Oliver Sheng and his entourage had not yet reached Luo Capital; they had only just entered the capital province when news of their arrival had already spread throughout the city.
Upon hearing that the hero who had reclaimed River West County and defeated the barbarians, Oliver Sheng, was about to enter the capital, many scholars and aristocratic young ladies became excited.
The scholars admired Oliver’s poetic talents and envied his military achievements.
Many aristocratic young ladies had heard that Oliver was not only handsome but also exceptionally talented. He wielded a sword on horseback, defeated the barbarians, and reclaimed lost territories.
It is said that beauties love heroes, especially those who are also poets.
Many young ladies from noble families had long admired Oliver Sheng.
“Miss, Miss, I heard that General Oliver Sheng is about to enter the city,” Little Cui said breathlessly as she ran into the boudoir.
“What? Really?” Wang Shiyu’s face lit up with joy.
“Many people outside are saying that General Sheng and his entourage are already outside Luo Capital,” Little Cui said.
“Let’s go to the city gate,” Wang Shiyu said immediately.
“But, Miss, Master won’t allow you to go out!” Little Cui protested.
“It’s fine, just don’t let my father know. Let’s go,” Wang Shiyu said, pulling her maid towards the back door.
If Minister Gavin Wang knew his daughter was chasing after a hero, who knows what he would feel.
Qian Xiaoxiao, the daughter of Minister Qian Cheng of the Ministry of Rites, also sneaked out of the Qian residence upon hearing the news from her maid.
“I heard that the famous Oliver Sheng is entering the city today,” Sawyer Shangguan said.
“Recently, everyone in the teahouses and taverns has been talking about this General Sheng. Why don’t we go see what kind of person he is?” Shangguan Yancheng suggested.
“Let’s go see what he looks like. Does he have three heads and six arms?” someone joked.
“Wait, I want to go too!” Shangguan Haitang said.
“Cousin!”
“Cousin!”
Several members of the Shangguan family looked at Shangguan Haitang.
“What, if you don’t take me, I’ll tell Uncle about your escapades at the brothel last night,” Shangguan Haitang threatened.
“Can’t you go by yourself?” Sawyer Shangguan was speechless. This cousin of his followed them everywhere, even making their trips to the brothel sneaky affairs.
“No, I have to keep an eye on you to ensure you don’t tarnish the Shangguan family’s reputation,” Shangguan Haitang said sternly.
The faces of the Shangguan family members darkened.
“Fine, fine, let’s go, my lady. I’m afraid of you,” Shangguan Yancheng surrendered.
It was better when this girl was cultivating at Xuanjian Mountain. Now that she was back, she was like a shadow, meddling in everything.
Xie Wanning, the eldest daughter of the Xie family, also sneaked out with her maid.
In the capital, many young ladies from noble families had quietly slipped out, just to catch a glimpse of the unparalleled poet and hero who roamed the grasslands in splendid attire.
“Let’s go, I heard that Oliver Sheng is entering the city today. Let’s see the general who wrote ‘Drunk on the battlefield, do not laugh; how many return from ancient wars,’” a scholar from Hengshan Academy said as they all rushed towards the city gate.
From a distance, Oliver Sheng and his group saw the grand ancient city, like a giant beast lying on the ground.
“General, that is Luo Capital, the capital of Great Wei,” Sawyer Shangguan said.
“Let’s go, General Sheng. His Majesty must have received the news of our arrival and sent people to welcome us,” Jade Han said.
“Alright.”
Oliver nodded. The sooner they entered the city, the sooner they could rest. The journey had been long and exhausting.
He also wanted to soak in a hot bath. Although he had nearly reached a state of purity where no dirt would cling to his body, a hot bath was still quite comfortable.
The Divine Mother of the Yin Moon, who had been traveling with them, had concealed her face the entire way. Otherwise, her beauty would surely have caused unnecessary trouble.
As they approached the city gate, Minister Qian Cheng of the Ministry of Rites and Deputy Minister Riley Chen of the Honglu Temple were already waiting.
Empress Jade Han had sent two ministers to welcome Oliver Sheng, almost coming herself.
“Are you General Oliver Sheng?” Qian Cheng asked, cupping his hands in greeting as he looked at the red-robed, silver-armored Oliver Sheng.
“Yes, I am. May I ask who you are, sir?” Oliver replied, cupping his hands in return.
“I am Qian Cheng, Minister of Rites, sent by His Majesty to welcome General Sheng into the city,” Qian Cheng replied.
