Only after the rebellion succeeded did they realize that this place was...

Only the portion of the supplies transported into Zhengding Prefecture that was urgently needed in the city was kept. The vast majority of the remaining supplies were immediately taken over by the transport teams, following the usual canal and post road routes.

They were quickly dispatched to Xiongzhou, Bazhou, and other more forward-looking areas.

Even so, the generals and soldiers in Zhen Ding Prefecture all felt relieved and showed genuine joy, while the people in the city were overjoyed, with cheers rising and falling.

The explosion was deafening in the dead of winter, in the chilly and desolate Zhen Ding Prefecture.

Ordinary people don't care who sits on the dragon throne. Moreover, during this period, the fame of the new Han dynasty has already spread to the northern frontier, and the emperor's benevolent deeds of treating the people well and reducing taxes and levies have also reached their ears.

With such tangible benefits being bestowed upon the people, winning their hearts and minds was a natural outcome.

"Hahaha! I knew it long ago. His Majesty is a man of great talent and unparalleled martial prowess. Our Zhen Ding Prefecture is a crucial pass in the north. How could His Majesty abandon it?"

"These supplies are probably not from the first batch. As long as the Duke can agree to His Majesty's conditions, our Zhen Ding Prefecture can get through the year peacefully."

"Will the National Convention agree?"

Someone asked in a low voice.

The people around them almost instinctively uttered the answer they were hoping for: "Of course they should agree. The Emperor of the Song Dynasty has been granted the title of Marquis of Shunming, and his concubines and young princes are all doing just fine, aren't they?"

"His Majesty has been merciful enough."

Despite this, many people in the crowd still looked worried, their eyes turning again to the procession from Bianliang entering the city, a trace of unease still lingering in their hearts.

A change of dynasty is a momentous event, and no one knows what the future holds.

……

Inside the Duke of England's mansion, the vermilion gates were wide open, and the gilded plaque above the gate exuded majesty in the winter light. On the long street outside the mansion, the envoys' procession had already stopped.

The leader had already entered with his head held high.

In the main hall of the mansion, Duke Zhang Duo of Yingguo sat in the main seat, with his eldest son Zhang Ben standing beside him. All the high-ranking generals of Zhengding Prefecture were seated according to their rank, and the hall was full of military officers in armor.

Perhaps because they had arrived in a hurry, most of them had not yet removed their luminous armor. With the soft clatter of the armor plates against each other, all the burning gazes were fixed on the outside of the hall, and the air was filled with a sense of solemn urgency.

"This envoy is the second son of the Gu family of the Marquis of Ningyuan, who has come to pay his respects to the Duke of Ying."

A strong, youthful voice pierced through the corridor and entered the front hall.

At this moment, Gu Tingye, dressed in a scarlet official robe, strode into the hall, a truly handsome and talented young man.

He was seven feet tall, with a handsome face and thick eyebrows that slanted upwards into his temples. Although he had traveled a long way and was covered in dust, and there was weariness in his eyes, he could not hide his spirited and sharp edge.

This time, he led his envoy alone to Zhengding Prefecture, facing the Duke of England and tens of thousands of elite troops from the northern frontier, who had not yet made a statement. The dangers involved were unimaginable.

But there was no fear on his face; instead, he exuded a resolute courage to go all out.

"It's actually the second son of the Gu family!"

Inside the main hall, the generals were taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter in unison, instantly easing the previously complicated and unclear atmosphere.

The Gu family of Ningyuan Marquis's mansion has a deep-rooted relationship with these noble families from the northern frontier. Generation after generation, they have fought side by side and served as officials in the same court. They have long been inseparable, sharing both glory and loss.

Now that the new Han emperor has sent Gu Tingye, his intentions are all too clear.

It showed both sincerity in offering surrender and consideration for the friendship with Xun Gui.

Soon, an old general bowed and offered advice to Zhang Duo.

"Your Excellency, this second son of the Gu family is currently an envoy of the imperial court. We cannot simply neglect him like this."

With someone taking the lead, the other generals immediately stopped hesitating.

Several months ago.

They might still hesitate to uphold their loyalty to the Song Dynasty.

But now the Song Dynasty is doomed, and the Northern Liao are eyeing us covetously. The palace is short of food and winter clothes. If we continue to hold on, let alone defend the pass, we may not even survive the winter.

