Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 248 Triumphant Return to the Capital

On the Ba Bridge, Chen Xing stood solemnly in his black robes, his gaze slowly sweeping over the dark mass of kneeling figures below, over the majestic city of Chang'an in the distance, and finally settling on the vast sky. The early spring sunlight fell on his shoulders, casting a faint glow on his black robes embroidered with gold, reflecting off his calm and dignified face, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at him.

He did not speak immediately, but allowed the sudden silence that followed the extreme clamor to linger for a moment. In this silence lay boundless awe, anticipation, and the heavy echo of the wheels of history rumbling past and the transition between old and new eras.

Finally, he spoke. His voice wasn't particularly loud, yet it strangely reached the ears of almost everyone present, as if carrying some kind of internal energy vibration, or as if resonating with some kind of aura between heaven and earth.

"I," he said slowly, a single word that captivated everyone's attention, "have raised an army in the north for eleven years. Thanks to the bravery of my soldiers, the dedication of my officials, and the support of the people, we have achieved what we have today. We have defeated the Northern Barbarians, pacified Youyan, recovered the Three Jins, quelled Guanzhong, conquered Bashu, and subdued Jingxiang... Now, I have crossed the Yangtze River to the south, swept away their strongholds, recaptured Nanjing, and seized the Imperial Seal of the State!"

He paused slightly, then his voice suddenly rose, carrying the force of metal and stone: "This is not the achievement of me alone, but the result of the concerted efforts and countless battles of my millions of soldiers and civilians in Xingqi! It is also the destiny of our China, the beginning of unifying the world!"

"Long live! Long live! Long live!" After a brief silence, an even more fervent roar erupted once more. Many soldiers were so excited that their faces turned red, and they slammed their weapons into the ground with great force, producing a unified boom. The people were also moved to tears, and they joined in the shouting.

Chen Xing raised his hand, and the clamor subsided once more. He continued, "Today, I, with my victorious army and the Seal of Heaven's Mandate, return to Chang'an! From this day forward, North and South are unified, and the world is at peace! I hereby swear that I will strive to govern diligently, appoint virtuous and capable officials, reduce taxes and levies, and allow the people to rest and recuperate, so that my people may share in this peaceful and prosperous era, and that the civilization of China may shine brightly throughout the world!"

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The shouts echoed for a long time.

Chen Xing nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to Su Xiaoxiao, Zhao Tiezhu, and the others kneeling in formal attire at the forefront. His voice softened: "Your Excellencies have made invaluable contributions by remaining in the central command to stabilize the rear and procure provisions. Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Su Xiaoxiao, Zhao Tiezhu, and the civil and military officials behind them expressed their gratitude in unison before rising in turn.

Su Xiaoxiao raised her head, her gaze meeting Chen Xingkong's for a fleeting moment before she gracefully lowered it again. However, the barely suppressed excitement and tenderness in her eyes and brows could not be completely concealed. Zhao Tiezhu, on the other hand, grinned broadly, his smile honest and proud.

Chen Xing said no more, turned around, and climbed back onto the imperial carriage.

"Let's depart—return to the palace—" the eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced in a drawn-out voice.

An even grander and more magnificent procession was launched once again. The triumphant team and the welcoming team merged, transforming into an even more magnificent and spectacular long dragon, starting from Ba Bridge and slowly proceeding towards the now-open Mingde Gate.

From Mingde Gate to Zhuque Gate of the Imperial City, the ten-mile-long Imperial Road had been thoroughly cleaned with water, swept, and paved with yellow earth. Every ten steps along both sides of the road stood a golden-armored imperial guard holding a halberd. Behind these guards, a veritable sea of ​​people. Hundreds of thousands of people from both inside and outside Chang'an City poured out of their homes, crowding every corner of the Imperial Road—rooftops, trees—wherever there was a place to stand and observe, crowds thronged. Merchants closed their shops, students suspended classes, all to witness this once-in-a-millennium triumphant return of the emperor.

