His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

sigh?

Does she have it?

Mo Sangyu was unaware that she was so regretful that she actually sighed out loud.

No, you misheard.

She shook her head, suppressing the jumbled thoughts in her mind, and her gaze returned to the lonely grave.

Feng Xingyu looked at her calmly, his red eyes filled with doting affection.

He had a new tombstone made in advance, which read: Tomb of my late mother, Yun Shi Wangshu.

The inscription reads: "Unfilial son Feng Xingyu, daughter-in-law Mo Sangyu."

After the tombstone was erected, Feng Xingyu personally placed the offerings he had brought on the ground.

A pot of sake, a few plates of snacks, and a bunch of white chrysanthemums in full bloom.

He knelt before the grave, raised his hand to fill a cup with wine, and slowly poured it in front of the tombstone: "Mother, rest assured, your son is doing well now, and I have avenged you. You can rest in peace in the afterlife."

His voice was very soft, as if afraid of disturbing the peaceful slumber beneath.

Mo Sangyu stood to the side, looking at his profile.

"Ayu."

He poured another cup of wine and looked at Mo Sangyu: "Come and offer a cup of wine to Mother Consort."

"it is good."

Without much thought, Mo Sangyu walked over and naturally squatted down beside him, taking the wine cup he offered.

She looked at the words "Daughter-in-law Mo Sangyu" on the brand-new tombstone and felt a strange sensation.

It was as if Yun Wangshu was standing right in front of her.

For the first time ever, a sense of nervousness swept through my heart.

"Greetings, Mother."

Mo Sangyu calmly said, "My name is Mo Sangyu. This is my first time being someone's daughter-in-law. I am not familiar with the etiquette, so please... forgive me."

Feng Xingyu turned his head to look at her, the smile in his eyes deepening.

Ah Yu... how can she be so cute?

Even if his mother were still alive, no one in this world would have the right to say that she "doesn't know the rules."

Because she is the rule.

However, upon hearing Mo Sangyu say this, Feng Xingyu was overjoyed.

The two of them stood in front of the grave and talked for a long time.

As the sun gradually set and the sky was tinged with orange-red sunset clouds, Feng Xingyu stood up and said, "Mother, I must leave now. I will come to see you again when I have time."

After saying that, he took Mo Sangyu's hand, and the two stood side by side. They took one last look at the lonely grave, then turned and went down the mountain.

Before dawn the next day, a solemn atmosphere already enveloped the area outside the capital city.

The selected troops were fully prepared and ready to go, their dark ranks stretching from the city gate all the way to the distant official road.

The banners fluttered in the morning breeze, and the brand-new character "宸" on them was particularly eye-catching.

Feng Xingyu, dressed in black riding attire, stood at the very front of the formation, with Mo Sangyu riding beside him on horseback.

Behind him, Gu Jinzhi, Yuan Zhao, Han Xiao, Yan Qing, and Ya Zi and others lined up in order, each with a solemn expression.

At the city gate, Feng Tingye led the newly formed garrison troops in a procession to see them off.

Today he changed into a dark blue prince's robe, which made him look even more slender and upright.

Those deep eyes held a complex expression at that moment.

"Tingye".

Feng Xingyu looked at him, his red eyes carrying a hint of gentleness: "I entrust the capital to you."

Feng Tingye nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust."

After saying that, he bowed to Mo Sangyu on horseback behind him and said, "Seventh Sister-in-law, take care on your journey."

Mo Sangyu nodded to him: "Take care."

Feng Xingyu raised his hand and waved it forward: "Let's go!"

As the bugle sounded, the army slowly began to move.

With banners waving and horses' hooves thundering, the procession stretched forward like a long dragon.

Feng Tingye stood at the city gate, watching the procession gradually disappear into the distance.

Watching the dark figure grow smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared into the morning mist.

He stood there for a long time.

It wasn't until the adjutant beside him whispered, "Your Highness, it's time to go back."

Feng Tingye withdrew his gaze, took one last look in that direction, and then turned and walked into the city gate.

The army marched northwards, heading towards the foggy city.

"Ayu."

After traveling for a while, Feng Xingyu suddenly reined in his horse: "The road ahead is long and bumpy. I have ordered a comfortable carriage to be prepared in advance. It is just ahead."

Mo Sangyu looked up and saw, sure enough, an extremely exquisite carriage waiting quietly by the roadside not far away.

The car body is made of precious wood with elegant carvings. The curtains are made of soft brocade with warm jade tassels hanging from the four corners. From a distance, you can tell that the interior is spacious and comfortable.

Feng Xingyu looked down at her, a faint smile in his red eyes: "Let's go, I'll go with you."

Mo Sangyu glanced at him and said, "Okay."

Once inside the carriage, I discovered that it was furnished with thick velvet carpets, had calming incense in the corner, and was stocked with snacks and tea on a small table, along with a book. It was so comfortable that it didn't feel like we were on a journey.

