"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

A thunderous voice rang out in the imperial court, and the young emperor, seated on the dragon throne, waved his hand.

"My beloved subjects, rise."

Gu Qingyan had completely shed his former naiveté; his height was now almost the same as Jiang He's, and his gaze instilled a strange sense of dread, compelling one to submit.

"His Majesty's birthday is approaching, and the surrounding countries have already prepared congratulatory gifts to wish His Majesty a long and prosperous life."

In the past four years, Dayu has rapidly expanded and annexed surrounding small countries. Gu Qingyan personally led three expeditions, doubling the size of Dayu's territory.

Everyone in the court now admires Gu Qingyan wholeheartedly.

"This matter will be handled entirely by the Ministry of Rites."

Gu Qingyan looked around and said, “We have fought many battles in the past few years. I want to build a tomb to commemorate the sacrifices of our soldiers and inscribe the names of every fallen soldier on it, so as to show the importance that our Great Yu attaches to them.”

"Your Majesty is wise."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works will do their utmost to complete this task."

The court was orderly, with Zhuo Yi and Kui Ruo standing at the front respectively.

After arriving in Dayu, Gu Qingyan divided the position of prime minister in two: Zhuo Yi became the left prime minister, Kui Ruo became the right prime minister, and Chang Wuyou remained the military advisor.

"Court adjourned—"

Yingzhi's high-pitched voice rang out. After leaving court, Gu Qingyan walked straight towards a palace. Above the palace gate were the three characters Zhaoning Palace.

Gu Qingyan actually moved the Zhaoning Palace to the new capital intact.

This place has become Gu Qingyan's daily bedroom.

"His Majesty is traveling incognito today, and this outfit suits him perfectly."

Ling, the old nanny, straightened Gu Qingyan's robes, and Gu Qingyan relaxed for once. "I naturally trust your judgment, nanny."

As Gu Qingyan stepped out of the house, he saw Wanji tending to the flowers and plants in the yard, which were in full bloom. Gu Qingyan grinned.

How wonderful! The flowers are blooming so beautifully; Mother will surely love them.

"Yaoyao and the others should be at Fushan Cliff by now." Gu Lin doted on his little cousin Jiang Yao, treating her like a precious gem, wishing he could pluck the stars from the sky for her.

“Princess Fu’an has been away from the capital for five days, she must have arrived by now.”

Yingzhi now looks like a chief eunuch, completely different from four years ago.

"Then Father will be back soon." A hint of joy flashed in Gu Qingyan's eyes, and his steps became lighter. After receiving the throne from Da Yu, Gu Qingyan honored Gu Lin as the Retired Emperor and Jiang Yu as the Empress Dowager.

No one dared to say a word against Gu Qingyan's decision.

As Gu Qingyan walked down the street, the smile in his eyes never faded.

Both men and women can be seen in bookstores, and when passing by girls' schools, you can hear the sound of reading aloud. The vendors on the streets and alleys are also full of happy smiles.

The Empress Dowager would be very happy to see such a scene.

Just as Gu Qingyan was enjoying his stroll, Wei Ruo rushed over and whispered something in his ear. Gu Qingyan's smile immediately vanished, and he quickly returned to the palace.

......

"Uncle, are we leaving so soon?" Jiang Yao asked, her little face scrunched up. "Why isn't Auntie back yet? Yao Yao hasn't seen Auntie at all."

"Auntie also wants to see Yao Yao, but Auntie has an urgent matter and can't leave right now." Gu Lin gently pinched Jiang Yao's little nose. "Does Yao Yao want to miss your cousin's birthday?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yao shook her head vigorously, but still reluctantly mounted the horse.

Jiang Yao chattered away like a little sparrow the whole way, and Gu Lin's smile never faded until he received the same message as Gu Qingyan.

"What's wrong?"

Jiang He tightened his grip on the reins and walked alongside Gu Lin.

"Several prominent families will also be here to celebrate Ayan's birthday."

"Why are they here too?" Jiang He frowned immediately. He didn't think it was a good thing that the major families came to Dayu; he was afraid it would be a big problem.

"The major families have been engaged in constant infighting in recent years, so this should be the first time they have reached a consensus in recent years."

A cold glint flashed in Gu Lin's eyes. He chose to come on A Yan's sixteenth birthday, and it was easy to guess what his intentions were.

The Qin family of Jianghuai, the Sun family of Lingping, the Gong family of Longzuo, the Pei family of Longyou, and the Yun family of Luoming.

These are five powerful families that have dominated various regions for hundreds of years, each controlling a vital part of the world and using it to thrive and multiply.

"I thought the noble families looked down on our Great Yu, but it seems they are also intimidated by us," Jiang He said mockingly. "Otherwise, why would they condescend to come to our Great Yu?"

It was merely an attempt to probe the true strength of Dayu and see if the renowned Emperor Yu would become a formidable foe in the future.

"I'm afraid we'll have to hurry back to the capital."

Gu Lin and Jiang He exchanged a glance, and then Gu Lin hugged Jiang Yao tightly. "Yao Yao, let's go."

......

Almost at the same time.

Not far from Dayu, the young masters of the five great families sat together, the atmosphere at the table tense, and each family's secret guards were ready in the shadows.

"We are all young masters from various families this time. Emperor Yu is about the same age as us. I wonder if we can have a pleasant conversation. Hahahaha."

The first to speak was Qin Zheng, the young master of the Qin family. The Qin family controlled countless iron mines and was the most powerful among the major families.

Qin Zheng had an air of arrogance about him, and as soon as he finished speaking, the young masters of the Sun and Gong families immediately chimed in.

Only Pei Zhi and the young master of the Yun family kept their heads down and sipped their tea, not participating in these conversations.

"Why is Azhi silent?" Qin Zheng's sharp gaze fell on Pei Zhi. "I remember that the Pei family has some connections with the Yu Emperor."

"We can't really call it a friendship. My Pei family only has some superficial medical skills. My father specifically instructed us to come here only to celebrate Emperor Yu's birthday, and not for anything else."

Upon hearing this, Qin Zheng revealed a disdainful look. The Pei family had truly declined; they were timid and hesitant in their actions, lacking any sense of grandeur.

"Alright, let's get ready to travel."

Pei Zhi followed slowly behind the group, a slight smile playing on her lips. Underestimating the Yu Emperor? That would be a grave mistake; Qin Zheng was likely to suffer some consequences.

"Sister Azhi, please...please don't...please don't argue with them..."

Yunmo has had a slight stutter since childhood. Pei Zhi looked up at Yunmo and smiled, "It's alright, I didn't take it to heart."

Don't be fooled by Yun Mo's harmless appearance. The Yun family is most skilled in esoteric arts and has built countless traps and secret passages. Although they may seem to be the lowest-ranking aristocratic family, they are not to be trifled with.

Pei Zhi let out a soft sigh. Dealing with these people was truly exhausting.