Shenjing City, the Imperial Harem.

Since Chen Yuan returned to the Central Plains, he had been relaxing. The past year had indeed exhausted him somewhat, as one thing followed another.

Waves upon waves, with hardly any time to rest.

Now, with the large-scale southern expedition imminent, he was taking a brief respite to ease his tense mind.

Of course, Chen Yuan didn't feel any great sense of crisis. Ten years was close, but still some time away, and he had already reached the mid-stage of the Earth Immortal realm.

In truth, there was no opponent left under the heavens.

Someone as strong as the Burning Sky Demon Emperor before, if he were to stand before him now, he wouldn't say he could be annihilated with a wave of his hand, but a life-and-death battle would definitely not be needed again.

Within the harem, Consort Xu, Shen Yanshu, Yu Qingyan, Shangguan Hong, Zhang Wanshu, Princess Pingyang, and Consort Yang basically got along peacefully.

Previously, Empress Dowager Yang had 'passed away' from illness; now it was the newly added Consort Yang.

Although people with ulterior motives couldn't hide it, it was a matter of face, and it was enough to deceive the common people. After all, Chen Yuan was now considered a wise and divine sage in the hearts of the general public.

And Ma Ke of Anle Company had already observed mourning for Empress Dowager Yang for half a year on the surface.

Currently, Chen Yuan was not an emperor, but in reality, he was better than an emperor. And his previous decision to temporarily supervise the country as Prince Regent had caused no small amount of opposition in the public and officialdom.

However, what they opposed was not Chen Yuan's regency, but the fact that he had not yet proclaimed himself emperor.

The Jin Emperor Sima Ke had already moved into the Anle Duke's residence. Now that the Northern Barbarians were pacified, the Western Regions submitted, and the Eastern Island knelt in surrender, except for the Southern Border demon race that didn't dare to poke its head out after being beaten.

The world was almost without enemies.

Why not proclaim himself emperor?

The soldiers were waiting for rewards, and those 'original shareholders' who had invested in Chen Yuan early on were looking forward to the founding of the nation. Therefore, this was the main topic of discussion in the world at present.

Even Sima Ke, during his 'mourning,' sent a memorial every day, pleading for the Prince Regent to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor, while he would abdicate and become a subject. He hadn't stopped since Shangjing City was breached.

But almost no one knew what Chen Yuan was worried about, which was that once he proclaimed himself emperor, a huge amount of national destiny would weigh on him. According to what Emperor Taizu of Chu said,

It would greatly reduce his speed of cultivation.

Under the shroud of national destiny, even comprehending the rules would not be so simple.

This was the fundamental reason why Chen Yuan did not proclaim himself emperor after taking Jing City, but instead became the Prince Regent. Of course, he also wanted to sit on the dragon chair legitimately and see how it felt.

However... after comprehending the earth rule and entering the mid-stage of the Earth Immortal realm, Chen Yuan had a different view, because his cultivation was not solely based on comprehension.

National destiny might suppress him somewhat, but definitely not as strong as imagined.

And if he could condense national destiny, then... his combat power would definitely increase again, and he could even fight against existences in the late-stage of the Celestial Immortal realm.

Also, what Emperor Taizu of Chu said was about the destiny of the Human Emperor. If it was just national destiny, the suppression didn't seem to be too great for him now.

"What is Your Highness thinking about?"

Princess Pingyang, kneeling on the side, saw that Chen Yuan seemed to be a little absent-minded, and asked softly.

Shen Yanshu and the other women also turned their gazes over, with some inquisitiveness in their eyes.

"This Prince was thinking about whether or not to establish a nation and ascend the throne," Chen Yuan replied, smiling lightly.

Princess Pingyang nodded. She was really afraid that Chen Yuan was thinking about letting them... all do that together. Although she didn't care about that thing and had already prepared herself,

But... it's better to continue delaying it if possible.

"What does Your Highness think?" Bei Mingxue, who hadn't been very present, asked softly.

Since the center of Yan Wang's Mansion moved from Shuzhou City to Shenjing City, as one of Chen Yuan's women, she was naturally directly brought into the imperial palace.

It's just that because Chen Yuan hasn't proclaimed himself emperor yet, the title seems a bit strange.

"This Prince is considering the pros and cons. Ziyue, Pingyang, what do you think?" As the two most thoughtful women in Chen Yuan's harem, Chen Yuan respected their opinions quite a bit.

Su Ziyue smiled faintly:

"This concubine naturally agrees very much. After all, I have been coveting the position of empress for a long time. I believe the other sisters think so too."

