The Emperor's Gift

In the Battle of Wind and Rain Pass, the Ming Army ultimately achieved victory. Although the victory was somewhat questionable, no one cared. Once the Ming Army soldiers entered Wind and Rain Pass, they completely sealed off Wind and Rain Pass north gate. This meant that the Yuan Mongolia army, which posed the greatest threat, could no longer enter the interior. The Yuan Mongolia- Mongol's century-long aspirations were shattered by Zhang Xingfeng's frenzied thunder attacks, and they had no choice but to withdraw from the war.

It was May, and the air was fresh. All the Ming Army soldiers enjoyed the gentle breeze and felt very comfortable.

Zhang Xingfeng rode his warhorse calmly toward the capital. In fact, Zhang Xingfeng had wanted to return to the Star Peak Manor by himself for a long time, but Lang Feng's injuries made him unable to leave in peace. Moreover, he could not bear to separate Lang Feng and Leyue, so he had no choice but to return to the capital with the army.

In the distance, the outline of the capital city was beginning to become clear, and all the soldiers were excited. This time they entered the capital as victorious warriors, and of course they were extremely proud.

"Earl Zhang, we really have to thank Brother Lang Feng this time. When we return to the capital, the Emperor will surely reward Brother Lang Feng handsomely," Old General Wang said with a smile to Zhang Xingfeng.

Zhang Xingfeng smiled faintly, seemingly unconcerned about it.

Old General Wang smiled but said nothing, because they had already arrived in the capital, and the welcoming troops outside the city gates were clearly visible.

Zhu Li stood at the very front, seemingly very anxious, but a smile immediately broke out on his face when he saw the army appear.

Old General Wang and Hong Zhu immediately sped up to the front. When they saw Zhu Li standing at the front waiting for them, they were excited and immediately rode forward, dismounted, and walked up to Zhu Li.

"Your Majesty's grace has not been wasted; we have successfully kept the Yuan Mongolia cavalry out of our territory," Old General Wang and Hong Zhu said loudly, kneeling on one knee.

Zhang Xingfeng smiled faintly, "This Old General Wang isn't even embarrassed at all, speaking with such conviction, as if he really did wipe out the Yuan Mongolia cavalry." But Zhang Xingfeng didn't say anything, only turned around to look at the carriage behind him, in which was the seriously injured Lang Feng.

Zhu Li immediately stepped forward and helped Old General Wang and Hong Zhu up, saying, "You two are heroes of our Great Ming Dynasty, please get up quickly. Come, follow me back to the palace!" Zhu Li immediately pulled the two of them onto the imperial carriage.

The group followed Zhu Li through the city gates and headed towards the palace. The entire capital city cheered for the heroes, knowing that the war was won and danger was over. Their cheers reflected the simple desires of ordinary people: peace and safety were all they needed.

Zhang Xingfeng was also invited into the Golden Palace by Zhu Li's men, and even the seriously injured Lang Feng was brought to the Golden Palace by Zhu Li's men in a sedan chair.

The entire court was filled with joy, and everyone had a smile on their face.

"Haha... It seems the entire court is quite pleased? Haha... Men, bring a seat for Earl Zhang!" Zhu Li sat on the dragon throne, laughing heartily. Upon seeing Zhang Xingfeng, he immediately arranged for someone to bring him a seat.

Zhang Xingfeng smiled and bowed slightly, not refusing, and sat down to the side, smiling at his elder brother Lang Feng sitting beside him. Lang Feng seemed very happy today, his face full of smiles, showing no sign of the distress caused by losing his martial arts skills.

"Today, I am very happy, very happy, hahaha... hahahaha...!" Zhu Li laughed again, clearly he was really very happy, and the officials below were also happy.

"Today, I have a few things to announce!" Zhu Li's smile faded slightly, and the officials below immediately fell silent. They knew that Zhu Li was about to bestow rewards. Rewarding officials after a great victory was customary.

"Old General Wang, I won't say anything more. You have devoted your whole life to the Ming Old General Wang so busy. So I hereby announce that I bestow upon Old General Wang a thousand taels of gold and a luxurious mansion by West Lake in Hangzhou. May you enjoy your Old General Wang in peace!" Zhu Li smiled at Old General Wang.

Old General Wang immediately stood up, knelt down and thanked the Emperor, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness!" A thousand taels of gold was no small amount; it was equivalent to ten thousand taels of silver, more than the old general's entire lifetime salary.

