Chapter Eighty-six Entering the Imperial Capital

  After 23 days of time, a long negotiation finally came to an end.

  The royal family members of the Yin Dynasty were originally scattered among the people, and many people in the imperial court were granted a leisurely title to retire in the capital. A portion of silver was allocated from the inner treasury as a gift, and they received a stipend from the court. However, the titles were reduced, and in fact, there were not many people left in the royal family. The other princes had all become captives, leaving only Regent King Jing and his sons and daughters.

  The Regent has his own palace, and it's only been a few days since he ascended to the throne. Now everything is back to normal again.

  To be honest, King Jing may have felt a little lost, but not too much. The previous things seemed like a big dream, as if he was confused and started a rebellion, then became the regent king in confusion, and soon was pulled down by a minister who didn't take him seriously.

  His ending is already considered good compared to other princes. At least he didn't end up as a prisoner in chains.

  Yang Yunqiu's men treated the captives very well, and ordinary soldiers thought that Dongchuan Army was not bad, but this did not include those in high positions of power, because Dongchuan Army treated captives equally, regardless of whether you were an official, a noble family or an ordinary citizen, eating and living conditions were all the same, even if the conditions were very good, they were still dissatisfied.

  The king of Wei was also among the captives.

  Despite his friendship with Yang Yuhuan, he did not receive special treatment in this matter of plotting to usurp the throne.

  The captives were sorted out and sent home, some joined the Dongchuan army, others have been taken away for new recruit training. Now in the captive camp are only people with a name and their trusted personal soldiers.

  There used to be a soldier living with the King of Wei, but now he lives alone in a large tent. The tent is quite good, and although it can't compare to his own palace, it's much more comfortable than his life as a soldier during this period.

  Although his concubines, children and daughters do not live together, they can be seen during class hours and playtime. The children are not only not thin but also fatter than before, obviously not suffering much. Only the concubine is visibly worn out and aged, which is normal. Adults think more, consider more, even if there is no shortage of food and drink, excessive thoughts can also harm the body.

  Wei Wang sighed, not knowing how Sun Zhao Ming would deal with him. To be honest, he didn't have any intention of resisting at all. He understood more than others that this person was no ordinary person. If he didn't want the throne, then so be it. But since things had come to this point, it must be that there was no other choice. Even if someone were to resist, they would probably be unable to withstand the "heavenly might".

  Besides, most people don't like war.

  Outside, a loud clanging sound rang out, and a very loud voice shouted: "Dinner is served, dinner is served."

  Wei Wang casually picked up his own rice bowl and walked out, taking two steps before sighing bitterly. This had all become a habit for him - as soon as he heard the bell ring, his legs would move on their own to go to class, to participate in activities, to eat...

  The cafeteria is very clean.

  Wei Wang took the rice bowl over, and there were already a dozen or so people lined up in front of him, all wearing the same clothes, making it hard to tell each other's identities apart. A serving of rice, a serving of steamed pork ribs, a serving of stir-fried beans, and a serving of stir-fried oil greens - being able to eat green and oily vegetables on a cold winter's day was simply the ultimate pleasure.

  Shang Wang and Jing Wang were also there, so three people made a table.

  Now, apart from Regent King Jing, there are only three of them left in the palace. Originally, the relationship between Shang Wang and Wei Wang was not very good, but now they are all gathered together, and no one has the mind to make trouble.

  After a moment of silence, King Jing sighed: "I've heard that in a few days... Sun Zhao Ming will enter the capital and ascend to the throne next month."

  The king did not speak.

  A flash of extreme anger flickered in the eyes of the Shang king, and he coldly snorted: "Rebellious minister, treacherous son!"

  The Yin dynasty was originally their Mu family's world, but in one evening, it changed to the Dragon Court. They immediately became the imperial family of the previous dynasty. How could they feel good about it? Wei Wang sighed and smiled bitterly: "Forget it, forget it. For thousands of years, hasn't it always been like this? A hundred years ago, our ancestors were able to seize someone else's throne, and a hundred years later, naturally, there will be others who can seize our Mu family's throne. It's just the way of the world."

  The Shang king did not speak again, but in his heart he thought that if the crown prince had not died and ascended to the throne smoothly, would things have turned out like this? Even if he was exiled to a remote place, he would still be a member of the royal family, still holding real power as a king. Which is unlike now, where not only his future is uncertain, but even his life and property are not guaranteed to be safe.

  A group of former royal masters were frowning and looking gloomy, but the entire prisoner-of-war camp was decorated with lanterns and streamers, very lively, even the food had improved a lot, three meals a day plus midnight snacks, all delicious dishes of meat and fish.

