Bring Peace

Under Guo Rong's directive, the army encamped where it stood outside You Zhou, doing its utmost to defend. Whenever the Khitan harassed them, they were not to take the initiative to pursue.

But not an inch of the land they had taken could be surrendered!

As for Guo Rong himself, escorted by Zhao Kuangyin, Verdant Green Maiden, and the others, he swiftly returned to Bianjing.

"Bianjing is here."

Verdant Green Maiden spoke to Guo Rong inside the carriage.

By then, Guo Rong was already gravely ill. Hearing her words, he merely nodded.

"Good..."

"It's good that we've arrived."

"Let's enter the palace."

The group entered the Imperial Palace.

Guo Rong gathered everyone with the last of his strength and announced his final edict.

On the second day after returning to Bianjing, Guo Rong passed away.

With his final decree, and with Verdant Green Maiden at his side, Zhao Kuangyin smoothly ascended the throne as emperor. He changed the dynasty's name to Song, generously supported the Later Zhou imperial clan, named Empress Fu the Empress Dowager of Zhou and Crown Prince Guo Zongxun the King of Zhou, and had them move out of the Imperial Palace while remaining in Bianjing.

"Imperial Tutor!"

Within the palace, Zhao Kuangyin found Verdant Green Maiden.

Verdant Green Maiden turned and glanced at him.

Zhao Kuangyin now wore magnificent robes, looking every bit the imposing hero.

"After becoming emperor, you really are different."

"..."

Zhao Kuangyin looked somewhat awkward.

"If the Former Emperor had not favored me and abdicated the imperial throne to me, how could Zhao Kuangyin have what he had today?"

"If you do not strive to make yourself strong, then no one's favor will do you any good!"

Zhao Kuangyin nodded, deeply agreeing with her words.

Seeing the sorrow in Verdant Green Maiden's