At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

Dongyi Qingchaojing, formerly the main hall of the Forbidden City of the Emperor.

Su Mu sat comfortably on the supreme dragon throne that originally belonged to the Emperor of Dongyi.

He looked down from his high position at the assembled generals of the Great Qian Dynasty, his aura as steady as a mountain, silencing the entire hall.

After days of cross-sea battles, conquering countries and quelling rebellions, the entire territory of the Eastern Barbarians has been pacified. The royal family has been wiped out, powerful ministers have been executed, and the main force has been destroyed, completely eradicating the century-old border troubles of the East China Sea.

Now, the affairs of the court, the remaining chaos, the garrison arrangements, and the return journey are all coming to a close and a conclusion.

Xiao Jingyu, Qin Hao, Liu Yuzhou, and other core generals stood solemnly on both sides, waiting for Su Mu to make the final decision and discuss all matters related to the army's return to the capital.

After a moment of silence, Su Mu's gaze swept over everyone, and he spoke first, his voice steady and deep, resounding throughout the entire hall:

"The entire territory of Dongyi has been pacified, and the flames of war have been completely extinguished."

"I have gathered everyone here today to finalize two important matters."

"First, eliminate any remaining hidden dangers within the territory and stabilize the morale and situation of the Dongyi people."

"Secondly, we will organize the army's itinerary and choose a date to return to the capital. Everyone, please speak frankly and without restraint."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Third Prince Xiao Jingyu stepped forward and bowed, replying, "Elder Su, I have been patrolling the entire territory for days, pacifying the townspeople, and keeping abreast of the situation within the country."

"Since our Great Qian army entered the city, we have strictly adhered to military discipline, committed no offenses, refrained from disturbing the people, looting, or harming the innocent. We have only punished the royal family's traitors and the remnants of criminal officials."

"Ordinary people in the Eastern Yi region were not affected by the war. They had enough to eat and wear, their lives were peaceful, and their hearts were at ease. They had no intention of large-scale rebellion or unrest."

"But even a centipede dies but does not fall down. The Eastern Barbarians were destroyed hastily, and some remnants of the old dynasty, secret agents of the Jianghu, and scattered assassins still remain among the people."

"These small, clandestine forces dare not confront the main army head-on. They only dare to hide in the streets and countryside, spreading rumors, stirring up public sentiment, and waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble, secretly disrupting local order."

"Currently, the spies of Lingfeng Pavilion under Yuzhou's command have joined forces with the elite soldiers under Zhongyi's command to conduct full-area control and sweep through different areas, pursuing the remaining undercurrents day and night. The situation is under complete control."

Su Mu nodded slightly, a cold and sharp glint flashing in his aged eyes, his tone murderous: "The remnants of a chaotic era are the most troublesome. Open flames are easy to extinguish, but hidden flames are hard to guard against."

"If these remaining forces lurking in the shadows are not eradicated, the Eastern Barbarians will never have true peace."

"Within the territory of our Great Qian Dynasty, we will not tolerate any potential for chaos or disorder. Anyone who harbors disloyal intentions or plots to cause trouble will be thoroughly eradicated and rooted out without exception!"

His voice was firm and resolute, carrying a chilling aura of killing intent.

At this moment, Liu Yuzhou, who was standing to one side, calmly stepped forward, bowed, and solemnly reported: "Don't worry, Elder Su, your subordinate has already made all the necessary arrangements."

"All of the Listening Wind Pavilion's spies were mobilized, covering Qingchao Capital and various counties in Dongyi, to investigate all the old dynasty's spies, remaining assassins, and hidden forces."

"Any suspicious person or troublemaker will be precisely identified and wiped out overnight."

"Before long, we will surely eradicate all remaining forces operating in the shadows, completely eliminate all hidden threats from the Eastern Barbarians, and ensure long-term peace and stability within our borders!"

Su Mu nodded slightly, his expression softening: "With you in charge of the covert investigation and elimination, I am at ease. We will ensure a clean and efficient operation, leaving no future troubles."

After settling matters related to maintaining stability and suppressing the rebellion within the territory, Su Mu turned to his commander Qin Hao and asked in a deep voice, "How are the preparations for the army's return—including provisions, ships, ranks, and supplies—coming?"

Qin Hao clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, replying confidently and loudly, "Reporting to Elder Su, everything is ready!"

