Inside the council chamber of the General's Mansion.

As Lin Feng and Zhang Lu walked in side by side, Su Mo was methodically assigning tasks to a group of military officers.

"The Second Prince's envoy has already informed Zhenyuan City with the 'official document'," Su Mo said in a calm voice. "Everyone in the city must perform their duties and respectfully welcome the arrival of the three princes."

The so-called "Kanhe" was a royal talisman used to announce the arrival of a prince.

Once the local officials have verified that everything is correct, they must immediately begin the reception process.

Lin Feng leaned closer to Zhang Lu and whispered, "Brother Zhang, we already knew that the three princes were coming to Zhenyuan City."

"But with the current chaos and the tense situation, why bother with all this trouble?"

Logically speaking, the soldiers and civilians of Zhenyuan City were already exhausted from fighting against the northern barbarians, and all the customary rituals should have been waived to reduce their burden.

Zhang Lu lowered his head and replied quietly, "General Bian and Lord Su originally thought that the three princes would be considerate of the hardships of the soldiers and civilians and would not make such a fuss."

"But who knew that the Second Prince's messenger would arrive suddenly before dark. Since the royal tally had been delivered, the city could only act according to the rules."

"If we don't give them a grand welcome, and the three princes investigate, even the general will be implicated. We have no choice but to proceed according to protocol."

Before even meeting the three princes, Lin Feng's impression of the second prince had already been greatly diminished.

He showed no compassion for the military and civilians, only caring about his own ostentation.

No matter how brave and powerful one is, it is difficult to win people's hearts.

At this moment, Su Mo's voice rang out again: "General Bian, lead your soldiers to sweep the streets from the South Gate to the Wang family residence, and make sure to pave the road with yellow sand."

"And all shops along the street must hang colorful silk banners, and black and white are strictly prohibited."

Bian Xi stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Yes, sir!"

Zhang Liao, still recovering from his injuries, had entrusted all matters concerning the welcoming of the three kings to Su Mo, and he would personally greet them upon their arrival.

"General Qiao, take your men to clean up the Wang family mansion and change the plaque in front of the gate to 'Imperial Palace'."

"The remaining officers, select the strongest and most capable men under your command and arrange them outside the south city wall, ready to respectfully welcome the three princes!"

Su Mo's arrangements were well-organized, but this busy work after nightfall made life difficult for the soldiers who had been guarding the city during the day.

After a long day's work, they either wanted to go to brothels or taverns for some entertainment.

They either just wanted to get a good night's sleep in the barracks, but were forcibly dragged out.

Whether sweeping the streets or hanging colorful ribbons, everyone was suffering terribly.

Night deepened, and it was exactly 5 PM.

The autumn night breeze already carried a hint of chill.

Lin Feng led his twenty carefully selected men, who stood in neat rows on both sides of the city gate.

Wang Tu couldn't help but mutter to himself, "We've been waiting for almost an hour, why haven't the princes arrived yet? Could something have gone wrong?"

Wang Dahu glared at him fiercely: "Shh! Shut your mouth, or you'll be in big trouble if someone hears you!"

Zhang Ergou stretched his aching legs and sighed, "Sigh! I fight the Northern Barbarians during the day, and at night I have to stand guard here in the cold."

"The princes only need to say a few words, and we soldiers have to run ourselves ragged. It's truly miserable!"

Not only Lin Feng's subordinates, but other officers and soldiers were also complaining in hushed tones.

After waiting for so long, it's inevitable to feel a little impatient.

Suddenly, a faint light appeared in the depths of the darkness.

Then, one, two...

Torches lit up one after another, gradually forming a winding "fire dragon" in the night, stretching endlessly.

Lin Feng looked into the distance and could vaguely see the flag-bearing team at the very front.

Li Ke's eyes widened, and he asked curiously, "What an impressive flag! What's embroidered on it?"

"It's an embroidered gold dragon."

Wang Ling explained softly, "The princes who are granted the title of king have a flag procession consisting of six dragon flags in six colors: blue, red, blue, white, black, and yellow. Each flag is embroidered with a golden coiled dragon. At the front are two Qingdao flags and four ceremonial swords. Behind the flag procession, presumably, is the imperial guard."

Raymond Lam raised an eyebrow: "How do you know so much?"

Wang Ling quickly cupped his hands in a humble manner: "In my spare time, I like to read some miscellaneous books and know a little about royal etiquette, but it's all useless trivia and not worth mentioning."

He deliberately adopted a low profile, fearing that it would arouse the suspicion and resentment of Lin Feng and his confidants.

