My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

November, Bingchen day.

Luoyang.

The chill of the year-end was already quite strong, but on this day, the entire city of Luoyang seemed to be swept by a scorching current.

From early morning, both sides of Zhuque Avenue were packed with people, scholars, and merchants who had come after hearing the news, all eagerly waiting.

The air was filled with excitement, curiosity, and an indescribable restlessness.

Everyone wanted to see for themselves what the legendary young general, who was said to be like a god descending to earth, leading his army to conquer the grasslands and capture the Xianbei chieftain, really looked like.

At 3:45 AM, a deep and long horn sounded from outside the city, followed by the uniform sound of horses' hooves.

The tightly closed south gate of Luoyang slowly opened amidst the heavy groaning of its hinges.

The first thing that catches the eye is a banner with the character "姬" (Ji) fluttering in the pale winter sunlight.

Immediately afterwards, a troop of cavalry surged into the city gate like a black iron torrent.

Although they numbered only eight hundred, they marched out with the imposing presence of a thousand troops.

The knights were all dressed in shiny black plate armor, the plates rubbing together as they moved, producing a deep, rhythmic clanging sound, like the Grim Reaper grinding his teeth.

At the very front of this impenetrable military formation, several generals stood like stars surrounding the moon, drawing everyone's attention.

In the center stands a lone rider, his snow-white warhorse contrasting with his black brocade robe, and a silver fox fur shawl draped over it.

The person on horseback was slightly thin, but as upright as a pine tree.

When the sunlight broke through the clouds, it fell precisely on his face as he looked up at the city tower.

"hiss--"

The entire street seemed to be instantly silenced, then erupted with even louder gasps and clamor!

What kind of face was that?

It was a face that made you afraid to look directly at it, yet you couldn't help but stare at it longingly.

He was Ji Xuanyuan, also known as Ji Wenlie, who was about to be appointed as the General of the Cavalry, the Northern General and Marquis of Zhuo.

"Look! That's Marquis Ji!"

"My God...is this...is this really a mortal?"

"Truly worthy of the title 'Jade Gentleman'! No, even the Jade Gentleman pales in comparison!"

"He's looking this way! Ah—!" A bold young lady from a noble family exclaimed from the window upstairs, then blushed and hid behind the curtain, but couldn't help but peek again.

Ji Xuanyuan seemed oblivious to the commotion around him, his gaze calmly sweeping over the majestic city towers and Han palaces, a faint trace of emotion flickering in the depths of his eyes.

He was half a horse length behind on his left, and that was Dian Wei.

To the right and slightly behind are Xiang Yu, Ran Min, Lü Bu, Yang Zaixing, and Li Cunxiao.

At the head of the procession, a eunuch holding a whisk proclaimed in a high-pitched voice, "General of the Northern Army, Marquis of Zhuo, Ji Xuanyuan, has led an expedition to the northern frontier, decisively defeating the barbarians, capturing and beheading traitors, and displaying his might beyond the Great Wall. Today—he—returns—in—triumphant—to—the—court—!"

The sound waves rolled along the long street.

The cheers of the people reached their peak, and countless flowers, colorful ribbons, and even sachets were thrown down from the pavilions on both sides, trying to absorb a trace of the legendary army and its legendary commander.

Guided by the Imperial Guards, the procession passed through the bustling streets and arrived at the South Palace Gate.

Ji Xuanyuan led his generals to dismount, leaving the troops in the designated camp outside the city. After tidying their clothes, they entered the palace, which symbolized the highest power center of the empire, under the guidance of eunuchs.

Before the Deyang Palace, officials stood solemnly in order.

When Ji Xuanyuan and his entourage appeared at the foot of the white jade steps and slowly walked along the imperial road, the originally solemn court couldn't help but stir up a low commotion.

Countless gazes—curious, scrutinizing, admiring, fearful, and complex—were all focused on the young man at the head of the group.

Stunning!

Even the most learned and knowledgeable officials, who boasted of having seen all the world's people, couldn't help but think of those two words when they first saw Ji Xuanyuan.

Many people even had absurd thoughts.

With such a face, if she had lived in the Former Han Dynasty, perhaps even Emperor Wu of Han would have sighed, "Zifu is no match for her."

As Liu Hong sat on his throne, he finally saw clearly the young minister whom Ji Xuanyuan had repeatedly promoted and relied on as a pillar of the northern frontier, yet whom he harbored complex and apprehension towards, when Ji Xuanyuan entered the hall and bowed in accordance with etiquette.

The sickly and gloomy emperor and the radiant young general formed a stark and glaring contrast at this moment.

Liu Hong's cloudy eyes widened slightly, a hint of undisguised surprise flashing across them, which then turned into a deeper scrutiny.

