Chapter 17

When they arrived at the capital, they were welcomed as heroes. People were rejoicing and dancing and the other princes were at the city gates to welcome them. A long parade of people followed them as they rode on the streets of the city capital of the Li Empire, Qiang.

As they entered the palace grounds, the noise slowly died down and the soldiers finally went to their barracks to rest and celebrate on their own while the princes and the generals went to greet the Emperor and Empress.

"The 8th prince of Li Empire greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress," Jiahao greeted as he bowed to the Emperor.

"General Xuefeng greets the Great Emperor and the Benevolent Empress," Xuefeng greeted.

The Emperor and the Empress smiled at them as they welcomed them with open arms.

"You have brought peace to the nation and minimized the damage of the war. Men can finally return to their own families. You have done well, my son," the Emperor smiled proudly.

"Your praise is too generous, your Majesty. I have only done my duty as the prince of this nation and as your honorable son," Jiahao bowed.

"Your Majesty, since Jiahao has given this nation a victory. You might as well give him a reward. Am I right, Imperial Consort Yahui?" the Empress smiled as she turned to the woman sitting beside her.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the Imperial Consort agreed as she smiled lovingly at her successful son who bought glory to the nation.

"Well, since my Empress and Consort suggested it. I might as well comply. Tell me, son... Is there anything you would like to have?" the Emperor asked.

Jiahao inhaled deeply first as he looked at the bird beside him. He felt she was nervous as he was.

"If you permit, your Majesty. I'd like to keep this bird as a trophy for this victory," the 8th prince said.

The Emperor looked at the beautiful inside the golden cage. He was awed by it and was tempted to keep it. But he sighed as it was his son's wish to keep the bird and he couldn't go back on his word as an Emperor of a Great Empire.

"Very well. Keep and raise the bird. Take care of it and treat it as your trophy for the glory you have bought upon the Great Empire of Li," the Emperor said. "There will be a great feast tonight to celebrate the victory that my son has brought upon our Great Nation."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," JIahao said.

The Emperor soon looked at the kneeling and silent General who helped his son achieve peace for the Empire.

"General Xuefeng, the one who served me so loyally and so faithfully and who conquered 7 great nations in the name of the Imperial Family. You have grown so strong. Your sister and your father will be proud of what you have become," the Emperor said. "If there is anything that you wish to have, tell me and I will give it to you."

"I only wish to serve His Majesty and the Imperial Family and to help bring peace to this great nation," Xuefeng said as he kneeled before the Emperor.

"Alright, I'll give you time to think. You may come to me to ask for that wish," the Emperor said as he knew Xuefeng would only give him an answer like that.

"My Emperor, we have been keeping these tired heroes. They must be tired from the journey. Why not we let them rest for tonight's banquet?" the Empress asked.

"The Empress is correct. Let's end the greetings today. You may go and rest as a huge banquet will be held in honor of the soldiers who fought for this great nation," the Emperor said as he turned to leave. "Rest well."

Everyone stood up to bid the Emperor goodbye as the Emperor left.

Jiahao relaxed knowing that Yue will be safe in his hands now that the Emperor has given him permission to keep her.

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