“Greetings, Minister Qian,” Oliver said politely.
The Minister of Rites was a high-ranking official of the second rank, a significant figure in the court.
“General Sheng is too kind,” Qian Cheng said with a smile.
This Oliver Sheng truly looked young, achieving great military feats at such a young age, with poetic talents to match, and a handsome appearance.
“Riley Chen, Deputy Minister of the Honglu Temple, greets General Sheng,” Riley Chen said, cupping his hands.
“Oliver Sheng greets Deputy Minister Chen,” Oliver replied immediately.
Another high-ranking official of the fourth rank.
“Let’s go, General Sheng. It’s not good to block the gate,” Qian Cheng said.
“Alright, I’ll follow your lead, Minister Qian,” Oliver nodded.
Qian Cheng glanced behind Oliver and saw Xiao Chuyi. No wonder he hadn’t heard from this little troublemaker from the Xiao family for over half a year; he had secretly gone to the northwest to join the army.
The welcoming party led Oliver Sheng and his group into the city.
Oliver Sheng walked alongside Qian Cheng and Riley Chen. As soon as they entered the city, they saw many people standing on both sides of the street.
“Look, look, that must be General Oliver Sheng,” a scholar shouted.
“Wow, he’s so handsome,” a girl suddenly exclaimed.
People crowded the streets, and the second and third floors of teahouses and taverns were filled with onlookers.
Seeing Oliver Sheng’s handsome and resolute face, his jade-like demeanor, and extraordinary aura, countless women were instantly smitten.
“He’s so young, even younger than us.”
“To achieve such great feats at such a young age is unbelievable.”
“Damn, how can anyone live up to this? I thought the one who defeated the barbarians would be a rugged, mighty general. How is he even more handsome than me… no, how is he so good-looking?”
“Haha, it seems General Sheng is very popular. Look at all these people, they’re all here for you,” Qian Cheng said with a smile.
“Minister Qian, you’re joking. They’re just curious,” Oliver said modestly.
“Miss, look, General Sheng is so handsome,” Little Cui said, standing in the crowd with Wang Shiyu, her eyes filled with admiration.
He was far more dashing than those frail scholars.
“Like jade among men, unparalleled in the world,” Wang Shiyu said, staring at Oliver Sheng in a daze.
A silver saddle on a white horse, a red robe and silver spear displaying heroic prowess.
“Miss, Miss, look, the one with Master is General Sheng,” Little Cui said, shaking Qian Xiaoxiao’s arm.
“Keep your voice down, don’t let Father find out,” Qian Xiaoxiao said, startled, and quickly hid behind someone.
“Hmm?!”
Qian Cheng thought he heard his daughter’s voice. He looked around but couldn’t see Qian Xiaoxiao among the crowd.
“What’s wrong, Minister Qian?” Oliver Sheng noticed Qian Cheng’s slight change in expression.
“Nothing, nothing. I’ve just been very busy lately, a bit tired,” Qian Cheng said with a smile.
He must have been hearing things. How could he hear his daughter’s voice here?
His daughter was a gentle and elegant lady, not someone who would come to such a place.
After all, he had confidence in his family upbringing!
Oliver Sheng looked at the people on both sides of the street. Many were scholars, and there were also many well-dressed, beautiful women. He was a bit surprised. Was he so famous in Luo Capital?
“General Sheng, I like you!”
A young lady from an aristocratic family suddenly shouted, then blushed and ran away.
Oliver Sheng: ……
Why did this feel like a celebrity being confessed to by fans in his previous life?
The girls of Luo Capital were indeed lively and outgoing.
“Haha, it seems the people of Luo Capital are very enthusiastic in welcoming General Sheng,” Qian Cheng said with a laugh.
Jade Han searched the crowd with her eyes. Shameless, how improper to behave like this in broad daylight!
“Indeed, very enthusiastic,” Oliver said, embarrassed. He didn’t know he was so popular in Luo Capital.
“Young and accomplished, with military merits, handsome and talented in poetry, anyone with these qualities would be popular,” Riley Chen said with a smile.
A young hero like Oliver Sheng, who was both talented and handsome, was rare.
Compared to Oliver Sheng, many young noblemen in the capital were mere wastrels.
A piece of gold suddenly appearing among a group of wastrels would naturally be well-received.
After a long period of peace, many young nobles had become indulgent, losing their drive.
They were neither accomplished in literature nor skilled in martial arts, but were experts in debauchery.
Compared to them, Oliver Sheng was a prodigious talent, unparalleled in both literature and martial arts!
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