Chapter 261: The Coronation Ceremony
The next day, all the ministers and royal worshippers of the Star Luo Empire had gathered, awaiting the arrival of the Emperor of Star Luo, Dai Tianyu, in the royal hall.
A few minutes later, Dai Tianyu, walking with the grace of a dragon and tiger, stepped onto the dragon throne and looked down. He found that everyone who was supposed to be there had arrived on time, and he nodded in satisfaction.
"Emperor Xue Ye passed away three days ago, and now the Tiandou border is vulnerable, with distinct internal factions. This is a good opportunity for us to take the city. What do you think, my ministers?"
Dai Tianyu immediately laid out his plan, showing that he had already considered sending troops to seize the city. Some ministers, who were adept at reading the room, quickly began to echo the Emperor's thoughts.
Beside him, the royal high priest, also Dai Tianyu's uncle, Dai Qianming, an 88th-level Soul Douluo, furrowed his brows. After the discussion in the hall died down, he slowly walked to the center of the hall and cupped his hands.
"Your Majesty, the Spirit Hall now dominates the continent, and there are many Title Douluos within it. They have been eyeing both empires for a long time. Would it be wise to strike at Tiandou at this time?"
Under Bibi Dong's leadership, the Spirit Hall had indeed been doing well in recent years, which had made both Xue Ye and Dai Tianyu wary. The borders of both empires had enjoyed rare peace, and now Dai Tianyu was suggesting attacking Tiandou. This made some of the royal worshippers uneasy.
"I understand the high priest's concerns, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our scouts have confirmed that a few of the Soul Douluo border commanders have returned to Tiandou to fight for the throne. Now is the weakest moment for the Tiandou Empire's defense."
"If we wait until Xue Qinghe or Xue Beng solidifies their position, it will be much harder to find such an opportunity."
"All we need to do is take a few cities at the Tiandou border with a swift strike, and I'm sure the Spirit Hall won't be able to respond in time. Do you think they will gather their troops to attack us in Star Luo?"
"Furthermore, can we just let the grudge against Tiandou go unaddressed?"
"This..."
Dai Qianming pondered for a moment before returning to his seat, showing that he neither agreed nor opposed the plan.
With the last obstacle cleared, Dai Tianyu issued the order to prepare for the march, planning to take action on the very day of Xue Qinghe's coronation. It would also serve as a "gift" for the new emperor.
The entire Star Luo Empire operated like a well-oiled machine, swiftly gearing up for war.
Military supplies and food were transported to the borders, and anyone with any knowledge knew that war was imminent.
In the Tiandou Empire's Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue was the first to hear the news of Star Luo Empire's movements through her spies. She coldly smiled and spoke to Ning Bei:
"I was planning on finding an excuse to invade Star Luo after ascending the throne, but now Dai Tianyu has delivered the excuse right to my door."
"Heh, that Dai Tianyu is short-sighted. With the current state of the continent, he dares to start a war between the two empires. It's a gamble that forgets the greater principles for small benefits."
Ning Bei didn't respond, thinking that Star Luo was nothing to worry about in his eyes. Even if Dai Tianyu hadn't taken the initiative to invade Tiandou, once the little angel had solidified her position, he didn't intend to let Star Luo stay too long in power.
When the time came, he would just unleash a beast tide from the Star Dou Forest at the Star Luo border.
Three days later, Tiandou City became lively again as the people quickly forgot the death of the old emperor and prepared to welcome the new emperor.
After dressing in grand robes, Xue Qinghe appeared at the royal cemetery. After paying his respects with the ministers, he proceeded to the Golden Palace.
As time passed, all the heavyweight guests arrived, including Ning Fengzhi, who represented the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect along with Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo.
From the Spirit Hall, Ju Douluo, under the command of Pope Bibi Dong, also arrived to attend.
Other guests, such as the three major commissioners of the Royal Academy and representatives from various kingdoms, entered the palace one by one.
Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, maintained a stiff smile from beginning to end, her face nearly frozen in place. It seemed that after the ceremony, she would need Ning Bei to help her relax her facial muscles.
As the last few guests entered the hall, the little angel's smile slowly faded, and her gaze met Xue Beng's. Both of them's eyes were filled with murderous intent and confidence.
Dressed in the imperial coronation robe, the little angel smiled coldly and walked toward the group, cupping her hands.
"Qinghe greets Lord Yu and Uncle."
"Mm."
Yu Yuanzhen nodded, acknowledging Xue Qinghe's greeting, while Xue Xing's face showed a mocking expression.
"Qinghe, don't you understand that things that don't belong to you shouldn't be taken?"
"Is that so? Does Uncle think that the virtuous and capable eldest son is not as worthy of the throne as the prodigal second son?"
Xue Xing's face stiffened, and with a cold grunt, he refused to engage further with Xue Qinghe.
"Hmph, I won't waste my time arguing with you. The truth will become clear soon enough."
"Heh, so the 'truth' you speak of is about privately mobilizing the border commanders?"
"Do you know that the Star Luo Empire has already decided to send troops to Tiandou?"
The little angel's cold gaze swept across the three Soul Douluo behind Xue Xing. The three men, clearly nervous, avoided her gaze. Xue Xing quickly stepped in front of them, unconcerned, and said:
"To ensure the legitimacy of the royal family, a few sacrifices are necessary."
The two locked eyes, and the tension in the air thickened with a palpable sense of conflict.
It was at that moment that the royal family, who was overseeing the ceremony, stepped forward to separate the two.
"Xue Xing, this is the coronation ceremony of the new emperor. Any issues should be addressed after everything is over. Please consider the bigger picture."
"Hmph."
With another cold grunt toward Xue Qinghe, Xue Xing turned and began speaking with the other distinguished guests, leaving the matter between him and the little angel unresolved for now.
Time passed, and the auspicious time for the coronation arrived. The royal family hurried to the center of the hall and began announcing the start of the ceremony.
After Xue Qinghe offered incense to the heavens, the royal family ordered the eunuchs to bring the imperial crown and prepare to place it on his head.
Just as the royal family picked up the crown from the tray, an untimely voice echoed through the hall.
The expressions of the gathered crowd varied—some were surprised, some had expected it, and others were angry. All eyes turned to Prince Xue Xing.
The royal family overseeing the ceremony showed displeasure and scolded:
"Xue Xing, what is it? Why are you causing trouble at this time? If you don't have a reasonable explanation, I won't let you off."
Xue Xing, unfazed by the royal family's reprimand, calmly spoke:
"Hmph, what is the crime of poisoning the Emperor and the Crown Prince?"
"This..."
A look of surprise appeared on the royal family's face as their gaze swept over Xue Qinghe, who was about to accept the crown.
"But I distinctly heard the late Emperor say that the throne was to pass to the Crown Prince. If, as you say, the late Emperor was poisoned by the Crown Prince, then why would Emperor Xue Ye give such an order?"
"Hmph, at that time, the Emperor didn't know who the poisoner was. If my elder brother had known it was this ungrateful wolf's handiwork, would he have named him Emperor?"
Xue Xing's words made the royal family hesitate. Xue Qinghe gave Xue Xing a comforting pat on the shoulder and turned to face him.
"Uncle, everything must be based on evidence. If you have no proof, then please forgive Qinghe for his impoliteness."
"Hmph, evidence? I naturally have it."
"Someone, bring it forward!"
(END CHAPTER)
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