Consort Xu nodded: "What Wangfei says is true."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Your Highness, this concubine believes that delaying the matter of ascending the throne for too long is not a good thing," Pingyang chimed in.

"Tell me."

"Mount Shu Holy Land, Taixu Immortal Palace, Biyou Immortal Palace, Goddess Immortal Palace, Martial Emperor City, Tianmo Hall, and Wudang Immortal Mountain, as well as so many other forces, followed Your Highness to fight for the world before the world was even pacified.

They have made great contributions. Jiang He, Chen Huaiyi, Xu Yan, and many other strongmen have done the same. According to this concubine, although they are superficially awed by Your Highness's power,

They dare not rashly urge you to advance. But now, everyone in the court is expressing this opinion, probably hoping that Your Highness will take a step further as soon as possible and ascend to the throne.

The people of the world, the soldiers in the army, have been looking forward to this for a long time. Your Highness's prestige has reached its peak, and they are constantly looking forward to Your Highness's ascension to the throne,

Bringing a true golden age to the world.

If this matter is constantly suppressed and the emperor is not proclaimed for a long time, I am afraid that these people will be disheartened. Furthermore... the Great Jin Dynasty exists in name only, and even the emperor lives in the Anle Duke's residence.

But Your Highness has not proclaimed himself emperor for a long time, and the ministers and officials do not know how to define their identities. After all, the former Jin Dynasty has not been completely destroyed, and the Great Yan Dynasty has not been established..."

Princess Pingyang explained her opinion, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages for Chen Yuan.

"Sister Pingyang is right," Zhang Wanshu chuckled.

"This concubine only has superficial views, and the final decision still depends on Your Highness," Princess Pingyang shook her head. She would not take credit for this, because she believed that Chen Yuan must also be clear about these reasons.

He was just hesitating because of something.

"Is Your Highness considering between going south and ascending the throne?" Su Ziyue asked suddenly when she saw that Chen Yuan was not speaking.

"Yes, the southward army is almost assembled. It seems that ascending the throne would delay some time."

"Your Highness is wrong to think so."

"Oh?"

"This concubine dares to ask, what are the chances of winning for Your Highness's southern expedition against the demons?"

Su Ziyue asked knowingly.

"This Prince sees no possibility of losing." This was derived from his own strong self-confidence, not Chen Yuan's arrogance.

"Then if the Southern Border is destroyed first, Your Highness will have no enemies for the time being after ascending the throne. If you don't consider other things, this concubine believes that after ascending the throne and proclaiming it to the world,

To personally lead the expedition as the first battle of the dynasty will have a better effect. In this way, it will be easier to deal with the Immortal Realm in the future."

Su Ziyue stared at Chen Yuan and said softly.

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes and nodded slightly:

"This... makes some sense, but the matter of ascending the throne is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. We must proceed step by step."

......

That night, Chen Yuan summoned all the strongmen in the capital, including Jiang He, Chen Huaiyi, Tianxu Daoist, Zhao Danqing, and Lingxu Daoist, among others.

Although the decision made by the court was to send troops south to attack the demons, and nearly a million troops had already gathered at Zhennan Pass, most of these people were practicing in the capital.

Except for Xu Yan, who went to Zhennan Pass because of Moro, there was basically no unrest.

Inside the Imperial Study.

Chen Yuan, who was not an emperor but better than an emperor, sat calmly in the position that originally belonged to Jingtai, asked Jiang He and others to sit down, and made a gesture of discussing important matters.

This made Jiang He and others look at each other, not understanding what was going on. Why were they suddenly summoned? Could it be that something big had happened again?

It shouldn't be...

Now that the world has been pacified except for the Southern Border, the Southern Border demon race is becoming more and more honest under the threat of the court, and is now hiding in the depths of the Southern Border.

Logically speaking, the court should be at peace now, except for the threat from the Immortal Realm above.

"This Prince has been away from the capital for half a year, so I have troubled you to guard the world," Chen Yuan smiled lightly, and with a wave of his hand, several cups of immortal tea floated in the air in front of Jiang He and the others.

"It is our duty to work for the Prince Regent," Tianxu immediately stated.

"Your Highness, is there something wrong that you summoned us today?" Chen Huaiyi saw the gazes of the others falling on him, then took a sip of the immortal tea and took the lead in asking.

As Chen Yuan's uncle, he was one of the few confidants, and even in front of Chen Yuan today, he still had some status.

