"Xie Jue does not enjoy occasions like this, and Junior General Fang has a carefree nature that makes him detest such socializing as well." Feng Shu chuckled lightly. "Xie Zhang is the eldest son of the Marquis Mansion. He cannot avoid such gatherings; even if he wants to escape, the Marquis would wrangle him back."
Marquis Zhenbei led Xie Zhang, along with his army, to kneel and bow. Emperor Jianming hurried forward before Marquis Zhenbei could kneel, helping him up. What followed was the customary exchange of pleasantries between monarch and subject, amid a bustling and lively atmosphere. The Emperor's personal greeting was the highest honor for a victorious general. Marquis Zhenbei had not expected Emperor Jianming to personally come out of the city to welcome them and displayed a humble demeanor. He resolutely attributed their victory to divine blessings and the valor of his soldiers, declaring that the Beiman forces were utterly routed and the heavens favored Yanyang.
