Wang Xiaojie shouted, "Lord Di is here!"
Before his words had faded, a group of cabinet ministers led by Crown Prince Li Xian emerged from the depths of the long pavilion—Zhang Jianzhi, Yao Chong, Su Dingfang, Song Jing, Hao Chujun—followed by officials and generals from the various ministries and guards. There were more than a hundred of them, a dark mass filling the space.
The crowd stopped before Lord Di.
The Crown Prince choked out, "Elder..."
Tears blurred Di Renjie's eyes. He hurried forward and seized the Crown Prince's hand. "Your Highness, you have gone to so much trouble."
Then he raised his head and clasped his hands high toward the civil and military officials behind the Crown Prince. His voice trembled. "For someone like me, Di Renjie, to have all of you as devoted friends, seeing me off from so far away—I am deeply grateful! Thank you!"
With that, he bent in a deep bow.
Wang Xiaojie rushed forward and supported Di Renjie.
His face was already covered in tears. "No matter when it is, you will always be the commander-in-chief in Wang Xiaojie's heart!"
Di Renjie raised his tear-filled eyes and slowly nodded. "Thank you for your deep friendship, Xiaojie. Di Renjie will never forget it!"
Wang Xiaojie grasped Li Yuanfang's hand. "Yuanfang, the journey ahead spans mountains and rivers. If the commander-in-chief or you need anything, send word by carrier pigeon. Xiaojie will brave ten thousand deaths without refusing!"
Li Yuanfang nodded.
Li Xiao took out two tokens and gave one each to Di Renjie and Li Yuanfang. "My lord, Yuanfang, these are Supreme member tokens of First-Rank Residence.
With these tokens, all expenses at any First-Rank Residence will be waived.
My lord has always been an incorruptible official. If you ever need some silver, you may