Everyone was stunned.
This was not part of the original plan.
After Xue Ke's speech, everyone was supposed to finish the banquet and leave.
And Xue Ke would have completed the coronation ceremony.
However, Su Bai's actions clearly aimed to boost the new empress's prestige.
At this moment, the ministers loyal to Emperor Xue Ye immediately responded, "Indeed, the new empress has just ascended. We should celebrate. Come, a toast to the new empress!"
"To the new empress!"
"New empress, new beginnings! The Heaven Dou Empire will surely grow stronger!"
With Su Bai leading the way and the support of Emperor Xue Ye's loyal followers, even those dissatisfied with the rise of a female empress had to follow suit.
This was Su Bai's overt strategy.
As long as these people didn't openly oppose it, it would be easier to deal with them in the future.
Moreover, this small act allowed Su Bai to identify who was loyal and who was treacherous.
All that was left was to remind Xue Ke.
During the banquet.
Xue Ke sat beside Su Bai.
The people at the same table felt extremely honored to dine with the empress.
Many even had trembling hands while holding their drinks.
As the banquet progressed, Xue Ke, exhausted from the past few days, held Su Bai's hand and nestled into his arms.
She needed to maintain her imperial dignity in other matters, but in front of Su Bai, she didn't need to.
Furthermore, Xue Ke was aware of the Dragon God Empire mentioned in the will, which the ministers didn't understand.
So she could openly lean into Su Bai's arms without worrying about others' opinions.
However, her actions shocked the entire hall.
"Oh my, she's the empress, yet she leans into a man's arms," someone exclaimed in surprise.
But the official next to him quickly responded, "Don't you recognize who the man beside the empress is?"
"Huh? Who is he? Is he very powerful?" the person asked, puzzled.
The official whispered something into his ear, causing the person's face to turn pale with fright.
Only then did he understand why the empress would lean into his arms.
It turned out he was that terrifyingly powerful man...
Everyone who recognized Su Bai understood the empress's behavior.
After all, he was such a powerful figure.
When the banquet ended, Xue Ke, who had fallen asleep in Su Bai's arms, was gently awakened by him.
She needed to give one final speech.
Fighting off sleepiness, Xue Ke perfunctorily announced the end of the banquet and then led Su Bai to the harem.
Now, this place belonged entirely to Xue Ke.
Hand in hand, Su Bai and Xue Ke walked through the harem garden.
Eventually, Xue Ke, unable to hold back any longer, led Su Bai to her bedroom and pushed him onto the bed.
"You've grown bold, little girl," Su Bai said with a smile, lying on the bed.
Usually, he was the one pushing the girls down.
But today, he was the one pushed down by the empress.
However, Su Bai could tell that Xue Ke was still grieving over Emperor Xue Ye's passing.
So tonight, he would let her do as she wished.
Xue Ke looked at Su Bai, then removed her dragon robe and phoenix coronet.
She climbed onto Su Bai's body.
"Touch me."
Xue Ke took Su Bai's hand and placed it on herself.
She then deftly stripped Su Bai.
Together, they became one.
"Mm~~"
Xue Ke couldn't help but moan under Su Bai's touch.
"Hng~"
Seeing Xue Ke's fair skin, Su Bai's desires surged.
"Ugh..."
Su Bai flipped over and began a night of intimate growth with the empress.
...
In the morning.
Su Bai was awakened by movement on him.
He looked up to see Xue Ke in motion.
"Mm~"
Su Bai felt immensely comfortable.
Especially in his sleep, it was a sensation of extreme pleasure.
"Xue Ke, lie down," Su Bai commanded, feeling the need for a more intense outlet.
With hazy eyes and a flushed face, Xue Ke obediently lay down. Su Bai then fully took control.
"Brother Bai, I..."
Xue Ke was fully immersed in pleasure.
Later, as Su Bai slowed down, Xue Ke expressed her desire to serve him more.
So she flipped over, taking the initiative.
Her alluring body allowed Su Bai to enjoy her softness thoroughly.
Xue Ke had thought it through.
Although she was the empress, her current position was all thanks to Su Bai.
Without Su Bai, the seven days of mourning could have been fraught with danger.
Even last night's banquet went smoothly because of Su Bai's presence.
Without Su Bai, the Heaven Dou Empire might have fallen apart the moment she ascended.
The Spirit Hall had always been eyeing the opportunity to strike.
So, Xue Ke was immensely grateful for everything Su Bai had done.
Expressing gratitude seemed too formal, but not showing it felt wrong to Xue Ke.
Thus, she constantly wanted to serve Su Bai.
She wanted him to enjoy his time with her.
However, soon she felt herself weakening.
"Brother Bai..."
Xue Ke's legs turned to jelly.
But she hadn't yet given Su Bai the utmost pleasure.
Su Bai laughed, his hands exploring her body.
Making Xue Ke gasp for breath.
Her movements slowed down.
She had intended to please Su Bai, but his superior skills had her melting.
Seeing Xue Ke getting into the mood, Su Bai gently laid her down and took control.
"Brother Su Bai, Brother Su Bai..."
Xue Ke murmured, dazed.
Su Bai chuckled.
After another round of intimate growth, Su Bai and Xue Ke lay on the bed to rest.
Breathing heavily, Su Bai said, "Now that you're empress, I should leave."
"What?"
Xue Ke propped herself up, looking at Su Bai. "So soon?"
Su Bai sighed, "I've been in the Heaven Dou Empire for nearly half a month. I have other things to attend to."
"But... I'll miss you," Xue Ke pouted.
Su Bai caressed her delicate face. "Don't worry. Govern the Heaven Dou Empire well, and I'll come back to see you."
"Then... it's a promise!" Xue Ke extended her pinky. "Let's pinky promise."
"You're an empress now, still doing pinky promises?" Su Bai laughed.
Xue Ke smiled, her fair face full of reliance.
She fully trusted Su Bai, completely captivated by his charm.
*********************
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