Favored concubine deposed empress? I'll seize your throne and marry you to a powerful minister.

The boy was tall and slender, and must have rushed over after washing himself, as his long hair at his temples was still slightly damp.

He bowed to Xiao Heng and Wei Rong, his youthful air still lingering on his face: "Greetings, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress. Happy New Year!"

"this--"

No one expected Wei Xing to appear in the capital; he should have been in the southern borderlands, thousands of miles away.

Since Wei Beimu's death, he hurriedly escorted the coffin back to the capital and then hurriedly returned to the camp, determined not to return until Loulan was conquered because of his father's death.

The sixteen-year-old boy's face was darkened by the wind and sand.

Xiao Heng was surprised, and her expression turned somewhat unpleasant: "Wei Xing? Why wasn't he summoned back to court for no reason?"

"General Xiao Wei has brought good news to His Majesty!" The chief eunuch, lacking Wei Xing's long legs, trotted in, panting. "The Southern Frontier Army has captured Dayue! Your Majesty, the territory of Dajing has expanded again!"

It was like a bolt from the blue.

The Great Yue is not a large country, but in recent years it has frequently harassed the southern border of the Great Jing, causing great distress to the people.

There was absolutely no prior indication that the Great Moon had been subdued.

Wei Xing was not the commander-in-chief, but Wei Beimu wanted to train him. He was also selfless towards his son, leaving him in the military camp and promoting him based on his military merits.

Until his death, Wei Xing was only a captain.

This poses no threat to Xiao Heng.

Wei Xing remained kneeling: "Your Majesty, the Great Yue has surrendered and is willing to submit to you, paying tribute annually. This is the letter of surrender."

The eunuch took this as a joyous occasion and quickly presented the letter of surrender to Xiao Heng.

The expressions of the people in the hall changed repeatedly.

Feng Zuyi gave a low, cold snort: "Your brother's timing is certainly convenient."

Wei Rong remained unassuming: "A young man in his late teens, how can he hide his achievements?"

The hall was silent for a few moments, and then it was Ling Xianru who spoke first.

He remained as lazy and nonchalant as ever, slowly rising to his feet and bowing to Xiao Heng: "Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

As soon as he moved, the other officials all stood up and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

This is, after all, a joyous occasion, even though Wei Xing bears the shadow of Wei Beimu.

But he won the battle for the Great Jing.

Xiao Heng smiled and said, "Well done, worthy of being a son of the Wei family."

Wei Rong could tell whether the smile was genuine or not.

But it doesn't matter. From the moment she concluded that Xiao Heng was ungrateful, she knew that only power was the way to survive.

She stood up, walked to Wei Xing's side, and saluted together: "For the sake of the Great Jing Dynasty, the Wei family will not hesitate to die. This is my father's last wish, and it is also A Xing's mission."

Upon hearing this, the Wei family's collateral branches, who had been suppressed and controlled in every way for the past six months, and the former followers of Wei Beimu, all felt a sense of relief.

Yes, we devoted ourselves to your country, and what have you done to break our hearts?

The first to stand up was Grand Tutor Nian. He had been observing for half the night, and though old, his mind was still sharp.

Wei Rong's situation is closely related to that of the Wei family.

Even if he has objections to Wei Rong's initial choice, she is still his old friend's granddaughter.

"Ah Xing is young, and his enthusiasm is commendable. Your Majesty, this old minister may shamelessly request a reward for him."

Upon hearing this, the other branches of the family all stepped forward.

From Wei Beimu's meritorious service to Wei Xing's loyalty, and the grand vision for the future of Dajing.

The situation reversed, and those who had just been attacking Wei Rong dared not utter a single word.

Xiao Heng's expressions changed several times, which was quite fascinating.

News of the victory will soon spread through the streets and alleys. It's easy to keep the mouths of the court officials shut, but the gossip of the common people cannot be controlled.

Xiao Heng had no choice but to bestow rewards.

"At A-Xing's age, he will surely achieve great things in the future. The Emperor and the Great Jing are counting on you promising young talents." He tapped his fingers lightly twice on the dragon throne: "This promotion to Governor-General is an encouragement."

