Dawu Imperial City.
A scene of jubilation.
News of the triumphant return of the large army had been received early. The entire imperial dynasty was abuzz, from the common people to the various departments of the court.
Everyone knew that Chu Yuan had led a formidable personal expedition this time, mobilizing tens of millions of troops to conquer Daqian. He came back bearing the news of victory, having enlarged the territory of Dawu several times within the thirty-first year of Dawu.
Signs of festivity could be seen throughout the Imperial City, as the decorations for the New Year had not yet been taken down.
Zhang Cheng, who had been left to guard the Imperial City, was busy. The citizens had heard about the return of the army and had spontaneously gone out of the city to welcome them, which he had to manage to prevent chaos. read more on NovelFiremp-yr
"Unexpectedly, our Dawu actually accomplished a feat that not even our late emperor managed to do in his lifetime: a war broke out against Daqian and the four-nation allied forces were all captured!"
"We didn't see it, but His Majesty's might is indeed fearsome. It's been said that the founding emperor of Daqian didn't die, but had even broken through to the realm of Contemplating Divinity, you know? That's truly a master of the divine realm. But how does that matter? He was still slain by His Majesty."
"Yes, it's a pity we could not witness it personally. How fortuitous for Dawu's valiant soldiers to succeed in every victory!"
....
Countless people within the Imperial City were discussing, their faces brimming with joy.
You see, Dawu's conquest of the four nations, progressing from a one-star empire to a two-star empire, may seem like just a promotion of one rank, but the difference is enormous.
The nation's power and territory have expanded, and the resources available to the citizens will continue to increase. It signifies an overall enhancement of national power.
On the day of the New Year, to celebrate the victory over Daqian, the court distributed medicinal pills and magic crystals throughout the nation. These tangible benefits were there for everyone to see.
"Long live the Emperor!"
The triumphant return of the mighty army, outside the Imperial City, flags fluttering, banners flying, with many soldiers and citizens kneeling in solemn welcome.
On the open plain in the distance, Chu Yuan stood on an ancient war chariot, like an ancient god on a tour of inspection. By his side was the purple-scaled thunder dragon, whose emitted thunder light accentuated Chu Yuan's majesty.
The soldiers marched forward with vigor and magnificence, each of them walking tall and upright, bringing the news of victory into the city.
"I didn't expect that the Emperor of Dawu could really conquer the four nations with a single battle. Daqian, which was so powerful, wasn't his rival. His might is stronger than I thought. It seems that betting on him was the right decision. He not just saved my life but also increased my level in the Infinite Commerce Association."
Ji Fuling also watched Chu Yuan from a distance, her face filled with joy: "I must meet him and congratulate him personally. This is not just a joy for Dawu, but also for me."
"Would you opt for land or a beauty? Of course, I want them all!"
In the Mi Yin Pavilion, Mu Rou stood on the pavilion, gazing at the army that passed by, and particularly at the man on the ancient war chariot. That phrase echoed in her mind before she quickly regained her usual cold demeanor.
A scroll lay unrolled in front of her. She picked up a brush and started to paint, muttering, "This immense power is just like the ancient god touring the world. So Dawu has such a king, but where does this depth of strength come from? However, my Seven Emotions Mystery Technique has indeed begun to stir."
"Emperor brother, you're back!" Chu Xiaoniang cheerfully said.
"Chenxi, be respectful, you must address His Majesty as the Holy Sovereign," the Empress Dowager corrected.
"No need for such formality, Chenxi and I are siblings, we do not need to abide by those strict protocols." Chu Yuan said, "I originally planned to personally visit the Imperial Mausoleum to pay respects to the late Emperor and then to visit my mother. I didn't expect my mother to personally welcome me, making me feel somewhat guilty."
"Your Majesty has heavy state affairs, extinguishing four states, something even the late Emperor could not achieve. You have just returned from your mission, traveling long distances, The late Emperor and I may dwell in the Imperial Mausoleum, but we can distinguish priorities. We place the Empire above all."
The Empress Dowager's voice was gentle. She and the late Emperor were deeply bonded, having been together before the Empire's founding.
She sighed, "If the late Emperor knew of Your Majesty's accomplishment in extinguishing the four states, his spirit in heaven would also be comforted. It's a pity that the late Emperor can no longer see this."
"The death of the late Emperor, the annihilation of the 300,000 divine martial troops, has always been a mystery, a grudge held by my Dawu dynasty. I do not believe it was a divine punishment. The so-called divine punishment is nothing more than the power of a greater force. I will investigate the truth behind the late Emperor's death and avenge him."
Chu Yuan said.
Until the death of the late Emperor was solved, it would always be a thorn in the side of Dawu.
"The death of the late Emperor is full of mystery. I also want to know the truth, but I don't want to see a repetition of what happened to the late Emperor." The Empress Dowager shook her head.
"I know what I must do." Chu Yuan said.
"If that's the case, today I won't say much. Now that I have seen Your Majesty, I will return to the Imperial Mausoleum tomorrow to attend to the late Emperor. Serving him in life and not leaving him alone in death, all I can do is to let the late Emperor know that I have always been by his side, accompanying him in life and death."
The Empress Dowager's tone was very gentle.
"Mother, are you planning to return to the Imperial Mausoleum so soon?"
Chu Yuan knew that since the death of the late Emperor, the Empress Dowager had always been in the Imperial Mausoleum. If it weren't for New Year's Eve, or his return to court today, she wouldn't have returned to the Royal Palace.
"The late Emperor shouldn't be left alone." The Empress Dowager shook her head.
"If this is the case, I won't insist on you staying. Chenxi, please look after mother. I have some healing elixirs here that mother can carry with her."
Chu yu waved his hand, and a storage ring appeared. It contained various medicines. He said, "This is a Giant Spirit Guard, it will accompany mother to the Imperial Mausoleum, protecting the late Emperor and mother."
The Giant Spirit Guard could resist all attacks from beings below the Divine Realm. However, it was no longer useful for Chu Yuan.
"You're too kind, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager did not refuse.
"Your Majesty, the Saintess of Miao Yin Square, Mu Rou, and the President of Infinite Commerce, Ji Fuling, wish to see you."
The voice of Eunuch Wei resounded in Chu Yuan's ear.
"They came to see me?" Chu Yuan's expression changed: "Let Saintess Mu Rou and President Ji wait for me in the imperial study room. I'll be there shortly."