After all, no matter how strong he was, he was still his uncle.

"Yes, this poor Daoist is also a little confused."

"Could it be that the demon eradication is about to really begin?" Lingxu Daoist's eyes moved and he said. He felt that this guess was the most likely.

Because the court had been gradually increasing its troops to the south over the past six months, and when to take action was only a matter of one sentence. They didn't even need to voice their opinions.

As the strongest person in the mortal world, even if Chen Yuan didn't engage in one-voice leadership, he was developing towards this trend.

"This Prince summoned you all because it is indeed related to the demon eradication. This Prince has been in seclusion for half a year, and after returning, I heard that the voices of the people of the world and the officials in the court advising this Prince to ascend the throne are getting louder and louder.

Therefore, I am hesitating about this matter. Do you think it is better to eradicate the demons first, or to ascend the throne first?"

Chen Yuan's indifferent gaze swept over the few people, as if he was asking for their opinions.

"This..."

Hearing that Chen Yuan was starting to consider ascending the throne, the other Yang God True Lords, except for Jiang He, all looked at each other with some excitement.

Was their previous investment finally going to pay off?!

They had been waiting for this day for a full year.

Why did they repeatedly provide assistance when Chen Yuan was weak? Wasn't it for the founding of the nation? Wasn't it for what Chen Yuan had promised them back then?

"What do you all think?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, this poor Daoist believes that the war to eradicate demons can be completely used as the first battle after the founding of the nation, and it can also be regarded as a gift for the new dynasty. As for the matter of ascending the throne and establishing the nation, it has been delayed for a year.

It should not be delayed any longer. Now the people of the world have been looking forward to Your Highness's ascension to the throne for a long time, and all kinds of confusing news have been repeatedly spread in the Jianghu. If you don't ascend the throne all the time,

It would be chilling the hearts of those people who have been looking forward to Your Highness for a long time. It would also chill the hearts of those soldiers who risked their lives to overthrow the violent Jin Dynasty."

Tianxu Daoist suppressed the excitement in his heart and said as calmly as possible.

"I also think so."

"The war to eradicate the demons is not in a hurry. The establishment of the nation also depends on Your Highness's consideration. It is also possible to establish the nation after destroying the Southern Demons. This poor Daoist thinks that Your Highness should have some decisions in your heart."

Zhao Danqing was silent for a moment before opening his mouth.

"Indeed."

Jiang He nodded.

He was not very enthusiastic about the establishment of the nation. If Chen Yuan hadn't entrusted the affairs of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to him, he wouldn't have wanted to manage it. He would rather accompany his wife.

He would prefer to cultivate in seclusion, hoping to step into the sixth realm sooner.

"Uncle?"

Chen Yuan looked at Chen Huaiyi.

"Well... the soldiers in the army also have some discussions about this, especially after Your Highness returned from the Northern Expedition. Many people are looking forward to Your Highness ascending the throne and rewarding them legitimately.

However, some opinions have been suppressed, but it is not a big deal." Chen Huaiyi pondered for a while and said euphemistically.

"Da... Da..." Chen Yuan's fingers tapped on the table rhythmically, and the atmosphere in the Imperial Study fell into silence. After a moment, Chen Yuan opened his mouth and said:

"Since the hearts of the people of the world are inclined, then... let's choose a good day to ascend the throne. After ascending the throne, we will start the southern expedition to eradicate the demons, as the first merit of the establishment of the dynasty."

"Your subject... obeys the decree!"

Tianxu Daoist immediately bowed and saluted.

"Your subjects obey the decree!"

"Your subjects obey the decree!"

The few people in the Imperial Study all stood up quickly and paid homage to Chen Yuan with the etiquette of subjects, as if he had really become the emperor at this moment.

"Well, go and prepare for this matter."

Chen Yuan nodded.

......

......

Under Chen Yuan's instruction, the matter of ascending the throne also began to unfold quickly. At the beginning, Chen Yuan went to court as the Prince Regent supervising the country for the first time on the second day.

After receiving the instructions, Ma Ke of Anle Company directly presented the abdication edict that had been prepared long ago, 'voluntarily' abdicating and giving way to Chen Yuan, to create a golden age for the people of the world.

"Ke has no virtue or talent, and only ascended the throne because he was a prince of the violent Jin Dynasty. After ascending the throne, he was unable to manage the affairs of the world, resulting in frequent disasters and great chaos in the world.

