The imperial court is ceding territory from our northern border? Then we'll rebel!

Another image appeared in his mind.

That was the day he swore an oath to raise an army under the walls of Yunzhou.

He made an oath before 200,000 soldiers.

"This battle is not for the sake of seizing territory and establishing kingdoms, nor for changing dynasties!"

"For the sake of justice!"

"For the sake of lasting peace!"

The words still ring in my ears.

If he were here today, accepting the crowd's urging to ascend the throne, he would be crowned emperor.

What difference is there between him and those treacherous officials he despises who, under the guise of purging the emperor's inner circle, are actually plotting to usurp the throne?

His initial motivation for raising an army was to seek justice and to bring peace and order to the country.

Instead of satisfying one's own selfish desires.

He cannot allow himself to become the kind of person he hates most.

Thinking of this, the slight wavering in his heart instantly turned into unwavering determination.

He slowly raised his hand and pressed it down.

"Get up, everyone."

His voice, though not loud, carried an undeniable authority.

The people kneeling on the ground were somewhat stunned, but they still stood up as instructed.

Everyone was watching him, waiting for his final decision.

"When I raised my army, I told the soldiers that this battle was not for changing dynasties." Xiao Jingchen looked around at everyone and slowly spoke, "A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. I, Xiao Jingchen, though a mere warrior, understand what it means to keep one's word."

These words shocked everyone present.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, unable to believe their ears.

He... he actually refused?

Did he refuse the throne that was within his grasp?

"My lord! You mustn't!" Lei Lie was the first to panic. He stepped forward and shouted, "Now that the Empress has been deposed and the royal family is in decline, who else but you can control the world? If you don't become emperor, the world will surely descend into chaos!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!" Chen Jing hurriedly echoed, "You are the one everyone hopes for, the one the people yearn for! Your ascension to the throne is the only act in accordance with Heaven and the people!"

"Please reconsider, Your Excellency!"

Everyone offered their advice again.

Xiao Jingchen simply shook his head.

His gaze fell on Zhou Wenyuan.

"Prime Minister, besides Li Fengyi and Li Qingluan, does the Great Yan royal family have any other bloodlines?"

Zhou Wenyuan was stunned for a moment before he realized what Xiao Jingchen meant.

He hesitated for a moment before bowing and replying, "Yes, my lord. The late emperor had a young son named Li Chengqian. He just turned eight this year. He was raised in the deep palace from a young age and was taught by the Grand Tutor. He is gentle, kind, intelligent and eager to learn. However... however, because his mother was of humble origin, she was never favored by the empress, and therefore his reputation is not well-known."

"Li Chengqian?" Xiao Jingchen murmured the name.

Eight years old.

A perfect age.

It can both serve as a continuation of the royal bloodline and silence public opinion.

Because of his young age, he was unable to govern himself and needed someone to assist him.

And who else but him could be the one to assist him?

"Okay." Xiao Jingchen nodded, having already made up his mind.

He turned around and walked back up the steps, but instead of sitting on the dragon throne, he stood beside it.

He looked down at the officials below and announced in a loud voice.

"Pass on my orders!"

"Firstly, the late emperor's youngest son, Li Chengqian, shall be established as the new emperor of the Great Yan! An auspicious day shall be chosen for his ascension to the throne!"

"Secondly, since the new ruler is young, I, along with Chancellor Zhou Wenyuan, will serve as regents, overseeing all government affairs. Power will be returned to the ruler once he comes of age!"

Thirdly, Wei Yong, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Frontier, was posthumously granted the title of "Loyal and Martial King," his family was given a grand funeral, and his subordinates were compensated!

Fourthly, the eleven Northern Frontier Army soldiers, including Black Crow, who sacrificed their lives for the country, were posthumously awarded the title of "Loyal and Valiant Captains," and a monument was erected in the suburbs of Beijing for future generations to admire.

Fifthly, grant a general amnesty! Absolve the entire nation from taxes for three years, allowing the people to recuperate!

Five commands were issued in quick succession, like five thunderclaps, which resounded throughout the hall.

Everyone was stunned by Xiao Jingchen's decision.

Instead of becoming emperor, he chose to support a young ruler and become the powerful regent.

What a magnanimous spirit! What a magnificent character!

Tears of emotion welled up in Zhou Wenyuan's eyes.

He bowed deeply to Xiao Jingchen in a gesture of unprecedented respect, a deep, sweeping bow.

"My lord... your righteousness is boundless! On behalf of all the people of the land, this old minister thanks you, my lord!"

He knew what Xiao Jingchen's decision meant.

This means that the Great Yan Dynasty avoided a bloody dynastic change.

This means that the power of the entire country will be transferred in the smoothest possible way.

This also means that Xiao Jingchen, through his actions, upheld the oath he made when he raised his army.

He was truly acting out of a sense of justice, not out of personal desire.

Although Zhao Kuo, Chen Jing, and other generals felt some regret, they were even more deeply impressed by Xiao Jingchen.

Their leader is a true hero.

A towering hero, unmoved by imperial power!

"We will obey Your Lordship's orders!"

This time, no one objected.

Everyone knelt down in complete submission.

The shouts echoed throughout the Zichen Palace.

"Long live the Marquis! Long live the Marquis! Long live the Marquis!"

Xiao Jingchen stood beside the dragon throne, listening to the cheers from below, his expression calm and composed.

He knew that from this moment on...

Although he is not the emperor, his power and his will will supersede imperial power.

He will use his own methods to create a brand new Great Yan in his mind.

A prosperous dynasty, free from powerful enemies on the outside and without treacherous officials in power on the inside, where the people live in peace and contentment, and the world is at peace and tranquil.

His gaze passed over the main hall and looked towards the distant north.

Although the allied forces of the three races were severely weakened in this southward campaign, they were not completely annihilated.

Ashina Falcon is still alive.

This blood debt has not yet been fully settled.

His journey is not yet over.

Having dealt with the court, the next step is to unify the border regions.