The prince is more stable

Chapter 238: Summoned Back to Beijing
It didn't take long to wait for the imperial edict to recall him back to the capital.

Just five days after Xiao Guangjing left, an official came to Bian Jing to announce the imperial edict.

The official's name was Zhang Shangying, and he served as Zuo Sijian and Zhongshu Sheren.

When Zhao Xiaoqian led his troops to capture the capital of Western Xia, Zhao Xu had issued an imperial decree to promote him to Duke of Jin County. However, this time the imperial decree did not include any reward, but only summoned Zhao Xiaoqian to resign as the Deputy Envoy of Huanqing Road and lead 30,000 soldiers of the Dragon Guard Camp back to Beijing.

Originally, the imperial edict only needed to be delivered by a fast horse, but Zhao Xu, perhaps in order to show his respect for the meritorious officials, specially sent Zhang Shangying, the Left Censor, to announce the edict.

The content of the imperial edict was not surprising, as Zhang Qie and others had already anticipated it.

Next, Zhao Xiaoqian packed his luggage, and the 30,000 soldiers of the Dragon Guard Camp also prepared food, fodder and military equipment. Everyone was in a very excited mood.

In addition to the joy of winning the battle and the promotion they will receive based on their military achievements after returning to Bianliang, more importantly, the five thousand musketeers may be the biggest beneficiaries of this Song-Xia War.

Zhao Xiaoqian issued a military order, and the musketeers made a fortune. Even if they returned to Bianjing and retired, the money they looted would be enough to support their families.

The next morning, outside the gate of Xiazhou City, Zhao Xiaoqian led Zhong Jianzhong and Zhang Xiaoyi to bid farewell to military generals and officials such as Zhang Qie and Zhe Keshi.

Those who return to Beijing return to Beijing, and those who guard the border guard the border. Everyone has a bright future.

Zhang Yu stood outside the city gate, looking at Zhao Xiaoqian with a smile, his eyes filled with reluctance.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't like parting, and he was not used to the scene of reluctant farewell.

He likes the joy of reunion after a long separation, the atmosphere of daily life, and the carefree laughter. This makes him feel that the world is beautiful, and it may be worthwhile to make a small contribution to such a world.

The only thing he hated was parting. The scene where color suddenly turned into black and white, and the feeling of being suffocated and blocked in the heart were really uncomfortable.

So at this moment, Zhao Xiaoqian subconsciously wanted to quickly escape from this sad scene of parting.

After smiling at Zhang Qie, Zhe Keshi and others, Zhao Xiaoqian turned over and was about to mount his horse, but was stopped by Zhang Qie.

Then, led by Zhang Qie, Zhe Keshi and other officials and generals bowed to him one after another and stood up after a long time.

Zhang Yu stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile: "There are not many people I admire in my life. Scholar Su is one, Mr. Fan Wencheng is one, and you, the Duke, are another."

"You are the only eighteen-year-old boy with the ability of a county lord throughout history. The emperor has a keen eye for talent and has sent you to the northwest. This is truly a blessing for our Great Song."

"The strategy of dividing the troops, outflanking the enemy, capturing the capital, and finally, clearing the court for the Xixia ruler, seizing the six Xixia cities and expanding the territory of the Song Dynasty. Even now, I still can't believe that all of these things were accomplished by an eighteen-year-old boy."

"Heroes have always emerged from youth. From the Duke of the County, I have witnessed such a thing. The Great Song Dynasty has been established for a hundred years, and has suffered many defeats in wars and made many agreements that have humiliated the country..."

"Only you, the Duke of the County, have secured such a great advantage for the Great Song, enhancing the prestige of our country and the reputation of our border troops. From now on, I and my soldiers can hold our heads high in this northwest land."

"This is all thanks to the County Lord. I must thank you on behalf of the soldiers guarding the northwest border."

After saying this, Zhang Qie and the generals behind him bowed again.

Zhao Xiaoqian hurriedly supported Zhang Yu's arm and said, "This is not my own achievement. It is all thanks to the dedication of the soldiers and the proper cooperation of everyone. Only then did we achieve this victory. General Zhang, please don't take all the credit on me. I can't bear it."

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "We are not blind and can see who deserves the credit. It is useless for you to be modest. I have already detailed the events leading up to and after the Song-Xia War in my memorial. I sent it to Bianjing by express horse last night. When you return to the capital, the emperor will surely reward you."

Zhao Xiaoqian blinked: "Hasn't he promoted me to the rank of Duke of a County?"