He spoke slowly, his voice weak from long illness, yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Rise, my dear minister. I have long heard that Marquis Ji possesses the talent of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, and the handsome appearance of Song Yu. Today, having met him, I realize that even rumors cannot fully describe him. Heaven has bestowed such a talent upon me; it is truly a blessing for the Han Dynasty."

Ji Xuanyuan rose, bowed his head, and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. How dare I, with my humble appearance, claim such a high rank as a celestial being? I only wish to dedicate myself to defending Your Majesty's territory and expanding its borders, and to serve Your Majesty faithfully."

"Okay, okay." Liu Hong nodded and said no more.

"Have the heads of the traitors Zhang Chun and Zhang Ju, as well as the former Xianbei leader He Lian, been brought here?"

"All have been brought and are waiting outside the palace for Your Majesty's instructions."

"Bring it up!"

Soon, two eunuchs, each carrying a lacquered tray covered with red cloth, along with He Lian and his prime minister, entered the hall.

The heads have been verified to be those of Zhang Chun and Zhang Ju.

He Lianze, trembling with fear, repeated his prepared "surrender statement" in broken Chinese. It was nothing more than admiring the Celestial Empire, voluntarily submitting to the empire, and requesting the emperor to send troops to help his son stabilize the tribe. His tone was extremely humble.

Seeing the once mighty Xianbei leader in such a state, many ministers in the hall looked smug, but some experienced ministers, such as Grand Commandant Deng Sheng, had a hint of worry in their eyes.

After He Lian was taken away, the real main event of the day began.

Liu Hong sat up straight, a slight flush rising to his face, clearly taking the ceremony very seriously, or perhaps he was just putting on a brave face.

He glanced at the court official standing beside him.

The Imperial Secretary unfolded the prepared edict and read it aloud in a loud voice: "The edict reads: I have heard that rewarding meritorious service is a common practice of the state. Ji Xuanyuan, the General of the Northern Army and Marquis of Zhuo, is of noble character and possesses both literary and military talents. Since taking command of the army, he has upheld the imperial authority, sweeping away the Wuhuan in the north and intimidating the Xianbei in the west. He has broken through enemy lines, slain generals and captured banners, ultimately bringing down monstrous enemies. His achievements surpass those of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, and his merits are so outstanding that he is now summoned to the capital. He should be promoted to a higher rank to reward his exceptional merit. He is hereby appointed General of the Cavalry, with the same rank as the Three Excellencies, and his fief is increased by two thousand households, bringing the total to three thousand households. He is granted a gold seal and purple ribbon, the right to wear a sword and shoes in the palace, the right to enter the court without hastening, and the right to be addressed without being named during audiences. This is the imperial decree!"

General of the Cavalry!

He was allowed to enter the palace with a sword and shoes, and did not have to bow when entering the court; he was not allowed to be named when praising or paying homage!

Another low commotion arose in the hall.

What an honorable treatment!

It was almost on par with powerful officials and relatives of the emperor, such as Huo Guang and Dou Xian, in the past.

His Majesty's favor towards Ji Xuanyuan is simply beyond compare!

Ji Xuanyuan bowed deeply once more, saying, "Your subject, Ji Xuanyuan, thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace! Even if I were to give my life, it would not be enough to repay you!"

The bestowal of rewards did not end there.

"Xiang Yu, the General Who Destroys the Enemy and Marquis of Jundu Pavilion, was exceptionally brave and skilled in breaking through enemy lines. He made outstanding contributions and was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry, with his fief increased by 500 households."

"Ran Min, the General Who Guards the Hu and Marquis of Liaoxi, pursued the fleeing enemy and captured many. He was promoted to Protector of the Xiongnu (with imperial authority, in charge of the affairs of the Xiongnu and Wuhuan in Youzhou and the northern border), and his fief was increased by three hundred households."

This position is quite meaningful, as it both rewards merit and directs the focus of attention towards the Xiongnu in Bingzhou.

"General of Valiant Might and Marquis of Wuyuan, Lü Bu, was the bravest in the army. He captured the chieftain and defeated the enemy. He was promoted to General of the Xiongnu (to assist in Xiongnu affairs) and his fief was increased by 300 households."

He worked with Ran Min to jointly govern the Xiongnu.

"Yang Zaixing, the General of Yangwei and Marquis of Feihu, was brave and valiant in his youth, and repeatedly made military achievements. He was promoted to Tiger-Ben General (in charge of a part of the palace guards, showing his trust in them), and his fief was increased by two hundred households."

"Li Cunxiao, the military commander of the Jingnan Army, is blessed with divine strength and dares to charge into battle. His achievements are outstanding. He is specially promoted to the position of General Who Suppresses Bandits, enfeoffed as Marquis of Guannei, and awarded 100 catties of gold."

He was promoted directly from a mid-level officer to the rank of "Lieutenant General" and granted a marquisate, with extremely generous rewards.

