Supreme Golden Palace

Chapter 125 The Triumphant Return (Part 2)

Tens of thousands of troops entered Baidao and emerged from the Hengshan Mountains. Their banners fluttered in the north wind like blood-red waves. The vanguard's horses were the first to pound the hard earth outside Yanmen Pass. The dull thud of their hooves was like rolling thunder, startling crows that flew across the gray sky.

After marching for more than ten days, the soldiers' armor was covered with a thick layer of dust, and the low-hanging clouds carried a biting chill. The generals rode their horses, weaving through the ranks to give orders, their breath instantly turning into frost flowers that clung to their resolute faces.

Lü Shang reined in his horse and looked back at the army that stretched for miles behind him. The troops were in perfect formation, and the north wind tugged at the cloak on his shoulders, making it look like a black battle flag.

Just as Lü Shang was calculating the marching progress, he suddenly heard a loud bugle call coming from afar, the sound piercing through the clouds.

"Report,"

A scout rode up at full speed, the dust kicked up by his horse swirling in the air, and said, "General, the gates of Yanmen Pass are wide open, and a large army is pouring out. Judging from the banners, it seems to be the governor of Shuozhou."

Yanmen Pass, known as the foremost of the nine strategic passes, is the northern gateway to the Central Plains, controlling the Central Plains to the south and guarding the Gobi Desert to the north. Shuozhou, located behind Yanmen Pass, serves as its rear support and strategic buffer, echoing the pass's position.

"The Governor-General of Shuozhou is Guo Yan!"

Lu Shang muttered to himself.

When he was in Daxing, he had heard of Guo Yan's name. Guo Yan was a man who, before the age of thirty, had been granted a title through military prowess, ranking as a third-rank official and in charge of a prefecture. It is said that Yang Jian valued Guo Yan highly, saying that Guo Yan was both loyal and brave, capable in handling affairs, and could be entrusted with important matters.

Later, in Baidaochuan, he heard the old Prince Kaoshan praise Guo Yan, saying that he had settled down in Shuozhou, stabilized the border defenses, and allowed the people to live in peace and prosperity, making him a rare and capable minister.

Guo Yan's ability to gain the approval of Emperor Yang Jian and Prince Yang Lin is indeed extraordinary.

Lü Shang's gaze passed over the scouts and landed in the direction of Yanmen Pass. Dust rose from the wide-open gates, and the outlines of a large army were faintly visible in the gray sky.

"Pass on my orders,"

Lu Shang said in a deep voice, "Vanguard Battalion, form a defensive formation and do not make any rash moves!"

Upon receiving the order, Wei Cheng and the others quickly relayed it down. The sounds of horses' hooves and clashing armor mingled instantly as the vanguard soldiers sprang into action, their spears forming a forest and their shields a wall, ready for battle.

Before long, the Shuozhou troops arrived. The leader, clad in black armor and a scarlet cloak, rode a magnificent chestnut horse; he was none other than Guo Yan, the governor of Shuozhou.

His gaze swept over Lü Shang's vanguard, a smile playing on his lips. He reined in his horse and asked, "Is the one who comes the Northern Expeditionary Army, General Lü Shang, the principal vanguard? How was your campaign north this time, Your Excellency?"

Lu Shang bowed respectfully and said, "General Guo, His Majesty led his army north and decisively defeated Datou's forces, forcing Datou to sue for peace. He is now on his way back to the capital. May I ask what brings General Guo to lead his troops out of the pass?"

Guo Yan replied, "It was upon hearing of His Excellency's triumphant return that I led the soldiers of Shuozhou to welcome the Northern Expeditionary Army."

Lu Shang clasped his hands and said, "I thank you on behalf of the entire Northern Expeditionary Army for your kindness, General Guo. However, we are under the command of the Prince, and the army's actions must follow the established procedures. Without the Prince's explicit instructions, the vanguard battalion dares not enter the pass rashly. We hope General Guo will understand."

Guo Yan nodded and said, "That's how it should be."

After ordering a messenger to ride quickly to the rear guard and consult with Prince Yang Lin, Lü Shang said softly, "Chief Steward Guo, the Prince's order has been given. The vanguard will accompany you into the pass first, and the rear guard will follow shortly."

Guo Yan laughed heartily, flicked his whip in the air, and said, "General Lü, come with me. I have already prepared barracks, wine and food, and I will make sure that the soldiers of the Northern Expeditionary Army feel at home!"

