Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 242 Victory Celebration Banquet in Mizhou! The National Treasure! (10,000-word update, please vote!)

The somber and tense atmosphere that had enveloped the city for days had been completely replaced by soaring joy and ecstasy at surviving the ordeal.

The streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the sounds of gongs and drums filled the air. The aroma of wine and meat, along with the heartfelt laughter of the people, permeated the atmosphere.

Whether they were soldiers who had fought valiantly and returned victorious, or ordinary people who had lived in fear day and night, their faces were filled with genuine smiles.

Inside the prefect's mansion, the lights were on full display as a grand victory celebration banquet was held.

The Imperial Lady-in-Waiting, Nangong Wan'er, and the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Wang Dequan, as the Empress's special envoys, sat upright beside the main seat, representing the supreme imperial grace and the will of the central government.

Nangong Wan'er was elegant and composed. On behalf of the Empress, she presented imperial wine to each of the meritorious soldiers present. Her words were gentle but carried an undeniable authority. Her gaze swept over everyone, lingering slightly on Jiang Xingzhou with a hint of barely perceptible admiration.

Wang Dequan, his face flushed, read out the Empress's decree of commendation for the great victory in the northern frontier in a high-pitched yet clear voice. He praised the meritorious officials such as Jiang Xingzhou and Xue Chonghu to the extreme, and his words revealed the Empress's joy and reliance on them.

However, everyone's attention at the banquet was involuntarily drawn to the scholar in blue robes who sat opposite Prefect Xue Chonghu, who was rather low-key—it was Jiang Xingzhou, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue who had turned the tide and created a miracle.

Liang Yu, the governor of Saibei Circuit, a powerful regional official who held immense military and political power, whose rank and grade were far above Jiang Xingzhou's, arrived at the banquet early and was so respectful as to be almost humble.

He personally picked up the jade pot and filled Jiang Xingzhou's cup with fine wine, repeatedly exclaiming in admiration:
"Minister Jiang's strategic planning and decisive victories are truly remarkable. His words are awe-inspiring, and his actions have secured the northern frontier. He is indeed a pillar of the nation and a pillar of His Majesty's strength!"

"I admire you greatly, I admire you to the very end!"

How sharp was his political acumen as a high-ranking official?

Jiang Xingzhou has made an unparalleled contribution this time. Returning to the court with his glorious military prestige, his promotion and advancement are a foregone conclusion. He may even become a giant who surpasses the three old prime ministers and truly holds the core power of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

If we don't seize this opportunity to express our true feelings and get things ready in advance, when will we ever get another chance?
Not only Prefect Liang Yu, but also dozens of prefects and hundreds of county magistrates from various prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Northern Circuit, almost all of whom rushed over overnight to Mizhou Prefecture, just hoping to show their faces to Jiang Xingzhou and become familiar with him.

During the banquet, people kept toasting Jiang Xingzhou, showering him with compliments that nearly overwhelmed the young official.

"Minister Jiang's literary and military talents are unparalleled in his time. He is truly a model for us civil officials and a man of courage for military generals!"

"A single song, 'Jiang Cheng Zi: Hunting in Mizhou,' led to the annihilation of a nation's mighty army. Such an achievement is unprecedented and unparalleled, worthy of shining in history and being remembered for generations to come!"

"In the future, we hope that Vice Minister Jiang will provide us with more guidance and assistance in the court. We are willing to follow in his footsteps and serve his lead!"

Local officials who might have looked down on this young man who had risen to the position of Vice Minister of Revenue in the past now all lowered their stance and did everything in their power to flatter him.

This is the reality of officialdom: a single, earth-shattering victory can instantly reshape the entire power structure.

Although Jiang Xingzhou is still a vice minister for the time being, the great prestige and unlimited potential he possesses at this moment have made even these high-ranking officials look up to him.

Looking at this scene of "all the stars surrounding the moon," Prefect Xue Chonghu was filled with mixed emotions, but he felt only gratification and pride.

He frequently raised his glass, feeling honored to be able to fight alongside such figures.

