At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

At dusk.

The back garden of the Crown Prince's residence.

Inside the still water pavilion, black and white chess pieces are arranged in a staggered pattern on a stone table, and the game is in its middle stages.

Crown Prince Xiao Yunfeng, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, sat on a stone bench with a leisurely expression, his fingertips twirling a white chess piece, his gaze lingering on the chessboard.

After thinking for a long time, Xiao Jingyu raised his eyes to look at Murong Yunqian, who was sitting quietly playing chess opposite him, and slowly spoke.

"Mr. Murong, the situation at the morning court yesterday was very different. My father issued two decrees in succession, completely overturning all previous conclusions."

"In your opinion, what is Father's true intention behind this sudden change of heart?"

Murong Yunqian was the Crown Prince's most trusted strategist. He was intelligent, shrewd, and adept at understanding the emperor's intentions. Having accompanied the Crown Prince for many years, he was well-versed in the art of checks and balances in the court.

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's question, the black chess piece he was holding paused slightly, hovering in mid-air without falling. After a moment, he smiled calmly, a clear understanding flashing in his eyes, and slowly placed the piece, uttering:

"Your Highness, His Majesty's thoughts are already crystal clear."

He looked up at the Crown Prince.

"His Majesty's actions are intended to solidify the Crown Prince's position and clear all obstacles in His Highness's path!"

"Everyone in the court and among the people knows that His Highness and Su Mu have a long-standing feud, are from opposing factions, and are irreconcilable enemies."

"Prime Minister Li Yuan is the most solid and core right-hand man of the Crown Prince, and His Highness's greatest reliance in the civil service system of the court."

"At the morning court yesterday, His Majesty first rejected the advice of the officials in public, overturned the concluding remarks on the bestowal of titles, revoked the supreme title of General Su, the God of War who protects the country, and abolished the title of General Dingyuan of the Sixth Prince Xiao Yunchuan. He deliberately suppressed the Su family, which had made great military achievements, and weakened the prestige and power of the Sixth Prince."

"Immediately afterwards, a special decree was issued to pardon Prime Minister Li's crimes, allowing him to be released from prison, reinstated to his original post, and regain control of the central government."

Murong Yunqian's gaze was resolute, and his tone was firm.

"Two imperial edicts, two brilliant moves—the intention couldn't be clearer."

"Suppressing His Highness's greatest rival who hinders him, and supporting His Highness's most trusted and trusted minister, clearly shows that they are abandoning the Sixth Prince and giving up supporting Su Mu's faction, determined to preserve His Highness's position as heir apparent and pave the way for His Highness!"

His thorough analysis, hitting the nail on the head with every sentence, revealed the emperor's thoughts perfectly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunfeng's face instantly lit up with a radiant and spirited smile, his eyes brimming with unwavering confidence and arrogance.

He raised his hand and placed a piece heavily on the chessboard, laughing loudly, "What you say is absolutely right, sir! This is exactly what I, the Crown Prince, have been thinking!"

"Looking at all the princes, in terms of the eldest legitimate son, I, the Crown Prince, am first."

"In terms of experience as regent, I, the Crown Prince, have long assisted in governing the country and am well-versed in state affairs."

"In terms of political connections, I, the Crown Prince, have cultivated deep roots in the court and among the common people for many years, and possess extensive networks!"

With a hint of contempt and arrogance in his eyes, he said with a faint disdain, "On the other hand, the sixth brother, Xiao Yunchuan, is ultimately too young, inexperienced, and unsettled. He only gained favor temporarily by luck in the Eastern Expedition."

"Having never experienced the trials and tribulations of court politics and lacking understanding of power dynamics and checks and balances, he is simply incapable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of being the crown prince of the Great Qian Dynasty and is ill-equipped to handle the complex political situation."

Murong Yunqian quickly followed suit, bowing respectfully and flatteringly saying, "Your Highness is of legitimate lineage, possesses both virtue and talent, truly reflects the will of the people, and is favored by the Emperor!"

"After this incident, Your Highness's position as Crown Prince is now completely secure, and no one can shake it!"

