Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

Upon entering the county town, the envoy, accompanied by Zhang Da and others, first looked around. At this time, the houses and streets were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

"It's no wonder the government troops were defeated, given how popular Zhang Da is."

After looking around the county town with some admiration, the envoy was led by Zhang Da and his men to the government office.

Then he instructed Zhang, the chief attendant, to present the congratulatory gift. Zhang then began to read aloud the gift, noting that it was a personal gift from a court official.

This elicited another round of cheers from the audience.

The envoy's gaze swept calmly over the assembled heroes, his smile deepening as he walked, softly praising Zhang Da.

"Zhang Gong is a rare hero in his youth. He is neither arrogant nor impetuous, he does not rebel against the court, and he is wholeheartedly devoted to protecting the people and defending the land. On my journey here, I have seen that shops in Shaoyang City have reopened, people have returned to their fields, the city's defenses are solid, and the people's hearts are at peace. Even the capital of Huguang Province may not have such a grand scene!"

Just as Zhang Da was about to express his modesty, the envoy said again...

"The commander often said that in chaotic times, the most precious people are not generals who are good at fighting, nor rich lands, but people who know the greater good, uphold their principles, can bring peace to the people, and are willing to defend their land."

Zhang Gong killed corrupt officials for the sake of the people;

To defend against a powerful enemy is to govern the region;

They neither plunder nor kill indiscriminately; this magnanimity far surpasses that of bandits.

The imperial court is currently in dire need of capable individuals; talents like Lord Zhang, who understand military affairs, know the people's sentiments, and prioritize the overall situation, are the cornerstone of the nation.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Da was suddenly flattered.

What does this mean? Is it an offer to pacify me? Or is it a warning to me to behave myself?

Regardless of its meaning, Zhang Da immediately responded, explaining the contents of the letter again.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency! I am but a rustic countryman. My father was forced to his death by corrupt officials, leaving my family ruined and with nowhere else to turn but to raise an army. My only purpose is to eliminate evil and bring peace to the people. I have never harbored the slightest intention to betray the Ming Dynasty, and I have always had a heart that yearns to serve my country, even though I have no other way to do so. I am grateful to Your Excellency for not abandoning me, which has enabled me to achieve what I have today. If Your Excellency ever needs my help in the future, I will do my utmost!"

"good!"

The envoy nodded slightly, his eyes flickered, and he said in a low voice, "The Commander-in-Chief knows Zhang Gong's intentions, and the court is also aware of them. There are too many people here to hear, so it is inconvenient to speak. I have a personal edict from the Commander-in-Chief to the court regarding the handling of this matter, which I need to inform Zhang Gong of separately."

Zhang Dahui understood immediately and reached out to lead the way.

"Angel, please follow me to the quiet side room, where no one will disturb us."

So the two dismissed their attendants and entered a side room in the government office. They closed the door tightly, and the room was quiet with only the flickering red candles.

The envoy said no more, took out a scroll of bright yellow silk edict from his bosom, slowly unfurled it, and solemnly read aloud the five measures for handling the situation set forth by Yang Sichang.

……

……

Every word was clear and distinct, resonating deeply in Zhang Da's heart. Although Zhang Da had long anticipated that Yang Sichang had let him go, he still felt immensely fortunate when he heard the news with his own ears.

Although Zhang Da didn't know Yang Sichang's character well, he figured that someone of Yang's high rank was a man of his word, and his decision represented the court's. Yang's promise was essentially a safeguard for Zhang Da.

I can finally focus on building up my strength!

Zhang Da let out a long breath, his muscles, which had been tense for months, instantly relaxing. He felt light and relieved, and an uncontrollable joy welled up in his eyes. For the first time in his life, he bowed deeply to the envoy, his tone earnest and solemn.

"Thank you, Commander-in-Chief Yang, for your magnanimity! Thank you, the Imperial Court, for your keen insight! I, Zhang Da, hereby swear that I will serve the Imperial Court for the rest of my life, defending the land and ensuring the safety of the people, suppressing bandits and repelling invaders, and I will never dare to harbor the slightest disloyalty! If Zhang Xianzhong dares to take a single step into central Hunan, I, Zhang Da, will lead the men of Shaoyang to block him with our lives, to repay the Imperial Court's mercy in sparing my life! To repay the Commander-in-Chief's kindness in recognizing my talent!"

