CHAPTER 1099: CHAPTER 603: CONTACTING THE TRAITOR

"Long time no see."

Outside the north gate of Hu Ting, Zhao Douan, escorted by Tang Ping, rode ahead of the group, dismounted, casually tossed aside the reins, and first nodded towards Xue Shence with a smile:

"Minister Xue."

Then he turned his head and met Mo Zhaorong’s gaze. Since their parting at Taicang Prefecture on the western front, considerable time had passed, and upon meeting again, this "rival in love" had changed significantly.

Not only had her appearance become more worn, but her aura had transformed even more. If Zhao Douan had to describe her in one word, it would probably be "polished".

Yes, although Mo Chou was known as the "female prime minister", that reputation was superficial, merely a metaphor by the courtiers and commoners for her proximity to the Empress, rather than a testament to any true political acumen possessed by Mo Chou, who had grown up in the deep palace and rarely stepped out of the Capital.

However, the year spent on the front lines brought about a dramatic change in the demeanor of the leading female official of the Six Palaces—now more composed, her gaze sharper, even her speaking tone had evolved.

"Long time no see. But if Mo Zhaorong doesn’t tease me a bit, I, as the governor, am rather unaccustomed," Zhao Douan smiled at her.

Mo Chou’s slightly wheat-colored cheeks reddened, and she smiled wryly:

"Governor, don’t tease. I had many misunderstandings about you in the past, but things are different now. Over these past months, I’ve occasionally received news of you from the Eastern Front and heard of your deeds, which have earned my admiration."

These words were sincere, devoid of any sarcasm.

Not only Mo Chou, but a large number of familiar faces led by Xue Shence felt similarly.

If we spoke of the time at Taicang Prefecture, when everyone teamed up against the "Scholar General" Su Dan, Zhao Douan had only displayed talents in the Extraordinary Domain...

The rescue during the burning city was indeed a significant merit, but it was limited to that.

But after both parties separated, the news from the west repeatedly reshaped everyone’s impressions.

First, he infiltrated Yongjia City to rescue imprisoned officials, then persuaded Zhao Shixiong, pushing the western front, originally tasked with defense, southward; not to mention the successful assassination of Xu Jingtang, which completely turned the tide of war, rendering the Eastern Front a mere backdrop...

All of this was like building momentum with the tide. When the peace delegation entered the Capital, Zhao Douan brought his sword to the Golden Throne Hall, and everything erupted completely.

"Governor Zhao, you may not know. Your story of bringing your sword to the Golden Throne Hall has already spread through the army, inspiring countless soldiers! Nowadays, your prestige in the military surpasses even mine," Xue Shence teased with a smile.

This was a dangerous statement, yet Xue Shence’s eyes and tone were utterly forthright, and the surrounding generals and officials seemed unfazed.

Because it was the truth.

Shi Meng chuckled and said:

"Governor, just look at the soldiers’ eyes."

Ah, am I really that extraordinary?

Zhao Douan blushed, glancing at the soldiers standing in the icy snow. Indeed, he saw their fervent gaze; wherever his eyes swept, the soldiers strained to puff out their chests.

Every move caught the attention of the army.

This was once the glory earned by "Military God" Xue Shence with decades of military service.

Zhao Douan gained it in merely a few months.

"Lord Xue is joking; all of us are dedicated to Your Majesty, the court, and the people. Without everyone holding the Jiancheng Army on the Eastern Front, I couldn’t have accomplished my tasks," Zhao Douan said humbly.

Shipping Governor Ning Zechen laughed heartily:

"Governor, since when did you learn the modesty of those bookish scholars? Everyone here is familiar; there’s no need for that. I’ll just say one thing: I am only convinced by your deeds!"

Then, other familiar and less familiar generals and civil servants spoke up to express their admiration.

Having grown accustomed to hypocrisy in court, suddenly feeling this overwhelming sincerity, a sense of warmth flooded Zhao Douan’s heart. He chuckled and said:

"Governor Ning, you really know how to speak! Are you flattering me just because I helped deliver New Year’s goods to your wife and daughter?"

Ning Zechen, dressed in official robes, wore a dense-stitched "scarf" around his neck, which was hand-sewn by Mrs. Ning and sent from the Capital not long ago.

Everyone burst into laughter, and Governor Ning’s face turned beet red.

After a brief exchange, Xue Shence immediately invited Zhao Douan into the city when suddenly, Chen Gui from the Firearms Camp caught sight of a pitch-black coffin on a wooden trolley and asked in surprise:

"What’s this...?"

Zhao Douan glanced casually and replied:

"Oh, this is the coffin I prepared for myself. Having set down the military orders, I passed them on to the entire army. If this coffin doesn’t hold Prince Jing’s remains, then it shall carry me."

Bearing a coffin to battle!

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions tightened, their blood surging with emotion, dispelling the cold endured in the winter for several hours.

...

...

Moments later, the news of Zhao Douan entering the city with a coffin spread throughout the Hu Ting’s three military camps.

And Zhao Douan’s group was led into a city government office serving as the "temporary headquarters."

Outside the courtyard were soldiers on guard, and a large group entered, settling in the "conference hall," with attendants already setting up braziers and serving hot tea.

The reunion prompted a round of warm greetings and reminiscing.

Zhao Douan spoke of his experiences at the front lines and the details of the peace negotiations in the Capital.

The others shared their encounters opposing Prince Jing.

A long while passed.

Zhao Douan put down his cup, moved to business, and as he looked around at the faces seated around the table, he said seriously: "Alright, let’s talk business. You all know the purpose of my journey from Jingchuan City to Hu Ting, right?"