The spring chill still bit.
Ten li outside the Divine Capital, a magnificent Dragon Carriage stood on a hillside. Men in Purple Robes and Jade Belt stood silently before a vast procession of officials.
The Retired Emperor had led his ministers ten li out to welcome him.
For a subject to receive such an honor was glory beyond measure!
But Jia Commanding Commissioner had earned every bit of it!
When it came to domestic peace and the security of the State and Altars, the White Lotus Cult had done more damage than the barbarians beyond Northern Liang. The merit of uprooting a festering scourge entrenched for forty years spoke for itself.
Hoofbeats thundered in the distance.
A figure in a dazzling Golden Flying Fish Uniform drew closer, while drums and music rang out along the official road.
Jia Huan swung down from his horse, approached the Imperial Carriage, and bowed:
"Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy good health."
The Retired Emperor sat upon the Imperial Throne, his imperial countenance alight with pleasure:
"We are very well!"
Then he stepped down from the carriage and personally helped this pillar of the State and Altars straighten, laughing heartily:
"No one deserves the Commanding Commissioner's Official Seal more than you, for safeguarding peace throughout the realm!"
Jia Huan smiled and spoke with added emphasis:
"It was all thanks to Your Majesty's imperial might. Every rank of the Embroidered Uniform Guard worked as one, swearing to uphold our duties unto death. At last, we have fulfilled Your Majesty's great expectations!"
The Retired Emperor's face glowed, his eyes brimming with approval.
Hearing this, the Prince of Zhennan declared in a voice like a great bell:
"Your Majesty's might subdues the four seas, and Jia Commanding Commissioner's valor is without