514 An Immortal Descended From Heaven? (1/2)

Tiantang City was experiencing an odd blend of grief and happiness.

There were countless people who were waiting, hearts full of anticipation, looking forward to the return of the victorious army. Yet, each of them was also filled with an indescribable apprehension that wrapped itself endlessly around their hearts.

How had their families fared in the war? Were they still safe and sound?

Despite their uncertainty, there were generally more happy faces, delighted with the victory and at ease now that the threat had been eliminated. They were utterly relaxed now, completely safe. Nothing was better than this peace and joy.

The entire Tiantang City had been adorned with celebratory decorations while drums and gongs beat out a festive rhythm by the city gate. Rows of people were flamboyantly prepared to welcome the victorious return of the warriors. A long, red, carpet was spread all the way from the gate with the other end nowhere in sight as if it was endless and ran into infinity.

On this day, His Majesty had personally led his civil and military officials out to welcome the return of Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan.

This was no ordinary city gate reception, nor was it merely a ten-mile long reception. The entourage had stretched a hundred miles out of the city to wait for the army! It was already an honor to have the emperor welcome one's return; normally, it was a distinction for the emperor to welcome someone at the palace gate.

To have His Majesty welcome someone at the city gate, that blessed soul must have contributed immense merit. A reception that stretched ten miles away from the city was only for one whose military contributions in defending the country and guarding the people were unsurpassable; sometimes, a ruler might not even have the chance to encounter such an opportunity throughout his entire reign.

Yutang's emperor had never seen or taken part in a reception that spanned a hundred miles away from the city. No one had ever done it before!

When His Majesty had suggested receiving the returning army from over a hundred miles away, many members of the imperial court rejected the idea, especially those from the Board of Rites, saying that norms would be broken by doing so. However, the emperor was assertive, deciding on the matter without further discussion, blatantly suppressing all the disagreeing voices immediately.

”Breaking the norm? How would this be breaking the norm? More than a million soldiers have fallen at Yutang's four borders' war and a million of these souls are coming back. I would barely be paying honor even if I were to welcome them a thousand miles away.As Yutang's leader, how I can only care about relishing the peace? I should be greedy over my people's lives and be fearful of even one of them dying! I'm only moving out to welcome them, there's no reason to think so much about this. In fact, I believe that this protocol is inadequate and will disappoint my lionhearted souls. If so, who else is willing to risk their life for this land?”

The wintery wind blew and white snow fell from the sky.

His Majesty stood amidst the beautiful scenery wearing a royal yellow gown with his arms resting on his back. Looking at the path that had been carved out, he stood still, silently waiting for the return of the warriors.

…

Yun Yang, Marquis Yun, Fang Mofei, and Bai Yixue plundered and pillaged their entire way home – all in the name of justice, on behalf of God who smiled upon those who robbed the rich to help the poor. These men were about to arrive at Tiantang City.

”Another five hundred miles ahead and will be in Tiantang City's territory. We're finally wrapping up this journey.”

Marquis Yun smiled contentedly. ”We have collected a hundred billion silver taels… This will be enough. Let us take a break now and tidy ourselves up. Clean yourselves and try to look neater. When we approach the city, we'll clean up again. After that, we must enter Tiantang City looking our best. We can't afford to look anything other than sharp!”

”Agreed!”

With the two intervals of rest and the opportunity to freshen up, the returning army would look renewed, recovering themselves to their pinnacle state.

”Now, don't just focus on cleaning yourselves up. Remember to wash the accompanying military flag so it looks clean.”

Marquis Yun said, ”Since we are returning as victors, no stain is allowed! The traces of battle smoke and flame need not stay atop the flag – we're winners, we've won, we need to keep everything in check.”

Yun Yang wanted to clap and cheer Marquis Yun's decision. It was brilliant indeed.

In the past when the army returned victoriously, the main generals would normally have forgotten one thing – they would have maintained the troop's appearance and would return with the army wounded and injured; there would be blood stains, dirt and broken pieces everywhere on the flags, machines, weapons, and even horses.

This was to let everyone see how brutal a battle this army had gone through and for them be rewarded accordingly.

In a certain sense, it was laced with the intention to ask for rewards.