Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2357 Divine Martial Arts and Strategies, God of Slaughter Appointed General

It was the twelfth lunar month when auspicious snow fell from the sky, covering the Central Plains with pure white flakes and concealing the bloodshed and devastation of the past battlefields.

After meeting with generals and strategists such as Xue Rengui, Li Jing, Bai Qi, Zhang Liang, and Yao Guangxiao near Henan Road, Wang Yu assembled his troops, and the dark mass of soldiers marched toward Tianjing.

Not all generals returned to the capital in triumph. For example, Yue Fei was still fighting on the Yangdong battlefield at this time.

For example, Chang Yuchun was responsible for staying behind in Guanzhong at this time.

In the future, Kansai Province will become the front line directly facing the Great Wu, just like Shenglan Province. Such a region naturally needs a great future leader to be stationed there.

The triumphant army, like a giant black dragon, meandered across the snow-covered landscape.

Although the soldiers' armor had been cleaned, it still bore the marks of sword cuts and arrow strikes. The blood-stained battle flags, weathered by wind and snow, were slightly mottled, yet they exuded an even more awe-inspiring and chilling aura.

Several miles from the capital, the civil and military officials, who had already received the news of the victory, stood solemnly in front of the triumphant pavilion built beside the official road, led by Prime Minister Zhao Anling, dressed in their formal court attire.

Further away, countless citizens of the capital, upon learning of the royal army's return today, braved the bitter cold, supporting the old and carrying the young, bringing food and drink, and poured out of the city gates, crowding the hillsides and field ridges on both sides of the road, eagerly awaiting its arrival.

When the emperor's carriage appeared on the horizon, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted, drowning out the howling wind and snow.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The sound waves rose higher and higher, shaking the entire plain.

Xue Rengui, Li Jing, Bai Qi, and other generals with outstanding achievements rode closely behind the imperial carriage, receiving the attention and cheers of the people.

They represent the glorious military achievements of this battle, the empire's sharpest sword and shield.

As the army marched to the Triumph Pavilion, the emperor slowly stepped down from his imperial carriage.

The officials knelt on the ground, shouting in unison, "Welcome back in triumph, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! May the Han Dynasty's military achievements be glorious, and may its empire be forever secure!"

The emperor personally helped the prime minister, who was at the head of the court, to his feet. Facing the officials and the people, he said in a steady and powerful voice, "The credit for this battle does not belong to me alone. It is the result of the soldiers' bravery, the officials' dedication, and the people's support!"

"Today's victory is not to show off military prowess, but to secure a peaceful foundation for this vast land! Issue my decree to reward the troops, compensate the wounded and the injured, and grant a general amnesty!"

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Cheers erupted once again.

Afterwards, the emperor re-ascended the throne and, surrounded by officials and cheered by the people, slowly entered the capital, which he had been away from for nearly a year.

The city was deserted, with gongs and drums resounding, colorful flags waving, and the grand triumphant ceremony lasting all the way to the palace.

The Imperial Palace, Linde Hall.

The massive palace gates opened wide, and civil and military officials filed in according to their ranks, lining up on both sides of the steps.

Inside the hall, gilded bronze pillars stand tall, with coiled dragons circling above them, symbolizing the majesty and supreme authority of the emperor.

The wafting incense dispelled the last trace of bloodshed brought back from the battlefield by the soldiers, but it could not dispel the pervasive, uplifting atmosphere that blended glory, power, and new hope.

Many strategists and generals who participated in this battle stood in the hall, their hearts filled with excitement. The first thing they did upon returning to the capital was naturally to reward those who had contributed to the victory.

Especially those generals who made contributions in this battle were eagerly anticipating their return.

Wang Yu sat upright on the dragon throne, having changed into a solemn twelve-symbol robe, the tassels of his crown hanging down, partially obscuring his face.

Wang Yu gestured to Zhao Anling, and then Zhao Anling stepped forward with a jade tablet in his hand and personally read out the decree for the upcoming rewards.

After the battle, on Wang Yu's way back to the capital, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites had already drafted the list of meritorious officials.

The report would then be submitted to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for approval in turn before finally reaching Wang Yu for a final decision.

It was precisely because these things were finalized on the way that he could read them aloud immediately upon his return to the capital.

"General Xue Rengui, who blocked Zhao Kuangyin at Yangxi, captured Wen County, and Zhao She, and later conquered Kaifeng, was awarded the title of Marquis of Longmen County and rewarded with a thousand yi of gold and ten thousand bolts of silk!" "General Li Jing, who strategized and won battles from afar, made outstanding contributions in the campaigns against Yan and Song, and was awarded the title of Marquis of Xuanping County and rewarded with the same honors as the Marquis of Longmen County!"

"General Bai Qi, first broke through Liang Pass, then intercepted and killed Zhao Changfeng in the Hexi Corridor. Afterwards, he followed the main force in battle, capturing Dali, breaking through Guanzhong, and repeatedly defeating powerful enemies. He always fought first and was promoted to General Shenwu, acting as Grand General Shenwu. He established the Shenwu Army and temporarily served as its commander-in-chief. He was granted the title of Earl of Wu'an and bestowed with..."