Jiang Xingzhou, at the center of the storm, remained calm and composed amidst the flood of congratulations and flattery, dressed simply in a blue robe.

He merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and when offered a toast, he mostly took only a small sip, showing no sign of being carried away.

His gaze occasionally swept across the noisy banquet, exchanging a knowing, composed look with Nangong Wan'er, who represented the Empress, and the eunuch Wang Dequan.

He mostly remained indifferent to the enthusiasm of other officials, neither showing excessive closeness nor deliberately distancing himself, always maintaining an elusive sense of distance and detachment.

This detached attitude, on the contrary, made those seasoned officials feel even more that he was unfathomable and filled them with even greater awe.

In a corner of the banquet, descendants of the semi-saints such as Du Zining and Zhang Xu, as well as Hanlin scholars Liu Chun, Cao Jin, Qin Wen, and other young talents gathered together.

Their discussion focused more on the exquisite imagery of the national treasure poem "Jiang Cheng Zi," and the profound mystery of how literary talent manifested on the battlefield and how words became law. Although they observed the comings and goings in officialdom, they did not participate much, maintaining a certain aloofness characteristic of scholars and cultivators.

Qingfu and Xuan Nu stood quietly not far behind Jiang Xingzhou as always, seemingly out of place in the noisy celebration banquet. However, their presence invisibly formed part of Jiang Xingzhou's aura, adding a touch of mystery and majesty.

This victory celebration banquet, ostensibly a reward for the troops, was in reality a rehearsal for power struggles and a show of which sides to take.

Countless people tried to make an impression on this rising power in the court.

At this moment, Jiang Xingzhou simply sat there quietly, dressed in a simple blue robe, his gaze deep and unwavering. It was as if all the glitz and clamor before him were nothing but fleeting clouds. What he was thinking about was the future, which was more important and more distant than this grand feast.

Although the flames of war in the northern frontier have temporarily subsided, the political turmoil in the capital, and even the overall political landscape, still present him with many more challenges and uncertainties, waiting for him to make his moves with composure.

At the banquet, glasses clinked, and laughter filled the air, brimming with the joy and celebration of surviving a catastrophe.

Jiang Xingzhou sat in a prominent position at the banquet, surrounded by countless admiring and inquisitive gazes, even though he was in the center of a noisy vortex.

Madam Xue Lingqi sat beside him.

But there is a tacit understanding and tranquil atmosphere between the two that is difficult for others to penetrate, as if there is an invisible barrier that slightly separates them from the glitz and glamour of the outside world.

Xue Lingqi also took off her military uniform today and put on a proper palace dress.

Although she was concerned about the border defense, at this moment, she mostly served her husband food and wine quietly, her movements graceful and elegant.

Her gaze kept shifting, landing on Jiang Xingzhou's calm profile, carrying a deep concern that was hard to detect and an undisguised pride.

Only when she is by his side will she reveal such a gentle side.

At this moment, the goddess Xuan Nu, dressed in a simple, elegant dress, quietly stepped forward, like a silent shadow, and stood beside Jiang Xingzhou, whispering her report in a voice audible to only a few:
"Master, the latest intelligence from the North."

Although the allied forces of the demons and barbarians still have two million troops stationed outside the Great Wall and their banners still in place, intimidated by the victory at Mizhou, their vanguard units have successively retreated a hundred miles and re-established their camps.

Although the camps still stretch out in a continuous line, the atmosphere is one of low morale, with frequent exchanges between the leaders of various units, suggesting a possible dispute.

Based on comprehensive assessment, it is unlikely that they will dare to recklessly violate the border in the short term.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xingzhou's expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded slightly, his hand holding the cup as steady as a rock, showing no sign of emotion.

He hesitated for a moment, then his voice, calm yet clear, reached the ears of Xue Lingqi and Xuan Nu beside him:

"After this battle, Mizhou Prefecture gained great prestige and attracted a large number of elite troops and generals."

With his father-in-law in charge, the city's defenses, forged in fire and blood, were as solid as a rock.

Seeing this great victory, the morale of the prefectures in the northern frontier will surely be high, and they will strengthen their defenses. Relying on the numerous fortified cities along the border, the northern frontier defense line will be secure for the time being.