"When His Majesty abdicates the throne one day, Your Highness will surely ascend to the throne, unify the land, and rule the vast empire!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunfeng was overjoyed, feeling immensely happy, but he feigned composure and reservedness, pretending to lightly rebuke:

"Sir, please watch your words!"

"Your Majesty is in good health and in the prime of life. You must not speak of abdication."

"As the crown prince, I only need to fulfill my duties, wholeheartedly assist my father, and manage state affairs. Everything else is meaningless."

He spoke humbly and dutifully, but the smugness and elation in his eyes revealed his true feelings.

Murong Yunqian was very perceptive, and immediately bowed and admitted his mistake.

"I misspoke and spoke without thinking. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Xiao Yunfeng waved his hand lightly, his smile growing even stronger, completely immersed in the ecstasy of the situation being settled.

Just as the two were chatting about the game and dreaming about the future, hurried footsteps came from outside the pavilion. A personal eunuch quickly stepped into the garden, bowed, and stood outside the pavilion, loudly announcing:

"Your Highness, Prime Minister Li Yuan requests an audience outside the residence!"

"Li Yuan?"

Xiao Yunfeng and Murong Yunqian exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with deep astonishment.

Yesterday morning, His Majesty issued an edict to pardon Li Yuan and reinstate him to his original post, and today he has already been released from prison and visited the emperor's door. The emperor's actions and the efficiency of the court are truly astounding!

Xiao Yunfeng's eyes lit up with even greater joy, and he immediately ordered loudly, "Quickly, invite him in! Bring Prime Minister Li inside to meet us immediately!"

"yes!"

The young eunuch accepted the order and left. A moment later, a figure dressed in a neat official robe strode into the garden courtyard.

Having endured months of imprisonment, Li Yuan had now shed his disheveled prison appearance, cleaned himself up, changed into his official robes, and regained the dignified aura befitting a prime minister. Only a trace of the vicissitudes and forbearance forged in prison remained deep in his eyes.

He strode to the pavilion, his expression respectful and solemn, and bowed deeply to the prince in the pavilion, displaying impeccable manners.

"This old minister, Li Yuan, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Seeing his trusted lieutenant return safely and reinstated, Xiao Yunfeng was overjoyed. He quickly got up and stepped forward to help Li Yuan up, his face full of sincere smiles.

"Prime Minister, please rise!"

"Congratulations to the Prime Minister on clearing his name, escaping imprisonment, and returning to the central court!"

"The Prime Minister's survival is not only a blessing for him personally, but also for the Eastern Palace and the entire Great Qian Dynasty!"

With his severed arm now reattached, his confidence instantly surged a hundredfold.

Li Yuan was helped up by the Crown Prince, his heart filled with warmth, and he immediately spoke with a sincere and earnest tone, tinged with emotion.

"This old minister was able to save his life, be released from prison, and reinstate himself entirely thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince's tireless efforts and earnest pleas!"

"His Majesty personally told this old minister that this pardon and reinstatement was entirely due to Your Highness's repeated advice and efforts to protect him."

"Without Your Highness, there would be no Li Yuan today!"

"From now on, this old minister will be utterly devoted to His Highness the Crown Prince, even unto death, assisting him in securing his position as heir apparent, without hesitation even at the cost of his life!"

These sincere and honest words resonated deeply.

But the moment he finished speaking, Xiao Yunfeng was suddenly startled, and a surge of emotions welled up in his heart!

His mind suddenly cleared, filled with astonishment, followed by an uncontrollable ecstasy!

He knew perfectly well that when Li Yuan was imprisoned, although he wanted to help him, he was always hesitant and full of concerns.

He was wary of Su Mu's immense power and feared that pleading for Li Yuan would backfire, offend the emperor, and incur his father's displeasure. Therefore, he never once stepped forward to plead for Li Yuan, nor did he exert any effort whatsoever.

But the emperor actually told Li Yuan that the entire debt of gratitude for saving his life and restoring his official position belonged to him!

In an instant, Xiao Yunfeng completely understood his father's deeper intentions!

This is far more than simply reinstating the prime minister and suppressing Su Mu!

The Emperor is secretly paving the way for him to become the Crown Prince, deliberately helping him to bestow favors on veteran officials and win over the hearts of the people in the court!

