News of Yu Huatian's return shook all of Ming.
Reportedly, the entire upper ranks of the Eastern and Western Depots and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were stirred.
Even the young Little Emperor Zhu Ciyu, protected by the palace's experts, personally traveled to Mount Hua to welcome him with great pomp.
When Yu Huatian returned to the Capital, Empress Dowager Su Huirong personally led the civil and military officials ten miles outside the city to greet him.
All the officials paid their respects with full ceremonial honors.
That alone showed Yu Huatian's standing in Ming today.
It could be said that without Yu Huatian, Ming would never have achieved its present glory.
With the strength of a single nation, it had destroyed two great dynasties in succession and taken control of three dynasties' territories, spanning three provinces!
Even its national strength had increased more than tenfold!
Thus, everyone in Ming, from civil and military officials down to ordinary commoners, felt heartfelt respect and gratitude toward Yu Huatian.
Reportedly, ministers had recently even proposed asking the Empress Dowager to make Yu Huatian a king, binding him firmly to Ming lest other dynasties extend an olive branch to him.
They knew very well that, given Yu Huatian's abilities and strength, if he betrayed Ming, the towering Ming Empire would collapse in an instant.
However, Su Huirong had ultimately shelved the matter, saying they should wait until Yu Huatian returned and ask his opinion before discussing it further.
Now that Yu Huatian had returned, the matter would most likely be put on the agenda.
Half a month later.
The Capital, West Depot Yamen.
Yu Huatian sat at the head, clad in a brand-new silver-white robe embroidered with golden pythons. Dashing, imposing, and regal, he radiated an unfathomable aura that inspired awe.
His two disciples,