Chapter 74: The Empress Returns Home

Du Biao was very enthusiastic, and a sharp glint flickered in his eyes as he looked at Liu Zheng.

If Du Biao had previously held a dismissive attitude toward this rising star who had suddenly gained fame, he had certainly witnessed the young man's influence in Liangzhou City over the past few days.

A sponsorship of one hundred thousand silver, and every corner of Liangzhou City was covered in the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce's logo... These days, everyone who came to Liangzhou had basically been brainwashed. Whenever they bought anything, the first thought that popped into their minds was: Does the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce sell this?

Even this morning, while Du Biao was eating breakfast, he looked at the chair leg plastered with a logo and wondered if the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce had a place that sold breakfast.

If he was like this, how could others be any different?

Du Biao's position in the Baiya Army was primarily responsible for commercial operations. Therefore, he was filled with admiration and respect for these few maneuvers of Liu Zheng's. He had not expected such a great talent to emerge in Liangzhou; if this person encountered wind and clouds, he would surely transform into a flood dragon, capable of overturning the heavens and the earth!

Therefore, upon hearing that the father and son of the Liu Family had attended the banquet last night, Du Biao finally could not hold back and stated his intentions directly.

He felt that being open and honest was the only way to show sincerity!

Liu Zheng was slightly startled; he naturally understood Du Biao's thinking. Du Biao had already stated his purpose: their Baiya Army was on the Empress's side! Such an olive branch was even more direct than Chen Ping's arrival yesterday!

Zheng Yue Ru was the same at this moment.

Seeing Du Biao's attitude, she understood everything in an instant! She was already highly intelligent and had a deep understanding of the situation in Liangzhou City. At this moment, Du Biao's appearance seemed to confirm one thing... that the assassin who had attempted to kill them on the road was very likely directed by the man before her!

A sense of sorrow and deep disappointment suddenly flashed through her heart. So, the person she had always thought of as the mother of the world, kind and righteous, was actually a facade! In order to fight for power and position, she had not hesitated to have her own family members targeted...

Liu Zheng took a deep breath and smiled: "Third Leader, Liu Zheng is merely a merchant and holds no official position. I fear this is somewhat inappropriate..."

Given the current situation, he could only refuse.

Because at this moment, Chen Ping and his party, not far away, had also arrived at the city gate, intending to welcome the Empress. In particular, Chen Ruoshi's gaze was fixed fiercely on him and Zheng Yue Ru. Liu Zheng did not want to offend anyone this time; if possible, he only wanted to play both sides and safely sneak back to his Yinzhou.

A flash of disappointment crossed Du Biao's eyes, but he immediately laughed heartily, took Liu Zheng by the arm, and said: "True, true, it was Du Biao who was reckless. Since that is the case, Du Biao will not disturb you further. I hope our two Chambers of Commerce can have more dealings in the future!"

Liu Zheng smiled: "That goes without saying!"

Du Biao laughed heartily and left. By now, the entire city gate was packed with a sea of people, sweating like rain. Under the martial law of the Liangzhou soldiers, the main road was cleared, and the commoners could only wait on the side of the road. The imperial majesty was of the highest order. The Liangzhou Governor Chen Ping had long been waiting on the road with the thirty County Marquises of Liangzhou and the civil and military officials of the Liangzhou Prefecture. It just so happened that today, the gloomy weather of the previous few days had changed to bright sunshine, and the bone-chilling wind was gone, making the scene even more lively.

This was the current Empress, after all. Although she had been married off from Liangzhou, who had actually seen her more than a few times?

Just at noon, a horse galloped from afar, and the person on the horse shouted: "The Empress is virtuous and returns to her hometown to visit her kin. Her benevolent virtue is manifest, and the prosperous age shall flourish forever!"

Chen Ping hurriedly led the officials forward, kowtowing in anticipation: "Her benevolent virtue is manifest, and the prosperous age shall flourish forever!"

From afar, the Empress's imperial procession had already arrived: three pairs of imperial flags, two umbrellas, six Captains, ceremonial officials, and thousands of guards—it was a vast and mighty sight, and one could not see the end of it.

The commoners also knelt down one after another, and many could not help but have tears in their eyes. Over these years, Liangzhou had produced an Empress, which made the people of Liangzhou feel honored and had also brought many policy benefits from the imperial court. Countless people were naturally grateful and sang the praises of the Empress.