When did this man prepare all this?

That's quite thoughtful.

Feng Xingyu rode with her throughout the journey, and she didn't find it boring at all.

The army marched day and night, advancing steadily.

That afternoon, Yan Qing finally found an opportunity and lingered over to Mo Sangyu when she got out of the car to get some fresh air.

He was usually decisive and ruthless, but at this moment he seemed a little flustered. He scratched his head and after a long while, he finally managed to stammer out, "Your Majesty, I...I have something I wish to ask Your Majesty to grant."

Mo Sangyu leaned against the carriage shaft, gazing at the distant green mountains, and turned her head slightly: "You speak."

Yan Qing took a deep breath, as if he had made a tremendous decision, and looked directly at her: "Your subject... wishes to marry Feng Mian."

Mo Sangyu raised an eyebrow slightly, not surprised at all.

After all, there were signs of this all along.

A slight smile played on her lips, and she said casually, "Why are you asking me about this?"

Yan Qing was taken aback.

"I have no objection."

Mo Sangyu: "Feng Mian is a good girl. If you are sincere to her, I will naturally be happy to see it happen. But whether or not you agree in the end depends on Feng Mian's own wishes. It's not up to me to decide."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing's eyes lit up instantly, and his previously anxious heart finally settled down.

"As long as Fengmian nods."

Mo Sangyu continued, "I will prepare a generous dowry for her, a grand wedding procession of ten miles, to marry her to you in style."

Yan Qing stood there, stunned.

Is that all?

He was so overwhelmed with emotion that he didn't know how to react, only bowing repeatedly and saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty... Thank you so much for your kindness!"

"So happy? Fengmian has already agreed?"

"Yes, she said she would marry me as long as Your Majesty agrees."

Mo Sangyu reiterated, "As long as she agrees, that's fine."

Finally, he added, "But remember, if you marry her, you have to treat her well. If I find out you dare to bully her, I will..."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

Before she could finish speaking, Yan Qing patted his chest and guaranteed, "If I ever dare to treat her badly in the future, Your Majesty, may I be skinned alive, and I will not hesitate!"

"That's not the case."

Mo Sangyu said solemnly, "I will take her away, so that you will never see her again."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing felt his heart tremble and shook his head violently: "No, no, Your Majesty, I will never give you that chance."

He was certain that Feng Mian was the person he had wanted all his life. He had finally gotten her, so how could he possibly treat her badly?

"That's good."

Having said that, Mo Sangyu didn't say anything more, only that once they returned to Wudu, they could choose a date to hold the wedding.

This was nothing short of fantastic news for Yan Qing.

For the next few days, he was incredibly energetic, like he'd been injected with adrenaline.

Every day before dawn, he would get up to help Yuan Zhao organize the team, help Han Xiao count the supplies, and run errands for Gu Jinzhi.

When setting up camp at night, they even volunteered to help in the kitchen, eagerly serving everyone rice.

Yuan Zhao stared, his eyes wide with amazement.

"Has this kid taken the wrong medicine?"

Han Xiao: "The marriage proposal was successful."

"A marriage proposal?" Yuan Zhao was taken aback. "To whom?"

"Fengmian."

"oh."

Yuan Zhao suddenly realized, then looked disgusted and said, "Look at his pathetic self, getting this excited over a marriage proposal."

Han Xiao glanced at him.

"You're jealous."

"What am I jealous of? What do I have to be jealous of?"

"I'm jealous that he's about to get a wife."

Yuan Zhao: "..."

He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but after a long pause, he finally said, "You didn't have any either, and there's also Ya Zi..."

They're both alone, how dare you say he's jealous?

Upon hearing this, Ya Zi, who was standing nearby, remained silent.

A simple, innocent face suddenly flashed through his mind.

Realizing who he was thinking of, he shook his head violently, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.

What is he thinking?

crazy!

If Miss knew, she would be extremely disappointed in him. A man like him... how could he be worthy of her?

Besides, she's still a child, how could he treat her like that...?

Ya Zi suddenly slapped himself hard across the face.

A sharp "smack" startled the two people arguing beside them, causing them to freeze in shock.

Yuan Zhao opened her mouth, the words caught in her throat, and stared at him with wide eyes: "What...what are you doing?"

Han Xiao rarely showed a surprised expression, his gaze falling on the rapidly reddening handprint on his face.

Ya Zi lowered his hand, expressionless: "There are mosquitoes."

Yuan Zhao: "..."

Han Xiao: "..."

The two exchanged a glance, then simultaneously looked at Ya Zi.

Winter is almost here, where are the mosquitoes coming from?

But Ya Zi had already turned and walked away, his back stiff, his pace more than twice as fast as usual.

Yuan Zhao scratched his head and muttered to himself, "This kid's been acting strange lately."

