In the Imperial Study, Emperor Yongxing unfolded the documents, carefully reviewing the “agreement” between both parties. The content was complex, with numerous detailed provisions. The first condition remained unchanged:

Starting from the first year of Yongxing’s reign, Da Feng would annually tribute 500,000 taels of silver and 600,000 bolts of silk to Yunzhou.

Extensions and modifications to the details:

The first year would require only 150,000 taels and 300,000 bolts of silk, with the balance to be cleared the following year.

The second condition remained unchanged: After concluding peace talks, the Da Feng court must immediately dispatch court bulletins to all local governments, acknowledging the Yunzhou line as the legitimate rulers of the Central Plains, and post announcements to inform the world.

The third condition took the longest to negotiate.

Yunzhou demanded the cession of Yongzhou, Yuzhou, and Zhangzhou.

North of Yongzhou lay the capital’s territory, making its cession impossible—this was a matter of principle.

During negotiations, Ji Yuan again applied pressure using Yunzhou’s superhuman cultivators, but this time it didn’t work. The Minister of Rites and Chief of Protocol refused to budge.

As for Yuzhou and Zhangzhou, the former was rich in iron ore, while the latter was one of Da Feng’s three major granaries. The consequences of ceding these two regions to the Yunzhou rebels were readily imaginable.

But having protected Yongzhou, they had no choice but to give up Yuzhou and Zhangzhou. Geographically, these two regions were relatively far from the capital, and not as critical as Yongzhou.

The fourth condition concerned the Supervisor’s equipment crafting manual.

Yesterday, Emperor Yongxing had sent someone to retrieve it from the Celestial Observatory. Unexpectedly, Song Qing of the Observatory had handed it over readily.

So readily that it seemed as if it wasn’t his late master’s legacy.

“Your Majesty, although the peace talks have concluded successfully, the Yunzhou rebels harbor wolfish ambitions. We cannot trust them lightly.”

The elderly Prince Li, currently in the Imperial Study, was the only one granted permission to sit.

“Uncle, rest assured!”

Emperor Yongxing’s face finally showed some of his former smile as he said lightly:

“We have already discussed this with the ministers. After sending off the Yunzhou delegation, We shall personally find Silver Badge Xu and have him seek reinforcements from the South. The Gu Tribe and Demon Race have many superhuman experts. We’ll have Silver Badge Xu invite them here.”

“In another month, it will be the Spring Sacrifice. After that, the earth will warm, the cold disaster will end, and the situation will certainly improve.”

Hearing this, Prince Li nodded slightly:

“I heard that Your Majesty had some unpleasantness with Silver Badge Xu recently?”

Emperor Yongxing waved his hand:

“A minor matter. We usually show him respect, but in matters of state, We have Our judgment. We cannot allow him to act rashly on impulse.”

As for seeking reinforcements, Emperor Yongxing hadn’t considered at all how Xu Qi An would make the request, or whether it would be difficult—it seemed that everything was simply something Xu Qi An should do.

Just like how he had developed the Gu Tribe and Demon Race into allies.

Prince Li made a sound of acknowledgment, his expression relaxing slightly as he said slowly:

“So Your Majesty already has plans. Then I can rest easy.”

Emperor Yongxing’s intentions were crystal clear: first make peace to stabilize the rebels, then have Silver Badge Xu risk his reputation to request aid from Southern allies. Meanwhile, wait for spring to dispel the cold disaster.

Prince Li likewise hadn’t considered the difficulty of the task.

Outside the city gates, six riders came galloping furiously. Wearing cloaks and riding swift horses, they thundered through the gates.

Upon entering the city, their horses’ speed decreased sharply. The lead rider pulled his reins, turning back to look at the city wall.

His face was rigid, lacking expression as if carved from stone.

Yang Yan!

After the Chu Province massacre, Yang Yan remained there, appointed by the court as Chu Province’s General-in-Chief and Military Commander.

Even after Wei Yuan’s death, he stayed in Chu Province, never returning to the capital.

“Gather all brothers hidden in the capital. Await orders.” Yang Yan turned his head to look at his subordinate on the left.

“Yes!”

The subordinate clasped his hands in salute, then pulled his reins, separating from the group and galloping down another road.

Foster’s father couldn’t help the Fourth Prince ascend the throne in his lifetime. Now it’s time for our faction to take control… Yang Yan shifted his gaze along the wide main road, looking toward the imperial palace.

At the Night Watchmen’s Office.

Four Gold Badge officers gathered together behind closed doors and windows.

