Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 19 The Aftermath of the War

The border battle ended with the enemy's defeat. The smoke from the battlefield gradually dissipated, leaving only devastation. Broken halberds and shattered swords lay scattered everywhere, the blood-stained earth reeked of blood, and the bodies of fallen soldiers lay strewn about, a horrifying sight. Zhang Peng dragged his heavy steps, slowly pacing the battlefield, his face filled with grief and solemnity. The price of this victory was too heavy; countless vibrant lives had been lost. He knew all too well that behind every fallen soldier was a broken family.

Xia Lijuan followed silently behind Zhang Peng, her eyes red and swollen. Seeing the tragic scene before her, tears welled up in her eyes again. In the past few days, she had gone through life and death with the soldiers and had long regarded them as family. Now, seeing them die on the battlefield, her heart was filled with grief.

“Your Highness, we…” Xia Lijuan choked up, not knowing how to comfort Zhang Peng.

Zhang Peng stopped, took a deep breath, and said slowly, "Give the soldiers a proper burial. Make sure they rest in peace. They are all heroes."

In the days that followed, Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan personally participated in the aftermath of the fallen soldiers' deaths. They washed each soldier's body, changed them into clean clothes, and sorted out their belongings to send to their families. During this process, Zhang Peng learned many stories of the soldiers: some had gone to the battlefield shortly after their marriages, some had elderly parents left unattended, and some still had infants. These stories weighed heavily on Zhang Peng's heart, and he resolved that after the war, he must do something for the families of these soldiers.

Meanwhile, the imperial court learned of the victory at the border. The emperor was overjoyed and sent an envoy to deliver an imperial edict, bestowing great rewards upon Zhang Peng and his generals. However, as the envoy read the edict, Zhang Peng appeared somewhat distracted. His thoughts were not on personal glory and achievements, but rather on how to ensure a peaceful life for the people on the border and how to prevent war from recurring.

After the imperial decree was read, the envoy privately approached Zhang Peng and said with a solemn expression, "Your Highness, the Emperor has heard that the people on the border are living in hardship and hopes that you can handle this matter properly and appease the people."

Zhang Peng nodded and said, "I understand, this is my responsibility."

To rebuild the border, Zhang Peng tirelessly traveled to gather supplies. He personally led soldiers and civilians to repair houses and farmland destroyed by the war, and distributed food and clothing. Xia Lijuan also worked tirelessly, helping to care for the wounded and teaching them basic medical skills. Thanks to their efforts, the border gradually recovered, and smiles returned to the faces of the people.

However, beneath this seemingly peaceful surface lurks a new crisis. Although the border is temporarily tranquil, the enemy has not been completely eliminated; they lurk outside the border, ready to return at any moment. Moreover, within the court, there are forces opposed to Zhang Peng. They are jealous of his military achievements and slander him before the emperor, attempting to weaken his power.

One day, Zhang Peng received an anonymous letter warning him not to be too ostentatious, or it would bring him disaster. After reading the letter, Zhang Peng's expression turned grim. He handed the letter to Xia Lijuan and said, "It seems our troubles are not over yet."

After reading the letter, Xia Lijuan frowned slightly: "Your Highness, these people are truly treacherous. What should we do?"

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes: "No matter how many difficulties there are, I will not back down. I will protect this land and its people. As for those petty people, I will deal with them carefully."

Just as Zhang Peng was deeply worried about the future of the border, another imperial decree arrived, ordering him to return to the capital immediately to report on his duties. Zhang Peng knew this was a test, and what awaited him might be the open and covert struggles within the court.