The twenty-first year of Zhengtong.
Spring.
East Gate of Shenjing.
A sea of people packed the area, noisy and bustling.
After the court's deliberate promotion and guidance, the common folk had already forgotten Yu Qingtian. Their eyes were now fixed upon the famed frontier general, "Zhou Hong."
"Zhou Hong" had become a guerrilla commander at fourteen. That year had been the year of The Renyin Coup, when the northern frontier suffered a crushing defeat and the dynasty was thrown into turmoil.
"Zhou Hong" had led three thousand troops in a nighttime raid against the Great Yong soldiers, burning their connected camps and becoming famous in a single battle.
Promoted for his merits to deputy general, he had guarded Barren City and repelled the Great Yong army's repeated sieges.
After the two nations made peace, he had been promoted to commander-in-chief, holding military authority over a northern frontier province.
Over the following forty-odd years and through two reigns, he had risen to command troops in perennial warfare against Great Yong. He won more than he lost, truly becoming a pillar of the dynasty.
The people had always loved heroes, much less a great general who protected the nation and kept it stable. Early in the morning, they had gathered at the East Gate, waiting for "Zhou Hong" to lead his subordinates into the capital for Emperor Zhengtong's inspection.
Near noon.
Hoofbeats rumbled like thunder. In the distance, "Zhou Hong" could be seen riding at the forefront.
Four columns of cavalry followed close behind, all clad in black armor. They were like thunderous black clouds pressing down, and the noisy crowd fell silent in an instant.
Whether intentionally or not, the Black Armor Army soldiers all cast a glance at the Capital Garrison troops maintaining order.
Their fierce, killing aura made the