Led by Ai Zijun, the group passed through the bustling streets of Heichuan and finally arrived at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
This magnificent mansion, like an impregnable fortress, stands in the heart of Kurokawa, symbolizing the majesty and glory of the King of the North.
Upon returning to the palace, Ai Zijun hurriedly ordered a banquet to be prepared to celebrate the day's great victory.
The mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, filled with laughter and cheers. Everyone wore smiles and was immersed in the joy of victory.
Elena, however, wore a faint sorrow on her face, like a bright moon obscured by dark clouds, having lost its former brilliance.
However, at this moment, Ai Zijun had no time to focus her attention on Elena.
He knew that as the Prince of Zhenbei, he had to demonstrate the leadership he deserved and lead the brothers who had returned first to celebrate the victory of the night.
He moved among the guests, frequently raising his glass, chatting and laughing, displaying the demeanor of a king.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively, but Chen Zhennan pulled Ai Zijun to the backyard of the Prince's Mansion.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the front hall, the backyard was quiet and secluded, with moonlight shining like water on the two of them.
Chen Zhennan's expression was solemn, completely different from his drunken state just now, as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart.
Seeing this, Ai Zijun couldn't help but ask, "Brother Chen, what are your instructions? A private meeting must mean something important." His voice carried a hint of concern, and his eyes shone with anticipation.
Chen Zhennan smiled slightly, his smile carrying a hint of meaning: "Of course there are important matters. I'm leaving soon. The five hundred team members I'm leaving behind are extremely powerful, and they've all been trained. They will absolutely obey my and Yan Shiyu's orders."
His words carried a hint of pride, as if he were displaying a precious treasure.
Ai Zijun nodded slightly, a hint of understanding in his eyes: "I saw it on the battlefield; the brothers in the special forces are only loyal to Brother Chen. Brother Chen, what should I do?"
His voice carried a hint of humility, as if he were seeking guidance from a wise man.
Chen Zhennan's eyes were sharp, and his voice was deep and powerful: "After I leave the Northeast, Ai Zijun, you must find a way to get along well with the brothers in the special forces and lead them. Don't let them think they are invincible and become arrogant. You must prevent them from causing trouble and use the authority of the Prince of Zhenbei to enforce their orders."
His words carried a hint of warning, as if reminding Ai Zijun that behind power lies responsibility.
After hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Ai Zijun frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
He asked, puzzled, "Brother Chen, weren't these special forces brothers all trained by you? Why are you reminding me to restrain them?"
His voice carried a hint of inquiry, as if he were seeking a convincing answer.
Chen Zhennan sighed, his eyes filled with a complex emotion, like autumn leaves, carrying a hint of helplessness.
He explained, "Everyone has their own thoughts. In the beginning, there weren't many people in the special forces team, and the brothers knew to keep a low profile. But now that there are more people, some have started to become overconfident."
His words carried a hint of worry, as if he were stating an undeniable fact.
Ai Zijun responded with an "oh," his eyes revealing a hint of understanding, as if a gust of wind had blown away the fog, revealing the clear truth.
He nodded, indicating that he understood Chen Zhennan's predicament.
Chen Zhennan nodded slightly, a hint of seriousness in his eyes, and then reminded him, "Human hearts are unpredictable. Even if you can't win people over, you must at least bribe them to keep them in line. At the very least, they shouldn't go against you, the Prince of Zhenbei."
His words carried a hint of warning, as if reminding Ai Zijun that the game of power was full of unknowns and dangers.
Ai Zijun responded with a resounding "hmm," his eyes filled with unwavering determination, as steadfast as a rock.
He said he knew what to do, and then asked Chen Zhennan when he planned to leave, his eyes filled with anticipation: "Brother Chen, I'd like you to stay and attend your wedding with Elena. Do you have the time?"
His voice carried a hint of sincerity, as if he were inviting a close friend to witness this important moment in his life.
Chen Zhennan shook his head, his smile carrying a hint of apology, like a gentle spring rain, tender yet slightly regretful.
He smiled and declined, saying, "The overall situation in the Northeast is settled. I still need to go to the southwestern border. Song Yunyang is still there. I must go there to stabilize the situation in the southwest."
His words carried a sense of responsibility, as if he were speaking of his mission and duty.
Ai Zijun nodded understandingly, knowing that Chen Zhennan had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and could not delay.
His eyes held a hint of respect, as if paying tribute to a hero: "Brother Chen, your sense of responsibility is admirable. I wish you all the best in the southwestern border region."
His voice carried a hint of blessing, as if he were offering his sincerest wishes for Chen Zhennan's journey.
As their conversation ended, a touch of sadness seemed to drift in the night breeze as they parted.
Under the moonlight, their shadows were stretched long, like two giants bearing heavy responsibilities.
Ai Zijun knew that from now on, he would not only have to protect his own homeland, but also the beliefs and loyalty of these warriors.
Ai Zijun returned to the banquet, his gaze more resolute, his smile even brighter. He knew this banquet was not just a celebration of victory, but also a new beginning.
He will lead these warriors to meet the challenges of the future and safeguard the glory of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
Elena watched Ai Zijun's figure, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
She knew that from now on, she would face the ups and downs of the future with this man.
Although she felt reluctant and worried, she also felt a new sense of anticipation and hope.
...
The next day, as the sun rose and dawn broke, Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun bid a brief but solemn farewell in front of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
Their hands were clasped together, their gazes unwavering. No words were needed; everything was understood without them saying a word.
Subsequently, Chen Zhennan led the remaining 1,000 special forces soldiers away from Heichuan in a grand procession, embarking on their journey home.
The cold wind was still biting, cutting across the soldiers' faces like a knife, but they all wore faint smiles, like flowers blooming in spring, warm and resilient.
Although the trip to Northeast China was short and didn't allow for a deeper understanding of local customs and culture, the interaction with the Northeast Army brought them some joy during the fighting. This joy was like a ray of sunshine in winter, warming their hearts.
"Brothers, speed up! Let's head to the southwestern border for the final battle, and then we can achieve universal harmony."
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