My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the vast grassland a magnificent golden-red.

The Han soldiers were overjoyed.

The captured cattle, sheep and horses were driven together, and the captured armor, furs, gold and silver utensils were piled up like mountains. The captured Xiongnu nobles and warriors were dejectedly guarded in a corner.

Days of rapid advances and overwhelming victories.

Not only did they not feel tired from the long battle, but their morale was also at its peak.

Especially those soldiers who had witnessed or participated in the "sky chariot" charge had an almost fanatical confidence burning in their eyes—with such a divine weapon, what were the Xiongnu worth mentioning?

Riding across the grasslands, heading straight for the royal court, seemed like an easy task.

Huo Qubing, carrying a blood-dripping ring-pommel sword, was directing his personal guards to count a batch of newly captured gold and jade artifacts, his face full of the joy of conquest.

He wiped the blood off his face and laughed loudly at Liu Ju, who had just gotten out of the car not far away.

"Your Highness! These wolf cubs are easier to chase than rabbits! Scouts report that fifty miles to the north lies a fertile pasture belonging to King Hunxie, and his troops are in disarray there!"

Huo Qubing got more and more excited as he spoke.

"Why don't we take it again! Let that old bastard Hunxie Wang taste the power of the Heavenly Chariot!"

Upon hearing this, many generals and soldiers around him had their eyes light up and echoed his sentiments.

"The General of the Cavalry is right! Your Highness, morale is high; it's time to expand our gains!"

"Yes, Your Highness! One's initial momentum is strong, but a second attempt often leads to a decline!"

"Let these barbarians know that our Han army, once it arrives, will not leave!"

"With a super car leading the way, what are we afraid of?!"

The crowd was in high spirits, their desire for war burning fiercely.

Everyone felt that the battle was only just beginning.

Liu Ju looked around at his soldiers, his gaze sweeping over their faces, reddened by the flames of war and their yearning, before finally looking toward the northern horizon where the sky was gradually sinking into twilight.

He remained silent for a moment, then turned around and slowly raised his hand to face the assembled generals and the many soldiers who were casting expectant glances at him.

The noise gradually subsided.

Everyone was looking at their crown prince.

The young commander who led them to an incredible victory awaited his order for the next offensive.

Liu Ju's voice rang out.

"Order: All units shall rest on the spot, take stock of the battle results, treat the wounded, and properly settle the prisoners and spoils. Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, set up camp and prepare meals. Before noon, the entire army shall break camp and return to the capital."

"..."

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

The wind swept across the grassland, stirring the tattered banners and the still-burning embers, creating a mournful sound.

The faces of almost all the soldiers were filled with shock, confusion, and even a hint of anger at being doused with cold water.

They suspect they have heard it wrong.

return after victory?

Returning to the capital?

Now?

At this moment when the momentum is unstoppable, the enemy is in awe, and it seems that even greater victories can be achieved.

You mean to send them back?

Huo Qubing was the first to react, his young and heroic face filled with disbelief, his voice trembling with urgency.

"Your Highness?! What did you say? A triumphant return? Now? There are still plenty of achievements waiting for us ahead!"

"The Xiongnu are terrified; now is the perfect opportunity to wipe them out in one fell swoop!"

"To turn back now would be like letting a tiger return to the mountain, rendering all previous efforts futile!"

"Yes, Your Highness! Please reconsider!"

"Your Highness, the soldiers are eager for battle, and their morale is high!"

"At least... at least we can take over that ranch before we leave!"

The generals stepped forward one after another, offering their advice in a flurry of excited words.

They couldn't understand why the usually decisive and brave Crown Prince would choose to withdraw at this critical juncture.

Although the ordinary soldiers dared not question loudly, their faces were filled with confusion and disappointment. They exchanged puzzled glances, and low murmurs spread like a tide.

Only Wei Qing, who had been standing a little further away, in charge of overall coordination, and with a calm expression, paused almost imperceptibly in his hand holding the reins when he heard Liu Ju say "returning to the capital in triumph."

He raised his eyes, his gaze passing over the excited crowd and landing on Liu Ju's face.

In a flash, a sudden realization dawned on him.

I see……

A hint of understanding flashed in those deep eyes, along with a complex expression of approval.

He understood Liu Ju's thoughts.

But it was precisely because he understood Liu Ju's thoughts that he felt admiration.

When things get heated, one can clearly see their own situation and circumstances, and stop in time.

His Highness the Crown Prince has grown up!

Wei Qing slowly spurred his horse through the crowd and came to Liu Ju's side.

"Your Highness, is your mind made up?"

Liu Ju met his uncle's gaze. In that calm look, he saw understanding, support, and an unspoken reminder.

He nodded heavily, his tone firm.

"General, my mind is made up. Our army has been on a long march for days, and although we have won a great victory, we are exhausted. We have captured a great deal of spoils, which need to be transported back in time to secure the border regions and to feed our soldiers. The Xiongnu have suffered a heavy blow and are unable to look south for the foreseeable future. Now is the perfect time to return."

Wei Qing slowly nodded, said no more, turned to face the generals, and his voice suddenly became majestic and powerful, overshadowing all the discussions.

"His Highness the Crown Prince orders: The entire army shall rest and regroup, and return to base tomorrow! All units shall act in accordance with this order without fail! Those who disobey will be punished according to military law!"

The general's authority, coupled with the crown prince's clear orders, finally brought order back to the restless military camp.

Although many soldiers still looked unwilling and confused, they could only carry out orders, but they all began to harbor resentment towards Liu Ju.

Huo Qubing looked at Liu Ju, then at Wei Qing, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He stomped his foot hard, turned around, and went to arrange the disbandment of the camp, though his back still carried a sense of pent-up frustration.

As night deepened, campfires flickered.

Liu Ju stood alone outside the tent, gazing southwards towards Chang'an, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

Wei Qing also came out at some point and stood beside him. After a long silence, he whispered.

"Going back... is fine. Some things need to be reported in person. And some things should be done by His Majesty."

Liu Ju glanced at his uncle, feeling a warmth in his heart, and bowed slightly.

"I hope you will do your best to mediate after you return to the capital."

Liu Ju said softly.

"It's my duty."

Wei Qing patted him on the shoulder, looking pleased.

"Ju'er has grown up. I thought you would continue the Northern Expedition, but now it seems... I was wrong."

"You've become more mature, knowing when to do what and when not to do it."

Liu Ju smiled, a hint of helplessness in his smile.

The two of them stood there quietly, looking south.

it is more than words.

The following day, at noon, the Han army, with its rich spoils and prisoners, and banners waving, embarked on its journey south.

They left, but some people couldn't sit still.