Gold Badge Zhao Jin stared at Silver Badge Song Tingfeng across from him, narrowing his eyes:

“Did Silver Badge Xu say that?”

“Silver Badge Xu” had become a title rather than an official position.

In Da Feng, everyone knew what was meant when the three words “Silver Badge Xu” were spoken.

Song Tingfeng smiled:

“Now that the Central Plains are in turmoil and the court is in crisis, whether the Gold Badge officers can seize this opportunity in this flood depends on today’s choice.”

“Ning Yan is Wei Gong’s disciple, and you four have connections with him as well—you’re not strangers. Are you afraid he would deceive you? And to speak treasonously, who is most promising to serve in today’s Da Feng?”

“Not the one sitting in the Golden Hall begging mercy from Yunzhou rebels, but my brother.”

Zhao Jin exchanged glances with the other three Gold Badge officers before pondering:

“Why didn’t Silver Badge Xu come himself?”

Instead of answering, Song Tingfeng took out a note:

“Read this and you’ll understand.”

Zhao Jin took it, unfolded the note, and looked. First, he sighed in relief:

“It’s his handwriting.”

Then his eyes focused intently, staring at the paper for a long while.

Zhao Jin took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart. Maintaining his composure, he passed the note to the other three Gold Badge officers. After they had all read it, he said:

“Tell Silver Badge Xu, as long as he hasn’t deceived me, I, Zhao Jin, can give him my life. But we need to meet him in person.”

At the courier station.

Ji Yuan held the sound transmission conch and said:

“How boring!”

“Da Feng’s little emperor is boring, the court ministers are boring, and the National Academy scholars are even more boring.”

“I heard that when the Northern General’s body was returned to the capital, Yuan Jing closed the palace and refused to see officials. A minor official named Xu Xinnian blocked the Meridian Gate, cursing from morning till night until Yuan Jing compromised and opened the gates.”

“Pity I didn’t see this fellow at court. He wasn’t present during negotiations either. Perhaps his rank was too low to debate with me at the same table.”

He had heard about Xu Xinnian during these days of negotiations when people occasionally muttered privately:

That sharp-tongued youth from Yunzhou—if Master Xu from the Hanlin Academy were here, he would have cursed him until he cried and slunk back to Yunzhou.

Laughter came through the sound transmission conch as Ge Wenxuan replied:

“Then you probably won’t have the chance to meet him. This Xu Xinnian is Xu Qi An’s cousin, Elder Brother to Yuan Shuang and Yuan Huai.”

“He’s not in the capital but fighting with the Da Feng army in Qingzhou. Ah, after Qingzhou fell, he took a blow from Zhuo Haoran—his fate is unknown.”

Ji Yuan shook his head:

“A mere scholar taking a blow from General Zhuo—he’s likely dead. Let’s not speak of him. General Ge, that Xu still hasn’t shown himself.”

Ge Wenxuan pondered before saying:

“It seems our earlier guess was right. Xu has run out of options and tacitly accepted the peace talks, hoping to buy time to survive the winter and then seek aid from the South.”

This was easy to deduce. Da Feng lacked superhuman combat power, having only Third Rank cultivators who couldn’t possibly contend with First and Second Rank experts.

And at the superhuman realm, advancing beyond Third Rank became extremely difficult.

Those with poor aptitude, like Kou Yangzhou of the Martial Arts Alliance, took five hundred years to barely advance to Second Rank as a martial artist.

Those with outstanding talents, like the National Teacher and Luo Yuheng, reached Second Rank at a young age but remained stuck there for a full twenty years.

Since short-term self-advancement to match their combat power was impossible, seeking aid was Xu Qi An’s only choice.

Ji Yuan sneered:

“The Southern Gu Tribe is limited by their Gu God’s power and cannot produce First Rank experts. Among the seven branches, only Granny Gu is Second Rank, and she’s not skilled in combat. The Southern Demons have even fewer superhuman experts.”

“That terrifying corpse cannot leave the South, and while the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox might intervene in Central Plains affairs, if she comes here, the Western Regions would lose their deterrent. They could then divert forces to attack the Central Plains.”

“The only variable is the Shamanic Divine Sect. After Nalan Tianlu escaped, they gained both a Great Shaman and a Rain Master.”

“If they allied with Da Feng, that would be somewhat troublesome.”

“Ninth Young Master is clever.” Ge Wenxuan laughed:

“I thought the same, but the teacher said we needn’t worry about the Shamanic Divine Sect for now. As for why, I don’t know.”

