Chapter 2438: The End

In the capital.

After the Flower Appreciation Feast, Shao Yunduan leveraged Ding Xiang’s remarks to spread the news that the Empress was bolstering her husband’s reputation. This strategic move elevated Qiao Xuan’s status, and her achievements were widely recognized, ensuring no one dared to diminish her worth.

Shao Yunduan was setting the stage for the future, silencing any potential dissent. His wife had always been deserving of her position, and he made it clear that no one could replace her.

Following August 15th, Shao Yunduan ordered an attack on the Second Prince. The world could not remain divided indefinitely; the chaos and fragmentation had persisted long enough.

In this campaign, the Northwest Army and Shao Yunduan’s loyalists each commanded half of the main force. General Xu led the operation, supported by Deputy Generals Zheng Sangge, Qi, and generals from both the Huaixi Army and the Northwest Army.

After months of coordination and integration, the two forces had merged effectively, ensuring smooth operations without internal conflicts.

On the Northwest Army’s side, General Feng and General Xu deliberately promoted Qi to Deputy General, providing him opportunities to make significant contributions in the upcoming battle. This was a strategic move to prepare Qi for future leadership of the Northwest Army, ensuring his advancement would face no objections.

On the Second Prince’s side, the main force was the Sun family.

Once formidable in battle, the Sun family had grown arrogant over recent years, focusing more on political maneuvering than on maintaining their military prowess. As a result, the morale of their generals had plummeted, and their army’s effectiveness had significantly declined. Compared to the high-spirited and capable Xin Dynasty forces, they were no match.

The Second Prince’s forces were swiftly defeated. Within a month, they were pushed out of cities and abandoned territories, losing control of Hebei and parts of Henan.

The Second Prince, enraged, scolded the Sun family and his generals, but it was too late for recriminations. His attempts to negotiate with Shao Yunduan were met with outright rejection.

Buoyed by their victory, the Xin Dynasty army pressed on, devastating everything in their path and forcing the Second Prince into a series of retreats. By the end of October, Wuchang City was surrounded.

In the third month of the second year of the new dynasty, Wuchang City fell. The Second Prince and the Third Prince committed suicide by fire in the palace, marking the complete destruction of the Great Qin Empire.

When the news of this triumph reached the capital, it was announced that Qiao Xuan was three months pregnant. The double joy of the victory and her pregnancy led to widespread celebration. The empress was elated and extended her congratulations to everyone, feeling that even the heavens were favoring them.

Qiao Xuan touched her belly and joked, “With the world unified and me pregnant, I’m sure there’ll be a flood of petitions asking you to take more concubines soon.”

Shao Yunduan smiled and took her hand, replying, “Empress, I’m perfectly content with you. If anyone complains too much, I’ll simply give them a few more maids to appease them.”

Qiao Xuan covered her mouth and laughed softly.

Shao Yunduan’s gaze softened as he added, “Don’t worry, you’re the only one for me, and that will never change.”

Qiao Xuan’s heart melted at his words, and she nodded with a smile.

She had every reason to trust him. He had supported her rise to power, enhanced her reputation, promoted the Yuezheng Family, and navigated countless female encounters on her behalf. How could she not believe him?

“I miss Anan, let’s get him here.”

“Okay!”

“And Mother and the others.”

“Yeah. Of course.”

“It’s time to arrange Qi and Miss Lan Die’s marriage!”

“We’ll do it when Mother and the others enter the capital. At that time, our family will really be reunited.”

“That’s right. Finally, there’s no longer any threat of worry. It’s great that you and I can live like this for the rest of our lives!”

“It’s going to get better!”

“Yes!”

They exchanged smiles, full of hope.

In the years to come, they would share many more days together, supporting each other and enjoying their prosperity side by side.

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