Imperial warlords: Cannons are the only truth

When Zhuo Yongwang entered the city, the palace fire had been burning for more than two hours and was completely out of control.

Furthermore, before ordering the palace to be set on fire, Xie Kangnian also ordered that palace servants not be allowed to put out the fire.

In fact, the unrestrained palace servants had no intention of putting out the fire at all; instead, they took advantage of the chaos to loot all the rare treasures in the palace.

At this point, why not take it if it's free!

Once those rioting soldiers outside the palace react, what chance will they have?

"General, according to someone from the palace, Xie Kangnian has committed suicide by self-immolation in Chengtian Hall," the adjutant beside Zhuo Yongwang reported.

"Once the fire is out, send someone to Chengtian Hall to dig up the remains of that old scoundrel Xie Kangnian."

"We need to see him alive or dead!"

"Immediately launch a citywide search for Xie Kangnian's remaining followers, paying particular attention to Xie Kangnian."

"Who knows if that old fox is really dead or just faking it?"

"We've gone through so much trouble to get into the capital, we absolutely can't let that old bastard Xie Kangnian pull off a sneak attack!"

Looking up at the palace, which was burning ever brighter, Zhuo Yongwang muttered, "That Xie fellow is really ruthless; he actually set fire to the palace! He's a real bastard!"

"Oh, right! Hurry and greet Emperor Yongsheng; we've come to rescue the emperor..."

With that, Zhuo Yongwang climbed into his military vehicle and led his entourage in a hurried rush toward the residence of Jiang Youtang, who had been granted the title of Duke of Yi.

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The fire in the palace burned for three days and three nights before it finally stopped.

Although the fire has been extinguished, it is definitely not safe for anyone to live there for a while.

Therefore, Zhuo Yongwang and others held a fairly grand reinstatement ceremony for Jiang Youtang at the Yiguo Duke's Mansion where he lived.

Jiang Youtang, who was reinstated to the throne, completed the entire reinstatement ceremony with a stern face throughout.

Furthermore, in the name of the Great Qian Emperor, rewards were given to Zhuo Yongwang and other "meritorious officials" for their contributions.

Among them, Zhuo Yongwang was the first to be appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies of the Empire and the Prime Minister of the Empire, which was essentially a complete copy of Xie Kangnian's position before he became emperor.

Moreover, Zhuo Yongwang also persuaded Emperor Yongsheng to grant him the rank of Grand Marshal, which was originally reserved for the emperor.

As for Emperor Yongsheng, Jiang Youtang, who was restored to the throne, he had no intention of holding a restoration ceremony and did not want to continue being a puppet emperor.

In Jiang Youtang's view, being the "Duke of Yiguo" for more than eight months was much more comfortable than being the emperor.

At least during his time as Duke Yiguo, Jiang Youtang finally experienced a period of peace and quiet.

His biggest worry now is that if the jackals leave, tigers and leopards will come...

Who knows if Zhuo Yongwang will be even more outrageous than Xie Kangnian!

Jiang Youtang was truly fed up with that kind of life of constant fear...

"Your Majesty, the palace has been set on fire by that traitor Xie Kangnian."

"It's definitely not habitable until the renovation is completed."

Wearing the uniform of a Grand Marshal, Zhuo Yongwang said casually to Emperor Yongsheng before him, "Your Majesty, please condescend to stay here for a while."

"We will choose an auspicious day to welcome His Majesty back to the palace once the palace has been repaired."

"No rush! No rush! I think staying here is just fine..."

"The war in the country has just ended, and it is precisely the time when money is needed. The repair of the palace is extremely expensive, so we can postpone it for now. There is really no rush..." Emperor Yongsheng had no desire to return to the palace, which had been set on fire twice in a row.

"Your Majesty truly deserves to be called a wise and virtuous ruler; his magnanimity is truly admirable."

Looking at the "sensible" Emperor Yongsheng, Zhuo Yongwang nodded with considerable satisfaction: "In that case, Your Majesty can rest assured and stay here."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will take care of all the affairs of the empire, big and small, one by one."

"Your Majesty, you may enjoy fishing and drinking tea here. When you have nothing to do, you can also have someone keep you company and play a couple of rounds of mahjong."

"I'm making this clear today—with Zhuo Yongwang here in the capital, absolutely no one can threaten the Jiang royal family's position!"

"Then everything in the Great Qian Dynasty will depend on Lord Zhuo's great efforts..." Emperor Yongsheng looked at the spirited Zhuo Yongwang and quickly said some kind words.

While Yongsheng and his officials throughout North China cautiously followed suit, they couldn't help but secretly mock themselves: "The emperor is now fawning over his subjects, having to greet everyone with a smile. This emperor is truly something else..."

"Your Majesty is too kind."

Zhuo Yongwang spoke politely, but his expression showed no politeness whatsoever. While adjusting his formal attire, he said to the silent Emperor Yongsheng, "Supporting the royal family and revitalizing the Great Qian Dynasty are all my duties."

"As long as we can run our Great Qian well and allow His Majesty to rest easy, what does it matter if I, Zhuo Yongwang, am a little tired?"

As he spoke, Zhuo Yongwang reached out and patted Emperor Yongsheng on the shoulder: "Your Majesty, please eat well, drink well, and sleep well in the capital!"

"Now that I, Zhuo Yongwang, have arrived, Your Majesty can finally rest easy."

"Anyone who dares to be disrespectful to the Great Qian royal family should first ask me, Zhuo Yongwang, if I will allow it!"

Zhuo Yongwang looked at Emperor Yongsheng, who was smiling obsequiously and dared not say a word, and his smile grew even wider.

After entering the city, all of Zhuo Yongwang's actions sent the same message to people.

That means—from now on, the capital city will be under Zhuo Yongwang's protection!

The era of Zhuo Yongwang has arrived!