"The Sage said: When a disciple is at home, he should be filial; when abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be meticulous and trustworthy, love the masses universally, and be close to virtuous men. If there is energy left after such endeavors, he should study literature."

Zheng Chengji, swaying his head, said, "Second Brother, the Philosopher says that now the world is peaceful, we should govern it with literature. When will you stop your penchant for violence?"

"You...!"

Zheng Chengqian quietly said, "Big Brother, Second Brother, can you please stop arguing?"

"Ji’er, what are you discussing?"

At that moment, Lu Lin’er, dressed in a phoenix robe, came over, accompanied by Xu Qingluan, Cui Xiabing, and Lan Lingrong.

Zheng Chengji respectfully said, "I greet the Empress, Noble Consort Cui, Consort Duann, and Consort Lan."

"No need for formalities."

"What are you discussing?"

"We siblings are discussing the teachings of the Sage."

"Oh?"

The women were intrigued, especially the Empress Lu Lin’er, who happily asked, "What were you discussing? Please share with the ladies."

"As you wish, Mother~!"

On the city gate tower, the consorts and princes were chatting and laughing, harmony all around.

Meanwhile, Zheng Yi, along with Xu Mujun and several cabinet ministers, had arrived at the gathering place of the soldiers.

As Zheng Yi advanced, the soldiers at the forefront kept their eyes fixed intently on him, following his every step.

"Soldiers, you have worked hard!"

Zheng Yi waved in acknowledgment, receiving loud shouts from the soldiers in response.

"Loyalty to the Great Yu!"

Despite having planned for cultivators, including Xuan Jizi, Xiong Gang, and Tianxingzi, to make an appearance at today’s parade, Zheng Yi, after much deliberation, decided against it.

Instead, he had Tianxingzi bring gifts to visit various cultivator families and subtly spread information to attract many loose cultivators.

To Zheng Yi, cultivators were a secret weapon in his hand.

Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t let them appear before ordinary people.

The parade continued, and the eyes of the second phalanx’s soldiers focused again.

"Soldiers, you have worked hard!"

"To serve the people!"

"Soldiers, you have worked hard!"

"To serve Your Majesty to the death!!!"

The loud shouts in the bustling square were exceptionally clear and resonant.

Under these circumstances, Xu Mujun and the others, following closely behind Zheng Yi, were already in tears.

This is the Great Yu.

This is the monarch they serve loyally!

With such a monarch and soldiers, why should the Great Yu worry about unrest or instability? 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

This grand occasion continued late into the night.

The people in the square had long dispersed.

All over the capital city, banquets began to be held.

Whether in the mansions of civilian and military officials or the remaining noble clans, wealthy merchants’ homes, or even ordinary commoners’ residences, evening banquets were being held.

In important neighborhoods and opera houses, shadow plays, operas, and juggling performances erupted in cheers, earning widespread applause from the capital’s residents.

Outside the capital city, in numerous state-owned factories, over two hundred thousand workers gathered under the guidance of their respective leaders and managers to dine together.

They even invited numerous performers and jugglers for nationwide celebration.

That night, the capital was bustling and joyous, its lights dazzling, throughout the night.

And within the Imperial Palace, lights illuminated the entire palace, making it seem like daylight.

The gates of Baiyu City swung wide open as Zheng Yi and the civil and military officials held a banquet in the grand hall, drinking and making merry.

In Baiyu City’s square, many lower-ranked officials and soldiers, along with invited elders over seventy, celebrated joyfully with their companions.

"Gentlemen, please drain this cup."

"Long live Your Majesty!"

Zheng Yi raised his wine cup, and the numerous officials immediately stood up respectfully.

After shouting "Long live" in unison, they all drank the fine wine.

As the crisp sound of the pipa echoed, groups of singing girls drifted out from various parts of the grand hall, spreading out gracefully, beginning a long-rehearsed dance.

Their dance, as if an elegant wild swan, pleased the civil and military officials, who nodded continuously.

Zheng Yi, sitting on the Dragon Throne, also watched the dancers in the grand hall with satisfaction, a smile in his eyes.

These dancers seemed mostly in their teens, yet whether in appearance or grace, they were outstanding among people.

Especially the lead dancer, whose waist swayed charmingly, eyes full of sentiment, and whose looks were exceptionally beautiful.

Upon closer inspection, she bore some resemblance to the Empress Lu Lin’er.

"Your Majesty~"

Lu Lin’er drew closer and softly said, "The dancers tonight are all candidates for the position of concubine this year. Does Your Majesty find them satisfactory?"

"Hmm~"

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "Not bad, not bad. Bright eyes and graceful charm, tender like water. Lin’er, this time you really did well."

