Niu Jizong, Ran Feng, Li Mingzhu, and Gao Kegong tacitly ruled out Lin Han's conjecture.
They argued with each other.
In the end, they angrily decided to let Li Lian reveal the answer.
While they were waiting for Li Lian's answer,
They glared at each other and refused to back down.
They were like children fighting over toys.
Li Lian mercilessly rejected the guesses of these four "big children."
"I'm just thinking,
Today is a good day. "
"
"a good day... to go home with my brothers."
Whether they were alive,
Or already..
As soon as he said this..,
Niu Jizong and the others, who had been excited about the upcoming captive ceremony,
It was as if a bucket of cold water had suddenly been poured over their heads,
They instantly calmed down,
They were in low spirits.
As a woman, although she was not inferior to a man, Li Mingzhu, who was more delicate and sensitive, had tears in her eyes.
That's right!
Although this battle was an unprecedented victory for Da Zhou, and it was also ranked among the top of China's thousands of years of wars against foreign races, the number of casualties among the soldiers was also not small. It could be said that this was the largest number of casualties among the soldiers since Da Zhou was founded.
Just in terms of well-trained and powerful combat strength,
Unparalleled in the world and could be said to be the elite of the elite, 100,000 men,
More than 40,000 people had sacrificed their lives for the country.
Some had not recovered from their serious injuries, and some had even recovered.
But more than 30,000 people would never be able to go to the battlefield in the future.
The rest were all injured.
It was even harder to say. The 400,000 soldiers of Lam Tin Tai Camp, the 150,000 soldiers of Fengtai Camp, and the 200,000 soldiers of the border army. The number of casualties after the battle was simply shocking!
At least, after this battle, Da Zhou would not be able to start another battle without more than ten years of recuperation.
If Li Lian lost this battle, no matter how many contributions he had made for Da Zhou in the past, he would become a sinner of Da Zhou and be hated by the world.
However, there were no ifs.
When a general succeeds, ten thousand corpses will wither.
This victory made Li Lian's reputation and status in the history books. It also made Niu Jizong and the others meritorious.
Why did Kang Hetai, Wang Ziteng, and the others take the risk to bring down Li Lian before he returned to the imperial court?
It was because as long as Li Lian successfully returned to the capital and presented the captives, no one in Da Zhou would be able to touch this pillar of Da Zhou. Even the Emperor would have to think twice if he wanted to touch him.
This battle meant that the Li Lian had obtained a golden ticket to avoid death. From now on, as long as the Li Lian did not seek death by plotting a rebellion, or …
Because of this, Lord S and his family were able to stand firm in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Li Lian wasn't in the mood to think too much. He recited in a low voice, "Loyal and courageous to serve the country without hiding my body. Tens of thousands of dead and loyal souls rise.
Within three thousand miles of the Bloody Absolute Domain, the Gate of Yan was filled with cries.
"
Victory was won by risking one's life, by casting one's blood!
After all, he had studied with Wang Yi for so many years. Although his literary talent could not be compared to Feng Zizhi, he could still compose a poem or two.
The poem was simple and easy to understand. Even Ran Feng, a rough man who had not studied much, understood the meaning of the poem. His heart ached, and hot tears welled up in his eyes.
The memories of risking their lives on the grasslands, the scenes of their soldiers falling one by one, covered in blood, surfaced in their minds.
"If I could choose, I would rather not have my name in the history books. I only hope that a few of my brothers can survive. When we are old, we can gather in the capital and drink three hundred cups of wine!"
"
Li Mingzhu, the sonorous rose on the battlefield, could no longer hold back her tears. Although her brothers and sisters in the Heavenly Bow Unit were responsible for shooting arrows from the rear, more than half of them were killed or injured. Not to mention the brothers and sisters in the other Tientse Province.
Ever since she entered Tientse Province, she had stayed in Tientse Province day and night to train in the barracks. She ate and lived with the soldiers of Tientse Province.
She could recognize every soldier's face, and even knew their names.
She truly treated Tientse Province as her home. Her comrades in the House were her brothers and sisters.
Although she did not say it out loud, she had always blamed herself in her heart.
She was ordered to lead the army to join forces with Prince Tie Fa of the Rouran's 100,000 soldiers to attack Beishi Bali (the place where the Turks lived).