Han Xiao looked thoughtfully in the direction Ya Zi had left, and said softly, "Something on your mind."

"What's on your mind?"

"have no idea."

Yuan Zhao rolled his eyes: "It's the same as saying nothing at all."

Han Xiao ignored him and turned to leave.

Yuan Zhao stood there, looking at this and then at that, and suddenly felt like a fool.

Time flies.

A dozen days later, the army entered the highway within the territory of Dachen.

The road surface is paved with gravel and a hard material mixed with soil, compacted firmly, so that it will not become muddy or difficult to walk on even after days of rain.

The road was wide enough for six horse-drawn carriages to run side by side, and there were neat rows of trees planted on both sides.

Yan Qing felt energized the moment he stepped onto this road.

"Finally back!"

He spurred his horse a few steps, then turned back and shouted to those behind him, "At this speed, we'll reach the Fog City in five days!"

Yuan Zhao couldn't help but grin.

"This road is really well-maintained; it's not bumpy at all when driving on it."

Han Xiao nodded expressionlessly, while Ya Zi's eyes showed a clear hint of joy.

Gu Jinzhi rode his horse to the side of the carriage and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have already sent word back to Wudu. Zhixia and the others should already be making preparations."

Feng Xingyu nodded and turned to look at the person beside him.

Mo Sangyu, who had just taken a short nap, asked groggily, "Where are we?"

"We've entered the highway."

Feng Xingyu smiled and said, "It will arrive in five days."

Mo Sangyu said "Oh" and closed her eyes again.

It's a rare moment of relaxation, so it doesn't matter if we take it slow.

However, she hasn't been idle lately; she's been considering how to defend the new territory as well.

There are also highways that need to be built further south to ensure smooth traffic throughout the country.

Aside from these two things, she doesn't need to worry too much about the others, as Feng Xingyu and Gu Jinzhi are there.

At that time, she can thoroughly investigate this Cloud City; she always felt that it was a hidden bomb for them.

That Yun Jin was clearly after Feng Xingyu's life.

This time, Mo Sangyu left a tracking device on him after letting him go, but for the past half month, he has been wandering around the territory of Da Chen.

I wonder if he has already sensed something, which is why he is reluctant to return to that mysterious Cloud City.

Ahead, officials in charge of the highway had already set up roadblocks, temporarily blocking caravans and other pedestrians from various places to the side of the road.

Some businessmen were unhappy.

"Why are you stopping us? We're in a hurry to deliver goods!"

The official glanced at him and said indifferently, "The army is returning in triumph. His Majesty and the Empress are both in the ranks. If you have something urgent, go and speak to His Majesty yourself."

The merchant immediately shut his mouth and obediently stepped aside.

Others also made way and stood on the roadside, craning their necks to look.

"Your Majesty? Is it that red-eyed Your Majesty?"

"I heard there's also the Empress..."

"Look, look! The character '宸' on that flag looks so majestic..."

"We are now subjects of the Great Chen Dynasty. I must say, since the founding of the Great Chen Dynasty, our lives have been much better than before. This is all thanks to His Majesty and the Empress."

"Indeed, truly working for the well-being of the people, this humble subject pays homage to Your Majesty and Your Highness..."

In the caravan, one person took the lead in kneeling, and the others immediately followed suit, shouting in unison, "Greetings to Your Majesty! Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress!"

The sounds rose and fell, spreading along the flat, wide highway.

Feng Xingyu sat in the carriage, his red eyes sweeping over the people on the roadside with a calm and unwavering expression.

Upon hearing this, Mo Sangyu silently curled her lips.

It is what the people want.

This feels great.

Five days later, at dawn, the city gates of the Fog City were already packed with people.

The civil and military officials lined up early to wait, with Wen Zhixia and Lu Jin at the head.

Wen Zhixia, dressed in an official robe, stood at the front of the group, her face showing a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

Lu Jin stood beside her, a smile in his eyes.

Next came the officials from the Ministry of Rites.

They were dressed in brand-new court robes and carried various ceremonial weapons to welcome His Majesty and Empress back to court.

Further away, people who had come spontaneously crowded both sides of the street, craning their necks and discussing among themselves.

In the distance, banners fluttered, and the sound of horses' hooves grew louder as they approached.

The army finally came into view.

Wen Zhixia straightened her robes, stepped forward, and bowed in greeting.

"Your subject, Wen Zhixia, leading all civil and military officials, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty and Her Majesty back to court!"

Behind him, all the officials knelt down in unison.

"Welcome back to court, Your Majesty!"

The shouts were deafening, echoing through the heavens.

Upon hearing Wen Zhixia's voice, Mo Sangyu lifted the carriage curtain and looked out, only to see Gu Jinzhi on horseback already dismounting and personally helping her up.

"Zhixia, you've had a tough time while I was away. You...you've lost a lot of weight."