The God of Heavens

Chapter 299 The Western Regions Affairs Concluded, the New Crown Prince

As a sacred place of faith for the Western Regions, the Jingyuan Temple would surely cause the Western Regions to crumble at the mere sight of this woman once she surrendered, saving him a great deal of effort.

Other forces might have worried that the remnants of the old regime would be difficult to eliminate, leaving huge hidden dangers that would hinder the governance of the Great Qian Dynasty and subsequent ethnic integration.

However, with the future ruler "Yi" assisting Lin Yu, all forces in the Western Regions have nowhere to hide, making this plan the fastest solution.

As long as he controls the Temple of Essence and intimidates the kingdoms of the Western Regions, no matter how many people resist, they will never be able to overthrow his rule.

The Pope of the Jingyuan Temple remained silent for a moment, then slowly knelt down and said, "The Jingyuan Temple is willing to serve the Fourth Prince as its master!"

"very good."

Lin Yu nodded and said, "Since that's the case, you still have some use, so I won't erase your soul thoughts."

Upon hearing this, the Pope of the Temple of Essence felt a chill in his heart, realizing that he had just narrowly escaped death.

"After you go down there, cooperate with the Great Qian Dynasty to unify the Western Regions. You can also select some of the prisoners. Those who resist should be arrested or killed. In short, we must not let the Western Regions countries have any more major turmoil."

Lin Yu said calmly.

"Yes."

The Pope bowed his head in response.

……

The Western Regions suffered a great defeat, and the death of the God of Primordial Qi caused almost all the people of the Western Regions to feel a sense of annihilation of their faith, as if the sky had collapsed!
In an instant, amidst the widespread panic, countless disturbances occurred. However, under the forceful suppression of the Daqian army, these unrest were destined to be nothing more than flickering candles in the wind, and were quickly quelled.

Immediately afterwards, the Pope of the Temple of the Essence stepped forward to appease the people, make promises, and severely punish those who disobeyed.

After a series of measures, the situation in the Western Regions finally stabilized initially.

Lin Yu did not demand complete control, but only made the various states submit and recognize the Great Qian as their suzerain state. The subsequent governance would be a long and arduous task, and could only be left to time to settle.

After settling everything, Lin Yu immediately set off to return to the Great Qian Capital.

……

Jade City.

A cold wind swirled withered leaves through the streets and alleys, while old trees along the road stretched out their bare branches.

The leaden clouds hung low, and a damp chill filled the air, as if the first snow of the winter could fall at any moment.

This is the fifty-first year since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty.

In stark contrast to the frigid weather, the entire city was bustling with activity.

The entire capital city of Yujing was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and everyone, from princes and nobles to commoners, was talking about the same thing—the great victory in the Western Regions and the presentation of captives at the Meridian Gate.

Teahouses and restaurants were packed, and even brothels were busier than usual.

The clerks from the Ministry of Rites ran around, hanging colorful lanterns on the streets to prepare for the ceremony.

The presentation of captives at the Meridian Gate, with the emperor personally welcoming them, was an unprecedented event in a thousand years, and the etiquette could not be taken lightly in the slightest.

"I heard that the pope, the king, and even their martial saints and grandmasters of the Western Regions have all been captured alive!"

"More than that! Even their deity, the 'Primordial Spirit,' has perished, and all the kingdoms of the Western Regions now have to acknowledge the Great Qian as their suzerain!"

"Now let's see who dares to disagree!"

In the busiest teahouse in the east of the city, Qingfeng Teahouse, the charcoal brazier glowed red-hot. The storyteller struck the gavel, and the noisy hall instantly fell silent.

"Dear readers, are you aware that King Ashoka of the Kingdom of Khotan was said to possess the power to move mountains?"

"This man is said to have the blood of ancient gods and demons, possesses formidable martial arts skills, and is even more extraordinary than saints. His hammer can weigh over a thousand pounds!"

The audience gasped in amazement. A man dressed as a butcher shook his head: "Over a thousand pounds? If he touched a person, he'd be smashed into mincemeat!"

The storyteller slammed his gavel: "But in front of our Fourth Prince, even the greatest hero becomes a coward! On the battlefield, the Fourth Prince beheaded him with a single sword stroke!"

