Dragon Spring Manor, Longevity Hall.
The banquet hall, normally reserved for receiving foreign heads of state, had been decorated with solemn elegance that day.
An enormous crystal chandelier hung from the domed ceiling, casting a soft, brilliant glow.
Dozens of round tables covered in bright yellow tablecloths filled the hall, and seated at every table were figures powerful enough to shake an entire region.
When Elder Xu entered the hall holding Yue Xiaofei's hand, surrounded by members of the Xu Family,
the once-noisy hall instantly fell silent.
Every gaze turned toward them in unison.
Then a dramatic scene unfolded.
The generals seated there with three or four gold stars on their shoulders, and the imposing provincial leaders who wielded authority over entire provinces,
all rose from their seats the moment they saw Yue Xiaofei, warm, familiar smiles spreading across their faces as they approached him.
"Comrade Xiaofei! You're finally here! We've been waiting ages!"
A gray-haired but vigorous Four-Star General strode over with a hearty laugh and affectionately patted Yue Xiaofei on the shoulder.
"You rascal, it's been a long time since we last met in Modu! How have you been feeling lately?"
Another man approached with a broad smile. He looked scholarly and wore gold-rimmed glasses, but everyone knew this ministerial official was one of the men steering the Dragon Kingdom's economic lifeline.
"Xiaofei, you did a splendid job in Eastern Japan! You really made the Dragon Kingdom proud!"
"Hahaha, proud? You did far more than that! You let us vent all the frustration we've swallowed for the past ten years! What a relief! What a tremendous relief!"
"Come, come, Xiaofei, sit over here! I saved you a seat!"
One after another, dignitaries normally seen only on the national news crowded around him, vying to greet Yue Xiaofei.
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