The heavy gate slowly closed, keeping the smoke of war from the north at bay.

Like a gentle rain nourishing the earth, its gentle touch nourishes the city of Chengdu, where flowers bloom in abundance.

The common people didn't know what was happening in the Central Plains; they only knew that it was spring plowing season and they needed to hurry up and plant their seeds.

That's enough.

In chaotic times, being able to survive, have enough to eat, and have something to look forward to is the greatest happiness.

Yang Yan stood by the window of his study, watching the smoke rising from the chimneys in the city.

"Li Jingang, our feud ends here." He said softly, "From now on, I, Yang Yan, will live only for Jiannan."

Outside the window, the rain pattered softly, as if heaven and earth were shedding a tear for this chaotic situation that had lasted for twenty years.

......

Xijing, the Imperial City, Hongguang Hall.

As the morning sun pierced through the clouds, it bathed the palace's golden tiles in a warm hue.

Emperor Yinji of the Great Yin Dynasty sat upright on the dragon throne, with his hands resting flat on his knees.

He was dressed in a bright yellow court robe and wore a twelve-tassel crown, the beads of which covered half of his face, making it impossible to see his expression.

Your Highness, civil and military officials lined up on both sides.

The civil officials were headed by Fan Nan, the Minister of Revenue, while the military officials were headed by Pei Lun, the Minister of War.

The hall was so quiet that you could hear the crackling of the candlelight.

Those associated with Zhao Muyun were incredibly excited.

However, the original Prince Jin's faction and the newly promoted nobles had solemn expressions.

Half an hour ago, a report of victory arrived by express courier—General Zhao Muyun annihilated 200,000 Fengtian troops at Yishui, captured Ma Zongliang alive, and the main force of the Fengtian court was wiped out!

This is incredibly good news; it is the dawn of the Great Yin Dynasty's recovery and restoration of its territory.

Ninety thousand broke two hundred thousand—even the most famous generals of antiquity could not match this!

But why doesn't the emperor speak?

Why did so many people remain silent in celebration?

Because many people understand:

After this great victory, will the Great Yin dynasty still bear the surname Yin?

Is his surname Yin, the one on the dragon throne, or Zhao, the one on the battlefield?