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

Because Zhang Da was so eager to return to his hometown, the caravan traveled for nine days before finally entering Shaoyang Prefecture.

Along the official road, the number of travelers gradually increased, mostly merchants carrying goods and farmers driving oxcarts. Everyone's face was peaceful, showing no sign of fear. Smoke curled from the chimneys of villages along the way, the sounds of chickens and dogs could be heard, young men worked in the fields, and children played by the roadside.

This should all be attributed to him, right?

That afternoon, the convoy traveled to Huilongpu, thirty li outside Shaoyang City.

This is the vital passage into Shaoyang. The mountain road gradually becomes gentler, the plains open up, and the official road ahead leads directly to the county town.

Suddenly, a scout on horseback galloped back, shouting an urgent report.

"Reporting to the Vice Commissioner! A few miles ahead, a cloud of dust is rising, and a large number of cavalry, numbering over a thousand, are galloping towards us. Their armor and weapons are gleaming. We do not know whether they are friend or foe!"

The accompanying commander of the personal guards' expression changed, and he immediately drew his sword and shouted sharply.

"Form ranks! Protect the Vice Commander and his wife!"

Five hundred elite cavalrymen instantly formed a defensive formation, spears pointed forward, and three-barreled guns were loaded, exuding a murderous aura and creating a tense atmosphere.

Yang Qianqian frowned slightly and subconsciously moved closer to Zhang Da. Zhang Da laughed heartily, then gently patted the back of her hand. His expression was calm and fearless. He lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the dust in the distance. Even though he couldn't see anything, a smile still appeared on his lips.

"No need to panic," Zhang Da said calmly, his voice steady. "Within the territory of Baoqing Prefecture, who else but my own troops could possess such elite cavalry and dare to confront my convoy head-on?"

After saying this, Zhang Da appeared extremely proud, and it was time to let these soldiers from Xiangyang see the Shaoyang troops he had personally built.

Sure enough, in less than half an incense stick's time, the dust cloud in the distance grew closer and closer. More than a thousand riders, clad in black armor, with ring-pommel swords at their waists and spears and lances in their hands, swept in with overwhelming momentum, like a dark cloud pressing down on a city.

The leading general, with a heroic and handsome face and a tall and straight figure, was Zhang Da's younger brother and the commander of the Shaoyang garrison—Zhang Wen.

Zhang Wen led his troops at breakneck speed to within a hundred paces of the convoy, then abruptly pulled on the reins, causing his warhorse to rear up and neigh loudly. He dismounted, strode to the front of the convoy, knelt on one knee, the armor plates clanging loudly as he deliberately made his voice boom like a bell.

"This humble general, Zhang Wen, was ordered by the Vice Commissioner to garrison Shaoyang and train the troops. Now that I hear of your triumphant return, I have led the entire cavalry battalion to respectfully welcome you into the city!"

Behind them, over a thousand riders dismounted in unison, knelt on one knee, and recited the rehearsed words in unison.

"Welcome back to your hometown, Sir! Welcome back to your homeland, Madam!"

The sound shook the heavens and the momentum was magnificent, startling countless birds in the forest.

Zhang Da lifted the carriage curtain and slowly stepped down. Several months had passed, and Zhang Wen had become even more composed and capable, his fierce aura now subdued, displaying the bearing of a great general. Behind him, the cavalry battalion stood out, their armor gleaming, their ranks impeccably disciplined, each soldier robust and sharp-eyed. Zhang Da could tell at a glance that they hadn't lacked training during his absence from Shaoyang.

"Second brother, get up quickly!" Zhang Da strode forward, personally helped Zhang Wen up, and patted him heavily on the shoulder, his heart filled with joy. "Long time no see, you look thinner! You've been working hard training the troops."

Zhang Wen stood up, looking at his elder brother with eyes full of respect and excitement.

"My elder brother has performed unparalleled feats in Xiangyang and Henan, including the surprise attack on Luoyang, the burning of the rebel army's supplies, and the relieving of the siege of Nanyang. His fame has spread throughout the land, and the people of central Hunan all praise him. What is my hardship compared to that of training troops day and night in Shaoyang?!"

Zhang laughed and nodded, then turned and took Yang Qianqian's hand, pulling her in front of him and introducing her.

"Second brother, this is Yang Qianqian, the cousin of the wife of the Grand Coordinator Yang Sichang. Your elder brother has already married her and made her his concubine. From now on, she will be your sister-in-law."

Yang Qianqian slightly curtsied, bowed, and said in a soft, melodious voice, "Greetings, Second Master. You must be tired from your journey. Thank you for welcoming me."

Zhang Wen was quick-witted and immediately recognized Yang's special status and illustrious family background. Naturally, he dared not be negligent and immediately bowed deeply, his attitude extremely respectful: "Zhang Wen greets sister-in-law! Sister-in-law, you have traveled a long and arduous journey and must be very tired. I have prepared a place for you to stay in the city and I will make sure you have a comfortable and secure stay."

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Da was obviously eager to check on the others, so the group didn't delay any longer and set off immediately.

On the way, Zhang Da and Zhang Wen rode side by side, turning their heads to ask...