"Good!" Su Mu nodded in approval, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

After days of fighting and bloodshed, the soldiers have now achieved great success and the entire territory is pacified. It is time to lead thousands of soldiers back to the capital in triumph and return to their homeland in glory.

Qin Hao paused briefly, then looked up, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry, and spoke again: "Elder Su, I have another matter to ask you about."

"Now our army has completely annihilated the Eastern Yi, and the entire territory is under our control."

"After the Northern Barbarians were pacified, the court implemented a dual system of governance and self-governance. Now that the Eastern Barbarians have been pacified, will our Great Qian Dynasty continue to use the old system and temporarily allow local gentry to govern themselves?"

Upon hearing this question, everyone in the hall turned their heads to await a conclusion.

Upon hearing this, Su Mu smiled faintly, straightened his posture slightly, and said with a firm and resolute tone that brooked no argument: "The Eastern Yi and the Northern Di are completely different and cannot be generalized."

"But the Dongyi people, who possessed the fertile land of the East China Sea, had well-organized cities, complete counties, and a large population, and were already a well-established state."

"This time, their royal family has rebelled, repeatedly invaded our Great Qian territory, and slaughtered our people in the East China Sea. Their crimes are unforgivable, and the destruction of their entire nation is a just punishment."

"From this day forward, there will be no more Dongyi nation in the world!"

His gaze swept across the vast landscape outside the palace, and his words resounded: "This fertile land of the East China Sea shall be entirely incorporated into the territory of our Great Qian Dynasty!"

"When I return to the capital in triumph, I will petition Your Majesty to designate the entire territory of the Eastern Barbarians as the Eastern Sea Continent, establish a prefecture and government offices, appoint officials at all levels, implement the laws of the Great Qian Dynasty, and carry out the education of the Central Plains, incorporating it into the legitimate territory of the Great Qian Dynasty for permanent rule!"

With those words, the hearts of all the soldiers in the hall trembled!

From then on, the century-old enemy in the East China Sea was completely annihilated, transforming into the vast territory of the Great Qian Dynasty, and the country expanded its borders and the seas became forever secure!

Xiao Jingyu stepped forward at the opportune moment and added the key point in a deep voice: "Elder Su's insight is brilliant. This move can eliminate future troubles in the East China Sea forever."

"However, now that the main army has all returned to the capital, the East China Sea has been pacified and the people's hearts have just begun to settle down. The undercurrents have not been completely eliminated, and there is an urgent need for an elite army and capable generals to guard this place, stabilize the situation, deter the villains, and appease the people, while awaiting the court to send officials to take over the administration. As for who should remain to guard this place, I would like to ask Elder Su to make the decision!"

Upon hearing this, Su Mu slowly rose to his feet, his military uniform standing tall and imposing. His sharp gaze swept over his generals, and he spoke in a deep voice: "Ye Qingzhou, Chu Tianba, Wen Jiuyuan, Wei Honglie! Step forward and receive my command!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the four generals stepped forward, knelt on one knee in unison, their posture upright, and respectfully obeyed: "Your subordinates are here!"

All four were originally river bandits who used to live by banditry on the rivers and seas. By chance, they joined Su Mu's forces.

In just half a year, he followed Su Mu in battles across the north and south, fighting bloody battles, transforming from an unknown bandit into a battle-hardened elite, making meritorious contributions and achieving great feats, showing unwavering loyalty and extraordinary bravery.

Su Mu's gaze was solemn as he loudly issued the order: "I hereby issue the order!"

"Chu Tianba and Wen Jiuyuan are appointed as the two governors of the newly established state of Donghai, in charge of the people's livelihood, public security, and local government affairs throughout the entire territory of Dongyi."

"Ye Qingzhou is appointed General of the Eastern Garrison, in charge of the garrison troops, guarding the coastal borders, and deterring any remaining rebels."

"Wei Honglie is appointed as the military advisor to assist in political and military affairs, strategize, and reassure the people!"

"Four men will command an elite army of 100,000, remaining in the East Sea to guard the entire territory!"

"Stabilize the local situation, eliminate the remaining rebels, appease the common people, and maintain stability along the coast! Await the imperial decree and the arrival of officials to hand over administrative duties!"

"I will personally write to His Majesty to recommend you four for merit and to formally appoint you to official positions in the court!"

Four important imperial appointments, each requiring the guard of a region, were suddenly bestowed upon him!

