Qianbaiwan, sitting in the room on the top floor, seemed to realize something and immediately summoned Uncle Wu.

"Immediately cease operations at all businesses, including Full Moon Pavilion. Recover all funds. I want to see all my shops in Tianlong Kingdom closed by this afternoon!"

The two repetitions startled Uncle Wu, who, realizing the seriousness in his eyes, quickly withdrew.

Soon, a large number of shops across Tianlong began closing down, including clothing stores, fabric shops, pork shops, rice shops, snack shops, vegetable shops, cosmetics shops, and so on. Most of these shops closed simultaneously in the afternoon.

The court discovered this the next day, and without a pretext to collect money and grain, the old emperor naturally gave him a severe scolding.

A few days later, seeing that things were getting out of control, the old emperor gradually began to restrain himself, but the streets remained empty, completely lacking the usual lively atmosphere.

The common people were also very helpless. Everyone wanted to go out and make money, but if the money they earned in a day was not enough to pay the court, then what was the point of working hard all day?

By this time, the old emperor had collected enough grain and money, and was generously sending people to deliver them to the front lines…

This move truly stunned the ministers. Everyone had seen how much the old emperor disliked Wang Yan, especially after Wang Yan's behavior when he was demoted last time. But this time, upon hearing that Wang Yan was fighting on the front lines, the old emperor was so proactive in preparing food and money for him, something that had never happened before!

The old emperor was furious. In his memory, Wang Yan had always been his dog, someone he could summon and dismiss at will. But two months ago, for some reason, he seemed to have become a different person. He personally wrote a letter and sent it back to the palace by fast horse to show it to him. The contents made him think it was a trap set by the enemy. However, both the handwriting and the seal were Wang Yan's, except for the threatening tone and strong killing intent...

He was so angry at the time that he almost fainted, but after reading the letter, he was completely distraught! It detailed his actions over the years and clearly stated that if he did not agree to provide money and supplies, Wang Yan would not mind changing the emperor of Tianlong Kingdom.

Being bitten by his own dog, the old emperor was naturally furious and incredulous. If it were anyone else, the old emperor would have just accused them of treason and let it go, but the other party was Wang Yan!

It's Wang Yan, the one who has both popular support and real power! Once he truly does what he says, I...

Upon realizing this, the old emperor panicked! Even though Wang Yan himself wasn't there, a single letter was enough to make him panic! That's why the old emperor went on a massive grain purchase spree, forcing officials to hand over their debts.

Having finally gathered enough money and food, they sent someone on horseback to deliver it as quickly as possible, without wasting a single moment.

Two months later, Wang Yan, dressed in a black outfit, had a cold and unwavering gaze, and no one dared to approach him.

Huang Zhong watched his retreating figure from afar, but dared not approach him. Deputy General Zhang saw everything but could only shake his head.

"We can only wait for him to figure this out himself; no one can help him! Qin Qing's death was not your fault. Even if you had stayed, you might not have come back alive! However, if it weren't for Madam Qin's notification, we would probably have been besieged by the enemy. That... is something we do owe her."

That night, if Qin Qing hadn't sent someone to inform them in time, they would probably still be discussing matters. If the enemy hadn't attacked, they would have suffered heavy losses due to being caught off guard. They were already at a disadvantage because they had fewer soldiers than the enemy, and with so many civilians dragging them down, their fate was already clear!

Huang Zhong stiffened upon hearing this. How could he not understand? But even if he had to do it all over again, he would still do the same thing. Between Qin Qing and his cousin, he would definitely choose his cousin. But now… looking at the empty shell in the distance, like a walking corpse, he was no longer sure!

This Wang Yan is not the Wang Yan he knows...

Suddenly, Wang Yan turned around and stared straight at Deputy General Zhang with his dark eyes, his voice calm and indifferent.

"Deputy General Zhang! Assemble the troops and march on Liuyun City at 5 PM tomorrow!"

Deputy General Zhang was taken aback, thinking he had misheard. Advancing into the enemy's territory at this time was not the best strategy, as the enemy was in the best mental state. Why did the general say that?

Before he could even ask, Wang Yan's calm, unwavering eyes were fixed on him, as still and deep as a stagnant pool, carrying an unyielding resolve.

Deputy General Zhang swallowed the words he was about to say...

"yes!"

Huang Zhong wanted to speak, but Wang Yan had already turned and left, completely ignoring him. For the past two months, Wang Yan had maintained this attitude towards Huang Zhong.

At this moment, Huang Zhong finally couldn't hold back any longer and strode forward to kneel down in front of Wang Yan, saying unwillingly.

"General, I know you blame me, but what's done is done, and I didn't want it to be this way either. Why can't you look forward? Today, Tianlong Kingdom has lost a city, and its people are displaced. The tribes of the Ice Mountain Grassland are eyeing us covetously. Don't let personal grudges delay important matters! If you still harbor hatred, I will let you punish me as you see fit after the war!"

These words quickly attracted everyone's attention. Deputy General Zhang didn't know how to speak. Huang Zhong knelt down in front of Wang Yan, expressing his patriotic fervor and complaining about Wang Yan's lack of composure.

A moment later, Wang Yan lowered his head and looked at him with a cold and indifferent gaze, which made Huang Zhong feel nervous!

Until Wang Yan finally spoke, he smiled with a cruel and sarcastic tone…

"Whose fault is it that the Tianlong Kingdom lost a city? Who caused the people to be displaced? Personal grudges? Ha! If I really wanted to kill you, why would I wait until the war was over?"

After saying that, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Huang Zhong by the neck, forcefully lifting him off the ground. This action terrified Deputy General Zhang, who rushed over to stop him!

Huang Zhong never expected Wang Yan to react this way. His face flushed red, and his eyes flashed with disbelief.

Wang Yan suddenly loosened his grip, slamming him to the ground. A surge of killing intent instantly welled up within him. He clenched his fists, his voice trembling as he spoke.

"I won't kill you, the one who truly deserves to die... is me!"

Huang Zhong gasped for breath, his heart filled with sorrow upon hearing these words, while Deputy General Zhang stood still, saying nothing.

After Wang Yan finished speaking, his murderous intent quickly transformed into endless sorrow. That kind of pain seemed to have a certain infectious power, making the two of them tremble. They couldn't believe that Qin Qing had become so important to him.

"You should think about how you're going to face Shaoyao when you get back! If she finds out that you were responsible for Qin Qing's death, she'll probably never forgive you for the rest of her life!"