The Prodigal Son

At the same time, Fang Junji also received news that Qin Yu was about to arrive.

Upon learning that Qin Yu was about to arrive, Fang Junji hurriedly led his men out to greet him.

Then, a bizarre scene appeared.

Fang Junji, the Marquis of Jing'an and a second-rank General of the Eastern Garrison, stood at the gate with a large group of people to welcome a Right Guard General.

"Who is this important figure who has arrived this time? Does the Marquis of Jing'an need to personally greet them?"

"I suppose they're an imperial envoy sent to deliver a decree?"

"What kind of holy envoy is this! I heard that Marquis Jing'an came here specifically to welcome Qin Yu!"

"Qin Yu? The young general who single-handedly turned the tide of the entire battle?"

"Really? No matter how capable Qin Yu is in battle, he's still a subordinate of Marquis Jing'an. Does Marquis Jing'an really need to personally greet him?"

"You think Qin Yu is just a Right Guard General? He's the Empress of Da Ning's favorite minister, not only a Palace Attendant but also holding the position of Director of the Six Ministries. No one can match his favor! You know Ning Huang, right? He was specially sent by the Empress of Da Ning to protect Qin Yu!"

"Really? Ning Huang is the strongest person in Great Ning, specifically protecting Qin Yu?"

"How could this be fake? Just you wait and see, I reckon Ning Huang will come along too..."

While waiting, many people were whispering among themselves.

Qin Yu is indeed a top figure of this era!

The name Qin Yu is known to almost everyone.

You can grab anyone and they'll tell you some stories about Qin Yu.

Qin Yu also acquired a bunch of exaggerated titles that even he himself didn't know about.

A peerless genius, a young military prodigy, an unparalleled general...

Some people have also fabricated many heroic deeds about Qin Yu.

They even fabricated stories like "single-handedly defeating an army of ten thousand" and "repelling the enemy alone".

Anyone who didn't know better would think Qin Yu was the strongest person in the world!

However, along with these rumors, various other misinformation also circulated.

What people talk about most is, of course, the rumors and gossip between Qin Yu and Zhao Luan.

Many people privately suspect that Qin Yu's title of "Peerless Warrior" might have some other meaning.

As everyone waited, Qin Yu finally arrived with a group of people.

When Qin Yu saw Fang Junji leading a large group of people to greet him, he was somewhat dazed.

But after the initial shock came a huge surprise.

Fang Junji's move actually helped him out!

Upon seeing Qin Yu and the others, Fang Junji quickly stepped forward and bowed to Ning Huang and Zhao Po, saying, "Greetings, Grandmasters."

Two grandmasters!

Upon hearing Fang Junji's words, the people around him couldn't help but gape in astonishment.

Two grandmasters... to protect Qin Yu together?

What kind of treatment is this!

The Empress of Da Ning seems to value this man far too much.

They were afraid he would get even the slightest injury!

This is probably more than just a matter of a favored courtier.

At this moment, many people began to secretly ponder the truth of the rumors about Qin Yu and Zhao Luan.

Ning Huang and Zhao Po simply nodded slightly to Fang Junji before stepping into the house.

Qin Yu stepped forward, about to bow to Fang Junji, but Fang Junji quickly stopped him, saying, "General Qin, let's skip these formalities! Everyone, please come inside. I've already ordered a banquet to be prepared, and today we must properly celebrate your victory!"

As he spoke, Fang Junji grabbed Qin Yu's arm with great enthusiasm and led him into the house.

Since Fang Junji had said so, Qin Yu didn't bother to bow anymore.

At this moment, he needs to elevate his image!

Seeing Fang Junji's obviously ingratiating enthusiasm, the people around him also stepped forward to greet Qin Yu with great enthusiasm.

Qin Yu followed Fang Junji inside, then lowered his voice and asked, "What has Lord Du been busy with lately?"

Fang Junji looked at Qin Yu with a puzzled expression, then smiled and said, "What else could I be busy with? I'm busy appointing and assessing officials in various parts of Min."

