Chapter 133

Yan Zhang’s injuries healed, but he was demoted to a county prince for his outburst in the hall, which made him resent Yan Donghuang even more. However, everything had already been settled.

The emperor had abdicated, and the new emperor’s enthronement ceremony ended with only minor disturbances, allowing Yan Donghuang to securely take the throne that many had coveted for a long time.

Before today, some princes had deliberately pretended to be ignorant, treating the title of “Crown Princess” as a joke. From now on, whenever they met her, they would have to bow and pay respects, strictly adhering to the rules of hierarchy between ruler and subject, with no room for luck or shortcuts.

After the ceremony, Yan Donghuang, dressed in her dragon robe, arrived at Chongming Hall surrounded by palace attendants.

The front hall of Chongming was where the emperor handled daily affairs. It was spacious and solemn, like the Qin Zheng Hall, with every arrangement highlighting the emperor’s dignity and making one feel the pressure.

The rear hall of Chongming was the emperor’s residence, connected to the main hall of Fengyi Palace, where the emperor rested daily.

Yan Donghuang ascended the steps and walked into Chongming Hall. The hall had been redecorated, with palace attendants quietly removing items used by the retired emperor and replacing them with more youthful furnishings. The magnificent palace was the abode of the supreme ruler.

Standing at the entrance, Yan Donghuang looked out, her posture upright, her features cold, with a hint of aloofness in her eyes, as if the vast sky was within her gaze.

From today, this was her realm, her world. She was the ruler of Yong, revered by all. With power came responsibility as heavy as Mount Tai, not to be taken lightly. Otherwise, the empire could collapse in an instant.

“Your Majesty,” Yuan Ziying stood beside Yan Donghuang, looking at her with reverence, unable to hide her joy and satisfaction, “Are you returning to the Grand Princess’s residence tonight?”

Yan Donghuang glanced at her, “You seem very happy.”

“Of course,” Yuan Ziying nodded excitedly, “Your Majesty has ascended the throne, becoming the first female emperor of Yong. I am delighted and amazed.”

Yan Donghuang smiled slightly, “Yes, I am returning.”

She still had some matters to discuss with Feng Yaoguang and Gu Chiran. War was at stake, and there could be no mistakes.

Looking at the crowd behind her, Yan Donghuang said, “I will stay at the Grand Princess’s residence tonight. You don’t need to follow.”

“Your Majesty, you mustn’t,” Eunuch Meng quickly advised, “You have just ascended the throne, and there are still some with unclear intentions watching in the shadows. What if something happens outside the palace? Please wait a moment, and I will arrange for some guards—”

“No need,” Yan Donghuang dismissed his concerns, “Tonight is my last night at the Grand Princess’s residence. You stay here and arrange the palace properly. No need to follow me.”

With that, she descended the steps and walked towards the palace gate.

Yuan Ziying followed closely, along with Chang Lan and Chang Yue. In the shadows were Rong Ying and Si Ying.

The guards at the palace gate were all from the Qingluan Army, and Yan Donghuang herself was skilled in martial arts. With such near-perfect defense, if an incident still occurred, it would be the misfortune of the one causing it. The route back to the Grand Princess’s residence today was different from usual.

The streets were lined with the Imperial Guard, heavily guarded. Even though Yan Donghuang traveled lightly, the Imperial Guard’s escort was not lax at all.

In the evening, Feng Yaoguang and Gu Chiran arrived at the Grand Princess’s residence. Yan Donghuang met them in the study.

“This campaign against Nanling is crucial,” Yan Donghuang’s gaze fell on Gu Chiran, “The Tianxuan Army was originally the foremost of the seven armies. This time, it will follow Yaoguang’s command. Chiran, you should understand my intention.”

Gu Chiran knelt on one knee, his voice respectful and firm, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will strictly follow your orders and obey General Yaoguang’s commands.”

“No, besides following Yaoguang’s orders, you are also responsible for supervising his actions,” Yan Donghuang said in a steady tone. “If Feng Yaoguang makes any unreasonable decisions, you can discuss them with him, advise him to reconsider, and, if necessary, take strong measures to stop him.”

Feng Yaoguang pursed his lips, silently looking at Yan Donghuang.

Gu Chiran responded, “I accept the order.”

Yan Donghuang’s voice softened, “You may leave now. I need to talk to Yaoguang.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gu Chiran stood up and left.

Only Yan Donghuang and Feng Yaoguang remained in the study. The atmosphere became subtly tense.

