Lu Baichuan originally wanted to pick them up in person, since they were all brothers from the Fire Cloud Division and he hadn't seen them for a long time, so he should go and greet them.
But since the emperor had sent Prince Mao, he couldn't steal Prince Mao's thunder. As for the brothers meeting, they could wait until they finished their business in the palace before meeting.
The city became lively again that day. The imperial court spread the word that the heroes who had quelled the rebellion had returned. It was still a perilous situation where the enemy outnumbered us, but none of our soldiers had died. They had won a great victory and returned unharmed!
The news caused a sensation among the people. It was a blessing for the country to have such a legendary figure!
With such capable people protecting them, they can finally live a more stable life!
Therefore, the city gate was so crowded that it was impossible to pass through. If they hadn't been afraid, Mao Wang and the others who were standing at the front of the line might have been pushed away.
"They're here! They're here! The heroes have arrived!"
Someone saw a group of people walking this way, and could vaguely see a few prison carts. They confirmed that it was Qin Jian and his group, and cheered instantly.
"Indeed! A hero! Welcome, hero!"
Qin Jian and the others were shocked by the scene. They never expected the emperor to be so respectful, not only sending Prince Mao to personally receive them but also spreading the news to the people.
"Your subject Qin Jian, Commander-in-Chief of the Fire Cloud Division, greets Your Highness Prince Mao! I have fulfilled my mission and returned with the brothers of the Fire Cloud Division and a host of disgraced officials!"
Seeing his cautious and unperturbed demeanor, King Mao was deeply moved. He wondered how his third brother had managed to encounter such talented individuals.
If he had such capable subordinates by his side, perhaps his father wouldn't have been so disappointed in him back then?
However, this was just a momentary feeling. He was enjoying himself as a prince, eating, drinking, and having fun. He usually held a sinecure and lived a carefree life. Today's scene, representing the royal family, gave face to the court officials and showed the people the royal family's kindness.
At least the emperor was still willing to let him show his face and didn't intend to suppress him, which was enough.
"Get up quickly, you've done a great service this time, you're a hero!"
King Mao was very pleased and personally helped Qin Jian up.
After a careful look, he found that although they were covered in dust and grime, they were full of energy and none of them were missing any limbs. King Mao was once again filled with emotion.
To complete the task so well under such circumstances and conditions is truly admirable.
"Your Highness is too kind. This time it was all good luck, and also thanks to the medicine Madam Lu gave us..."
Qin Jian did not want to take credit, and this was the truth.
Prince Mao didn't care about any of that. Before he could finish speaking, he said, "No matter what, you've handled this matter well. Let's go. The Emperor has been waiting for you in the palace for a long time and has even prepared a banquet for you."
After such a long journey, they must be hungry. It's a good opportunity to have a meal at the palace.
Upon hearing this, not only the brothers of the Fire Cloud Division, but even Qin Jian himself was taken aback. They felt that the emperor was being too kind, personally hosting them. What merit did they have?
But the smile on their faces couldn't be hidden no matter what; who wouldn't want to be valued by the emperor?
The group entered the palace, and the criminals they brought were immediately escorted to the imperial prison. They split into two groups, ensuring that neither interfered with the other.
Inside the palace, the emperor and his ministers had been waiting for a long time.
Qin Jian and the others bowed and stood up, then quietly looked around. To their surprise, they didn't see Lu Baichuan and his wife, which made them a little disappointed.
What happened to Lu Laosan? Are they still brothers?
Not only did they not go to the city gate to pick us up, but they didn't even offer a banquet.
The emperor saw through their thoughts and smiled, "The Bai Chuan family has arranged accommodations for you at home. Once you leave the palace, just go directly to the General's Mansion. I won't arrange any additional places for you."
The crowd's faces lit up with joy; they knew their leader wouldn't abandon them.
After expressing their gratitude, everyone sat down to eat. The emperor didn't waste any words, asked a few simple questions, and then began to distribute rewards. He also promoted Qin Jian's two other outstanding brothers, and while the positions of the others remained unchanged, their salaries increased.
Everyone enjoyed their meal, and the fatigue from the journey disappeared.
Jiang Jiuniang had several empty courtyards prepared for Qin Jian and the others to stay in, and she was personally overseeing the delivery of essential items.
Lu Baichuan came to her excitedly from his study and said, "They've come out of the palace and will be here soon."
“Alright, they’ve had their meal in the palace, so we’ll just prepare tea and snacks.”
As she spoke, Jiang Jiuniang wanted to go to the kitchen to take a look, but Lu Baichuan stopped her and said with a smile, "Don't worry about that. They're tired from their journey. They'll wash up and go to sleep when they get back. We'll talk about food tonight."
"Oh, right, then let them get some rest!"
Jiang Jiuniang was very easy to talk to. Remembering something, she added, "Try to ask Brother Qin what he thinks tonight. Don't make the girl too embarrassed."
Seeing that she really wanted to be the matchmaker, Lu Baichuan smiled indulgently and agreed, "Don't worry, I'll definitely ask."
"That's more like it. It wasn't a waste of my time."
Jiang Jiuniang chuckled. It wasn't that she wanted to meddle in Qin Jian's marriage; she was simply asked to do so and couldn't refuse.
The Empress's younger sister had long admired Qin Jian and wanted to ask the Empress to grant her marriage. The Empress felt that marriage was a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, let alone granted casually, lest her sister suffer as a result.
So he asked Jiang Jiuniang to act as a matchmaker for his sister and Qin Jian, so that the two could meet and see Qin Jian's attitude before making a decision.
Jiang Jiuniang had met the Empress's sister. She was a very nice girl, the kind of girl who was a typical lady, very gentle and charming. Paired with a rough man like Qin Jian, she gave off a bit of a beauty and the beast vibe.
Of course, Qin Jian wasn't ugly; that was just how Jiang Jiuniang described him.
Considering that the young lady is quite nice, and Qin Jian is not young anymore, if it really works out, it would indeed be a good match.
Just then, they heard someone announce that Qin Jian and the others had arrived. Before the couple could even go to the door to greet them, they heard Qin Jian shouting as he came in.
"Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law! Are you home, sister-in-law?"
Upon arriving at the General's Mansion, Qin Jian acted as if he were at home, completely at ease, and strode inside.
The others followed, all marveling at how large and beautiful the courtyard was.
Fortunately, even if Qin Jian was completely lacking in manners, he still understood the difference between men and women, so he only called out in the front yard and did not go to the back yard where the women lived.
The couple exchanged a glance and smiled helplessly. Jiang Jiuniang urged, "Let's go, let's go, he'll get anxious if I don't go out soon."
Lu Baichuan took her hand and went outside. Soon they saw a group of familiar faces.
The brothers saw them too and were the first to say, "Boss, sister-in-law!"
As he spoke, he waved, as if afraid the couple hadn't seen him.
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