The group slowly made their way towards Yanmen Pass. Lü Shang, mounted on his horse, surveyed the surroundings with eyes as sharp as a hawk's. On the city walls, soldiers stood in neat rows, their swords and spears gleaming. Below the city gate, the people lined the streets to welcome them, yet their demeanor was somewhat reserved, occasionally whispering to each other, their eyes filled with curiosity and nervousness.

As soon as you step into Yanmen Pass, a rich aroma of wine and meat wafts towards you.

Guo Yan pointed to the rows of tents ahead and said with a smile, "General Lü, this is the camp I specially prepared for the vanguard battalion. It has stoves and hot water, so the soldiers can have a good rest."

Lu Shang, who was standing to the side, said, "General Manager Guo is indeed very thoughtful. On behalf of the entire Vanguard Battalion, I thank you."

Guo Yan laughed heartily and said, "General Lü, you flatter me!"

Guo Yan, as the governor of Shuozhou, had many informants both inside and outside the court, and naturally knew that Lü Shang's identity was not simple. As a nephew of the emperor, he held a noble status, and now he had made military achievements in the northern frontier; his future achievements were limitless.

Although Guo Yan had powerful backers and didn't need to deliberately flatter or fawn over Lü Shang, he had a long-term vision and knew that maintaining a good relationship with Lü Shang would be entirely beneficial.

Therefore, although he was a high-ranking official of the third rank and held military and political power over a province, he still dared not be disrespectful to Lü Shang, a military officer of the fifth rank.

After the vanguard entered the pass, the main army of the Northern Expeditionary Force, numbering in the tens of thousands, followed. The army marched for several miles, and after the entire army entered Yanmen Pass, the gate slowly closed.

Guo Yan had indeed put his heart into it, meticulously preparing a grand welcoming banquet on the spacious training ground. A roaring bonfire illuminated half the sky, and the aroma of wine permeated the entire fortified town.

Upon learning that Prince Kaoshan was approaching, Guo Yan, dressed in brand-new official robes, waited outside the camp. When he saw Prince Kaoshan, Yang Lin, in the distance, he immediately strode forward to greet him.

Guo Yan knelt on one knee and respectfully said, "Your Highness's northward expedition has resulted in a great victory over Da Tou's forces, shaking the northern frontier with your might. This is truly a blessing for our Great Sui Dynasty. Guo Yan, along with the soldiers and people of Shuozhou, respectfully welcomes Your Highness's triumphant return!"

Yang Lin smiled slightly, dismounted, and reached out to help Guo Yan up: "General Guo, you guard Yanmen Pass and Shuozhou, ensuring peace in the region. You have also made such thoughtful arrangements this time. Thank you for your hard work."

As soon as Yang Lin finished speaking, the musicians began playing a rousing triumphant tune, and graceful dancers filed in, dancing merrily around the campfire. Guo Yan stepped aside to lead Yang Lin into the main tent, where carved beams and painted rafters were adorned with a long table laden with delicacies.

After taking their seats, Guo Yan raised the wine cup with both hands, stood up and said, "Your Highness, this cup of wine is for you. You have made great plans and led your troops northward, defeating Datou Khan and causing him to flee in disarray. You have expanded the territory of our Great Sui Dynasty and are truly a role model for us all."

Yang Lin picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and glanced at everyone at the table. He said, "Guo Yan, your ability to gather enough rations for 100,000 troops for a month within half a month is unmatched by any other official in the court."

"You also deserve a share in the credit for this northern expedition."

Guo Yan clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty. The great victory in this northern expedition was entirely due to Your Highness's wisdom and the bravery of your soldiers. It is my good fortune that I was able to prepare provisions for the army."

Yang Lin nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Guo Yan's face for a moment before turning to the generals in the tent and saying loudly, "This great victory in the northern expedition is not only a demonstration of our dynasty's military strength, but also a testament to the unity of our Great Sui Dynasty."

"General Guo's efforts in preparing provisions and securing the rear are truly commendable, and General Lü's bravery in charging into battle is unparalleled in the army, which is also a great achievement. Upon returning to the capital, I will certainly report your merits to the Emperor truthfully."

"Thank you, Your Highness,"

Everyone stood up, clasped their hands in salute, and the sound echoed in the tent.

(End of this chapter)