Settled. From now on, this was how it would be: early to bed, early to rise, exercise.
Though they had come out to welcome them solemnly, the meeting at the docks was really more of a formality.
After all, according to court regulations, once the soldiers returning from the southern campaign reached the capital, their first task was to hand over their Tallies, official documents, orders, seals, and the like to the Ministry of War, and verify that there were no errors in their merits.
At the same time, they had to report to their assigned camps, store their weapons, sort out their baggage, and so on. They might not finish straightening everything out even by midnight.
Today was merely an initial meeting. The real event was set for tomorrow night, so when the Ministry of War officials stepped forward, Sun Shaozong took his leave at the appropriate moment.
"Brother, you can't leave me behind again at the banquet in Wangjiang Restaurant tomorrow!"
The carriage had barely entered Dongbian Gate when Xue Pan's booming voice rang out beside it again.
In this bitter cold of the Twelfth Lunar Month, he did not seem to mind the chill at all, still galloping about on horseback like the wind—though he was wrapped up almost like a bear.
Sun Shaozong lifted the carriage curtain and gave him a sidelong glance, but what flashed through his mind was Shen Lian's burning gaze when he had seen Xue Pan at the docks earlier.
That fellow was quite devoted, too.
"You really want to go?"
"Of course! You know me, Brother. In all my life, Old Xue has admired nothing more than heroes who win glory on the battlefield!"
"Then promise me one thing first."
"Forget one thing, even ten would be fine..."
The two chatted