It's clear they want to support him in securing his position as crown prince, help him solidify his position in the court, and clear away all obstacles to his succession!

Having figured out this key point, Xiao Yunfeng was overjoyed and could hardly suppress the smile on his face.

Very good!

Father Emperor has truly made up his mind to abandon his sixth brother and Su Mu, and is determined to pass the throne to me, the Crown Prince!

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Xiao Jingyu quickly composed himself, feigning nonchalance, and burst into laughter.

"You flatter me, Prime Minister. We are in the same boat."

"I, the Crown Prince, pleaded for you and traveled back and forth to the Emperor countless times, almost breaking my legs in the process. Now that I have been able to rescue you, all the hardship has been worthwhile!"

He then took Li Yuan's arm and led him to a seat.

"Prime Minister, please take a seat and rest. Today you have been given a new lease on life and reinstated to your former position; this is truly a cause for celebration!"

Li Yuan sat down as instructed, feeling grateful for the Crown Prince's "kindness," and his loyalty became even stronger.

After taking his seat, Xiao Yunfeng's smile slowly faded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and he coldly snorted:

"Now that the Prime Minister has been released from prison and returned to his post, regaining control of the Six Ministries, the power of our Crown Prince's Palace is once again at its zenith!"

"With the Prime Minister presiding over the court and relieving my burdens, and with Father Emperor now disliking Su Mu and neglecting the Sixth Prince, I will be able to wield the reins of the court with ease and without any constraints!"

Murong Yunqian, who was standing to the side, chimed in at the right moment, cupping his hands and smiling, "Congratulations, Your Highness, and congratulations, Prime Minister."

"Those who survive a great calamity are destined for good fortune. Prime Minister Li's return is the greatest boost to Your Highness's ascension to the throne!"

"Within a few years, Your Highness will surely be able to firmly sit on the throne and rule the world!"

Upon hearing this, a sinister glint flashed in Li Yuan's eyes as he sat to the side, a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth, and his aura suddenly darkened.

Having endured imprisonment and humiliation, his hatred for Su Mu had penetrated to the bone and was irreconcilable!

He spoke in a deep, resolute voice, his tone firm and stern: "Your Highness can rest assured!"

"Su Mu, who has long held considerable military power and exerted influence in the court, has already deeply crossed His Majesty's bottom line, causing His Majesty to be wary and restless for a long time!"

"This great victory in the eastern expedition should have been an unparalleled achievement, yet His Majesty deliberately downplayed it, treated it with complete indifference, revoked its highest title, and coldly regarded the victorious general. This is enough to show that His Majesty's suspicion and fear of Su Mu has reached its peak!"

"This time, Su Mu has completely lost the Emperor's favor. His merits went unrewarded, his labor unrecognized, his prestige plummeted, and his power diminished!"

"With Su Mu gone, the Sixth Prince is left without support or assistance, and has completely lost power!"

"At that time, no one in the court will be able to rival His Highness the Crown Prince, and his position as heir apparent will be as secure as an ironclad fortress!"

As soon as they finished speaking, the three looked at each other, all revealing smug smiles of confidence and certainty.

They were riding high on the wave of success, full of high spirits, and the overall situation seemed to be settled.

……

at the same time.

On the Grand Canal in Kyoto.

The mighty river flows eastward, its vast expanse of blue waves accompanied by a thousand sails.

On the vast expanse of the river, five magnificent warships sailed forward in a grand manner.

With gleaming armor and fluttering banners, tens of thousands of soldiers, originally from Kyoto, were speeding towards Kyoto on their journey to conquer the east.

On the deck of the main ship.

Su Mu and the Third Prince Xiao Jingyu stood with their hands behind their backs, gazing into the distance through the layers of mist, their faces filled with the joy and relief of returning from battle.

Looking at the increasingly close outline of Kyoto, Xiao Jingyu's eyes were full of anticipation. He laughed loudly and said to Su Mu beside him:

"Elder Su, we have been traveling for several days, and the capital city is now within our reach!"

"In one hour, we will be able to enter the capital and return in triumph!"

After countless battles, the soldiers finally returned home.

On the deck, everyone wore expressions of excitement and joy.