Not mentioning the Western Army watching in confusion on the other side of the river, when General Zhong received Chang Geng's letter delivered by the wooden bird, he was in shock, secretly scolding this madman for behaving this excessively.

However, both Yan Wang and the Marquis of Order came in person. Two civil and military officers in charge of Jiangbei affairs had to come out personally to welcome them.

Zhong Chan greeted with the proper courtesy: "Greeting to Your Royal Highness Yan Wang and Marshal Gu..."

Both of them had been his apprentice in the past. Neither would let the old general bow to them, both stepped forward to lift him up, one left, one right.

Gu Yun's eyes inadvertently passed over the back of General Zhong's hand which was covered with tiny brown spots. It seemed as if only one layer of skin was left, and a scent of aging poured onto his face.

Zhong Chan had passed an age rarely seen before, although his back was still straight, his hair was already white. He was unable to bear the weight of a Light Armor of tens of kilograms, so he was wearing only thin armor for symbolism.

Gu Yun looked at him, feeling a mixture of many emotions for a moment.

He used to admire General Zhong very much, wishing he could follow his example - discarding his official position and title together, keeping his name anonymous, and wandering the world. No one would be able to find him. How happy it would be.

However, as his wishes came in a full circle, before he could go, General Zhong had returned with his old body. Both of them - one from the South, one from the North - dedicated to doing their part. Gu Yun felt as if he had seen a circle of fate that could not be avoided.

Zhong Chan glanced at Chang Geng with an unfathomable look, then watched Gu Yun and said, "Marshal Gu's complexion does not seem to be very good."

Gu Yun laughed and said, "I received the imperial order to ensure that the two imperial envoys, Yan Wang and Master Xu, were safely sent back to the capital. As a result, we fell into the enemy's ranks right after we set off. I was frightened to death. How could my complexion look good?"

Zhong Chan said lightly, "In this case, let's discuss the matter of a feast for later. Chong Ze, you first arrange for the masters to change clothes and bathe, rest for a while before discussing anything else. In these crucial times, there are still some military affairs to take care of, I cannot accompany you all."

After that, he took a look at Yan Wang with not much enthusiasm or friendliness, put his hands together in an indifferent way, and turned away. Chang Geng knew that the old general was not very satisfied with his arrangement, thus he stood aside obediently and did not say a word.