I was living in the Five Dynasties period, just after crossing the Zhongdu Bridge.

As he walked to the residence of the Left Guard General, Shen Lie pondered for a long time.

He knows his own limitations all too well.

He was just a border general with no real power base, commanding a mere five hundred men.

It's unlikely that he'll be given a more important role.

The most worthwhile option is to become his henchman.

In Shen Lie's view, today's banquet could only have two possible outcomes.

Alternatively, one could use a combination of kindness and severity to make him bow down and become a foot soldier after he ascends to the position.

Either offer kind words and promises, and then send him to Ye City to risk his life.

If that's the case, then it's quite simple.

It's nothing more than feigning ignorance and playing dumb.

If Shen Lie wants to make a living in this world, he certainly has the acting skills.

But when Shen Lie stepped across the threshold and saw the crown prince, he realized he was wrong.

Big mistakes.

"Commander Shen, please."

Guo Rong led Shen Lie through the gate of the mansion.

There was no decadent music of singing and dancing, nor a throng of concubines dressed in red and green.

There was only one young man in his early twenties.

When the young man saw Shen Lie enter, he did not sit in the main seat to receive the greeting, but instead stood up to greet him and even took two steps forward.

"But was it Commander Shen in person?"

Shen Lie was about to perform the grand ceremony of worship.

"Your subordinate Shen Lie greets Your Highness."

"Oh, why all this unnecessary formality?"

Liu Chengxun rushed forward and grabbed Shen Lie's arm.

"Today there are no official ranks, only guests and hosts," Liu Chengxun said with a smile. "I heard Guo Rong talk about your affairs in Guanzhong, and I know that you are a man who came from Zhongdu Bridge. I admire you very much, which is why I took the liberty of inviting you."

respect?

If it were Shi Hongzhao, he would probably use the word "appreciation"; if it were Guo Wei, it would be "valuing".

But it was precisely this person who was only half a step away from ascending the throne who was shown reverence.

Shen Lie's prepared witty remarks about officialdom were completely shut down by this flattery and smile.

"Sit down, everyone sit down."

Liu Chengxun invited everyone to sit down, and even personally poured a cup of wine for Shen Lie.

This tactic is called "yielding to the lowest rank".

If it were an ordinary martial artist, he would probably be moved to tears by now, wishing he could tear out his heart to show his loyalty.

But Shen Lie did not.

He is waiting.

When Liu Chengxun asked about Yaozhou, it might be a way of hinting that he should take sides.

However, Liu Chengxun did not mention it at all.

He neither inquired about military affairs nor discussed court politics.

He only asked one question.

"Commander Shen, how did General Wang Qing die in battle at the Zhongdu Bridge that day?"

Shen Lie's wine glass trembled.

This question caught him somewhat off guard.

But he still told the truth.

It recounted that torrential rainy night, Du Chongwei's refusal to come to the rescue, and how the surging Hutuo River was stained red with blood.

It also mentioned Wang Qing's head, which was cut off by Zhao Yanshou.

Shen Lie spoke very slowly.

Guo Rong listened quietly to the sound, his expression solemn, while Guo Tong, being young, already had tears welling up in his eyes.

Liu Chengxun, who was opposite him, was already in tears!

"It's a pity..." Shen Lie gave a bitter smile, "We captured Zhongdu Bridge, but the main camp behind us surrendered."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chengxun made no attempt to hide his discomposure. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and let out a long sigh.

"Traitors have ruined the country to this extent!"

Liu Chengxun picked up his wine glass, but spilled it on the ground.

"This cup is a toast to General Wang Qing, and to the heroic souls of those who perished at Zhongdu Bridge!"

As Shen Lie watched this scene, a strange emotion welled up in his heart.

Is it really possible for a leader to shed tears for soldiers he has never met?

"Commander Shen."

Liu Chengxun calmed himself down and looked at Shen Lie, saying, "I know you went to Ye City to seek revenge, but this revenge is not just yours alone, but the revenge of everyone in the world."

"I have already submitted a memorial to my father, requesting that General Wang Qing be posthumously granted the title of Grand Tutor."

"As for the mound of corpses over at Zhongdu Bridge..."

Liu Chengxun closed his eyes and sighed softly.

"Back in Taiyuan, I had already sent people to collect the remains. They were gathered and a simple tomb was erected by the Hutuo River..."

At this point, Liu Chengxun's face was filled with remorse.

"The Liao people built the Jingguan (a mound of corpses) to show off their military prowess, but those are the remains of our Han sons. How can we leave them exposed in the wilderness to be laughed at by those barbarians?"

"I have also had people find General Wang's orphan and have made proper arrangements for him. When the army marches north, we will have him escort his coffin back to his hometown."

Shen Lie felt a lump in his throat, his heart overflowing with countless thoughts, yet he couldn't utter a single word.

They collected the pile of dung, searched for the orphans, and posthumously honored the martyrs.

These events, one after another, should have been acts of favor from the imperial court, a means to win people's hearts.

But the key point is that Shen Lie is unaware of these things.

Liu Chengxun's way of doing things was so subtle and unobtrusive.

The lack of fanfare suggests that he wasn't putting on a show.

After all, nobody watches it.

At that moment, Liu Chengxun suddenly stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Commander Shen, in that battle, you protected the backbone of all the men of the world. This bow is my way of thanking you on behalf of the common people."

Shen Lie was taken aback, then quickly stood up to avoid the bow.

He had imagined countless possibilities, but this was the one he had never considered.

In this chaotic Five Dynasties period, filled with deceit and treachery, we witnessed countless warlords who treated human life as worthless and loyalty as mere footcloths.

Suddenly, a prince appeared who believed in righteousness as truth.

Who can stand this?

No wonder historical records say that Liu Zhiyuan was devastated after Liu Chengxun's death, which even worsened his condition.

Liu Zhiyuan himself probably knew that only this son could end this chaotic world and ensure that the Han dynasty could last for a long time.

If Liu Chengxun had succeeded to the throne, perhaps the world would have truly enjoyed a period of peace and tranquility.

"Your Highness...you flatter me."

Shen Lie finally composed himself, but his heart was still filled with mixed feelings.

He suddenly understood why Guo Wei allowed Guo Rong to get so close to this prince.

Following someone like that, even if you lose, you probably won't feel too humiliated.

"Why is it considered an overstatement?"

Liu Chengxun shook his head and sat down again.

"You are a talented general valued by the Emperor, a favorite of Commander Shi, and recommended by Privy Councilor Guo. You are going to Ye City for the sake of national and personal vendettas, so you don't need to worry about the gossip in the court."

"I invited you here today simply so that you could hear the stories of these heroes with your own ears, lest history books forget them."

"Your Highness is truly righteous!"

Shen Lie took a deep breath and finally bowed down.

This time, it had nothing to do with identity or interests.

It's all for that belated justice.

"Commander Shen, get up quickly."

Liu Chengxun quickly helped Shen Lie up. "Although Father Emperor's raising of troops in Taiyuan was in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people, the suffering of the people of the Central Plains and the bloodshed of these soldiers are ultimately owed to our Liu family."

"Your Highness is too kind," Guo Rong gently comforted him from the side. "In chaotic times, this is a helpless measure."

However, just as the emperor and his ministers were getting along well, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

Before you see him, you hear his voice.

"Brother! I heard you're hosting a banquet at your residence, why didn't you invite me?"