Wei Xing glanced at Wei Rong and saw that his sister had given him an approving look.

So he knelt down to receive the reward and kowtowed to Xiao Heng.

"General Wei is exceptional," Ling Xianru smiled enigmatically, "Congratulations."

When he laughed, his sinister aura became even more apparent, blurring the lines between good and evil, sincerity and pretense.

He spoke up, and congratulations rose and fell in the main hall.

Whether it was genuine or not, at this moment they knew that the Wei family had more than just Wei Beimu.

Wei Xing was happy to be promoted, and because he hadn't seen Wei Rong for a long time, he called out softly, "Sister."

He had already heard about Wei Rong's situation on his way here.

However, once he became a subject, he could not possibly oppose the emperor.

He understood Wei Rong's pain and her good intentions.

No wonder... I received that 'letter from home'.

When Wei Rong saw that his face was weathered and even had unhealed wounds, her heart ached.

She had long understood the principle that for a family of generals, the battlefield was their final destination.

But Wei Xing had just turned sixteen, and for the rest of his long life, he would be adrift on the battlefield of swords and shadows because of his family.

The boy who used to follow behind her is now taller than her, and she has to stretch out her arm to gently pat the top of his head twice: "Hmm, Ah Xing, Happy New Year."

May you have good fortune, peace, and good health.

"Um—General Wei, please take a seat as well?" The eunuch Zhu Ai appeared at the opportune moment: "Her Highness the Imperial Concubine has prepared other surprises for the palace banquet."

Wei Xing was seated.

In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the situation in the main hall underwent a subtle change.

Originally eager to flatter Shen Mingxiu, several of them were now raising their glasses to toast Wei Xing.

Despite her expressionless face, Shen Mingxiu tilted her head back and drank the entire cup of warm wine.

Zhu Er was a shrewd man. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, he hurriedly ordered people to prepare the dance and music that had already been prepared to entertain the guests.

He added mysteriously, "In previous years, when Her Majesty the Empress hosted the palace banquet, we were always treated to a feast for the eyes. This year, Her Highness the Imperial Concubine has come up with a clever idea: not only will you be able to watch, but you will also have to participate."

"What?"

"What can we old bones do by involving these young people in Makoto Shinkai's projects?"

"Eunuch Zhu, how do we participate?"

Zhu Ai smiled mysteriously: "My lords, please calm down. Please look at the soup bowls in front of us. There are red marks on the bottom of the bowls. Please tell your servant."

As soon as Zhu Yi finished speaking, Wei Rong heard Feng Zuyi chuckle softly.

There was a hint of schadenfreude in it.

"You've been on guard all night, and this is what you've been waiting for all along." She looked on with amusement. "Doesn't the Empress need to look at her own shortcomings?"

Wei Rong chuckled softly, "Does Mother think there's any need to look?"

Not only them, but the commotion caused by the soup earlier was quite significant, and now many eyes are looking at the soup on Wei Rong's table.

Even Xiao Heng wasn't surprised, but he looked at Shen Mingxiu.

If you were to say that this design wasn't driven by ulterior motives, who would believe it?

Shen Mingxiu had drunk quite a bit of wine since earlier, her cheeks slightly flushed: "What does Your Majesty wish to say? I merely wished to add some enjoyment to the palace banquet. Her Majesty the Empress enjoys boundless honor, but does Your Majesty know what she is good at?"

"..." Xiao Heng truly did not know.

For three years after their marriage, Wei Rong had been dutiful and had not caused him any worry about matters concerning the household.

But that's all there is to it.

Xiao Heng knew nothing of her preferences or her strengths; it was as if he had only married her for her status and good looks.

But for him now, these two things are readily available and inexhaustible.

"If Your Majesty is distressed," Shen Mingxiu said pitifully, feigning jealousy, "I will take that bowl of soup back. In any case, Your Highness also thinks I have ulterior motives."

After she finished speaking, she was about to get up.

Xiao Heng reacted quickly and pressed her down.