filled with a suffocating stench of charred smoke from the countless corpses piled high. Scorched weapons and equipment, along with scattered finger bones, litter the ground.Even Liao army soldiers,...Chapter 995: Hu Shifan

A moment later, a spirited elderly general walked in beside Su Zhen Ting.

This general had white hair, was not tall or strong, but he walked with the bearing of a dragon and tiger, radiating the clean-cut and decisive nature of a soldier. Especially his eyes, though old, still shone brightly, making one look at him with caution.

"I, your servant, bow before you."

"The humble soldier Hu Shifan, pays his respects to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."

Compared to Su Zhen's casual demeanor, Hu Shifan, who met Li Chen for the first time, was much more rule-abiding.

He clasped his hands together, knelt on one knee, performing a complete set of rituals flawlessly and with precision.

"Excuse my military attire, I am unable to perform the grand bow."

Li Chen stepped forward, personally helping Hu Shifan to his feet, and said with a smile: "According to the rules of our dynasty, generals in uniform only need to perform a half-bow when meeting the emperor. General, you are too polite."

Having carefully scrutinized Hu Shifan, Li Chen remarked with emotion, "General, you have led the Liaodong army to garrison this harsh land for over a decade, safeguarding the peace of Daqin's Liaodong. Your contributions are immeasurable, and your service to our nation is profound."

Hu Shifan also understood this well. He cupped his hands and said, "The last general has only done his duty and fulfilled his obligations. Without the support of the court, the wise rule of Your Majesty, and without all the soldiers uniting as one to overcome countless difficulties, there would be no last general standing here today. Therefore, the last general dares not take credit for himself."

Everything, Heaven's grace is vast and abundant, the soldiers below are loyal and devoted.

Hu Shifan, with just a few words, attributed the credit to the imperial court and the soldiers below him. Obviously, he was a smart and eloquent person.

It's good to say some nice things, everyone looks good on the surface, and you still get your benefits. That's called being a people person.

This Hu Shifan, able to control the Liao Dong army for over a decade without issue, was not only skilled in leading troops into battle but also possessed considerable political acumen.

Li Chen chuckled lightly and said, "General, you flatter me. Heaven's grace is boundless and equal to every loyal subject. But why are some people undeserving while others, like the General, can achieve great feats This shows that individual ability is still very important."

A palanquin is carried by everyone, Hu Shifan can talk and knows how to behave. Li Chen gives him face and sets him up.

They smiled at each other, both pleased with their first meeting.

Looking at the vigorous prince, Hu Shifan couldn't help but recall his previous conversation with Su ZhenTing.

"General Su, I am over half a century old. In fact, I should have retired long ago to enjoy my golden years. Now, I find myself actively involved in this struggle for imperial power. I truly don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing."

"General Hu, you wager only your own life, but our Su family has gambled the entire clan, and my father's lifelong reputation."

"Just rest assured and come with me. The Crown Prince is no ordinary person."

"Although the Crown Prince is young, his mind is cunning and shrewd, exceeding anything I've ever encountered in my life. If I didn't know better, I would even suspect that the Crown Prince's spirit and soul belonged to someone who has spent decades navigating the political arena."

“Moreover, the Crown Prince is intelligent and skilled in governance. Back and forth, you see Zhao Xuanji driven to desperation. If it were an ordinary person, they would have been devoured long ago.”

This is a high-stakes gamble, you and I are both pawns. Now that we're in the game, all we can do is go all out and support the prince in bringing everything to order.

Hu Shifan let out a soft sigh, thinking to himself that Su Zhenting was indeed not deceiving him. The current Crown Prince truly was a dragon among men, with the bearing of one who would rule the world.flash of snow-bright blade light from the waists of the two men rushing towards him with blinding speed. In the blink of an eye, it would fill his entire field of vision.Li Chen's heart suddenly rose...