The Empress Dowager offered her advice

The broken jade pendant on the emperor's desk seemed to be silently mocking his helplessness.

Is it better to bear the infamy and risk of killing one's nephew and destroying oneself?

Or should he choose to welcome back a "crown prince" who might overthrow his throne?

Either choice leads to the abyss.

"His Majesty."

A gentle yet dignified female voice, like a stone thrown into a stagnant pool, broke the suffocating silence in the hall.

However, they entered without prior notice.

Consort Huo was Huo Ying's younger sister, one of Wei Chenji's adoptive mothers, and also the grandmother of the current empress.

She quietly entered the side hall and dismissed those around her.

She was dressed in simple palace attire, exuding an air of elegance.

His gaze calmly swept over the evidence on the imperial desk.

Ultimately, the gaze fell upon the young emperor's face, which was etched with struggle, anxiety, and even a hint of fear.

"Your Highness..."

Wei Chenji's voice carried a deep weariness and an imperceptible vulnerability.

At this moment, he resembled more of a bewildered youth than a supreme ruler.

Consort Huo stepped forward slowly.

He gently picked up the rubbing of the old eunuch's dying blood offering.

His gaze swept over the glaring handwriting, and he sighed, his voice low but each word clear.

It struck Wei Chenji's heart like a heavy hammer.

"The case of Crown Prince Li was indeed a heart-wrenching pain for the late Emperor in his later years, and a hidden scar on the royal family. However, blood ties connect them, and he is ultimately the flesh and blood of the Wei royal family. This son, Wei Jin, has been living among the common people for decades. Instead of growing up with resentment, he has become a pillar of the northern frontier, offering good strategies, cultivating good crops, and relieving the border troops from the suffering of hunger and cold. His contributions to the country are a blessing from Heaven for the great lineage, and it is also a sign that the late Emperor's spirit in heaven could not bear to see the bloodline completely annihilated."

She put down the rubbing and looked intently at Wei Chenji.

With a penetrating insight into people's hearts, he said: "Your Majesty was chosen by the late Emperor to succeed to the throne. Your status was established long ago, and the whole world submits to you. Since this young man has already become a pillar of the northern frontier, why doesn't Your Majesty emulate the ancient story of the 'Restoration of Zhaoming'?"

Wei Chenji's pupils suddenly contracted!

Emperor Zhaoming!

It is said that he was a member of the imperial family who was wronged in the previous dynasty and wandered among the common people, where he suffered many hardships. Later, he was found and supported by important officials.

He eventually became a leader who revitalized the dynasty!

Consort Huo's analogy was exquisite! Yet... it also contained a hidden veil of sarcasm!

The high-ranking official who found Emperor Zhaoming...

Huo Ying...

This suggestion set off alarm bells in his mind.

"Emperor Zhaoming, having lived among the common people, was deeply aware of their hardships. Only after ascending the throne was he able to work diligently to govern the country and achieve great things."

Consort Huo's voice remained gentle, yet it carried an undeniable decisiveness.

"If Your Majesty were to welcome Wei Jin back to the imperial clan at this time and restore his title, making him not the crown prince but a prince or a duke, firstly, it would comfort the spirit of the late emperor in heaven, make up for the regrets of that year, and demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence and magnanimity; secondly, it would show Your Majesty's broad-mindedness and benevolence that extends to the world, even to the 'remnants of the late emperor'."

She deliberately downplayed this phrase.

"Thirdly, they can be pardoned and given important positions because of their merits, thus winning the hearts of the people and uniting their minds."

She paused slightly, her gaze sharpening.

"His talents can continue to be used by His Majesty and the Great Yin Dynasty to stabilize the northern border, and even... become a sharp sword in His Majesty's hand to check certain... forces that are too deeply entrenched and gradually become too powerful to control."

The last sentence was like the sun breaking through the clouds!

Wei Chenji instantly grasped the profound meaning behind it.

Huo Ying! Jiang Wenhuan!

These veteran officials have deep-rooted influence in the northern frontier and in the imperial court, and have become a hidden obstacle.

If Wei Jin returns as a member of the royal family.

His seemingly "close" relationship with Huo Ying will instantly become a sword hanging over Huo Ying's head!

The emperor will have an additional pawn of great importance, with a special background and a natural, subtle connection with some of his veteran ministers!

This is far better than killing Wei Jin directly or letting him continue to grow powerful in the Northern Frontier!

It can not only attract talent, but also use them as collateral, and even leverage their power to stir up the political situation and check the power of ministers!

The intense struggle, fear, and confusion in Wei Chenji's eyes seemed to be wiped away by an invisible hand, gradually subsiding.

Let it settle down.

Ultimately, it transformed into a cold, sharp calculation and decision-making style belonging to emperors.

The suggestion from Consort Huo opened a window of opportunity for him.