Feng Yaoguang lowered his eyes, his lips slightly pursed, “Does Your Majesty truly believe I will conquer Nanling and not lead the Yaoguang and Tianxuan armies in rebellion against you?”

“Why don’t you tell me how you plan to rebel?” Yan Donghuang raised an eyebrow slightly, “Defeat King Wuyang, seize control of the border troops, and collaborate with Nanling from within?”

Feng Yaoguang was momentarily stunned, then blinked, “That is a good idea.”

Yan Donghuang’s mouth twitched.

“You trust me, yet you send Gu Chiran to restrain me,” Feng Yaoguang sighed, “You truly are a ruler, already using imperial tactics without realizing it.”

Yan Donghuang raised her hand and flicked his forehead, “Insolent.”

Feng Yaoguang’s lips curled slightly, but the smile was fleeting. He pursed his lips, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, even if I die, I will not betray your trust.”

With that, he knelt with his sword, “Nanling will be the best coronation gift I present to Your Majesty.”

Yan Donghuang looked down at him, her voice gentle, “Stand up and speak.”

Feng Yaoguang stood up.

“This is your first time leading an army alone,” Yan Donghuang walked to the side and sat down, “You know more about Nanling than I do. Gu Chiran is going with you mainly to stabilize the Tianxuan Army and prevent any unexpected situations.”

Feng Yaoguang nodded, “I understand.”

“Although King Wuyang does not have clear rebellious intentions, he is a general of Yan Zhang’s faction and has guarded the border for many years. He must have his own thoughts. He surely knows what will happen to him if Nanling is destroyed. So, before attacking Nanling, you and Gu Chiran must first suppress King Wuyang to prevent him from dragging you down.”

Feng Yaoguang nodded, “Understood.”

“I will send Si Ying with you,” Yan Donghuang’s voice was cold, her eyes filled with a ruthless aura, “If necessary, you can use special means.”

Feng Yaoguang shook his head, “Si Ying and Rong Ying are your personal guards. I feel more at ease with them by your side.”

Yan Donghuang looked at him expressionlessly, “I am not discussing this with you.”

Feng Yaoguang pursed his lips, “Understood.”

After a moment of silence, he looked at her expectantly, “When I conquer Nanling and return, will you marry me?”

Yan Donghuang raised an eyebrow, “Is this a condition?”

“No,” Feng Yaoguang quickly shook his head. He then thought for a moment and found a more fitting phrase: “It’s more like… bringing a dowry to marry you?”

Yan Donghuang’s expression froze, suddenly finding the word “dowry” incredibly unfamiliar.

Chapter 134

Feng Yaoguang stayed at the Grand Princess’s residence for most of the night. They discussed plans to handle unexpected situations in the first half of the night. In the second half, Feng Yaoguang slept next to Yan Donghuang. This was a rare moment of solitude for them before the expedition.

After today, she would be the supreme ruler on the throne, and he would be General Yaoguang on the battlefield—perhaps for the last time. When he returned from the campaign in Nanling, he would likely choose to lay down his arms and enter the palace, becoming a royal consort and no longer holding military power.

Feng Yaoguang closed his eyes, unable to sleep. Memories of his youth in Nanling surfaced in his mind—those oppressive, humiliating days that felt like a constant torment finally ended when he was seventeen.

For seventeen years, he was judged as a heinous criminal by everyone, no matter how hard he tried to prove himself as a useful son. He remained the most despised prince of the royal family.

His father’s gaze at him was one of disgust and hatred as if looking at a rat in the gutter. He used to wonder what he had done wrong. Later, he learned the truth and finally felt relieved. It was never his fault but that of the dirty man who thought he controlled everything and wanted the world to bow at his feet.

Feng Yaoguang, with his eyes closed, immersed himself in the darkness, recalling the times he was trapped like a desperate beast, alone and in pain, searching for a glimmer of light in the darkness. Until he was covered in wounds, thinking he was finally free. But then he opened his eyes from the abyss of darkness, and there was light in his life.

He thought of the days on the battlefield, fighting side by side.

He thought of riding with her on the battlefield, feeling the wind sweep away his inner demons.

Those days, he went from being wary and doubtful to trusting, experiencing a sense of rebirth.

She was the light in his life.
A light he could never betray, even if it meant his destruction.
…

Early the next morning, before dawn.

Feng Yaoguang, with dark circles under his eyes, arrived at Qingluan Hall to bid farewell to Yan Donghuang.

