The Regent's Koi Princess

While the two were chatting, the people who came out to greet them stood on both sides consciously, watching Lin Qingyue and his party slowly enter the city gate, and their cheers became louder and louder.

The sun shone on the ancient city wall, coating each blue brick with a layer of golden light. The people smiled and applauded the returning soldiers.

A white-haired old man, with tears in his eyes, raised his hands tremblingly and shouted loudly: "Welcome our warriors to return triumphantly! General Lin, you have made an indelible contribution to the suppression of the rebellion in the south! We, the people of the Western Zhou Dynasty, are extremely proud of you!"

The sound penetrated the noise of the crowd and echoed between the city walls.

There was one person taking the lead, and everyone followed suit and cheered.

"Welcome our Lord Lin, Lord Tang and all the soldiers back in triumph.

We are proud of you.”

"Everyone in the Nanjing barbarians can be killed, and every soldier in the Western Zhou Dynasty is a hero."

……

Lin Qingyue was riding a tall horse, his silver armor shining coldly and solemnly in the sun.

His eyes gently swept across every enthusiastic face, and his heart was filled with indescribable emotion and responsibility.

He slowly raised his right hand, palm facing outward, and waved it gently. That action showed both gratitude for the love of the people and the humility and determination of a general.

"My fellow villagers, Qingyue and our soldiers are grateful for your kindness. However, I have been ordered by the Emperor to go to the palace immediately to report the battle situation. Qingyue will remember this friendship in my heart, and I will talk with you again when I return.

We will meet again in the future. Qingyue is here. I hope the Western Zhou will prosper and the people will be healthy! "

After he finished speaking, he gently squeezed the horse's belly. The horse raised its head and neighed loudly, leading the team. Under the gaze of the people, it marched with firm steps towards the depths of the imperial city.

Tang Baokun and his companions followed closely behind him on horseback.

Deep inside the city gate, Jia Deshui and the Imperial Guards had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Lin Qingyue coming towards him, Jia Deshui raised his face, which was almost as beautiful as a chrysanthemum, and spoke in a shrill voice while raising his index finger.

"Hey! Lord Lin, Lord Tang, you soldiers have worked hard. The emperor specially ordered us to wait for you heroes here.

The emperor has ordered that Lord Xuanlin, Lord Tang, Long Xiaotian, Ba Daoyun and Kuang Shafei should quickly follow us to the palace to meet him and receive the reward.

The rest of the soldiers are waiting outside the palace. All the soldiers will be rewarded for their efforts in suppressing the rebellion in the south."

Lin Qingyue looked at Jia Deshui and saluted: "Thank you, Eunuch Jia. Qingyue thanks you."

Jia Deshui looked at the soldiers and nodded: "Let's go! Don't let the emperor wait too long."

……

Royal Palace

Inside the Golden Throne Hall, the scent of ambergris rises and lingers between the beams and pillars, adding a touch of mystery and solemnity to this majestic hall.

The little emperor was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, his slightly childish face already showing the aura of an emperor. He sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes burning as he stared at the regent below, who was wearing a purple robe and resting with his eyes closed.

After a moment of silence, the little emperor looked at Jiang Che and whispered, "I agree to your uncle's proposal. Zhao Zhoucheng's case will be handed over to Long Xiaotian for personal interrogation. If the evidence is conclusive, I will not tolerate it.

As for the tragic case of the extermination of the Long family, I promised Long Xiaotian to investigate it together. No matter who was involved, as long as there is evidence, I will never let them off easily. "

The Regent at this moment had a stern expression, and his brows revealed an aura of majesty without even being angry.

He leaned back in his chair, seemingly casual, but in fact he was aware of everything that was going on in the hall.

Hearing the little emperor's words, he slowly opened his eyes, a hint of approval flashed in his deep eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"Your Majesty is wise and upright. Long Xiaotian is a man of integrity. If he presides over the trial of Zhaozhou Cheng, he will surely restore order to our Great Zhou."

The regent's voice was deep and powerful, echoing in the throne room, and even the air seemed to become heavier.

The civil and military officials standing on both sides all craned their necks and looked forward to it.

They were all waiting for the warriors to return from quelling the rebellion.

Of course, there were also some ministers who were in a state of anxiety because the Left Censor Zhao Zhoucheng was imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice.

The anxious ministers were more or less involved with Zhaozhoucheng.

They were afraid that if they were not careful, their heads would be moved and their lives would be in danger.