A single fan can maintain both the dignity and benevolence of the royal family.

This allows them to bring this dangerous piece under their control, and even use it to their advantage to solidify the window of imperial power!

As for Wei Jin himself... once he entered the royal family...

Trapped in the dragon's den and tiger's lair of the capital, in the emperor's "golden cage," and under the watchful eyes of countless people, how much trouble can he possibly cause? All his achievements will become a manifestation of the emperor's favor.

He took a deep breath and straightened his back.

The emperor's majesty and control were re-established, without the slightest hesitation.

His gaze swept over the broken dragon pendant, all lingering on his mind, devoid of any lingering remorse or guilt, replaced only by a cold scrutiny and an absolute desire for control.

“Gao Wuyong!” The voice was resolute and resonant.

"Your servant is here!"

Gao Wuyong seemed to have been glued to the door the whole time. Upon hearing the sound, he immediately appeared, standing respectfully with his hands at his sides.

"Issue my decree!"

"A secret message from Zhenbei Marquis Huo Ying, Shen Yan, and Ling Zhan: the three of them must depart immediately for the capital to pay homage! There must be no delay!"

He paused, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and slowly uttered two words, each one carrying immense weight.

"I want to meet this 'royal nephew' in person."

The words "Imperial Nephew" resounded in Gao Wuyong's ears like a thunderclap from the heavens!

He shuddered violently and buried his head even deeper, almost knocking it to the ground.

It took all his strength to suppress the turbulent emotions in his voice, leaving only a slight, uncontrollable tremor.

"This servant... obeys the decree!"

The emperor himself acknowledged the bloodline! Although no specific title was set, the title of "imperial nephew" was already earth-shattering.

This foreshadows a momentous upheaval that is about to occur!

Consort Huo lowered her eyelids slightly. Her long eyelashes concealed the fleeting, elusive glint in the depths of her eyes.

It quickly returned to a state of calm, like a deep pool.

Meanwhile, in the northern frontier, on the official road leading from Black Stone Fortress to the prefectural city...

A swift horse galloped like an arrow, breaking through the swirling snow and heading straight for Blackstone Castle.

The rider on horseback was completely clad in black, tight-fitting clothing.

With an aura as cold and sharp as a drawn blade, it was none other than Ling Zhan's most secretive force—the Asura Guard!

He ignored the checkpoints along the way, holding an iron plaque engraved with a ferocious Asura's head.

They traveled unimpeded all the way to the central command tent where Ling Zhan was located at the Black Stone Fortress camp.

"My lord! Urgent report from Lord Yang of the prefectural city!"

Shura Guard knelt on one knee, his voice low but clear, carrying a chilling aura of someone weary from a long journey.

Inside the tent, Ling Zhan, who was discussing the details of the new city's defenses with Wang Ben and Shen Hong, suddenly looked up!

She raised her hand to signal, and the Asura Guards followed her outside the tent.

"A dramatic upheaval has occurred in the capital! The Emperor has learned the true identity of our lord! The evidence is irrefutable! Huo Mingguang, the leader of the Shadow Guard 'Hidden Scales,' has secretly led his elite troops northward on a secret imperial decree, his intentions unknown! Furthermore... the Emperor has issued a secret decree summoning the Marquis of Zhenbei, our lord, and our sovereign to the capital for an immediate audience!"

A terrifying glint flashed in Ling Zhanhan's eyes.

Wang Ben and Shen Hong didn't hear anything and didn't know the specific reason.

At the entrance of the main tent, one could sense the terrifying aura that suddenly erupted from Ling Zhan and the urgency in the words of the Asura Guard.

A chill ran through me, as if I had been struck by a boulder.

They knew that something earth-shattering had happened that was enough to shake the northern frontier and even overturn the world!

The ruthless, chilling killing intent that belonged to the Asura Space Marines flashed by on Ling Zhan's body.

As if it had never existed, it was quickly suppressed by a deeper, more absolute reason.

She didn't ask any further questions or show any shock.

It was as if this shocking news was already within her expectations.

She turned and went back to the main tent, her black cloak billowing and rustling even without wind.

"Wang Ben".

"Your subordinate is here!"

"You are fully responsible for the defense of Blackrock Fortress and the New City! Follow the established strategy, advance steadily and surely, step by step!"

"Without my order, the veterans in the valley are now civilians and must not be moved!"

"Your subordinate obeys!"

Although Wang Ben was filled with turmoil, he was used to the strictness of military orders, which were ingrained in his very being.

He immediately clasped his hands in a fist and accepted the order, his eyes resolute.

Ling Zhan's gaze turned to his second son, Shen Hong.

"mother……"

A hint of worry flashed in Shen Hong's eyes, her clear gaze reflecting her mother's solemnity.

