Duan Wei was overjoyed to hear this, not expecting Liu Jin to have heard of his reputation.
However, he still spoke modestly, “General, you flatter me. My humble name is not worth mentioning.”
“On the contrary, the General’s pacification of the Yellow Turban has shaken Hebei, and the common people all praise him.”
“Even though I guard this Yellow River ferry, I often hear the common people speak of the General’s virtue.”
Liu Jin stroked his palm and laughed heartily upon hearing this, not being modest at all.
His greatest achievement was the pacification of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and he naturally had to rely on this Merit to establish his prestige.
So, the two chatted for a while, finding themselves kindred spirits.
Duan Wei said with a smile, courteously, “General, I have already ordered boats to be prepared. We can cross the river now, and after another day’s journey, we should arrive in Luoyang tomorrow morning, just as the curfew is lifted, allowing us to enter the city.”
Liu Jin nodded, not delaying further.
After all, he was going to Luoyang to receive rewards, and if he arrived late, or was even accused of being arrogant due to his achievements, it would displease the Emperor.
Soon, over a hundred people, led by soldiers, arrived at the bank of the Yellow River. Several multi-decked boats were docked in the water. After loading the horses and supplies, they boarded.
The boats slowly began to move across the surging Yellow River towards the opposite bank.
Liu Jin stood on the deck, feeling as if he were on solid ground, without any sensation of swaying.
Looking at the Yellow River water before him, it was indeed very turbid, mixed with yellow mud, causing the entire surface of the water to appear yellow.
However, there were no towering waves, and the flow was very slow.
After all, it was a ferry crossing to Luoyang, so naturally, a place with a slower current would be chosen.
After traveling for some time, they soon reached the opposite bank. Over a hundred people then mounted their horses and carriages, heading towards Luoyang City along the official road.
A day passed quietly!
The next morning, over a hundred people had already arrived outside Luoyang City.
Liu Jin, sitting in his carriage, lifted the curtain and looked at the massive city before him, situated on the land. Its high walls were thick and towered into the clouds, making it truly a colossal structure.
He felt a powerful impact within and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration!
It was indeed worthy of being the capital of the Han Dynasty, the center of power. In this world, it was undoubtedly the foremost city under heaven.
Even the most prosperous and wealthy places could not compare to Luoyang before his eyes.
Especially outside the city, there were dense villages, with a high population density, radiating outwards for dozens of li.
Luoyang city, both inside and out, had nearly a million people.
On the official road, a large number of common people, driving ox carts and horse carriages, were heading towards Luoyang City.
It took Liu Jin a long time to regain his composure. This was the first time since his transmigration that he had directly experienced the prosperity around Luoyang.
Let alone Zhuo Commandery, even the prosperous and wealthy commanderies of Jizhou could not compare to this massive entity before him.
Soon, they arrived at the gate of Luoyang City, where a long queue had already formed, consisting of people waiting to enter the city.
Liu Jin was not in a hurry; entering a little earlier or a little later made no difference, and he wasn't bothered by a short delay.
The people at the city gate were gradually allowed through after inspection by the soldiers.
A moment later, Liu Jin and his group arrived at the city gate, waiting for inspection.
The leading city gate general looked at the hundred-odd people before him, with their shaking blades and formidable presence, and frowned, becoming wary.
He immediately led dozens of men towards them, but before he could even speak!
Guan Yu, on horseback, immediately pulled out his token and declared loudly!
“By imperial decree, we have come to Luoyang to receive rewards.”
The city gate general was startled to hear this. After examining the token, he showed a respectful expression and quickly bowed, saying!
“Generals, please enter quickly.”
Guan Yu nodded, put his token away, and began to direct everyone to enter the city in an orderly fashion.
The surrounding soldiers, with respectful expressions, made way, as they all somewhat knew the origins of this group of people.
After all, generals who had rendered meritorious service in pacifying the Yellow Turban Rebellion would generally be summoned to the capital to receive rewards.
However, the crowd did not know which general, among those who had pacified the Yellow Turban, this group belonged to.
As the group entered Luoyang City, the main street was exceptionally wide, capable of accommodating dozens of carriages or riders abreast.
The curtain of a carriage was lifted, and Liu Jin’s voice slowly emerged!
“De Hu, you’ve been to Luoyang once before and are more familiar with it than we are. Please find an inn nearby for us to stay.”
Zhao Teng, who was beside him, smiled and said!
“Big Brother, let’s go to the inn I stayed at last time. Both the environment and the food are excellent.”
Liu Jin nodded, and the carriage curtain was pulled down again.
Zhao Teng then led the group along the street, heading forward. A moment later, they stopped outside a large pavilion.
After some discussion, they directly rented out the entire inn, which was large enough to accommodate over a hundred people.
So, everyone disembarked from their carriages one after another and began to settle into the inn.
As for Guo Huai, who had traveled with them, he bid farewell and left upon arriving in Luoyang City. Escorted by guards, he headed towards the Guo family residence.
After all, the Guo family was a prominent clan, with many members serving as officials in the court, and naturally had a mansion in Luoyang City.
Before leaving, he had invited Liu Jin and others to stay at the Guo family residence, but Liu Jin declined.
The main reason was that there were too many people accompanying him, and he didn't know how long they would be staying in Luoyang. Constantly imposing on others would be inappropriate.
In a private room at the inn, Liu Jin, Guan Yu, Zhao Teng, Min Chun, Li Li, and others were seated, devouring their food.
During their journey, they had mostly subsisted on dry rations or flatbreads. Now that they were in Luoyang City, they naturally had to enjoy a hearty meal.
After several rounds of wine and many dishes!
Liu Jin looked at Zhao Teng beside him and asked, “De Hu, I need to trouble you with one more thing. Since I have arrived in Luoyang, I must go to the General’s Mansion to pay my respects to He Jin and express my loyalty.”
“Then, I will have support in the court, and any benefits will not bypass us.”
“You go now and prepare some precious gold, silver, and jewels to accompany me to the General’s Mansion.”
Zhao Teng nodded repeatedly. His Big Brother had already expressed his intentions earlier, but being in command of troops outside, he hadn’t been able to come in person.
Now that he was in Luoyang, he naturally had to pay his respects in person, which would not only show deference but also satisfy He Jin.
After giving instructions, Liu Jin looked at Min Chun and Li Li beside him.
“Bo De, Bo Dian, is there anything else you wish to add?”
Li Li pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Ming Gong, this approach is indeed viable. At the very least, one must rely on a large tree for shade.”
“However, from now on, you will carry the reputation of being a member of the General’s Mansion, which makes you susceptible to targeting by aristocratic families and those Eunuchs.”
“Moreover, you cannot later usurp the host or betray the Great General. Otherwise, you will face resistance from everyone, and your future prospects will be halted.”
