One year later, Jiang Jucai quelled the last four counties and led his troops back to Bianjing, which erupted in excitement. The ceremonial guard lined up all the way to the imperial palace, totaling a gigantic force of thirty thousand men.
It was an assembly far surpassing any before, larger by several times than the battle-hardened troops Jiang Jucai had brought into the city. However, when Jiang Jucai took a closer look, he saw the ceremonial guard was sparse and disheveled, with clothes of every hue, and all they held were mere sticks; there were no plaques, banners or magnificent flags to be seen.
Jiang Fugui, who had essentially become the lord of all under heaven, stood behind the city gates to greet Jiang Jucai. The latter dismounted, strode up and knelt to pay his respects, saying, "Your Majesty, my son greets you. Long live, long live the emperor."
After the formalities, the two boarded the carriage, and the distinction between lord and subject immediately dissolved.
