Chang'an City, the Mansion of the Grand Tutor.
"We should leave," Diao Chan said softly.
Sage Ruler Han Yue looked surprised. "Not just me, but you're leaving Chang'an too?"
"Yes." As Diao Chan spoke, she took the lead and stepped out of the pavilion.
The previously calm lotus pond seemed to come alive, with the water parting to each side, revealing a pathway leading straight down to the bottom of the pond.
"This secret passage leads directly outside of Chang'an City," she said calmly, showing no hint of a defeated expression on her face.
Sage Ruler Han Yue was quite surprised. She suspected that even Dong Zhuo might not know about this secret passage within his own Grand Tutor's Mansion.
"What about the Pure Land plan?" Sage Ruler Han Yue asked in puzzlement. "Has Dong Zhuo definitely failed?"
Diao Chan's steps did not falter. With no choice, Sage Ruler Han Yue could only pick up her Frost Sword and follow Diao Chan into the passage at the bottom of the pond.
Diao Chan's voice echoed softly in the secret tunnel. "Dong Zhuo was too greedy. In pursuit of power, he actually devoured the entire Xiliang army. He exceeded the limits of what the Devouring Demon Art could withstand, and even I am powerless to turn things around.
What a pity, all of Elder Sister's years of planning and hard work have gone to waste. The Han Emperor Liu Xie has also turned out to be unexpectedly formidable. He was mediocre for many years, yet suddenly comprehended the divine abilities unique to the Son of Heaven.
The so-called Devouring Demon Art was merely an inferior imitation of the celestial emperor's abilities..."
***
In Chang'an City, only a single giant figure remained standing. Sword in hand, his mighty presence commanded reverence and inspired the urge to kneel and kowtow!
The last one left alive was the Han Emperor Liu Xie.
Under the bright moonlight, Chang'an was blissfully free of the foul, pungent black miasma that had plagued it.
"Honorable ministers," Liu Xie said slowly, "Dong Zhuo is dead." His voice was extremely calm, as if stating an insignificant trifle. Neither rushed nor anxious. Neither joyful nor sorrowful.
At this moment, Liu Xie finally embodied the bearing and demeanor of an emperor, his emotions unperturbed.
After speaking, he unconsciously raised his head to gaze up at the myriad stars in the sky. Among the clusters of stars, one small, solitary star shone with particular brilliance.
The faint star usually appeared dim and easily overlooked. But now, it blazed with unprecedented radiance and luminosity.
As if refusing to fade away in solitude, it chose to burn through its lifespan in a final dazzling display, rather than dimly passing its latter days. Watching the small star strive to shine its brightest, Liu Xie saw his own reflection in it.
"Long live Your Majesty! Long live, long live for eternity!"
The elderly ministers knelt, weeping and wailing in anguish. They were stirred with excitement, elation, unable to contain themselves!
The Han Emperor had shattered the darkness with a single sword strike. The black miasma had dissipated from the realm, the traitorous villain left without a complete corpse - what a magnificent feat!
Dong Zhuo. This nightmare that had tormented the hearts of countless in the great Han was personally vanquished by their sovereign lord?
Suddenly, a beam of white light flew out from Liu Xie's body and landed towards a certain residence in Chang'an City.
Countless more white rays departed from Liu Xie, scattering to every corner of the Han domain. Liu Xie's imposing giant form also gradually shrank, eventually returning to normal size.
Everyone immediately understood that the Han Emperor's awe-inspiring, incomparable power was fading away along with the dispersing white lights.
"Your Majesty!?" the elderly minister Lu Zhi exclaimed in shock. He was the first to notice that the Han Emperor Liu Xie's head of black hair had instantly turned completely white like snow in a fleeting moment. This was not a good omen!
"Summon the imperial physicians at once!"
Liu Xie only wearily shook his head. "I… I am without major issues, only fatigued. My ministers need not worry excessively."
The elderly officials could hardly believe it. But since His Majesty had spoken, they could only suppress the fear and sorrow in their hearts.