Unless they are willing to let the Northern Liao enter the pass and wreak havoc on the Central Plains, doing things that are worse than beasts, changing sides is the only way out.

Zhang Duo sat upright in the main seat, expressionless, with deep eyes, and no one could see through his thoughts.

Just as the room fell silent, his son Zhang Ben spoke slowly, his tone calm but his words hitting the nail on the head: "Father, you should at least give the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion some face."

"The old Marquis of the Gu family has passed away. Back when my father was stationed in Zhen Ding Prefecture and was framed, the old Marquis secretly helped him. Our Zhang family still owes him this favor. Now it's time to meet him and resolve the past grievances."

Everyone who sits in this front hall is a shrewd and capable person.

Upon hearing Zhang Ben's words, they knew that the Duke's mansion was about to relent, and they immediately spoke up in unison to persuade him: "Young Master Zhang is absolutely right. Among us nobles, we should help each other out, and it is better to resolve enmity than to create it."

"Duke, please invite the second son of the Gu family in quickly!"

"Even if the Duke doesn't care about Gu Erlang's feelings, he should still remember the kindness of the old Marquis of the Gu family. In the past, you two guarded the northern border side by side and fought against the Liao army. That friendship that was forged in life and death was hard-won."

"My lord, my lord."

Each call was filled with earnestness.

Zhang Duo sighed inwardly, knowing that he couldn't avoid this situation any longer, and he also knew the thoughts of his generals. If they continued to hold out, it would only demoralize them.

With a sullen, aged face, he gave a light snort, glanced at the crowd with annoyance, and finally waved his hand: "Then what are you all standing there for? Does our country really have to say it publicly?"

Once those words were spoken, he relented.

Zhang Ben immediately ordered loudly, "Guards, quickly invite the second son of the Gu family and the imperial envoy inside."

This statement has a double meaning.

In a subtle way, this meant that the Zhen Ding Prefecture and the generals of the Northern Frontier had already acknowledged Gu Tingye's status as an envoy, which could be considered as giving the new Han Dynasty a way out and also maintaining the face of the Duke of Ying's mansion.

Several hurried footsteps approached.

Led by his guards, Gu Tingye strode into the front hall.

He saw that the hall was full of military generals in armor, and the room was filled with the martial spirit of clashing swords and galloping horses.

He didn't put on airs like a court envoy. He chuckled, his lips slightly upturned, and his eyes lit up. He immediately adopted the posture of a military general, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture. His crimson official robes were made to look somewhat like armored warriors by this action.

Then, he changed into a nonchalant junior's demeanor and said loudly, "I am Gu Tingye, the second son of the Gu family. I greet the old Duke and Brother Zhang."

The words fell.

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the generals in the hall. Meeting the eager eyes of the veteran generals, he bowed to each of them, his manners impeccable and without the slightest oversight: "I never expected to see Uncle Ma today, it is truly an honor. And Uncle Zeng, General Shangguan, all the elders are here, I am truly flattered."

His witty remarks were perfectly tactful, acknowledging the relationship without being impolite.

The atmosphere in the front hall changed again, and the veteran generals looked at Gu Tingye with warm approval.

That Gu family brat.

He was just like the old Marquis in temperament, brave and resourceful, with a sweet tongue; he was a promising talent.

Seeing that this dignified council hall of the Duke of Ying's mansion was about to turn into a grand family reunion by this young Gu, Zhang Duo, seated at the head of the table, twitched his cheeks and mouth, finally unable to resist interrupting, his tone tinged with a helpless reproach: "In this freezing weather, instead of enjoying your wealth in Bianliang City, why have you suddenly come to this northern frontier? Do you think you're some kind of superhuman? Do you really need all this trouble?"

His words, though seemingly a reprimand, had actually dissolved most of the misunderstanding, carrying a hint of an elder teasing a younger person.

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye laughed heartily and strode forward.

Surrounded by the approving gazes of the veterans and warmly led to his seat by Zhang Ben, he found himself sitting as if he were family, in the closest spot to Zhang Duo and his son.

Given his junior status, he was absolutely unqualified to sit here; it was against the rules.

But who can blame him when he's now an envoy sent by the new Han Dynasty?

Moreover, if he can facilitate the surrender of Zhen Ding Prefecture today, it will be a great contribution to the new Han Dynasty, and he will surely win the emperor's favor and be deeply loved by the emperor.

