After crossing, I was forced to hold on to my thighs and build a kingdom

The next day, the sun broke through the clouds, golden light poured down, and the sky was bright.

After several months, the flag of the Northwest Army was once again raised on the thick and towering city wall.

In Fuyun City, which had been occupied by the Western Rong people for nearly half a year, the people walking around were replaced by the smiling and proud Northwestern Army.

Su Cheng'an walked slowly through the bustling streets of the city and came to the General's Mansion located in the city center.

The former Marquis of Wu'an Ye Shengpei and the former general Chen Tianyao once lived here.

The person living there now is Liu Zhongquan, who is called a general but has actually taken control of the Northwest Army and become a true general.

Not far away, in a two-story house, lived Ye Jinxuan.

The housekeeper, who had received General Liu's advance instructions, immediately came forward with a smile upon seeing Su Cheng'an, greeting him warmly, "Please come in, sir. The master has been waiting in the study for a long time."

He was taken all the way to Liu Zhongquan's study.

Ye Jinxuan was already sitting there. Besides Liu Zhongquan, there were four or five other unfamiliar young faces.

Su Cheng'an was slightly startled, then regained his composure. He bowed to Liu Zhongquan who was sitting on the table and called out, "General."

"Yizhi, please sit down first and wait for a moment."

Liu Zhongquan gave him a casual smile, then turned to the others and said, "During last night's raid on Floating Cloud City, you all were truly brave and fearless. You charged in, broke through the enemy lines, slew the bandits, and turned the tide of the battle, performing remarkable feats. You all deserve credit!"

"Our Northwest Army has always emphasized clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. Those who are capable will be given positions, and those who have made contributions will be rewarded. Today, each of you will be promoted to a higher level within your original positions!"

A look of surprise flashed across the faces of those young men, and they immediately stood up hurriedly and bowed to Liu Zhongquan to express their gratitude.

"I thank you for your support, General. During last night's surprise attack, I and my men were simply following your orders, charging forward bravely without slacking off in the slightest. Thankfully, we have fulfilled your orders."

"Very well, with the help of all the young men in the army, our Northwest Army will continue its march northwards, and driving out the Xirong will be just around the corner!"

The middle-aged man smiled heartily and encouraged them earnestly, "I hope you will forge ahead and achieve new success!"

Several people bowed and left. The young man walking at the end glanced at Ye Jinxuan with an expression of wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"Abia, you go down first. I'll come to find you later." Ye Jinxuan whispered to the young man.

Seeing Ye Jinxuan say his name so directly, Sun Biao's eyebrows were filled with joy, "I respectfully wait for you, young general."

After Sun Biao left, Liu Zhongquan turned to Ye Jinxuan and asked, "Old friend?"

Ye Jinxuan nodded. "This man's name is Sun Biao, he's a captain of a thousand men. There's also a centurion named Du Lei who wasn't present today."

"Back when Chen Tianyao was in charge of the Northwest Army, I joined the army under the pseudonym Sheng Xuan. I spent several years with these two men, fighting side by side many times. We can be considered brothers with different surnames, with whom I have risked my life many times."

"These two are of pure character, not treacherous. Last year, when I faked my own death and escaped, I even earned a few tears from them. Now that they've recognized me, I'll explain myself to them and avoid hurting our brotherly bond."

"Since Axuan trusts them, then go with you! But it's an important military matter, so don't say too much." Liu Zhongquan instructed.

"I obey your command. General, don't worry, I will keep my mouth shut about military affairs. This time we are only talking about friendship, not official business." Ye Jinxuan promised firmly.

Seeing this, Liu Zhongquan smiled with relief and praised him again: "Thanks to your cooperation with the Crown Prince last night, we were able to quickly and smoothly recapture Floating Cloud City. I have no way to commend the Crown Prince, but I can only express my gratitude. The same goes for you, Axuan."

The middle-aged general showed a look of regret on his face. "After all, you are just an alias. Being a Lieutenant General under my command is fine, but for the higher ranks such as General of Chariots and Cavalry or General of Horsemen, you need to petition the court."

"If your name is submitted then, there will be a risk of exposure. Therefore, you will have no choice but to continue to serve as a lieutenant general!"

Ye Jinxuan stepped forward and bowed gratefully, "Uncle, you have always been so considerate of me. How could I not be grateful for your kindness? Now that I am able to serve as a lieutenant general under your command, I have received great care from you. I can only be grateful for this. How could I possibly harbor any resentment towards you, uncle?"

