“Grand General Xu has entered Yunzhou? So quickly.”

In the Imperial Garden, the weather was pleasant today. Zheng Yi accompanied the Empress and Consort Duann as they basked in the sun within the garden.

Empress Lu Lin’er was already seven months pregnant, her belly slightly protruding, and her face had become a bit rounder.

Her once perky chest was now even more rounded, exuding maternal radiance.

On the other hand, Xu Qingluan, being three months pregnant, did not yet show any signs, her physique still agile.

“Your Majesty~”

Upon hearing the report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Xu Qingluan appeared somewhat concerned.

“Could anything happen to my father? Traveling all the way from Binzhou to Yunzhou in just over two months, how can he endure it?”

Zheng Yi said, “Fear not, my love. Grand General Xu has been an Innate Powerhouse for nearly ten years; even the Fire Spirit is not his match, let alone these insignificant rebels?”

“Besides, I have secretly dispatched Chen Zhong and Chen Yi to Yunzhou to guard Grand General Xu. With three Innate Powerhouses, I truly cannot fathom who in this world could stop them?”

“Three Innates…”

Xu Qingluan felt considerably relieved, but still worriedly said, “But, what about my elder brother there?”

“Xu Xuanwu will not perish either.”

Zheng Yi said, “Grand General Xu’s journey from Binzhou southward to Yunzhou may seem furious, but he has left some leeway.”

“The most likely scenario for Xu Xuanwu is that he will be beaten by Grand General Xu and then brought back to the Capital City for trial.”

Xu Qingluan said, “Your Majesty~”

“Alright, my love. I know what you want to do.”

Zheng Yi held Xu Qingluan’s hand and said, “Let’s discuss further after father-in-law brings your elder brother back.”

“Yes, yes…”

Just then, Liu Cheng’en approached quickly.

“Your Majesty, Meng Guang requests an audience.”

“Oh? So soon?” Zheng Yi’s eyes flashed as he said, “Let him in.”

“As you wish!”

In the 5th Year of Zhengyong, Meng Guang pledged allegiance to Zheng Yi, who entrusted him with unlimited trust.

He was tasked with taking people to the shores of Binzhou to build the North Sea Navy, provided with men, troops, funds, and cannons as needed!

For nearly four years, Zheng Yi had also relied on the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Shadow Guard to investigate the North Sea Navy and Meng Guang’s intelligence.

The information indicated that Meng Guang remained very loyal to the Imperial Court and to Zheng Yi.

In just three short years, he had organized a large naval group of over one hundred thousand people.

Among them, there were over thirty large battleships and more than a thousand small ships.

Each large battleship was equipped with ten Red Coat Cannons, making them extremely powerful.

Lu Lin’er stretched lazily and whispered, “Your Majesty~ I feel a bit weary, may I take my leave for a rest?”

“Go ahead, Lin’er, have a good rest.”

“Hmm~”

With the help of her personal maid, Lu Lin’er slowly stood up.

“Are you not leaving, Consort Duann?”

“Oh, right, right…”

Xu Qingluan, feeling a bit flustered, suddenly realized and quickly stood up, saying, “Your Majesty, this concubine takes her leave.”

“Take good care of the Empress and Consort Duann.”

“As you command~”

With a company of more than ten palace maids and eunuchs attending, Lu Lin’er and Xu Qingluan slowly walked towards the exit of the Imperial Garden.

Just a few steps away, they encountered Liu Cheng’en leading a tall, fully armed general exuding a salty sea aroma, striding towards them.

Seeing the two women, Meng Guang immediately stepped aside to pay his respects, saying, “Your servant Meng Guang, greets the two Noble Ladies!”

“Hmm.”

Lu Lin’er nodded slightly, “Are you Meng Guang?”

“Yes!”

“Serve His Majesty well, and you will not be wronged.”

“Yes… Noble Lady.”

Beside him, Liu Cheng’en softly reminded, “This is the Empress, and this is Consort Duann.”

Meng Guang paused, then immediately knelt and said, “Your servant Meng Guang, greets the Empress and Consort Duann!”

“I had not recognized the noble ladies earlier, I hope the noble ladies will forgive me.”

“No matter.”

Lu Lin’er waved her hand, saying, “Go inside, don’t keep His Majesty waiting.”

“As you command!”

Meng Guang rose and slowly stepped back.

Lu Lin’er and Xu Qingluan also slowly departed.

“Consort Duann, what do you think of this Meng Guang?”

“A brave and mighty warrior, I’ve heard that His Majesty has much trust in him?”

“After more than three years without returning to report his duty, the upheaval of ten provinces, and he comes back now, if not for a position, for what?”

Lu Lin’er said disdainfully, “Moreover, although this fellow seemed respectful just now, his eyes were rather disagreeable, unlike the respectfulness of other outsiders.”

Xu Qingluan furrowed her brows, “Is that so? How come I didn’t notice?”

“You? Your mind is full of Grand General Xu and Xu Xuanwu right now, it’s normal not to notice other matters.”

Lu Lin’er confidently said, “Just wait and see, this Lord Meng Guang will surely reach a high position among ministers in the future.”

“Maybe he’ll be like Grand General Xu~ hahahaha…”

Being pregnant for so long, Lu Lin’er grew more weary. After saying a few words, she lost interest.

With a wave of her hand, the sedan chair parked outside the Imperial Garden immediately approached, and their personal maids helped the two women onto the sedan chair, directing them to their respective chambers.

Imperial Garden.

Meng Guang took a couple of quick steps and, still several paces away from Zheng Yi, knelt on the ground, even sliding forward three to five paces, respectfully saying:

“Your humble servant Meng Guang, kowtows to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand years of life!”

Zheng Yi’s mouth twitched and said, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Award a seat!”

Two little eunuchs brought over an Eight Immortals stool, and Meng Guang cautiously sat with only half his buttocks on it.

“Long time no see, Your Majesty’s presence is more majestic than ever.”

Zheng Yi appraised Meng Guang from top to bottom, “Indeed, it’s been over three years, and Lord Meng has become more formidable.”

At this time, Meng Guang appeared more mature and confident compared to three years ago.

His skin was slightly darker and rougher, clearly from long exposure to the elements.

Warfare at sea is unlike on land, often not seeing land for months. Meng Guang’s survival until now and the development of the North Sea Navy to its current state is no small feat.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep