Deyang Palace.
Thinking of the current situation in the Western Qiang, Liu Hong was also very worried. He had just been enthroned and was eager for a great victory to enhance his prestige in the army.
In order to seize military power as quickly as possible.
Therefore, Chen Fan, Dou Wu, and others were summoned to the palace by Liu Hong once again.
"Is there still no news from Duan Jiming?"
Although Liu Hong's tone was calm, everyone could hear the anxiety in his heart.
Aside from military power, Liu Hong's biggest worry was the people on the northern grasslands.
If the northern Xiongnu, Xianbei, and northern Wuhuan tribes were to invade the north at this time, it would certainly deal a heavy blow to the already crumbling Han Dynasty.
If the border falls into endless war, his plan to transform the empire will be postponed indefinitely, which Liu Hong cannot tolerate.
Grand Commandant Li Ying stood up and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have received a report that Duan Jiming has led an army of 10,000 to Gaoping, waiting for an opportunity to engage in a decisive battle with the Xianling Qiang tribes at Fengyi Mountain."
Chen Fan nodded and smiled slightly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. Duan Jiming never fights a battle he is not confident of winning. Since he is preparing for a decisive battle, he will surely achieve a great victory. Judging by the time, we will receive good news in less than two days."
Just as everyone was discussing, a fast horse galloped toward the gates of Luoyang.
Who goes there?
The guards at the city gate immediately stepped forward and shouted their questions.
“I am the Marquis of Dingbian and a messenger under the General of Protector of the Qiang. General Duan fought a decisive battle with the Xianling Qiang tribes at Fengyi Mountain, killing the Xianling Qiang leader Dianmu. Our army won a great victory and was specially ordered to carry the victory report and Dianmu’s head to present to the Emperor.”
"A great victory for our army...?"
Upon hearing this news, the people around the city gate were immediately abuzz with excitement. Everyone was thrilled. The emperor had just ascended the throne, and news of a great victory had already arrived from the frontier. This undoubtedly showed that Heaven was blessing the Han Dynasty.
Upon hearing this news, the people cheered enthusiastically.
Since Emperor Wu of Han launched his northern campaign against the Xiongnu, Huo Qubing fought all the way to the Gobi Desert, making the Han Dynasty's reputation resound throughout the land. This undoubtedly greatly inspired the Han people's sense of honor and confidence, changing their previous attitude of seeking peace and compromise.
The deeds of later notable figures such as Ban Dingyuan and Chen Tang further etched the words "The majesty of the Han Dynasty is inviolable" into the very marrow of the people.
Unlike the weak and appeasing bureaucrats of later dynasties, Han Dynasty officials were very tough on the barbarians, and their memorials to the emperor often contained words like "punish" and "annihilate".
This gives a glimpse into the integrity and moral character of Han Dynasty officials and common people.
Even after experiencing the political darkness and court chaos of several emperors including Chong, Zhi, Shang, and Huan, this aging regime never stopped cracking down on the barbarians from all directions who dared to defy and infringe upon the dignity of the Han Dynasty.
"Quickly, take him to the palace immediately to report the good news to the Emperor."
An officer guarding the city gate immediately shouted, and a soldier hurriedly led the messenger toward the palace.
As the messenger ran, he pulled out a battle report and shouted:
"A great victory was achieved in Xiliang. The Han army crushed the rebellion of the Western Qiang in one fell swoop, and the chieftains were beheaded."
Within the city, whether scholars, ordinary people, peddlers, or even wandering knights, everyone was thrilled and felt a sense of pride upon hearing this exciting news.
"God bless the Han Dynasty"
"The Han army is mighty!"
"The Emperor is wise and insightful"
Slogans like these were heard everywhere. Even though some people were struggling, they still had light in their hearts. No one didn't want their country to be strong, and no one didn't want their army to win wars against other countries. This was a source of spiritual sustenance and satisfaction.
In an instant, the entire city of Luoyang became as bustling and lively as it would be during the Chinese New Year in later times.
Xi Zhicai looked towards the palace, and the image of the man he had been chatting and laughing with appeared in his mind, a knowing smile appearing on his lips.
This victory will greatly enhance the emperor's prestige in the army, making it much easier for him to control the army in the future.
Among the students from humble backgrounds, not only Tian Feng and Ju Shou, but also Jia Xu, Cheng Yu, Li Ru and others were infected by this surge of national self-confidence. At this moment, they realized that serving the emperor and displaying their knowledge might only be the beginning.
"Your Majesty, a great victory! A great victory in Xiliang!"
"Your Majesty, a great victory has been achieved in Xiliang."
Zhang Rang led the messenger, running and shouting loudly, afraid that if his voice was too soft, others, especially the emperor, would not hear him.
The messenger followed closely behind Zhang Rang. Although he had traveled over a thousand miles and was exhausted, he couldn't help but feel excited at the thought that he would soon meet the emperor. This was a job he had fought hard to secure, having defeated a group of his comrades.
"What's going on outside? Why is it so noisy?"
Liu Hong, who was discussing matters with Chen Fan and others inside the hall, frowned upon hearing the commotion outside: "Zhao Zhong, go and take a look."
"promise!"
Zhao Zhong bowed and had just left the main hall when he saw Zhang Rang and the messenger running in from Deyang Gate. Zhang Rang kept shouting "Great victory!"
Zhao Zhong's expression shifted, and he immediately understood what was going on. Just moments ago, the emperor was worried about the war in Xiliang, and now news of victory had arrived. The emperor would surely be overjoyed to know this.
After glancing at Zhang Rang, who was still running, Zhao Zhong quickly turned around and crashed into the gate of Deyang Palace. Zhao Zhong fell to the ground, but he ignored the pain and scrambled to Liu Hong's side.
"Your Majesty, great news! A great victory in Xiliang!"
"A great victory in Xiliang??"
Liu Hong, who was about to lose his temper after seeing Zhao Zhong cause such a commotion, suddenly stood up when he heard "Great Victory in Xiliang". Chen Fan, Dou Wu and others also stared intently at the incoherent Zhao Zhong.
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