In the year 3011 of the Northern You Calendar, the entire continent was suddenly plunged into great turmoil.
The lord of the third largest city in the Northern You Empire declared a rebellion. Although the rebellion was quickly quelled, the ambitious figures of the Northern You Empire fell into strange thoughts.
Because when the Empress of Beiyou rebelled in the third largest city, the Empress of Beiyou personally took action and quelled the rebellion single-handedly.
If that were all, the Northern You Empire wouldn't be in such a predicament.
However, the mistake was that after suppressing the rebellion, Empress Beiyou was ambushed by a master on her way back to the capital. She was no match for him and was seriously injured when she fought her way out.
The ambushing expert did not easily continue the pursuit, after all, although he was powerful, he still did not dare to easily break into the lair of the Northern Nether Empress.
So for a time, the world was in a state of great chaos.
The serious injury of the Northern You Empress has given rise to countless ideas among many ambitious individuals.
However, another piece of news instantly calmed the slightly agitated Northern Nether Empire: the Supreme Being of Freedom had arrived in the Northern Nether capital, taking up his post and overlooking the entire Northern Nether Empire.
This situation finally calmed everyone down a bit.
"Ancestor, the Empress is injured, this is our opportunity."
In Nanya Pass, Zhao Zheng was alone in a room, questioning the ancestor in his mind.
Zhao Zheng has long since shed the naivety he had in the Northern You capital and now appears as a mature and composed young man.
Even his face was filled with authority.
In the two years since leaving the capital, Zhao Zheng has amassed a considerable amount of power.
With the help of the Zixiao Pavilion, the most powerful righteous force, they had long ago annexed a quarter of the Central Plains territory.
Meanwhile, there is a powerful army in the Western Desert.
This army numbered no more than 100,000, but they were seasoned veterans who had fought on many battlefields. Whether they were roaming the Central Plains or hunting in the Western Desert, they were there. This was the only source of confidence Zhao Zheng had.
If that were all, Zhao Zheng wouldn't have much confidence. But what Zhao Zheng didn't expect was that although his ancestor was now just a remnant soul, his connections were indeed spread all over the world.
In a short time, Zhao Zheng had four or five Venerable Realm experts as his retainers.
If Zhao Zheng didn't lack the high-end combat power to counter the Northern You Empress, he would have already started a rebellion.
He had long sought every means to wrest the Northern You Empire back from the woman's hands.
However, there are only four people on the continent who can rival the Northern Nether Empress in terms of combat power, so for Zhao Zheng, it is almost impossible to encounter one.
Therefore, although Zhao Zheng had been holding back and dared not reveal that he had even the slightest intention to rebel.
Therefore, although Zhao Zheng had vast territory, he still stayed at Nanya Pass for this reason.
Upon hearing Zhao Zheng's question, Ye Yi, who had returned to Hu Hai's body, immediately fell into deep thought.
In the past, Ye Yi would have let Zhao Zheng rebel without hesitation, but now that the Northern Nether Empress was seriously injured and Daoist Cangyan had become a half-step ruler, Ye Yi hesitated.
Because what Ye Yi wanted was a golden age of chaos, not a chaotic age of devastation.
The Northern Nether Empress was a very important seed in Ye Yi's eyes, so Ye Yi did not want the Northern Nether Empress to truly perish.
"Don't rebel now. Although the Northern Nether Empress is seriously injured, she is still one of the five supreme beings in the world. If you stand out too much, she may kill you with her heavy injuries. What can you do then? Let's look at the situation in the world. After all, being a supreme being is not a simple realm."
"Alright, I'll listen to you, Ancestor. I understand."
After listening to Ye Yi's instructions, Zhao Zheng nodded, understanding that this was not yet the right time for him to step forward.
Although the Supreme Being has been a powerful force that has dominated the continent for tens of thousands of years, we still need to be extremely careful in dealing with him.
However, just as Zhao Zheng abandoned his rebellious intentions, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Summon Zhao Zheng of the Northern You Imperial Family to receive the imperial decree."
Upon hearing the sharp sound, a sense of foreboding flashed in Zhao Zheng's eyes.
But she still went outside and ran towards the hall.
The moment Zhao Zheng entered the hall, he saw that all his civil and military officials were already waiting there.
There were three people among them who particularly concerned Zhao Zheng.
One eunuch and two armored soldiers.
The moment Zhao Zheng saw the armored soldiers, his heart sank even further.
