Chapter 48: Is Gong the First? (Second update, seeking votes)

  After a long journey, Du He returned to Chang'an with the army. Due to the need to escort 30,000 prisoners of war along the way, the journey was delayed for quite some time, and it took nearly a month to reach their destination.

  Looking at the majestic and towering Chang'an City, Du He has a feeling that Hu Han San is back, and feels that this ancient capital is even more familiar.

  As soon as they arrived at the city gate, the band played a welcoming tune, and the celebrating citizens had been waiting for a long time.

  On the way to the imperial palace, people cheered and applauded along the streets, fired firecrackers and fireworks, every household hung lanterns and decorations, the atmosphere was intense, boiling with gratitude and enthusiasm of the Tang Dynasty people.

  This is not a posthumous event organized for propaganda purposes, but the heartfelt cry of the people of Datang, praising the mighty wind of Datang.

  Li Ji's name was being called out repeatedly. Faintly and vaguely, Du He even heard someone shouting his name, and he felt a sense of pride in his heart.

  Arriving at the Zhuque Gate, the victorious army of over 700,000 troops stood in formation, awaiting the emperor's inspection.

  Before long, Li Shimin's figure appeared on the palace wall of Zhuque Gate.

  "Long live Your Majesty!" The 700,000-strong army knelt down on one knee as soon as Li Shimin appeared, their voices echoing up to the sky.

  Li Shimin looked down at the triumphant army and shouted loudly: "All generals, stand at attention!" Then he looked up to the sky and laughed loudly: "The Tubo children dare to deceive me, you have destroyed 100,000 soldiers in just over a month to protect the Great Tang Mountains and Rivers. With such military power, who dares to resist...?" He said loudly to himself, and suddenly added at the end: "I am proud of you all!"

  A brief six words triggered a tsunami of reactions.

  Almost a hundred thousand soldiers of the Tang Dynasty held up their weapons and let out a thunderous roar in unison: "Tang! Long live! Your Majesty! Long live..." The sound shook the nine heavens, causing heaven and earth to change color.

  Du He couldn't help but cover his ears with both hands, and had to say that Li Shimin's method of winning people's hearts was quite brilliant. Looking around, every soldier's face was flushed with excitement.

  Suddenly, Du He discovered that Li Shimin's tiger eyes were staring straight at him, with a warning in his eyes. Remembering he still had something to ask of him, he couldn't help but put down his hands and raise them, following the cheers, but his expression wasn't so willing.

  To him, this cry had no practical significance.

  After nearly a year of getting along, Du He still had great respect for Emperor Li Shimin, although he was a bit stingy and unwilling to marry Princess Chang Le and Li Xueyan to himself at the same time. However, it cannot be denied that he is a good emperor and an excellent monarch worthy of loyalty.

  Under his leadership, Huaxia will inevitably occupy the top of the world, which is also the biggest reason why Du He is willing to serve Li Shimin.

  Li Shimin ordered a reward for the three armies and then received them in the main hall.

  In front of the civil and military officials, Du He followed Li Ji, Zhi Shi Li, Niu Jin Da, Liu Lan and other generals into the main hall with his head held high and a big stride, more than 20 senior and junior generals became the focus of attention for all the civil and military officials in the court.

  Du He also met his father Du Ruhui, who had been separated for nearly three months, in the imperial palace.

  Du Ruhui's eyes met Du He's, and in those deep eyes, there was a hint of pride. But as soon as he realized his gaze had been met, the pride vanished, replaced by a stern expression, very much like that of a strict father.

  Du He smiled and frankly said that Du Ruhui was a bit cold, but he really wasn't suitable to be a strict father.

  "Long live Your Majesty!" The generals bowed and paid their respects.

  "Hahaha... Ladies and gentlemen, please get up quickly! Get up!" Li Shimin was apparently very happy, with an excited face, almost wanting to come down and personally help them up.

