Shortly after, outside the imperial city, the Dragon Emperor stood by, surrounded by civil and military officials, the scene exceedingly grand. Today was the day the great army returned victorious, and the Dragon Emperor himself had come to welcome them, drawing considerable attention.
"In the entire White Dragon Dynasty, such a grand display has not been seen in centuries!"
"Who says not! To have the Dragon Emperor personally come to welcome them, it means they have rendered immense meritorious service, otherwise, such a reception would be impossible!"
Conversations abounded, with many discussing the matter and 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 bestowals.
Meanwhile, about ten kilometers outside the imperial city, Lu Fan's carriage stopped. Patriarch Li spoke, "The Dragon Emperor is personally waiting within the imperial city. The million-strong army is stationed here; there must be no mistakes!" Su Dan Novel Network
Numerous soldiers nodded, not daring to hesitate. The imperial city could not accommodate a million troops, so they could only wait ten kilometers away.
"Your Highness Princess, we have reached the outskirts of the imperial city. We should proceed on our own now!" Patriarch Li said, cupping his fists.
"Thank you for your hard work on this journey, Patriarch Li!" Princess Linglong smiled. "With this great victory, and Patriarch Li as the commander, you are sure to receive great rewards!"
"I am already in my twilight years, and these rewards are not important to me," Patriarch Li smiled. "Having reached this point, I only wish for my descendants to be safe; that is enough."
"Patriarch Li, please do not speak such disheartening words. With Patriarch Li present, who could possibly shake the Li family?" Princess Linglong said directly. "However, speaking of which, for my father to have personally led this contingent, there must be a reason."
"This..."
Patriarch Li was slightly startled, his expression showing a hint of panic. He knew very well that if this matter were known to Linglong, it might cause unnecessary trouble. After all, the assassination attempt on the驸马 had been concluded. To bring it up again 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 accompanying them, presenting a formidable procession.
"Congratulations on your glorious return!" The Dragon Emperor's voice resonated throughout the imperial city.
The imperial city instantly erupted in cheers, igniting fervent spirits and an unending sense of valor.
Faced with such a grand reception ceremony, the disciples of the Li family were quite pleased, as this battle was a moment of pride for their family.
For many years, the Li family had never experienced such a day, and to be so favored by the Emperor today, how could they not be moved?
After everyone returned to the palace, the Dragon Emperor turned his gaze towards Lu Fan. "I heard that the驸马 was kidnapped by the Eighth Prince's Estate? Is this true?"
"Indeed, there was such an incident," Lu Fan said, cupping his fists. "Before I became the驸马, I had offended the Eighth Prince's Estate, which is why they took this opportunity to retaliate!"
"That is all in the past. Now that you are the驸马 of our White Dragon Dynasty, and the Eighth Prince's Estate still dares to act against you!" the Dragon Emperor said with dissatisfaction.
"That's right. For the sake of dealing with the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the驸马 made a great contribution. The Eighth Prince's Estate doing something like this is truly disappointing," Patriarch Li 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 Patriarch Li stated, if this were indeed the case, the royal family could not stand idly by, or where would the royal dignity be?
"Dragon Emperor, there is no need to worry. It is merely a small matter, and I can handle it myself," Lu Fan said, cupping his fists, his tone quite serious.
With Lu Fan's words, the Dragon Emperor was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Lu Fan to speak so boldly, without any apparent concern.
"The驸马 is merely speaking out of humility. Father, you must stand up for us!" Princess Linglong pleaded. "The Eighth Prince's Estate doing such a thing utterly ruins the royal family's reputation. If this spreads, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the White Dragon Dynasty's royal family."
"Even if you hadn't said anything, I would have investigated this matter thoroughly," the Dragon Emperor stated directly. "He is your beloved; how could I allow him to suffer a loss?"
"Thank you, Father!"
Princess Linglong cupped her fists again, her face beaming with joy. With the Dragon Emperor's words, it was enough, for this was the promise of an emperor.
After the welcoming ceremony, everyone dispersed, awaiting the congratulatory banquet in the evening.
As Lu Fan walked a few steps, Princess Linglong stopped him. "Tonight is the congratulatory banquet. Father will surely bestow many rewards. Have you thought about what you want?"
"Will I get whatever I ask for?"
Lu Fan smiled, his gaze earnest.
"Under normal circumstances, yes!" 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 untrue!" 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, any treasure within the imperial palace, I can acquire." Princess Linglong stated earnestly.
"I want something, something that is quite 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 imperial palace doesn't. Just say it," Princess Linglong said earnestly. "As long as I can do it, I will surely fulfill your request."
Lu Fan felt a touch of gratitude and then smiled. "I will try my luck at the congratulatory banquet tonight!"
"Alright, since you are insistent, I won't say more!" Princess Linglong smiled. "However, my words still stand: you are now the驸马 of the White Dragon Dynasty. Whatever you need, you can state it directly, and I will certainly help you obtain it."
Lu Fan nodded slightly but said nothing further. After all, this matter required absolute certainty. Moreover, the Spiritual Gathering Bottle was not in Princess Linglong's possession, and it would not be easy to make her part with it.
Not long after, the entire imperial city was filled with joy. The congratulatory assembly was imminent and naturally drew considerable attention, as such an event was no ordinary affair, and everyone wished to attend.
Anyone whose name was called would undoubtedly receive great rewards; of this, no one had any doubts.
And the Dragon Emperor, seated in the place of honor, wore a smile. With the great army returning victorious and many generals filled with pride, he too was extremely pleased.
After all, with the borders secure, it was the greatest fortune for any emperor.