Because these armored soldiers are all part of the Northern You royal family's power, and now they are under the control of the Northern You Empress.
These two armored warriors were not weak either, possessing strength at the level of life and death.
Therefore, Zhao Zheng was somewhat wary, not because he was wary of the two armored soldiers' strength, but because he was wary of the Northern You royal family's intention in sending these two people here.
A storm is brewing.
Zhao Zheng was deep in thought.
"Your subject Zhao Zheng receives the imperial decree."
Zhao Zheng lowered his head and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Empress Beiyou's decree: I am currently seriously injured and may not have much time left. I wish to have a chat with you, Zhao Zheng. If there is nothing else, Zhao Zheng, please return to the capital as soon as possible so we can have a talk."
The eunuch said expressionlessly.
Although she spoke in a nagging tone, Zhao Zheng knew that this was because the Northern Empress was wary of a rebellion by the royal family members who had left the capital, and therefore wanted to summon them back to the capital.
It's good to keep an eye on things.
As for why Ye Yi conveyed the imperial edict of the Northern You Empress, Zhao Zheng understood.
After all, his father was the Prince of Yan, and he himself was very capable, so he was bound to be highly valued.
However, the thought that once I arrived in the capital, my life might not truly belong to me anymore was a different matter.
So Zhao Zheng, with his head down, had a glint of madness in his eyes as he wondered whether he should just start a rebellion.
At the same time, the eyes of the civil and military officials around him sharpened, staring intently at the eunuch and the two armored soldiers.
As soon as Zhao Zheng gives the order, these people will immediately take action and crush the eunuchs and soldiers into mincemeat in an instant.
To these people, what nonsense is this about the Northern You Empress or the Northern You Empire? Their only ruler is Zhao Zheng.
Just as Zhao Zheng was about to give the order, Ye Yi's voice rang in Zhao Zheng's mind.
"Boy, if you agree, you'll definitely be safe going to the capital. If you are, I'll burn my remaining soul to send you out. Although I only have a remnant soul left, it's still beyond the imagination of ordinary supreme beings."
Ye Yi squinted and spoke in Zhao Zheng's mind, his words brimming with confidence.
Out of trust in his ancestors, Zhao Zheng nodded and said, even though he knew that going to the capital was fraught with danger.
"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. I have arranged some matters and will accompany you to the capital to meet His Majesty."
Seeing that Zhao Zheng was cooperating with him, the eunuch immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
However, he then nodded and said.
"Your Highness, there's no need to rush. This old servant will wait here."
Then Zhao Zheng smiled at the old eunuch and gave a wink to his civil and military officials.
The civil and military officials fell silent instantly.
He followed Zhao Zheng into the room.
As soon as we entered the room, a middle-aged man said somewhat anxiously.
"Your Highness, why did you agree to go to the capital? The capital is a place where many powerful figures gather. What if the Empress of Beiyou harbors ill intentions towards you?"
The middle-aged man was clearly very concerned about Zhao Zheng's safety, which was why he was in such a hurry.
Zhao Zheng shook his head and said.
"If I don't go, can I survive under the Supreme Being's command?"
"Uh~"
Everyone was speechless for a moment, because they all understood that although their own power was not small, they were still somewhat weak in the face of the Northern Nether Empire, which had a Supreme Realm expert.
However, one of the bearded generals slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and roared loudly.
"Your Highness, I, Li Ge, and my 100,000 elite troops are willing to fight to the death for you. Even if the Empress of Beiyou comes, we will surely make her perish here."
Looking at his most important minister, Zhao Zheng felt very gratified.
Because Li Ge was promoted by Zhao Zheng, his strength was quite ordinary, only at the Life and Death Realm. Although he was considered good in Zhao Zheng's camp, he was not the best.
However, Li Ge controlled Zhao Zheng's 100,000 elite troops. In fact, these 100,000 elite troops were all trained by Li Ge himself.
Given Li Ge's usual composed personality, his words are bound to be very convincing.
However, Zhao Zheng still shook his head and said.
“I must go on this trip. If I don’t, I will have no legitimate reason to wage war against the Northern You Empire. If the people of the Northern You Empire see me as a bandit, how can I strengthen myself?”
"Your Highness, you must take this humble general and ten thousand elite troops with you. If the Empress of Beiyou makes a move, this humble general is confident that he can escort Your Majesty back to Nanya Pass."
Li Ge did not speak while standing again, but knelt on one knee and said, his tone full of pleading.
