As Song Yunyang's imperial edict echoed across the square, the ceremony for the transfer of the throne was considered complete.
Standing beside Song Yunyang, Chen Zhennan added with a sly glint in his eyes, "Issue an imperial decree to spread this news throughout the land and announce to the world that the emperor of the Great Yan has been replaced!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Cheng immediately nodded and hurriedly turned around to arrange for someone to convey the imperial decree, so that this important news could be quickly transmitted.
Song Yunyang frowned slightly, her heart filled with doubt. Just as she was about to ask, Chen Zhennan pulled her into the palace.
Chen Zhennan's hand was warm and strong, which made Song Yunyang suppress her doubts and not ask in public.
Stepping into the study, a faint fragrance of books fills the air, and the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls silently tell the story of history's vicissitudes.
"What did you mean by that just now? Why make it known to the whole world? Once the affairs in the Northeast and Southwest are settled, the throne will still be returned to you." Song Yunyang finally couldn't help but ask, her voice tinged with unease.
Chen Zhennan's lips curled into a malicious smile, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
"Since the throne has been given to you, I don't want it anymore. From now on, these memorials will be submitted to you for approval."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunyang was stunned, as if struck by lightning.
"You...you're kidding, right?"
Song Yunyang came to Lingzhou because she missed Chen Zhennan so much, but unexpectedly, Chen Zhennan became attached to her and offered her the throne instead of the throne.
Seeing her reaction, Chen Zhennan felt a surge of pride, and his smile became even more pronounced.
Chen Zhennan leaned forward slightly, a triumphant smile appearing on his lips.
“I’m not joking. The throne isn’t something you can just give up easily. Since it’s been given to you, then you have to take on this responsibility.”
"You!" Song Yunyang gritted her teeth, but after thinking for a moment, she let out a soft snort.
"It's alright. Anyway, I am the emperor now. After I've dealt with the matters in the southwest, I will announce to the world that I will return the throne to you."
Chen Zhennan smiled and said, "You can give it to me, but I don't want it. Yunyang, I thought about it for a long time last night, and the throne should indeed be given to you. It's not just that I can't handle these memorials, but the identity of the emperor is a constraint for me."
Song Yunyang was somewhat puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "Restriction? The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, with unparalleled power above all others. He can do whatever he wants, so how could he be restricted?"
"What are my strengths?" Chen Zhennan countered.
Song Yunyang thought for a moment and pondered, "Strengths? Leading troops into battle, of course. You are the Great Martial War God, but what does that have to do with the throne?"
"Hey, Yunyang, do you know why you could never beat me before? I didn't have these weapons and equipment back then. Think about the reasons carefully."
Song Yunyang lowered her head slightly, thought for a long time, but still couldn't figure out why.
"I've also been through countless battles. Although I can't beat you in a one-on-one fight, there are very few opportunities for one-on-one combat on the battlefield. I really don't understand why."
Song Yunyang and Chen Zhennan have faced off several times, and Song Yunyang has lost every single time.
It must be said that the soldiers of Da Yan, located in the north, are in no way inferior to the soldiers of Da Wu led by Chen Zhennan in terms of physical fitness, and are even stronger.
Although there was a slight difference in numbers, Chen Zhennan had countless victories against overwhelming odds, and Song Yunyang really couldn't understand why.
"Warfare is based on deception. I have used many methods that you are unaware of, but as the emperor, I cannot use such underhanded methods. This is where I am inconvenienced."
"Despicable tactics? For example?"
Although Chen Zhennan didn't want to bring up the past, seeing Song Yunyang's eagerness to learn, he still offered an explanation.
"For example, during our second encounter, I sent someone to infiltrate your camp, and then three thousand men in your army got diarrhea."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunyang suddenly pointed at Chen Zhennan.
"You! You actually resort to such underhanded tactics, that's truly despicable."
Chen Zhennan clicked his tongue and grabbed Song Yunyang's hand.
"It's despicable to you, but you should thank me. I had someone administer a laxative, not poison."
Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Song Yunyang was slightly taken aback.
That's true. If it were poison, three thousand people would die, or even more.
"Alright, stop thinking about it. If you knew all my methods, you'd go crazy. Just remember, no matter how extreme your methods are, they're justified when used on the enemy."
As he spoke, Chen Zhennan turned around, sat down, and picked up a pen and paper to write something down.
After writing, Chen Zhennan blew the ink dry, then carefully folded the paper and stuffed it into an envelope.
His movements were gentle and meticulous, as if he were handling a precious treasure, before handing the envelope to Song Yunyang.
"Yunyang, have someone send this letter to Qingzhou and have Zhang Xiao deliver it to Gu Siyao." Chen Zhennan's expression was very serious; this letter was clearly very important.
Song Yunyang took the envelope, her fingers gently stroking its surface, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"What did the letter say?" Song Yunyang couldn't help but ask.
Chen Zhennan smiled slightly and explained, "It's an order for Gu Siyao. I've made her your personal bodyguard from now on. I have Yan Shiyu by my side, so my safety isn't a problem, but you don't have a bodyguard who makes me feel at ease."
"I still have my guards, and my men are no pushovers. Although they're not as strong as your special forces, their combat capabilities are still quite good."
“I know that, but they are all men after all, and they can’t provide close protection. I’ll feel more at ease having her with you. I’m heading to the Northeast.”
Song Yunyang nodded slightly. It was good to have Gu Siyao by her side; she would be safer, and Chen Zhennan would feel more at ease.
He turned and left the study, sending someone to deliver the letter urgently to Qingzhou, so that Zhang Xiao could pass it on to Gu Siyao.
...
The next day, the special forces team had split into two. Chen Zhennan, along with Yan Shiyu and 1,500 special forces members, rode their horses towards the northeast.
As dawn broke, sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows that shimmered on their armor, making it gleam with a metallic sheen.
The thunderous sound of hooves kicked up clouds of dust, as if sounding the war drums for their departure.
Song Yunyang did not linger. He ordered Lin Cheng to leave three million taels of silver for the upgrading and maintenance of the warships, and to send the rest of the silver to Qingzhou.
Chen Zhennan originally intended to send the silver back to Beirong City, but Song Yunyang changed her plans. At this time, Beirong City was in chaos, and even if the silver was sent there, it would be useless. With no one in charge, so much silver would likely be wasted.
Before setting off, Song Yunyang found Lin Cheng and gave him some instructions.
"Lin Cheng, I have fully understood Nan Ge's voyage. I want you to closely monitor the movements of the Japanese. Apart from fishing boats, they are not allowed to have any combat vessels. If you find one, destroy it."
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