After a pause, he continued:

“Since Xu Qi An is willing to be a coward, let him be. A Third Rank martial artist can’t stir up much trouble now. Leaving the capital tomorrow?”

Ji Yuan made a sound of agreement:

“Tomorrow at morning court we’ll exchange documents, then return to Yunzhou.”

This was the necessary procedure—after negotiations concluded, both sides would exchange documents and then “bid farewell” in the public setting of court.

After ending the transmission, Ji Yuan returned the conch to Yuan Shuang and smiled at Yuan Huai beside him:

“Yuan Huai, the courtesans in the capital’s entertainment district are all top beauties. Before we leave the capital today, while there’s still time, shall Ninth Brother take you to enjoy yourself?”

Yuan Huai ignored him.

Ji Yuan was unconcerned, playing with his fan as he left. He was just making conversation—he wouldn’t dare go to the entertainment district. What if he were assassinated?

The next day, at morning court.

At dawn, while still dark, civil and military officials orderly passed through the east and west side gates, crossed the Golden Water Bridge, and gathered on the steps and square. The capital officials waited at the vermillion steps, stairs, and plaza as the ministers entered the Golden Hall.

Today’s morning court was held especially for the Yunzhou delegation, with Ji Yuan and his entourage as the main players.

Over twenty officials wearing Yunzhou robes—the “negotiating team”—entered the Golden Hall with heads held high, bearing the dominance and arrogance of victors.

Emperor Yongxing sat high on his throne. After exchanging a few perfunctory words, he had people exchange the documents.

“Thanks to Your Majesty and the ministers’ hospitality, this official has greatly enjoyed this visit.”

Ji Yuan smiled broadly as he bowed to Emperor Yongxing and the ministers.

In the Golden Hall, the officials wore ugly expressions, pretending not to see his mocking face and flagrantly aggressive manner.

“By the way, there’s been boiling public resentment in the capital lately, with open insults to the court and Your Majesty. I suggest executing those who deserve it, to serve as a warning to others,” Ji Yuan said with a smile.

Beside him, Yuan Shuang recalled how Ninth Brother had often sought news from among the common people these past days, daily hearing the capital’s citizens and National Academy scholars cursing the Yunzhou delegation and the Hidden Dragon City line. At the time, he had fanned himself, appearing unconcerned.

So he had been silently taking note.

Emperor Yongxing now only wanted to quickly send off the Yunzhou delegation:

“No need for Envoy Ji to worry. We shall handle it. Additionally, the silver and silk have been prepared and can be taken by Envoy Ji.”

As for the territorial cessions, there was still much work to be done, such as notifying local governments, relocating gentry and nobles, and withdrawing local troops.

It couldn’t be completed immediately.

“In that case, thank you, Your Majesty…”

Before Ji Yuan could finish speaking, a “boom” suddenly echoed from afar—cannon fire—followed immediately by dense drumbeats from the direction of the palace gates.

Everyone in the hall was shocked, including the Yunzhou delegation led by Ji Yuan.

Something was happening at this critical moment.

A flash of panic crossed Emperor Yongxing’s eyes before he forced himself to remain calm, looking toward Zhao Xuanzhen:

“Go see what’s happening.”

Zhao Xuanzhen accepted the order and withdrew. As he stepped out of the Golden Hall and looked down at the square below, the officials were in chaos, their faces anxious. Some palace guards rushed toward the gates while others ran to the Golden Hall to protect His Majesty and the ministers.

In the Golden Hall, Ji Yuan frowned deeply, gripping his silver-boned fan in silence.

Yuan Shuang and Yuan Huai—the former knitted her brows while the latter kept glancing outside.

The civil and military officials and royal clan members inside the hall exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of what was happening.

Until Zhao Xuanzhen came running back, lifting his robes as he ran like a stray dog, screaming:

“Terrible news, terrible news…”

“Your Majesty, rebels have broken in, they’ve broken in!”

Everyone’s face changed dramatically, instinctively looking toward Ji Yuan. Since Yunzhou’s uprising, the word “rebels” has been synonymous with Yunzhou. After hearing it for over two months, the reflexive reaction to the word “rebels” was that Yunzhou forces had invaded the capital.

Ji Yuan and his people were also stunned for a moment.

Then they heard Zhao Xuanzhen catch his breath and continue:

“They’re shouting about purging the emperor’s corrupt advisers…”

Clamor erupted again in the hall. Emperor Yongxing’s gaze shot toward where the royal clan members stood, then froze—because he saw Prince Yan.

