My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

The city of Chang'an was greeted by banners and flags that blotted out the sun for miles around.

From Weiyang Palace to Hengmen, the bluestone imperial road had already been swept clean, the yellow earth had been laid on the road, and clean water had been splashed on the street.

Along both sides of the road, there was a guard every five steps and a sentry every ten steps, with imperial guards in bright armor, holding halberds and standing solemnly.

Further out were officials, scholars, nobles, and countless ordinary people from Chang'an who were eagerly waiting and packed the area to the brim.

The air was filled with the scent of incense, the fragrance of pine trees, and an irrepressible sense of excitement and restlessness.

When the first crimson Chinese character flag and the even more dazzling Crown Prince banner appeared on the horizon, a tremendous roar erupted like a tsunami.

"He's here! His Highness the Crown Prince is back!"

"The heavenly army returns in triumph! The Han Dynasty is victorious!"

"Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Flowers, colorful ribbons, and even copper coins were thrown into the sky and then fell like raindrops.

Cheers, shouts, and cries mingled together, deafening and soaring into the sky.

Liu Ju rode a tall horse at the very front of the procession.

He was still in military uniform, but the bloodstains had been washed away, and his armor gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the autumn sunlight.

With a polite smile on his young face, he nodded slightly and waved to the cheering crowds on both sides of the road.

Behind him was a vast and triumphant army.

The cavalry, gleaming in their armor, and the infantry, marching in perfect unison, escorted an endless array of cattle, sheep, and horses, wagons laden with riches, and dejected Xiongnu noble prisoners bound by ropes.

The most eye-catching were naturally those steel behemoths that had been carefully wiped clean, yet still bore the marks of battle.

They were positioned in the middle of the column, guarded by the most elite soldiers, and moved forward slowly and steadily.

"Look! That's His Highness's divine chariot!"

"It's said to be crafted by the gods themselves, impervious to swords and spears, and its roar is like thunder!"

"His Highness charged into battle in his chariot, and the barbarian invaders crumbled at the mere sight of him

Amid the discussions, Liu Ju's prestige reached an unprecedented peak.

However, amidst this overwhelming glory and jubilation, many soldiers in the triumphant march felt a different kind of emotion.

Following the crown prince, they tasted the unprecedented joy of victory, slaughtering barbarians and seizing rich spoils.

Everyone received rewards, more or less, and their ranks were elevated.

Logically speaking, one should be content and proud.

But... that feeling of suffocation, that trace of regret, lingered like a maggot clinging to the bone, impossible to shake off.

Especially those middle and lower-ranking officers and soldiers who had witnessed the defeat of the Left Wise King and personally experienced the crushing power of the "divine chariot".

They were filled with enthusiasm, believing they would follow the prince to conquer the enemy's capital and achieve unparalleled feats like sealing the wolf's lair.

The prospect of being ennobled and appointed as a general, bringing glory to one's ancestors, seems to be right before one's eyes.

But the crown prince ordered...the troops to retreat.

They returned with the spoils they had already obtained.

"Sigh, if we had charged forward a little more back then, we might have actually wiped out the Xiongnu Chanyu's stronghold!"

A burly military officer, taking advantage of a lull in the cheers, muttered a complaint to his colleague beside him.

"Who can argue with that!"

Another centurion spat.

"I'd sharpened my knife, all I was waiting to chop off a few more barbarian chieftains' heads to get a Marquis within the Pass, but... sigh!"

"Your Highness is being too cautious."

A young cavalry captain, who had hoped to shine in this battle, could not hide his disappointment.

"With the swift vehicle leading the way, our morale is high. If we press on, we might just succeed. Now that we're back, we've certainly earned our credit, but it feels like... something's missing."

"Be careful what you say!"

A more experienced captain beside him whispered a warning.

"Your Highness has your own considerations. Retreating and preserving the entire army is a great achievement. Moreover, His Majesty has already bestowed upon us a generous reward, and we are already extremely honored. What more could we ask for?"

Even so, a hint of regret flashed in the captain's eyes.

Having fought for many years, he knew that opportunities in battle were fleeting.

This Northern Expedition, despite having advantages in timing, momentum, and equipment, failed to expand its gains, which is truly regrettable.

Soon, the group arrived at the huge square in front of Weiyang Palace.

Here, the ceremony was even more solemn. The chime bells played elegant music, civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their rank, and banners and ceremonial guards stood like a forest.

On the imperial steps, Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, stood majestically, wearing a robe with twelve imperial symbols and a crown that reached the heavens.

Liu Ju dismounted, handed the reins to his guards, straightened his armor, and strode forward with his head held high.

Behind him, generals such as Wei Qing and Huo Qubing followed closely.

Upon reaching the foot of the imperial steps, Liu Ju knelt on one knee, clasped his hands above his head, and spoke in a clear voice that pierced through the clamor.

"Your subject Liu Ju, by order of Your Majesty, has overseen the defense of the nation. Now, thanks to Your Majesty's divine might, the valiant efforts of your soldiers, and the divine assistance of your mighty army, we have defeated the Xiongnu Left Wise King's forces, captured their king, routed their army, and seized countless spoils, thus displaying our nation's might in the northern deserts! Now, having returned with the entire army intact, I hereby report to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Tens of thousands of soldiers behind him shouted in unison, their voices thundering.

Liu Che's smile widened.

He personally stepped down from the imperial carriage and extended his hands to support Liu Ju.

"My son, you've worked hard! Please rise quickly!"

Liu Che's voice was loud and full of emotion.

"The achievements of this battle are unprecedented! Not only has it enhanced our national prestige, but it has also avenged the grievances of our border people! I am deeply gratified! The Han Dynasty is blessed with such a crown prince; it is a fortune for the nation and a blessing for all its people!"

He took Liu Ju's hand, turned to the officials, soldiers, and common people, and raised his voice.

"My lords! Soldiers! People of the Han Dynasty! Do you all see this? This is my Crown Prince! The heir apparent of the Han Dynasty! He is not only capable of governing the country with his wisdom, but also of securing peace with his military prowess! This battle has demonstrated the might of our Han Dynasty and the high morale of our sons! From this day forward, let's see who dares to underestimate our Han Dynasty! Let's see who dares to invade our borders!"

"Your Majesty is wise! The Crown Prince is valiant! May the Han Dynasty prevail!"

The cheers reached another climax.

Liu Che nodded in satisfaction and began the grand ceremony of presenting the captives and announcing the victory.

Left Wise King Yizhixie was escorted forward, looking disheveled, which contrasted sharply with the Han emperor and crown prince who were full of vigor on the high platform, arousing the pride and joy of countless people.

The decree of bestowing the honors was also read aloud in public.

The extraordinary rewards bestowed upon Liu Ju—"holding the imperial staff to command the military affairs of the northern frontier," "being allowed to enter the palace with a sword and shoes, not having to bow when entering the court, and not having to mention his name when being praised and worshipped"—once again caused a huge sensation.

Countless gazes, filled with envy, awe, or deep thought, were focused on Crown Prince Liu Ju.

The ceremony concluded with a grand military parade and a reward ceremony for the troops. Fine wine and food were delivered to each camp in a continuous stream, and Emperor Wu personally bestowed wine upon meritorious soldiers, creating a lively and extraordinary scene.

As night fell, the Weiyang Palace was brightly lit, and a grand victory celebration banquet began.

The music was melodious, the singing and dancing were graceful, and the emperor and his ministers enjoyed themselves immensely.

The night in Chang'an was illuminated by the lights of victory, making it as bright as day.

The laughter and merriment seemed poised to continue until dawn, until a call rang out.

"General, His Majesty requests your presence."