Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

The tenth year of the Jingxi reign.

Lingyan is already thirty-three years old.

That year, Qi'er was already eighteen years old.

At that time, Xiao Muyao was already thirty-eight years old.

Now, after ten years of careful guidance, Qi'er is fully capable of standing on her own.

Xiao Muyao has already dedicated so much time to this dynasty.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it started from the moment he was born.

Now, the Great Zhao Dynasty, and indeed the entire world, is peaceful and prosperous.

He should also put down this heavy burden that he has carried since birth.

Therefore, he wanted to pass the throne to Qi'er and leave the rest of his time to Yan'er.

…………

Inside the imperial study, a brazier burned with charcoal, crackling softly.

Xiao Muyao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the landscape painting on the wall, as if trying to imprint the vast land of the Great Zhao Dynasty into his heart once more.

After a long while, he turned to look at Lingyan and Qi'er.

Lingyan sat on the sandalwood chair beside him and nodded slightly to Xiao Muyao.

Xiao Muyao coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "Qi'er, it is now the tenth year of Jingxi. Time flies like an arrow. I have been responsible for this country since birth, as if I were carrying a heavy burden. Fortunately, I have worked with your sixth aunt all these years and raised you with great care. Now the country is peaceful and the four directions are stable. I think it is time to pass the throne to you."

Qi'er's body stiffened, and she was about to speak.

Xiao Muyao raised his hand to stop him and continued, "In these ten years, I have watched you grow from an ignorant child into a responsible young man. You are talented, resourceful, virtuous, and capable. Your sixth aunt and I know that if we entrust the country to you, the people will be at peace and the nation will be secure."

Lingyan also got up, walked to Qi'er's side, and took his hand.

He gently stroked his fingertips and said softly, "Qi'er, your sixth uncle has devoted his heart and soul to this dynasty, bearing heavy burdens like an ox. Now he longs for a rest and hopes that you can take on the responsibility. From now on, this beautiful land will be painted by you."

After saying that, the two of them looked at Qi'er at the same time, their eyes full of expectations and trust for him.

Qi'er has now grown into a young man. He is tall and slender, and his moon-white brocade robe makes him look like a jade and his temperament is outstanding.

Her face was fair, and her eyes were like a deep pool in spring, clear yet profound.

Her eyes were red-rimmed at that moment, and the misty moisture added to her gentle warmth.

His eyebrows were striking and the curve of them resembled those of his father, the fourth prince, Prince Su.

However, the look in her eyes and brows is remarkably similar to that of her mother, Zeng Qi.

He lowered his head for a moment, and only after his emotions had calmed down did he raise his head, his gaze sincere and resolute, looking directly at Xiao Muyao and Ling Yan.

"Sixth Uncle, Sixth Aunt, over the years I have listened to your teachings and seen you working tirelessly day and night for the prosperity of this Great Zhao. I have secretly resolved to learn from your sense of responsibility."

Qi'er's voice gradually became steady, revealing an undeniable certainty: "Now, having received the love and expectations of my sixth uncle and aunt, I am willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility of the country! From now on, I will be diligent and people-oriented, promote the great name of the Great Zhao, protect the land forever, and live up to the life's work of my sixth uncle and aunt, as well as the expectations of the court and the millions of common people! When I take the throne, I only hope that my sixth uncle and aunt will enjoy a peaceful and carefree life, and watch me continue to write the glorious chapter of the Great Zhao!"

The two looked at Qi'er with eyes full of relief and peace of mind.

They certainly had good judgment back then; they didn't choose the wrong person.

…………

The morning sun pierced through the clouds and shone on the majestic imperial court.

On the steps, Xiao Muyao and Lingyan sat side by side.

Xiao Muyao wore a bright yellow dragon robe, and even though his face was covered by a crown, he could not hide the imperial majesty that had settled over him.

However, today his majesty was mixed with a touch of relief and ease.

Lingyan, dressed in a red phoenix robe, was dignified and composed.

At this moment, a faint smile graced her lips, like a gentle spring breeze.

After all the officials paid homage and shouted "Long live the Emperor!", the ceremony concluded.

Xiao Muyao raised his hand, and his steady voice resounded throughout the hall: "All of you, rise."

