Are you crazy? Trying to trick him into military service? He's the number one dragon on the fro

"My lord, the statistics are complete."

About half an hour later, Fan Changxin compiled a preliminary summary of the battle's outcome and reported it with a hint of excitement:

"In the Battle of Yingji Plain, our army killed 29,165 Hu people, captured 15,076 warhorses, 46,357 cattle and sheep, and countless supplies."

"Our army suffered a total loss of 16,921 soldiers."

He sighed with considerable emotion as he finished speaking:

"These past few days, every time I returned to the county government office to handle official business, I saw mourners lining the streets and heard cries. It's truly..."

"Ugh!"

Fan Changxin knew that only by defeating the Hu people could there be lasting peace, but understanding this was one thing, and reacting to it in person was another.

Everyone fell silent for a moment, then Lu Xiao waved his hand and said:

"This great victory is the result of everyone's efforts, so everyone's share of the captured warhorses, cattle, sheep, and supplies is deserved."

"Brothers, please don't stand on ceremony, otherwise you'll be looking down on me!"

Upon hearing this, Long Gui, Luo Yang, Deng Yunluo, and the others smiled and nodded, indicating that they would definitely take some warhorses, cattle, sheep, and supplies with them when they left.

After a brief discussion, Lu Xiao invited everyone to a celebration banquet in Bai County. They would celebrate simply then, and then gather again once the imperial court's rewards arrived.

……

Meanwhile, at the Northern Hu royal court.

After escaping from the battlefield, Helian Feng rushed back in a great hurry. He had barely caught his breath when he saw Bagu Lun and shouted urgently:

"Tongtian Wizard, no...it's terrible! The King has been captured by that scoundrel Lu Xiao, and his fate is currently unknown!"

"What?"

For a moment, Ba Gu Lun was shocked and stood up abruptly, asking in a deep voice:

"Captured alive? How is that possible?"

"It's absolutely true..."

Two or three quarters of an hour later, Bagu Lun heard the detailed account of the battle from Helian Feng and was instantly shocked.

He remained stunned for a long time, only snapping out of his daze after being urged by the other party:

"Summon the Third Prince and the other chieftains still in the royal court immediately. I have something important to announce!"

"yes!"

Upon hearing this, Helian Feng's heart tightened, and he hurriedly ran out.

However, he reappeared in the royal tent a moment later, accompanied by the third prince Milosi and several chieftains.

Bagu Lun gestured for the Third Prince to sit in the main seat, then looked at everyone and said in a deep voice:

"His Majesty has been captured, and his fate is currently unknown."

Upon hearing this, Milosi jumped up on the spot, staring dumbfounded at Bagulun:

"Tongtian Wu, is this true?"

"Otherwise, why would I have summoned you all here for a meeting?"

Bagu Lun nodded helplessly, signaling Miluo Xi and the others to remain calm, and then said:

"The one who captured the king this time was Lu Xiao of Zhou. You and I should both know his temperament, so if the king falls into his hands... his fate is probably uncertain."

"Before the news spreads, we must elect a new king to lead our people forward."

Upon hearing this, Milosi's expression was excited, but she was also puzzled:

"Why did the Celestial Wizard choose me, Prince Tongtian?"

"Only you have the chance to bring glory to our race in the future!"

Bagu Lun gave him a meaningful look. Although he said those words on the surface, what he really thought was that this third prince was easy to control.

Once the other party ascends to the throne of the Hu King, he, the Tongtian Shaman, will be the behind-the-scenes controller and the true king of the grasslands!

Coming to his senses, he instructed the canal chiefs:

"From this moment forward, return to your respective tribes, summon all generals at all levels, and announce the Third Prince's ascension to the throne. Anyone who resists will be executed without mercy!"

"You are all meritorious officials who supported the Third Prince. In the words of the Zhou people, you have all rendered meritorious service in this matter, and your future is limitless!"

"Go quickly!"

Upon hearing Bagu Lun's words, the chieftains gave Miluo Xi a deep look before turning and leaving.

Bagu Lun then invited Milosi to sit on the throne:

"Third... Your Majesty, from this moment on, I will teach you how a king should act and what he should do!"

……

Hengdu, the southern gateway.

The people of the capital lived peaceful and tranquil lives as usual, while many people from the surrounding areas came and went, taking away important items related to production, such as seeds and farming tools.

"Good news! Good news!"

"Urgent message from Bailang Mountain, make way immediately!"

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats broke the tranquility of the long street.

The people initially wanted to scold the person riding a horse in the street, but after hearing the shout, they hurriedly made way.

Some of the bolder people craned their necks and shouted:

"Since this is good news, could you tell me about the general results?"

"After winning the championship, he decisively defeated the 60,000-strong Northern Hu army, and killed the Hu king Miluohan and the Yabghu Miluowuyuan!"

On horseback, the messenger held up the command flag and shouted loudly, as if he wanted to make his voice heard throughout the entire city:

"A great victory was achieved at Yingji Plain; after winning the championship, the Hu king was beheaded, and the Hu army was utterly defeated!"

"A great victory!"

The people were stunned by the news. After all, the Great Zhou and the Northern Hu had been entangled for decades without any outstanding results, let alone the killing of the Northern Hu king.

As a result, the people along the street were stunned and did not react for a long time.

By the time they realized the impact of this good news, the messenger had already gone far away.

Even so, the people spontaneously cheered.

People, whether they knew each other or not, were celebrating excitedly on the street, some holding hands and discussing it with great enthusiasm.

"Report!"

"A great victory at Yingji Plain!"

Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance, Emperor Dehong was processing memorials when he suddenly heard shouts from ahead and instinctively looked up.

Then a disheveled messenger rushed into the main hall and, without saying a word, presented the news of victory with both hands:

"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Champion has slain several generals, including the King of Hu, the Yeghu of the Northern Hu, and the chieftain, inflicting a great defeat on the Hu army!"

"Please take a look, Your Majesty!"

For such urgent messages delivered over 800 li (approximately 400 kilometers), the messenger was authorized to enter the main hall and meet the emperor.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Dehong was stunned. He then ran over, picked up the report of victory from the man's hand, and quickly began to read it.

Seeing his excited expression, Wang Fu smiled with relief, then helped the messenger to his feet and said with a smile:

"Young general, you've worked hard. Please sit down for a while and have a cup of tea. His Majesty may ask you some questions about the details later."

"Yes, yes, quickly offer my beloved general a seat and tea!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Dehong hurriedly ordered Wang Fu to brew a cup of tea—tea he himself rarely drank—for the messenger. Then, picking up the victory report, he burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, great!"

"The Marquis of Champion truly lives up to his reputation as my right-hand man; he has decisively won the battle!"

"This time, I will certainly reward the Marquis of Champion handsomely!"

Just then, Zhou Kang rushed over in a great hurry:

"Your Majesty, please let this old minister see the report of victory!"