For Li Ge, Zhao Zheng was his savior and the only supporter of his ideals. Even if it meant dying on the battlefield, he would protect Zhao Zheng to ensure his safety.
Looking at the ministers who were gradually growing in his hands, Zhao Zheng felt a mix of emotions.
With such great generals and such civil and military officials, what idea could I not have for this world?
Zhao Zheng pondered.
However, Ye Yi's voice came out again.
"You must go to the capital on this trip. If you don't, the Prince of Yan will be in danger."
A chill ran down Zhao Zheng's spine, and he broke out in a cold sweat.
Zhao Zheng truly found it difficult to part with his father. Although he had told himself countless times that he was a king and must be ruthless, he couldn't let go of his father's love for him.
“I…I understand, Ancestor.”
Zhao Zheng said silently.
The next moment, Zhao Zheng's eyes sharpened instantly as he looked at the civil and military officials in front of him and spoke loudly.
"Rest assured, everyone. I will return safely from the capital. All you need to do is look after the house for me."
"But, Your Highness~~"
"There are no 'buts'."
At this moment, Zhao Zheng displayed the aura of a monarch and interrupted the man's words.
Seeing Zhao Zheng's sharp gaze, the man silently opened his mouth and then spoke.
"Yes, Your Majesty understands."
"Now that I have gone to the capital, matters here must not be left in disarray. I entrust the affairs of the people to Elder Chen."
As Zhao Zheng spoke, he turned to the old ancestor beside him, who was frowning and dressed in ordinary clothes, and made a request.
"I understand, Your Highness. Rest assured, as long as I am here, Nanya Pass will not descend into chaos."
Old Chen assured him, though a hint of worry flickered in his eyes, and he was also wondering whether he should inform the ancestor.
After all, Zhao Zheng was the one to whom the ancestor had given orders.
"Very well, I am relieved that Elder Chen has said so. Then I will leave the military affairs to General Li. I am going to the capital, so the army will focus on training and will not need to go out to fight. However, the expansion of the army is now urgent."
When facing his trusted confidant Li Ge, Zhao Zheng was not so polite.
After all, Zhao Zheng really couldn't understand Elder Chen. Although Elder Chen had no cultivation or strength, sometimes Elder Chen's aura was even a bit terrifying to him, a cultivator.
If it weren't for Old Chen's dedication and exceptional abilities and methods over the past two years, Zhao Zheng might have really taken action against him.
However, nowadays, Chen Lao can be said to be the leader of the civil officials under Zhao Zheng, and Zhao Zheng is also quite confused about this matter.
After all, he had once wanted to suppress Elder Chen's power.
However, after these civil officials joined his ranks, they would all inevitably gravitate towards Elder Chen.
This was something Zhao Zheng never expected.
What surprised Zhao Zheng even more was that these civil officials were not as weak as they appeared. In fact, in a sense, this civil official was stronger than the military generals and even more powerful than the Hall of Imperial Sacrifices.
That's why Zhao Zheng acted this way.
"This subordinate understands."
Li Ge could only bow and say.
Seeing that everything was arranged, Zhao Zheng immediately adopted the air of a monarch and spoke with the others.
"I hope that you all will work together with me."
"Yes, ma'am."
…………
"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Father-in-law. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please do not find it offensive."
After stepping outside, Zhao Zheng handed a sum of money to the old eunuch.
The old eunuch's eyes instantly flashed with dazzling greed.
However, he quickly calmed down and asked with a smile.
"Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. I wonder what Your Highness needs me to do? If Your Highness doesn't tell me, I won't feel at ease taking this money."
"Alas, I am afraid that I will not be used to the journey to the capital this time, so I would like to bring an old servant with me. Please do not suggest it, sir."
"Haha, this old servant thought it was something serious. Your Highness, please bring your own, but is one person enough to serve you?"
The old eunuch narrowed his eyes instantly, his gaze filled with amusement, because he thought Zhao Zheng meant to deliberately give him money.
After all, it's not unusual for a member of the royal family to bring one or two servants. But this son of the Prince of Yan is being so polite to me. It seems I should give this son of the Prince of Yan a good talking-to.
The old eunuch couldn't help but think this way.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir. But I only need to bring one person with me."
"Haha, no trouble at all."
The old eunuch's face was practically beaming with joy.
Then a hunched old servant was seen waiting outside the door, driving a carriage.
Upon seeing the old man, the smiling old eunuch's eyes flashed with surprise.
However, it quickly disappeared, as if nothing had ever happened.
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