âWhy! Impossible! You canât be impervious to threats⦠unless you no longer wish to secure your throne!â
The empress pointed a dagger at Chu Yihan, her face twisted in ferocity.
Chu Yihanâs Qingfeng Sword was raised, and with just the flash of its unsheathed blade, it knocked the dagger from the empressâs hand.
âClatter!â
On the black, glossy marble floor, it made a crisp sound.
Chu Yihan walked up to her, looking down from above, âEven if you three die, Your Highnessâs reputation will remain unharmed. The people outside the palace, under your command, are now in my control. Should any traitor cause chaos, I shall quell it myself. As for the internal and external troubles of the Great Cheng Dynastyâ¦â
His gaze grew even colder, âYears of my effort have culminated not just in this throne. I have raised an army of a million strong soldiers. Across the Nine Continents, as long as I live, no one will dare invade the Great Cheng Dynasty, or else they will share the same fate as Qi Stateâannihilation!â
This time, Qi Stateâs incursion into the territory of the Great Cheng Dynasty will be repaid with their disappearance from the Nine Continents within three years!
The words of Chu Yihan drained all strength from the empressâs body.
She fell to the ground like a doll.
Her plan had failed, and Chu Chengye was beyond savingâ¦
Chu Chengye heard this too, feeling angry, ashamed, and utterly disgraced!
Chu Yihanâs illustrious achievements only highlighted how incompetent this once proud prince was!
It was an even greater blow to Chu Mingyuan.
He used his last bit of strength to slump into the dragon throne. This was the throne he had schemed to take from his brother, having killed Chu Yihanâs mother to secure it after years of plotting.
But sitting on that throne for years, he never knew that Chu Yihan had amassed an army of a million mighty soldiers!
What a colossal force that was!
With nothing but the throne, he failed to fulfill the Emperorâs duty to protect his nation and subjects.
How empty was his reign on the dragon throne?
How inept indeed!
Tears of self-reproach and frustration slid from the corners of Chu Mingyuanâs eyes.
He closed his eyes and let out a breath. His body slowly slid down from the dragon throne.
When Chu Yihan emerged, Su Yingxue had arrived as well.
She was dressed in a crimson Luo skirt, her hair neatly done up, with a jeweled golden hairpin peeking out, its red tassels swaying in the breeze, accentuating the smile in her eyes, making her even more radiant.
She lifted her skirt and rushed toward Chu Yihan, intending to throw herself into his arms.
But remembering they were in the palace, surrounded by many people, Su Yingxue gracefully curtsied instead, âGreetings, Your Highness. Congratulations on your return to court!â
Although it had been only a few days since she last saw Chu Yihan, in her heart, it felt like an entire season had passed.
She couldnât wait to leap onto him, to cuddle and embrace him.
âMm, rise,â he said.
Chu Yihanâs words felt like a bucket of cold water poured over her.
Su Yingxueâs heart chilled as she looked at Chu Yihan uncertainly, âYouâ¦â
She wanted to ask if he was still angry about the Qin Muyan incident. She had thought it over and was ready to explain. She no longer wanted to hold a grudge against him.
But Chu Yihan, looking completely worn out, said, âYou are the Princess. The harem is your responsibility. Go, pay a visit to Noble Consort Xiao.â
Su Yingxue responded with an âohâ and then Chu Yihan whispered a few matters of business into her ear for her to attend to.
Without any complaints, Su Yingxue nodded, âI understand. I will go right away. But, Your Highnessâ¦â
She wanted him to wait for her, to wait for her to finish so that they could have a proper talk.