Bingzhou Camp
Led by Zhang Huan, the generals of Bingzhou gathered at the camp gate, while Lü Bu, Gao Shun, and Dong Zhuo stood behind Zhang Huan, looking ahead.
"General! Look!"
Upon hearing the guard's reminder, Zhang Huan and his group looked up and saw a carriage slowly making its way towards the Bingzhou camp, escorted by a troop of Imperial Guards.
The generals of Bingzhou hurriedly bowed their heads and straightened their clothes.
The officer in charge of the Imperial Guards, upon seeing Zhang Huan and his entourage, whispered into the carriage, "Attendant Zhang, Protector of the Xiongnu, General Zhang, has personally come out to greet us with the soldiers of Bingzhou!"
"stop!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Rang quickly stopped the carriage, got off, and strode towards Zhang Huan and the others.
"We are unworthy of such honor as to have General Zhang personally come out to greet us. We are truly flattered!"
Zhang Rang bowed to Zhang Huan with his hands clasped, his demeanor and words showing utmost respect. Zhang Rang was aware of Zhang Huan's correspondence with the emperor, and since this famous general of the Han Dynasty was highly trusted by the emperor, Zhang Rang naturally dared not put on airs as a mere eunuch.
"Hehe~ Zhang Changshi is too kind. Zhang Changshi has served His Majesty with great merit and hard work. His Majesty's decision to send Zhang Changshi here shows how much he values us. Therefore, the proper etiquette must be observed."
Zhang Huan also smiled and flattered him. He knew that Zhang Rang was a close minister of the emperor, but he was not arrogant and domineering like other eunuchs. On the contrary, he was very polite to him, which pleased Zhang Huan.
Seeing Zhang Huan's politeness, Zhang Rang was secretly pleased and said with a smile, "His Majesty often says that General Zhang is an important minister of our Han Dynasty. Despite his advanced age, he guards the border, deters the barbarians, and protects the peace of our Han Dynasty. This is truly a great service and merit."
Zhang Huan smiled and shook his head, "I don't deserve such praise from Your Majesty. Defending the border is simply the duty of a general!"
Zhang Rang nodded, then looked behind Zhang Huan and asked with a smile, "Which one of you is Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian?"
From the crowd, Lü Bu stepped forward and announced loudly, "I am Lü Bu! Greetings, Attendant Zhang!"
Zhang Rang couldn't help but look at Lü Bu, and saw that Lü Bu had a handsome face, a tall and straight figure, and spoke with neither arrogance nor servility. "What a heroic young man!" Zhang Rang couldn't help but admire him in his heart.
"As expected, heroes emerge from among the young. No wonder Ma Teng recommended you to the Emperor!"
"Brother Shoucheng?"
Upon hearing Zhang Rang's words, Lü Bu was slightly taken aback. He recalled that when he parted ways with Ma Teng, Ma Teng had indeed said that he would recommend him to the emperor. Lü Bu couldn't help but feel secretly moved.
At this moment, Zhang Rang took the imperial edict from the guard behind him, unfolded it, and loudly proclaimed:
"Lü Bu, receive the imperial edict!"
"The general has issued an edict!"
Lu Bu immediately knelt on one knee, his expression solemn.
Zhang Rang then began to loudly read the imperial edict:
"I have heard that Fengxian of Jiuyuan was exceptionally brave and righteous. In order to save his compatriots, he faced a powerful enemy without fear. However, the elders of Fengxian's hometown were massacred. They were all subjects of my great Han Dynasty. I am deeply saddened."
After hearing that Fengxian had single-handedly ventured into the grasslands and slain countless barbarians, thus enhancing the prestige of our nation, I was greatly comforted. If every man of our great Han were like Fengxian, what need would our great Han have for mere barbarians?
"Now, Lü Bu is promoted to Military Commander of Bing Province, and is bestowed with fifty bolts of silk and one hundred taels of gold. His parents, Lü Bu and Lü Bu, have rendered meritorious service in raising their son, and are hereby posthumously granted an honorary title as a reward!"
"This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace!"
When Lü Bu first heard that the emperor had promoted and rewarded him, he was only grateful for the emperor's high regard for him.
But when he heard that the emperor had posthumously bestowed titles upon his parents, he couldn't help but become emotional, his eyes filled with tears.
Seeing Lü Bu's appearance, Zhang Rang nodded, then laughed and said, "His Majesty said that Fengxian is a rare and loyal man, and he should live up to his original aspiration and fight the enemy to serve the country!"
Lu Bu accepted the imperial edict, bowed deeply towards Luoyang, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, this humble general will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations, and will bravely fight the enemy and uphold the might of our Han Dynasty!"
After Lü Bu stood up, Zhang Rang looked at everyone again and asked, "Which one of you is Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhongying?"
From the crowd, Dong Zhuo, with a pleased expression, stepped forward and bowed to Zhang Rang, saying, "I am Dong Zhuo from Xiliang, greetings to Attendant Zhang!"
"Zhong Ying, you truly live up to your reputation as a fierce general under the Marquis of Dingbian and the number one warrior of Xiliang!"
Looking at Dong Zhuo's rugged face, not only was he burly, but he also exuded a faint aura of menace. Such imposing presence could only come from years of battle. Zhang Rang couldn't help but nod in approval.
Zhang Rang took another imperial edict from the Imperial Guard and proclaimed loudly:
"Dong Zhuo, receive the imperial edict!"
"The general has issued an edict!"
Dong Zhuo knelt on one knee, his expression full of reverence.
"Dong Zhuo of Xiliang has served in the army for many years, killed countless enemies, and made great contributions to our Han Dynasty. He is also a loyal and courageous man, and I am very pleased with him."
He is hereby promoted to Cavalry Commandant of Liangzhou, and bestowed with fifty bolts of silk and one hundred taels of gold!
"This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace!"
Dong Zhuo was overjoyed. He accepted the imperial edict, bowed towards Luoyang, and said loudly:
"Your Majesty values us so highly, I hereby swear that I will serve Your Majesty faithfully for the rest of my life. Whatever Your Majesty commands, I will draw my sword and charge forward!"
Zhang Rang nodded. Before he came, Liu Hong had specifically instructed him to observe Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu to see if they were capable of being of great use.
Therefore, Zhang Rang was constantly watching their eyes and expressions. At this moment, in Zhang Rang's eyes, the two men were loyal and patriotic to the Han Dynasty and the Emperor.
Zhang Rang then read out the news about opening the border trade again. As for the location, it was thirty miles north of Jiuyuan City, and five thousand elite soldiers trained by Gao Shun of Bingzhou Camp would be responsible for guarding and maintaining it, while also serving as a deterrent.
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