Chapter 257: Great Xia, King of the South (2)

“That’s too bad.”

This was the first time Zhou Shu had encountered someone giving up a ranked weapon to someone else.

But he was long past the stage of worrying about the sale of weapons. If Meng Bai didn’t want it, there were plenty of others who would.

It was no exaggeration to say that countless people wanted the weapons he forged.

Zhou Shu put away the Heavenly Halberd indifferently and asked, “Great General, which general in Great Xia do you think is suitable for this Heavenly Halberd?”

“There are many generals in Great Xia who are used to using such weapons.” Meng Bai pondered for a moment and casually said a few names. “I’ll get them to look for you later. As for the exact transaction, you can discuss it with them. I won’t interfere.”

After asking Meng Bai about the generals, Zhou Shu stopped talking about the Heavenly Halberd.

Instead, he talked to Meng Bai about the weapons in the army.

After a few more days, the Great Xia diplomatic mission finally crossed the border between Great Liang and Great Xia and returned to Great Xia.

“Dragon banner?” Just as they turned at the foot of a mountain, Meng Bai’s expression suddenly changed slightly.

“Father?!” Yin Wuyou also exclaimed.

Ahead, large groups of men and horses appeared. The dragon banner representing the emperor fluttered, emitting a fierce wind.

“His Majesty is here?” Zhou Shu was also surprised.

While everyone was stunned, the troops in front of them were already moving toward them.

“Congratulations on your triumphant return, children of Great Xia!” A voice filled the sky.

“Congratulations!” Thunderous voices boomed.

The figures of Great Xia’s civil and military officials appeared in front of them, cupping their hands at the Great Xia diplomatic mission.

Emperor Yuan Feng also appeared on a chariot. His expression was serious as he cupped his hands and bowed slightly to the Great Xia diplomatic mission.

“On behalf of Great Xia, thank you, heroes!”

The dignified ruler of a country bowed to the members of the diplomatic mission in public. This scene made the eyes of everyone in the Great Xia diplomatic mission turn red.

They bowed in unison.

“Long live Your Majesty!”

This scene made Zhou Shu’s blood boil.

Although he knew that this was just a show put on by the emperor, he had to admit that it felt comfortable.

“His Majesty has decreed that the diplomatic mission has earned Great Xia the right to host the Ten Nations Martial Arts Tournament and has achieved great merits.”

Eunuch Zhao’s voice sounded in the air.

“The diplomatic mission’s official envoy, Zhou Shu, has made great contributions. He has been conferred the title of Great Xia’s King of the South and a fief of ten thousand households.

“The deputy envoy of the diplomatic mission, Shi Songtao, has worked hard and contributed greatly. He has been conferred the title of earl…

“Deputy Envoy Lu Wenshuang…”

Eunuch Zhao continued to announce the decree.

Almost everyone in the Great Xia diplomatic mission was rewarded.

Shi Songtao and the others felt like they had ascended to the heavens.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Shi Songtao screamed especially loudly.

His goal this time was to get some credit.

He didn’t expect that he would get a watermelon when all he wanted was a sesame seed.

I, Shi Songtao, am now an earl?

In the future, others will have to call me Earl!

An earl might not be too high in rank, but it was an honor.

Many in the diplomatic mission were as excited as Shi Songtao.

The commander of the guards, Chen Ji, was promoted by one rank.

Demon Executing Army Lieutenant Yin Chengshan was promoted by one rank.

Divine Constable Yang Hong was promoted by one rank.

…

Apart from Zhou Shu and the expressionless Lu Wenshuang, everyone was overjoyed.

He knew that he would be rewarded for his meritorious service this time, but he didn’t expect the reward to come so quickly and unexpectedly.

After Eunuch Zhao finished announcing everyone’s rewards, he paused and said in a deep voice, “Diplomatic mission advisor, Meng Bai…

“From today onward, you will be reinstated and continue to lead the three armies of Great Xia!”

“Great General, Great Xia still has to trouble you.” Emperor Yuan Feng’s voice sounded.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Meng Bai was stunned for a moment before bowing with a responsible expression.

He was actually a little embarrassed now. Back when he went to Great Qin, he had gone with the intention of dying on the way.

At the time, with his injuries, it was unlikely that he would return alive.