Compared to their first meeting, Lu Lin’er was now less naive, with a bit more allure.

Moreover, her many years as Empress gave her an even more dignified air at this moment.

In Zheng Yi’s eyes, Lu Lin’er was now like a fully ripened honey peach, ready to burst with juice at a pinch, truly enticing.

Lu Lin’er also gave a charming smile and said, "Your Majesty, what do you think about the lead dancer..."

"Lead dancer?"

Zheng Yi scrutinized closely, then refocused on Lu Lin’er: "This woman is alluring but not coquettish, delicate yet not overly sultry, and bears some resemblance to you, Empress~"

Lu Lin’er blushed and said shyly, "This woman is named Lu Xian’er, she is... my niece."

"Hmm?"

"And one of the concubine candidates this time."

"Haha, not bad at all, then tonight... let Lu Xian’er serve you in your Kunning Palace, how about that?"

"Your Majesty, you~"

Lu Lin’er’s beautiful eyes widened for a moment, then she blushed deeply and said, "You truly are a... foolish ruler!"

"Hahaha~"

With shouts of long live, the banquet gradually drew to a close.

Under the respectful farewells of numerous civil and military officials, Zheng Yi, accompanied by the Empress and Lu Xian’er, returned to Kunning Palace amidst a throng of eunuchs and palace maids.

Meanwhile, the various civil and military officials dispersed on their own.

As the bright moon shone sparsely and the night wind blew, the entire Capital City and Imperial Palace gradually fell into slumber.

Inside Kunning Palace.

On the wide Phoenix bed, Zheng Yi lay on his left side with Lu Lin’er, and on his right was Lu Xian’er, taking a long, satisfied breath.

Perhaps due to her first encounter with such matters, Lu Xian’er’s face was streaked with tears, her brows were knit together tightly, appearing as if she had fainted.

At this moment, Zheng Yi had entered deep into his mental sea, connecting with the Yin Yang Treasure Mirror.

[Absorbing Pure Yin Qi, lifespan +16.]

A sixteen-year-old girl, grown into a woman overnight.

Yet, for Zheng Yi, it was nothing more than an ordinary exercise.

No spirit root, just a mortal.

It was fate that Lu Xian’er’s days would turn plain and dull.

His thoughts shifted again, bringing forth a cascade of information before his eyes.

[Life Master: Zheng Yi]

[Talent 1: Yin and Yang]

[Talent 2: Illusion Truth]

[Lifespan: 34/123]

[Spirit Root: Water (Top Grade 4580/10000), Earth (Middle Grade 1000/1000), Wood (Middle Grade 1000/1000), Gold (Middle Grade 1000/1000), Fire (Lower Grade 100/100), Wind (Middle Grade 1000/1000)]

[Magical Power: 5850/80000]

[Constitution: Hundred Flowers Body]

[Overall Strength: Eighth-layer Qi Cultivation]

[Innate Spiritual Energy Progress (Tier Two): 0/20 (Blocked)]

[Progress of the Three Thousand Worlds (Tier Two): 10/10 (Blocked)]

Now, his entire spirit root attributes had undergone a tremendous change.

The Water Attribute Spirit Root, due to the addition of Tuoba Qingying, had long broken through to the Top-grade Realm.

Given time, as long as he continues to cultivate through dual cultivation, he’s bound to step into the Realm of Top-grade Spirit Root.

Meanwhile, the Earth, Wood, and Gold Attribute Spirit Roots were at Mid-grade Perfection in consciousness.

Unfortunately, the lack of a corresponding Top-grade Spirit Root caused the spirit root quality to stagnate.

For this, Zheng Yi could do nothing but either continue to absorb women with Mid-grade Spirit Roots or seek women with Top-grade Spirit Roots.

He hoped this round of concubine selection would bring him a pleasant surprise.

Aside from that, his cultivation had reached the peak of middle-stage Qi Cultivation, just a step from late-stage Qi Cultivation.

Bai Zhirui from the Canglan Realm had already been arranged, and after the military review ceremony, he planned to go into seclusion for some time to enhance his strength further.

Aiming to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage.

As daylight broke, Zheng Yi did not disturb Lu Lin’er and Lu Xian’er, instead summoning a palace maid alone, donning a dragon robe, and stepping outside.

Outside the dimly lit Kunning Palace square, an old man of slender build had been waiting for Zheng Yi all along.

"Elder Chen?"

Zheng Yi seemed to have known earlier, speaking softly, "What is it?"

"This old servant greets Your Majesty!"

Chen Liancang quickly approached, respectfully saying, "There is a group seeking an audience."

"Oh, who are they?"

"Loose Cultivators."