He wouldn't want Du Zhiwen, the Minister of Personnel, to come and greet him, would he?

That's going a bit too far!

Qin Yu pondered for a moment, then hurriedly said, "Let's talk about the celebration later. I have some urgent business to attend to and would like to go and talk to Lord Du first."

Hearing Qin Yu's words, Fang Junji couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

What important matters could Qin Yu and Du Zhiwen possibly have to discuss?

Despite his doubts, seeing Qin Yu's anxiety, Fang Junji personally took Qin Yu to see Du Zhiwen.

On the way, Qin Yu learned from Fang Junji that Dong Liu had left a few days earlier.

I said goodbye to him and left alone.

Speaking of Dong Liu, Fang Junji asked with great curiosity, "What exactly is the grudge between Dong Xiufu and Zhao Po?"

"Zhao Po?"

Qin Yu was taken aback.

What grudge does Dong Liu have against Zhao Po?

"you do not know?"

Fang Junji looked at him suspiciously, "When Dong Xiufu came to deliver the imperial decree earlier, it seemed that Zhao Po wanted him dead..."

Hearing Fang Junji's words, Qin Yu, who hadn't originally intended to inquire about Dong Liu's past, became curious again.

Zhao Po actually wanted to kill Dong Liu?

How did Dong Liu manage to survive until now after offending Zhao Po?

Could it be that the old man spoke up for him?

So, he owes the old man a life?

Qin Yu became increasingly curious and even considered going to Zhao Po to ask him.

However, he ultimately resisted the urge.

Judging from the attitudes of those in the know, Dong Liu must have done something wrong back then.

Zhao Po's desire to kill him must be related to this matter.

Since the past is too painful to recall, then don't reopen old wounds.

"I don't know either, and it's not really appropriate to ask."

Qin Yuchong and Fang Junji shook their heads and changed the subject, asking him about Yu Jing's situation.

Yu Jing should still be in Shouchong.

Li Bo, who was urgently transferred from Wuzhou to Xuanzhou as governor, had already led 10,000 Ning troops to Shouchong ahead of time. Only after the handover between the two sides was completed could Yu Jing come to Yuyang.

If nothing unexpected happens, Yu Jing will arrive in Yuyang soon.

As the two chatted, Qin Yu learned from Fang Junji that most of Huang Dengxing's generals had been killed or captured.

However, the whereabouts of Shen Tu Hong, Qin Yu's defeated opponent, and an important figure named Ji Lianhuan are unknown.

Based on the information they obtained from the prisoners, Ji Lianhuan was likely a spy for Bei Qi.

If nothing unexpected happens, Ji Lianhuan and Shen Tu Hong should have fled to Beiqi by crossing mountains and valleys.

Finally, they arrived at Du Zhiwen's temporary official residence.

When they arrived, Du Zhiwen was conducting an on-site assessment of several officials.

Upon learning that Qin Yu had something important to discuss with him, Du Zhiwen did not dare to delay and quickly sent the others away before leading Qin Yu into his study.

However, when Qin Yu finished speaking about his "important" matter, Du Zhiwen's face turned green.

"Is this the important thing you told me about?"

Du Zhiwen blushed instantly, and veins bulged on his forehead.

For a fleeting moment, he genuinely wanted to teach this audacious bastard a lesson on behalf of Qin Fumeng!

That damn thing!

He actually had his own imperial envoy help him build momentum so that he could sell official positions more easily?

"Is this really a big deal?"

Qin Yu looked at Du Zhiwen with a grin, "His Majesty wants us to return to the capital to receive our titles before the end of the year. My days of selling official positions are numbered!"

"I……"

Du Zhiwen's face twitched, and after a long pause, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you trying to give others leverage because you think your achievements are too great?"

"No, no!"

Qin Yu shook his head repeatedly, smiling as he said, "I'm just being loyal to the emperor and loving my country, sharing His Majesty's burdens!"