With those words, Feng Yue became flustered, while Yin Gezhi continued speaking with composure: “However, I notice everyone seems troubled by something. Perhaps I could be of assistance.”

Shi Chong’s expression shifted as he immediately slapped his thigh: “That’s right, we still have His Highness!”

Or rather, this future Emperor of Wei who had such good relations with them – why worry about opening an inn? These were all battle-hardened warriors, and what they desired most was to return to where they could fulfill their aspirations.

The people in the courtyard fell silent, exchanging glances with conflicted expressions. They pushed and nudged each other, but no one dared to step forward and speak first.

Feng Yue could immediately tell what they were thinking. She promptly stepped on Yin Gezhi’s foot!

Quietly drawing in a sharp breath, Yin Gezhi looked down and asked through gritted teeth: “What are you doing?”

“Don’t scheme about my people!” Feng Yue glared: “If you want something, say it directly!”

“How wrongly accused I am.” Letting out a gentle sigh, Yin Gezhi said softly: “I truly had no intention of deceiving them.”

What nonsense! Even ghosts wouldn’t believe that! Feng Yue watched him with complete vigilance, like someone watching a thief.

However, this time it seemed she had truly misjudged him. The man beside her stood up straight and addressed the group directly: “The army currently lacks personnel. Would you all be willing to don armor once again and restore the might of Wei’s military?”

Shi Chong, strong in body but simple in mind, immediately agreed happily: “Of course!”

Yin Xianzhong slightly furrowed his brow and looked at him with some concern, saying: “It’s been long since we’ve sharpened our swords, and we’ve forgotten how to fight. We fear we’d disappoint Your Highness’s kind intentions.”

“General Yin is too modest,” Yin Gezhi nodded. “I too grew up on the battlefield. I know very well whether you can fight or not. The army against Song is about to gather, and I sincerely invite you all to lend your aid after my coronation.”

After speaking, he very earnestly clasped his hands and bowed deeply to them.

Yin Xianzhong was startled and quickly reached out to support his wrist. Everyone in the courtyard was also shocked, looking at him with disbelief.

The high and mighty Prince Xiaojin actually… bowed to them, mere nobodies now, just to ask them to return to serving the country?

At that moment, these people all remembered who stood before them – he was Crown Prince Yin Chenbi! He too was a hero with illustrious military achievements who had galloped across battlefields. With his ascension, Wei would surely have a different atmosphere. Why worry about soldiers meeting the same fate as during Emperor Wei Wen’s reign, untrusted and unrewarded?

“This humble one obeys!” Luo Hao understood and stepped forward with clasped hands to bow. Seeing this, Shi Chong followed suit. The people in the courtyard hesitated, but those stepping forward to bow continued one after another.

Very well. Yin Xianzhong closed his eyes and gave a low laugh, remembering the bright moon over the battlefield and the frost at the border. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he stepped forward and bowed: “This humble one obeys!”

“This humble one obeys!”

“This humble one obeys!”

The scattered voices from before finally united into one chorus: “We await Your Highness’s commands!”

Yin Gezhi raised his head, his gaze sweeping across each face as he spoke with genuine sincerity: “Thank you.”

Thank you for still having burning blood and willingness to return to the battlefield, even after experiencing a ruler who mistreated his soldiers.

Feng Yue watched quietly without interrupting. These people had helped her greatly over the years, and if they had something they truly wanted to do, she was willing to help them achieve it with all her might. As long as she lived, no matter what methods were required, she would not let Yin Gezhi follow Emperor Wei Wen’s path!

The courtyard grew lively as people grabbed their swords and blades, while others loosened their joints on the spot, shouting that their “precious blade hasn’t aged,” drawing bursts of laughter.

The moon rose and set – tomorrow would be the grand ceremony for the coronation and empress appointment.

After moving into the palace, Feng Yue slept restlessly, tossing and turning like a pancake being flipped. Beside her, Yin Gezhi tiredly opened his eyes and pulled her into his embrace, stroking her to soothe her.

“What are you doing!” With a harsh tone, Feng Yue stretched out her claws to scratch him!

Grabbing her hand, Yin Gezhi felt her nails and slightly furrowed his brow before getting out of bed to light a lamp.

Sitting up, Feng Yue stared with wide-awake eyes: “Finally can’t sleep either?”

Ignoring her, Yin Gezhi found a nail file and sat cross-legged on the bed, taking her “claws” and filing them one by one: “Didn’t the Imperial Physician say not to keep long nails?”

“How do my nails affect him?” Feng Yue was slightly angry: “Even this short length isn’t allowed?”

“No.” His tone left no room for negotiation. Despite his evident exhaustion with half-lidded eyes, Yin Gezhi very carefully filed her nails until they were perfectly even. His long fingers lightly touched hers, making her feel strange all over.

What was this? Steel turned to silk? These were hands that wielded the crescent blade, yet now they held a small nail file to trim her nails. Blinking, Feng Yue stared at his long eyelashes, mumbling: “It would be nice if our future children looked like you.”

Glancing at her, Yin Gezhi nodded: “Indeed. If we had a daughter who looked like you, I’d worry she couldn’t find a husband.”

