He stood up, solemnly picked up a wine cup, cupped his hands to Emperor Yuming, and said, "Your humble servant Yuan Fang, along with all the ministers, respectfully wish Your Majesty a long life and a prosperous and peaceful country!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers of Emperor Yuming's faction all stood up and spoke to Ruohua:
"Your Majesty, we respectfully wish you a long and prosperous life, and that the nation enjoys peace and prosperity!"
Emperor Yuming's expression finally softened a bit. He picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp: "My beloved ministers are very kind."
Qin Qi watched them argue, neither willing to give in, with utter boredom. This scene played out every year.
Just then, the guard at the door strode in.
He knelt on his right knee, cupped his hands to Emperor Yuming, and said in a strong voice, "Your Majesty, General Qin, Deputy General Gongsun, and Commander Lu have returned to the capital and are now outside the palace gates!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuming stood up excitedly: "Quickly, quickly welcome them in!"
Thirteen years ago, Qin Yu was merely Emperor Yuming's personal bodyguard. The two, who had been like brothers since childhood, had been plotting for this land for a long time, and finally decided to split up and each lead half of the troops to conquer cities and seize territories.
More than a decade has passed, and Emperor Yuming and General Qin still each hold half of the military power. After all, they have a long-standing relationship, and Emperor Yuming still trusts him to a certain extent.
After all, General Qin was fighting for Emperor Yuming, so Emperor Yuming valued him highly.
Upon hearing this, Lu Huai, who was focused on picking up food, suddenly looked up, his face showing excitement: "That's great, Big Brother is back."
Seeing how happy he was, Qin Xi's lips unconsciously curved into a smile.
Everyone present waited for General Qin and his entourage to appear, and the atmosphere became slightly tense.
After a short while, a man dressed in armor strode in, followed by two others.
Ever since the guard came in to report, Lu Huai had been craning his neck to look around, his expectant eyes turning into surprise when he saw the person behind General Qin.
"Your subject, Tan Yu, pays his respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"Your subject, Gongsun Sheng, pays his respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"Your subject Lu Chuan pays his respects, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
The three knelt down and spoke in unison. Their resounding voices were powerful in the silent hall.
Emperor Yuming quickly stepped down from the dragon throne and personally helped General Qin to his feet: "My dear minister, you have worked hard. Please rise! Minister Gongsun and Minister Lu, you may also rise!"
To distinguish between Minister Lu and Lu Chuan, the court officials addressed them as "Lord Lu" and "Young Lord Lu," and Emperor Yuming did the same.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
General Qin stood up with the help of Emperor Yuming, and Deputy General Gongsun and Lu Chuan also stood up with him.
"Did your expedition go smoothly, my dear minister?" Emperor Yuming asked with concern.
"I am truly ashamed that my campaign against the Li Kingdom took so long. Fortunately, I have not failed in my mission, and I am willing to make amends for my mistakes with my merits," General Qin said, bowing to Emperor Yuming.
"Good, very good! I will certainly reward you handsomely!"
Emperor Yuming was overjoyed and immediately invited the group to take their seats.
Qin Xi looked at Lu Huai beside her and saw that he was staring at something.
Following his gaze, I saw it was Lu Chuan.
They truly are twins. From a distance, Lu Chuan and Lu Huai look somewhat alike, but upon closer inspection, they are quite different.
Lu Huai's peach blossom eyes are very alluring, and his handsome appearance makes him seem unreliable; while Lu Chuan's bright eyebrows and sword-like eyes make him look much more composed than Lu Huai.
Dressed in military uniform, he should have possessed the sharp and imposing aura of someone on the battlefield, but because he was smiling, he resembled a refined young gentleman.
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