Ling Zhan looked at his son, who had already shown a calm demeanor, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

"This place is yours." The words were brief, yet carried immense weight.

"Yes!" Shen Hong straightened his back and nodded vigorously.

Ling Zhan took a step closer, his voice deep and clear, each word seeming to be engraved in Shen Hong's heart.

“Hong’er, listen. Your father and I must leave immediately. You stay behind to oversee the construction of the camp and the affairs of the snow cotton in the valley, and fully assist General Wang Ben. The people’s hearts must not be disturbed. The Han and Di people are the foundation of this place, and we must keep them at ease. The workshops, farmland, and those new technologies are the lifeblood, and not a single thing can be lost!”

Her gaze swept over her son's young yet resolute face.

The emphasis was particularly placed on the words "Han Di".

"Intermarriage and integration, in particular, are key to maintaining the new city and are also the hidden spark. You must keep this in mind. Official registration is required: all those who intermarry between Han and Di people, regardless of which side's customs they follow, must register with the new city's government!"

Shen Hong nodded solemnly.

Ling Zhancai continued to add.

"Write down your name, clan, and residence clearly. This is a document recognized by the government, and it will serve as the basis for any future disputes."

She added, "Voluntariness is an ironclad rule! Any coercion or forced marriage will be severely punished once verified! We must make sure the government officials keep their eyes open and conduct thorough investigations, both overt and covert."

Shen Hong quickly took out his notebook and made a note.

"Disputes should be resolved through mediation: immediately set up a mediation hall. Have respected elders of the Han people, elders of the Di tribes, and government officials sit together to handle the affairs. Disputes over marriage, property division, and child custody should first be mediated by them according to the customs of both parties and the laws of Zhou. If mediation fails, then report to the authorities for legal action."

Wang Ben nodded vigorously, "The method of joint adjustment by the three parties is good."

Ling Zhan: "Customs can be followed, but bottom lines must be upheld. The wedding ceremony can be as they wish, but the bottom line of human ethics must be upheld! Those old customs that take lives and are immoral, such as funerary sacrifice and torture, will not be tolerated by the laws of the Great Yin Dynasty! As for whether the couple will live with the husband's family, the wife's family, or establish their own household after marriage, let them discuss it themselves, and the government will make sure it is clear in the registration."

"What about the children?" Shen Hong asked.

"All are citizens of Dayin. Remember, all children of mixed Han and Di descent born on Dayin land are citizens of Dayin! Make it clear in their household registration that they have all the rights they are entitled to and all the obligations they are obligated to fulfill. They are required to learn Han and Mandarin, and may also learn Di languages ​​and customs."

After thinking for a moment, she added, "The school is a bridge. Courses on the Di language and customs should be offered in the school attached to the workshop. We should also encourage the new Di people to take the initiative to learn Mandarin and understand the etiquette of the Great Yin."

Finally, she emphasized: "The bottom line cannot be trampled upon. Integration is not about making concessions without limits! If anyone dares to use intermarriage as a pretext for divisive, inciting, or destructive activities, or condones the old customs of the Di people that harm the lives of women and children, no matter who is involved, we will not tolerate it! They must be severely punished as a warning to others! This is the ironclad rule for maintaining order here!"

Ling Zhan's words were like an anvil.

Each key instruction was directly forged into Shen Hong's mind.

Shen Hong listened intently, his initial worry replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility and understanding.

He met his mother's gaze, straightened his back, and spoke clearly and firmly.

"Mother, rest assured! I have remembered everything! Registration, voluntary participation, dispute resolution, adherence to customs, equal rights for children, shared schooling, and strict adherence to bottom lines! I, Hong'er, will live up to your trust, safeguard the foundation of the valley, and stabilize the hearts of the Han and Di soldiers and civilians!"

Ling Zhan looked at his son deeply, a look that contained unwavering trust and unspoken expectations.

Without another word, she turned and strode out of the tent.

The biting wind and snow rushed towards her, but she seemed oblivious.

She did not go to the tent where Shen Xiao was recuperating.

Instead, he went straight to the stable and led out his magnificent black warhorse, which he had brought from the mountaintop.

She moved swiftly and deftly, mounting her horse.

"Let's go to the valley to build a camp."

Ling Zhan gave the order to the Shura Guards who were following closely behind. His voice pierced through the howling wind and snow, leaving no room for doubt.

"Go and fetch your lord. Tell him to drop everything and come with me immediately—back to the summit of Yuntian Mountain!"

"Yes, sir!"

Shura Guard accepted the order, and in a flash, he rode out on horseback, like a black lightning bolt merging into the wind and snow, rushing towards the valley.

Ling Zhan returned to the main tent to retrieve his personal belongings.

One squeezed the horse's belly.

The black warhorse let out a long, piercing neigh.

Carrying her, it sped towards the mountain peak like a black lightning bolt!

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