Although they succeeded in conquering Beishi Bali, and even captured Ashina Sana Khan and the other Turks nobles, more than 40,000 of her 100,000 soldiers (not counting the Rouran) were killed or injured.
Her most trusted and closest lieutenant in Tientse Province, Gu Hongxiu, died in her arms in order to block an enemy shot for her.
Her most promising and obedient younger sister, Zhong Fuyao, was shot to death by an enemy marksman, and died in front of her …
It was not Li Mingzhu's first time on the battlefield. From more than 10 years ago until now, she had experienced at least 80 battles, if not 100 battles.
It was not the first time she had seen her comrades die. However, she always thought …
If she could do a little better, a little better, maybe …
Li Lian and the others all knew the knot in Li Mingzhu's heart. They knew that they could not have done better than her in that situation.
They knew that they were clumsy and did not know how to comfort people. In addition, they believed that Li Mingzhu would figure it out herself, so each of them patted Li Mingzhu's arm as support.
Seeing that the atmosphere was very gloomy, He Qi quickly clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention.
"Alright!
The captive ceremony will be held later. What are you all frowning for?! "
"Alright!"
He Qi also felt bad in his heart. He had trained more than 100,000 Lantian soldiers who had died in battle.
However, he had been in the army for most of his life, so his ability to adjust was better than Li Lian and the others.
He said resolutely, "The Xiongnu Coalition Army invaded the south. We went up north to fight with blood. We threw our heads, spilled our blood, and did not care about life and death.
The soldiers sacrificed their lives, and their loyal souls were clear!
Our brothers who died will not die in vain!
We will remember everything that they have done for the Great Zhou and for the common people. They will always live in our hearts.
"
He paused. "If you all feel bad, take care of the families of the dead soldiers in the future. Don't let them be bullied."
He Qi comforted them.
"Listen!
The people are all here to welcome our triumphant return!
"
"Da Zhou is mighty!
"
Sure enough, the people who were waiting outside the capital early in the morning saw Da Zhou's army's flag fluttering from afar. Waves of earth-shattering cheers rushed out. Their voices resounded through the sky and shook the earth.
"Da Zhou is mighty!
"
Li Lian and the others looked forward and were shocked. Then, they felt warm in their hearts and were moved to tears.
They saw countless people standing on both sides of the road in front of them. They kept waving and cheering at the army in high spirits.
There was also a portion of the people who did not stand on both sides to welcome the army. Instead, they were busy sweeping the leaves on the ground with brooms.
The army took the straight path back to the capital. It was currently autumn, and the straight path was covered with layers upon layers of fallen leaves that were several inches thick.
Although it did not hinder the army's progress, it was very inconvenient.
A low-ranking official was instructing the people to sweep the fallen leaves. He was so busy in the cool autumn that beads of sweat hung on his forehead.
Before Li Lian could say anything, He Qi's face darkened. His thick black eyebrows knitted together, and his tiger-like eyes suddenly widened. He urged his horse to the front of the low-ranking official and shouted, "It's just some fallen leaves. What can they do?!
You are paid by the court. Why do you have to flatter the people and disturb them?! "
"
His shout was like thunder and shook people's eardrums. He Qi hated disturbing the people the most. This time, he was really angry.
It was also because He Qi was such a person that the Emperor did not believe a single word that Kang Hetai and the others accused the army of burning, killing, looting, and raping innocent women at the border.
He Qi's nostrils roared like thunder, and his eyes shone brightly as he stared at the low-ranking official.
The low-ranking official was so scared that his face changed color. He wanted to defend himself, but under He Qi's fierce gaze, he could not say anything.
"General He, don't blame Dianshi Xu. We wanted to come."
Some people tried to explain for the low-ranking official.
"Yes!
General He, please don't be angry.
You defeated Xiongnu and Turks, those bastards, and avenged us!
I married my youngest daughter, who went to the Gate of Yanmen, but those bastards … "An old man said with tears in his eyes. He was both grateful and sad at the same time.
"General He, you defeated those Xiongnu people and restored peace to the border. From now on, we will have a good life. We don't have to worry about those bastards going south anymore!"
