"General Wei has returned."
A palace maid from Jiaofang Hall hurried excitedly into the hall. After curtseying to the Empress, she said joyfully, "Mistress, General Wei has returned to court with his army. They say he won another victory and took a considerable number of enemy heads. Everyone at court and beyond is saying His Majesty will appoint General Wei as Great General this time!"
The Empress sprang to her feet, her face alight with irrepressible joy. She was exceptionally beautiful, particularly with her sleek, jet-black hair, which flowed with an effortless grace. She paced about the hall, anxiously awaiting Wei Qing's arrival.
In Chang'an City, Wei Qing went straight to the palace after returning with his army. Sovereign and subject exchanged smiles. Both exhilarated and admiring, Liu Che said, "Wei Qing, you did well! Those three offensives dealt a heavy blow to the Xiongnu's arrogance and greatly raised our Han Army's morale. It is just a pity that Great Han has only one Wei Qing. The commanders on the other routes were all wine sacks and rice bags. What use is a general who cannot win?"
Wei Qing had always been cautious and circumspect. Hearing this, he said, "Your subject came from humble origins. Whatever I have achieved today is merely thanks to Your Majesty's trust and protection, along with a little luck. I truly do not deserve such lavish praise."
Liu Che waved a hand. "There is no need for such modesty. I see you as no less capable than those famous generals of antiquity. The Loyal and Resolute Marquis recommended you, the Marquis of Huaiyin praised you, and I entrusted you with important duties. That proves your ability.
"Of the five armies sent against the Xiongnu this time, yours alone won a great victory. All the others