When the black dragon flag and the imperial carriage appeared at the Mingde Gate, the entire Heavenly Street erupted in cheers! Shouts of "Long live the Emperor!", the sounds of gongs and drums, and the crackling of firecrackers mingled together, deafening and soaring to the heavens! Flower petals and colorful ribbons rained down from the pavilions on either side, like a magnificent shower. The people craned their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary emperor in the imperial carriage; many were moved to tears, spontaneously kneeling and shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

Inside the imperial carriage, Chen Xing sat upright, his face serene, occasionally nodding slightly to either side. He could feel the almost tangible fervor and anticipation of the people, a pinnacle of power that also meant an immense responsibility. He felt little pride, but rather a heightened sense of clarity. Conquering the empire was difficult; governing and maintaining it was even more so. Behind the cheers of the masses lay a profound yearning for peace, sustenance, and justice. Could he lead this nascent empire to truly fulfill that yearning?

Following closely behind the imperial carriage, Lin Wan'er peered through the gap in the curtain at the breathtaking scene outside, her hand unconsciously tightening around the handkerchief hidden in her sleeve. This was the heart of the empire, the stage where she would live and potentially play a role. Prosperity and glory, but inevitably filled with invisible competition and discipline. She recalled Chen Xing's private expectations of her compiling the encyclopedia before her departure, and a sense of peace settled in her heart; at least, she had her own value and place.

Lan Fenghuang was already captivated by the lively scene, her eyes wide as she peered out the car window: "Wow! So many people! So beautiful! It's even more lively than our Miao New Year!" She may not have a deep understanding of power and authority, but this joyous atmosphere of universal celebration made her genuinely happy.

The veteran ministers, including Jia Wen, gazed out the window, stroking their beards with emotion, their eyes moistening. Their lifelong pursuit had perhaps been to assist a wise ruler and achieve such a unified and prosperous era. Now, their ideal seemed to be within reach.

The procession slowly proceeded to the Vermilion Bird Gate of the Imperial City. Here, the atmosphere became even more solemn and dignified. All the officials remaining in Chang'an, according to their rank, knelt again in the square in front of the gate to welcome them. Standing at the very front of all the officials, adorned in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, with graceful bearing and a dignified and solemn demeanor tinged with a barely perceptible excitement and deep affection, was none other than Empress Murong Mingyue.

Behind her were some of the princes and princesses who had arrived earlier.

The imperial carriage stopped. Chen Xing got out of the carriage again.

This time, he went to Murong Mingyue first. Their eyes met, and a thousand words were unspoken. Separated for months, with thoughts of each other across the north and south, she was his strongest support in the northern capital, his irreplaceable wife and political partner.

"Zitong, thank you for your hard work." Chen Xing reached out and gently helped Murong Mingyue, who was about to bow, to her feet, his voice gentle.

"It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens. Welcoming Your Majesty's triumphant return is a blessing for the nation and a boon for all people." Murong Mingyue's voice was clear and melodious, and her demeanor was impeccable. However, the slight tremor and the instant glint of tears in her eyes when Chen Xing grasped her hand betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

Chen Xing squeezed her hand tightly, then released it and turned to face the assembled officials: "Rise, my lords."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After a simple welcoming ceremony, Chen Xing, accompanied by Murong Mingyue, ascended the Zhuque Gate tower side by side. Below stood the solemn officials and representatives of the soldiers; in the distance, the streets of Chang'an were still bustling with cheers, and the vast empire stretched out before them.

A ceremonial official loudly proclaimed the victory, reporting the great triumph in the southern campaign, the recapture of Nanjing, and the acquisition of the Imperial Seal. Subsequently, amidst solemn ceremonial music, a symbolic "presentation of captives" ceremony was held below the city gate, showcasing the military prowess.

Finally, Chen Xing and Murong Mingyue raised a cup of imperial wine together to offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, and the spirits of the fallen soldiers.

The ceremony is complete.

Bells and drums resounded throughout the city. The formal triumphant entry ceremony reached its climax and came to an end.

Accompanied by Murong Mingyue, Chen Xing entered the imperial city amidst a throng of officials, heading towards the Taiji Palace, a symbol of supreme power. The true center of the empire would operate from here; the grander and more complex coronation ceremony was now in its final countdown.