The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

Su Che!

He was still wearing a slightly worn blue robe, with a matching cotton cloak over it. He was not wearing a crown, and his hair was tied up with a simple wooden hairpin. He stood in the wind and snow.

His figure was as upright as a pine tree, and his expression was calm and undisturbed, as if the surrounding noise, undercurrents, and countless gazes cast at him, whether open or hidden, were irrelevant to him.

He simply gazed silently toward the official road, as if waiting for something, or perhaps just lost in thought.

Since that night when the Weiyang Palace was established, and the coup of the Third Prince was suppressed with swift and decisive measures, stabilizing the capital,

This "Mr. Su" then retreated behind the scenes once again, living a secluded life and rarely appearing in public.

But everyone knows that he is the sharpest and most reliable weapon of the "Regent Princess" in the capital, and the true brain of the princess's residence.

He possesses the mysterious and unpredictable "Listening Device," now known as the "Jing'an Division" in the Jiangqiong Empire.

Together with Marquis Weiyuan, he controlled the defense of the capital. Before the imperial edict was issued and the princess returned to the capital, he used an iron fist to purge the remaining supporters of the Third Prince and replaced a number of important positions with his own people.

The decisiveness and ruthlessness of their methods, and the depth and meticulousness of their plans, are chilling to the bone.

Such a dangerous figure was trusted and even relied upon by the eldest princess who was about to become regent.

This in itself made many court officials, including some "pure stream" members who might have originally supported Yun Jin, feel apprehensive and uneasy.

Those who achieve great merit and overshadow their ruler, wielding immense power and influence, have historically been destined for death.

Does this Mr. Su not understand? Or... does he have ulterior motives?

Su Che seemed oblivious to the stares he was receiving.

His mind seemed to have drifted with the wind and snow towards the end of the official road.

Judging by the time, she should have arrived by now.

How serious are the injuries?

Was the journey safe and sound?

She's back in the capital, and she's going to wade through this murky water herself.

I have done everything I can for her.

She has to walk the rest of the road by herself.

Court intrigue, governance, balancing various factions, winning hearts and minds... these are not things that can be solved by scheming behind the scenes.

She must face it herself and conquer it herself.

But, given her current physical condition... can she withstand it?

A barely perceptible hint of worry flashed across the depths of his eyes before disappearing into the still, ancient well.

"They're here! They're here! His Highness's carriage has arrived!"

Someone with sharp eyes shouted out.

Immediately, everyone's spirits lifted, and they craned their necks to look at the official road.

In the midst of the snow-covered landscape, a black, silent torrent slowly broke through the snow curtain and meandered towards Yongding Gate.

There were no drums or cheers, only the dull sounds of horses' hooves pounding the snow and wheels grinding through the ice.

Mixed with the howling of the wind and snow, an invisible, heavy pressure came crashing down upon us.

As the column drew closer, the cavalrymen in black armor and hemp clothing became clearly visible.

See clearly the tattered battle flag, the simple yet sturdy carriage, and beside the carriage, the banner of "Regent Princess" standing proudly in the wind and snow.

There was no triumphant return, only exhaustion and desolation after a bloody battle.

There was no flamboyance or ostentation of a newly appointed regent, only a calm, restrained, and resilient dignity.

This silent majesty inspires more awe than any noisy procession.

The procession slowly came to a stop a hundred paces away from the welcoming crowd.

Zhou Bo and Zhao Jianing were the first to dismount and stand at attention with their hands on their swords.

The carriage door opened, and Qingdai got out first, setting down the footrest.

Then, a foot wearing a black soft boot, looking slightly unsteady, stepped onto the snow-covered ground.

Immediately afterwards, the figure in black, supported by Qingdai, slowly stepped out of the carriage.

The wind and snow instantly whipped up the hem of her cloak and her long hair, which was not adorned with a crown but only held up with a gold ring.

Her face was so pale it was almost transparent, her lips were bloodless, her left arm was slinged over her chest, and her figure still appeared thin under the heavy fox fur coat.

However, when she raised her head and calmly swept her gaze across the dark mass of people welcoming her, she realized that...

The calm, perseverance, and inviolable majesty that emanated naturally from the tempering of life and death sent a chill down the spines of all those who had initially held contempt or scrutiny.

This is Yun Jin, the legendary Princess Yun Jin who guards the northern border, quells rebellions, and is about to become regent.

She looked so young, so...fragile.

But the light in those eyes seemed to pierce through people's hearts, seeing through all hypocrisy and scheming.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome Your Highness the Regent Princess's triumphant return! Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness!"

Led by Marquis Weiyuan, all the officials and soldiers who came to greet him bowed in unison, their cheers as loud as the mountains and the sea.

The sound echoed through the wind and snow, deafeningly loud.

Yun Jin stood in front of the carriage shaft, not calling out immediately.

Her gaze slowly swept over the kneeling crowd below, lingering for a moment on the faces of Marquis Weiyuan and several important officials, before finally landing on the figure in green robes who stood alone among the crowd, quietly watching her.

Eyes facing each other.

The wind and snow seemed to stand still at that moment.

He remained calm, his eyes deep, as if silently saying: You're back.

She nodded slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible glint in her eyes, as if in response: I'm back.

Then, she shifted her gaze to the crowd, and her clear, slightly hoarse voice pierced through the wind and snow, reaching everyone's ears clearly:

"My lords, please rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Everyone stood up and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

"I was ordered to lead the southern expedition. Thanks to the bravery of my soldiers, Your Majesty's great fortune, and the protection of our ancestors, I was fortunate enough to win and quell the rebellion."

"However, upon hearing of His Majesty's passing on the way, the whole nation mourns. My heart is truly heavy with grief. Moreover, I am also suffering from illness and my appearance is disheveled, which is unbecoming of my dignity. I hope you will all forgive me." Yun Jin's tone was calm, yet it carried a heavy sorrow and dignity.

"Your Highness has worked tirelessly for the country, braving arrows and stones, and your contributions to the nation are deeply appreciated by us!" Marquis Weiyuan said in a deep voice.

"Please accept our condolences, Your Highness, and take care of your health. State affairs are numerous and require Your Highness's attention."

"Lord Weiyuan, you flatter me." Yun Jin nodded slightly.

"His Majesty's last edict entrusted me with a heavy responsibility. Although I am of limited talent and learning, and suffer from illness, I dare not fail the late emperor's trust, nor the hopes of the people."

I will do my utmost, with my limited abilities, to work together with you gentlemen to overcome these difficult times, to secure the nation, and to comfort the spirit of the late Emperor in heaven.

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd once more.

"However, every country has its laws, and every court has its rules. Now that I have been appointed regent, I will certainly fulfill my duties. I also hope that all of you, in the future, will perform your duties in court, act impartially, speak frankly and offer advice, and work together to support the young emperor. If any of you neglect your duties, form cliques for personal gain, or deceive the emperor, do not blame me for... lacking a sharp sword."

The last three words were spoken with a sudden chill in tone, carrying a murderous aura honed on the battlefield.

In stark contrast to his pale, sickly face, he appeared even more sinister.