"Her benevolent virtue is manifest, and the prosperous age shall flourish forever!"

"The Empress, mother of the world!"

The commoners chanted these two sentences like a mountain of calls and a sea of roars.

Liu Zheng and Zheng Yue Ru also knelt down, but it was clear that Zheng Yue Ru, who had just suddenly figured out the assassination attempt, was no longer as excited or expectant about the Empress's return as before.

It took quite some effort for a procession of several thousand people to move slowly, but Chen Ping remained kneeling and did not dare to stand up.

At this time, a Eunuch walked over and shouted at the top of his lungs: "The Empress is virtuous; the weather is cold and freezing, so it is not appropriate to kneel for long. Everyone, rise!"

The whole city shouted "Long live the Empress," and only then did they rise one after another, followed by various excited and curious gazes looking toward the Empress's imperial carriage. The tall and luxurious Horse Carriage finally arrived before the Liangzhou officials.

"Governor Chen, listen to the imperial decree!"

Chen Ping was overjoyed and moved forward on his knees.

The Eunuch said in a loud voice: "Liangzhou Governor Chen Ping has always been benevolent and virtuous. He has governed the Liangzhou Prefecture, resulting in favorable weather, national peace, and people's contentment, with a prosperous treasury! The Emperor rewards and punishes clearly and does not neglect meritorious officials. As of today, Governor Chen Ping is promoted to Liangzhou Inspector!"

Chen Ping performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows, shouting his gratitude for the imperial grace.

In reality, given the administrative level of Liangzhou, he should have been an Inspector long ago. But because the war in the north had been tense this year, causing the Longyan Dynasty to lose face, he had not been promoted until now. Today, with the Empress returning to visit her kin, it was only natural to look after Chen Ping's feelings.

"Rise! This Palace is weary."

The Empress's voice came from the Phoenix Carriage.

Chen Ping said respectfully: "Respectfully send off the Empress!"

"Respectfully send off the Empress!"

The commoners shouted in unison.

Logically speaking, once the Empress married into the imperial family, she was no longer a member of the Zheng Family of Liangzhou, so she could only stay in the Empress's Imperial Palace that had been prepared in Liangzhou long ago. Then, the members of the Zheng Family would come to the Imperial Palace to kowtow to the Empress; this was the process for visiting kin.

With the Empress's return, there were naturally many high-ranking officials and wealthy people trying every way to present gifts, so the Empress's Imperial Palace would certainly be very busy today.

"Is Yue Ru not going back?"

After watching all this, Liu Zheng sighed at the scale of the Empress's procession and asked Zheng Yue Ru beside him.

Zheng Yue Ru smiled bitterly: "Brother Liu, the Yinzhou Zheng Family is merely a branch of the Liangzhou Zheng Family. Over the years, the Zheng Family has branched out into hundreds of families, large and small. Where would there be a place for me?"

Liu Zheng asked curiously: "Don't you have the title of Liang Merchant from the Empress?"

Zheng Yue Ru mocked herself: "That is nothing more than a protective talisman for us branches."

Only then did Liu Zheng realize that Zheng Yue Ru's status in the Zheng Family was actually so low. In this way, it was indeed not hard to imagine that she had been selectively sacrificed by the Empress.

"Then shall we go and prepare for the Top Courtesan Competition tonight?"

Liu Zheng shook his head with a bitter smile.

With his qualifications, he truly could not even touch the threshold of the Empress's Imperial Palace.

Over here.

After a month-long journey, the Empress finally arrived at the Imperial Palace.

As soon as she arrived at the Imperial Palace, she gave orders that she was unwell and would not see anyone, driving away those who were queuing at the door wanting to kowtow to the Empress. Only then did she have time to bathe, change clothes, and dress up.

"Empress, this servant followed your instructions and went to see the logos on the street you mentioned, and tore a few of them off!"

At this time, a palace maid ran in holding several logos of the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce.

"Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce?"

The Empress was expressionless: "Yinzhou, a mere uncivilized land, has actually produced such a large Chamber of Commerce that even the Baiya Army is interested in it?"

A Eunuch beside her said: "Empress, this Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce is not only adept at creating momentum and developing rapidly, but I hear that this time they have even spent money to prepare a program for the Top Courtesan Competition for the Empress."

