordered the preparation of a celebratory banquet. Your Majesty and the others are invited to enjoy it."
"Yes, I understand."
Ying Zheng's eyes suddenly softened and he replied in a gentle voice.
Which of the ministers present was not a shrewd person? With a roll of their eyes, they all stepped forward to compliment him.
"The Queen is truly virtuous and kind-hearted."
"The logistics of this expedition against the Xiongnu are entirely thanks to your Majesty's careful arrangements. I, your servants, feel ashamed of myself for not being able to do the same."
"Your Majesty is both talented and virtuous. You are a blessing to our Great Qin."
The flattering words became more and more exaggerated, but Ying Zheng did not feel they were false at all, and the smile on his face became more and more intense.
Seeing this, the ministers couldn't help but twitch their lips and secretly complain in their hearts.
They spend so much time flattering His Majesty every day, but His Majesty never even gives them a smile?
Why is it that the Emperor is so pleased when I praise the Empress today?
It seems I have to change direction in the future.
Meng Tian was completely unaware of the officials' mixed feelings; his praise came entirely from the heart.
"Your Majesty, the military rations sent by the Queen have been very useful and have greatly accelerated the march."
"And the military doctors and their highly effective medicines saved many soldiers' lives!"
"So I have specially plundered the treasures of the Xiongnu nobles and intend to present them to Your Majesty as a token of my gratitude."
In fact, what Meng Tian did not mention were the muskets and the carts. It was precisely because of these two magical objects that he was able to lead his army to defeat the Huns in just half a month.
Without the help of the Queen, it would have taken several years and suffered huge casualties before we could barely win.
As for how he knew that the sacred object came from the hands of the empress, he could figure it out with his toes, he was not stupid.
But His Majesty deliberately concealed it, probably to protect the Empress, so of course he had to tacitly avoid talking about it.
"Well, Meng Qing is thoughtful."
Ying Zheng responded indifferently, without rejecting his feelings in public, but just pursed his thin lips, showing his inner unhappiness.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com