However, he subtly changed the subject, dipping his fingertip in a small amount of cool liquor and tracing a long, winding line on the polished sandalwood table, symbolizing the long and winding northern border. His gaze deepened.

"However, the number of two million is not an exaggeration."

"This coalition of such a size is like a huge dark cloud hanging over the head of my northern border."

If they reach an internal consensus and launch a full-scale attack regardless of cost or casualties, their overwhelming force will be like a landslide or a tsunami, far beyond what any single city or prefecture can withstand.

"At that time, it will probably require the combined efforts of all ten provinces and municipalities to coordinate the overall situation in order to contend with them on the long front."

That would be a protracted war, an extremely draining war on the nation's foundation, with an uncertain outcome, and even if won, it would likely be a Pyrrhic victory.

Upon hearing this, Xue Lingqi's delicate body trembled slightly, and her expression became more serious.

Born into a family of meritorious officials, she knew that her husband's words were true; the massive two million-strong allied army was always a sword hanging over the head of the Great Zhou.

However, a familiar, composed smile immediately appeared on Jiang Xingzhou's lips, a smile that conveyed a profound understanding of the world and a calm confidence in controlling the situation.

"Fortunately, we have managed to remove the Snow Wolf Kingdom, the sharpest fang in the demon-barbarian alliance, in one fell swoop."

"The remaining demon tribes, including tigers, leopards, eagles, snakes, cattle, horses, sheep, and foxes, seem powerful and occupy the vast wilderness, but in reality, they each have their own agendas, are not under each other's command, and have a loose alliance. They are nothing more than a mob that has gathered together for profit."

"The lesson of the Snow Wolf King and his 100,000 elite troops' annihilation is still fresh in their minds, and the bloody lessons are enough to terrify them."

Now, who would dare, or be willing, to be the first to test the might of our Great Zhou?
The enormous casualties are enough to fuel their internal strife for a long time. Therefore, this behemoth is no longer a concern in the short term.

He raised his glass and gently clinked it against Xue Lingqi's beside him, his gaze gentle yet profound, as if he had already seen through the fog surrounding the future of the Northern Frontier:
"Now is the perfect opportunity for us to digest the great achievements of this battle, further consolidate our border defenses, and build up our national strength."

This seemingly fragile calm, bought with a resounding victory, is strategically far more valuable than the deployment of 100,000 reinforcements to the front lines.

As Xue Lingqi gazed at her husband's calm and insightful face, the last vestige of worry in her heart vanished instantly, replaced by complete trust and unwavering support.

She smiled gently, like ice melting in the morning, and said softly, "My husband is far-sighted and insightful."

She raised her cup gracefully, her eyes sparkling as they reflected the lights in the room and the figures of those around her. Her voice was soft yet firm: "This cup is not for celebration, but for my husband, to help our Great Zhou reclaim its former glory."

As the feast reached its climax, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The sounds of drinking games and clinking glasses filled the air, and the entire Mizhou Prefectural Governor's Mansion was immersed in a jubilant atmosphere of victory.

Jiang Xingzhou, who always wore a faint smile, seemed to be in a rather pleasant mood at this moment.

He casually untied the seemingly ordinary wine gourd from his waist, which he never parted with.

The moment the gourd stopper was pulled out, an indescribable, mellow, and lingering aroma of wine, imbued with a strange and ethereal charm, suddenly filled the air, seemingly suppressing some of the other alcoholic odors in the room. The aroma was so enticing that it seemed to invigorate even one's thoughts.

However, the nectar that everyone was expecting did not pour out. Instead, a golden-red shadow, about the size of a finger joint, like liquid amber, darted out of the gourd's mouth with a "whoosh" and landed precisely on the empty table that had been specially left in the center of the banquet.

Once the light and shadow stabilized, everyone looked closely and saw that it was a small insect with a round head, a cute appearance, and a lustrous glow all over its body!
It seemed to have just woken up from a drunken stupor, or perhaps it was still tipsy. It swayed its head on the smooth tabletop and even let out a few loud burps, its slender little feet staggering as if it were about to fall at any moment, making people unable to help but laugh.