  But seeing all the generals standing up straight and stopping in their tracks, he exclaimed: "All of you, my dear ministers, are worthy pillars of our great Tang Dynasty. The battle at Jiaohe was a brilliant victory, and I was so delighted when I received the news that I couldn't sleep all night!"

  "We bring great fortune to Your Majesty, and that's how we achieved such a magnificent victory!" Li Ji, Zhi Shi Li, Niu Jin Da, Liu Lan and others flattered in unison.

  The ones standing behind us were wide-eyed and staring, we fought bloody battles one by one, the results of which had nothing to do with Guan Gong.

  It's good that Li Shimin is not muddled, he waved his hand and smiled: "I am far away in Chang'an, the victory is all thanks to the generals' hard work, I don't have half a bit of merit!" Suddenly, he showed a thoughtful smile and said: "But this merit book by Li Ai makes me feel interesting!"

  He opened the merit book and read: "Left Weiwei Zhonglang General Du He..."

  When she heard her own name, Du He's spirit was greatly lifted, and she leaned in to listen carefully.

  Li Shimin's eyes scanned the group of officials, finally settling on Du He. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he spoke: "Before the battle, you presented a plan to lure the enemy and directly participated in the strategy discussion... During the retreat, you personally guarded the rear, disregarding your own safety, and rescued over 500 of our soldiers who were trapped in the enemy's formation... In the intense battle with the enemy, their great general Nangsong Yan Dong launched a desperate counterattack, breaking through several armies. You, as the commander, led your troops to destroy the enemy's offensive and personally killed Nangsong Yan Dong, securing victory... When Bie Chongwu and Ba Li rebelled against our Great Tang, you took on the role of acting governor to quell the internal unrest... When Bailan Qiong allied with Tibet and secretly harbored our rebels, you attacked and defeated them..."

  A long scroll of merit, seemingly recording Du He's achievements all along the way.

  Li Shimin glanced at Du He and then looked at Li Ji, saying: "Li Ai said in the merit book that Du Zhonglang's plan is always able to hit the vital point. Although he is young, he is brave and has a strategy, and his handling of affairs is decisive and bold, with the style of his father. His merits are first-class."

  "Uh..." Du He was somewhat stunned. He didn't deny that he had indeed made great contributions, but this first place he didn't dare to accept.

  Li Ji commanded with distinction, and in a situation where the military strength was equal, he trapped and killed the Tibetan soldiers, not letting one escape. Just this achievement alone is no less than Du Huo's war merit, let alone that he was the commander of the three armies?

  "Huang..." Du He was about to speak, but saw Li Shimin secretly give him a signal with his eyes, as if telling him not to speak.

  "I'm very curious, you are all famous generals who have been through hundreds of battles, why did you let a junior take the lead!" Li Shimin said with a hint of implication, his eyes gazing at Xu Shiji, Niu Jinda and Liu Rang.

  Zhilü and Niu Jin were both prominent generals of the direct vassals, and Du He's handling of the Yan and Luo states was very much to their taste. Liu Lan also felt grateful towards Du He for saving his 500 soldiers.

  All three of them had a good impression of Du He, and since Du He's performance was indeed outstanding, they all praised him for his achievements at such a young age. Although they found it strange that he was the first to succeed, no one opposed it.

  Du He said, "Your Majesty, I am not worthy of this credit! In the battle at Jiaohe, General Li commanded with certainty and defeated the Tibetan army despite being outnumbered. This achievement is beyond my abilities! Moreover, this victory was not due to one person's efforts, but rather the collective effort of the three armies. If I were on the battlefield, what could I have done?"

  Although he didn't know what Li Shimin was thinking, Du He didn't dare to take credit for someone else's achievements.

  It's his, no one else dares to take it; if it's not his, he won't bother to claim it.

  That's the basic principle!

  This brushed against Li Shimin's face, but instead of getting angry, he burst out laughing and asked those around him: "What do you gentlemen think?"