The old woman next to him said, "You returned victorious, but we can't do anything. We can only sweep the fallen leaves to express our gratitude."
"
The words of the people were very simple and touching. It was obvious that they came from the bottom of their hearts.
He Qi's eyes were filled with tears, and he bowed repeatedly. "Thank you!
Thank you!
He Qi can't bear it!
"
"General He, don't thank us. This is what we should do!"
The people hurriedly returned the greeting.
Li Lian saw and heard this and felt a lot of emotions. After thanking the people, he ordered the army to continue to pass.
At this time, an official wearing a third-rank robe with a peacock embroidered on it came forward.
Li Lian looked and found that it was his cousin, Zhang Changning.
Since it was his cousin, Zhang Changning didn't stand on ceremony. After a hurried greeting, he led Li Lian and the others into the city while explaining the process of the prisoner offering ceremony.
Even though his colleagues from the Ministry of Rites had already explained the process in detail, he still couldn't help but exhort.
This wasn't an ordinary ceremony. It was in front of millions of people in the capital. At that time, the emperor would even have to offer sacrifices to his ancestors. If something went wrong, it wouldn't be fun.
Li Lian, He Qi, Niu Jizong, and the others listened attentively to his explanation. When they encountered something they didn't understand, they would ask him.
Although they had already memorized the program by heart, this kind of last-minute preparation was still a good idea!
"Rumble rumble rumble!
"
Da Zhou's flag, Xiongnu's white wolf flag, and the Turks' blue wolf flag fluttered in the wind.
The two sides of the road were filled with people. Many of them weren't from the capital and had come all the way here to see the Zhou army.
Seeing the arrival of the Zhou army, they were all wild with joy and cheered in unison.
"Da Zhou is mighty!
"
The people shouted Da Zhou's war cry. Although it wasn't as loud as Da Zhou's soldiers, it was full of enthusiasm and joy.
"Da Zhou is mighty!
"
This was the reply of the soldiers. Their shouts were like tens of thousands of thunderbolts exploding on the ground, causing the earth to tremble.
"Good!"
The people cheered and danced with joy.
Every household had people who had bought firecrackers. They hurriedly lit the firecrackers when the army passed by. The crisp sound of bamboo joints cracking rang out one after another. It was very lively.
"Look!
That's Xiongnu's Chanyu's flag. What a fierce white wolf! "
Some of the commoners exclaimed.
Others didn't care and said, "No matter how fierce it is, it won't be killed or crippled by our Da Zhou!"
"
"The Turks and Xiongnu are related by marriage. It is said that the ancestors of the Turks were the descendants of a Xiongnu princess and a grey wolf. Therefore, their flag is represented by a grey wolf."
A scholar explained to the people at the side.
"Ah!?
A human and a wolf have children?
Isn't that giving birth to a beast!? "
The ignorant woman covered her mouth and said in disbelief.
"Son, take a look for Mother. Why do those young men seem to be missing arms and ears?"
The old woman who thought she had seen wrongly tugged at her son who was in the prime of his life.
"Mother, those are injuries from the war!"
Her son naturally wouldn't think that those soldiers were born with missing arms and ears. He couldn't help but look at them with more respect.
"It's really hard on them to protect our people!
These soldiers are all good! "
The old woman was distressed and full of praise at the same time.
"It's an honorable thing for soldiers to protect the country!
Tomorrow, I'll also ask my eldest son to join the army! "
An old man nodded and said with admiration.
"Look!
That's the Marquis Champion! "
A young girl pulled at her good sister and shouted.
"The Marshal is so handsome!"
Her good sister couldn't help but be infatuated.
The people on both sides of the road stretched their necks and pointed at the army happily. For a moment, there was a hubbub of voices.
As the army passed by, there were three things that attracted the most attention.
The first was the royal flags of Xiongnu and the Turks.
Da Zhou had almost exterminated Xiongnu and the Turks this time and captured the remaining people as captives. The Emperor would decide how to deal with them. Naturally, the people would comment on it.
In addition, the White Wolf and Grey Wolf flags were different and attracted the attention of the people.
The second was the wounded soldiers.
Li Lian specially arranged for some soldiers who could move freely but were crippled to line up in the first batch of soldiers entering the city.
