Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Chapter 65: Troubles of Surrendering Prisoners
The people of Chang'an were very excited. The road from Anmen to the North Gate of Weiyang Palace was crowded with people. Only with countless soldiers guarding along the way could order be barely maintained.

The champion Hou returns victoriously and will offer the prisoners.

The Han Dynasty had offered captives before and had captured some important Xiongnu figures.

But this time it was different, this time it was the Zuoxian King of the Xiongnu.

Even though there were many knowledgeable people explaining it, some people just felt that the Han Dynasty had captured the prince of the Xiongnu.

There were also rumors that the general and the champion marquis attacked Longting directly, forcing the Huns to flee north in panic.

Those are not the most important things, and some people may never be able to understand everything.

A large flag with the word "Han" on it led the way in front. This was also the guard sent by the emperor.

Huo Xian rode a tall horse, a white horse and a silver spear, and specially chose a set of bright silver armor. No matter how protective it was, he was now Zhao Zilong on a white horse and a silver spear, satisfying his desire to show off.

The four great generals were even more proud, with various flags tied behind them, and they surrounded Huo Xian and moved forward slowly.

"That's Champion Hou!"

"Why is the Champion wearing a visor?"

"You don't know yet? It is said that Guanjun Hou is both talented and handsome, comparable to Qu Yuan's disciple Song Yu!"

"Nonsense! Champion Hou was born with a strange appearance. It is said that he can take people's heart away with just a glare!"

Countless people were watching or discussing.

They were talking about the Marquis Guanjun who was riding a tall horse in front, or pointing at the Xiongnu Zuoxian King who had his hands tied behind his back and was wearing a white robe.

In fact, some people in Chang'an knew or had seen Huo Xian. If someone had been riding a horse in Chang'an before, it must have been the Marquis Guanjun. If it had been anyone else, he would have been impeached many times, but the Marquis Guanjun riding a horse in the city was fine.

Some people used to think that he was born a playboy, but now he is just a young hero who is confident and assertive, and all he needs is to win battles!

On the city wall of Beique, Liu Che noticed from afar a group of cavalry slowly approaching.

He smiled and said to Wei Zifu behind him, "Look at your nephew. I don't understand what he thinks every day!"

Wei Zifu stepped forward and complained with Liu Che, "After he returned to the palace yesterday, he insisted that I find him a set of shiny silver armor. I don't have any! I asked him to wear heavy armor, but he said it was not good-looking! He wanted to look the best in front of the people of Chang'an!"

Liu Che smiled and then asked, "Did he sleep with her this time?"

Wei Zifu said with great satisfaction, "We slept together."

Not only Liu Che was pleased, but Wei Zifu and Liu Ju also felt happy. They felt as if their fat pig, who only cared about eating, drinking and having fun, had finally learned to dig up cabbages. What made them even happier was that their fat pig chose to dig up juicy cabbages.

Madam Li was so jealous that she was about to be deformed. Even though she had been the only one favored by the emperor in recent years, in such occasions, she could only stand obediently at the back and watch the emperor, empress, and crown prince in their robes and crowns.

When they arrived at the Beique Gate, Huo Xian dismounted and said, "Your Majesty, I was ordered to attack the Xiongnu. We captured Zuo Xian Wang Qie Di Hou, Yi Qu Wang, Du Wei, Qian Chang and 32 other commanders, and killed 30,000 Xiongnu You Da Dang Hu and others! We also captured Zuo Xian Wang's golden man for offering sacrifices to the heavens!"

Huo Xian's voice was loud and the emperor heard it, as did the common people who were nearby.

Liu Che was overjoyed and immediately said, "Send an order to promote Captain Yao to General of the Cavalry and grant him an additional fief of 5,400 households!"

Many people, including Prime Minister Shi Qing, could not help but tremble with fear. The Marquis of Guanjun originally had a fief of more than 10,000 households, which made him a real marquis of 10,000 households. Now with the addition of 5,400 households, the Marquis of Guanjun's fief is close to 20,000 households, which is no less than that of the general!
As for the promotion of Guanjun Hou Jin, who was only seventeen years old, to General of Cavalry, others also wanted to advise him against it.

But he had no courage at all, not only because the emperor's preference for Huo Xian was obvious to all, but also because the results of this battle were too rich. Not only did he behead countless people, but he was also worthy of reward for beheading the Right Great Danghu of the Xiongnu in battle, not to mention that he also captured the Left Wise King!
Liu Che continued to issue orders, saying, "Add an additional fief of 2,200 households to Cao Zong, the Marquis of Pingyang, and promote him to Rear General!"

Cao Zong was extremely excited. He was now close to becoming a marquis of ten thousand households. He had originally thought that he would be promoted to a lieutenant, but he did not expect that His Majesty would directly appoint him as a rear general!
Some officials also wanted to dissuade him, but Cao Zong was the descendant of a meritorious official, and he was also the son of the empress's eldest daughter, Princess Wei Chang, so he had made great contributions this time.

Therefore, it is reasonable for Cao Zongjin to be promoted to General.

Those who have made great contributions will naturally be rewarded with great honors. Not only Huo Xian and Cao Zong were rewarded, but Zhao Anguo was also excited. He was given the title of Guannei Hou, which was a little inferior to the title of Liehou, but it was still a title of "Houhou" after all.

The cavalry in the Jianzhang camp don't have to worry, as the prince had already given out rewards when he went to the camp to reward the army yesterday.

There are twenty ranks of military merit. Before going to the battle, most of the people in the camp were commoners, or officials or superiors.

Now, all the members have been given titles, the lowest being Bu Geng and Dai Fu. In addition to the three marquises, there are also several Da Shang Zao, Si Che Shu Zhang, and Da Shu Zhang.

