It's already halfway through early summer, and even though the summer wind brings a bit of coolness from the valley water, the air is still filled with lingering heat. However, for the Liu Fang brothers, they didn't mind at all and intuitively enjoyed it very much.
Wandering in the golden sunshine, Liu Fang's dark face faced the baking heat of summer, and he said with some intoxication: "The Central Plains is better, even this scorching sun makes people so comfortable!"
An arduous and dangerous expedition not only tempered the spirit and will, but also tortured the body. Especially after experiencing the hell-like cold, the heat from the Central Plains seemed extremely precious.
"I don't want to go to that place in Jinshan again in this life!" Liu Fang sighed, turning to look at Liu Min's thin and rough face, and said: "Sixth brother, before you return to Beijing, you have to take care of yourself. Otherwise, I don’t know how heartbroken the Empress and Princess Wei will be when they meet!"
"It will take a while to heal! This time when I return to Beijing, I will definitely take a good rest, so I will treat myself as a treat!" Hearing this, Liu Min grinned, revealing a wisp of white teeth, looking in the direction of Luoyang, with a bright smile There is also a feeling of longing in the pupils, and the desire to return is getting stronger.
After the military order was issued, the returning soldiers obviously increased their speed. During the march, the two brothers chatted for a while. Of course, Liu Fang was mainly talking. Under normal circumstances, Liu Min still didn't talk much.
Murong Defeng and Yang Yanzhao were ordered to leave. The round trip still took a lot of time. When they returned, the army had reached the outskirts of Luoyang, the sun had set in the west, and the afternoon was approaching.
Yang Yanzhao was the only one who came back. It was obvious that he was in a hurry and was sweating profusely, but his Yingwu face was full of excitement. Liu Fang threw him a bag of water and said, "Quench your thirst and speak slowly!"
Yang Yanzhao was not polite. He took a swig and showed a comfortable expression.
"Where is Murong Rixin? Why didn't he come back?" Liu Fang asked.
Wiping his mouth, Yang Yanzhao said: "Murong Langguan was left by His Highness the Crown Prince to report the details, and the general was ordered to return and lead the army back!"
"Prince?" Liu Fang couldn't help but be surprised.
"Back to Your Highness, I learned that the soldiers had returned. Your Highness personally brought hundreds of officials and honor guards to greet you outside the Dingding Gate of Nancheng. He was already waiting at the city gate!" Yang Yanzhao reported: "His Majesty has ordered the soldiers to pass through Tianjie. Hold an entry ceremony!"
Hearing this, even Liu Fang couldn't help but feel a flash of joy on his face, and said with emotion: "The imperial court pays so much attention to it, how can we afford it?"
Obviously, Emperor Liu's intention was for them to return with great honors and arrive in the capital amidst cheers and applause. Such respect and honor was an extremely profound recognition for these expeditionary soldiers.
"Notify Yang and Wang Ergong!" After calming down his ups and downs, Liu Fang immediately ordered: "Send the order, maintain the formation, and march towards Nancheng!"
The setting sun sets in the west, releasing a burst of rich brilliance, covering the majestic and magnificent Luoyang City. In front of Dingding Gate, there was already a solemn scene. There were many dragon flags and ceremonial guards. All officials and ceremonial guards lined up neatly, waiting quietly. They were very solemn and did not dare to look around.
Prince Liu Yang and Prime Minister Zhao Pu were both present, as were all the other princes, ministers, and ministers who could come. This kind of welcome was something that only Emperor Liu could enjoy in the past.
There were also people from Xijing watching around. Although they were blocked by the guards, it did not affect their enthusiasm. They were full of curiosity and admiration for the soldiers of the expeditionary force who were about to return.
During this period, stories about the expeditionary force spread in Luoyang City. The Department of Propaganda and Comfort and below made great efforts to publicize the merits and spirit of the expeditionary soldiers. Various versions of the stories that were beautifully polished made the expeditionary force even more popular. The experiences of the soldiers are full of legends, and they are also sought after by the people of Xijing.
The avenue outside the city spans the moat and directly connects to Tianjie through Dingding Gate. The road has also been cleared. There are crowds of people around, but the road is empty and clear. After waiting for a long time, the expeditionary army finally appeared at the end of the field of vision.
When they discovered those worn-out but high-flying military flags, everyone became energetic. The cavalry team of nearly three thousand people came slowly. The closer they got, the more clearly they became clearer. His perseverance is contagious.
