His Majesty's personal expedition and triumphant return is a truly awe-inspiring and celebratory event. Upon receiving the news, Qin Mo and his men immediately began preparations to welcome the Emperor and his army back to the capital.

Lanqin knew that the Fourth Prince was finally returning, and her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, could finally be put down. Although Lanqin had some peace and quiet after the Ulanara incident subsided, she was still constantly on edge. Firstly, she worried that the war was escalating and something might go wrong with the Emperor; secondly, she didn't know what trouble might arise during the waiting period. She hoped that nothing bad would happen to Ulanara. Ideally, she should obediently wait for the Emperor's return to punish her.

Lanqin smiled bitterly to herself. She had been in this world for so many years and didn't know when it would end. She had been leveling up and fighting monsters all the way, and now she had reached the level of Empress. She didn't know what tough challenges she would have to deal with next, or how many more episodes she could survive in this difficult harem.

Despite the worries, life had to go on. It was best to wait patiently for the Emperor's return. The news of the Emperor's triumphant return spread throughout the capital as soon as it reached the Forbidden City. Everyone praised His Majesty's wisdom and martial prowess, and everyone eagerly awaited his return.

Ten days later, the Fourth Prince, the Seventeenth Prince, Hongli, and others returned with their troops. Shen Hebi was ordered to lead the army back to their respective encampments. The Fourth Prince, the Seventeenth Prince, Hongli, and others only led two thousand personal guards back to the capital.

Although there were only two thousand people, their morale was still very high. Along the way, the people made way for the army and paid the highest respect to them.

On the day the Emperor returned to the capital, the streets were closed to the public. Upon his arrival in the capital, all the civil and military officials, high and low, and even the common people of the city spontaneously took to the streets, beating drums and gongs to welcome the Emperor back to the capital.

Lanqin personally led the imperial harem, while Qin Mo personally led the civil and military officials to greet them at the Meridian Gate. The Fourth Prince had finally returned safely to the Forbidden City. Even before the Fourth Prince was more than five zhang away, all the concubines in the harem and the court officials saluted the marching troops and shouted loudly, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Their voices were loud and continuous, displaying a certain momentum reminiscent of a soldier charging into battle.

"Welcome back to the capital in triumph..." As soon as they entered the city gate, all the officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" The entire street was covered with red carpets and decorated with colorful lanterns. There were gongs and drums... everything was there, and the atmosphere was lively and festive.

As the Fourth Prince stepped off the sedan chair and onto the bluestone road of the capital, he felt exceptionally at ease. The battle at Mangdang Mountain had been a grueling ordeal, a near-death experience. Now, with the triumphant return to the capital, he was filled with mixed emotions and many reflections.

Seeing everyone's reaction, the Fourth Prince was delighted and said in a loud and excited voice, "Rise, my lords."

Fourth Master waved his hands, his eyes slightly red. If he stood there any longer, he would surely be moved to tears.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The officials shouted again, and then stood up one by one.

As he spoke, Fourth Master walked up to Lanqin, personally pulled her up as she was bowing to him, and said to her, "You're finally back."

His words lacked the majesty of an emperor, but instead carried the warmth of a casual conversation between husband and wife, expressing concern for each other's well-being after so long apart.

Lanqin held Fourth Master's hand, her eyes welling up with tears.

The ministers present all understood that since the Fourth Prince did not mention the Empress at all, Consort Xi would become the Empress in the future.