There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 467 The Bandits' Way Out

She opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Zoya.

"Your Majesty, the road ahead is still long, but the foundation has been laid. I hope you will cherish it."

Zoya nodded earnestly: "General Liang, rest assured, Zoya will live up to your expectations and your kindness."

Ye Bingli leaned quietly against the edge of the pool, her black hair cascading like a waterfall on the water, and whispered...

"I am so happy here that I don't want to go home."

Li Shuchen chuckled, took out a few White Rabbit milk candies wrapped in oil paper that he had bought from the system store from his waterproof shoulder bag, and distributed them to everyone.

"Come on, let's soak in the hot springs and enjoy some candy—double the happiness! Even if we're separated in the future, thinking back to today will still bring sweet memories!"

Sweet milk candy, warm hot springs, and sincere friendship.

The tranquility and joy of that moment are deeply etched in everyone's memory.

Five days later

outside Suleiman

The sky was high and the clouds were vast; at the edge of the yellow sand, new green sprouted. The mission's carriages and horses had been prepared and were about to embark on their return journey.

Zoya changed back into the king's formal robes, donned the Enlightenment Crown, and personally led the civil and military officials to see him off at the ten-mile-long pavilion.

Behind her, the outline of Suleiman City gradually came back to life.

Liang Yuying, Gu Ziying, Princess Changning, Ye Bingli, Li Shuchen, and others had all changed into their travel attire and stood facing Zuoya.

Xu Shaobao, still recovering from his injuries, sat in the carriage and lifted the curtain to look out.

"Even after seeing you off for a thousand miles, we must eventually part ways."

Looking at the women before her who had changed her and the fate of the Kingdom of Boyu, Zoya's emerald eyes shimmered with tears. She suppressed a sob and picked up the farewell wine offered by the servant.

"This cup is a toast to your protection and support along the way, to our camaraderie in fighting side by side, and even more so to... the future prosperity of our two nations and the enduring friendship! Zoya will never forget you!"

"Homage to Your Majesty! Homage to the rebirth of the Kingdom of Boyu!"

On behalf of the delegation, Liang Yuying raised her glass in response, and everyone drank together. The wine was slightly spicy, symbolizing the enduring friendship.

Li Shuchen put down his wine glass, grinned, and leaned closer to Zuoya, whispering...

"Hey, don't overwork yourself now that you're king. Remember to eat and sleep on time. If anything happens... write a letter! Even though it's a long way, there's always a way! Also, that hot spring is really nice. I'll definitely come back for another soak next time I'm here!"

Zoya couldn't help but laugh and nodded vigorously.

“Okay! You’re welcome anytime. The hot springs will always be reserved for you.” She paused, her voice even softer, “Achen, thank you… for everything.”

Li Shuchen patted her shoulder, everything was understood without words.

After bidding farewell to Gu Ziying, Ye Bingli, and Princess Changning, the women's parting was devoid of grand pronouncements; a hug and a glance were enough.

Finally, Zoya looked at Liang Yuying and bowed deeply.

"General Liang, I am deeply grateful. As for the treaty, Zuoya will do her utmost to ensure its implementation and will not disappoint you and your emperor."

Liang Yuying supported her and said solemnly, "Your Majesty is too kind. Take care, and we'll meet again."

rumble

Ma Xiaoxiao

The mission's motorcade slowly started moving, heading east, towards the rising sun, and gradually disappeared into the distance.

Zoya stood alone in the pavilion, gazing at the receding dust, motionless for a long time.

The wind stirred the hem of her robe and the strands of hair beneath her crown. In her emerald eyes, there was the sorrow of parting, but also a resolute light shining forward.

In her hand, she held a small packet of White Rabbit milk candies of various flavors that Li Shuchen had secretly slipped to her before parting, and a note with a funny smiley face drawn on it.

"Go for it! You're the best king!"

The desert wind, carrying the scent of distant oases, sweeps across the newly revitalized land of Boyu, and also blows towards the long road leading to a wider world.

The delegation's carriages and horses once again reached the foot of the Heavenly Gate, but their state of mind was completely different from when they arrived.

The initial wariness and unease were replaced by a sense of ease, almost like returning home.

Liang Yuying specially sent someone up the mountain in advance to inform her old acquaintances of their return.

As the group approached the campsite where they had been robbed, they saw dozens of bandits led by Amu and their leader, Adul, who wore a tattered leather hat...

Not

They should perhaps be called former mountain bandits or remnants of the mountains now; they were already waiting by the roadside.

They were still wearing their worn-out fur coats, but many of their faces were cleaner, and their eyes no longer held numbness or wariness, but rather eager anticipation and barely concealed excitement.

"General Liang! Miss Li! Boss Ruan! Distinguished guests! You're finally back!"

Adul rubbed his hands together, grinned, and hesitated before stepping forward, finally bowing deeply.

The men and women, young and old, behind him also bowed, their eyes scanning the delegation members with eagerness, especially lingering on Li Shuchen and Liang Yuying.

Liang Yuying dismounted and personally helped Adul up.

"Chief Adul, fellow villagers, there's no need for such formalities. We have successfully completed our mission."

Li Shuchen poked his head out of the carriage and waved with a grin.

"Hey! Uncle Adul! Brother Amu! You all look great! Looks like you haven't been doing any 'business' lately?"

Adul blushed and waved his hands repeatedly.

"No, no, we wouldn't dare! Ever since you kind sirs enlightened us and gave us hope for a better life, we've long since given up! We were counting on your good news!"

Ruan Jingshang stepped forward with a smile

"Chief Adul, good news has arrived!"

He raised his voice to make sure everyone could hear him.

"Our Purple Star delegation has officially signed a century-long treaty of trade and friendship with His Majesty Zoya, the new King of Boyu! A fair trade market will be established at the border, where Boyu's jewels and spices can be sold openly and fairly to the Central Plains in exchange for grain, cloth, ironware, and medicine! The treasures you find in the mines and mountains will no longer be subject to layers of exploitation by the golden camels; you can directly trade them at the trade market or sell them to reputable caravans!"

He paused, looking at the faces before him, filled with breathless anticipation, and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Your good days are really coming!"

Silent

then

With a loud "boom"

The crowd erupted in a huge cheer that nearly shook the forest!

Many people jumped up in excitement, hugged each other, pounded each other's shoulders, and tears streamed down their rough faces sculpted by wind and sand.

"It's done! It really is done!"

"Trade has resumed! There's a way to make a living!"

"We no longer have to hide, worry about being caught or killed, or worry about not being able to get food!"

“Princess Zoya…no, Queen Zoya! She really did it! She didn’t forget us!”

"Thank you, Zixing! Thank you, everyone!"

Adul was so excited he could barely speak, grabbing Liang Yuying's hand and shaking it repeatedly.

"General Liang...this...this is truly...wonderful news! We...we..."

He suddenly turned around and shouted to the crowd behind him, "What are you all standing there for! Bring out what we've prepared! Let's treat our benefactor!"