The carriage traveled all day on the bumpy official road and finally arrived at a roadside inn as night fell.
Chen Zhennan helped Song Yunming down from the carriage, and the two decided to stay overnight.
The inn was brightly lit and bustling with activity, as travelers from all walks of life gathered to share their experiences.
Chen Zhennan and Song Yunming found a table in the corner, sat down, and ordered some food and drinks.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Chen Zhennan noticed that the guests at the next table were having a heated discussion about the war in Dawu, which had attracted the attention of many other guests.
A burly man with a full beard, speaking in a booming voice, brandished his chopsticks and said with great enthusiasm, "Do you know that the Great Wu's victory this time was all thanks to one person? This person is truly extraordinary and beyond compare!"
A tall, thin man next to him, his eyes lit up, and he quickly chimed in, "Brother, are you talking about Chen Zhennan? I've also heard of his heroic deeds; they're simply divine! It's said that he dared to charge against the more than 200,000 troops of the Great Zhou with only three hundred Deadly Iron Cavalry under his command. It's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, but he actually succeeded. How could an ordinary person do that?"
Another person stood up and continued, "That's right. I heard that those three hundred iron cavalrymen are all incredibly brave. The hidden weapons and explosive devices they wield are divine artifacts, beyond the imagination of us mortals."
Everyone nodded in agreement and began to discuss it animatedly.
Chen Zhennan and Song Yunming exchanged a smile, listening with great interest. They never expected their story to be spread in such an exaggerated way.
A scholar-like man, fanning himself and shaking his head, said, "In my opinion, this Chen Zhennan is no ordinary person; he might even be a celestial being descended to earth."
Song Yunming couldn't help but whisper to Chen Zhennan, "Brother-in-law, they're praising you like a god. Listen to this, you and your iron cavalry have become heavenly soldiers and generals."
Chen Zhennan smiled and shook his head, replying in a low voice, "I did want my name to be known all over the world, but I didn't expect it to be so outrageous that I was actually called a god."
As the discussion grew louder, the atmosphere in the inn reached a climax.
People's eyes gleamed with admiration for heroes and longing for myths, as if Chen Zhennan had truly become the god of war in their hearts.
Chen Zhennan looked at the excited faces and couldn't help but chuckle. He noticed a little boy listening intently with wide eyes, as if imagining himself becoming such a hero.
Although Chen Zhennan felt that these rumors were somewhat exaggerated, he was actually very satisfied.
A person's name is like the shadow of a tree; who doesn't hope that their name will be praised by the world?
Although the art style is a bit off, the effect is extraordinary. As long as Zhou Jianjia is killed, Wu Yunyin's dream of becoming emperor will come to an end.
Song Yunming seemed to be in a better mood. He picked up his wine glass and said to Chen Zhennan, "Brother-in-law, it seems your reputation has surpassed everyone else's. I'm starting to be jealous of you."
Chen Zhennan laughed heartily, raised his glass and clinked it with Song Yunming's: "Yunming, are you jealous of me or envious of me? That's enough, you're injured, stop drinking and rest."
Just then, a drunkard staggered up to Chen Zhennan and Song Yunming's table, pointed at Chen Zhennan and said, "You, you look a bit like Marshal Chen Zhennan! I saw Marshal Chen in Beijing two years ago."
Chen Zhennan and Song Yunming exchanged a glance, and then Chen Zhennan said in a deliberately serious tone, "Brother, you've mistaken me for someone else. I'm just a passing merchant."
The drunkard burped and shook his head: "No, no, you are Marshal Chen, I recognize you!"
He pointed at the dagger at Chen Zhennan's waist and suddenly shouted, "Everyone come and see! Marshal Chen Zhennan is here!"
Chen Zhennan twitched the corners of his mouth. There was no way he could rest tonight. He pulled Song Yunming up quickly and took advantage of the chaos to leave the inn, leaving behind a room full of surprised guests and the drunkard who was still talking to himself.
...
Throughout the streets and alleys of Beijing, people spread the word about Chen Zhennan's heroic deeds.
Whether it was street vendors or high-ranking officials in their mansions, everyone was talking about this incomparably brave "God of War of the Martial Kingdom".
At first, the high and mighty Wu Yunyin was kept in the dark. She was busy with court affairs all day and knew nothing about the rumors circulating among the people.
However, as time went by, some subtle changes gradually occurred in the imperial court.
When discussing state affairs, the ministers would invariably mention Chen Zhennan's heroic deeds and praise him highly.
"Your Majesty, Chen Zhennan's great victory is truly a blessing for our Great Wu. His heroic deeds have been widely circulated among the people." A minister stepped forward, his voice loud and proud.
Wu Yunyin raised her eyebrows slightly. She was familiar with this news, but every time she heard it, she felt a mix of emotions.
She remembered that six years ago, Chen Zhennan raised an army to help her restore her country, and at that time he was already famous.
Now that his prestige has reached a new level, Wu Yunyin couldn't help but feel a surge of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
"Your Majesty, Chen Zhennan's achievements are truly rare throughout history. His loyalty and courage are commendable and he deserves the respect of all people." Another minister stepped forward, his words filled with praise for Chen Zhennan.
Wu Yunyin's expression darkened slightly. She knew that Chen Zhennan had made a great contribution, but she felt a little uneasy.
She wanted to thank Chen Zhennan properly, but at that moment, a piece of news hit her like a bolt from the blue.
"Your Majesty, news has come from Great Yan that Chen Zhennan has become the new emperor of Great Yan."
Wu Yunyin's eyes widened, hardly believing her ears. Her face instantly turned deathly pale, and she gripped the armrests of the dragon throne tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.
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