Wen Yang's fleet docked in Lelang Commandery.
Wen Yang led his army back onto familiar soil and drew a deep breath, as though even the air of his homeland tasted especially sweet.
The soldiers filed out, delight in their eyes as they laughed and chatted with one another.
Wen Yang stood on a rise, watching his troops stream out. They also unloaded the many captives and treasures from the ships.
The local governor stood smiling beside Wen Yang, his eyes full of respect.
"Congratulations on your achievement, General! Your mighty name resounds throughout Hebei. Crude fellows though we are, we often hear of your exploits. They stir our hearts, and we long to campaign alongside you..."
Wen Yang narrowed his eyes. The governor's flattery had not gone to his head; he was merely curious.
In the past, officials throughout Hebei had treated him politely enough, but never with such obsequiousness.
Had he been promoted again?
Wen Yang asked, "Governor Guo, has some new appointment come from Luoyang?"
"I truly do not know."
The governor answered.
Then he hurriedly added with a smile, "I have merely heard that His Majesty intends to summon General Who Guards the North Yang back to the inner court."
Wen Yang was delighted.
It was not that he had anything against Yang Hu, but that he had heard what lay between the lines.
If Yang Hu was leaving, would Hebei's military affairs not fall to the next-highest-ranking general?
In Hebei, apart from Yang Hu, no one outranked Wen Yang.
Wen Yang immediately patted the governor's shoulder. "Even if General Yang leaves, you need not worry. With me stationed here, ordinary bandits will lose their nerve at the sound of my name and retreat without a fight. I shall keep you free from worry!"
The governor hastily