It would be normal to ask Duke Cheng to return to the capital to report on his work, but summoning Duke Cheng back to the capital while sending a new northern general meant that Duke Cheng would be transferred.

Being transferred, doesn't that mean that the military power will be taken away?

The emperor was still dissatisfied with Duke Cheng's disobedience and finally decided to punish him.

Even though they were dissatisfied in the past, they did not dare to move against Duke Cheng for the sake of the stability of the north. Now that they have made peace with the Jin people and the two countries have ceased fighting and are on good terms, Duke Cheng can finally move.

What's more, the person who took over was Qinghe Bo.

Qinghebo was a general who was no less powerful than Chengguogong, and he even became famous earlier than Chengguogong.

When Duke Cheng was still a young general, Earl Qinghe had already won many victories in battles against the Jin people and was very famous. However, later on, due to corruption, a mutiny broke out, which led to the defeat at Majiahe. The late emperor was furious and wanted to execute Earl Qinghe. Thanks to the officials' plea for mercy, he was able to make amends and was transferred from the north to the south to suppress bandits.

It was because of this that the Earl of Qinghe left the North, and Duke Chengguo Zhushan began to emerge and eventually became successful.

Of course, the Earl of Qinghe did not remain silent. He was invincible in suppressing rebellions and bandits in the south. Eventually, his crime was removed and he was appointed as the Envoy of Huaixi. Later, he was named the Earl of Qinghe by the previous emperor.

For a military commander, it was already extremely impressive to be awarded this title, but Zhu Shan was also given a higher title that year and was given the title of Duke of Cheng.

He is nearly ten years younger than Qinghebo, became famous later than Qinghebo, but his final title is higher than Qinghebo, which makes many people dissatisfied with Qinghebo.

But there is no other way. Compared with suppressing bandits and quelling rebellions, gold thieves are more important in the eyes of the emperor. The most powerful one is the one who can resist gold thieves and make them terrified.

From then on, Qinghebo retreated to Huaixi and began to enjoy his old age until the crown prince died of illness and the previous emperor passed away. The King of Qi ascended the throne as the new emperor. The coastal pirates were serious, so the new emperor asked Qinghebo to come out of retirement. Qinghebo defeated the pirates and regained control of the military power.

Now, not only has he regained control of the military power, he has also come to the north again.

Ten years ago, the Earl of Qinghe was transferred away from the north, and the Duke of Chengguo was appointed as a general.

Ten years later, Duke Cheng was to be transferred away from the north, and Duke Qinghe returned as a general.

Is this not the case that fortunes change over time?

There was a stagnation in the hall.

"Duke," a general couldn't help but say, looking somewhat anxious, "What should we do?"

This is what it's like to be a military commander. You have power only when you have soldiers. Once you resign and have no soldiers, you are like a toothless tiger.

If he really returns to the capital like this, wouldn't Duke Cheng be at the mercy of the emperor?

Although there were a few flickering glances at Duke Cheng in the hall, most of them were filled with concern and anxiety.

As the saying goes, a new emperor appoints new ministers. Qinghe Bo must use his own people, and many of them will definitely be cleaned out.

Secondly, they knew something about Qinghebo's character. He was greedy, ambitious, arbitrary and cruel. Otherwise, the mutiny would not have happened.

Duke Cheng looked calm, as if the news was unimportant.

"Since it is the emperor's order, then wait patiently." He said, "Don't set off yet, wait for the emperor's order here in Dingzhou."

Now that he has said this, it is difficult for others to say anything. I am not in the mood to talk now. Let's wait until we get more information before making a decision.

The officers all bowed their heads and said yes, then watched Duke Cheng walk out.

"Don't worry, Duke Cheng will definitely find a way." A general officer comforted everyone and said, "The one who least wants to leave and can't leave is Duke Cheng."

Yes, nothing good would happen if he went back, and everyone knew it, including Duke Cheng.

…

"This must be Huang Cheng's doing!"

When Duke Cheng entered the back house, he heard Zhu Zan slamming the table and shouting.

He walked into the room, and Zhu Zan, who was sitting at the table, stood up and called out "Dad".

"You also know the news?" Duke Cheng said in a gentle voice.