The room erupted in uproar and discussion.

At the end of Wenchang Street, the Xianglou Pavilion resounds with the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments, and is filled with singing and dancing. This is a truly elegant place, and even wealthy merchants may not be able to get in.

In the private room, several young men in fine clothes were talking in hushed tones; they were all sons of noble families of the Great Qian Dynasty.

"I didn't expect the Western Regions to be conquered so quickly, it's really unexpected."

"I thought it would take at least a year or two." Another person took a sip of their drink, their gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

"The political situation is delicate right now. The Grand Tutor has disappeared, the Crown Prince has been deposed, and the princes are all secretly vying for power. I wonder what will happen next?"

"The Fourth Prince is returning to court with the merit of destroying a country. Will the Emperor..." someone said in a low voice, their expression subtle.

"Watch your words!" his companion interrupted immediately. "This is not something we should discuss."

"Yes, today we'll only talk about romance, not state affairs."

Everyone raised their glasses, their laughter masking a hint of caution.

The next day.

The cold wind howled, and the banners fluttered in the wind.

At the end of the official road, a massive, dark army surged in like a tidal wave, their armor impenetrable and their weapons like a forest. Inside the prison carts, the kings, nobles, and temple priests of the Western Regions were ashen-faced, their former arrogance completely gone.

"They're here! Look!"

Someone in the crowd shouted, and instantly a huge commotion erupted. Commoners stood on tiptoe, merchants pushed their way to the front, and even the imperial guards maintaining order couldn't help but turn their heads.

Sudden--

"boom!"

The earth-shattering roar of cannons exploded, and thousands of armored siege engines roared simultaneously. Amidst the billowing smoke, the entire capital city of Yujing trembled.

Some members of the foreign delegation collapsed to their knees, while others fainted from fright. This thunderous power was precisely the weapon that allowed the Great Qian Dynasty to intimidate the barbarians.

As the cannon fire subsided, a deafening roar of "Long live the Emperor!" echoed from the inner city. Bright yellow parasols like clouds, golden halberds like a forest, and a dragon palanquin carried by thirty-six men slowly appeared on the Meridian Gate Avenue. Wherever it passed, the people knelt like waves of wheat, and wisps of incense smoke rose from the altars. "His Majesty commands that all officials kneel before the vanguard to welcome the triumphant return of the soldiers."

At the eunuch's shrill voice, the civil and military officials moved in unison and knelt again on both sides of the passage cleared by the Imperial Guards. The Minister of Rites secretly glanced up and saw that at the end of the official road, the large banner embroidered with the character "Yang" was clearly visible.

As the officials held their breath, Shenwei King Yang Tuo and Lin Yu walked side by side through the central passage where the kneeling civil and military officials were seated, and came straight to the front of Emperor Qian's dragon carriage.

Amidst the clanging of armor, the two knelt on one knee.

"Your subject Yang Tuo greets Your Majesty."

Yang Tuo's voice was loud and clear, and Lin Yu followed suit with a bow. This subtle feeling of "I bow to myself" caused a hint of amusement to flash in his eyes.

The beaded curtain of the imperial carriage swayed slightly, and the Emperor Qian's gentle, jade-like voice rang out: "My two beloved ministers, please rise. This time, we have breached the Jingyuan Temple and captured the Western Regions' National Preceptor alive. I hereby order all officials to kneel in welcome. Further rewards will be bestowed upon us after the grand ceremony."

These words immediately caused a slight commotion among the kneeling officials.

Before anyone could think further, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs stepped forward, holding a bright yellow imperial edict. His shrill voice pierced the cold wind:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The importance of the heir apparent is paramount, for it is essential to secure the ancestral lineage. Only a virtuous and capable ruler can bring order to the entire nation."

When the words "Yang Qian, the fourth son of Prince Yu" were uttered, it seemed as if invisible ripples spread across the square.

The Prince He, kneeling among the nobles, had knuckles that turned white, while in the ranks of civil officials, Xie Wenyuan's beard trembled almost imperceptibly.

"His duties encompass both internal and external affairs, are recorded in ancient texts, attract attention from near and far, and are admired by both the court and the public. He is worthy to take on the great task and be entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the throne."

