Not long after, outside the imperial city, the Dragon Emperor stood to the side, surrounded by civil and military officials. The scene was exceptionally grand, as it was the day the army returned victorious. The Dragon Emperor had personally come to greet them, drawing much attention.
"It's been hundreds of years since the White Dragon Dynasty has seen such a grand occasion!"
"Who says not! To have the Dragon Emperor personally come to greet them, this must be due to immense merit, otherwise, it would be impossible!"
Conversations continued, and the crowd discussed animatedly, their gazes fixed on the grand avenue. Today, the million-strong army was to arrive outside the imperial city to receive the Dragon Emperor's rewards.
About ten kilometers outside the imperial city, Lu Fan's carriage stopped. The Li family head said, "The Dragon Emperor is personally welcoming us within the imperial city. The million-strong army is stationed here, no delays allowed!" Su Dan Novel Network
Numerous soldiers nodded, not daring to hesitate. The imperial city could not accommodate a million-strong army, so they could only wait ten kilometers away.
"Your Highness, we have reached the border of the imperial city. We should proceed alone!" The Li family head cupped his fists.
"Thank you for your hard work on this journey, Family Head Li!" Princess Linglong smiled. "With this great victory, and you as the commander, you will surely receive great rewards!"
"I am already in my twilight years, and these rewards are not important to me," the Li family head smiled. "Now that we have reached this point, I only hope for the safety of my descendants, and that is enough."
"Family Head Li, please do not speak discouragingly. With you here, who can shake the Li family?" Princess Linglong said directly. "However, speaking of which, the Emperor sent you to lead the team personally this time, there must be a reason."
"This..."
The Li family head was slightly startled, his expression becoming somewhat flustered. He knew very well that if Princess Linglong found out about this matter, it might cause unnecessary trouble. After all, the assassination of the驸马 had come to an end. If it were to be brought up again, it would not be good for the Li family.
Not long after, many experts from the Li family arrived within the imperial city, with Princess Linglong and others following closely, appearing quite imposing.
"Congratulations on your triumphant return!" The Dragon Emperor's voice resounded throughout the imperial city.
Instantly, cheers erupted within the imperial city, igniting the passion of the crowd and stirring an unending fighting spirit.
Faced with such a grand welcoming ceremony, the disciples of the Li family were also quite pleased, as this battle was a moment of triumph for their family.
The Li family had never experienced such an occasion in all these years. Today, they were favored by the Emperor, how could they not be moved.
After everyone returned to the palace, the Dragon Emperor turned his gaze to Lu Fan. "I heard that the驸马 was kidnapped by the Eighth Prince's Mansion? Is this true?"
"That is indeed the case," Lu Fan cupped his fists. "Before I became the驸马, I offended the Eighth Prince's Mansion, which is why they took this opportunity to retaliate!"
"That was all in the past. Now you are the驸马 of our White Dragon Dynasty, and the Eighth Prince's Mansion still dares to attack you!" the Dragon Emperor said with some displeasure.
"That's right. For this campaign against the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the驸马 made a great contribution. The Eighth Prince's Mansion doing such a thing is truly disappointing," the Li family head interjected. "After all, the驸马 is a great hero of the White Dragon Dynasty. Such actions are extremely inappropriate."
The Dragon Emperor frowned slightly. As the Li family head said, if this were true, the royal family must intervene. Otherwise, where would the royal authority lie?
"Your Majesty need not worry. It is merely a small matter, and I can handle it myself," Lu Fan cupped his fists, his words earnest.
With Lu Fan's statement, the Dragon Emperor was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Lu Fan to speak in such a manner, without any apparent concern.
"The驸马 is merely being modest. Your Majesty must uphold justice for us!" Princess Linglong said repeatedly. "The Eighth Prince's Mansion doing such a thing is simply tarnishing the reputation of the royal family. If this matter spreads, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the royal family of the White Dragon Dynasty."
"Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have investigated this matter thoroughly," the Dragon Emperor stated directly. "He is your beloved, how could I let him suffer a loss."
"Thank you, Father!"
Princess Linglong cupped her fists, her face beaming with joy. With the Dragon Emperor's words, it was enough. After all, this was an Emperor's promise.
After the welcoming ceremony, everyone dispersed, awaiting the celebratory banquet that evening.
Lu Fan had not taken many steps before Princess Linglong stopped him. "Tonight is the celebratory banquet. Father will surely bestow many rewards. Have you thought about what you want?"
"Can I get whatever I want?"
Lu Fan smiled, his gaze earnest.
"Under normal circumstances, it should be so!" Princess Linglong smiled. "In my father's eyes, I am the most precious. Even I belong to you, so what else would my father be reluctant to give?"
"What you say is not false!" Lu Fan chuckled. "It seems tonight is an opportunity."
"What do you mean by that? Is there something you need to obtain? If so, you can tell me. As a princess of the royal family, I can obtain any treasure within the palace." Princess Linglong said directly.
"I want something, something that is very important to me, but unfortunately, you do not have it!" Lu Fan shook his head.
"Just because I don't have it doesn't mean the palace doesn't. Just tell me," Princess Linglong said earnestly. "As long as I can do it, I will surely satisfy you."
Lu Fan felt a touch of gratitude and then smiled. "I will try tonight at the celebratory banquet!"
"Alright, since you insist, I won't say much more!" Princess Linglong smiled. "But I reiterate, you are now the驸马 of the White Dragon Dynasty. No matter what you need, you can state it directly, and I will definitely help you obtain it."
Lu Fan nodded slightly but said no more. After all, this matter required absolute certainty. Moreover, the Ju Ling Bottle was not in Princess Linglong's possession, so it would not be easy to get her to hand it over.
Not long after, the entire imperial city was filled with joy. The celebratory assembly was imminent, naturally drawing much attention. After all, this assembly was extraordinary, and no one wanted to miss it.
Anyone whose name was called would surely receive generous rewards. No one doubted this.
And the Dragon Emperor, seated in the main seat, wore a smile. With the war concluded and many generals filled with heroic spirit, he was also very pleased.
After all, with the borders secure, it was the greatest joy for a ruler.