By this time, Yang Ye, Wang Yansheng and Guo Jin were undoubtedly in the middle. They were the commanders of the three expeditionary armies, and of course they had to occupy the C position. Even if they wanted to give in, Liu Fang refused. In this regard, , Liu Fang is both knowledgeable and considerate.
When they saw the high-level scene in front of Dingding Gate, several people couldn't help but be stunned. Even if they had been mentally prepared, when they actually faced this kind of scene, they were moved spontaneously.
Generals Yang, Wang, and Guo are all Guo Yi's brave generals, and they are all tough guys, but tough guys can't help but be moved at this time. Wang Yansheng looked older, his beard and hair were mostly white, and there was a blush on his old face. It was unclear whether he was sick or excited.
"The imperial court has treated me so well, even if I die on the battlefield, I will have no regrets!" A sigh filled Wang Yansheng's emotions.
"Hundred officials welcome you!" As the ceremony officer sang loudly, all the officials standing in front of the road immediately bowed their hands and bowed. All the ceremonial guards also performed a military salute. Their movements were very neat and full of momentum.
Such a battle shocked Yang Ye and the others, especially when they saw the prince Liu Yang in yellow robe doing the same thing, they became a little panicked.
Yang Ye did not dare to neglect, waved his hand and said loudly: "The whole army listens to the order and dismounts!"
The soldiers behind them were basically from the northwest frontier army. Most of them had even come to Luoyang for the first time. They were shocked by the welcoming scene before they had time to feel the majesty and magnificence of the capital.
His ability to execute orders and prohibitions was a reflection of his excellent qualities. He passed on orders at all levels and dismounted one after another. His movements were also neat and neat, without any sloppiness. The sound of landing was full of momentum and showed the style of these frontier warriors.
Yang Ye and other generals dismounted and stepped forward. They paid homage to Liu Yang and Zhao Pu together and said, "I see you, Your Highness!"
"I've met my husband!"
Seeing Yang Ye and the others, Liu Yang had a heart-warming smile on his face. He personally stepped forward to help a few of them, then tightly grasped Wang Yansheng's rough hand and said, "You don't need to be polite, it's hard work on the expedition, and I'm lonely." We are greeted according to the imperial edict, and it is you, the meritorious officials, who deserve to be honored!"
After hearing this, Wang Yansheng immediately said: "The court's courtesy is too heavy, and I can't bear it. I still ask His Highness to come back!"
Wang Yansheng is no longer the reckless, vulgar, arrogant and fierce general he once was. Over the years, his knowledge and wisdom have improved. Although they were shocked by such a grand reception from the court, they also knew in their hearts that such specifications were really out of the norm. People like them couldn't afford it, and they didn't dare to directly accept it.
Seeing this, Liu Yang showed a solemn attitude and did not let go of Wang Yansheng's hand. He glanced around the generals and said, "Young gentlemen, there is no need to be humble. Your Majesty said that it is extremely difficult for you to go on an expedition and kill the enemy to serve the country." , after all the hard work, you should be honored.
More importantly, in terms of the difficulty and danger of the battle and the harsh situation, you are the only one among the entire army. You not only exalt the dignity of our Han army in a foreign land, but also show the spirit of our Han army. No matter how courteous you are, Nothing is too much! "
As soon as these words came out, several senior generals couldn't help but their eyes turned red, their moods were surging, and they bowed in the direction of the imperial city.
"My lords, your majesty has an edict to let the expedition soldiers enter the city through Tianjie Street and accept the cheers of the people of Xijing. Your majesty will accept the prisoners at the palace gate!" At this time, Zhao Pu also showed goodwill to these meritorious generals, his old face was unusually gentle.
"Thank you, Prime Minister Zhao!" He returned the greeting.
"Fourth brother, sixth brother!" Liu Yang looked at Liu Fang and Liu Min again.
We haven't seen each other for more than a year, and the appearance and temperament seem a bit unfamiliar, but Liu Yang's attitude is very cordial, especially seeing the current state of the brothers Liu Fang and Liu Min, it is more understanding.
"Brother, please see His Highness the Crown Prince!" Probably because of the occasion, the Liu Fang brothers also bowed very solemnly.
"No need to be polite!" Liu Yang smiled and waved: "Let's go, follow me into the city, accept the cheers of the soldiers and the people..."