"He may be established as the Crown Prince. The relevant authorities shall prepare the necessary rites and issue the imperial decree in due course."

……

As night fell, the bustling city of Yujing finally fell silent.

After months of hard work, officials and soldiers of all ranks can finally unload their burdens and get a good night's sleep.

Meanwhile, high-ranking officials, scions of noble families, and princes and ministers gathered in their secluded residences to discuss the day's events.

Under the cover of night, strange and mysterious methods such as carrier pigeons, eagles, flying swords, and paper cranes used for spiritual communication were employed, and countless messages spread throughout the world like a spider web.

All the intelligence reports mentioned the same name: Yang Qian.

The grand ceremony of presenting prisoners at the Meridian Gate during the daytime was not about the prisoners or the Great Qian Dynasty, but about the Fourth Prince, Yang Qian.

Oh, he's now a freshly made crown prince.

Yang Qian's name once again swept across the land, his prestige surpassing even that of the past.

However, with Emperor Yang Pan in charge, the ministers and governors of the country could only discuss it in private.

Moreover, the fourth prince had the merit of destroying a country and had countless supporters in the army. Even if the people had the intention to rebel, it was impossible for them to rebel. What could they do but accept it?

Be forever loyal to the emperor; be loyal to whoever is the emperor.

This is a true reflection of the majority of people.

Ten days later.

Southeast of Yujing City lies the residence of Marquis Wuwen.

This marquis's mansion, which covers a hundred acres, began to decline after Hong Xuanji disappeared.

Although the imperial court, for some unknown reason, has not revoked the Marquis's status, the place has gone from bustling with activity to deserted and desolate.

But today, the main gate of the Marquis's mansion was wide open, two rows of maids stood at attention with their hands at their sides, an incense table was set up in the courtyard, sandalwood incense was wafting in the air, the three ladies of the Marquis's mansion sat upright beside the table, and some old maids kept looking out the door, their steps hurried.

Upon hearing that the Divine Might King Yang Tuo was about to arrive, they immediately led people to clean the mansion and tidy up the furnishings, and hurriedly changed into the phoenix coronet and wedding robes bestowed by the imperial court.

He sat listlessly in the courtyard, not even bothering to drink his tea, just staring longingly out of the mansion.

King Yang Tuo and Crown Prince Yang Qian achieved great victories against the hundreds of kingdoms in the Western Regions, their prestige soared, and their titles far surpassed those of marquises.

Although the Marquis of Wuwen once held a position in the court no less than that of an ordinary prince, this Grand Tutor has been missing for a long time now, and even the Da Luo faction, which once served as his backer, has been eradicated by someone.

A phoenix that has lost its feathers is no better than a chicken; now they can only barely make ends meet by relying on past friendships.

"The prince is here!"

The sound of horses' hooves grew louder as thirty-six armored guards filed in, their iron boots making the blue bricks vibrate with a buzzing sound.

Immediately afterwards, a grand sedan chair carried by eight men slowly appeared. The top of the chair was gilded and inlaid with seven-colored gemstones and pearl gourds. Beaded curtains swayed and canopies hung down all around, displaying royal majesty.

"Welcome, Your Highness!" The entire Marquis's residence knelt down in unison.

"No need for formalities," a deep voice came from inside the sedan chair.

In the living room.

"Greetings, ladies." Yang You nodded slightly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Madam Zhao rose to return the greeting, forcing a smile as she said, "Your Highness, what brings you to my humble abode?"

Yang You glanced at the three of them and said calmly, "I have come here today to see Meng Bingyun."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.

Madam Fang's hand trembled, and she nearly knocked over the teacup. Madam Rong's expression changed slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao forced a smile and said, "Your Highness, Meng Bingyun... lives deep in the back courtyard and is not in a position to receive guests. I wonder if you..."

Yang You's eyes turned slightly cold, his tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "I must see her today."

The three women looked at each other, but in the end dared not disobey, and could only whisper to their servants to go and invite them.

Before long, a figure in pure white slowly approached.

Meng Bingyun stepped into the hall, her features exquisite, yet carrying a hint of aloofness. She looked up at Yang You, a flicker of doubt in her eyes—

"Your Highness, what brings you to me?"

(End of this chapter)