In addition to letting the people know the price they paid to protect the country and the people, it was also to let them enjoy the glory together and cultivate their self-confidence.
Now that Li Lian looked over, the originally dejected people had their heads held high and their chests puffed out, their faces full of confidence. It seemed that the effect was good!
The third thing was the Li Lian in silver armor and red robes sitting on Ben Xiao.
Ben Xiao's whole body was snow-white without a single strand of hair. His stature was dignified. Coupled with the Li Lian's handsome face, he naturally attracted the attention of the people. Many young ladies from wealthy families who saw a Li Lian for the first time became lovesick because of this.
Handsome men attracted the attention of the people. Otherwise, the Tanhua Scholars would not be more popular than the top scholar and the second place scholar. Wasn't it because those who could become the Tanhua Scholars were all very handsome?
Not to mention, he was the Marquis of Champion with a high status. It was difficult for them not to be lovesick!
Some young ladies from wealthy families knew that Li Lian was not married yet. They did not mind that Li Lian was "old" and only rejoiced that their lover was unmarried. They quickly thought about how to ask their parents to ask Li Lian for marriage.
Fortunately, it was not the Wei and Jin Dynasties. It was not popular to throw fruits at handsome men. Otherwise, it would be difficult for Li Lian to safely walk to the Emperor.
Seeing this, Li Mingzhu rolled his eyes and smiled mischievously: "Marshal, in my opinion, for the next month … no, for three months, don't go back home."
"
Li Lian did not understand and asked in confusion: "What do you mean?"
"
Li Mingzhu chuckled. "Marshal, take a look for yourself. Along the way, there are so many young ladies from big families looking at you strangely!
They were all women, how could they not understand what she meant?
She patted Li Lian's shoulder: "With Marshal's appearance, status, and achievements, as long as you are willing, I dare to bet that there are more people who would be willing to throw themselves at you and have a good time with you than all the people in Tientse Province combined."
"
"Nonsense!!"
Li Lian reacted very quickly. He turned his head and looked around. Seeing that his wife had just gone to arrange the prisoners, he turned his head and said earnestly: "Mingwei!
You're a woman after all, and I don't expect you to be virtuous and docile. Can you at least not say anything out loud!?
You will kill me if you talk like this!
This sentence was clearly written in his eyes.
You are such a control freak!
Li Mingzhu looked at him with disdain and laughed. Anyway, as long as she could make Feng Zizhi unhappy, she would be happy.
Li Lian rolled his eyes. What do you know!?
This is called being faithful to one person, being unswerving, having a special affection, and being devoted to one person!
He said without a trace of disdain: "It is time for you to find someone who can understand you. Tomorrow, I will talk to Retired Emperor about this problem and see which family's young talents are suitable for you!"
At the very least, they must be stronger than you.
"Jingya Li, you dare!?"
Li Mingzhu was furious.
She only wanted to make trouble for Feng Zizhi, but she did not want to put herself in danger!
If Li Lian, this despicable person, really mentioned this to Imperial Grandfather, Imperial Grandfather would definitely quickly order people to collect information on each family's young masters and choose a Prince Consort for her!
Thinking of this, Li Mingzhu wanted to beat Li Lian up. However, under the eyes of so many people, she could not do it. Moreover, she could not say that she could not beat him!
Ah!!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became!!
Just as Li Mingzhu was secretly angry, the other young ladies who were interested in Li Lian had already firmly remembered this Princess Mingzhu who dared to 'flirt' with their dream lover in public.
Li Mingzhu suddenly became the public enemy of all the young ladies in the capital!
"Pfft!"
Niu Jizong, Ran Feng, and Gao Kegong were standing close to Li Lian. Although it was bustling with noise, they could clearly hear the confrontation between Li Lian and Li Mingzhu. They could not help but laugh.
It must be known that they were usually miserably bullied by Li Mingzhu. Whether or not they could beat him was a problem. However, Li Mingzhu was a military woman and had a large number of female soldiers under her command. Even if they did not think for themselves, they had to think for the soldiers under their command. It was inevitable that they would be 'bullied' by Li Mingzhu, so they had to 'swallow their anger'.
This time, Li Lian could be considered to have avenged them.