Because of Chen Jinheng's triumphant return, the Emperor of Dai Viet specially convened a banquet for his officials in the Golden Palace to welcome him.
Chen Jinheng was a reserved person. If this were not the only way to enter the palace, he would never have passed through Central Avenue in such a high-profile manner.
Chen Jinheng sat atop a white horse, revered by thousands of people.
As Chen Jinheng passed by Gu Qianluo, for some reason, something inside him trembled.
His eyes flickered as he looked down at Gu Qianluo.
Why did I feel a sense of familiarity, like a long-awaited reunion, when I passed by him?
Why does this young man's demeanor seem so familiar? Who exactly is he?
But I, Chen Jinheng, have seen countless people, and I can remember the names of everyone I've met.
This is the person. Who exactly is he?
He wanted to take a few more glances at Gu Qianluo, trying to recall her name from his memory.
However, because the emperor was in a hurry and the journey was too rushed, he quickly pulled himself out of his thoughts and continued to rush towards the Golden Palace.
Chen Jinheng, seated on a white horse, exuded a chilling aura, not because he was fond of fighting.
Instead, just an hour earlier, he had received news that broke his heart.
Before confirming the authenticity of the information, he forced himself to remain calm.
After all, we are about to meet the emperor, and any mishap could bring disaster to our family.
Zhu Ying recognized Chen Jinheng before Gu Qianluo, after all, she had accompanied Chen Jinheng on his expedition.
That banner bearing the character "Chen" that shone like gold will never be forgotten.
"Excellent! Sect Master! General Chen has achieved a resounding victory and returned in triumph."
He's determined to win glory this time. It's always been his dream!
I thought I'd never see him again in this lifetime.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo turned to look at the bamboo shadow beside her.
Today, Zhu Ying's eyes shone with a gentle light, making her seem like a completely different person from the indifferent and naive Zhu Ying of the past.
Zhu Ying probably really likes Chen Jinheng.
Gu Qianlu's lips unconsciously curled up, a sense of unease passing through her heart. Her expression turned serious as she spoke.
“Zhuying, you and I are no longer members of the Marquis’s household. I hope you recognize your current status.”
Have you forgotten? We disciples of the Hundred Flowers Sect are forbidden from indulging in romantic relationships.
Gu Qianluo's cold and sharp words caused a hint of surprise to appear in Zhu Ying's eyes.
She forced herself to suppress her earlier joy and bowed her head in apology, saying, "It was my oversight. Please punish me, Sect Leader."
"Aren't you leaving yet?" Gu Qianluo snorted coldly at Zhu Ying's gaze that was looking ahead, then turned and left.
Inside the magnificent Golden Palace, the Emperor of Da Yue was praising Chen Jinheng for his military achievements after his great victory.
The previous generation of the Marquis of Zhongyong was filled with countless loyal and brave men, and now, in Chen Jinheng's generation, only he can shoulder the responsibility of bringing glory to the family.
Chen Jinheng knelt respectfully in the Golden Palace to receive the honor bestowed upon him by the Emperor of Da Yue.
"General Chen Jinheng was brave and decisive, capturing countless prisoners, beheading enemy soldiers, recovering lost territory, and defeating the enemy army. He saved the people on the border from the suffering of displacement and made them grateful to him."
"In recognition of his outstanding achievements, I hereby bestow upon him a jade belt, a brocade robe, one hundred taels of gold, and eight fine horses, and hereby appoint Chen Jinheng as General Protector of the Nation."
Even the soldiers who followed Chen Jinheng into battle received rewards commensurate with their rank. The rewards included not only silver and grain, but some soldiers were even arranged to marry by matchmakers.
"General Chen! Congratulations on your promotion to Protector-General! It seems the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor has a worthy successor!"
"Prime Minister, thank you for your praise. These are all the credits of the soldiers. I dare not claim credit for them."
"Hey! Isn't all their credit because of you?"
"It is an honor for Great Yue to have a general as wise and mighty as you!"
"You flatter me, Prime Minister! I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave now!"
When Chen Jinheng returned after making a great contribution, all the officials in the court congratulated him.
After thanking him respectfully, he set off for the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence.
There was supposed to be a welcoming banquet that evening, but for some reason, Chen Jinheng declined the emperor's offer.
"Cousin Jinheng! Congratulations on your great victory! I'm so happy for you."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng narrowed his eyes and turned to look at the person speaking behind him.
With Gu Qianxue's help, the Second Prince's eyesight has almost recovered, and his legs seem to be much more agile than before.
"Zhiyan, long time no see! Have your eyes recovered?"
"Yes, thanks to Xue'er's help."
She's truly a capable and virtuous wife; it seems I, the prince, really chose the right person."
As he said this, a hint of joy appeared in the Second Prince's eyes.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's heart sank, and he immediately understood the Second Prince's thoughts.
"Zhiyan really doesn't hold back in expressing her praise for Consort Gu!"
However, what we see is not necessarily the truth.
Zhiyan, you need to understand this!
"Cousin Jinheng, what do you mean by that?"
Chen Jinheng did not respond, but a strange smile appeared on his lips as he turned and left the Golden Palace.
Marquis Zhongyong's Mansion
The Marquis had already received news of Chen Jinheng's triumphant return, and a few days in advance, he summoned his servants to decorate the entire Marquis's residence.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, lanterns of various shapes are hung everywhere inside and outside the Hou Mansion, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
"Congratulations to General Chen on your great victory over the enemy and your triumphant return!"
As soon as Chen Jinheng and Han Ying returned to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, every servant who was not busy came out to greet them.
Lin Ruoyan had been waiting at the door for a long time, just to see the person she longed for.
"Jinheng, you're back! Come, let me take off your cloak."
"No need!"
Seeing Lin Ruoyan step forward to greet him, Chen Jinheng remained indifferent and strode towards the main hall.
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