Fan Li finally emerged from the Honglu Temple along with Princess Chang Le to join Liu Xie's side. At this moment, Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Quan also gathered around.
"Your Majesty."
The three were about to say something when the Han ministers spontaneously formed a wall, separating them from Liu Xie. The wary, guarded gazes of the officials made the trio feel rather awkward.
"This day's battle has indeed left me quite weary," said Liu Xie. If the three of you have official matters, report them at the morning court session in the Weiyang Palace tomorrow."
Cao, Liu and Sun exchanged glances. Finally, the imperial nephew Liu Bei stepped forward and bowed to Liu Xie from behind the wall of ministers.
"This subject has no official business. I am only concerned as a clansman of the Han if Your Majesty is in good health. This could be considered a family matter, no?"
Liu Bei wore a broad, affable smile on his face. In the past, his smile always made others feel welcomed like family. But the elderly ministers only frowned, the human wall remaining firmly in place.
Liu Xie responded with a smile as well. "The Son of Heaven has no family matters. The Left Martial Minister may take his leave."
Liu Bei stiffened. In times past, the Han Emperor often addressed him as 'Imperial Nephew.' Even directly calling his name was more intimate than using an official title.
"...Understood."
Liu Bei quickly regained his composure. He bowed and retreated back to Cao Cao and Sun Quan's side, giving a slight, imperceptible shake of his head.
The three then led their respective armies away.
"Treacherous ministers have brought chaos to the nation, causing the great Han's strength to wane day by day. Now, our lands face existential peril, and our people suffer immense hardship. This is all my fault. From this day forth, I shall preside over court sessions daily to hear policy matters, striving to promptly restore the nation's strength and bring great peace to all under heaven..."
Fan Li was utterly bewildered, wondering if he had heard incorrectly.
Surely not? He thought Liu Xie was going to dictate his final instructions, but instead the man delivered an entire "Five Year Plan for the Revival of the Great Han"?
Staring at the white-haired Han Emperor, Fan Li truly doubted if he even had the vigor and vitality for such ambitions anymore.
After a long while, Liu Xie seemed to tire of speaking. He paused for a few deep breaths before his complexion regained some color.
"From tomorrow onwards, Princess Chang Le, upright in virtue, brilliant in wisdom, a mirror image of myself, shall serve as Regent and participate in state affairs..."
Fan Li wondered if he had hearing problems.
Princess Chang Le?
Regent?
Setting aside the unprecedented nature of a princess serving as regent, did Liu Xie forget that Chang Le also held the title of Queen of Chu?
"I am done speaking. Do any of you have objections?"
Fan Li did have some reservations, but he immediately felt the Han Emperor's warning gaze and wisely kept silent.
Power was the true capital behind one's words. Currently, the Han Emperor possessed that capital, but Chu may not necessarily have it.
"Chu Envoy Fan Li."
"Uhh...this subject is present." Fan Li rolled his eyes internally.
This seemed to be the first time the other party dared to address him so bluntly by name.
"After the celebratory ceremonies, the honorable envoy should have returned to Chu. But I wish to request the honorable envoy to extend his stay for a period of time. During this time, the honorable envoy may freely enter and exit the imperial palace. What are the honorable envoy's thoughts on this?"
Fan Li found it rather baffling upon hearing this. Why let him stay in the great Han?
The privilege of entering the imperial palace? To be honest, Fan Li wasn't too keen on that.
Yet Liu Xie seemed to see through his thoughts, adding as an afterthought, "From tomorrow, the Palace of Lasting Trust shall be renamed the Palace of Lasting Joy, specially prepared for the Princess' residence."
"What does that even mean? Is the Han Emperor giving me directions?" Fan Li grumbled inwardly. He suddenly noticed Princess Chang Le lightly resting one hand on her abdomen.
Damn! How could he have forgotten this detail?
In the Han Emperor's perception, the Princess was still carrying his child!