Zuo Xian Wang and others were taken to the Taimiao, while Huo Xian and others were also going to "return to their own homes". The Jianzhang Camp Cavalry returned to the camp to continue receiving rewards.

Huo Xian, who was in great glory, entered the palace again and found Liu Che in a flash. "Your Majesty, I am so awesome today!" Liu Che said jokingly, "Are you so awesome? I think you are making a big fool of yourself! If you go to the battlefield with your white horse and silver armor, you will definitely become the target of public criticism."

"I wouldn't wear this when I go to the battlefield. Today, I need to look impressive!" Huo Xian said with a grin. "Take the horse I'm riding for example. It's my cousin's horse. It's not strong at all. Normally, I wouldn't even want to ride it if I were given it. But today, I can ride it. Not only is it stable, but it's also tall!"

Liu Ju joked, "Xian'er, that's not what you said when you took my mount away! You even said that heroes deserve BMWs, so why do you dislike it now? Then give it back to me, I like that horse."

"I'll give it back to my uncle. I still like fine horses and fierce horses." Huo Xian returned the property to its original owner straightforwardly. "I'll even refuse the fine horse my uncle gave me after I catch a celestial horse!"

Liu Che turned his head and looked at Huo Shan. On such a happy day, let’s not mention that useless guy Li Guangli!

"Take off the mask!" Liu Che said with some disdain, "Those who know you will understand that you are my General of Cavalry, while those who don't will think you are a prostitute!"

"It's a good thing I wore a mask today!" Huo Xian looked frightened. "Your Majesty, I met many women along the way. If they saw my appearance and thought about my identity and military achievements, they would be unable to sleep all night! It's because I'm calm, otherwise all the young women in Chang'an City would have to have unrequited love for me in the future!"

Liu Che and others looked at Huo Shan, but Huo Shan looked serious and didn't seem to be joking.

Huo Xian continued to talk, "I thought that if those women had higher standards after seeing me, it would be difficult for them to find a suitable husband in the future. Your Majesty, I have done a good thing!"

Liu Che looked at Wei Zifu and Liu Ju, "Do you know why I like Shan'er?"

Wei Zifu suppressed her laughter and said, "Xian'er has been taught by your majesty since she was young, and she is very talented."

"I never taught him to be so frivolous!" Liu Che said with a smile, "Shan'er is young and sharp, I like him. His reckless and frivolous character is what a young man should have. I am old and can't fight, so I like these young men to kill the enemy."

Others couldn't say anything either. The emperor's biggest regret was that he led more than 100,000 cavalrymen to lead the army in person during the Fengshan ceremony that year, but unfortunately the Huns refused to fight.

General Liu Che never fulfilled his long-cherished wish and ended up touring the north with 180,000 cavalry.

Liu Che continued, "Whether it's Qubing or Shan'er, they are both reckless in nature. Unless it concerns the crown prince, they have no interest in state affairs. They have simple minds and only want to fight."

Others think this is a warning, but isn’t it also a kind of affirmation?

Having said this, Liu Che waved his hand, "Xian'er, do you want to stay in the palace or go back home?"

"Go home!" Huo Xian said without hesitation, "I've been away for half a year, and I don't know how things are going at home."

Liu Che narrowed his eyes and said, "How is your family? Your family is now without a master, and there is not even a woman to manage it. What are you going to do? Stay in the palace!"

"Your Majesty, why are you asking me that?" Huo Xian said unhappily, "Who said there are no women in my house? Isn't there one?"

Wei Zifu didn't care about the rules and said quickly, "Shan'er, that woman can be your concubine, but she can't be your wife."

Liu Che also nodded, "She is not worthy of you, she can only be a concubine at best."

"Okay, Queen, Crown Prince, help me look for her these few days." Liu Che said with some annoyance, "There are few women in this world who are worthy of Shan'er, so you should spend more time on it."

Huo Xian was anxious, "Your Majesty, the Xiongnu have not been destroyed yet!"

Liu Che's family of three were suddenly unable to breathe, and the shameless Huo Shan brought up the "family motto" again.

"Is it so difficult to get married?" Liu Che was really angry. "Tell me, are you interested in someone's wife?"

Wei Zifu and Liu Ju also became nervous, as they had the same suspicion.

Most people of Huo Xian's age like younger ones, but he just likes those in their twenties.

This is no small matter. Ancient people matured early, and many girls aged fifteen or sixteen were married. In their twenties, their children were all over the place.

Huo Xian cried out in injustice, "I didn't go to anyone else's house. No matter how frivolous I am, I can't do such a wicked thing. Your Majesty, I have already taken a concubine, so I won't marry a wife for now!"

Liu Che and others were even more angry. Now they no longer doubted whether Huo Xian had taken a fancy to someone else's wife. They began to suspect that Huo Xian had married the maid just to shut up other people because he did not want to marry.

According to the plan of Liu Che and others, Huo Shan would get married after returning victoriously!
Huo Xian continued to mutter, "If I get married now, how can I explain to my grandfather? Wouldn't that mean I'm unfilial? I can only wait until the Xiongnu is destroyed before I get married."

Liu Che asked in return, "As long as the Xiongnu were not destroyed, you would not marry a wife?"

"Your Majesty, I think it will be soon!" Huo Xian was in high spirits. "After this battle, the Xiongnu has become weaker, so there is a chance to destroy them! Besides, my grandfather hasn't got married yet, so I've grown up, haven't I?"

Liu Che was troubled. Huo Qubing had good ambitions, but how could he have a family if the Xiongnu had not been destroyed? And Huo Xian simply loved to play and did not want to get married!

(End of this chapter)