Chapter 31: Returning in Triumph and Rewarding the Troops

Chapter 31: Triumphant Return, Rewarding the Army

At the Caravan Camp

Not only the arriving merchants, but even Yang Zimo himself was stunned by the spoils of the recent great battle. Truly, there is no fortune without unexpected gain, no horse grows fat without night pastures!

Holding the ledger in his hand, Zimo felt its weight—it contained the hope for Qin's unification of the world! With these supplies, Qin’s infrastructure, cultural development, military strength, and national welfare would reach unimaginable heights. Once Qin absorbed these gains and marched forth, it would be invincible across the world, with myriad tribes paying tribute, reigning supreme over all.

Setting aside his lofty dreams, Yang Zimo cleared his throat and addressed the stunned crowd below, “The great battle is over. The contributions each of you made have not gone unnoticed by Qin. The empire will not neglect any meritorious individual!”

“We dare not claim credit; all thanks belong to His Majesty, the Immortal Master, and the brave sons of Qin!” the merchants quickly declined.

“No need for modesty—I am watching closely! Now, let us discuss the handling of the spoils!”

“We listen attentively!” they replied.

“As for the warhorses, you need not hope for any. Qin urgently needs horses to reinforce its legions and form iron cavalry, which was the reason for attacking the Xiongnu,” Yang Zimo explained.

“We understand. Immortal Master, may we purchase horses injured in battle?” asked Wu Shiluo from below.

“Yes! The army will sell you horses it deems unfit, but remember, these are warhorses. Even if damaged, they cannot be sold at ordinary horse prices!” Yang Zimo warned.

Warhorses are carefully selected; even those injured but not fatally so, once healed, are far superior to common horses, often several times better. Without clear terms, merchants might exploit loopholes.

“Of course, Immortal Master, please rest assured!” Wu Shiluo was the first to respond.

“As for the cattle and sheep, twenty percent will be reserved as rewards for the meritorious soldiers. The rest will be sold to you as previously agreed. You may negotiate among yourselves for your shares,” Yang Zimo said, then left the matter to them.

Returning these cattle and sheep to Qin would greatly boost animal husbandry, increasing meat supply, and establishing a wool industry. Soon, everyone in Qin would enjoy meat and warm clothing and bedding, drastically reducing hunger and cold deaths.

Within a short while, the merchants divided their shares: Emperor Ying Zheng’s royal caravan took twenty percent; Yang Zimo’s own caravan fifteen percent; the Commerce Department thirty percent; Ba’s Qing and Wu’s Luo each took five percent; the remaining twenty-five percent was shared among other merchants.

With the spoils allocated, the merchants paid deposits, received certificates from the Commerce Department, and led their caravans to the pastures to take delivery of cattle, sheep, and horses.

Yang Zimo, holding the registration ledger, then followed the army as they set off to return to court.

---

Half a month later, ten miles north of Xianyang City

The cement road was eerily silent, the golden-edged black dragon banners fluttering in the breeze. The exclusive dragon carriage of Qin Shi Huang lay quietly under the summer sun.

Civil and military officials followed closely, hands folded and faces beaming with joy as they gazed into the distance.

Thanks to the Qin Daily’s propaganda, every county and prefecture knew of Qin’s victory—the Xiongnu had become part of Qin. The army’s spoils were countless. Ordinary Qin citizens, who had merely lent a hand, had bought shares in the war bonds and unexpectedly profited, leaping with joy, some already planning to buy more next time.

As the sun neared its zenith, a cloud of dust suddenly rose on the distant road. The Kirin Guards stationed there waved their black dragon flags vigorously.

At that moment, Meng Yi, accompanying the dragon carriage, suddenly spoke, “Your Majesty, the Immortal Master has returned with the army!”

Inside the dragon carriage, Ying Zheng, who was practicing Immortal Art, paused abruptly, then rose and stepped out, commanding, “Play the music!”

Meng Yi signaled the musicians nearby, and a set of bronze bells rang out melodiously.

The bell music was solemn and majestic, gradually shifting to a passionate and rousing tone. Even soldiers accustomed only to fighting could sense that this was a triumphant anthem of victory.

Yang Zimo had not expected that Emperor Ying Zheng would lead the civil and military officials out of the city to welcome them—a tremendous honor.

As the army drew near, the towering walls of Xianyang City came into view, the air filled with familiar scents, the cityscape, the dragon carriage, the officials—all recognizable. Standing before the carriage was Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his golden-edged black dragon robe.

Moved by the scene, Yang Zimo’s eyes welled with tears. He patted the sweat-blooded steed beneath him, Crimson Shadow, dismounted, and walked straight toward the familiar figure.

“I, Yang Zimo, pay respects to Your Majesty!”

“Well done! Well done! Welcome back!” Seeing Zimo, Ying Zheng’s usually impassive face lit up as he grasped Yang Zimo’s hand repeatedly, praising him warmly.

At this moment, Yang Zimo, helped up by the emperor, couldn’t hold back tears again.

Led by Meng Yi, the assembled officials and officers shouted together, “Congratulations to the Immortal Master on his victorious return! Long live Qin!”

As the music waned, Yang Zimo withdrew his arm from Ying Zheng’s grasp and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty’s warm welcome humbles me. I am at a loss for words.”

Seeing Yang Zimo’s reddened eyes, Ying Zheng once more took hold of his arm, smiling joyfully. “The Immortal Master has won vast lands for Qin and eliminated the Xiongnu threat, bringing peace to my people. Welcoming you from ten miles away is but a small token. Were it not for your family ties, I would have gladly betrothed my own daughter to you!”

Hearing this, Yang Zimo’s thick skin was no match for the public embarrassment in front of officials and commoners alike—his face flushed deeply.

Ying Zheng acknowledged that though Yang Zimo was the chief hero, the soldiers also deserved great credit, and immediately ordered rewards and commendations for the army, with formal honors to be bestowed at the upcoming court assembly.

After exchanging words with the troops, Ying Zheng beckoned Yang Zimo to join him in the dragon carriage as they entered Xianyang City, where a celebratory banquet awaited them all that evening.

“Father! Father!” Xuanji and Xuanyin held Lin Wannian’s hand, protected by the marquis’s guards, standing by the road near the procession, shouting excitedly.

Perhaps sensing this, amidst the cheers of the crowd, Yang Zimo immediately spotted his two little treasures, winked charmingly at his beloved wife, waved at the children with a smile, and then boarded the dragon carriage.

Ying Zheng, witnessing this tender scene, smiled and gave an order to the attendant outside.

Once again, thank you to all readers for your votes! I have saved screenshots of each one and will compile them into a memoir!

(End of Chapter)