He will surely be among the most outstanding young talents in the new dynasty. Coupled with the foundation of the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion, it is no exaggeration to say that he will one day be ennobled and appointed as prime minister.

Such a promising young man was naturally someone the veterans were willing to give face to and even more willing to befriend.

"What are you saying, old Duke?"

Gu Tingye laughed heartily, still very bold, and bluntly broke through the barrier, "We are all family behind closed doors, so we can speak frankly and openly. Why bother with those ministers and officials in the court, all of them being so literary and roundabout? You may not find it troublesome, but I find it exhausting."

He waved his hand, first winking at Zhang Ben, then looking at Zhang Duo in the main seat, his tone somewhat cynical and frank: "It's obvious, isn't it just that my Ningyuan Marquis's mansion only has my second son who's presentable? The journeys outside are arduous and dangerous, those who can withstand it dare not come, and those who dare to come cannot withstand it."

"Considering everything, if I, Gu Tingye, hadn't come, wouldn't the Gu family's legacy have been ruined? Wouldn't that be letting down our ancestors?"

"Does what you say make sense, old Duke?"

His words were half-joking and half-sincere, completely lacking the solemnity of discussing important military and national affairs. They sounded more like the old and young men of Xun Guijian gathering together to drink and play drinking games, casually discussing everyday matters.

In an instant, the last trace of solemnity in the front hall was dispelled.

"You little rascal, you're really slippery."

Zhang Duo couldn't help but laugh at his appearance. He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, glared at him with annoyance, and the coldness in his eyes had mostly dissipated.

"There's nothing we can do about it, it's just how we are."

Gu Tingye responded with a grin, and then his actions suddenly became swift and decisive. In front of all the generals, he pulled out the bright yellow imperial edict from his bosom and slammed it onto the yellow wooden table in front of Zhang Duo with a "smack".

"His Majesty's decree is here; the old Duke may take a look."

"I also took a good look on my way here. The old Duke is still the Duke of Ying, and the glory of the Duke's Mansion remains unchanged. Moreover, you have been putting the overall situation first and defending Zhen Ding Prefecture, preventing the Northern Liao barbarians from entering the pass and harming the people. His Majesty was very pleased and specially bestowed upon you the title of Duke, which can be passed down for three generations and will never change."

Speaking of which...

Gu Tingyu then turned to Zhang Ben, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Brother Zhang, congratulations. You will soon be the heir to the hereditary Duke's mansion. This honor is something others can only dream of."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ben was at a loss for words, unsure whether to respond or not, and could only manage an awkward smile.

In the eyes of the veteran generals in the hall, the reward bestowed by the new Han emperor was already more than enough and respectable.

Zhang Duo's expression remained unchanged. He snorted heavily and said coldly, "How can a subject serve two masters? You two young masters of the Gu family, do you intend to make me a person without a ruler or father, disloyal and unfilial?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the front hall fell into complete silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The veterans didn't dare to breathe loudly, and Zhang Ben stood aside with his head down, no one daring to interrupt.

Gu Tingye was known in Bianliang City for being fearless and had prepared for the worst before he came. He was prepared to risk his life if necessary, so he was the most uninhibited at this moment.

He suppressed his jovial tone, his expression becoming more serious, yet still neither servile nor arrogant: "Old Duke, you are mistaken. If you were to raise an army again now, firstly, it would bring untold suffering to the people of the northern frontier, which would be truly undesirable; secondly, His Majesty would likely be enraged. Leaving aside your family in Bianliang, the very monarch you once served would probably face an uncertain fate because of your actions."

"Now that Marquis Shunming has already willingly surrendered, he and his young son are living out their remaining years in Bianliang. Even he has no intention of competing with His Majesty, so why are you so insistent?"

"What disloyalty is this?"

He then changed the subject, saying, "As for being unfilial, that's even more unacceptable. The Zhang family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. If, due to a moment of stubbornness, the Zhang family's foundation is destroyed and future generations suffer, that would be true unfilial piety!"

"Brother Zhang Ben, what do you think?"

Gu Tingye turned the conversation to Zhang Ben, his gaze intense.

Zhang Ben carefully observed his father's expression. Seeing that although his face was still gloomy, he was not angry. He gritted his teeth and spoke under pressure.

"The envoy's words make sense."