The four knelt on the ground, their minds instantly shaken, their faces filled with wild joy and excitement, their eyes brimming with unbelievable exhilaration!

They were nothing more than outlaws and pirates in the past, of humble origins and no one valued them. They never dared to dream of entering the imperial court, becoming important officials, or guarding a territory!

But today, after following Su Mu in battle for half a year, he has suddenly turned his life around, holding military and political power in one region, and becoming a key minister guarding the East China Sea in the Great Qian Dynasty!

This is an immense honor and an incredible opportunity!

The four men were filled with gratitude and overwhelming emotion. They immediately kowtowed deeply, their voices strong and resounding: "We thank Elder Su for his guidance and support! We swear to guard the East Sea to the death, to fulfill our duties faithfully, and to never slacken in the slightest! We will not fail Elder Su's trust, nor the imperial court's confidence!"

Seeing the four men's ecstatic and excited expressions, Su Mu showed no smile. His expression grew even more serious as he warned in a deep voice, "I have promoted you all exceptionally because I believe in your loyalty, bravery, and numerous military achievements."

"Being allowed to remain in the East China Sea may seem like a great achievement and an honor to guard a region, but in reality, it carries heavy responsibilities and harbors hidden dangers!"

"The new territory has just been established, the people's hearts are not yet settled, and undercurrents still exist. If we are not careful, chaos will break out again and the coastal borders will be shaken!"

"During our stay here, we must not be careless or complacent in our duties regarding political and military affairs, public security, stability maintenance, and suppression operations!"

"If any potential unrest arises within our borders, or if any mishap occurs in our defense, I will show no favoritism and will punish those responsible severely!"

The four men's expressions hardened instantly, their elation vanishing in a flash. Their expressions became solemn and respectful as they answered in unison, "We will heed your teachings! We will diligently and conscientiously defend the sea frontier, and live up to our responsibilities!"

"Good!" Su Mu nodded solemnly. "The four of you shall immediately rise and assume your duties, oversee defense and administration, and guard the entire territory!"

The four men kowtowed again to express their gratitude, then rose and stepped aside.

The overall situation was completely settled, and all matters related to the aftermath, garrisoning, and mopping-up operations were finalized.

Su Mu's gaze swept across the entire area, and he ordered in a deep voice, "Qin Hao, listen to my command! Issue the order to the entire army!"

"All troops, immediately assemble your forces, organize your belongings, and inventory your supplies. Leave Qingchaojing and head towards the East China Sea coast. Board your ships and return to the capital!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" Qin Hao loudly accepted the order and immediately turned to leave the hall.

All the generals bowed and took their leave, heading to their respective posts to oversee the final arrangements.

……

The vast blue sea is filled with the sound of the sea breeze.

Along the coastline of Dongyi, waves crash against the shore with tremendous force.

Nine colossal warships, each a giant dragon, stood arrayed on the sea. Majestic and imposing, with their ironclad armor and sails billowing high, they stood majestically on the vast blue waves, exuding power and grandeur, showcasing the iron-blooded military might of the Great Qian Dynasty.

Two hundred thousand victorious soldiers, clad in armor and standing in neat rows, ascended the coastal steps in an orderly fashion and boarded ships one after another.

After dozens of days of long-distance expedition across the sea, fighting bloody battles, destroying the enemy country and pacifying the sea frontier, all the soldiers were eager to return home, their eyes filled with excitement and exhilaration.

On the deck, Su Mu, Xiao Jingyu, Liu Yuzhou, and other high-ranking generals stood side by side, facing the vast sea breeze and gazing in the direction of the Great Qian homeland.

The vast ocean stretches for thousands of miles, and the seas are peaceful and tranquil.

For decades, the troubles and generations of enemies along the East China Sea have been completely annihilated and the dust has settled.

Countless soldiers fought valiantly, ultimately bringing peace and stability to the land.

The fatigue from days of fighting vanished, leaving only the burning passion and pride of returning in triumph.

Facing the sea breeze, Su Mu gazed towards the distant capital of the Great Qian Dynasty. His white hair fluttered slightly in the wind, and his heart was filled with boundless pride.

He raised his hand and shouted, his voice old yet loud and resounding, penetrating the sea breeze, echoing along the coast, and reaching every warship and every military formation!

"All troops, listen to my command!"

"Set sail! Return in triumph!"