The old man was Zhang Zhao. Since Hu Ke needed to hold down Jianye, he had sent Zhang Zhao as his representative to leave the city and reward the troops, while also deepening Lan Tian's impression of him.
Zhang Zhao was overjoyed upon hearing this. Hu Ke had been the chief driving force behind taking control of Jianye. Zhang Zhao had originally thought Hu Ke would claim the credit for himself, yet in the end, he had actually yielded it to him. This Yu Xiu truly is a friend worth making, Zhang Zhao thought, seized by the feeling that they had met far too late.
Zhang Zhao mobilized the great clans of the city, having them prepare ample fruits, wine, and meat to send to the wharf, where they would reward the troops and welcome the royal army into the city. As Zhang Zhao stood by the Yangtze River in the wind, he felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. In the end, I still couldn't carry Sun Quan along. I can only find a great tree to shelter my descendants beneath.
The soldiers disembarked one after another. Lan Tian was wondering who had come to welcome them when Zhang Cheng behind him suddenly became agitated.
"Father, why are you—"
"Zhongsi?" When Zhang Zhao saw Zhang Cheng, he also spotted Lan Tian, surrounded by people like stars around the moon. Ignoring his son, he hurried forward. "This old servant, Zhang Zhao, pays his respects to General Lan."
"Sir Zibu, please rise quickly. Jiangdong's return to Great Han this time was made possible in no small part by your efforts. I will report your merits to His Majesty, and you will be rewarded according to your contributions." Lan Tian helped Zhang Zhao up with both hands.