  Yang Yunqiu sat at the table, practicing drawing arrays every day without fail. Er Ya leaned against his back, selecting clothes and making gestures. They were about to enter the capital soon, and several sets of his clothes had been made, including a bright yellow dragon robe, but he still hadn't decided what to wear when entering the capital.

  Never having ascended to the throne, wearing dragon robes is not suitable, and wearing the official attire of the previous dynasty is even more out of the question. But things happened too quickly, and the uniforms of the Dongchuan army were still made during the Yin dynasty. If the Dongchuan army really had to wear the military uniform of the Yin dynasty into the capital, it would be too ironic.

  Yang Yunqiu held down Er Ya's hand and smiled: "Don't be in a hurry, the new clothes will be ready soon. You can also go out for a stroll. These days have been busy, you must be tired. Take your young ladies with you and go for a walk."

  Er Ya frowned and nodded, walking away with three glances back, more concerned than her master. After all, entering the capital was a big deal, and the common people of the capital would come out to watch; if their clothes were not impressive, how disappointing that would be.

  Wang Yi and Liu Sheng were busy with this matter, inviting several fashion designers to design clothes. Wang Yi gave up, but it was said that Liu Sheng thoroughly showcased his COSPLAY heart, making a set of costumes from various movies and games.

  Those clothes were sent to Yang Yunqiu, and Yang Yunqiu casually glanced at them, and was immediately taken with the various sets of Sword Net 3. He chose Wan Hua's Nan Huang set for himself, as dark colors were also considered a noble color in this era, suitable for nobles to wear. The others each chose what they liked.

  It must be said that Yang Yunqiu himself is not very old and it's normal for him to have a bit of a childlike heart.

  As for the Eastern Army, a water-ink-colored armor, using the appearance of the Tian Ce Yi You set, is very delicate and quite beautiful. At least the soldiers of the Eastern Army like their new clothes so much.

  When the clothes were ready, the chosen high-headed and big-horse horses were also in place, and the large team of people finally entered the capital in a grand manner.

  The entire capital city was swept and cleaned spotlessly, ready to welcome its new master.

  Countless ordinary people lined the streets to welcome them.

  The Dongchuan Army has left a good impression on the common people recently. Not only did they not commit any offense during their march, but also when the common people voluntarily sent them supplies, they were able to return quite a bit of silver money, which was more cost-effective than selling it. The reputation of being a righteous army had already spread throughout the land, and even though the people in the capital city were still uneasy, at least they did not strongly oppose it.

  Moreover, the Dongchuan army also withstood the invasion of the barbarians.

  The common people haven't read many books, but they still think about the phrase "if you're not of my tribe, your heart must be different". Moreover, thirty years ago, the imperial court and the barbarians had a large-scale war. At that time, the Wata tribe invaded the Central Plains, killing countless people and destroying numerous villages and towns. There is deep hatred between them, and those who experienced the disaster are still alive, their hatred has not been put down. The Eastern Chu army's northern rejection of the barbarians is a great achievement, having such an achievement will be very beneficial for them to control this country.

  Ordinary people are crowded and bustling on the streets.

  The Dongchuan military personnel maintaining order were not rough or savage, and didn't even shout loudly, they just held hands to form a long dragon line, not allowing anyone to take half a step beyond the thunder pool.

  These soldiers were expressionless and looked very intimidating. They were all physically robust, completely different from those sloppy big-headed soldiers of the Yin Dynasty before, extremely majestic.

  A deafening rumble shook heaven and earth, people quieted down, looked up and saw the Yellow Dragon Flag of Dongchuan Army in the distance.

  Sun Zhaoyang was also sitting on the second floor of a teahouse, he didn't want to come out, but for some reason, he got up early today and unconsciously went out onto the street.

  Recently, the situation has been changing rapidly, and many people have been trembling with fear. He was in the capital city when the Crown Prince died, and he surrendered to King Jing because he was Sun Zhiming's older brother. At first, he wasn't treated very well, but also because he was Sun Zhiming's older brother, after enduring the initial period of time, others began to treat him with respect, and his status seemed to have risen sharply in an instant.

  It's truly unbelievable - when did that timid and weak, never-in-his-sights, not-even-worth-a-glance younger brother from a concubine have such great influence?

  He had been in office for over a decade, and during this time, he never thought that one day he would be trampled underfoot by Sun Zhaoming. Even though Sun Zhaoming was the first to win the imperial examination, later gained the emperor's favor, and rose all the way to become a high-ranking official, he had never been concerned - after all, being a high-ranking official in a local region was still just that, whereas he was in the capital, no matter how inconspicuous. Sun Zhaoyang enjoyed the prince's trust, and even in the Eastern Palace, his status surpassed that of the Prince's Tutor. In the future, when the prince ascended to the throne, he would undoubtedly become a powerful minister.