Zhang Yu shook his head. "The Great Song Dynasty has been established for a hundred years, and this is the only battle in which we have achieved such a complete victory and expanded our territory. Such an extraordinary achievement is not enough to be promoted to a higher rank."

"Six cities, a thousand miles of land, conquering the capital and securing the borders. The Song Dynasty, which had been weak for many years, has begun to show signs of the former glory of the Han and Tang dynasties. How can the merits of the county duke not be rewarded?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled: "So I'm so amazing..."

Zhang Yu stared into his eyes and said seriously, "Talented people are blessed by heaven. I wish you a long and happy life. I hope you will become the backbone of the Song Dynasty, and bring honor to the emperor, ministers, and people of the Song Dynasty, and fight for the dignity of the country. With you in the Song Dynasty, I have no worries when guarding the border."

…………

Thirty thousand soldiers from the Dragon Guard Battalion accompanied Zhao Xiaoqian on his journey back to the capital. Even though they were a hundred miles away from Xiazhou City, Zhao Xiaoqian still felt uneasy.

Zhang Qie’s earnest words before parting were still echoing in his ears.

This was a pure and simple border commander who had guarded the border for his country for many years, as if his mission in life was to take root in the northwest Song-Xia border until his life ended.

Zhao Xiaoqian could also hear the frustration he felt while guarding the border for many years, as well as his joy at being able to hold his head high today.

A slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. Fortunately, he did the right thing and fortunately, he did not disappoint the people around him.

that is it.

As for merits and rewards, he doesn't care. If it is just for his own military achievements, he will not do these things at all.

There is still a long way to go. From a strategic perspective, the northwest has been pacified, but the Liao Kingdom and the rising Jurchen tribe are the real threats.

After the team had been walking for a long time, Zhao Xiaoqian came back to his senses from his chaotic thoughts, and suddenly realized... the long journey back began to repeat the boredom of the original expedition.

The soldiers had smiles on their faces and were talking to each other as they walked in the team, all chatting about how to spend their money after returning to Bianliang.

Yes, I made a fortune, how can I not spend it?

Buy a few acres of good farmland for the family, rebuild the house, buy a few feet of coarse cloth for the wife and children, make a few new clothes, and if there is still some money left, it would be best to buy a plowing ox and make some new farm tools...

Before the money in their pockets arrived home, the soldiers had already happily arranged a place for it.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled. This was the life of ordinary people. He liked this kind of worldly happiness.

Turning to look at Zhang Xiaoyi, who was walking side by side with him, Zhao Xiaoqian said, "Xiaoyi, your contribution this time is not small. I have reported your achievements to the emperor in the battle report and recommended you for an official position."

"It may not be a high position, perhaps a minor official or something, but from now on you are considered an official. Your mother will surely be overjoyed and will praise her son to everyone she meets."

Zhang Xiaoyi was stunned and said hurriedly, "Your Excellency, please don't do that. I didn't do anything. The battle to capture the Xixia capital was all done by that mysterious group of people. I didn't contribute at all."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Let's not talk about the five hundred mysterious people for now. I'll check it out later. But your contribution is real and no one can deny it. Based on this, you are definitely qualified to be an official."

Zhang Xiaoyi hurriedly shook his head: "No, no, I can't read, I can't be an official, please forgive me, Lord."

Seeing Zhang Xiaoyi's resolute attitude, as if he really didn't want to be an official, Zhao Xiaoqian frowned. After pondering for a moment, he said helplessly: "It's okay if you don't want to be an official. After returning to the capital, I will officially recruit you into the Imperial City Bureau. You will have a position, food and salary, and of course, an official position. How about it?"

Zhang Xiaoyi hesitated for a while.

Zhao Xiaoqian said coldly, "If you refuse me again, I'll lose my temper! Even if you don't like it, think about your blind mother. Doesn't she want her son to bring honor to the family and lose his head?"

Zhang Xiaoyi was about to nod in agreement, but suddenly came to his senses, his body trembled, and he looked at him in a daze.

Zhao Xiaoqian bared his teeth: "What's wrong?"

Zong Ze, who was riding beside him, finally couldn't help but smile bitterly and said, "My Lord, you must be talking about 'getting ahead', right?"

"Yes, that's what I meant. Didn't I just say that?"

"What the Duke just said was 'heads falling'..."

Zhao Xiaoqian was stunned: "Did I just say that?"

Zhang Xiaoyi and Zong Ze nodded silently at the same time.

Zhao Xiaoqian was silent for a while, then raised his voice and said fiercely, "I was wrong! So what?"

(End of this chapter)