“You’re the one who can’t find a husband!” Feng Yue frowned: “Back then, I had many suitors. The Guan family’s doorstep was nearly worn down from all the visitors!”

“Oh?” Pausing his work, Yin Gezhi asked in a calm voice: “Who were they?”

Thinking seriously, Feng Yue said: “Too many to remember clearly. There was the Minister of Justice’s son, the Second Young Master of the Master of the Horse’s family, the newly appointed court adviser…”

“Write me a list later.”

“What?” Feng Yue stared: “What do you want that list for?”

“When emperors ascend the throne, they usually need to make examples of some people. I was worried about finding candidates, but they’ll do nicely,” Yin Gezhi said expressionlessly.

Feng Yue: “…”

Suddenly feeling a chill down her spine, she realized this man had been terrifying as a hostage, more terrifying as a prince, and now that he would become emperor with power over life and death, what would the world become?

The moon secretly slipped behind the willow tops, and after daybreak, the entire Lizhou was in turmoil.

The new Emperor was ascending the throne!

The palace gates opened wide, with rows of guards riding horses in all directions, carrying bronze gongs and imperial flags, announcing to the world as they rode. Common people lined the streets, enthusiastically discussing this new emperor.

Red carpets extended from the palace gates to the court, and Yin Gezhi descended from the dragon carriage, wearing purple-gold dragon robes with a high dragon crown, appearing magnificent. As the phoenix carriage stopped beside him, he turned and extended his hand, and a delicate pale hand reached out to take it, with perfectly trimmed nails that were particularly pleasing to the eye.

Feng Yue hadn’t slept all night and was now drowsy. Wearing the heavy phoenix crown and purple-gold ceremonial robes, she forced herself to stay alert and walk dignifiedly beside Yin Gezhi.

Seeing her expression, Yin Gezhi said softly: “I told you to sleep but you wouldn’t. Now you want to sleep but can’t.”

With a scornful laugh, Feng Yue said: “If I want to sleep, I’ll just pretend to faint. What could you do about it?”

“Good idea.” Slightly nodding, Yin Gezhi maintained his composure: “Then faint now, and We shall carry you through the remaining ceremonies.”

“…” Glancing at the civil and military officials around them, Feng Yue closed her eyes – she couldn’t bear such embarrassment!

However, the scene was truly magnificent. Eight horns carried by pairs of men lined both sides of the steps, while hundreds of court officials and royal clan members stood neatly in the spaces to the east and west. Red silk fluttered and banners waved strongly; walking under everyone’s gazes, Feng Yue almost felt as if she were the one ascending to the throne.

This was the supreme glory that only an emperor could enjoy, and Yin Gezhi had brought her to share in it – truly showing great loyalty!

As they climbed the steps, Yin Gezhi suddenly spoke softly: “You’ve had your revenge.”

“Hm?” Slightly startled, Feng Yue glanced at him in confusion: “What?”

“Though you couldn’t kill Emperor Wei Wen yourself, you captured Emperor Wei Xiao.” Holding her hand as they stepped onto the final stair, Yin Gezhi turned to her, his expression serious as he said each word clearly: “His hundred years of foundation, his dynasty and descendants, all fell into your hands. Wei’s empire is also your realm.”

Her pupils contracted slightly as Feng Yue stared at him somewhat dazedly, but he turned her body, and suddenly the scene of the masses below appeared before her.

“First bow—” the eunuch beside them sang out.

Instantly, as far as the eye could see, everyone knelt and bowed, the momentum so great it made Feng Yue’s heart skip a beat.

“Second bow—” Rising and kneeling again in unison, the sound of clothes rustling would normally be quite small, but with thousands performing the ceremony, the sound of robes rising and falling could be heard clearly.

Feng Yue got goosebumps, and when she heard “Third bow,” she almost knelt to Yin Gezhi herself.

“Is that all you’re capable of?” With mockery in his expression, Yin Gezhi said disdainfully: “You’re receiving these bows together with Us, can’t you stand up straight?”

Sniffling, Feng Yue said quietly: “Your Majesty, aren’t you afraid the late emperor will come to visit you at night?”

This was beyond whether a coffin lid could contain it – even if Emperor Wei Wen were still alive, seeing her standing here receiving grand ceremonies from the Yin clan and all officials, he would die again from anger!

This feeling was quite satisfying!

“If he comes, We would welcome it,” Yin Gezhi said softly, his expression unchanged: “We’d like to ask if he’s met the Guan family and if he’s repented. Father Emperor had no spirit army buried with him, so perhaps he can set aside his power and have good conversations with others.”

Swallowing, Feng Yue turned her head away – she was thinking… she dared not think anything!

The coronation ceremony continued. When she grew tired of standing, she secretly leaned on this man’s hand for support. Yin Gezhi stood perfectly straight throughout, and even when she put her whole weight on his hand, his expression didn’t change at all.

Thus, while the eunuch read that long document, Feng Yue boldly dozed off leaning against Yin Gezhi.

The phoenix crown swayed near his eye corner, and Yin Gezhi smiled with his eyes, glancing at her before gently catching her heavy head and placing it on his shoulder.