"Coming back empty-handed would have been fine."
"Now that the Northern Expedition has been decided, the results of the war are already set."
"Any soldiers who ventured deep into the Northern Frontier to campaign have rendered merit." Guo Ying slightly raised his head and looked toward the Northern Frontier as he spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable steadiness.
After all, as Guo Ying had said, entering deep into the Northern Frontier meant putting oneself in mortal danger before finding a path to survival. There might have been opportunities for merit, but it was also fraught with peril.
Once they became lost within it, the entire army could have been wiped out.
As Guo Ying's words fell, Zhu Quan pressed his lips together slightly. The words he had wanted to say were ultimately swallowed back, and he said no more.
"Alright."
Guo Ying's hearty smile returned as he looked at Zhu Ying. "The Marquis of Victory has returned triumphant from the Northern Expedition. We should celebrate together tonight."
"Marquis of Victory, go rest and wash up first. Tonight, this general intends to drink several jars of wine with you."
Having said that,
Guo Ying's eyes were full of anticipation.
"Certainly."
Zhu Ying smiled and cupped his hands in reply.
"Marquis of Victory."
Zhu Quan stepped forward eagerly. "I've long wanted to have a drink with you as well. Don't let yourself get drunk tonight."
"We won't go home until we're drunk tonight." Zhu Ying laughed in response, his peripheral vision casually sweeping over Zhu Di.
Compared with Guo Ying and Zhu Quan's excitement, Zhu Di wore a smile, but it seemed to float only on the surface.
Zhu Ying keenly noticed a trace of barely perceptible complexity deep in his eyes. He did not seem