But now, not only had his injuries recovered, but his cultivation had even improved.

It turned his retirement into a joke.

Could someone like him really retire?

Now that Emperor Yuan Feng had given him a way back, he could only take the opportunity to accept. As for the rest, he would talk about it later.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.” Yin Wuyou blinked mischievously and smiled at Zhou Shu.

Zhou Shu deliberately straightened his face and said seriously, “His Majesty is too petty. He actually didn’t reward you, Grand Minister. I have to suggest it to His Majesty later!”

Yin Wuyou stuck out her tongue, her eyes filled with sweetness.

“King of the South!” A voice sounded in Zhou Shu’s ear.

Zhou Shu was stunned for a moment before realizing that someone was calling him.

The name ‘King of the South’ gave Zhou Shu a special feeling.

He always felt like a conscientious scumbag…

He suspected that Emperor Yuan Feng did it on purpose!

“Did you call me?” He looked around, and his gaze landed on Lu Wenshuang.

Lu Wenshuang was expressionless, but her eyes flickered. “After returning to Chang’an, I want to spar with you again. This time, I hope you can use the Astounding Heavenly Eighteen Swords Technique!”

Spar?

Are you not afraid of death?!

Zhou Shu rolled his eyes inwardly. “No, thank you. I’m not interested”.

“Are you looking down on me?” Lu Wenshuang said coldly. “I’ve gained some insights on this trip. In a few months at most, I’ll be able to break through to the second rank of the Martial Dao! At that time, I might have the chance to defeat you!”

“We’ll talk about it when you break through to the first rank,” Zhou Shu said in annoyance.

Before anyone else challenged him, Lu Wenshuang had come to join in the fun.

Indeed, Meng Bai was right. He wasn’t able to scare off anyone with his achievements in Great Qin.

There would be plenty of such challenges in the future.

“Break through to the first rank?” Lu Wenshuang’s gaze suddenly became a little strange. She sized up Zhou Shu.

Zhou Shu felt like she wanted to strip him naked.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Zhou Shu said angrily, “Don’t even think about it. Impossible!”

Lu Wenshuang said nothing. She turned her head and spurred her horse forward.

For some reason, Zhou Shu felt a chill run down his back.

He scratched his head. What danger could he be in with his current cultivation?

Before he could think further, Emperor Yuan Feng had already arrived in front of him.

Emperor Yuan Feng kept a straight face and said indifferently, “Well done.”

“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty,” Zhou Shu said.

“I’ve already arranged for people to start building your Huaxia Pavilion according to the blueprints you left. The imperial court will bear all the expenses,” Emperor Yuan Feng continued.

His face remained expressionless, as if he wanted to be nice to him but was desperately trying to maintain his dignity.

Zhou Shu was secretly delighted. The imperial court is paying to help me build the Huaxia Pavilion?

What a good thing.

I saved money!

Saving money is making money. Emperor Yuan Feng is quite considerate.

“Father~” Yin Wuyou stuck out her tongue.

She was in the wrong for running away from home this time.

“Hmph.” Emperor Yuan Feng snorted arrogantly and didn’t even look at her.

Emperor Yuan Feng walked up to Meng Bai and smiled.

“I’m glad that you’re better, Great General. It’s a joyous event.”

It was obvious that the smile on Emperor Yuan Feng’s face was sincere.

“Your Majesty.” Meng Bai was touched. “I can still accompany Your Majesty for a while.”

“With you around, I can sleep in peace,” Emperor Yuan Feng said.

“Your Majesty, this Ten Nations Martial Arts Tournament—” Meng Bai said.

Emperor Yuan Feng shook his head. “Everyone is tired after returning from a long journey. Let’s rest for the night and talk about this after returning to Chang’an.

Emperor Yuan Feng raised his voice, “I have prepared delicious food for everyone. Today, we are not separated by status. Everyone, enjoy yourselves!”

A thunderous cheer resounded.

Zhou Shu looked at the scene in front of him. Compared to the domineering and arrogant Qin emperor who had almost brought Great Qin to its doom, he felt that this somewhat indecisive and arrogant Emperor Yuan Feng was more likable.

This was probably one of the reasons he wanted to stay in Great Xia. He turned his head just in time to see that stunning smile.