The north gate of Shengjing was very lively today.

The emperor decreed that officials and their families could watch the ceremony from both sides, while ordinary people could watch from the street outside the North Gate.

Early in the morning, valiant imperial guards cleared the road, sprinkled water on it, and stood solemnly on both sides.

The North Gate leads directly to the Imperial Palace. Apart from the Emperor and Empress, who can use the main gate, only the top three winners of each year's imperial examination can use it once.

The two side doors are for official business and are not usually opened.

Today, all three gates are wide open.

Locals, who love excitement, lined the roadside early, craning their necks to watch this rare spectacle.

"They're here, they're here."

With the sound of drums and the slow clatter of horses' hooves, the Xiao family army, its banners fluttering and its soldiers solemnly approaching from afar.

"Ah, that's Prince Xiao!"

One of the little girls couldn't help but cover her mouth and scream softly.

Wearing a full set of silver and red armor, Xiao Zhixing easily controlled Xue Ye and led the way.

A smile played on his lips, his posture was elegant and unrestrained.

Behind them stood the mighty and imposing soldiers of the Xiao family army and the Southern Jiangsu army, carrying the aura of victory, a sight that stirred the heart.

"Long live the Great Sheng! The Xiao Family Army is mighty! The Southern Jiangsu Army is mighty!"

Some people couldn't help but shout, and the common people joined in, gradually forming a unified voice.

"Ahhh, the young prince is mighty!" Some bold young girls couldn't help but shout.

The people were relatively restrained, but once they entered the North Gate, the streets on both sides were packed with people, both upstairs and downstairs.

"Young Prince is mighty!"

With a whoosh, all sorts of flowers, handkerchiefs, and purses were thrown at her, a dazzling display of colors.

Xiao Zhixing chuckled and waved to both sides.

This caused the noble ladies to become even more frenzied, showering flowers and fruit upon each other.

[The young prince is mighty!]

[Long live the young prince!]

The live stream room was bustling with activity, filled with colorful donations.

Huo Baijun and the others behind them were also taken care of, but unfortunately they didn't dare to be so reckless, otherwise they would be in trouble if they accepted something from others.

Xiao Zhixing had no such concerns, and he received many flowers and purses while surrounded by women on both sides.

"Haha, thank you so much, sisters! It smells delicious!"

Look, look, they're even flirting with him.

This caused the noble ladies to giggle and laugh, much to the envy of the men present.

Suddenly, three red peonies rushed towards her.

Xiao Zhixing was taken aback, then drew his sword and swung it, causing the peonies to fall onto the blade.

"Bravo!" The crowd cheered thunderously, and the girls' screams of encouragement could pierce one's eardrums.

The men present had witnessed firsthand Xiao Zhixing's standing in their wives' (daughters') hearts.

I was immediately confused and puzzled.

Are they familiar with her? When did they start praising her so highly?

Xiao Zhixing looked up to the left, where Li Wenxiu was frantically waving her handkerchief at her, shouting and jumping around without any semblance of a noble lady.

Standing next to her was Li Ningxiu, and a tall, slender, spirited young woman who was looking at her with a faint smile.

It's clear that the peony was lost by this spirited young woman; she's quite skilled.

Xiao Zhixing curled his lips, flicked his sword, and swish, swish, swish.

Three velvet peony flowers flew back and were placed in the hair of the three women, making them even more beautiful than the flowers.

"Bravo!!" Thunderous cheers rang out again.

Li Wenxiu was so excited she almost jumped down, while Li Ningxiu shyly covered her face and stomped her feet.

The spirited young woman was taken aback, touched the peony, and bowed to her.

Huo Baijun introduced her, "That's Miss Mu Wan."

The eldest granddaughter of Mu Liangyi? She certainly has the Mu family's style.

After the lively procession, we approached the Zhengwu Gate.

The resounding bugle calls and drumbeats rang out, and the scene immediately returned to silence.

The emperor, accompanied by his officials, personally reviewed the troops at the command platform in front of the city gate.

Xiao Zhixing nimbly dismounted, stood up and cupped his hands in greeting, "Your subject Xiao Zhixing, along with the Xiao family army and the Southern Jiangsu army, pays homage to Your Majesty!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The soldiers behind dared not stand, and dismounted in unison, kneeling on one knee to pay their respects.

"Very well, rise." The emperor's voice was tinged with amusement. "Yuansheng, you've worked hard. Bring wine!"

This is the emperor welcoming them back on behalf of the court.

Zhao Yunqi raised his cup and drank with Xiao Zhixing.

Then came the summons and rewards.

She had already bestowed her reward; this time, she only gave verbal praise and some gold and silver jewelry.

Everyone else was rewarded, and they were all promoted and made a fortune.

Among them, "Su Zhen was appointed as a General of the Central Army and granted the Leopard Tally of the Southern Army".

This is a formal acknowledgment of the existence of the Southern Jiangsu Army.

Xiao Zhixing was slightly surprised. She hadn't even started yet, so why was the emperor being so generous?

This imperial decree left the civil and military officials wondering what His Majesty meant by this.

Did they actually legitimize the Southern Jiangsu Army?

When Yun Pingchu's Southern Army fought a bloody battle on the grasslands and drove back the Northern Barbarians, His Majesty made no comment that time, and they thought it would be the same this time.

Could it be because of Xiao Zhixing?

Alas, the Emperor's heart is unfathomable.

The officials were also troubled, wondering if Xiao Zhixing was actually the emperor's son. They wanted to know how to treat her.

The Emperor System scoffed, "I have a method here to verify bloodlines. Do you want to try it with her?"

Zhao Yunqi: "No need, I'm not interested. You don't need to test me. Since I've agreed to start the plan, stop being sarcastic and unfriendly to me."

"You're willing?" the Emperor System asked in surprise.

"Um."

The Emperor System immediately stopped caring about anything and didn't find Xiao Zhixing so repulsive anymore.

Fine, he can do whatever he wants with Xiao Zhixing. It understands that men always have some bias towards the daughter of their "white moonlight" (idealized female friend).

As long as he doesn't neglect his work, let him be.

Xiao Zhixing felt a chill run down his spine. The plan had begun? What exactly was the plan?

It seems we need to have the secret guards keep a close eye on the emperor's movements.

After the announcement of the reward, she went to the palace to attend a welcoming banquet, where she finally sat down with Xiao Yuanshan, and the father and daughter met.

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