Although Chen Zhennan was unsure whether Xu Bin could truly lead Jingzhou to prosperity, at the very least, Jingzhou wouldn't get worse under his leadership.

Without saying much, Chen Zhennan still made Yan Shiyu leave the knife behind, and then the three of them rode away from Ji County.

...

The sunset on the horizon was like a blazing fire, dyeing the entire city of Qingzhou a faint crimson hue.

On the city tower, Dong Ning and Zhang Xiao cast long shadows in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Their gaze passed through the city wall and landed on the official road to the south, where there was no one, only the occasional gust of wind stirring up a few fallen leaves, which spun helplessly in the air.

Dong Ning frowned, his face full of worry.

His voice was low and hoarse, as if squeezed from the depths of his chest: "Brother Zhang, the Emperor is already three days late. Could something have happened?"

Zhang Xiao's face was equally gloomy, and a hint of anxiety flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

Shaking his head, Zhang Xiao sighed, "Brother Dong, we must not lose our composure. The Emperor is a lucky man and will surely turn misfortune into good fortune."

Although his words were meant to comfort Dong Ning, his grip on the sword hilt betrayed his nervousness.

As the two were talking, a soldier rushed up from below the city wall, his footsteps echoing hurriedly on the stone slabs.

Dong Ning and Zhang Xiao turned to him at the same time, their eyes filled with anticipation and unease.

"Is there any news about the Emperor?" Dong Ning asked impatiently.

The soldier knelt on one knee and hurriedly replied, "Yes, General! The brothers we sent out have found the Emperor. They are three miles south of the city and are heading towards Qingzhou City."

Upon hearing this, the tension and worry on Dong Ning and Zhang Xiao's faces were instantly replaced by joy.

They breathed a sigh of relief; their three days of waiting and anxiety had finally come to an end.

A long-lost smile appeared on Dong Ning's face. He patted Zhang Xiao on the shoulder and said with a light smile, "Elder brother, let's go and welcome the Emperor!"

The two hurriedly turned around and went down the city wall, heading towards the south of the city.

Three miles south of the city, Chen Zhennan rode his horse slowly, with Song Yunyang and Yan Shiyu on either side of him.

Chen Zhennan sat on his horse, his brows slightly furrowed, a hint of anxiety barely perceptible in his eyes.

Song Yunyang, who was beside him, noticed his unusual behavior and broke the silence with a light laugh.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong? Are you more nervous about meeting your future father-in-law than going to the battlefield?" Song Yunyang's tone was playful, and her smile, like the warm spring sun, eased the somewhat oppressive atmosphere.

Chen Zhennan rolled his eyes helplessly. Although he was prepared, it was his first time facing such a situation, and he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

"Yunyang, please stop teasing me. This is my first time too... I'm a little nervous, that's understandable."

Seeing his nervous expression, Song Yunyang couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness in her heart.

She gently rode closer and whispered, "Let me teach you a way. You and my father can have a good drink together. Mother usually keeps an eye on him, but she won't stop him now that she's met her future son-in-law. There's nothing that can't be resolved over drinks."

After listening, Chen Zhennan pondered for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

"Okay, we'll do as you say."

As they were speaking, Dong Ning and Zhang Xiao arrived on horseback. Upon seeing Chen Zhennan and Song Yunyang in front, they immediately dismounted and knelt to greet them.

Chen Zhennan waved for them to stand up and said calmly, "No need for formalities. Lead the way into the city to Yunyang's parents' residence."

Dong Ning and Zhang Xiao immediately mounted their horses and led Chen Zhennan and his group slowly into Qingzhou City.

Along the streets of the city, the people had finished their busy day. The laughter and chatter in the taverns, and the smiling faces of people carrying rice, flour, oil, and salt, created a peaceful and prosperous scene in the city.

As Chen Zhennan watched all this, a strange sense of emotion welled up in his heart. After so much hard work, the people of Qingzhou were finally living a good life.

The group eventually arrived at the backyard of the Qingzhou Prefectural Governor's Mansion. The environment here was quiet and shady with green trees. Dong Ning had already settled Song Yunyang's parents here so that they could be better taken care of.

Chen Zhennan was very satisfied with the arrangement. He knew Dong Ning's thoughtfulness and meticulousness, which was why he had always trusted Dong Ning.

Song Yunyang's parents were already waiting in the courtyard. They looked at their daughter and future son-in-law and smiled with satisfaction.

Song Deqing, Song's father, was a robust old man. Although he was advanced in years, he was still vigorous and his eyes gleamed with shrewdness.

Song's mother, Zhang Zining, was a kind old woman whose eyes were full of love for her daughter.

Chen Zhennan was dressed casually, walking with ease, but his eyes revealed a hint of tension that was not easily detected.

When he saw Song Yunyang's parents preparing to kneel down to pay their respects, he hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed their arms, and stopped them.

“Uncle and Aunt, there’s no need for that. Although I am the Emperor, in your presence I am merely Yunyang’s husband, and your junior.”

Chen Zhennan's voice was gentle, and his eyes shone with sincerity.

Song Deqing and Zhang Zining exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise and admiration flashing in their eyes.

Their daughter found a young man who was not only powerful, but also polite and humble.

Chen Zhennan's behavior made them feel an unprecedented sense of respect and warmth.

"Dong Ning, prepare a banquet. I want to have a good time with my uncle and aunt. Shi Yu, go and bring over the things the special forces brought. They are gifts I specially prepared for my uncle and aunt."

Upon hearing this, Dong Ning and Yan Shiyu immediately nodded and turned to prepare.

Only Chen Zhennan and his three companions remained in the courtyard. They entered the living room, and Chen Zhennan asked the two elders to sit down before slowly speaking: "Uncle and Aunt, I plan to immediately begin work on Song Yunyang's investiture as Empress after I return. I would like to invite you two to come to the capital to witness Yunyang's grand wedding."

Song Deqing pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "Your Majesty, we appreciate your kindness. Although we should not be absent from our daughter's wedding, our status is different now, so it is better not to participate, to avoid gossip and further trouble later."

Song Deqing's tone revealed a sense of helplessness, but with his current drastically changed status, staying away was the best option.

Zhang Zining echoed the same sentiment, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, we are getting old and only hope to return to our hometowns as soon as possible to enjoy our remaining years."

Seeing the determination in the two elders' eyes, Chen Zhennan knew they had made up their minds, so he didn't press them any further.

"In that case, I respect your decision. Please rest assured, I will be going to the north soon, and I will bring Song Yunyang back to visit you often."

Song Deqing nodded slightly, his expression suddenly turning serious.

"Your Majesty, I have heard some of what you have done. You care about the people of the world, but you do not understand the art of being an emperor. Do you know that the world is determined by three principles?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan quickly straightened his posture and asked seriously, "Uncle, what are the so-called three paths?"

"The Way of Heaven is to follow the natural order; the Way of Hegemony is to stabilize the nation; the Way of Humanity is to unite all people!"