On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the capital of the Southern Cloud Empire, Yunjing City, was filled with joy and festive cheer. This was not only because the New Year was approaching but primarily due to the massive victory the Southern Cloud Empire had achieved in its war against the Tianyuan Empire. Since the great triumph of the Yunjing Defense Battle a month prior, the Southern Cloud Empire had advanced relentlessly, reclaiming all the territory seized by Xuanyuan Xiao Zhan with just over a hundred thousand troops.

Ye Jingyu, undoubtedly, had become a living god in the hearts of every citizen of the Southern Cloud Empire—the new War God, the War Venerable.

Today, besides celebrating the victory, every resident of Yunjing knew that the Emperor of the Southern Cloud Empire would host an unprecedented congratulatory banquet in the Royal Gardens. Naturally, Ye Jingyu, the new War God and the first Duke, was among the invitees.

The Royal Gardens were also brimming with festive air at this moment. Luo Xiaofeng, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat upon the central throne. Beside him was not the Empress, nor any favored concubine, nor any prince or lord, but Ye Jingyu, who had just been promoted to Duke...

Today, Ye Jingyu wore a black brocade robe trimmed with gold. His long, ethereal white hair was tied back in a ponytail, making him strikingly conspicuous. A slight flush of intoxication colored his face; he had clearly enjoyed his drink thoroughly...

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Luo Haitian, Marquis Baiyun Qin Yan, Marquis Xiaotian Qin Yunxiao, Marquis Weiwu Xiao Geng, and others were seated not far away, observing Ye Jingyu with eyes full of jealousy. Luo Haitian’s gaze, in particular, flashed with intense anger. During the recent operation to annihilate Xuanyuan Xiao Zhan, his strongest backer, Hailang Bing, had fled the battle, enraging Luo Xiaofeng. Moreover, now that Luo Xiaofeng had achieved the Martial God Body and no longer feared a Soul Immortal, he was seriously contemplating replacing the Crown Prince—a situation that left Luo Haitian deeply vexed...

As for Luo Ruofeng, although he was seated below Ye Jingyu, his face was wreathed in smiles. The more favored Ye Jingyu became, the better it was for him. Hadn't he noticed that his few brothers, who usually showed him little regard, were now cheerfully engaging with him, attempting to curry favor? It seemed they too must have received some news?

Glancing at his elder brother not far away, and then at his father, the Emperor, whose face was beaming, Luo Ruofeng’s lips curved into a faint smile. Perhaps, the Emperor would announce the dethroning of the Crown Prince today?

This was the front courtyard, where all the nobles, ministers, and generals gathered with His Majesty to share in the joy. The Empress, the various princesses and county mistresses, and the wives of the ministers were all assembled in the rear courtyard...

At this moment, everyone wore a smile—whether genuine or feigned. At such a moment of universal celebration, no one would be foolish enough to offend the exhilarated Luo Xiaofeng.

"Ah..." But just as everyone was merrily drinking, a sudden shriek echoed from the rear courtyard. Luo Xiaofeng and the others instantly changed expression, and some ministers showed looks of apprehension, terrified that their wives might have caused some scandalous scene in the back!

"Guards! What has happened?" Luo Xiaofeng slammed his wine goblet onto the table, asking with clear displeasure.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it is Princess Yongle! Princess Yongle has suddenly fainted!" The chief eunuch, Yan Lun, who had rushed to the rear courtyard at the sound of the initial cry, had now returned with news.

Hearing that Princess Yongle had fainted, everyone present was startled. However, their reactions differed: Luo Ruofeng and his faction displayed genuine concern, while Luo Haitian and his group looked bewildered. A flicker of regret—a strange, almost contradictory regret—crossed Xiao Geng's eyes...

Only Ye Jingyu’s expression underwent a dramatic shift upon hearing the news... He almost broke protocol and rushed out in a frenzy...

"Summon the Imperial Physicians! My dear Ye, accompany Us!" Luo Xiaofeng had already announced the betrothal of Princess Yongle, Luo Ling'er, to Ye Jingyu, and thus was aware of Ye Jingyu’s deep affection for his daughter. Hearing this news, he ordered the physicians while gesturing for Ye Jingyu to follow him toward the back...

Upon hearing that His Majesty was showing such favor to Ye Jingyu, disregarding decorum by summoning him to the rear courtyard, the Minister of Rites, Wang Yongyan, was about to voice an objection but was stopped by a sharp glance from Luo Haitian. At this juncture, provoking Luo Xiaofeng’s anger would be tantamount to courting death. Due to Hailang Bing's retreat, many ministers who had previously supported Luo Haitian had shifted their allegiance. While they hadn't openly defected to Prince Yong'an, Luo Ruofeng, they were certainly re-evaluating their positions in their minds.

The number of people loyal to him was dwindling, and he could ill afford to lose any more support now.

As for Ye Jingyu, he naturally paid no mind to the thoughts of others, following closely behind Luo Xiaofeng as they hurried toward the rear courtyard...

Along the way, the eunuchs and palace maids, seeing Luo Xiaofeng enter with a solemn expression, immediately dropped to their knees in greeting, but when they saw Ye Jingyu, an outside official, following him, surprise dawned on their faces.

The rear courtyard, where the female contingent resided, was not an open space but a massive hall. Although it was winter, the southern weather was not overly cold, and the hall was warmed by charcoal braziers. The women inside had removed their outer garments; some wore extremely sheer gauze dresses, appearing quite alluring. Of course, at this time, aside from His Majesty the Emperor, no other men would be permitted inside...

The Empress sat in the very center, flanked by Noble Consort Li, Noble Consort Mu, and others seated on either side. The princesses and county mistresses were positioned below.

However, due to Luo Ling'er’s sudden collapse, Noble Consort Li, Luo Ling'er’s biological mother, rushed to her side, cradling her in her arms with eyes full of deep worry.

Everyone else looked anxiously at Luo Ling'er; all mood for poetry recitation or admiring the snow had vanished...

"His Majesty has arrived!" At this moment, the eunuch's high-pitched voice called from the doorway. Immediately following, a figure in bright yellow was seen stepping inside. Everyone present immediately bowed toward the entrance, even Noble Consort Li, who had to place her daughter gently on the soft couch before kneeling toward the doorway...

"Your subject greets Your Majesty..." Led by the Empress, all the consorts breathed out a soft greeting.

"Rise..." Luo Xiaofeng waved his hand casually but walked directly toward Luo Ling'er, who lay collapsed on the couch.

The others then rose slowly, only to see Ye Jingyu trailing behind the Emperor. Their expressions all changed, showing surprise. This was the Inner Palace; how could an outside official enter?

Instantly, many of the consorts hurriedly pulled their outer robes tighter, fearful of exposing too much...