Liu Zhongquan reached out and helped the young man in front of him up, smiling with satisfaction. "In just a few short years, Ah Xuan has grown from a rebellious teenager into a calm and patient young man. He has truly grown up! If the general knew about this, he would surely be overjoyed."

When Ye Jinxuan heard about his father, his eyes became slightly moist.

The boy who was naughty and reckless and always made his father angry.

With the passage of time, he has shed his immaturity and childishness, and has gained intelligence and composure. As he wished, he has grown into an adult who can be relied upon!

The young man, who was lost in his memories, suddenly came to his senses when he heard Liu Zhongquan's voice.

"However, Axuan, don't be too disappointed. Although I can't reward you openly this time, you are still responsible for the important matters under my command. In my eyes, you are a true little general."

Ye Jinxuan's heart warmed up, and he called out softly, "Uncle."

Liu Zhongquan patted the young man on the shoulder, smiled slightly and changed the subject.

"I heard that you encountered the young prince of the Western Rong, Garisu, last night, and that the prince shot him with an arrow while he was fleeing?"

Liu Zhongquan turned to Su Cheng'an with a look of surprise in his eyes.

Su Chengan stood up and said politely, "I was lucky enough to hit his right shoulder, but unfortunately my aim was not good enough and I didn't kill the thief."

"Your Highness is being too modest! Nagarisu is the late-born son of a favorite concubine of the King of Xirong. Among his children, although he is young, he is extremely difficult to deal with."

"Naga Risu has been taught by a renowned teacher since childhood, and is particularly skilled with a whip. He is ruthless and merciless, yet also possesses a brilliant mind. Previously, when our Northwest Army battled the Western Rong, we suffered considerable losses from him."

"Under the circumstances last night, the Crown Prince was still able to shoot Nagarisu in a hurry, which shows that his archery skills are extremely superb. Nagarisu has always been very self-righteous, and now that he was hit by the Crown Prince's arrow, he must be very angry. And yet he has to go back and stay quiet for a while. I guess he must be tossing and turning these days and having no good sleep!"

At the end of his speech, Liu Zhongquan couldn't help laughing.

Su Cheng'an thought for a moment and said, "Now that Floating Cloud City has fallen into the hands of the Northwest Army, the general can use this achievement to request a commendation from the court!"

Liu Zhongquan understood what he meant and nodded with a smile: "Of course, I have already reported this matter to the court. It all depends on how the capital responds!"

"May the general's wish come true!"

After saying this, Su Cheng'an looked at the sky and couldn't help but sigh, "When I came here, it was just April, and the flowers were just beginning to bloom. Now it's mid-May, and the green is lush. Fortunately, Floating Cloud City has returned, and the Northwest Army's major events have been settled. I am grateful for your care, uncle, and now it's time for Yizhi to say goodbye."

The young man stood upright with a nostalgic look in his eyes, which made Liu Zhongquan reluctant to leave.

Since the prince came to the Northwest Army, although he entered the military camp to take a look, he did not do anything beyond the limit. Instead, he helped in every way. He was broad-minded and far-sighted, and his actions and strategies were experienced and steady, far beyond the reach of ordinary young people.

If the throne really changes in the future, such talents are worth following and serving!

The middle-aged man, whose heart was unknowingly on the verge of collapse, said with regret: "Your Highness, you have really helped my Northwest Army a lot by coming here. Before leaving, you even shot Garisu with an arrow, giving us a surprise. If I hadn't known that the Northland was busy, I really wouldn't have let you go. However,"

He changed the subject, "The Northern Territory is very busy with affairs. Your Highness has already taken the time to come here. It's already a great honor for you to stay here for over a month. Therefore, I will not keep you here any longer! Have you set a date for your return?"

"Uncle Lao Shi, I am ashamed to accept your praise. If there is nothing important, I would like to leave early tomorrow morning."

"Your Highness has condescended to call me uncle, so I shall be honored to be your host. Tonight, the three of us, uncle and nephew, will sit down to have a good meal. Consider it as my uncle's fulfillment of his wish for you. I wish Your Highness all the best in his future endeavors!"

"In that case, Yizhi will respectfully obey your orders. Thank you, uncle!"

Su Cheng'an smiled at Liu Zhongquan and readily agreed to the matter.