Looking at Zhu Ying before him.
Fu Youde did not hesitate in the slightest. He strode forward, paying no mind to the stench of blood and filth clinging to Zhu Ying.
Spreading his hands, he helped Zhu Ying to his feet.
"Zhu Ying."
"I have heard your name many times in the army. Today, I finally have the chance to meet you." Fu Youde laughed heartily.
"General Fu is a Duke of the Grand Ming Empire, your illustrious name known far and wide. I, Zhu Ying, have long admired you as well," Zhu Ying replied humbly at once.
"You have campaigned in the foreign lands of the Northern Frontier for over two months, venturing deep into Tatar territory and placing yourself in peril. You have worked hard." Fu Youde spoke with deep emotion.
When he had learned that a force remained in the foreign lands of the Northern Frontier, Fu Youde had thought that scarcely any of them would be able to return.
But now that he saw them.
The outcome had far exceeded his expectations.
Or rather, Zhu Ying's performance in command had exceeded everyone's expectations.
Not only had he returned alive, he had also brought back several thousand soldiers. Compared to the results they had achieved against the Tatars, such losses were hardly significant.
"As soldiers of the Grand Ming Empire, it is our duty to protect our homeland," Zhu Ying immediately replied.
Afterward.
Zhu Ying turned around and addressed the many soldiers behind him. "All officers and men, heed my command. Pay respects to General Fu."
As his voice fell.
The nearly three thousand soldiers did not hesitate. They all bowed as one and shouted in unison, "Greetings, General Fu!"
Though there were fewer than three thousand of them, their voices gathered like thunder, resounding across the