The Prince Regent is accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and the hearts of the people are inclined towards him. Ke believes that only the Prince Regent's ascension to the throne can convince the world. Please, Prince Regent, for the sake of the people of the world, ascend the throne... proclaim yourself emperor!"

Under the Golden Luan Hall, Sima Ke, wearing a dragon robe, solemnly held the edict in his hand and bowed to Chen Yuan. Those voices continued to echo in the hall.

"Your subjects second the proposal!"

"Your subjects second the proposal!"

"Your subjects second the proposal!"

The civil and military officials on the left and right rows all knelt down.

"This Prince pacified the world for the sake of the people only, and never thought of ascending the throne. Everyone... these words are going to put this Prince in an unjust position."

An old man with white hair and beard, leaning on a crutch, said in a deep voice:

"The Prince Regent pacified the Central Plains and ended the troubled times. It is an unprecedented achievement. He overturned the Japanese slaves in the east and eliminated the sea disasters of our Central Plains. He pacified Mount Ling in the west and rescued the people of the thirty-six countries in the Western Regions.

He launched a northern expedition to the grasslands and opened up everlasting peace for the northern border of our Central Plains. He defended the southern border and protected the people of our southern border. Everything is seen by the people of the world.

If the Prince Regent does not ascend the throne and open a new dynasty in the Central Plains, the people of the world will not be convinced.

This old man begs the Prince Regent to take on this responsibility for the sake of the people of the world. In this way... even if this old man is buried underground, I can close my eyes."

"Yes, the Prince Regent pacified the troubled times and protected the Central Plains. The violent Jin Dynasty first emperor sacrificed the blood of our Central Plains people, causing the wrath of heaven and resentment from the people. It was the Prince Regent who beheaded him on Zijin Mountain.

If Your Highness does not take it, how can the world be at peace?"

Another old man stepped forward and said.

"This Prince's ambition lies in the peace of the world. What I have done is only to be worthy of my heart. I have never thought of usurping the throne. Everyone, please step down, lest this Prince fall into an unjust position."

Chen Yuan waved his hand, expressionless.

It seemed to be a so-called three-time refusal, but there was not a trace of refusal on his face. Everyone knew it well, but it was just to make this matter more legitimate.

It would be somewhat unlawful to accept it without saying a word.

What Chen Yuan sought was the future position of the Human Emperor, and he did not care about such small matters.

Otherwise, according to his character, he would have accepted it long ago.

Why shouldn't he sit on the world he had conquered?

"If the Prince Regent does not take this position, who else in the world is qualified?"

"Yes, yes."

"Your subjects respectfully request that the Prince Regent ascend the throne and seek blessings for the people of the world."

Voices kept ringing out.

"If the Prince Regent does not take this position, Ke will kneel and die in the Golden Luan Hall today. The late emperor did many evils, and I, as his son, can only use this to repent of my sins!"

Sima Ke said loudly.

Just then, Tianxu Daoist and Zhao Danqing appeared on Chen Yuan's side, and the two looked at each other and directly draped the dragon robe over Chen Yuan, letting Chen Yuan 'struggle' to no avail.

They were making things difficult for him.

"Your subjects pay homage to His Majesty!"

"Your subjects pay homage to His Majesty!"

"Your subjects pay homage to His Majesty!"

Seemingly prepared, all the civil and military officials faced Cao Bin and paid homage, respectfully and courteously.

Chen Yuan took a deep breath, looked at the black dragon robe that had been tailored in advance and fitted him perfectly, and remained silent for a moment. He had never expressed the slightest dissatisfaction about this matter.

Instead, he looked at the sky outside with a deep gaze.

For five years now, from a small constable, he had finally... finally reached this step, standing above everyone and becoming an emperor!

"All of you... rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone had an excited expression. Finally... it was legitimate!

"Choose an auspicious day to announce to the world in the imperial city, replacing Jin with Yan, and start the grand ceremony!" Chen Yuan waved his hand, and an invisible domineering aura enveloped his body.

"Your subjects... obey the decree!"

"Your subjects... obey the decree!"

......

After the court session, the news that Chen Yuan had ascended the throne after three refusals and three concessions for the sake of the people of the world spread rapidly in the Central Plains at an extremely fast speed.

Immediately, a stone stirred up a thousand waves, attracting countless people to kowtow in the direction of the capital.

Muttering that the Prince Regent was finally willing to ascend the throne.

It was not in vain that they had been thinking about it.

Under the premise of having gained great fame long ago, Chen Yuan's ascension to the throne did not encounter the slightest obstacle, but showed an enthusiastic atmosphere of universal celebration.