"That looks like the Son of Heaven's imperial procession!" Sun Chenzong gazed into the distance and exclaimed in surprise.
Zhao Feng looked far ahead. Sure enough, he could dimly make out the Twelve Dragon Banners and the Golden Guard Standards fluttering in the wind.
Just then, the scout sent ahead to reconnoiter returned with his report.
His voice trembled slightly.
"Reporting to the Military Supervisor and General Zhao: His Majesty has personally led all the civil and military officials ten miles out to welcome us. They are waiting for our convoy."
Sun Chenzong and Zhao Feng exchanged glances, their expressions growing solemn amid their surprise.
"Pick up the pace!"
A solemn atmosphere hung over the Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the Upper Capital.
To welcome Sun Chenzong, Zhao Feng, and the others returning in triumph, Great Yan's Emperor Jing, Yan Xun-the twenty-four-year-old Son of Heaven-had personally led his civil and military officials out to meet them. Clad in the Bright Yellow Dragon Robe, he stood at the pavilion's highest point. Behind him, the officials stood in orderly ranks, wearing their ceremonial headgear and court robes, their bearing dignified.
Once Sun Chenzong and Zhao Feng's convoy drew near.
The Martial Suppression Guard soldiers in their Flying Fish Uniforms dropped to one knee in unison and shouted, "Long live our emperor! Long live our emperor! May he live ten thousand times ten thousand years!" Their deafening voices pierced the clouds and carried for miles, lingering long afterward. The civil and military officials also bowed and called out together. Only Emperor Jing remained standing where he was, his posture straight, his gaze calm as he watched the approaching men and horses, until Sun Chenzong and Zhao Feng dismounted and hurried forward.
Sun Chenzong approached Emperor Jing, bowed, and cupped his hands. "Your subject Sun Chenzong