“This is good too.” Princess Han Yue stuck out her tongue. “Before, he had other consorts, but now, he has only me.”

Feng Miao Jun gave her a strange look: “It’s good that you’re open-minded.” As expected of Princess Han Yue, her perspective on matters differed from others.

Princess Han Yue was still very young. Would she spend the rest of her life with an artifact spirit? As for Miao Feng Xian, mortal lives lasted at most a hundred years. After his wife and child passed away, he would remain trapped in the Golden City, wandering eternally in what might be the world’s most magnificent prison.

Even so, they remained resolute in their decision.

Feng Miao Jun could only say that as long as they were happy, who was she to judge? Didn’t she also envy this couple? She had always been too rational and too calm, too reluctant to give her true heart, and thus unable to be so uncompromisingly devoted.

How she wished she could act without restraint, even if just once.

Princess Han Yue looked around and suddenly asked: “Where is State Preceptor Mo?”

“Back to the Jin Kingdom.”

Princess Han Yue’s face showed displeasure: “He left without a word, still as impolite as ever.”

Feng Miao Jun smiled without commenting.

Why had Mo Tizhun left? He had originally planned to take Princess Han Yue and her son back to Jin. With the young prince, the former officials of Jin and Yao could easily reconnect. But after Feng Miao Jun refined Miao Feng Xian into the spirit of the Golden City, he changed his mind, leaving the mother and son behind to allow the three of them to be reunited as a family.

Hmph, State Preceptor Mo was still so soft-hearted. How could Princess Han Yue know his good intentions?

Princess Han Yue hadn’t rested properly for days, fearing the worst in the morning, then experiencing intense excitement for several hours. As her emotions settled, she immediately felt the fatigue. Seeing her yawn repeatedly, Feng Miao Jun sent someone to escort her back to rest, then turned to return to her quarters.

The newly appointed Queen naturally couldn’t stay in the former residence of the Miao family. The palace servants had prepared Wen Xin Pavilion for her. It was an elegant chamber, surrounded by lush vegetation outside and peaceful silence within, perfect for recuperation.

Upon entering, Feng Miao Jun dismissed her attendants and asked Chen Da Chang: “Has the news been sent back to our kingdom?”

“A flying message is sent every two hours.” Chen Da Chang was meticulous in his duties. “The latest war report was sent just half an hour ago.”

With no one else around, Feng Miao Jun collapsed into a soft chair, rubbing her brow, her face showing exhaustion. The feeling of fatigue came like an avalanche, nearly overwhelming her.

Chen Da Chang couldn’t help saying: “Since matters can’t all be settled anyway, why doesn’t Your Majesty rest for a while?” The Queen looked terrible! When tired, one should sleep. After so many upheavals, even someone made of iron couldn’t withstand it.

“Rest for a while?” Feng Miao Jun murmured. “Indeed, I should get some sleep.”

She then asked Chen Da Chang: “What about the Wei army?”

“Wei King Xiao Yan has already led his troops twenty li west of Yinzi City and only set up camp after nightfall.”

It seemed the Wei forces were indeed withdrawing. She only hoped there would be no unexpected complications. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke the name she had been reluctant to mention: “What about State Preceptor Yun Ya?”

“He hasn’t appeared.”

She felt her head ache even more. Chen Da Chang added: “General Hong has arrived with his troops at the border and will come here from the northern part of Yao.”

In Yinzi City, she was commanding without troops, at most with Chen Da Chang and his subordinates. Even though she had become the Queen of Yao, there was still a barrier between her and the residents. Only when her army arrived would she truly feel secure.

“Understood. Next, have someone keep a close watch on the Xiyan battle in the Southern Continent.”

Chen Da Chang withdrew, and she called for hot water, enjoyed a comfortable bath, changed into soft clothing, and finally went to bed.

It was indeed time for a good sleep.

Time flew by quickly as everyone remained busy for many days.

The Wei army was busy withdrawing westward. Day by day, reports from scouts showed the Wei people moving further away from Yinzi City, covering dozens of li each day. Only then did the people of Yao truly feel at ease. Feng Miao Jun wasn’t surprised by Xiao Yan and Yun Ya’s prompt departure. Since they couldn’t seize the remaining Yao territory, he might as well hurry back to deal with Yan Kingdom. After all, the border conflicts between Wei and Yao had been resolved.

A competent ruler should assess the situation and make the most beneficial decision, rather than staying here to spite her.

Unexpectedly, Yun Ya didn’t come to trouble her.

Though she had outmaneuvered him, he didn’t even enter her dreams to reproach her.

Had this fellow changed his nature?

Of course, Feng Miao Jun herself was too busy to give it much thought. Post-war Yinzi City and the entire Kingdom of Yao were riddled with wounds, urgently needing recovery. Feng Miao Jun was so busy with governmental affairs that she barely had time to drink water. Fortunately, at this moment, General Hong arrived with a large army. This force of fifty thousand included not only elite soldiers and brave generals but also over two hundred talented administrators, all carefully selected by Fu Ling Chuan.

Her chief minister understood her too well, sending people who were all experts in their fields.

With their assistance, Feng Miao Jun could finally catch her breath.

To become a hands-off boss, she had left all New Xia affairs to Fu Ling Chuan. There was no reason for her to come to Yao territory and exhaust herself as a model worker again, was there?

Additionally, upon receiving the news, Jin Kingdom’s reinforcements had turned around and headed home. However, several Yao military units that had rushed to support the king naturally had to station themselves around Yinzi City, with their commanders entering the city to pay respects, creating another round of ceremonies.

The Yinzi incident left people dazed, with even the city’s residents feeling bewildered as the ruler above them changed inexplicably. These generals who had been traveling were even more confused. Fortunately, the Heavenly Edict had been issued directly to each person, making questioning impossible. Moreover, having already arrived at Yinzi City, they had to face the new Queen and this chaotic situation; they couldn’t hide in their territories pretending to be deaf and mute.

So after enjoying a comfortable morning tea, the Queen summoned all officials to announce the disposition of the Yao court officials:

Those who had no desire to continue in politics could submit a request to leave, and the New Xia court would provide generous compensation, including money, fertile fields, and opportunities for their descendants to enter official service for three generations.

Those willing to continue serving would be carefully screened and assigned positions by the New Xia court. Those who didn’t pass would receive the same treatment as mentioned in the first condition.

As soon as her golden words were spoken, the entire Yao court felt like a storm was approaching, with everyone fearing for their positions.

The Yao royal court had existed for over two hundred years and had become a huge, bloated bureaucratic system with complex vested interests that even Miao Feng Xian couldn’t straighten out. This opportunity to break it apart gave Feng Miao Jun the chance to cut away the festering abscesses and rotted flesh.

The division and incorporation of the old Yao court consumed much time, and there were many twists and turns in the process. After all, no official wanted to be demoted. Some submitted petitions, some begged, and some even wailed. Fortunately, the large army led by General Hong took over the defense of Yinzi City, intimidating the officials and allowing this work to continue.