"Old General Wang, there's no need for that. I know in my heart, and everyone knows, your contributions to our Great Ming. You deserve them all," Zhu Li said sincerely.

Old General Wang's eyes were a little red. He had spent his entire life on the battlefield, struggling on the brink of life and death countless times. Now that he was old and felt his strength waning, he had achieved great things and was retiring gracefully, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Old General Wang was very satisfied with this. Old General Wang rose and returned to his post.

Zhu Li smiled and said, "This time, I have discovered a military talent like General Hong Zhu!" The officials below knew that Zhu Li was going to reward Hong Zhu, and they all looked at Hong Zhu with envy. However, Hong Zhu remained the same as before, with no change in expression.

Zhu Li announced loudly, "I hereby announce that General Hong Zhu is hereby promoted to Vice Minister of War and granted one hundred taels of gold!"

Hong Zhu immediately stepped forward and knelt down to express his gratitude, but there was not much surprise on his face, only a slight smile.

Zhu Li nodded secretly. Hong Zhu was not only meticulous, but also never panicked or rushed. He was a very steady and reliable subordinate.

Zhu Li suddenly looked at Lang Feng Lang Feng, who was resting with his eyes closed. He was indeed seriously injured and often needed to sleep, sometimes for more than eight hours a day.

"Lang Feng is a role model for the men of our Great Ming Dynasty. He has killed more than 30,000 enemies and always charged ahead in every battle, making a huge contribution to the victory. Most importantly, Lang Feng risked his life to protect Leyue and was seriously injured." Zhu Li stood up from the dragon throne, looking at Lang Feng with a sharp glint in his eyes.

Lang Feng opened his eyes and smiled when he saw this scene. He couldn't get up or walk on his own yet, so he could only sit in the chair and watch Zhu Li.

Zhu Li continued, "According to the military merits of the Ming Dynasty, killing 30,000 enemy soldiers is enough to qualify someone as a general. Nian Lang Feng has no military rank, so I hereby declare—"

Zhang Xingfeng suddenly looked at Zhu Li, a slight smile on his face, but his eyes were clear and devoid of any amusement. "Zhu Li, it's up to you to decide. If you don't satisfy me, hmph!" Zhang Xingfeng was extremely concerned about Lang Feng's current state, and Zhang Xingfeng was now extremely concerned about Zhu Li's reward, because Lang Feng had joined the army to accumulate enough military merits to reach a high position worthy of Leyue.

Although Leyue and Lang Feng have secretly developed feelings for each other, their relationship will still be difficult to manage if Lang Feng doesn't have enough status.

"Lang Feng's bravery in killing countless enemies in this battle and his loyalty in protecting the princess are both admirable. I am deeply gratified by his loyalty and courage, and hereby bestow upon him the title of Earl Lang Feng!" Zhu Li suddenly looked at Zhang Xingfeng. The smile on his face looked unsettling, like that of a weasel eyeing a chicken.

"Count!"

"Count!"

Everyone was shocked. The title of Earl was far more prestigious than that of ordinary officials. Only the heads of top Aristocratic Clan could become Earls, and only the heads of the Four Great Families in the world were dukes. The highest rank for others was Earl. It is conceivable how rare the title of Earl was.

A slight smile crept across Zhang Xingfeng's lips, "An earl? Heh, Zhu Li, you do know what's important, heh!" Zhang Xingfeng then turned his gaze to Lang Feng.

Lang Feng was extremely happy and excited. With the title of Earl, there would be no problem if he wanted to marry the princess again. His status was also sufficient. Lang Feng's most wanted thing now was to go and talk to Leyue about this matter. However, Leyue was not here at the moment. As soon as she returned, she was summoned by her mother.

Zhu Li thought to himself, "Zhang Xingfeng, I've given you so much face, so I can't refuse your help when I ask for it now!" A meaningful smile appeared on Zhu Li's face.

Zhu Li suddenly announced loudly, "Today, I have another very joyous event to announce!"

Everyone fell silent. A joyous occasion? A very big one? What other joyous occasion could there be? The victory has already been announced; what more could there be?

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!" The eunuch's distinctive high-pitched voice suddenly rang out.

A slight smile appeared on Zhu Li's face; everything was going much as he had calculated.

The dignified and elegant Empress, supported by Leyue, walked into the Golden Palace.

"Leyue!" Lang Feng suddenly opened his eyes wide, his joy at seeing Leyue was obvious. When Leyue saw Lang Feng looking at her like that, with no attempt to hide his gaze, she couldn't help but blush and lower her head, no longer looking at Lang Feng. The Empress, who was standing to the side, noticed this scene and smiled.

