A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1153: Triumphant Return of the Soldiers

Compassionate inns and vendors took notice of this situation.

They surmised that these must be families grieving their sons who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, and thus stepped forward to offer solace.

Perhaps a freshly steamed bun would be offered.

Or they would be carefully guided inside for a comforting cup of tea and a warm meal.

Some individuals even generously offered two pieces of silver from their own pockets as a gesture of encouragement.

"The Emperor cherishes the memory of the soldiers who gave their lives for our nation!"

"Do not despair!"

"Whenever you crave a bite to eat, our doors are always open for you!"

When one family faces hardship, the community rallies to provide support, and the sacrifices made by soldiers for the country are exceptionally honored.

The Imperial Court subsequently issued a decree to bring comfort to these families. This decree not only promised generous monetary rewards and commemorative plaques but also stipulated that the families of all soldiers would receive preferential treatment in future civil and military examinations.

The local residents in the neighborhoods also extended their mutual aid.

The family to the east shared their grain, while the family to the west provided clothing.

The bustling Capital City of the Great Chu is a place of prosperity and abundance. No household here lacks necessities, and the general populace exhibits a far greater sense of humanity compared to the impoverished regions of mountains and rivers.

Consequently, everyone joined hands to offer their support and comfort.

These families of fallen soldiers gradually began to emerge from their grief. After all, for those who have departed, the living must carry on, mustn't they?!

...

Returning to the primary matter at hand.

The victorious soldiers have returned.

Zhao Junyao hosted an opulent banquet for his officials within the venerable Taihe Hall.

Initially, he commanded that a year's worth of pay be distributed to every single soldier as a reward, accompanied by two large sacks of lustrous, pearl-white rice and five bolts of fine cotton cloth for each man.

Secondly, salaries and provisions were allocated to officers of all ranks, with the quantities adjusted according to their established positions.

This constituted the comprehensive distribution of rewards, ensuring that no one was overlooked; every individual received a share.

Finally, the moment arrived to bestow honors based on individual achievements and battlefield contributions.

Yang He, acting as the Grand General who masterfully directed the entire military campaign, led his troops with valor and decisive action, earning a first-class honor. He was rewarded with one thousand taels of silver, five chests brimming with exquisite treasures, one hundred bolts of luxurious silk, and was formally conferred the esteemed title of Second Rank Earl of Martial Service.

Deputy General Cui and Deputy General Qin, serving as the left and right deputy generals respectively, displayed remarkable ferocity and fearlessness on the battlefield, securing second-class honors. They received one hundred taels of silver, two chests of precious treasures, fifty bolts of silk, and were granted the title of Third Rank Valiant Cavalry Captain.

Young officers such as Xia Tingfeng and Yang Chenyi, who distinguished themselves through their exceptional skill in vanquishing enemies, were awarded third-class honors, comprising fifty taels of silver, one chest of valuable treasures, and twenty bolts of silk.

Following them were minor officers like Tiger and Rat, who made significant contributions to the campaign.

Tiger was honorably promoted to the position of Fourth Rank Defender of the city gate, receiving a reward of one chest of treasures and ten bolts of silk.

Rat was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of War, assuming a role as a Seventh Rank Deputy, and was awarded five bolts of silk.

Although his new position was not of the highest rank, given Rat's proven abilities, a future of promotion and advancement was undoubtedly on the horizon.

The final series of bestowed rewards were designated for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice and rendered extraordinary service.

In addition to the official decrees issued to comfort the families of ordinary soldiers who had perished, there were also specific individuals who merited special recognition.

These included Hai Tang and... Monster.

Even though Hai Tang was a princess from an enemy nation, she had, after all, served within the Ministry of War for numerous years and had ultimately sacrificed herself for the Great Chu Dynasty.

Zhao Junyao, demonstrating magnanimity, bestowed upon her the distinguished title of First-Rank Protectorate General, a decision met with unanimous approval from all civil and military officials present.

As for Monster.

Because he held no official position prior, nor possessed a noble title, and his very name was unknown.

Zhao Junyao pondered for a moment.

First, he bestowed upon him the coveted national surname, a truly exceptional honor. Subsequently, he conferred upon him the title of Seventh Rank Knight of Grace. Finally, an auspicious burial site within the Capital City was carefully selected, and the Ministry of Rites was specifically instructed to conduct his interment with full honors.

The bestowal of the national surname was an exceedingly rare occurrence, representing the most uncommon and cherished of all accolades.

Under typical circumstances, only those ministers who commanded the utmost trust of the Emperor would ever be granted such a distinction.

None had anticipated that an ordinary commoner like Monster would receive such unparalleled recognition.

Setting aside their personal grief over the loss of a dear comrade.

