Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Qian Zihao's face instantly lost all color, and his eyes revealed shock and anger, as if the whole world was roaring in his ears.

His mind was in turmoil, and Chen Zhennan's words kept echoing in his head: "The new Prince of Ning is Qian Zijing."

"Chen Zhennan, what do you mean by that? Aren't my elder brother and father both dead? What do you mean the new Prince Ning is Qian Zijing?"

Qian Zihao gritted his teeth, his angry voice sounding like it was being squeezed out of his throat, full of disbelief.

Chen Zhennan's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain.

Chen Zhennan stepped forward and kicked Qian Zihao in the stomach, sending him flying off the steps.

Qian Zihao clutched his stomach, bent over in pain, his heart burning with rage, wishing he could tear Chen Zhennan to pieces.

"Chen Zhennan, what exactly do you mean?"

Chen Zhennan merely chuckled coldly, letting out a mocking snort: "You heartless, ungrateful, and shameless scoundrel! You're far inferior to your elder brother! He was still trying to save you last night!"

These words struck Qian Zihao's heart like a heavy hammer.

"What did you say?" Qian Zihao's voice instantly turned sharp, his anger and humiliation almost driving him to lose his mind.

In the back hall, Qian Zijing's face was filled with shock, and his eyes flashed with disbelief. His doubts from last night were confirmed at this moment. His younger brother, Qian Zihao, had actually allowed Chen Zhennan to kill him and their father.

Chen Zhennan's face was devoid of warmth; he looked at Qian Zihao with no pity in his eyes.

"Yan Shiyu, take Qian Zihao away and throw him in jail!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Shiyu stepped into the lobby and took Qian Zihao away directly.

Chen Zhennan snorted lightly, his voice carrying a hint of disdain, and turned to walk to the back of the hall.

When Chen Zhennan approached Qian Zijing and his son Qian Kun, his gaze was sharp, filled with both scrutiny and expectation.

Qian Zijing raised his head slightly, "Chen Zhennan, what exactly do you mean? Now that you've already taken Ningzhou, why do you want me to be the Prince of Ning?"

Chen Zhennan pulled up a chair and sat down, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

“Qian Zijing, I greatly admire your concern for the people. As far as I know, Ningzhou is only peaceful and prosperous under your jurisdiction. You have always opposed your father’s policies, but you have been powerless to do anything about it.”

Qian Kun, who was standing to the side, felt a little embarrassed upon hearing this. His face flushed slightly, and Chen Zhennan's words struck a chord with him.

Seeing this, Chen Zhennan scoffed and continued, "So now I'm going to give you this power and put you in charge of Ningzhou. Are you willing?"

Qian Zijing slowly stood up and asked with a solemn expression, "But why didn't you kill me? After you take Ningzhou, you can arrange for someone else to replace the Prince of Ning. Besides, I am a member of the Qian family. Would you trust me?"

With a sigh, Chen Zhennan slowly explained, "If I kill wherever I go, when will it ever end?"

"Then why didn't you spare Zhao Xiong's life back in Mingzhou?"

Chen Zhennan pursed his lips, his eyes suddenly becoming complicated.

"Although King Zhao Xiong was not an irredeemable villain, he was plotting to start a prairie fire. Killing Zhao Xiong was actually to intimidate the various lords. As for letting your Qian family go, it was also to let the remaining lords know that there is still a chance to live."

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration appeared on Qian Zijing's face. To kill first and then appease was a sign of great wisdom.

“I understand, Chen Zhennan. I am willing to accept the position of Prince Ning, but I have one condition.”

Chen Zhennan grunted and chuckled as he countered, "I gave you the position of Prince of Ning, and now you're making demands of me? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"My condition is simple: spare Zihao and my father, or I'd rather die. My life is more valuable to you, isn't it?"

Chen Zhennan thought about it for a moment and realized that Qian Zijing was right, so he simply nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I agree, but I have to take them to the capital first, otherwise how will I know if you'll cause me trouble again?"

After a moment's thought, Qian Zijing gave a soft "hmm." This was already the best possible outcome; there was no possibility of further negotiation.

Chen Zhennan stretched and waved to Qian Kun.

“Prince Ning, Ningzhou is about to undergo a complete transformation. Now, it’s time for you to leave.”

Upon hearing this, Qian Kun slowly stood up, gave a bitter smile, said nothing, and left the palace with Chen Zhennan.

Qian Zijing stood in the main hall of the Ning Prince's Mansion and waited for a while. Then, all the people who had been captured by Chen Zhennan the night before were released.

Qian Zijing had someone investigate, and it turned out that Chen Zhennan didn't kill anyone when he entered the city last night; he only had a few people shot and wounded.

“Young Master, Chen Zhennan is a man with the world in his heart. Perhaps following him is not a mistake.”

Qian Zijing smiled upon hearing this: "Of course it's not a mistake, but it depends on how we do it. Send down the order to begin the suppression of bandits in Zining Prefecture. They must be completely wiped out before the spring, and then we should start distributing land to the people."

Upon hearing this, the advisors beside him were all taken aback.

“Young Master, it seems Chen Zhennan didn’t ask you to do these things. If you really did, the Ning Prince’s Mansion would probably have to earn a million taels of silver every year.”

Upon hearing this, Qian Zijing turned his head sharply, his eyes suddenly turning cold.

"Do you think you're safe now? Let me tell you, from this moment on, anyone who dares to oppress the people will be executed on the spot!"

"This...this?"

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, '? Chen Zhennan can make me the Prince of Ning, and he can also get rid of me! Post notices saying that I, Qian Zijing, have submitted to Chen Zhennan, and publicize Chen Zhennan's merits. The more people who know, the better.'"

Qian Zijing understood perfectly well that what Chen Zhennan wanted most was for him to promote him, thereby causing the other warlords to give up resistance. Otherwise, Chen Zhennan could have simply stormed into Ningzhou without going through all this trouble.

Following Qian Zijing's order, notices were posted all over Ningzhou City, vigorously publicizing Chen Zhennan's virtuous governance and achievements.

On the carriage heading to the capital, the wheels rolled along, and Chen Zhennan leaned against the window, looking at the scenery in the distance.

"The time has come for me to become emperor."

Outside, Yan Shiyu, who was driving, turned around upon hearing this and asked curiously, "General, are we just going back like this? The other lords haven't submitted yet. Didn't you say you'd leave Zhou Xiang for last?"

Chen Zhennan smiled slightly and explained calmly, "If any of the other lords resist again, I really won't show any mercy. Don't worry, someone will help me handle these issues."

"So, now that we're back in the capital, can we start preparing for the coronation? The brothers below are all waiting for this day."

Yan Shiyu was in a good mood, but Chen Zhennan's face was somewhat gloomy.

"Shiyu, after I ascend the throne, you will probably have to hide beneath the surface. There are some dirty things that I need you to do for me."

"I understand, my lord, I know all of this."