This day was a sleepless night for many people. Zhang San looked at the bright moon hanging in the sky, and thousands of thoughts arose in his heart.
"Look up at the bright moon, lower your head and miss your hometown." Zhang San murmured, now having a deeper understanding of this poem.
The wheel of history finally went on the right track, and Jieli was finally captured alive. From now on, Jieli will spend the rest of his miserable life in Chang'an.
Of course, these have nothing to do with Zhang San. He left home in February and it is almost October now. Tomorrow Zhang San will be able to follow Cheng Yaojin back to Chang'an.
Looking back on my experiences over the past six months or so, it feels like I am in a dream.
The sun rises in the east, and the military camp becomes lively again. The defense of the border town is also handed over to the Yingzhou garrison. Without the danger of Turks, I think the border town will gradually regain its vitality.
"Sir, we have packed our things and are ready to leave at any time." Genzi came to Zhang San and said.
"Xiao San, when you return to Chang'an this time, you will definitely be promoted to a noble rank by the emperor. Then look at those idiots who dare to say that you will be knighted without any military merit."
When Zhang San heard what Cheng Chumo said, he chuckled: "If I have a choice, I would rather be a common person."
"No, I'm not pursuing it. Brother, my biggest dream is to be like my father and make a successful career on horseback." Cheng Chumo sneered at Zhang San's idea.
"Okay, let's not talk anymore. You should pack up. We are about to set off."
Cheng Chumo then asked.
"There's nothing, everything is packed, let's go."
After the war, the border town was completely silent. Even after walking a long way to Yingzhou, Zhang San didn't see many pedestrians.
As we went south, the number of pedestrians gradually increased, and there were also many people who had fled the war and were heading north with their families. They must have known that the war was over and the Turks had been destroyed, so they wanted to return to their homes.
Zhang San rode his horse and saw fleeing people from time to time. They were in ragged clothes, with sallow complexion and thin skin. As expected, "In prosperity, the people are suffering, in death, the people are suffering!"
When the army returned from victory, a grand welcome ceremony was naturally indispensable. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Rites, a group of civil and military officials marched fifty miles out of the city to welcome them.
All kinds of songs with beautiful words make people feel relaxed and happy.
Zhang San was not interested in this welcome ceremony at all, and even felt a little disgusted in his heart. However, for those soldiers, these were undoubtedly the greatest honors. Zhang San also patiently listened to the praises of the officials of the Ministry of Rites.
The large army was stationed in Wugong County not far outside Chang'an City. Cheng Yaojin led some major generals back to Chang'an to return the military symbols.
Cheng Yaojin knew that Zhang San missed his family so much that he asked Zhang San to go back to reunite with his family in advance.
"Uncle Cheng, my nephew will go back first. Chu Mo, when you are free, come to Zhangjia Village. Brother, I will treat you to wine and meat!"
Zhang San said goodbye to Cheng Yaojin, said goodbye to Cheng Chumo, and hurried to Zhangjiacun with Genzi and others.
"Sir, we are finally back. The air here smells good to me." The whole journey was very fast. When approaching Zhangjiacun, several people slowed down and took a deep breath. Erwazi shouted happily.
"Take it easy, your legs are just right. You were riding so fast just now, so be careful that the recovered bones are dislocated." Zhang San warned.
"Don't worry, Sir, my bones are strong, it's okay." Erwazi grinned.
"Go home, let's go!"
Zhang San didn't say much after hearing this. The closer he got to home, the more he missed him. He shouted and continued running to Zhangjiacun.
"Captain, look at the fast horses running towards our village in front of you. Hey! Captain, look, does the horseman in front of you look like our lord? No, our young master?"
On the outskirts of Zhangjia Village, the escort team was patrolling. Suddenly they heard the sound of galloping horses in the distance, and a member of the escort team shouted to Zhang Fugui.
"What does it look like? It means that the young master has returned in triumph. Six sons, please go back and tell the young lady and my father that the young master is back."
After Zhang Fugui finished speaking, he rode his horse in the direction of Zhang San and others. After hearing this, the six sons also happily rode back to the village to report the news.
"Young Master, it's Brother Fugui." Erwazi saw Zhang Fugui coming on horseback and shouted happily.
"Young Master, Genzi, Zou Rong, you are all back safely, that's great!" Zhang Fugui jumped off the horse and said happily when he saw Zhang San and the others back safely.
"Fugui, long time no see! Thank you so much for your hard work while I was away from home." Zhang San also got off his horse and hugged Zhang Fugui. Zhang San was also very happy to see an acquaintance.
"It's not hard, it's not hard."
"Let's go home."
Several people mounted their horses again, and when they approached Zhang San's residence, they saw many villagers gathered on both sides of the road. Xiaomei, Xiaoyu, Su Xin and Muramasa were standing at the intersection looking at Zhang San, crying with joy.
Zhang San didn't wait for the horse to stop, then jumped off. After going to the border to polish, Zhang San's equestrian skills have reached the level of proficiency.
"Third brother!" The younger sister rushed forward a few steps and shouted these two words from her mouth, her voice becoming more choked up.
"Little sister, third brother misses you so much." Zhang San picked up the little sister and patted the little sister's back gently. After months of confinement, there was nothing more worrying than the little sister.
"Son."
After several shouts, Xiaoyu and Suxin also came to Zhang San's side, while Xie Huaer was a few steps behind.
Zhang San let go of his little sister and came to Xiaoyu. He was very happy when he saw Xiaoyu's eyes were red and her mouth was smiling.
Zhang San gave Xiaoyu a big hug and shouted softly: "Xiaoyu, this young master is back."
Xiaoyu blushed at first, and then hugged Zhang San gently. Feeling Zhang San's strong arms, her heart was filled with sweetness and security.
"Su Xin, you are getting more and more beautiful." There were many people here, Zhang San just hugged Xiaoyu and let go. When he saw Su Xin, he couldn't help but praise her.
"Sir, you make fun of me as soon as you come back." Su Xin said a little shyly when she saw Zhang San praising herself in public.
"Hua'er, Muramasa, Da Zhuang...it's so great to see you again!" Zhang San was very happy to see the people of Zhangjia Village and the teachers from the school coming to greet him.
During those days at the border, I couldn't sleep well every day. After returning to Zhangjiacun for just a few minutes, I felt a sense of peace and solidity in my heart.
"The young master has made a triumphant return. The old man and the whole village are also very happy to see the young master. You still have roots. This time you accompany the young master to the border, but you have gained face for us Zhangjiacun people. Okay, very good, you are all good
That’s it, let’s go home.”
Muramasa touched this and looked at that. He was very happy to see that several people came back safely.
"Let's go back. Our village will have a great celebration tonight!"
After the village leader finished speaking, he ordered several villagers to go back and kill pigs and sheep to cleanse themselves of Zhang San and others.