The longer time passes, the longer they will suffer. Looking at the situation today, those who have committed crimes will probably find it difficult to escape. This waiting time is a torture for them.

Just as everyone was thinking of a solution quickly, Jia Deshui's voice was heard outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, Lin Qingyue, Tang Baokun, and Long Xiaotian request to see you!"

Jia Deshui's voice was sharp and clear, penetrating the silence in the Golden Palace, like the morning bell and evening drum, which made everyone's hearts and minds rise.

When the young emperor heard this, a hint of expectation flashed in his eyes. He then sat up straight, gently placed his hands on the armrests of the dragon chair, and said loudly: "Announce!"

Following the emperor's order, the heavy palace door slowly opened, and a ray of sunlight just penetrated the clouds and sprinkled on the threshold, casting a golden halo on the incoming heroes.

Lin Qingyue, Tang Baokun, Long Xiaotian, Ba Daoyun and Kuang Shafei walked in side by side. They were wearing battle robes and although they were covered in dust, they could not hide their heroic spirit.

Lin Qingyue walked in front, his silver armor gleaming in the morning light, and every step he took seemed steady and powerful; Tang Baokun followed closely behind, with a humble smile on his face, but his eyes revealed extraordinary wisdom; Long Xiaotian was full of righteousness, with indomitable spirit and determination between his brows, as if no difficulties or obstacles could shake his will.

Walking quickly to the Golden Palace, Lin Qingyue and others knelt on one knee, clasped their fists and kowtowed.

"Minister Lin Qingyue"

"Minister Tang Baokun"

"The common people roared to the sky, Ba Daoyun, Kuang Shafei"

"Greetings to the Emperor, long live the Emperor."

The little emperor looked at the people kneeling in front of the hall and nodded with satisfaction. Then he turned his head to look at Jia Deshui standing beside him and ordered: "Announce the decree!"

"Yes, slaves follow the order."

Jia Deshui took the imperial edict respectfully, opened it and read it aloud.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims that today, Lin Qingyue, Tang Baokun, Long Xiaotian and others have done a great deed in suppressing the rebellion in the south, and I am greatly pleased.

Specially, Lin Qingyue was appointed as the Left Censor to replace Zhao Zhoucheng, and was also granted a mansion.

Long Xiaotian was named the first-rank general protecting the country and was given a mansion.

Ba Daoyun was awarded the fourth-rank loyal and brave marquis and was granted a mansion.

Kuang Shafei was a fourth-rank sword-bearing guard and was granted a mansion.

In addition, an imperial edict to reward other soldiers was subsequently issued, and all the soldiers who participated in the suppression of the rebellion in the south were rewarded regardless of their positions.

Lord Lin, General Long, please accept my order and express your gratitude!"

As soon as Jia Deshui finished speaking, there was an uproar in the hall. Civil and military officials were either surprised or happy, and their eyes were all cast towards the heroic figures in front of the hall.

When Lin Qingyue heard this, a hint of surprise and determination flashed in his eyes. He looked up at the little emperor and saw that the other's eyes were full of trust and expectation.

He stood up slowly, his silver armor gleaming in the morning light. He bowed deeply and said in a loud voice: "I am Lin Qingyue, your servant. I thank you for your grace. I swear that I will live up to your high expectations and serve you till my death!"

Long Xiaotian followed closely behind. His voice was steady and powerful, as if it could penetrate people's hearts: "Long Xiaotian accepts your order and thanks you. I will do my best to protect the territory of our Great Zhou and safeguard the peace of the people!"

His upright posture was as unshakable as a mountain, and he exuded an awe-inspiring righteousness.

Then, the atmosphere in the hall reached a climax again, and Jia Deshui announced loudly: "Right Censor Tang Baokun, you have made great contributions to the suppression of the rebellion in Nanjing. The emperor specially rewards you with 10,000 taels of gold, 30 pieces of brocade and silk, and 20 pieces of jewelry and antiques to commend Mr. Tang Baokun for his wisdom and courage and his contribution to the suppression of the rebellion!"

As Jia Deshui finished speaking, several eunuchs were seen holding trays with glittering gold and colorful brocade silks on them, and they slowly walked into the center of the hall.

Tang Baokun had a gentle and humble smile on his face, but a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes. He slowly stood up, walked steadily to the center, raised his hands lightly, and bowed slightly: "I, your old minister, thank the emperor for his reward. Long live the emperor!"