"It is not that we, as subjects, are disloyal, but that the former emperor in Bianliang City probably does not want to see war break out again and people suffer. Our choice is also for the sake of the people and the nation."

In short, this elevated the matter to the level of the common people and the nation, giving Zhang Duo a way out and providing the assembled generals with a legitimate reason.

At this point, everyone in the front hall focused their attention on Zhang Duo, who was in the main seat, waiting for his final answer.

This was the final hurdle for the generals of the northern frontier to surrender.

"Get out! Get out! Get out!"

After a long silence, Zhang Duo suddenly shouted angrily, glaring at Zhang Ben with a helpless tone, "Now you brat, you've become inseparable from the Gu family's son, like old friends at first sight."

"After today, you will return to Bianliang City with the Gu family boy. From now on, stay in the city and protect your mother and sister. If anything happens to them, see how I deal with you."

His words seemed to be a reprimand, but the underlying meaning was all too clear.

The surrender is approved!

The veteran generals in the room were all shrewd and immediately grasped the implication. They all spoke up, saying, "What the Duke says is absolutely right. My son should have returned to Bianliang City long ago. It would be good if he went with Prince Zhang so that they could look after each other."

My nephew came along too.

"Don't underestimate me. My family is all in Bianliang. Once Zhen Ding Prefecture is more stable, I will personally go to Bianliang to return home."

"Me too. My son will pack his things and go with Envoy Gu right away."

……

His words clearly conveyed his loyalty.

They never intended to amass military power, and now that the new Han emperor was using both kindness and force, and with the Duke of Yingguo leading the way, their timely surrender and continued to follow the Zhang family was the safest option.

"Thank you, old Duke, and thank you, my uncles."

Gu Tingye immediately cupped his hands and laughed heartily, his brows full of joy.

With the agreement reached, Zhen Ding Prefecture, a strategic pass in the northern frontier, surrendered.

He not only made great contributions, but also ensured that the Xun Gui lineage remained united, and the bond between them became even stronger than before.

Next, Gu Tingye did not intend to stay in Zhen Ding Prefecture for long. The sooner this matter was reported back to Bianliang and the Emperor was informed, the better.

Military affairs can never be delayed, especially when they involve the foreign enemy in the Northern Liao.

He understood the principle that delay could lead to unforeseen changes, even though he had passed the provincial examination.

more importantly.

He still had a lot of energy bottled up inside him.

If we return too late, we might miss the imperial examinations of the new dynasty and lose the chance to pass with flying colors. So we must hurry on our journey.

He immediately discussed it with Zhang Ben.

The two then prepared to leave the front hall to find the sons and nephews of the old generals and arrange their return to Bianliang.

But as soon as he turned around, Zhang Duo's dark voice came from behind him, saying irritably, "Wait!!"

Gu Tingye paused, turning back with a wry smile, his face full of helplessness: "Old Duke, you wouldn't be having second thoughts, would you? That's not fair, sir. We've already laid it all out; there's no reason to go back on your word."

"roll!"

Zhang Duo cursed irritably, but he wasn't really angry. He said coldly, "Gu, the envoy from Bianliang, have you forgotten something? Such an important matter hasn't even been announced or received yet."

Gu Tingye was taken aback, then scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly, "Hey, look at my memory! Isn't that a bit much? We're all family, no need to be so formal."

"Announce!"

Zhang Duo's eyes widened, revealing his imposing presence.

Gu Tingye immediately realized the old Duke's insistence.

The matter of surrender and the decree of reward are ultimately matters of great importance to the nation, and a formal ceremony of announcing and receiving the decree must be performed. This is the rule, and it is also the last vestige of dignity for the Zhang family.

He immediately shrank back, no longer daring to joke around, and properly straightened his crimson official robe. He then bowed and picked up the bright yellow imperial edict from the yellow wooden table.

He turned and stood in the hall, his expression solemn.

The generals in the hall instantly stopped smiling, stood up in unison, bowed their heads, and the entire front hall returned to its solemn and dignified state.

Gu Tingye cleared his throat and announced loudly, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

After a long while.

Zhang Duo took a deep breath, suppressing all the turmoil in his heart, and slowly walked down from the main seat. He bowed and knelt before the imperial edict, his voice steady and clear: "This old minister receives the edict!"

That's it!

Gu Tingye also breathed a sigh of relief.

We've finally escaped the gates of hell...