He looked around and then said solemnly, "Since I ascended the throne, I have been diligent and conscientious for half my life. I am fortunate to live in a prosperous era, but I have also experienced many storms. Now that the Great Zhao Dynasty is peaceful and prosperous, I have decided to pass the throne to Crown Prince Xiao Yiqi. I hope that all of you will assist the new emperor with the same dedication you have shown to me."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the court officials varied.

Some stared in astonishment, their eyes wide, seemingly caught off guard by the decision, and whispers began to rise between them.

An old minister stroked his beard and nodded, his face full of satisfaction.

They had followed Xiao Muyao for many years and knew that being an emperor was not easy. Seeing this peaceful and prosperous era ushering in a new era, they naturally agreed with it.

There were also young and promising officials, standing ramrod straight, eager to make their mark in the new dynasty.

Just then, Xiao Yiqi, dressed in a crimson crown prince's robe, stepped steadily in.

With his robes fluttering, his expression resolute, neither humble nor arrogant, he exuded the demeanor of a crown prince.

He walked into the hall, knelt down and kowtowed: "Nephew will obey the orders of Sixth Uncle."

Xiao Muyao rose, holding the Imperial Seal of the State in both hands, and slowly descended the jade steps, solemnly handing it to Xiao Yiqi, saying in a deep voice: "This is a vital instrument for the nation. I hope you will uphold integrity and innovate, protect the people's well-being, and promote the prestige of the Great Zhao Kingdom."

Xiao Yiqi accepted it with both hands, raised it high above his head, and bowed again to express his gratitude.

Lingyan also looked at Xiao Yiqi and said, "May Qi'er live up to your promises and live up to the expectations of the court and the people."

Upon seeing this, all the civil and military officials knelt down and shouted in unison, "Long live the new emperor!"

The initial reactions were mixed, as some people were still reeling from the shock of the change of leadership.

In an instant, the sound became even more orderly and resonant, echoing throughout the hall.

It seems to be the opening chapter of a brand new and brilliant new chapter for the Great Zhao Dynasty.

…………

When the news of Xiao Muyao's abdication spread throughout the world, everyone was shocked and thought they had misheard and misread!

Then came confusion and bewilderment.

Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, at the height of your strength and vigor. Why would you abdicate at this time?

No emperor would do such a thing.

After all, no emperor is immune to coveting his throne and power.

But now, some people are doing just that.

Therefore, everyone admired and praised him greatly.

Especially the monarchs of various countries.

How many people in the world can be so indifferent to power?

Afterwards, He Jingchuan stepped down and solemnly handed over the army to He Jin'an.

Lu Yanqing had already trained the next commander.

Therefore, he passed the position to the next commander with peace of mind.

Chu Xiyao's elder brother and sister-in-law both passed away two years ago.

The new emperor is their eldest son, the second prince.

Therefore, Chu Xiyao had no more worries at this time.

Shen Qingchen had none at all.

Of course, Lingyan didn't have it either.

The 20 million taels that her large family owed her were finally paid off last year.

Because they went into the jade business, their business is now growing bigger and bigger.

Lingyan had no interest in paying attention to them anymore, as long as they returned the money to her.

Besides these things, everyone knows that Commander Lu and General He have rejected all women for the sake of their beloved.

Moreover, they are both now middle-aged, yet neither of them has married.

Judging from this, it seems he has decided to remain unmarried for life.

She is truly deeply in love!

They couldn't help but think of another person who was also deeply in love.

The Ninth Prince of Western Chu.

Since the death of the Ninth Prince's wife, he has kept his heart closed and has not been involved with any woman.

He has never remarried.

This shows just how deep his love for his wife is.

Many people felt it was a great pity, but at the same time, they admired him greatly.

But the three of them ignored these sentiments and continued to live as they pleased.

Now, with the right timing, location, and people, apart from Shen Qingchen and Chu Xiyao, the other four have all unloaded their burdens.

Therefore, the six of them left the capital without any worries to travel the world and see the vast universe.

I will have no more burdens for the rest of my life.

All that remains is a vast sky and sea, freedom and peace, and a happy and carefree life.