By rights, Prince Yan shouldn’t have been there at this moment. Could it not be him behind this?

The assembled princes and dukes likewise looked at Prince Yan with strange expressions. Among the nobles, several with cultivation abilities inconspicuously drew closer to Prince Yan.

If anyone in the court could or would dare to rebel, it would probably only be this prince born of the Empress Dowager.

Everyone understood the principle of capturing the leader first.

Prince Yan was dumbfounded.

“What do you mean they’ve broken in? Have they breached the palace gates?”

From among the nobles, a duke stepped forward, glaring fiercely at Zhao Xuanzhen:

“Explain clearly.”

Just as the pale-faced Zhao Xuanzhen was about to speak, battle cries suddenly erupted outside the hall, along with the clash of weapons and screams of agony.

No more explanation was needed.

The rebels had inside help, and not on a small scale… everyone in the hall immediately concluded.

The Imperial Guard defended the palace gates, while the Twelve City Guards protected the imperial city. No force could conquer both the imperial city and palace in such a short time—unless the rebels were the Twelve City Guards and Imperial Guard themselves.

Who could turn both the Imperial Guard and the Twelve City Guards?

As these thoughts flashed through everyone’s minds, the sounds of battle drew closer until a palace guard tumbled screaming into the Golden Hall.

Outside the hall doors, shadows flickered. The first to charge in were two Gold Badge officers in Night Watchmen uniforms, followed by Yang Yan in light armor carrying a spear, then Silver and Bronze Badge officers, Wing Forest Guards, Imperial Blade Guards, and others.

Their membership was diverse, but they all wore red silk bands on their arms.

They held bloody weapons as they surrounded the assembled officials, royal clan members, and nobles.

“Yang Yan?”

A duke recognized him and exclaimed in shock and anger:

“Treasonous rebel! You dare commit treason—aren’t you afraid your entire clan will be executed?”

Emperor Yongxing suppressed all emotion, maintaining imperial composure as he rose from his desk. He glanced at Prince Yan, then turned to Yang Yan and the Gold Badge officers, forcing himself to remain calm:

“Who is your master?”

Meanwhile, two nobles moved to restrain Prince Yan from both sides.

With Yang Yan and the Gold Badge officers appearing, those with discerning eyes knew who was behind this.

These former followers of Wei Yuan had supported the Fourth Prince back then.

If Wei Yuan hadn’t died early after Xu Qi An killed Zhende, it wouldn’t have been the Crown Prince who ascended the throne, but rather the Fourth Prince.

Ji Yuan knew to keep a low profile at crucial moments, coldly observing while holding his fan.

“Ninth Young Master, the Da Feng court is in civil strife.”

A crimson-robed official said with mixed joy and worry.

This aligned with their goals. If the peace talks could cause internal chaos in the court, then success or failure didn’t matter this might be better than successful negotiations.

Once the central authority was in chaos, the Da Feng court would collapse and disintegrate at a surprising speed.

Of course, the delegation’s safety was now somewhat uncertain, hence the mixed feelings.

“Let’s observe quietly,” another crimson-robed official said softly:

“Whoever wins or loses, if they don’t want the country to fall, they’ll have to treat us with courtesy.”

Given Da Feng’s current situation, openly opposing Yunzhou would be suicidal. The rebels couldn’t fail to see this fact.

“This… this has nothing to do with me…”

Prince Yan, only in the Qi Condensation realm, was helplessly restrained by two nobles of profound cultivation.

At this moment, the fighting outside the hall ceased, seemingly concluded.

Of course, cannon fire and drums still echoed from afar—battles continued elsewhere.

“No need to trouble Fourth Brother. This matter has nothing to do with him.”

A clear, pleasant voice rang out. The hall’s occupants turned to see a figure in plain white robes step over the high threshold, her skirts trailing on the ground as she entered.

The Princess?

Those unaware of the truth were stunned.

Emperor Yongxing froze, never expecting she would be the one to appear.

“Huaiqing?”

Emperor Yongxing pointed at her, shouting angrily:

“What are you trying to do? Answer Me! What are you trying to do?!”

He slammed the table forcefully, his presence suddenly intensifying.

Huaiqing walked step by step below the throne, looking up at Emperor Yongxing. Her tone was calm but her voice carried:

“I request Brother Emperor to abdicate!”

At these words, the hall fell so silent a pin drop could be heard.

Ji Yuan stared open-mouthed, studying Huaiqing’s back with undisguised amazement.

