Seeing that the courtiers were still discussing the matter of selecting a Court Consort, Ah Chen spoke up, "The Imperial Consort has already been chosen, no need for further discussion, dear courtiers."

When she said this, it was evident that Fan Shi straightened his chest, as if saying, yes, that’s right, it’s him! Not a Court Consort, but the Imperial Consort. With him here, no one else should think of approaching Your Majesty.

His demeanor brought a smile to Ah Chen’s face, and naturally, the ministers dared not look at her, being stunned by this news.

Has Your Majesty already chosen an Imperial Consort? Who is it? Which family’s actions were so quick to win Your Majesty’s favor, and how come they haven’t heard a word of it?

Oh right, hasn’t Your Majesty just returned for two days?

Could it be someone from elsewhere?

After a moment of silence among the ministers, Xue Shanhuai asked, "Your Majesty, who is it? Since Your Majesty has already chosen an Imperial Consort, preparations for the marriage should begin early."

So who could it be? Xue Shanhuai was also very curious.

His question touched the heart of everyone present—isn’t that right, who could it be, so cunning, yet chosen by Your Majesty, they must see what skills this young man possesses.

Ah Chen replied, "It’s Fan Qing."

Seeing the court’s wide-eyed stares, Fan Shi scoffed internally—are they really so surprised it’s him? His age is just right, skilled in both literature and martial arts, with absolute loyalty to Your Majesty. He and Your Majesty share the same dream of forging a peaceful and prosperous era, how fitting! Some old men try to promote their family juniors without a glance in the mirror, how can they compare?

Xue Shanhuai was taken aback—is it Prime Minister Fan?

Back then, Ah Chen allowed Xue Shanhuai to continue as Prime Minister, later dividing the post into Left and Right Ministers, one being Xue Shanhuai, the other Fan Shi, but Fan Shi was mostly in charge of military affairs, acting as a Think Tank.

Xue Shanhuai, observing Fan Shi’s proud expression, was somewhat speechless. Such an expression was rarely seen on Fan Shi’s face, but thinking it over, anyone favored by such a remarkable woman as Your Majesty would feel proud. It’s a blessing. Recalling the last palace banquet in Bei Qi, Fan Shi was the first to hand an arrow to Your Majesty, as if knowing what she intended. His single call of "Your Majesty" prompted others to follow this wise ruler.

Thinking back now, it’s as if Fan Shi was destined to stand by Your Majesty’s side.

The court was shocked for a moment and then, seeing Fan Shi’s raised chin, dared not speak further.

Forget it, what is there to compete over, their family juniors have nothing over Fan Shi—no match indeed.

The court remained disappointed. Initially, not only had they hoped to discuss the selection of a Court Consort with Your Majesty, but also to arrange a marriage for Fan Shi; alas, the two had paired up, and their plans were inevitably foiled.

Fan Shi snorted internally, newly annexed Nan Qi meant there was much work to be done. He observed these courtiers seemed too idle. After his grand wedding with Your Majesty, he would have tasks waiting to occupy them. Before that, he had already drafted many plans, ready to assign accordingly in due time.

In a split second, the court felt a chill down their spines. Glancing at the grand hall’s entrance, was it windy? The weather had indeed turned cooler, and even a slight breeze felt freezing.

That same day, after the court dispersed, the news of Ah Chen selecting an Imperial Consort spread rapidly, with the wedding scheduled for the upcoming spring.

The citizens, learning of this, cheered and offered their blessings.

Though many fallen aristocrats especially loathed the pair, having tried every means to smear their names, wishing to eat their flesh, drink their blood, strip their veins, and crush their bones. Yet, among the common folk, Ah Chen and Fan Shi were undoubtedly considered immortals descended to save them. Ever since becoming part of Canglan people, their lives had improved day by day. Hearing of the joyful event, they naturally felt elated.

Many were now free to roam the streets, and Song Yuheng, marveling at the Capital City’s renewal, overheard the news, not surprisingly, having personally witnessed the duo in harmony not long ago.

He gazed at the bustling crowd, relaxed expressions on the people’s faces. Even in affluent areas, they neither tread cautiously nor hurriedly, fearing to bump into any noble. Proudly they walked, their spirits transformed completely.

Flushed faces, even the modestly dressed appeared plump and prosperous, evidence of a well-fed, warmly clothed, and stable life.

It was said that not long after Canglan Country was established, the household registration system was reinstated, particularly strict, posing significant risk for wealthy families attempting to obscure their population. According to guards, it was a chaotic time, as her actions infringed many interests, making numerous individuals wish for her demise. However, the Canglan Empress aimed for correction amid chaos; it was already disorderly, not fearing further turbulence, and thus everything transpired.

As for those who wished her dead, Song Yuheng couldn’t help but laugh—witnessing that grand banquet scene, they understood her exceptional skills, and attempting assassination was purely fanciful.

Song Yuheng believed that before long, Canglan Country would no longer have slaves, with slavery ownership disallowed. Currently, it was already forbidden to recklessly harm a slave without facing consequences.

That day would surely come, Song Yuheng had no doubts. Though many things couldn’t happen instantly, they had to unfold step by step, all supposedly within her control.

Was she meant for this world?

Otherwise, how could one from a minor Cui Family possess such abilities, unknown even to the Cui Family itself?

With mixed emotions, Song Yuheng was escorted to the Capital City.

Years had passed with such vast changes, his initial feelings for Song Jing had long dissipated, especially after the fall of Nan Qi, alongside the revelation of her and the Canglan Empress’s identities, he no longer thought of such matters.

Just over a month later, Song Yuheng’s entourage arrived at the Capital City.

He had visited this place before, back then traveling to enhance knowledge.

This journey was noticeably different from past travels. At least on this road, unlike before, there wasn’t constant fear of mountain bandits attacking to rob the caravan.

The escorts took Song Yuheng directly to the small courtyard where Song Jing resided, then went to knock on the door.

Song Jing opened the door, startled at the person she saw: "Third... Third Young Master?"

Clearly, addressing Song Yuheng as Third Prince was no longer appropriate, referring to him as Third Young Master was safer, less prone to error. Times were somewhat stable now, and she didn’t want to invite trouble.

Of course, deep inside, she longed for her brothers in the east to achieve something great and reclaim a land for Nan Qi.

"Cui..." Song Yuheng, upon seeing Song Jing, instinctively wanted to address her as "Miss Cui," quickly recalling she was Song Jing, "Miss Jing’er, long time no see, I hope you have been well."

Song Jing gave a bitter smile: "Is the Third Young Master here to mock me?"

"When the Bei Qi Royal Family was executed, I thought... how did she... spare only Song Yuheng?"