Xia Tingfeng, Tiger, and others expressed their genuine happiness for him.

Thus.

Regardless of whether one held a high rank, a low rank, or had fallen as a martyr.

No one was left unrecognized; every individual received military commendations and appropriate rewards.

An atmosphere of widespread contentment permeated the entire Capital City.

And so.

A grand military campaign was finally brought to a successful conclusion.

Order was re-established, and the populace felt secure and at ease.

The Aftermath of War:

It has been reported that the Western Xia Kingdom has welcomed a new Monarch, Hai Min, who is the son of King Hai Zhentian’s half-brother. This individual is youthful and displays great promise, possessing exceptional martial arts skills, abundant talent, and the deep affection of his populace. He is adept at governance during peacetime and skilled in command and maintaining public morale during times of conflict.

Ever since Hai Min ascended to the throne of Western Xia, he has actively pursued diplomatic relations with Great Chu. He specifically dispatched envoys to Great Chu to acquire knowledge of their advanced farming and breeding techniques. Under his guidance, the people of Western Xia undertook significant projects, constructing canals, excavating rivers, cultivating vast tracts of fertile land, and raising abundant livestock.

Furthermore, Zhao Junyao of Great Chu, in recognition of the virtue displayed by King Hai Zhentian and his daughter, readily offered assistance. Consequently, the situation in Western Xia began to experience a gradual improvement. Western Xia commenced exporting goods such as cattle, sheep, dairy products, leather, fur, and cured meats. Great Chu accepted all these commodities without exception, in exchange for essential goods like rice, cotton, hemp, silk, and tea.

Trade along the border between the two nations flourished, and the citizens’ financial resources steadily grew. The general populace is, in fact, quite easy to satisfy. When their pockets are full of coin, their homes are stocked with provisions, they have families, their lives hold a sense of hope, and their daily existence is filled with contentment. With such prosperity, thoughts of rebellion or conflict begin to fade.

However, their cultural practices remain distinct from those of Great Chu. The people of Great Chu, in their leisure hours, delight in drinking wine and composing poetry, engaging in chess matches with friends, enjoying leisurely boat rides on lakes, savoring conversations over tea, and discussing opera, with a plethora of entertainment options available.

In contrast, the people of Western Xia, during their free time. Young men find enjoyment in friendly wrestling matches and horse racing. Young women take pleasure in lively singing and dancing around crackling bonfires. Their traditional customs, while retaining a certain boldness, have shed their former ferocity.

The sharp, predatory glint in their eyes has gradually subsided, and the menacing fangs have slowly receded. In their place has emerged a zest for life, a straightforward generosity, a spirit of warmth, and a welcoming hospitality. Each nation possesses its unique culture, and mutual admiration, seeking harmony amidst diversity, is the ideal path forward.

Zhao Junyao found this outcome most gratifying.

’A mouth without lips feels the cold!’

’To have a neighboring country that is equally prosperous and amicable is far superior to a famished wolf, constantly sharpening its teeth, plotting ways to harass one’s own borders, time and time again!’

As things stand now.

The populace in the Northwest regions enjoys a sense of peace and tranquility. Coupled with the annual expansion of trade routes and transportation networks. The economic well-being of the people in the Northwest has also seen significant growth, with the disparities between the North and South, and between colder and warmer climates, diminishing with each passing year.

A stable populace suggests that Great Chu can continue to experience an era of prosperity and thriving development. But these are matters for the future. For the present moment, let us direct our attention to what is happening now.

...

Ever since the triumphant return of the army, the capital city has regained its vibrant atmosphere. Storytellers, with animated flair, tirelessly disseminate tales of the Great Chu Army's valor through various artistic expressions. Merchants, conversing in small groups, gather at street corners. Wang Laowu, who sells buns on East Street; Li Laoliu, operating the tailor shop on West Street. Matchmaker Liu, found in North Alley; Embroideress Zhang, residing in South Lane.

From all directions, people of all ages, men and women, the old and young, eagerly munch on sunflower seeds and conduct their daily shopping. When they have spare moments, they invariably seek opportunities to gather and share conversations.

For a period, every teahouse, tavern, street, and alley echoed with narratives of the heroes from the frontline. The public was completely captivated.

Zhao Junyao was immensely pleased, and the atmosphere within the palace was infused with great enthusiasm. The ladies of the harem, who had been worried for many months, finally exhaled sighs of relief. Having abstained from venturing out for extended periods, they promptly adorned themselves stylishly to visit the Imperial Garden, seeking the beauty of the flowers and the picturesque scenery.

Seated in small groups, they exchanged a variety of surprising and novel accounts from the front lines. Their cheerful chatter and laughter filled the air, making the Imperial Garden several times more lively than its usual state.