522: Xiao Se's reaction

"Er, Prince, you must be joking. These are all minor issues."

"It's just that I'm afraid some people won't be convinced when I become the Emperor," Ye Xiaoying said awkwardly.

"Father, don't worry about that. With the Prince as our backer, who would dare to object? Aren't they afraid of having their nine generations executed?" Ye Ruoyi said.

"Er, that's true. In this world, only a madman like Emperor Taian would be so arrogant as to cause trouble for the Prince."

"Anyone with even a bit of brains knows the consequences of offending the Prince."

"In that case, I have nothing to worry about," Ye Xiaoying nodded.

"What's there to worry about? Whoever objects, just kill them. I believe there are plenty of people willing to take their places," Duan Zhengchun said bluntly.

"Exactly, Father. Since you've just taken power, you need to use some methods to intimidate those petty people."

"However, there shouldn't be too many problems. After all, Emperor Taian has lost the people's support over the years."

"I'm just afraid some people are as brainless as Emperor Taian and think that without him, they're qualified to be Emperor."

"Just kill people like that directly; there's no need to fuss over it."

"Furthermore, those belonging to the Xiao Family lineage cannot be left alive," Ye Ruoyi said in a cold tone.

Ye Xiaoying looked at his daughter in surprise, not expecting her to have such a Heart-Nature and methods.

From this perspective, his daughter was more suited to be the Emperor than he was. How about letting his daughter be the Emperor?

An Empress wouldn't be bad either.

"Heh... Daughter, why don't you be the Emperor? How about making you the first Empress of the Nine Provinces Continent?"

"I feel you're more suited for the throne than I am," Ye Xiaoying said to his daughter with a smile.

"Ah? Father, stop joking. I'm a woman; how can I be the Emperor?" Ye Ruoyi's expression changed as she quickly shook her head.

There had never been a precedent for a woman becoming Emperor since ancient times. If she truly became Empress, even more people would likely object.

"Eh, don't belittle yourself. Who says a woman can't be an Emperor?"

"Who gives the Emperor their status? Isn't it given by the common people?"

"As long as one can benefit the people, they are a good Emperor, and the people will support them."

"If one can't benefit the people, it doesn't matter who the Emperor is, does it?"

"If another fellow like Emperor Taian comes along, wouldn't all my efforts be in vain?"

"However, you two can discuss the throne; I don't care who takes it. With me here, Northern Li won't fall into chaos," Duan Zhengchun said, looking at Ye Ruoyi with a smile.

"Father, stop talking about it. I cannot be the Emperor."

"Besides, I don't have much time left. When I die, the throne will still have to go to you," Ye Ruoyi said, shaking her head.

"That's not an issue. I can cure your hidden ailment right now."

"Prince, do you really have a way to treat Yiyi?" Ye Xiaoying looked at Duan Zhengchun in pleasant surprise.

"Of course, anytime. Since we're in the same boat now, I naturally won't go back on my word," Duan Zhengchun said, smiling at Ye Ruoyi.

Ye Ruoyi felt a bit embarrassed by Duan Zhengchun's gaze; her face heated up, and her heart raced.

She thought of something, but she no longer argued with Duan Zhengchun; instead, she felt a bit of anticipation.

Since she couldn't change it, she could only comply.

"Haha... Then let's not delay. I'll have to trouble the Prince," Ye Xiaoying laughed and cupped his hands to Duan Zhengchun.

"No problem, no problem. In that case, I won't disturb the new Emperor's business," Duan Zhengchun said, then took Ye Ruoyi's hand and vanished.

Seeing Duan Zhengchun and his daughter disappear like that, the smile on Ye Xiaoying's face froze.

He hadn't even noticed how it happened at such a speed.

This Duan Zhengchun's strength was even more formidable than he had imagined.

But it made sense; otherwise, where would he get the confidence to do such things?

However, the immediate priority was to stabilize the imperial court and prepare for the Coronation Ceremony.

The news of Emperor Taian's death spread like wildfire, causing an immediate sensation throughout Tianqi City.

Following the sensation, a phenomenon not seen in Tianqi City for many years occurred.

The entire Tianqi City was setting off fireworks and firecrackers.

This phenomenon caused the expressions of the Xiao Family members to turn dark and unsightly.

When Emperor Taian's sons heard the news, they had no intention of resisting and immediately started fleeing.

If it were anyone else, they would never have let it go; after all, it was their Xiao Family's empire.

How could they hand it over so easily?

But now, standing behind Ye Xiaoying was Duan Zhengchun, a peerless expert even more terrifying than the Eternal Life Li of the past.

They had absolutely no confidence in facing Duan Zhengchun.

Thus, everyone chose to flee, but Ye Xiaoying was faster.

All members of the Xiao Family were captured, with only one person spared—none other than the Sixth Prince, Xiao Se.

It was only because he had been deposed years ago and wasn't in Tianqi City that he naturally escaped this calamity.

Upon receiving the news, Xiao Se's reaction was very calm, as if he had known this would be the outcome all along.

"Holy crap, Xiao Se, have you heard?"

"Emperor Taian is dead, killed by my brother-in-law, who then made Ye Xiaoying the Emperor," Lei Wujie said, looking in shock at Xiao Se, who was still drinking opposite him.

He was somewhat shocked by his calmness, but seeing Xiao Se's trembling fingers, he realized he was only calm on the surface.

"Mhm..."

"What? Aren't you surprised at all?"

"What's there to be surprised about? From the first time he sent Dark River assassins to assassinate Prince Duan, the outcome was already decided."

"This news came a bit later than I expected," Xiao Se said, shaking his head.

"Holy crap, really? You actually expected this? Isn't that old Emperor your father? Don't you hate my brother-in-law at all?" Lei Wujie looked at Xiao Se in confusion.

"Hate? Not really. On the contrary, I should thank the Prince."

"In a way, he has avenged me. If it weren't for him back then, my mother wouldn't have died."

"I've always wanted revenge, but my martial arts were crippled, and I never had the chance," Xiao Se sighed helplessly.

At this, Lei Wujie was stunned.

He knew Xiao Se's identity wasn't simple, but he hadn't expected him to be a prince.

And that he had a grudge against Emperor Taian.

"Whoa, Xiao Se, I knew your identity was special, but I didn't expect you to be a prince," Lei Wujie said, looking at Xiao Se in surprise.

"Sometimes, I'd rather not have this identity."

"That way, my mother wouldn't have become a political sacrifice," Xiao Se sighed.

"What now? If your identity is leaked, you'll probably run into trouble," Lei Wujie looked at Xiao Se with concern.

To be honest, he really didn't want to see Xiao Se get into trouble.

"Your concern is unnecessary. I have no intention of rebelling, so they won't come looking for trouble with me."