Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 202: The Emperor Prays for a Triumphant Return

The morning light pierced through the sky and sprinkled on the towering city walls, shining with golden light.

Today is the day when the army sets out.

The general, clad in black iron armor, rode majestically on a tall horse. Behind him were thousands of soldiers in high morale and neatly lined up. The armor gleamed coldly in the morning sun, like a forest of steel, silent and oppressive.

Li Shimin led the court ministers and walked slowly to the city wall.

The emperor wore a dragon robe and stood tall. Although his face was solemn, his eyes revealed his trust and expectations for this army.

The ministers around him also had solemn expressions, their clothes fluttering in the wind.

The general rode forward, clasped his fists in salute, and said in a booming voice: "Your Majesty, I am leading the army into battle. I will give it my all and will not return until the enemy is defeated!"

The Emperor nodded slightly, his eyes firm. "General, you are leaving with a heavy responsibility. I and my people all hope that you will return victoriously and keep our country safe."

After saying this, the emperor raised his hand and the attendants beside him brought him the imperial wine.

The emperor personally poured three cups and handed them to General Cheng and General Li one by one.

General Cheng took the wine and drank it all in one gulp. Every glass of wine seemed to ignite a raging fire in his heart. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have many soldiers who will follow me through thick and thin. We will fight bravely and kill the enemy."

At this time, an old official stepped forward and said earnestly: "General, the journey is long and the enemy is cunning. You must be careful and don't fall into an ambush."

General Cheng replied respectfully, "Thank you for your warning, sir. The battlefield is dangerous, and I will be cautious. However, our troops are well-trained and fighting to defend our country, so we will surely defeat the enemy."

Under the city wall, the military flags fluttered loudly, as if sounding the horn urging the troops to march to war.

The soldiers' faces were resolute, and their eyes were full of desire to fight and confidence in victory.

Another minister said: "General Cheng, food and grass supplies will follow soon, we must not let the soldiers fight on an empty stomach.

General Cheng smiled and said, "Thank you all for taking care of the logistics. With sufficient food and fodder as a backup, the soldiers will have nothing to worry about."

The Emperor looked around at the army and shouted, "My warriors, you are the backbone of this nation and the protectors of our people. Go forth and fight for glory and for peace!"

The general turned around, faced the army, raised his arms and shouted: "Soldiers, move forward!"

In an instant, trumpets sounded, horses' hooves thundered, and the army advanced slowly forward like a giant steel dragon, raising clouds of dust that covered the sky.

The emperor and his ministers stood on the city wall, watching the army marching away, until the figure disappeared between heaven and earth, leaving only silence and the hope for victory.

After a long pause, the Emperor slowly spoke, "Although I have great confidence in the generals and soldiers in this expedition, I still have some concerns. After all, those barbaric nations are also quite capable."

An old minister stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Majesty, our army is well-trained and well-equipped, and our general is a master of strategy. Furthermore, we are the righteous army of the Great Tang, and our morale is united. We will surely defeat the enemy this time. Your Majesty, do not worry."

The Emperor shook his head slightly. "I'm not worried about our army's combat effectiveness, but this war, regardless of victory or defeat, will result in casualties. I simply cannot bear to see my people suffer, and I fear that many families will be torn apart as a result."

At this time, Lord Li, the chief civil official, spoke out: "Your Majesty is merciful, but to maintain the long-term peace of the Tang Dynasty, this battle must be fought. Upon our triumphant return, Your Majesty will treat the families of the fallen soldiers with generosity and offer comfort to their souls."

The Emperor sighed softly, "It can only be this way. May Heaven bless my soldiers and allow them to return safely and share in the glory of a peaceful and prosperous age."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers shouted in unison: "May God bless the Tang Dynasty and may the army return victorious!"

Time ticks

The emperor still stood there, his gaze deep and solemn, as if he wanted to penetrate the endless distance and witness every step of the army's journey with his own eyes.

The wind blew gently, ruffling his clothes, but it couldn't blow away the worries and concerns in his heart.

"Your Majesty, go back. The army has gone far away." A close attendant cautiously advised again in a low voice, with a hint of awe and concern in his voice.

The Emperor nodded slightly, but did not move immediately. He simply murmured to himself, "This journey is long and arduous, with mountains high and roads raging. They carry the glory of the Tang Dynasty and the hopes of countless people. Although I cannot personally go to the battlefield, my heart is already with these soldiers."

Lord Zhang beside him was also moved. He said, "Your Majesty has the world at heart. The soldiers will surely feel your grace and fight bravely. Moreover, our Tang Dynasty is strong in both civil and military affairs. Victory is assured. Your Majesty, please take care of yourself and wait for good news."

The Emperor sighed softly, "I know this, but the battlefield is treacherous and unpredictable. A general's success is the result of the sacrifice of countless lives. I cannot bear to see such suffering. I only hope that the General will make good use of his strategy and achieve the greatest victory at the lowest cost."

After saying this, the emperor took one last deep look in the direction where the army was leaving. His eyes were full of trust, expectation and reluctance. After a long time, he turned around and slowly walked down the city wall surrounded by his ministers.

Every step was taken steadily and slowly, as if carrying a heavy responsibility and endless longing for the soldiers far away.

Inside General Cheng's mansion, there was total silence, with only Cheng Wu's soft sobs being the sound.

Her face was covered with tear marks, her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked in the direction where Cheng Yaojin left, sobbing and muttering, "Dad has gone to the war, wuwuwu."

The maids gathered around and looked at each other, not knowing how to comfort her.

Cheng Wu grew up under the protection of Cheng Yaojin and had never experienced such a separation.

She knew very well how dangerous the battlefield was, and when she thought of the various dangers her father might face, her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.

"My father is so powerful, he will definitely be fine, right?" She raised her head and asked the old butler beside her with a hint of expectation.

The old butler sighed slightly, forced a smile, and said soothingly, "Young lady, please don't worry too much. The master is a veteran of many battles and a skilled warrior. He will surely return safely. This time, the master is also going to the battle to defend the country and protect the peace of the Tang Dynasty."

After hearing this, Cheng Wu nodded slightly, but tears still flowed uncontrollably.

"But I'm still scared. What if Dad gets hurt? I don't want him to leave me." She said as she clutched the corner of her clothes tightly with her little hands, looking very pitiful.

At this time, Cheng Yaojin's wife Hua Dajiao slowly walked out from the inner room. Although there was reluctance and worry in her eyes, she still pretended to be calm and gently hugged Cheng Wu.

"Wu'er, don't cry. Your father has fought countless battles in his life, and every time he didn't return victorious. He is a hero of the Tang Dynasty, and this is his mission. We must trust him and wait for his return in the mansion."

Cheng Wu snuggled in Hua Dajiao's arms, her crying gradually subsiding, but she still muttered softly, "I want Daddy to come back soon. I will be a good boy in the mansion. Daddy must be safe."

Seeing Cheng Wu's emotions gradually calm down, Hua Da Jiao patted her back gently: "That's good. Your father knows that you are so sensible, and he can fight with peace of mind on the battlefield."