"How is the situation in Shaoyang City? Is everything still stable? After I leave, you will not neglect state affairs, will you?"

"Not at all!"

Zhang Wen replied solemnly.

"Rest assured, brother, everything was handled exactly as you instructed before your departure, without the slightest error!"

"Now the city walls of our place have been raised by five feet, the moat has been dredged and widened, eight watchtowers and twelve gun emplacements have been added, and the granaries have stored 30,000 shi of grain, enough to feed 20,000 troops for a year; the armory has been newly equipped with 1,000 sets of armor, 500 waist knives, 200 three-eyed guns, and five small cannons."

"After my elder brother left, all the refugees were completely settled, and they were given land to cultivate. No one dared to cause trouble."

"As for the troops... haha, brother, don't tell your wife... our infantry has expanded to three thousand men, and the cavalry battalion to twelve hundred men..."

Zhang Dayue was overjoyed as he listened, nodding repeatedly and saying "good!" three times.

Then he looked up at the 1,200 cavalrymen behind Zhang Wen, their armor gleaming, their horses powerful, their ranks impeccable, and their killing intent palpable.

With this army, plus the fortified city of Shaoyang, ample provisions, and the support of the people, he had no rivals in the entire Huguang region, except for the elite border troops of the imperial court! Even if Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng led their remnants to invade, he would still have the strength to fight them!

"Good! Good! Good!" Zhang Da exclaimed three times in succession, his heart brimming with pride. "Erlang, you did an excellent job!"

Zhang Wen bowed and said, "There are even better ones, brother, let's hurry into the city!"

So Zhang Wen led his cavalry battalion to clear the way, and Zhang Da and Yang Qianqian rode together again in a gold-decorated carriage. The convoy sped off towards Shaoyang County.

The closer they got to the county seat, the more people lined the roads. Hearing that Zhang Darong had returned home after great service and was about to be rewarded by the imperial court, the people spontaneously brought their elders and children, standing on both sides of the road, eagerly awaiting his arrival.

After being brainwashed by Xiao Zhuge and his group through their pyramid scheme, and given their genuinely effective governance—whether it was reducing taxes, opening granaries, or providing for the people—they ensured that the former refugees had food, shelter, and a means of survival in this chaotic world. Even people from several surrounding counties fled to Zhang Da's area.

"Commander Zhang is back!"

"The Vice Commissioner has returned in triumph!"

"My lord has won a great victory in Henan and rendered outstanding service. The imperial court will soon bestow rewards upon him!"

"The magistrate is mighty!"

The people cheered and spread the news, their shouts of praise echoing along the main road.

The procession stopped three miles outside Shaoyang City.

Zhang Da lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage, choosing to walk into the city instead of taking another ride.

The four gates of Shaoyang County were wide open, and banners fluttered on the city walls. This time, the banners on the city walls were not Ming banners, but large banners with the character "Zhang" fluttering in the wind, creating a magnificent sight.

At the city gate, a vast, dark crowd lined up to welcome them, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The one leading the group was his legal wife, Zhou Nianhui.

After several months apart, she had become even more mature and dignified, still as beautiful as ever, and even... her breasts had grown even larger.

Behind her stood Sun Liu, Little Zhuge, county clerks, representatives of local gentry, the city's garrison commander, and key military personnel, all with joyful expressions, standing respectfully to welcome her.

When Zhou Nianhui saw Zhang Da striding towards her, her eyes reddened slightly, but she held back her tears and quickly stepped forward, gracefully curtsying in greeting.

"My husband, you're back."

Zhang Da quickly stepped forward, took her hand, and said, "If we weren't in a public place..."

Zhang Daqiang suppressed his desires, turned around, pulled Yang Qianqian to his side, and introduced her...

"This is Madam Yang, the cousin of Minister Yang Sichang..."

Zhou Nianhui, being exceptionally intelligent, immediately understood the meaning behind Zhang Da's words. She then stepped forward, took Yang Qianqian's hand, and smiled gently.

"My sister has had a long and arduous journey. From now on, we are family."

Yang Qianqian quickly returned the greeting: "Thank you, sister. I am young and ignorant, and I hope you will guide me in the future."

The two women are harmonious, without any strife or jealousy... at least that's how it appears on the surface.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Zhuge and the others also stepped forward and bowed in respect.

"Welcome back in triumph, Your Excellency! Congratulations on your great achievements, which have made you a renowned figure in the Central Plains!"

Looking at the group of loyal followers who had risked their lives for him, Zhang Da felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He then ordered that a portion of the money Yang Sichang had rewarded in the rear convoy be distributed to these brothers who had fought alongside him.

The crowd erupted in a deafening cheer.

"Long live the Vice Commissioner! Long live Shaoyang! May central Hunan be at peace!"

The cheers soared into the sky and lasted for a long time.

Zhang Da was very pleased; compared to the welcomes from Yang Sichang in Xiangyang and Prince Fu in Luoyang, Zhang Da preferred this place.

Thus, under Zhang Wen's mounted escort, the group cheered and slowly stepped into the city gate of Shaoyang County...