Chapter 70: Return to the Capital

When Zhan Yan and her companions returned to the capital, an earth-shattering upheaval was unfolding in Xiyuan. Yang Rui marched back to the capital with hundreds of thousands of Xiyuan soldiers, halting at the imperial city gates and forcing Yang Yuxiong to abdicate. Yang Yuxiong was furious, wishing he could kill his own son with his bare hands.

By the time Yang Rui reached the palace, all those surrounding it had been replaced by his own men. More than half of the court officials now stood with Yang Rui, which was hardly surprising. Over the years, Yang Yuxiong had lost the people's loyalty; at the slightest sign of rebellion, they immediately chose the opposing side.

Yang Yuxiong gazed at his own son, who now stood before him with an imposing dignity. In a rage, he said, "You rebellious child, how could you commit such an outrageous act? How will you ever face our ancestors?"

Yang Rui replied coolly, "Father, shouldn't you be the one ashamed to face our ancestors? The King of Dongling ascended the throne barely two years before you, yet for over a decade, he has governed Dongling so well that the nation is wealthy and its people live in peace. What about you? What have you done all these years? You spent your days dreaming of unifying the world, never once considering the plight of Xiyuan's people. The people suffer and you are blind to their misery."

A flicker of guilt appeared in Yang Yuxiong's eyes, but he quickly shook his head and snarled, "What do you know? Once I become the ruler of the world, Xiyuan will naturally prosper."

Yang Rui gave him a mocking glance and retorted, "You can't even govern the small state of Xiyuan properly, yet you dream of unifying the world. Don't make people laugh."

"Scoundrel!" Yang Yuxiong roared, grabbing a jade cup from the table and hurling it at Yang Rui.

Yang Rui reached out and caught the cup in his hand, shaking his head and saying calmly, "Father, look at how wasteful you are. This jade cup alone would be enough to provide for an ordinary family for a lifetime, yet you toss it away without a second thought."

"You... you..." Yang Yuxiong was so enraged that his face turned green, but he could not find words.

"Guards, take the retired emperor away so he may enjoy his twilight years in peace," Yang Rui ordered with a wave of his hand. A large contingent of guards entered in formation and seized Yang Yuxiong.

"You... very well..." Yang Yuxiong repeated the word "well" three times, then collapsed in despair, sitting on the floor. He had never imagined that not only would his ambition to unify the world fail, but he would be forced to abdicate by his own son. Watching the ministers who once flattered him now standing upright behind his son, his heart grew cold. He had plotted since the day he became crown prince, yet in the end, it had all come to nothing.

Yang Rui saw the despair in his father's eyes, and for a moment felt a pang of pity, but it quickly passed. His father had nearly had him killed; had he not secretly trained in martial arts over the years, perhaps he would have died long ago and never had the chance to stand here today. Yet he had no intention of taking his father's life, only of forcing his abdication.

Yang Yuxiong was led away, and all present knelt before Yang Rui, calling out "Long live the king" three times. Yang Rui was officially enthroned as the King of Xiyuan.

Yang Yuxiong's beloved consort, Lady Liang, disappeared from the palace after Yang Rui ascended the throne. Despite searching every corner of Xiyuan, Yang Rui could not find a trace of her, but he did not abandon his quest for vengeance for his mother and continued the search.

Meanwhile, Zhongli Yu's army marched for seven days, finally arriving at the capital of Dongling. The city was filled with cheers as citizens poured out to welcome them; even the King of Dongling, Zhong Aotian, came personally to greet them at the city gate. As they arrived, Zhongli Yu emerged from Zhan Yan's carriage, clad in dazzling golden armor and mounted on his horse.

Seeing the emperor, everyone hurriedly knelt and paid their respects. Zhan Yan and her companions also disembarked from the carriage. Zhong Aotian smiled, helping Zhongli Yu to his feet, and said with joy, "Yu'er, you have done splendidly this time. Your safe return is a blessing for Dongling."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I have only done my duty," Zhongli Yu replied respectfully.

"Princess Chun, I have heard of your deeds in Wangcheng and am truly impressed. You are a heroine among women," Zhong Aotian said with a smile, glancing at Zhan Yan, who stood beside Zhongli Yu.

When Zhan Yan heard the emperor mention her, she hurriedly feigned fear and said, "I only acted out of desperation to save my husband, and entered the military camp without permission. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness." Although she knew the emperor had no intention of reproaching her, it was wise not to leave herself open to criticism and to seek pardon first.

"Ha ha! Princess Chun, you need not worry. You brought the Great Elixir and saved Prince Chun, slew the Xiyuan general, and cleared Prince Zhen Nan of charges of treason. You have rendered great service, and I shall reward you accordingly." News of Zhan Yan giving Zhongli Yu the Great Elixir had already reached the capital, so Zhong Aotian was well aware.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zhan Yan quickly replied. The reward was of little consequence; all she cared was that she was not blamed.

Zhong Aotian then looked at Zhan Tianyi, who stood quietly to the side, and said with feeling, "Lord Zhan, you have worked hard all these years."

Zhan Tianyi quickly knelt and said sincerely, "I am unworthy. Please punish me, Your Majesty."

Zhong Aotian waved his hand, "How could I blame you? The fault lies with the cunning Xiyuan, who set you up. Let us put the matter to rest. I hear Princess Chun is your daughter—tell me, what is the story?"

Though the question was addressed to Zhan Tianyi, Zhong Aotian's gaze included Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan.

Zhan Yan, seeing the emperor look her way, hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, before, Yan Kuan impersonated my father and treated me with cold disdain. His wife, Wang Xueru, constantly persecuted me, and several times I nearly died. To escape her torment, I had no choice but to fake my death and leave the Prince Zhen Nan's residence."

"But I heard your martial skills are formidable. How could Wang Xueru trouble you?" Clearly, the King of Dongling found the explanation unconvincing.

"At the time, I did not know my father was an impostor. I took him for my real father, and Wang Xueru was his wife. I did not wish to kill her, especially as she had several children," Zhan Yan replied helplessly.

Zhong Aotian nodded in satisfaction. Clearly, the answer pleased him, for it proved Zhan Yan was kind-hearted. Zhongli Yu was of royal blood, and Zhan Yan, having married him, was now part of the royal family. He certainly did not want Zhongli Yu to wed a malicious woman. Smiling, he said to Zhan Tianyi, "Lord Zhan, to have such a daughter is a blessing."

Zhan Tianyi replied with joy, "Indeed, it is my good fortune."

"Very well, you have traveled day and night and must be weary. Go and rest. I shall host a banquet in the palace another day to reward your merits."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

At the emperor's command, Zhongli Yu's troops proceeded in order, gradually disappearing from view. Zhongli Yu needed to return to the military camp with his soldiers and thus could not accompany Zhan Yan back to the prince's residence. He spoke softly to Zhan Yan, "Yan'er, you go ahead. I will return later."

Zhan Yan nodded in understanding.