Not only did he know the news, he also knew more details. Zhu Zan glanced at Miss Jun who was standing beside him.

"I know the news, and it's not bad news," she said.

Zhu Zan snorted.

"What do you mean it's not bad news?" he said.

Miss Jun glanced at him.

"Zan'er, listen to what Miss Jun has to say." Duke Cheng said.

Zhu Zan glared and wanted to say something, but when Duke Cheng's gentle gaze swept over him, he turned his head and remained silent.

"The emperor doesn't want to punish you," Miss Jun continued, looking at the urgent letter from Fang Chengyu on the table, "but to reward you."

Rewards...

Duke Cheng smiled gently.

"When the emperor received the news of your return, he cried with joy," Miss Jun continued, "he praised your bravery and thanked God for blessing you with such a talent, saying that this was a blessing for the Great Zhou and for all the people."

"Your Majesty is still the same." Duke Cheng said suddenly.

Miss Jun paused.

So, what is it?

Is it kindness, compassion and crying, or is it just a pretense?

What is the emperor like in the eyes and heart of Duke Cheng?

What does he think of this emperor?

Does he know how his father died?

Miss Jun clenched her hands.

There was a moment of silence in the room.

"Miss Jun, don't worry." Duke Cheng looked at the woman's expression with her eyes downcast and thought she was worried. "Your Majesty is going to reward us soldiers, right?"

Miss Jun nodded.

"Yes, the dead will be compensated, the injured will be rewarded, and all the generals will be promoted." She said, "You, the Duke, will be paraded through the streets of the capital to boast of your achievements. The prince will personally welcome you, and the emperor will also summon you and the meritorious generals to the gate of the imperial city."

She looked at Duke Cheng.

"…We look forward to your triumphant return. Thank you very much."

He even knew what was written in the imperial edict. This is not something that ordinary people can do.

Miss Jun is neither an official nor a clergyman, yet she was able to get such information. Her connections are truly extraordinary.

However, a woman who can do such things in the North is definitely not an ordinary person.

Duke Cheng smiled slightly.

"This is truly a great gift from God," he said.

Yes, the grace of heaven is immense, and the emperor has done his utmost to be benevolent and righteous. If Duke Chengguo does not obey, he would be ungrateful, disloyal, unjust and arrogant.

"So this is not good news," Zhu Zan said. "Nothing good ever comes for free."

Miss Jun sighed lightly.

"Yes," she said, "My Lord, you can't go back."

So what if he is a Duke, or the God of the North, this emperor with a human face but a beastly heart is best at attacking his own people.

"You are badly injured," she continued, "and you are not fit to travel long distances."

She could announce her identity as Jun Jiuling. As a miracle doctor, the people would not question what she said, and the emperor would not be able to refute it.

Zhu Zan nodded hurriedly.

"Dad, yes." He said, pointing at Miss Jun, "She is very good at playing tricks."

Duke Cheng glanced at him.

"Don't say rude things." He said gently.

Although his voice was gentle, Zhu Zan's face instantly turned red.

Is he scolding him? His father has never scolded him since he was a child! He did it for this woman, and in front of her.

Just because he saved his life, will he ignore his son?

Seeing Zhu Zan's face flushed and revealing a shy and aggrieved expression like a little girl, Miss Jun almost laughed and raised her eyebrows at Zhu Zan.

Zhu Zan noticed it and glared at her fiercely.

Duke Cheng smiled slightly as he watched the two's little movements.

"There is no free benefit in this world," he said, "but our benefits are not free."

Zhu Zan frowned.

"Dad." he called again.

Duke Cheng shook his head at him.

"Besides, I also want to go to the capital." He said, looking toward the south outside the door, his gentle face gradually becoming silent, "I want to see the Emperor with my own eyes."

Go and see His Majesty the Emperor with your own eyes.

See what he is?

There was nothing strange about these words, but Miss Jun felt inexplicably sad.

Look at why His Majesty the Emperor insists on negotiating peace?

Let’s see how His Majesty the Emperor treats his loyal ministers and generals.

Let’s see whether His Majesty the Emperor is a benevolent and wise ruler or a tyrannical and incompetent ruler?

Is he going to take a look at this or is he just saying it casually?