The envoy put away the edict, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"Zhang Gong, there's no need for such formalities. The Commander-in-Chief has discerning eyes and has long known that you are no like Zhang Xianzhong or Li Zicheng, nor a fickle bandit, but a righteous man who defends the land and protects the people."

Today is your joyous occasion, sir. Do not let official business spoil the celebration. I have come here to deliver an imperial decree and to offer my sincere congratulations, hoping to share in your happiness!

"Of course! Of course!" Zhang Da replied repeatedly, so excited that he was incoherent. He personally helped the envoy back to the banquet hall.

Walking to the center of the hall, Zhang Da raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. Then, he picked up his wine glass and, in a loud voice, once again announced the court's handling strategy to the public, word by word.

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire venue fell into a deathly silence, which was then followed by a deafening roar of cheers and shouts!

"The imperial court has stopped fighting!"

"We're safe! Shaoyang is safe!"

"May the eldest son be blessed with boundless good fortune! The people of Shaoyang are saved!"

Zhang Wen, Li Er, Zhou Wenqu, and other core brothers were so excited that their faces turned red. They raised their glasses and shouted wildly, their eyes red. The gentry and landlords also breathed a long sigh of relief, no longer needing to spend money or effort or risk their lives. The ordinary people were overjoyed and wept, kneeling and kowtowing, grateful for the court's benevolence and for Zhang Da's protection.

A time of great joy for all!

Zhang Da raised his glass high and said loudly

"Ladies and gentlemen! Today is the day of my grand wedding, and also the day of peace and stability for the entire city of Shaoyang! We are grateful for the imperial court's leniency and the governor's kindness. Come, let us drink this cup together, to the imperial court, to Shaoyang, and to all of you present here!"

The entire room raised their glasses, cheers resounded, the aroma of wine filled the air, and the festive atmosphere reached its peak.

The joyous wedding banquet continued until night fell, the moon rose, and the stars twinkled in the sky, before finally showing signs of waning. Guests gradually took their leave, the lights inside and outside the government office thinned out, and the noise slowly subsided, leaving only the bridal chamber where the red candles still burned brightly.

Now it's finally time for the part Zhang Da has been most looking forward to!

Because he had skipped drinking so much, and the alcohol content of Ming Dynasty wine was low, Zhang Da was not drunk at all. However, he still pretended to be drunk and staggered towards the bridal chamber... to the person who had waited for Zhang Da for countless days and nights.

He gently pushed open the door to the bridal chamber.

The room was decorated in a very luxurious and meticulous way, with red candles burning brightly and flickering in the light. A thin veil, as thin as a cicada's wing, hung down, casting a hazy and soft shadow on the people inside, making it seem like a dream.

The benzoin and rouge scents in the air dispelled the last trace of alcohol from Zhang Da's body...

The bride, Zhou Nianhui, was sitting gracefully on the large red brocade cushion in the center of the canopy bed.

Zhou Nianhui's phoenix crown had been removed, and her jet-black hair was loosely tied up, with a few strands falling on either side of her oval face.

She wore a perfectly fitted bright red wedding dress, looking magnificent and dignified. The fabric accentuated her stunningly curvaceous figure perfectly... her shoulders were like those of a sculpted figure, and her waist was as slender as a silken thread.

Her eyebrows resembled a classical lady bathed in moonlight and candlelight—vague, gentle, and captivating.

"Niannian, you look so beautiful tonight."

"...My husband..."

In the end, Zhou Nianhui could only stammer out those two words inside the tent, filled with love and expectation.

However, it was precisely these two words that made Zhang Da's blood surge, and his righteous energy surged up again, becoming difficult to control for a moment.

The chaos has temporarily subsided, spring is in the air with red curtains, the lights are inviting, and a beautiful woman is by my side.

Zhang Da could no longer control himself and walked closer step by step. The red candle flickered, casting their shadows tightly together...

Tonight, there is no fighting in Shaoyang.