The next day.
Outside Zhaoge City, there was a sea of people.
Countless citizens of Zhaoge City organized themselves and waited outside Zhaoge City, waiting to send Ye Chen off.
Ever since the news of what had happened in the imperial court in the past two days spread, almost everyone knew that the diligent, wise, and domineering king had returned!
Chaoge burst into cheers!
In this era, the emperor's personality determined the lives of the people at the bottom.
Rise, the people suffer; Death, the people suffer.
If a fatuous and incompetent king who only knew how to enjoy himself and exploit the people was in power, the country would definitely be in turmoil and chaos would arise. Then, the people would definitely suffer.
Over the past year, Emperor Xin had favored the demon concubine, listened to the slanderous words of treacherous officials, killed loyal officials without authorization, and ignored the government. This led to the accumulation of disasters in various places, the rebellion of the princes, and the chaos of war. The people were living in dire straits.
Especially Zhaoge City. Although it was not affected by the disaster and the war, Emperor Xin acted arbitrarily, increased taxes and corvee, built Star Picking Tower, and used the treacherous minister Fei Zhong. The two of them plundered the people without any scruples and bought and sold official positions. The people had no way to seek justice, which caused panic in Zhaoge.
But now that the king had realized his mistake and executed two treacherous officials, he had even decided to personally lead an expedition to quell the chaos. In time, Great Shang would return to its former state of peace and prosperity.
Therefore, the people were extremely happy.
When they learned that Ye Chen was going out today, they all put down their work and came out of the city to send him off.
"It's out! It's out!"
Suddenly, at this moment, a cheer sounded at the city gate.
Countless commoners looked over and saw that on the ancient road at the city gate, teams of Flying Tiger Army soldiers wearing standard armor and holding long spears were clearing the way ahead.
The leader of the group was General Lei Kai, who was tall and sturdy. He was wearing silver armor and riding a white-maned horse. A long sword hung from his waist and he held a silver spear in his hand. He looked extraordinary.
Behind the Flying Tiger Army, Lu Xiong and Er 'Lai opened up a path on the left and right. One old and one young, both looked majestic.
Behind the two of them was a three-foot-long beast covered in scales-the Purple Jade Qilin!
This Purple Jade Kylin was subdued by Emperor Xin before he ascended the throne. He used his natural strength to subdue this beast with the bloodline of the ancient Kylin and made it his mount.
However, in the past few years, Emperor Xin had only cared about enjoying himself. Other than occasionally visiting the Purple Jade Kylin and riding it for a ride, he had raised it in the palace and fed it well every day.
Compared to the few years when he had just subdued her, she had actually gained a few rounds of weight.
While the Purple Jade Qilin enjoyed this, it was also extremely helpless. This was not the life it wanted!
It was a descendant of the Qilin bloodline, but it did not go to the battlefield and was reduced to livestock!
For countless days and nights, while enjoying all kinds of spiritual items that were rare for ordinary officials, the Purple Jade Kylin was filled with tears.
Today, when it learned that its master was about to set out, it was extremely excited. Under the lead of Lu Xiong and Er 'Lai, it carried Ye Chen and strode forward with its head held high, enjoying the shocked and respectful gazes of the surrounding people.
If it weren't for the Flying Tiger Army blocking the way, it would have already dashed out and surrounded the moat.
"Behave yourself!"
Ye Chen was sitting on the Purple Jade Kylin's back. He was clad in dark golden armor and wore golden boots. The Dragon-Phoenix Sword hung at his waist. He held the reins with one hand and patted the Purple Jade Kylin's head with the other as he chided in a low voice.
As its master, he could naturally feel the Purple Jade Kylin's agitation and excitement.
This guy was not a law-abiding person!
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
At this moment, the commoners outside the city knelt down excitedly and saluted when they saw Ye Chen walk out.
Compared to Lei Kai, Lu Xiong, and Er 'Lai, Ye Chen did not look as burly. Instead, he was slightly thinner. His appearance was not as fierce as Lei Kai and the others. Instead, he had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. He was handsome and had an imposing manner. He looked more like a Confucian general than a fierce general or general.
However, no matter where he stood, anyone would notice him first.
As a Renhuang, he had a dignified aura that was not angry.
Moreover, Di Xin's bravery was something that the entire Great Shang knew!
No one would underestimate him just because he looked skinny!
For a moment, Zhaoge City was silent.
Only the footsteps of the army could be heard in this silent atmosphere.
"My subjects, no need for formalities!"
Ye Chen rode on the Purple Jade Kylin and looked around. He saw the excited faces and an inexplicable excitement rose in his heart.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Chen looked at the people of Zhaoge and said loudly,""This expedition is firstly to fight the drought and save the people of Great Shang. Secondly, it is to quell the rebellion and stabilize Great Shang!”
"Today, I swear that I will not return to Zhaoge until the disaster is solved and the rebellion is eliminated!”
No words were more shocking than actions!
For a moment, the faces of the commoners were shocked. They all prostrated themselves on the ground again and shouted excitedly,"We await Your Majesty's return in triumph!”
"Good!"
Ye Chen pulled the reins lightly and stopped. He looked at the crowd and shouted,"On behalf of the soldiers of the three armies, I thank you for your blessings. On the day of my victory, I will celebrate with you!”
"Long live the king! Long live Great Shang!"
"Long live the king! Long live Great Shang!"
"Long live the king! Long live Great Shang!"
Outside Zhaoge City, there were cheers that cheered people up.
Not only the commoners, but even the soldiers of the three armies were deeply affected. All of them were excited and filled with fighting spirit.
"Alright, let's go back!"
Ye Chen waved at the people on both sides and then turned to look in the direction of the city gate.
At this moment, all the officials of the imperial court, led by Prime Minister Shang Rong and Prince Wucheng Huang Feihu, gathered at the city gate to send them off.
Not only were there all the civil and military officials in the court, but on the other side, under the heavy protection of many guards and palace maids, Empress Jiang, Daji, Concubine Huang, Concubine Yang, and the Yin Jiao brothers had also left the city to send Ye Chen off. At this moment, they were looking at Ye Chen with tears in their eyes.
Ye Chen took a deep breath as he witnessed this scene. He was filled with emotions.
Great Shang's territory was vast. Even if this expedition only involved the two regions of the northeast, they would not be able to return in a short period of time.
At least a few months, at most a few years, or even a dozen years, he might not be able to return!
Grand Preceptor Wen had been on the expedition for nine months and had not accomplished anything. He even needed the court to send troops to assist him…
Gentle home is the tomb of a hero!
These words were indeed true!
In just three days, he had developed some feelings for Zhaoge City.
Now that he was about to leave his hometown again, he did not know when he would be able to return. It would be a lie to say that he did not feel anything!
"Phew…"
Ye Chen took a deep breath and suppressed the emotions in his heart. He looked at the officials, Empress Jiang, and the others and said,""Go back! When I return triumphantly, I will give you thousands of miles of rivers and mountains!”
"We respectfully send you off, Your Majesty!"
"This concubine respectfully sends off the king!"
"Your son, respectfully send off father!"
The officials, Empress Jiang, and the others all knelt down and saluted with different expressions.
Shang Rong and the others were excited and expectant while Empress Jiang and the others were worried and reluctant.
However, they all hoped that Ye Chen would return victorious from this expedition and bring the dignity of Great Shang to the world!
Ye Chen smiled and turned around. He pulled the reins and shouted,"Let's go!"
"Swoosh!"
The soldiers of the three armies set off at the same time, heading north of Zhaoge in high spirits.
The morning sun rose from the east and shone on the densely packed soldiers.
He watched them walk further and further away…
……
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