After all, the merger of the Kingdom of Yao into New Xia was ordained by the Heavenly Edict, something no one could deny or question.

In the great hall, a large number of people knelt with a rustling sound, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Only after Feng Miao Jun took her seat did she extend her hand, making a light lifting gesture: “You may rise.”

Chen Da Chang stood behind her, hand on his sword hilt. He had already arrived while Feng Miao Jun was performing the ritual for Miao Feng Xian.

With her extraordinary perception, she had noticed the reluctance of the officials as they knelt, registering it all with just a glance. After the officials stood up, she spoke unhurriedly: “I presume you all have received the Heavenly Edict, but are unclear about the details. I will state plainly that when the Wei army broke into the city, vowing to slaughter every living soul within, Crown Prince Miao Feng Xian’s primordial spirit left his body, asking me to take over Yao to spare Yinzi City from catastrophe. Due to the agreement between Wei and Xia, once this place becomes New Xia territory, the people of Wei can no longer violate it. I have lived in Yinzi City for some time and appreciate the local customs greatly. Unwilling to see this mighty city of a hundred years fall, I agreed.”

Many officials’ eyes indeed showed understanding.

Feng Miao Jun continued: “This is the first court session I’m presiding over in Yao territory. If any of you have concerns, you may raise them freely.”

Being so direct, without the slightest circumlocution, an official stepped forward, lifting his chin: “May I ask Your Majesty, will the Wei forces withdraw, and are the war over?”

Feng Miao Jun gave a direct answer: “Yes, starting today, the Wei forces will withdraw and return to where they came from.”

Since Yinzi City had become New Xia territory, the Wei people had to withdraw from this place. However, the lands previously occupied by Wei could not be reclaimed. What she could save was only the remaining territory that had not yet been invaded.

Hearing this definitive answer, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Most officials had their entire families in Yinzi City, and being spared from death was a blessing for all. Another person asked: “What about the lands forcibly occupied by Wei before?”

Feng Miao Jun’s face showed regret: “The Yao territories seized before today already belong to Wei. According to the agreement, they have also become Wei territory, which we likewise cannot invade.”

The agreement was a double-edged sword, not only beneficial to New Xia. The Yao officials’ faces revealed resentment, but they also understood this principle. Even if they harbored thoughts of reclamation, it wasn’t appropriate to raise them immediately.

Zhao Ru Shan stepped forward and asked loudly: “Where are the Crown Prince’s consort and son?”

Feng Miao Jun displayed the golden seal: “Miao Feng Xian’s soul willingly remained in the mortal realm as the spirit of the Golden City. Currently, Han Yue and her son are inside the city. When they come out later, you may pay your respects to them.”

With these words, the court officials were shocked.

Everyone knew that Miao Feng Xian’s seven-day funeral period had passed, and he should have been on the path to the Yellow Springs by now. Who would have thought that this newly appointed Queen would say that Miao Feng Xian’s soul had become the spirit of the Golden City? Setting aside how this was accomplished, wasn’t the power of reincarnation said to be irresistible? How had it suddenly become ineffective?

Many senior officials’ eyes flickered as they pondered silently. It wasn’t difficult to understand why the Golden City appeared in Feng Miao Jun’s hands. As she newly took over Yao territory, the kingdom’s treasures naturally came into her possession. However, what the crowd never expected was that Miao Feng Xian could remain in this world, and as the spirit of the Golden City no less!

This meant that the Crown Prince’s consort and son would not be left alone in the world. Most importantly, the Golden City now belonged to this Queen of New Xia!

The Miao couple loved each other deeply; how could Princess Han Yue bear to leave Miao Feng Xian’s soul, even if he had become an artifact spirit? This way, at least until the young prince came of age and had his own opinions, Princess Han Yue would actively seek refuge with Feng Miao Jun, and probably would not leave no matter who tried to persuade her.

For certain individuals, this was not good news.

While the people below showed various expressions, Feng Miao Jun saw everything but didn’t point it out. She simply announced: “Good, the casual conversation ends here. There are countless post-war matters to attend to, so let’s begin the deliberations.”

The first court session after the war lasted from noon until the hour of Zi (11 PM-1 AM).

Most people in the court hadn’t slept well for several days and had just experienced the Wei army’s invasion. By now, they were at the end of their strength. How could they endure a five-hour meeting? Some had shaking legs, others could barely keep their eyes open, and the court session had to take two breaks.

Under these circumstances, few opposed the Queen’s opinions, and they were easily approved.

Feng Miao Jun truly had too many matters to handle, such as holding state funerals for Miao’s father and son, whether the taxes would remain the same after Yao territory merged into New Xia, and how to provide for the wounded and families of deceased soldiers and civilians… There were countless issues of all kinds, seemingly endless.

Feng Miao Jun certainly understood that not just one day, but even one or two months might not be enough to sort out these problems. Today’s court session was nothing more than a test of endurance and a trial by fire.

As soon as the hour of Zi arrived, she waved her small hand: “Today’s court session ends here. Everyone go rest, and tomorrow’s session will also be held in the afternoon.”

Everyone felt relieved, and after paying their respects, they dragged their leaden legs back; those who were too old needed support to return.

At this moment, Zhao Ru Shan suddenly spoke up again: “Your Majesty, since the Kingdom of Yao has merged with New Xia, what will become of us old ministers?”

This questioned the future of everyone present. After all, a country would not maintain two royal courts. How would all these Yao court officials be accommodated?

Everyone was concerned and turned to look.

Feng Miao Jun smiled slightly: “Be patient. The results will be announced ten days from now.”

Ten days later? The crowd exchanged glances, thinking that the new sovereign was too cunning. Was she expecting them to perform well in the coming days to avoid being dismissed?

Her word was golden; if she said ten days, it wouldn’t be nine and a half. So the court officials took their leave, each harboring their thoughts.

Shortly after Feng Miao Jun left the great hall, she sensed something and took out the golden seal from her bosom.

Following this, a ray of light flowed out of it and fell to the ground, transforming into Princess Han Yue. Her hands were empty; the child had remained in the Golden City.

Feng Miao Jun wasn’t surprised: “Finished catching up?”

Perhaps due to lack of rest, Princess Han Yue looked somewhat weary, but her flushed cheeks indicated a good mood. She said bashfully: “I talked with Feng Xian for too long and forgot the time. Haven’t you rested yet?” Looking around at the shadowy trees and plants, she realized she had asked a foolish question.

“There are countless matters, large and small, that can’t be settled even in ten days or half a month.” Feng Miao Jun couldn’t help but laugh. With Princess Han Yue no longer frowning with worry, her mood brightened considerably. “Is Miao Feng Xian well?”

“Very well.” Princess Han Yue exhaled. “From your earlier description, I thought this technique would harm him greatly, but to my surprise, he looks robust and even wants to play with our son.”

“He is now an artifact spirit, no longer equivalent to an ordinary soul.” Feng Miao Jun explained to her, “He rises and falls with the Golden City. As long as this magical artifact remains intact, so will he.”