You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

Qin Yong stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, each step seemingly echoing the heavy weight of history.

Emperor Qinyong's gaze was sometimes solemn, sometimes angry, as if he were silently battling against that dark period of history in his heart.

"I will absolutely not allow the Great Zhou to repeat the same mistakes! Absolutely not!"

He whispered his vow, his voice soft yet unwavering, for he had to raise the princes well and not let the next generation ruin the Great Zhou.

To maintain the stability of this country, it is naturally necessary to eliminate all potential threats, whether it be internal corruption or the infiltration of external forces.

He walked to the window, looked at the clear sky outside, but felt a gloom in his heart.

The Lou family is powerful and deeply entrenched, and it is not easy to touch them, so he did not want his third son to marry a Lou family girl from the beginning.

But he was still soft-hearted and let the third son get what he wanted.

"Someone, convey my decree that after Xiao Yan successfully suppresses the bandits, he need not rush back to the capital. He should first gain experience on the frontier for a period of time, and then be recalled when the time is right."

After a moment of contemplation, the Diligent and Brave Emperor gave instructions to the eunuch beside him.

The eunuch received the order and was about to go and make the arrangements when Emperor Qinyong's gaze became profound once again.

Xiao Yan traveled south and eventually arrived at Pingyang in the southern border region. He hoped that his third son could grow during this trip and become a powerful general for the Great Zhou.

"correct."

Emperor Qinyong called the man back and told him to wait for Xie Yanting to return before going to pick up Simon's group.

He said he had just forgotten something, that he had forgotten to instruct the Crown Prince to be in charge of the arrival of the Simon envoy, and that he would not trust anyone else to do the job.

However, Xie Yanting returned to Xuan again, this time under the title of serving as the City Guard.

There were both opposition and support from both the government and the public.

Some say that the Xie family members are all on the border, and if they were to rebel, they would only have one daughter in Xuancheng, so they should have left a son behind.

Some people say that the northern border has been handed over to the Xie family, and now that Xie Yanting has returned to serve as the commander-in-chief of the city protection bureau, wouldn't it be even more dangerous?

Some people were relieved, because the Xie family were all military men. If anything happened to them, the whole family would be wiped out. Now that one of their sons has returned, it puts their minds at ease.

Moreover, there had been rumors that the Simons were coming to pay homage, and with a descendant of a famous general like Xie Yanting guarding Xuancheng, the people could feel more at ease.

"Your Majesty, General Xie's return to Xuan has been quite controversial. The fact that the Fourth Prince is working with him on official business at this time will likely also draw criticism."

The white-bearded old man muttered to himself.

However, Emperor Qinyong simply smiled at the arguments of his court officials, knowing full well that there would be some rumors.

However, the Xie family's loyalty goes without saying, and Xie Yanting's abilities are impeccable.

Appointing him to the position of City Guardian is both a test for him and a way to protect the Great Zhou Dynasty. Although he does not want the Xie family's power to become too strong, it does not mean that he will question the family.

He knew all too well how fatal a weakness an emperor's paranoia was.

"The Xie family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and I know this in my heart," the Diligent and Brave Emperor said softly, his eyes revealing his trust and appreciation for the Xie family. "With Xie Yanting back by my side, I sleep much better at night."

Upon hearing this, the eunuch understood and quickly withdrew to make the arrangements.

Emperor Qinyong continued to stand by the window, gazing into the distance. To safeguard the Great Zhou dynasty, what was needed was not only military force, but also wisdom and strategy.

He knew Xie Yun all too well; he would rather die in battle than betray his people. As long as you are a wise ruler, he will never betray you.

As for the third and fourth princes, as his sons, they need to experience more trials and tribulations before they can grow into pillars of society capable of standing on their own and better assist the crown prince in governing the Great Zhou in the future.

The day Xie Yanting returned, Xie Wanru stood on the city wall for a full hour.

Although they had only been separated for less than two months, waiting for her third brother to return in Xuancheng at this time felt different.

"Wanwan, if your third brother hadn't come back today, your neck would probably have grown a lot longer."

Seeing Xie Wanru's eager anticipation, Lin Qing couldn't help but tease her.

Xie Wanru still refused to give up, gazing intently in the direction of the city gate. "You don't understand. Your father and brothers are all in Xuancheng. You can't comprehend how I feel. Besides, this time my third brother will be given an important position upon his return, so he won't be going to the northern border so easily anymore. I'm so happy!"

Xie Wanru's face flushed slightly when she thought of this.

"Of course I know. General Xie's return to the capital to serve as the city's guard commander is a big deal. But looking at you two, anyone who didn't know better would think you were a long-lost couple reunited."

Lin Qing smiled and teased, but her eyes were full of envy.

She naturally knew how important family was to Wanwan. After Xie Yanting returned, there would be someone to protect Wanwan, and Wanwan would no longer be bullied by others.

"Get lost, what nonsense are you talking about? My third brother hasn't figured things out yet, I don't know when he'll find me a sister-in-law."

Xie Wanru scolded playfully, but her face couldn't hide her joy. Just then, dust rose in the distance, and the sound of horses' hooves filled the air as a procession slowly entered the city gate.

"Look, it's Third Brother!"

Xie Wanru's eyes lit up, and she excitedly greeted Lin Qing.

Xie Yanting, dressed in armor, looked dashing as he rode on his horse, his gaze firm and profound.

Behind him followed a small squad of equally well-equipped soldiers, their imposing presence overwhelming.

Xie Wanru and Lin Qing hurriedly went to greet them. Once the group had come to a stop, Xie Wanru couldn't wait to run to Xie Yanting's side, looking him up and down with concern and joy in her eyes.

"Third Brother, you're finally back!"

Xie Yanting immediately reined in his horse and dismounted, smiling as he patted Xie Wanru's head. "It's only been a short time since we parted, and you already miss me?"

Then, he turned to Lin Qing and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"General Xie, you must be tired from your journey."

Lin Qing returned the greeting politely, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration. She had a heart that longed to join the army and serve her country, but unfortunately, she was a woman and, despite her martial arts skills, had never had a chance to use them.

"It's just my duty, nothing to brag about." Xie

Yan Ting smiled faintly, then turned to the soldiers behind him and began to arrange the next steps.

"His Majesty sent the Fourth Prince with me to meet the Simons, probably to give the Fourth Prince a chance to train him. We will depart after entering the palace tonight. When I returned, my father told me that whatever you do, we will support you."

Xie Yanting's tone revealed a calmness and confidence, which made Xie Wanru and Lin Qing feel a sense of security.

Xie Yun had indeed repeatedly explained this matter before he returned. His father felt that his sister was different from before. Perhaps she had matured after the divorce, or perhaps she wanted to use this to highlight his own strength and prevent the Shen family from laughing at him.

Regardless of the possibility, they would never let Wanwan suffer again; they would protect her and prevent her from being wronged.