Li Xuancang had reached the Profound Connection Realm. That meant the grassland tribes would no longer dare invade lightly.
The days when the grassland tribes invaded from time to time were gone for good, and the people could live in peace for a while.
The major merchant caravans were also overjoyed. With Li Xuancang stationed in Sweet Spring Commandery, they could trade with the grassland tribes with far greater confidence.
When the army returned to Sweet Spring Commandery City, countless citizens came to welcome them.
Three days later, the Imperial Court's reward convoy finally arrived.
The procession was vast and mighty, stretching for miles.
At its head was the chief eunuch Liu Jin, riding a red-brown horse. Behind him followed three hundred Imperial Guards, two hundred palace attendants, one hundred craftsmen, and forty-eight covered wagons.
The wagon wheels rolled over the Wild Sand Ancient Road, leaving ruts three inches deep.
Along the way, every prefecture and county had set out incense tables to welcome and see them off.
The news had reached the main camp a day earlier.
"My lord."
Nangong Zhan lifted the tent flap and entered, excitement suppressed in his voice.
"The Imperial Court's reward convoy is thirty li away. The imperial envoy is Eunuch Liu, and the carriages alone stretch four or five li."
Li Xuancang looked up, his expression unchanged.
"Prepare the incense table. Open the central gate. Form ranks in armor to receive the decree."
"Yes, sir!"
Nangong Zhan hurried off to make preparations, and the camp immediately became a hive of activity.
The soldiers donned their armor and took up their weapons, clearing the road from the camp gate to the central command tent. Yellow earth was spread over the path, then sprinkled with water to settle the dust.
Half an hour later, the