The news that Shen Qing personally led the expedition and won a great victory, and successfully signed an agreement with the North, spread throughout Dongli like a spring breeze.
In the capital, the streets and alleys were immersed in a sea of jubilation. The teahouses and taverns were even more bustling.
The teahouse was packed with guests, gathered in groups of three or five, whispering excitedly about the contents of the contract.
"I heard that this time the North will not only cede several cities, but also pay tribute every year. This is really gratifying!" A scholar in a green shirt said excitedly.
A middle-aged man who looked like a businessman nearby said, "Yes, our Dongli border is much more stable now, thanks to your majesty's wise decision and the brave fighting of our soldiers."
"This is a blessing for the country. Only if Your Majesty leads the army in person can we greatly boost the military's morale and achieve victory in one fell swoop."
At this moment, a young knight slammed the table and stood up: "Your Majesty, Lord Shen, is mighty and powerful. He leads our Dongli army to an unstoppable victory, and the enemy troops in the north are terrified!"
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was equally lively, with people toasting each other and laughing non-stop.
"I heard that this agreement also stipulates that the Northland must not infringe upon our Dongli border again, otherwise it will be subject to severe sanctions."
"This way, the people living along the border can finally live a peaceful life."
At the same time, storytellers in the city also began to tell stories. On the Qingfeng Terrace, a storyteller held a folding fan and spoke eloquently.
"Ladies and gentlemen, listen carefully as I explain. When Your Majesty personally leads the army, it is truly awe-inspiring. With a wave of the flag, thousands of troops rush out.
Lord Jiang charged into battle with unstoppable courage, his spear in hand like a dragon emerging from the sea; General Yuan, with extraordinary wisdom, deployed his troops and maneuvered skillfully; and countless soldiers bravely fought the enemy without fear of death, shedding blood..."
The storyteller vividly portrayed the fierceness of the battlefield and the achievements of Shen Qing and others with great emotion, causing the audience to sometimes hold their breath nervously and sometimes cheer and applaud.
On the streets, the hawkers' calls were louder than usual.
The elderly man selling candied haws (tanghulu) was grinning from ear to ear, his strings selling like hotcakes. The flower girl meticulously arranged bouquets, preparing to buy more for a few new outfits. Children played and laughed among the crowd, chasing each other with their homemade colorful flags.
The entire Dongli, from the bustling capital to the remote villages, was filled with the joy of victory. People were immersed in the joyous atmosphere of national celebration and were full of hope and longing for the future.
Shangshu Mansion.
Chunye ran in hurriedly, his steps hurried, bringing up a breeze.
Bai Runyi was sitting at the desk, concentrating on the book in his hand. When he heard the noise, he looked up at him in confusion.
"Were you bitten by a dog?" Bai Runyi couldn't help but joked as he looked at Chunye's breathless appearance.
Chun Ye didn't bother to respond to her teasing, and said with a heavy breath: "The outcome of the battle in the north is decided, Dongli has won! Chen Qing will return triumphantly soon."
The book in Bai Runyi's hand fell to the ground with a "bang". She was shocked, then stood up excitedly and walked quickly towards Chunye.
"Really?" Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, and her eyes were fixed on Chun Ye, as if she wanted to confirm the authenticity of the news from his expression.
Haruye nodded heavily, "Why would I lie to you?"
Bai Runyi burst into tears of joy, tears welling up uncontrollably in her eyes. She hugged Chunye tightly, crying out, "That's great! That's great!"
Chun Ye froze for a moment, his body suddenly stiffening. He felt a bit lost, his hands hanging in the air, unsure where to put them. He stood there blankly, feeling Bai Runyi's slightly trembling body.
He was just about to raise his hand to pat her back to comfort her, but Bai Runyi let him go.
"I'm going to pick out a gift for Qingqing!" After saying that, Bai Runyi ran out like a gust of wind.
Only Chunye was left standing there, with an expression of regret, surprise, loss, and a barely perceptible shyness on his face.
If I had known earlier, I should have hugged her back. Why was I standing there in a daze? What a shame!
On a sunny day, the streets and alleys of the capital were crowded with people early in the morning.
Today is the day their emperor returns to the capital.
At the city gates, the roadsides were decorated with lanterns and colorful flags. People dressed in their finest attire, holding flowers, their faces filled with excitement and reverence. Children rode on adults' shoulders, straining to peer into the distance.
From afar, waves of passionate drum music could be heard, and Shen Qing's troops gradually appeared in people's sight. The vanguard troops were heroic, holding high the Dongli military flag, and the flag fluttered in the wind.
Then, Shen Qing slowly approached on a tall, majestic white horse. She was clad in golden armor, gleaming in the sunlight, like a descending god of war. Jiang Zhuo rode beside Shen Qing.
Chen Qing raised the corners of his mouth, and said to Jiang Zhuo with a hint of arrogance: "Master Jiang, look at the enthusiasm of the people. My personal expedition this time has spread far and wide!"
Jiang Zhuo smiled and replied, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful. This great victory is truly a blessing for Dongli."
Shen Qing snorted, "Of course. How can I not win if I personally go out to fight? Those guys in the north are simply no match for me."
"Your Majesty is absolutely right."
Shen Qing raised her head and laughed. She caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the corner. It was Murong Zhi.
Oh.
The people cheered, "Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Long, long live His Majesty!"
People threw the flowers in their hands to the team, and the petals fell like snow, creating a gorgeous scene. The women were so excited that tears filled their eyes and kept waving to Shen Qing.
The entire capital was immersed in a sea of joy. The people welcomed Shen Qing's return in the warmest way and celebrated this hard-earned victory and glory together.
The next day after returning, she had to go to court. She really felt that the resentment of going to court was even greater than that of going to war.
In the court, Shen Qing sat high on the dragon throne, wearing a golden dragon robe embroidered with a soaring dragon pattern, looking extremely majestic.
Her eyes, like torches, slowly swept over His Highness and his courtiers. It seemed as if they could see through everything. Then she slowly spoke, "During the time I was away, has anything happened in the court?"
The ministers bowed their heads, and the Prime Minister stepped out first. He straightened his court robes and said respectfully, "Your Majesty's triumphant return is truly a blessing to our court. During your absence, all matters within the court will proceed as usual, and no major events will occur. However, we will handle the daily affairs of state, and we will not dare to slack off in the slightest."
Shen Qing nodded slightly: "Well, then let's take turns reporting, starting with... the Ministry of Households."
The Minister of Revenue quickly stepped forward, holding his tablet tightly in his hand, and reported, "Your Majesty, tax revenue is stable, and all expenditures are within budget. However, due to the war, military expenses are considerable, and the treasury has been reduced."
Chen Qing tapped the armrest of the dragon throne with his fingers and said, "This victory can ensure peace on the border, so it is worth it. We still need to make reasonable financial planning in the future to ensure sufficient national funds."
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