"Is that so?"

Empress Zheng Fu laughed coldly: "I hear this Yinzhou County Marquis has a far-reaching reputation; it seems he wishes to obtain a State Marquis title from me this time. Let us see today if this Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce can give me a surprise."

"Your Majesty, a messenger from General Zheng has arrived!"

The Empress raised an eyebrow.

"Congratulations, Inspector!"

"Your promotion to Inspector is well-deserved, sir!"

Over here, at Liangzhou Prefecture.

As soon as Chen Ping returned, he was met with all sorts of congratulations.

He gave a cold laugh: "To me, what difference is there between an Inspector and a Prefect? The current situation in Liangzhou, with the Baiya Army becoming too big to control, is the most distressing matter. Yet, my reports to the Emperor regarding curbing or even annihilating the Baiya Army have been met with no reply! Even the Crown Prince has no method to deal with this Baiya Army!"

The crowd was shocked and urged him to lower his voice, lest trouble come from his words.

Chen Ping sighed deeply.

Nowadays, the mere mention of the Baiya Army in all of Liangzhou made people turn pale with fear; in such an atmosphere, how could he, this Inspector, have any sense of presence? How could he feel at ease?

After dismissing his group of advisors, he thought of the Empress being not far away, and he felt very restless.

Subsequently, he summoned Chen Ruoshi.

Then, looking at her with burning eyes, he asked: "Ruoshi, Father asks you, what are your true feelings toward that young master of the Liu Family?"

"Ah?"

Chen Ruoshi was asked until her face turned bright red; she was instantly overcome with shyness and lowered her head in a panic.

Seeing this expression, how could Chen Ping not know her thoughts? With the current situation being dire, he could only pin his hopes on the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce; if the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce could be supported by him, the Baiya Chamber of Commerce would naturally be held in check. He immediately smiled bitterly: "Since that is the case, Father shall make the decision for you this time!"

"Ah! Father..."

The Lantern Festival, the Top Courtesan Competition.

The Empress was visiting her family, sharing in the joy with the people.

These events combined made everyone currently in Liangzhou look forward to the arrival of the night. Starting today, "Drunken Yinzhou," supplied by the Yinzhou Chamber of Commerce, was available for free-flow drinking throughout the city. However, the Immortal Brew and White Jade Capital had their prices raised by twenty percent over the original! After all, Liu Zheng did not want to lose his shirt. At first, Zheng Yue Ru did not understand the significance of Liu Zheng's approach, but until today, she finally understood what was meant by differentiated consumption...

That "Drunken Yinzhou" was consumed extremely quickly, but by evening, the Immortal Brew and White Jade Capital were also nearly sold out! To Zheng Yue Ru's surprise, the losses from the free-flow Drunken Yinzhou were actually made up for by the profits from the other two fine wines!

The entire Liangzhou City was plunged into revelry.

"Are you ready?"

Liu Zheng looked at Shen Manqing, who had finished her grooming and dressing today, along with a group of top courtesans.

"Rest assured, Young Master, tonight we will certainly stun the entire audience!"

"We vow to help Sister Manqing take the title of Top Courtesan!"

Liu Zheng smiled slightly and took a deep breath. Although he had always been confident, now that the moment had truly arrived, he could not help but feel a little nervous. If he could not attract the Empress's attention today, then all this expenditure and effort would be in vain!

"Let's go!"

Liu Zheng waved his hand, and the women boarded the flower carts one after another.

Who would have thought that just after leaving the door and walking a few steps on the street, a shifty-eyed person would approach them.

"Young Master, do you want to play a little?"

"Toss in a bit of silver, if your luck is good, you can turn your life around and take a wife!"

Liu Zheng could not help but laugh at the absurdity of it.

What kind of era was this, that there were people like this soliciting business everywhere?

He looked on with curiosity: "What are the odds for the various houses?"

The man chuckled: "Young Master, you've asked the right person. For this year's Top Courtesan Competition, the first is naturally the Lanxiang Troupe! Xiao Ruozhi from Jinghua is the most promising to win with the Court Grand Dance! Next is Fengming Tower following closely behind; the Liu Family young master is a genius, and no one knows what other tricks he has up his sleeve!"

A genius?

Liu Zheng chuckled.

He quite liked this assessment.