The remaining meritorious soldiers will be rewarded separately after their merits are verified and reported by the General of the Cavalry's office.

Several generals also stepped forward and kowtowed in gratitude.

However, when Xiang Yu stepped forward to express his gratitude, a sudden change occurred.

Xiang Yu, with his robust physique, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said in a deep voice, "This humble general, Xiang Yu, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

He didn't deliberately release his aura, but the innate domineering and noble air and the strange sense of oppression brought by his double pupils still came over you.

The moment Liu Hong, sitting on the dragon throne, looked up at Xiang Yu, his heart skipped a beat!

An inexplicable throbbing and chill, originating from the depths of my blood, spread throughout my body without warning!

That face, those double pupils!

The general before me was clearly respectful and polite, showing no hostility whatsoever…

This is a fear that comes from the bloodline of our ancestors!

Liu Hong's face paled slightly for a moment, and his fingers unconsciously gripped the armrest of the dragon throne, his knuckles turning white.

He forcefully suppressed the absurd and intense panic, coughed dryly, forced a smile, and said in a slightly unsteady voice: "General Xiang... you may dispense with the formalities. You were born with double pupils, truly an extraordinary person, and your nobility is beyond words. I hope that you... will make good use of this bravery and martial prowess, and forever serve as a bulwark for the Han Dynasty. Do not... do not follow the old path of Xiang Ji of ancient times."

The last sentence was almost squeezed out between his teeth, with an undisguised tremor and a warning.

Upon hearing this, the hall fell into an instant silence!

Everyone could hear the unusual fear and wariness in the emperor's words.

Xiang Yu was also slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his double pupils, before he regained his composure, clasped his hands again, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my heart. In this life, I only wish to follow General Huo Qubing, to sweep away the rebellious, and to protect the Han Dynasty. I have no other ambition!"

The atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment. Ji Xuanyuan stepped forward at the opportune moment and said gently, "Your Majesty, General Xiang and all the generals are loyal and brave men. Grateful for the Emperor's grace, they will certainly not fail Your Majesty's expectations."

After bestowing the titles and rewards, Liu Hong announced the end of the court session.

However, just as Ji Xuanyuan was preparing to leave the palace for the temporary residence arranged for him by the court, a young eunuch quietly arrived and whispered, "General of the Cavalry, His Majesty has summoned you privately in the Qingliang Hall. Please come with me."

Ji Xuanyuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded and followed.

Inside the Qingliang Hall, the air was thick with the aroma of medicine, and the charcoal fire provided warmth. Liu Hong had changed out of his court robes and was now only wearing casual clothes. He leaned against the couch, his face showing even more fatigue, but his eyes remained sharp even in the dim light.

After dismissing those around him, only the emperor and his minister remained in the hall.

"My dear minister, today the court is in full swing." Liu Hong's voice was a little hoarse, with a smile, but it didn't sound very warm.

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's trust and the soldiers' bravery that I dare not take credit for it." Ji Xuanyuan bowed.

Liu Hong waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.

After a moment of silence, he looked directly at Ji Xuanyuan and suddenly asked, "My dear minister, tell me, are you... loyal to the Han Dynasty?"

The question came abruptly and directly, carrying the final, unavoidable inquiry of a dying emperor.

Without any hesitation, Ji Xuanyuan immediately rose and solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, I rose from humble beginnings, and was fortunate enough to be disregarded by Your Majesty, promoted from the ranks, granted great power, and bestowed with high rank. This kindness and virtue are as high as heaven and as deep as earth. My loyalty is to Your Majesty, and to the Han Dynasty and its people; heaven and earth bear witness! If I have any disloyal intentions, may heaven and man punish me!"

His answer was powerful and sincere, and anyone who heard it would be moved.

Liu Hong looked at him for a long time, and the look of weariness and scrutiny on his face gradually faded, revealing a very complex and almost all-knowing smile.

He slowly shook his head, his voice soft, yet it struck Ji Xuanyuan's heart like a heavy hammer: "No."

"Your loyalty is not to me, nor to this battered and crumbling Han dynasty."

He paused, then, meeting Ji Xuanyuan's suddenly deep gaze, said, word by word:

"What you are loyal to is this 'world'."

Ji Xuanyuan's pupils contracted sharply, and his hands, which were hanging in his sleeves, clenched slightly, but his face still maintained a perfect balance of astonishment and confusion: "Your Majesty... I am terrified, I do not know what Your Majesty means..."

Liu Hong seemed to have exhausted all his strength. He closed his eyes and waved his hand, saying, "I am a little tired, my dear minister... you may leave now. Remember what I said today."

"And remember, you are now the General of the Flying Cavalry of the Han Dynasty."

"Your subject... takes his leave." Ji Xuanyuan bowed deeply and slowly withdrew from Qingliang Palace.