“You? Huaiqing…”

Emperor Yongxing seemed to have heard the greatest joke. He planted both hands on his desk, looking down at his treasonous sister from above, suddenly roaring:

“Do you know what you’re doing?!!”

Emperor Yongxing struck hard.

With any brother, he would have been both careful and wary, but now demanding his abdication—rebelling—was a mere woman.

Ridiculous!

He no longer looked at Huaiqing, instead turning to Yang Yan, the Gold Badge officers, and the rebels surrounding the hall’s officials, shouting:

“Have you all gone mad, following a woman in rebellion? How many heads do you have to spare?”

“Can she succeed? Ask all the officials in this hall—who would support her? Ask the world—who would support a mere woman?”

At this moment, Liu Hong silently stepped forward, bowed, and declared loudly:

“We request Your Majesty’s abdication!”

Then came Prime Minister Qian, standing shoulder to shoulder with Liu Hong, bowing and shouting:

“We request Your Majesty’s abdication!”

Next, Right Censor Zhang Xingying, Minister Sun of the Ministry of Justice, and the Minister of War stepped forward together, declaring in unison:

“We request Your Majesty’s abdication!”

As if triggering a chain reaction, suddenly a large group of officials bowed and spoke:

“We request Your Majesty’s abdication!”

They numbered nearly half those present in the hall.

The Wang and Wei factions united for the first time.

Emperor Yongxing’s expression suddenly froze, then slowly blanched. He stared dumbly at the bowing officials in the hall for a long while before his lips trembled as he muttered:

“Mad… you’ve all gone mad…”

Among the royal clan, the princes and dukes were at a loss, except for Prince Yan, who was trembling with wild joy and excitement.

The Minister of Justice looked on in disbelief, going to each bowing official, trying to pull them up while scolding:

“Have you all gone mad? Following a mere woman in madness—who gave you such courage? Don’t act rashly, this can’t succeed.”

This was just a surprise attack, but what about afterward?

The royal clan was vast; they need only raise the call and the rebellion would be crushed.

Because no one would support a mere woman.

Following a princess in rebellion—what else could they be but madmen?

Huaiqing clasped her hands at her waist and said calmly:

“Take him away. Have him write an abdication decree.”

Yang Yan led several Silver Badge officers forward, striding toward Emperor Yongxing on his throne.

“How dare you!”

The Head Eunuch Zhao Xuanzhen spread his arms, blocking Yang Yan and the others. His face slightly pale, he spoke sharply:

“Princess Lin’an is betrothed to Silver Badge Xu—if you rebel, Silver Badge Xu won’t spare you!”

These words rang like dawn bells and dusk drums, awakening the hesitant royal clan members, nobles, and officials not of the Wang or Wei factions.

In Emperor Yongxing’s defeated eyes suddenly burst forth light, like a desperate man seeing a ray of dawn.

That’s right—he still had Xu Qi An.

As long as Xu Qi An supported him, no matter how aggressive Huaiqing and Prince Yan were, they couldn’t succeed.

Those wavering also realized this issue.

Emperor Yongxing collected himself, looking around at Yang Yan and the others, declaring loudly:

“I’ll give you one more chance. Pull back from the precipice, and I can forgive past transgressions. Arrest the traitor Huaiqing, and I’ll even reward you.”

“Otherwise, you should know the consequences of treason.”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s courage swelled as he shouted: “Withdraw at once!”

“Treasonous rebels, repent while you can!”

“Following a mere woman in rebellion—tired of living?”

“Quickly arrest Huaiqing, or else when the Imperial Guard arrives, when Silver Badge Xu arrives, you’ll all die!”

The officials and nobles supporting Emperor Yongxing shouted.

“Alas!”

A great sigh echoed through the hall. From the shadow behind Huaiqing, a figure expanded and stretched—it was Xu Qi An, who had just subdued the five battalions of the Imperial Guard.

Just a moment ago they had Xu Qi An’s name on their lips, and the next moment the man himself appeared. The joy had barely risen in Emperor Yongxing’s eyes when he saw Da Feng’s greatest warrior looking at him coldly and saying:

“Yongxing, abdicate. I can guarantee your life.”

“Otherwise, the late emperor will be your fate.”

Emperor Yongxing’s face turned snow-white. His body swayed as if losing all strength, and he collapsed back onto the Dragon Throne.

Those officials and nobles supporting Emperor Yongxing’s face simultaneously froze.

Ji Yuan’s silver-boned fan clattered to the ground as his pupils contracted violently as if struck by intense light.

The one rebelling was Xu Qi An…