On the seventh day of the eleventh month, as dusk fell and the last group of scholars and students who had entered the Martyrs' Shrine to pay their respects left, this winter national sacrificial ceremony, led by the emperor, came to a perfect end!
According to statistics, the total number of scholars, students and local people from the Sili region who came to participate in the worship was as high as 150,000!
The worship of ancient sages greatly increased the national cohesion and national self-confidence of the Han people!
Two days had passed since the winter national memorial ceremony, and stone tablets inscribed with anecdotes about the lives of famous historical officials had been erected one after another in the square in front of the Martyrs' Shrine!
Countless scholars and students, upon hearing the news, flocked to pay homage to the life of the sage, and gathered in twos and threes to express their aspirations!
Unbeknownst to many, the Martyrs' Shrine has become a cultural sanctuary in the hearts of scholars and students.
Especially for students from other places, a trip to Luoyang isn't complete without visiting the Martyrs' Shrine!
"A great victory for our army!! A great victory at Youzhou!!"
Just as a group of students were heading to the Martyrs' Shrine and passing by the South Palace, a fast horse suddenly galloped towards the South Palace.
"Huh? Another great victory??"
"Our mighty Han army is no match for mere barbarians! A great victory is to be expected!!"
Watching the messenger's departing figure, the students were no longer surprised. After exchanging a few words, they continued walking towards the Martyrs' Shrine.
The numerous victories over the past year have become commonplace for him! His initial excitement upon hearing of the triumphs has transformed into absolute confidence.
"Uh~!"
This is a great victory!! Our Youzhou army's first major victory! Where are the cheers? Where are the shouts??
Looking at the calm demeanor of the people and students around him, the messenger couldn't help but start to question the meaning of life.
At Deyang Hall, Liu Hong also summoned Li Ying, Cao Song, Yuan Feng, Huangfu Gui, Dou Wu, and others to discuss matters related to the construction of the Martyrs' Shrine!
After some discussion, the group finally decided to set aside a plot of land opposite the Martyrs' Shrine to build a Hall of Heroes, symbolizing the mutual respect and support between civil and military officials.
"Let the School of Engineering take charge of building the Martyrs' Shrine!"
Ultimately, Liu Hong entrusted the construction of the Martyrs' Shrine to Yuan Feng.
"Your subject obeys!!"
Yuan Feng happily accepted the appointment, and once the Martyrs' Shrine is completed, it will undoubtedly add another glorious chapter to his resume.
"A great victory!! A great victory at Youzhou!!"
Just as everyone was about to leave, good news suddenly came from outside the hall!
"Quick! Bring them in!!"
Liu Hong's expression shifted, and he hurriedly ordered Song Dian to bring in the messenger who had reported the victory!
"Your Majesty! The seven thousand Northern Wuhuan invaders were annihilated by our army north of Yuyang!"
Three thousand enemies killed and four thousand captured! The Northern Wuhuan chieftain, Relic, was also slain on the spot by our army. Our casualties were no more than five hundred! This is the battle report sent by Commandant Huangfu; please review it, Your Majesty!
As they spoke, the messenger excitedly untied a wooden box from his waist, placed the battle report on it, and presented it to Liu Hong with both hands.
Liu Hong picked up the battle report casually, but didn't touch the wooden box containing the relic's head.
"Excellent!! Well done, Huangfu Song! That was a brilliant battle!!"
After reading the battle report, Liu Hong couldn't help but applaud!
In order to deter the Xiongnu and free up his resources to eliminate the Jie people, he ordered Huangfu Song to annihilate the Northern Wuhuan people as soon as possible, at all costs.
He had prepared himself for heavy casualties, but Huangfu Song gave him such a big surprise.
Although the Southern Wuhuan people were nearly decimated thanks to Huangfu Song's scheme, he didn't care at all! He only cared about the casualties of the Han soldiers.
Liu Hong then handed the battle report to everyone present.
"Congratulations, General Huangfu! Your Huangfu family has a worthy successor!!"
After reading it, Cao Song was the first to congratulate Huangfu Gui.
"Indeed! From the battle report, it's clear that your nephew possesses the strategic brilliance of a renowned general of antiquity! Truly remarkable!!"
Grand Commandant Li Ying couldn't help but admire it.
The battle report recorded Huangfu Song's overall planning and command details, showing his ability to create opportunities out of nothing, boldly employing flanking maneuvers, tactical deception, and many other tactics that were cleverly and perfectly combined.
Even if any link in the chain had broken down or made a mistake, it would have been impossible to achieve such a result. This shows just how skilled Huangfu Song was in commanding troops!
"Hehe~, you flatter me! If it weren't for the Northern Army and the Imperial Guards' hundred-mile raid, and our intelligence advantage, Yizhen wouldn't have been able to win so easily!!"
Huangfu Gui chuckled and stroked his white beard. Although he spoke modestly, anyone could sense his pride!
After silently expressing their disdain, no one exposed them to their faces!
Afterwards, Liu Hong ordered his men to invite Chen Fan, Hu Guang and others over to discuss the matter of bestowing titles and rewards!
Ultimately, everyone decided to promote Huangfu Song to the position of Protector-General of the Frontier and bestow upon him the title of Marquis of Duxiang!
The annihilation of 7,000 enemy troops and the killing of more than 3,000 were achievements worthy of being ennobled, so no one felt there was anything wrong with them.
As for Huang Zhong, Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, and Gongsun Du, they will be rewarded after they return to the capital!
"Gentlemen, in this battle in Youzhou, we annihilated the Northern Wuhuan people, which is enough to deter the Xiongnu and Xianbei. Now we can also free up our hands to deal with the Jie people!"
After the matter of bestowing rewards was settled, Liu Hong also put the matter of eliminating the Jie people on the agenda!
Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances. Since they had already discussed the matter beforehand, they did not show much surprise at this moment.
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