  Sun Zhaoyang always felt that this day was just around the corner, the emperor was already old and the crown prince would soon ascend to the throne.

  Indeed, he still remembered that the Crown Prince wore heavy mourning clothes and gave him a pot of fine wine under the moonlight. Although he was still a child, his body was thin, but his ambition was high: "I will become a good king... It's just that the power of the vassal kings is too great, I must truly own this world, even if it takes ten years, twenty years, I will definitely be able to do it."

  What was he thinking at the time? He thought that he must assist Your Majesty well, he must be able to leave a good name in history, become a powerful minister of his generation, and let the Sun family become a famous family.

  He had hardly begun to reveal his ambition when the Crown Prince was assassinated, the princes rebelled, and the court fell into chaos. The peaceful and prosperous world seemed like a bubble that burst at the slightest touch, shattering into pieces.

  The cheers from downstairs came in waves, like a never-ending tide. Sun Zhaoyang lowered his head and saw from afar that Sun Zhaoming, who was five years younger than himself, yet with an air of majesty, rode a tall horse, wearing black armor, surrounded by a neatly dressed guard of honor, walking down the imperial street towards the palace he could only look up to in awe.

  Innumerable people knelt down in worship, and he too could not help but kneel down.

  Sun Zhaoyang lowered his head, and in front of him, a phantom seemed to appear - the king surrounded by thousands of people was himself, while the one crawling at his feet, begging for mercy, was that lowly born son.

  Alas, even he himself knew it was an illusion.

  The team disappeared, Sun Zhaoyang stood up with others, adjusted his collar, and also showed a joyful smile on his face. His character had always been firm, no matter what he thought in his heart, when he really took action, he could always make the best and most correct choice for himself. His mother, Yu Shi, had said before that with such a temperament, no matter what difficulties he encountered, he would always be able to get through them smoothly. People like him would live better than others.

  Yang Yunqiu didn't know that just entering the capital, her cheap big brother thought so much, in fact, he had already forgotten Sun Zhaoyang, if no one reminded him, maybe he wouldn't even remember there was such a person.

  He wasn't very old, and his temperament was calm, but being surrounded by so many people cheering and congratulating him made him feel dizzy. After entering the palace, Yang Yunqiu didn't even have time to meet with the already moved-out King Jing before downing two cups of cool tea, only then did he shake off that dazed feeling.

  "No wonder all those who have gained power are unwilling to let go no matter what happens."

  "Power is like a sweet spring, once you've tasted it, any man would be addicted to it, unless he's old and weak, and has lost all his will to fight, no one can give it up."

  This feeling is really too wonderful and also too good.

  Unfortunately, a series of events that followed slapped her in the face and thoroughly woke Yang Yunqiu up.

  The palace needs to be renovated, the eunuchs and palace maids inside need to be dealt with, the ministers need to be appeased, those who have made contributions will be promoted and rewarded, while those who have committed crimes will also be punished. Moreover, preparations for the coronation ceremony are also needed.

  The most critical thing is that Mu Nan Sheng, in the years before his death, desperately brought American beauties into the palace. The previous dynasty left behind a large number of young beauties who were still hiding in the palace and couldn't be directly sent to the cold palace, letting them spend their entire lives without seeing the sun.

  For several days in a row, Yang Yunqiu always felt that she was in a garden, and someone was spying on her. Those beautiful people almost all wanted to openly flirt with her.

  According to the rules of this world, he is the winner, and these beauties are his spoils of war, available for him to enjoy at will. But Yang Yunqiu didn't have such thoughts.

  He really couldn't bear it, so he had to call all of Wang Yi and the others into the palace to help. First, let the eunuchs and palace maids do their jobs. As for the beauties from the previous dynasty, those from noble families who were willing to return home were allowed to go back, while those who weren't willing were divided into two palaces and all sent in. Other newly recruited palace maids and adopted girls were also released in large numbers because many of the soldiers of the Dongchuan army hadn't married yet. Liu Sheng came up with an idea and held a grand matchmaking banquet.

  Not to mention, many of these palace beauties were quite willing. Some women indeed wanted to become imperial consorts, but there were also many who preferred a quiet life. These Dongchuan military officers were all trusted by the emperor and would definitely have a bright future ahead of them. Marrying one of them would mean becoming the first wife and having an even higher status at home, being bestowed by the emperor himself. What's not good about that?

  These women were settled, but there was another batch of troublesome characters that weren't easy to deal with - Mu Nan Sheng left behind because of the war, died of her husband in widowhood Le Ping Gong Zhu, and his two youngest sons.