The flag-bearing procession drew ever closer, and when it reached three hundred paces outside the city gate, it split up from both sides.

Following the flag-bearer, twenty-four imperial guards officers dressed in embroidered flying fish robes stepped forward.

These twenty-four men had sharp eyes and imposing physiques; they were clearly the elite of the elite.

At this moment, Zhang Liao sat in a four-wheeled light carriage, pushed by Su Mo, and led civil and military officials to come forward to greet him.

"This humble general, Zhang Liao, leading the soldiers and civilians of Zhenyuan City, respectfully welcomes His Highness Prince Qin, His Highness Prince Jin, and His Highness Prince Zhou!"

The guards stood in two rows on either side when suddenly a rapid sound of horses' hooves rang out.

"Da da da..."

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw a burly figure riding a magnificent crimson horse galloping towards them.

This horse was twice the size of an ordinary horse and had a robust physique.

It was none other than the Crimson Flame Steed, the personal mount of King Li Yan of Qin.

The general on horseback was clad in crimson qilin armor and wore a crimson qilin helmet.

The armor was entirely crimson, adorned with dark gold patterns.

The helmet is forged entirely from red iron, and the faceplate can be opened and closed, engraved with a fierce-looking qilin pattern.

He gripped a Crimson Flame Broken Army Spear tightly in his hand. The spearhead was a three-foot-long blade of crimson iron, with gilded spines and an ancient seal script character "Flame" engraved between the blood grooves.

On either side of the saddle hung a crimson ring-pommel sword and a fiery red longbow, both of the highest quality.

This outfit made a truly impressive sight, with men and horses moving like a dragon, exuding extraordinary power!

Four words immediately popped into Lin Feng's mind—Prince Qin, Li Yan!

According to folklore, he was born with superhuman strength and was unparalleled in bravery.

Seeing it for myself today, I can confirm that it truly lives up to its reputation!

That suit of armor and weapons alone is not something an ordinary person can wield.

With the help of Lü Zheng and Zhang Lu, Zhang Liao slowly rose and bowed to Li Yan.

With a "click," the visor on Li Yan's helmet slowly rose, revealing a resolute and majestic face.

"General Zhang, there's no need for such formalities!"

"You have rendered great service in guarding Zhenyuan City, and you are also seriously injured. Quickly sit down and rest."

Having said that, he glanced at the welcoming party behind Zhang Liao, a slight smile playing on his lips: "My sudden arrival has caused General Zhang to rush preparations. Is there any inconvenience?"

Zhang Liao quickly shook his head: "Your Highness, you flatter me. It is my duty to receive Your Highness, and there is no inconvenience whatsoever."

Li Yan was quite satisfied with his attitude, and then called out to his back, "My two imperial brothers, come out!"

A very ornate carriage followed behind him.

The vermilion carriage, with blue curtains hanging from the four corners and golden dragon heads carved on the shafts, exuded royal luxury.

A moment later, the two walked out of the carriage one after the other.

The person in the lead was dressed in a Tai Chi robe, wearing a jade crown with a blue lotus design, with a fair complexion and a smiling face.

It was none other than Prince Li Zhen of Jin.

After getting off the carriage, he greeted Zhang Liao and the others with a smile.

"General Zhang, it's been several years since we parted ways at Baiyujing. Your demeanor remains as impressive as ever!"

If the King of Qin was extremely imposing, then His Highness the King of Jin was all smiles and gentleness.

Zhang Liao quickly returned the greeting: "Your Highness Prince Jin remains as handsome and dashing as ever. How could this humble general possibly compare? This humble general pays his respects to Your Highness Prince Jin and Your Highness Prince Zhou!"

The young man behind the Prince of Jin was no more than twenty years old, dressed in a crimson gauze robe with coiled dragons and wearing a winged crown. He smiled shyly at Zhang Liao and the others: "General Zhang, there's no need for such formalities!"

Lin Feng looked at the three princes and secretly found it amusing.

Of the three princes, one was fully armed, another wore a Taoist robe, and only this Prince Zhou was dressed in the standard attire for a prince.

Upon seeing that the three princes had arrived, Zhang Liao immediately raised his hand to indicate, "Please, Your Highnesses, enter the city. This humble general has prepared a welcoming banquet for you..."

Just as everyone was about to set off, Li Yan, on horseback, suddenly spoke up: "General Zhang, wait!"

Zhang Liao was slightly taken aback: "Your Highness, is there something amiss?"

Li Yan's gaze sharpened as he slowly swept over the soldiers before him, and he said in a deep voice, "Which of you is Lin Feng?"

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