Yan Donghuang was dressing, attended by Chang Lan and Chang Yue, with Eunuch Meng waiting outside.

“Your Majesty,” Feng Yaoguang said softly, “I am leaving now.”

Yan Donghuang looked at him, “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Feng Yaoguang replied honestly, “I kept thinking about the past.”

Yan Donghuang’s voice was steady, “Once you enter Nanling, do whatever you want according to your heart, without worrying about anything.”

Feng Yaoguang acknowledged and left with strides. No extra words were needed, as their mutual understanding and trust were conveyed in silence.

Yan Donghuang finished dressing in her dragon robe and walked out of Qingluan Hall.

At the gate, a maid hurriedly approached and knelt, “Your Majesty.”

“What is it?”

“The young men in the back courtyard heard that Your Majesty has ascended the throne and are clamoring to see you, saying they are your people and should serve you in the palace, receiving the status they deserve.”

The status they deserve?
That sounded strange and unreal.

When they used to criticize the Crown Princess together, their righteous indignation and disdain for serving with their looks were unforgettable.

And now, their attitude had changed in just a few days?

Yan Donghuang’s voice was indifferent, “After learning the rules for so long, they still dare to make a fuss. It seems your methods are not effective enough.”

The maid’s face changed, and she quickly kowtowed, “I understand, Your Majesty. I will teach them the rules again.”

Yan Donghuang said nothing more and walked out of the residence.

Outside the gate of the Grand Princess’s residence, the imperial carriage was ready, with guards and palace maids kneeling to welcome the emperor. Not far from the carriage, a man in a blue robe knelt quietly, not knowing how long he had been there.

The weather in February was still cold, not yet spring, and the man wore only a thin blue robe, making his tall, thin figure look even more fragile. He must have some backbone; otherwise, Yan Donghuang wouldn’t have willingly married him.

Sheng Jing’an.

After more than a month, he looked much thinner.

Outside the residence, it was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. The guards waited for the new emperor, the luxurious carriage, and numerous eunuchs and palace maids arranged by Rong Chun to welcome the emperor.

Sheng Jing’an knelt there, and he was still Yan Donghuang’s fiancé, so the palace staff didn’t dare to drive him away without knowing her attitude towards him.

Yan Donghuang said nothing, holding Chang Yue’s hand as she boarded the carriage.

“Your Majesty,” Sheng Jing’an looked up at her, his face pale, his expression respectful and restrained, looking almost lovesick, “I am here to ask for forgiveness.”

Yan Donghuang sat steadily, “What for?”

“I was disrespectful to Your Majesty a few days ago, failing to recognize my status, interfering with your decisions, and even criticizing the Crown Princess. I deserve to die,” Sheng Jing’an said, lowering his eyes and tightening his lips. I know I was short-sighted and foolish, but I beg Your Majesty to give me a chance to make amends. I am willing to serve you in the palace, even without the title of royal consort.”

“Without the title of royal consort?” Yan Donghuang leaned back in the carriage, raising an eyebrow slightly, “Being a male concubine is fine?”

Sheng Jing’an’s face turned pale, “…Yes.”

Yan Donghuang looked at him nonchalantly, then nodded, “Alright. From today, you will be a male concubine.”

She gestured to Eunuch Meng, “Prepare a suitable residence for him in the palace, with the appropriate attire for a male concubine. He must learn the rules before he can serve me.”

Eunuch Meng responded, “Yes.”

Sheng Jing’an felt a mix of anger and relief. He was angered by Yan Donghuang’s public humiliation but relieved that he got what he wanted. He believed Yan Donghuang was just angry at his previous disrespect.
Once he entered the palace, he would have a legitimate reason to see her every day. With their years of affection, she would eventually soften if he showed enough patience and sincerity.

Sheng Jing’an fantasized about countless ways to make Yan Donghuang soften, imagining a comeback, unaware that from this moment, he was destined for a future of humiliation with no hope of redemption.

“Set off.”

Eunuch Meng shouted, “Set off—”

The imperial carriage moved towards the palace, and Yan Donghuang, sitting inside, supported her head with her hand, a faint smile on her lips.

Since he was eager to enter the palace, willing to humble himself and wait at the Grand Princess’s residence to show his sincerity, how could she not oblige?

Giving him a glimmer of hope would make him bold enough to continue his antics, which would serve as a distraction from the tedious state affairs. The more he acted out, the more reason she had to get rid of him.

And that included Yan Ming. In this life, none of those who harmed her in the past would escape.