With so much new territory acquired, the Han Dynasty naturally needed to expand its army significantly.

The existing Central Imperial Guard is planned to be expanded from 200,000 to 400,000.

Of the five field armies, apart from the Fierce Whale Legion, which serves as the navy, and the Flying Feather Legion, which is composed entirely of cavalry, the remaining three legions will all be expanded to a scale of 300,000.

The Kwantung Army and the Yixie Army stationed in Xiping Road also expanded their forces by 5 each.

In addition, based on the existing five field armies, two new armies, Shenwu and Shence, were established, each with a strength of 300,000.

The Divine Martial Army is mainly responsible for stationing troops in the four regions that originally belonged to the Great Yan Dynasty: the East Sea and Shanyang.

The commander of the legion was none other than Bai Qi, who made his initial name and achieved considerable merit in this battle.

At the same time, Bai Qi became the fastest-rising general in this battle, leaping to become a near-top-tier general of the Han Dynasty. In fact, it could almost be said that he had already become a top-tier general of the Han Dynasty.

In the Han Dynasty's field army, the commander-in-chief was the Grand General, and two other generals were appointed to assist him. These three people were the top three leaders of a field army.

Although Bai Qi's official title is Divine Martial General, not Divine Martial Grand General, the Divine Martial Army currently does not have a Grand General. Instead, he holds the title of Divine Martial General but is acting as the Divine Martial Grand General.

It can be said that his authority was no different from that of other field army generals.

"Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Military Advisor Yao Guangxiao, is a military advisor with flawless strategies. He first assisted General Yue Fei in breaking through Qingnan, and then assisted General Chang Yuchun in breaking through Hexi. He is hereby promoted to Assistant Minister of War, Protector of the Army, and granted the title of Earl of Yongning."

"Zhang Bin, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and Military Advisor, was a strategist with flawless plans. He first assisted General Li Jing in Heyang and Guangyang, and then went to Yangdong to bring back 100,000 troops to Han. He made outstanding contributions and was promoted to Assistant Minister of Rites, Senior Protector of the Army, and Marquis of Pingyuan."

At this time, Zhang Bin was still with Yue Fei and had not yet returned to the imperial court.

However, Zhang Bin's success in persuading the 100,000 Zhennan Army to return to Han was indispensable.

As one of the people who made the greatest contributions in this battle, his rewards and honors are also mentioned here.

After that, send another eunuch to Yue Fei's camp to deliver the message again.

"Zhang Liang, the Secretary and Military Advisor, who is adept at military strategy and whose plans are flawless, is hereby promoted to Assistant Minister of Rites, Commander of the Army, and granted the title of Earl of Wuren..."

……

Each resounding name and each enviable honor signified a reshuffling and consolidation of the power core and noble class of the Han Dynasty.

Military giants such as Xue Rengui and Li Jing gained even greater prestige, and Bai Qi, as a representative of newly promoted generals, also began to formally enter the decision-making center.

In addition to these core generals, officers of all ranks and meritorious soldiers who accompanied the expedition were also rewarded, promoted, or given gold, silver and land. Those who died in battle also received generous compensation, and the benefits extended to the entire army.

After bestowing the titles and honors, Emperor Wang Yu spoke slowly, his voice carried through the crown of his crown.

"The Yan Song dynasty has been pacified, but the world is not yet at peace. The Da Wu and Tuoba remain a major threat to our dynasty. The Guanzhong region is of great importance, and the front line against the Wu is hereby ordered to promote Chang Yuchun to the rank of Marquis of Huaiyuan County and add the title of General of the Shence Army. He shall organize the Shence Army and oversee all military affairs in the Guanzhong, Guandong, and Yangxi regions. He shall train the army and defend it strictly and without fail!"

"General Yue Fei, Marquis of Tangyin County of Jin, led his troops to continue their campaign in Yangdong, eliminating the remaining enemy forces and stabilizing the region!"

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War are instructed to quickly draft regulations to properly resettle the surrendered officials and former bureaucrats of the Song Dynasty, select capable individuals, appease the displaced people, and restore production."

"I want this newly acquired land to quickly become the granary and source of soldiers for my Great Han, not a burden!"

Finally, the emperor's gaze swept over the entire court, his tone heavy and solemn:

"My beloved ministers, today's reward is for your past achievements. However, conquering the world is easy, but maintaining it is difficult! I hope that you will guard against arrogance and impetuosity, work together with me, improve internal governance, deter powerful enemies from the outside, and jointly build the foundation for the eternal prosperity of our Han Dynasty!"

"Your Majesty, we humbly obey your decree! We are willing to die for Your Majesty and be loyal to the Han Dynasty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The thunderous cheers of the court once again resounded throughout the Linde Hall, penetrating the palace walls and faintly mingling with the cheers of the people outside the palace who had not yet completely dispersed.