As Wen Lengyu and Yu Guangliang listened to the people's blessings, their faces flushed red, a mixture of joy and shyness.

After exchanging a few polite words of thanks, they quickly led their men into the palace, giving the impression of fleeing in disarray.

ヾ(@^▽^@)ノ

Nowadays, there are basically no major events in Chaozhou Kingdom; all that's needed is to proceed step by step.

It's time to leave.

Sheng Lingwei left some supplies for Wen Lengyu and Yu Guangliang, then took her leave with Yue Mingxi and the others and returned to Yucheng County.

Shenyang and his sister, along with Liu Zi, remained in Chaozhou Kingdom, just as Sheng Lingwei had anticipated.

Shenyang and Shenxin were appointed as Generals of the State, while the sixth son was appointed as Minister of Revenue. All three of them were granted titles.

It is clear that Yu Guangliang is a grateful person and did not mistreat them.

As for Wen Lengyu, although she handed over the court to Yu Guangliang, she did not step down to the second line. Instead, she managed the government together with Yu Guangliang, and the two were equal in status, with neither being superior to the other.

——

Yucheng County.

Thanks to Jing Qingyun's tireless efforts and supervision, the crimes of those tens of thousands of laborers were gradually eradicated, and Yucheng County was finally completed.

x﹏x Waaah, looking at the rebuilt city, they cried out to the heavens and earth, overjoyed and weeping, happier than anyone else.

Great! They finally don't have to work like oxen anymore, and they can finally catch their breath.

Honestly, they've done more work in the last few months than they've done in their entire lives combined. That Prince Jing is absolutely despicable; he doesn't treat them like human beings at all!

They did want to escape, and finally found an opportunity to run away. Just as they were leaving the city gate, they were caught in full view of everyone and paraded through the streets.

They experienced firsthand the meaning of the word "social death".

Some people slacked off and were then subjected to merciless beatings, with no mercy shown. They were then starved for three days; it was a miracle they didn't die of starvation.

Under such repeated torment, in order to survive and suffer less, they could only be as obedient as dogs, doing whatever they were told.

Sob, it's all so heartbreaking to talk about.

If they had known that one day they would fall into the hands of Princess Chang Le and Prince Jing, they would have done anything to repent and never dared to commit any more evil deeds.

Unfortunately, there's no medicine for regret.

At this moment, Sheng Lingwei, along with Yue Mingxi and the other four, stood on the city wall of Yucheng County with Jing Qingyun, looking at the city, which was even more prosperous than the capital of Northern Qi. They were filled with emotion.

From now on, this place will become their home, and their past life of wandering and displacement will seem to come vividly to mind.

Now, they finally have a place of their own, finally free from anyone's control, finally able to settle down, start a family, and build a career...

There are too many—finally, this feeling is probably something only they themselves can understand.

(?﹏?)

Jing Qingyun turned her head to look at Sheng Lingwei, her eyes seemingly filled with countless stars, "Weiwei, Yucheng County is completed. What do you think of it? Do you see any areas that need improvement?"

Sheng Lingwei smiled and shook her head, then took Jing Qingyun's right arm and affectionately nuzzled him with her head.

"Thank you, Xiaoyunzi. You've worked so hard these past few days. I love the city you built for me. I'm extremely satisfied with both the architectural style and the layout. Hehe, this is the love pool of my dreams."

"Weiwei, as long as you like it."

Jing Qingyun couldn't help but smile, radiating an aura of pleasure. If she had a tail, it would have been wagging high in the sky long ago.

Sheng Lingwei's eyebrows curved like crescent moons, her eyes brimming with laughter. "I love it, I love it so much! By the way, Xiao Yunzi, have the people in the city been settled?"

Jing Qingyun nodded.

"Everything is settled. I've discussed it with Lord Zheng, and we'll let everyone rest for a while first."

During this rest period, let them each think about what they want to do next. They can start their own business, stay at home to be a wife and mother, farm, or even join the army, etc.

We respect all their decisions and will make unified arrangements later to help everyone integrate into their new lives as quickly as possible.

After listening, Sheng Lingwei didn't hold back her praise.

"Indeed, Xiao Yunzi, you and Lord Zheng have thought things through very well. You must have worried a lot about these matters during this time!"

Jing Qingyun smiled and said, "It's only when you do things yourself that you feel a sense of accomplishment. Weiwei, my lord and I are enjoying it."

Especially Lord Zheng, he's been almost obsessed lately, thinking only about how to develop Yucheng County. Even Granny Rong can't stand him anymore.

Yue Mingxi was quite surprised. "Tsk tsk, I really didn't realize that Lord Zheng was so dedicated. I have to say, I admire people like him quite a bit."

Fang Xiuer glanced at Yue Mingxi and said, "If you can rein in your unreliable nature, you can become a dedicated and conscientious person like Lord Zheng in the near future."

Yue Mingxi: ……(=tェt=)

"Well, Xiuer, I know my own limitations. Lord Zheng is a man of great stature. No matter how hard I work, I can't compare to him."

Fang Xiuer nodded seriously, "Yes, it's good that you know your own limitations. I don't expect you to achieve anything great."

"Xiuer, you've broken my heart, boohoo!"

Yue Mingxi immediately put on a wronged and tearful look, which earned her a cold glare from Fang Xiuer.

Distracted by the two of them, Sheng Lingwei and the others couldn't help but laugh out loud, and their melancholy and regret gradually dissipated.

All that has happened in the past is history; living well in the present is what they should be doing.

After everyone joked and teased each other for a while, Sheng Lingwei finally got down to business.

"Xiuer, Anuan, Mingxi, Tianling, Jiyi, I am entrusting Yucheng County to you for the time being."

I believe in your abilities; you can all stand on your own without me. Each and every one of you is unique and outstanding. I have high hopes for you all!

Upon hearing this, the five men instantly became energized, straightened their backs, and said in unison, "Yes, boss, we won't let you down."

Sheng Lingwei smiled and looked at everyone with satisfaction. "Good, you are all worthy of being my brothers and sisters. It is my good fortune to have you all."

Rest assured, you chose to come into this world with me without hesitation, and I will not abandon or treat any of you differently.

I promise you, in this life, we will share joys and sorrows, and we will always be brothers and sisters closer than blood brothers and sisters.

"Boss!" (﹏?)

The five of them, including Yue Mingxi, instantly burst into tears.

Luo Xingyuan sniffed and stepped forward to shake Sheng Lingwei's hand, "Boss, why did you suddenly start all sentimental? It almost made us cry."

Ji Yi chimed in, "Yeah, boss, we still prefer your arrogant and domineering self. This sudden emotional outburst is truly flattering!"

With red eyes, Liang Tianling corrected Ji Yi, both amused and exasperated, "What are you saying? This isn't called being flattered, it's called being moved to tears, it's deeply touching."