The eldest prince, Ye Zeyu, entered the military camp with Prince Yu when he was three years old. When he was seven, Prince Yu was executed for treason, and he was brought back to the palace. However, three years later, he returned to the military camp.

Ten-year-old Ye Zeyu rose from an ordinary soldier to become the God of War of Qi, not because of his princely status, but because of his numerous military achievements.

He proved himself with his outstanding military achievements.

Now he commands the Xuanwu Army, which traverses the entire northern border of the Qi Kingdom.

In the State of Qi, he was a prince and a war god. With him around, the State of Qi could be kept safe from enemy invasion.

In the enemy state of Northern Yan, he was a god of death and a demon, inspiring fear in all who spoke of him.

Five months ago, the Northern Yan invaded. Ye Zeyu used only 100,000 Xuanwu soldiers to wipe out the enemy's 500,000-strong army. After this heavy blow, the Northern Yan will not be able to recover for five years, and the people of the Northern Frontier can live in peace for several years.

This time, he returned to the capital because the emperor had summoned him back to receive a reward.

While he deserved this lavish display, it went too far; at the very least, he shouldn't have treated the common people this way.

The people hiding in the Shanci Hall waited for almost an hour before they heard the sound of approaching hooves.

Although everyone was terrified of the Imperial Guards outside, they were very curious about the legendary First Prince and peeked out to see him.

"Is this the First Prince? Why is he wearing a mask? He looks rather frightening!"

"Yes, yes, I just glanced at him and I broke out in a cold sweat!"

"The Crown Prince just slaughtered 500,000 soldiers of Northern Yan. His murderous aura is strong, so he is naturally very frightening!"

"I heard that the eldest prince is already twenty-six years old, but he is still unmarried because of the heavy evil aura around him, which is said to bring misfortune to his wife!"

…

Bai Zhi had just caught a glimpse of Ye Zeyu's profile while standing on tiptoe. The aura emanating from him and the half-mask on his face were indeed frightening. After hearing the word "wife-killer," she subconsciously looked at Su Muxi beside her.

His face showed a look of lingering fear.

Su Muxi found Bai Zhi's appearance somewhat amusing.

The Empress Dowager only mentioned that she should marry Ye Zeyu, but she didn't do anything with Ye Zeyu and they never even met.

She had just caught a glimpse of Ye Zeyu from afar, but she didn't find him particularly frightening.

Having spent over a decade in the military as a prince, he naturally couldn't possibly be as refined and cultured as the noble young masters of the capital.

However, Ye Zeyu does give off a somewhat dangerous vibe, so it seems best to stay away from him in the future to avoid giving the Empress Dowager any more reason to play matchmaker.

Ye Ziyu rode atop a tall, pure black horse, clad in silver armor, looking imposing. He wore a half-mask made of black gold, which, though devoid of any patterns, exuded a terrifying aura when paired with his exposed deep black eyes.

Looking at the empty streets, Ye Zeyu's lips curled into a slightly mocking smile.

Xiao Ce, standing to the side, couldn't help but say coldly, "Master, you've just returned to the capital, and the Second Prince has already put on such a grand show for you. Would you like me to explain this to you in the streets?"

He was originally the God of War of Qi. After returning victorious from battle, he should have been welcomed and loved by the people. But now he may have lost the hearts of most of the people.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zeyu's thin lips parted slightly, his voice clear and cold yet magnetic.

"The Imperial Guards are not something my second brother can command. This display of pomp is a royal favor, so we should accept it."

His father was just like that—suspicious and prone to suspicion.

She thought she could manipulate everyone, but little did she know that she had already become a tool for others to eliminate dissidents.

Thinking of that kind yet stern face he remembered, Ye Zeyu's eyes deepened, and he gripped the reins even tighter.

In name, it was a return to the capital to receive a reward, but in reality, it was just a stripping of military power!

However, this was exactly what he wanted.

This time, upon returning to the capital, he finally had time to exonerate his uncle, Prince Yu!

He glanced at Qiao Xiuyuan not far away and said loudly, "Since there are no commoners on the streets, I, the prince, will go to the palace first to see my father. Marquis Anyang, please make yourself at home!"

After saying that, Ye Zeyu lightly kicked the horse's flank, and the black horse galloped off.

Qiao Xiuyuan clasped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Ye Zeyu's retreating figure, but his gaze was unusually cold.

Logically, after returning to the capital, officials should first go to the palace to meet the emperor, but Qiao Xiuyuan turned the reins around and prepared to go back to his residence first.

If he hadn't been ordered by the Emperor to travel to the capital with the First Prince, he probably would have already rushed back to the capital three days ago.

He had only been away from home for less than three months, and the Marquis of Anyang's mansion had become the laughing stock of the capital. Therefore, he was eager to reunite with his family to express the "pain of longing" he had felt over the past three days!

Today, Qiao Xiuyuan returned to the capital. Madam Jiang sent people to guard the city gate early in the morning. Upon hearing that Qiao Xiuyuan was going home first, Madam Jiang hurriedly led people to the gate of the mansion to welcome him.

Seeing Qiao Xiuyuan slowly approaching on horseback, Madam Jiang was overjoyed, her worries and frustration of the past few days vanished.

Although Qiao Xiuyuan was nearly fifty years old and a military man, he was handsome and had a refined and cultured demeanor.

Qiao Ziming and Qiao Zixi's appearances were inherited from Qiao Xiuyuan.

For over twenty years since their marriage, Qiao Xiuyuan had never taken a concubine and had always been chaste, never touching another woman. This alone made Jiang Shi the envy of countless noblewomen in the capital. Moreover, Qiao Xiuyuan was well-maintained and, even as he aged, still looked dashing and charming.

Her husband was handsome, devoted to her, and ambitious. Mrs. Jiang felt that she must have been a very kind person in her past life, and that God had given her such a good husband in this life.

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