Zhu Li immediately stood up, took the Empress's hand, and led her to his side. He then had the Empress sit down beside him. The Empress looked at Zhu Li and smiled, and Zhu Li smiled back. The two of them looked at Leyue in tacit understanding.

After Zhu Li sat down, he said, "The Empress and I have been thinking about Leyue's marriage for a long time, and now the Empress and I have reached a consensus."

Oh, the princess is getting married! In an instant, all the ministers looked at Zhu Li with shining eyes. They were extremely enthusiastic about these matters. Who was so lucky as to marry the princess? The ministers wondered.

Leyue stared in shock at her father and mother, terrified that they would marry her off to someone she didn't love. "I haven't told Father about my relationship with Lang Feng yet!" Leyue cried out anxiously.

Lang Feng was also extremely shocked. When had this decision been made? He began to feel nervous. He looked at Leyue, hoping to glean something from Leyue expression. Leyue looked back at him. Lang Feng realized that Leyue was also unaware of this matter. How he wished the Emperor would appoint him as the imperial son-in-law! He had no time to think further, for the answer was about to be revealed.

"I hereby announce that Princess Leyue and Earl Lang Feng will be married in six months!" Zhu Li suddenly declared.

"Lang Feng!" Zhang Xingfeng's eyes lit up as he looked at Zhu Li Zhu Li, who was smiling at Zhang Xingfeng. Zhang Xingfeng knew that Zhu Li must have something to ask of him, otherwise he wouldn't have not only given Earl Lang Feng but also given his daughter to Lang Feng. Most importantly, a few months ago, when Zhang Xingfeng told Zhu Li about this, Zhu Li was still very dissatisfied.

But now things have suddenly changed. It seems that even if Zhu Li didn't ask Zhang Xingfeng for help, he must have done so to curry favor with Zhang Xingfeng. After Leyue returned, Zhu Li didn't see Leyue at all. Clearly, Zhu Li didn't know about Leyue and Lang Feng's affair. It's unlikely that he did this out of love for his daughter. Thus, the conclusion is clear.

"Not bad, Zhu Li, although I know you are trying to curry favor with me, I am still very happy." Zhang Xingfeng's face showed a rare and very obvious smile, clearly indicating that he was very pleased.

Lang Feng was stunned. He was stunned when he heard his name. After a long period of anticipation, the excitement of discovering that he had actually succeeded completely filled his head.

"I did it! Leyue is going to be with me! Leyue belongs to me!" Lang Feng was extremely excited, and these were the only words in his mind.

Leyue was also extremely excited, but her girlish shyness made her lower her head and steal a few glances at Lang Feng. Seeing Lang Feng's dazed look, she could only complain, "What a fool!"

Lang Feng finally regained full consciousness and immediately tried to get up, but his body wouldn't allow it. Zhang Xingfeng immediately held him down, preventing him from getting up.

Zhu Li immediately said, "Lang Feng, you don't need to get up, just sit there."

Lang Feng still held onto the chair arms with both hands, bowed slightly, and said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Empress!" As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Leyue, who was also secretly looking at him. Their eyes met and they immediately looked away, as if afraid of being discovered by others. Back in the military camp, the two of them were so open and generous, but now that they had a formal title, they had become shy.

"Very well, today I will hold a grand banquet for all my officials! Let's go to the Imperial Garden; I have already ordered everything to be prepared," Zhu Li said with a loud laugh.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" everyone said.

Immediately, everyone followed Zhu Li to the Imperial Garden. Zhang Xingfeng been to the Imperial Garden once before, but when he came again, he was still delighted by its beauty.

A giant pavilion, about 100 meters long and 20 meters wide, is located in the northeast of the Imperial Garden. Under the pavilion, a long table is set up, which can probably seat a hundred people.

Zhu Li and the Empress took their seats first, followed by everyone else, who began to enjoy the feast.

Beneath the pavilion, a cool breeze blew gently, making it pleasantly refreshing. Enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful scenery was truly a great pleasure. Everything seemed so perfect, but this perfection was destined to be ruined.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, an urgent dispatch from Qingzhou Prefecture!" a eunuch shouted from afar.

Zhu Li's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition appeared in his mind. "Could it be that the Liao Kingdom is also getting involved!" Thinking this, Zhu Li looked at Zhang Xingfeng, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

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