"Huh? Lord Jiang, this is the wine bug you raised, it's so supernatural!"

Guests at nearby seats couldn't contain their curiosity and asked questions.

Jiang Xingzhou smiled and did not answer directly. Instead, he flicked his fingertips, and a wisp of delicate yet pure literary energy, like a guided thread, quietly fell into a dish of dark, aged pine soot ink that had been prepared in front of the wine worm.

The wine-loving creature, which had been in a drunken stupor, seemed to be drawn by the shared literary spirit and stimulated by the dual aromas of ink and wine. Its spirits suddenly lifted, and it plunged headfirst into the ink dish, drinking its fill. Its original golden-red body color gained even more ink-like luster.

Then, it flipped over and leaped onto the snow-white Xuan paper that had already been spread out beside it.

The next moment, something astonishing happened!

The seemingly drunken and unsteady little insect actually used its tail tip as a pen, dipped it in thick ink, and began to swim wildly on the snow-white rice paper!

Its movements seemed completely haphazard, crooked, and incoherent, resembling the scribbles of a drunkard.

But strangely, every stroke and line of that ink mark carried an indescribable unrestrained and unbridled spirit and an inner sharpness!
At first, it was indeed difficult to recognize, like scribbles, but as the ink spread, it gradually revealed the charm of cursive calligraphy!

The brushstrokes flow like dragons and snakes, exuding a powerful and majestic aura; the interplay of density and sparseness creates a unique rhythm!
Even more shocking is that within the meandering ink marks, there is a faint, bluish-green sword aura flickering and emanating, a chilling aura emanating from the back of the paper!

It was as if this tiny wine-loving insect was not writing, but wielding a sword, performing a peerless sword technique on a small piece of Xuan paper!
Between the lines, it subtly reveals the true meaning of "using the pen as a sword and words containing killing intent" in the highest realm of literature!

"This...this is?! The insect wielding its brush?"

"Using insects as a pen, how could one create such a divine and charming work?"

This is no longer magic; it's almost the Tao!

"The words contain the intent of a sword!"

The brushstrokes conceal the sharpness of the arrow!
Could this... this insect have attained enlightenment?
Having mastered the ways of literature, I have received the literary guidance of Vice Minister Jiang!

The audience was stunned. After the initial uproar, there were bursts of heartfelt cheers and exclamations!

Who would have thought that the little insect Jiang Xingzhou carried with him would possess such good fortune and spirituality?
This is no ordinary object; it is a literary treasure!

It is evident that its owner was deeply influenced by literature and culture in his daily life, and through this subtle influence, he has reached a profound realm that is almost able to enlighten all things and inspire wisdom!

Among everyone present, the one who was most shocked and almost lost his composure was Zhang Xu, a descendant of the Sage of Cursive Script!

He suddenly stood up from the table, disregarding his manners, and stared intently at the wine worm's every subtle movement, his eyes filled with disbelief, then turning into ecstasy, and finally falling into a state of fascination!

"With wine flowing freely, my heart and spirit are still open... My thoughts flow naturally with my brush, unrestrained by convention... Skill is hidden in clumsiness, wild and unrestrained... This, this is simply the prototype of the realm of abandoning form and expressing one's spirit directly, which is pursued by the masters of cursive script!"

Zhang Xu murmured to himself, completely absorbed in the seemingly chaotic yet profoundly insightful "brushwork" of the wine-loving poet.

He had diligently practiced his family's cursive script since childhood, copying countless rubbings of ancient inscriptions, and believed he had grasped its essence. But now, seeing this drunkard "scribbling" on instinct, the "wildness" and "truth" contained within it, free from all constraints of brush and ink techniques and flowing purely from the heart, gave him a sense of enlightenment and sudden understanding!
This insect's "calligraphy" is naturally far less skillful than his in terms of structure and composition, but its innate and unpretentious charm seems to have a tendency to transcend the framework of technique and point directly to the origin of art!

"Lord Jiang..."

Zhang Xu's voice trembled with excitement, and he stammered, feeling an overwhelming desire to learn from the insect. "Your wine insect... is truly miraculous! I wonder... would you be so kind as to part with it... and sell it to me for study?"

These words immediately drew good-natured laughter from the people around.

Jiang Xingzhou was also amused and laughed loudly, "Brother Zhang is joking. This is my 'drinking buddy,' how could I sell him?"

However, if Brother Zhang is truly interested in this, you are welcome to visit me often in the future to exchange ideas and discuss matters with me, your "drinking buddy," and perhaps share a few drinks. You might gain something from it.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xu was not disappointed at all; on the contrary, he was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly. His gaze remained fixed on the wine worm that was still "wielding its sword" on the paper, as if he had already seen the opportunity for his calligraphy to break through.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the banquet, General Xue Chonghu seemed oblivious to the cheers that erupted from the room as the wine-loving man wielded his brush.

His imposing figure was slightly turned to the side, as if he were in his own world. All his thoughts, gazes, and even the rhythm of his breathing were firmly focused on the black iron battle bow he held tightly in his arms.

This precious bow, which accompanied him through half his life of battles and which had made outstanding contributions this time, has now changed dramatically and is radiating an unprecedented brilliance.

On the ancient, dark bow, the original inscription by Jiang Xingzhou, "Jiang Cheng Zi: Hunting in Mizhou - Presented to Prefect Xue," was no longer a simple attachment, but was deeply imprinted and permeated into every inch of the bow's texture, as if it were an integral part of the bow itself.

Each character now faintly radiates a warm yet resilient pale golden light, a light that is not dazzling but carries a sense of calm and eternal power.

What's even more captivating is that a vast, righteous, yet powerful force, imbued with the true meaning of hunting and slaughter, is slowly flowing and endlessly circulating within the bow.

With a light touch of the finger, one can feel a resonance as if connected by blood, as if the bow has its own breath and heartbeat.

A national treasure!
After the battle at the foot of Mizhou City, especially in the final moment when Jiang Xingzhou drew upon the full power of the poem to shoot down the Snow Wolf Demon King, the magnificent literary spirit and immortal artistic conception of that national treasure poem and the killing aura carried by the bow itself had completely merged in the ultimate light, undergoing an essential transformation!
This bow has been upgraded to a national treasure of immense power, bearing the prestige of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the glory of its literary tradition!

This battle poem was a gift from Jiang Xingzhou to Prefect Xue, which is why he was able to fully unleash the literary power of it!

Xue Chonghu lovingly stroked the smooth and warm bow again and again, feeling the vast power within it that resonated with his own breath and seemed to have become an extension of himself. This veteran general, who had seen life and death on the battlefield and was usually resolute and calm, was so excited that his tiger eyes reddened and his eyes became moist.

He knew perfectly well that the significance of having this divine bow guarding the Duke of Xue's mansion far exceeded that of ten mountains of gold!

If even one descendant can inherit and comprehend the literary arts of the poem and unleash even a fraction of the bow's power, it will be enough to deter villains and ensure the family's prosperity for at least five generations!
This is not just an indestructible weapon, but also a testament to family honor, a symbol of inheritance, and a guardian artifact for the future!

Its value is immeasurable!

"A good son-in-law..."

Xue Chonghu raised his head, his gaze piercing through the noisy crowd, and looked intently at Jiang Xingzhou, who was chatting and laughing with Zhang Xu.

A thousand words, endless gratitude, joy, and expectations for the future are all condensed in this deep glance and this low and sincere call.

This reflects pride in the son-in-law's talent, gratitude for this generous gift, and trust in entrusting the family's future.

Jiang Xingzhou seemed to sense something, stopped talking, and raised his glass in a distant salute towards his father-in-law. He wore a gentle smile, his eyes clear and resolute.

No need for further words, the father-in-law and son-in-law understood each other perfectly.
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ps:
Working myself to the bone in November!
For every 500 monthly passes, I'll write 1 words straight out of my sleeve! Come on! Unleash your fury upon me!

(End of this chapter)