The news that Prime Minister Xiao had sacrificed himself for the Empress spread throughout the dynasty.
The common people rejoiced, for everyone detested and hated Prime Minister Xiao for his reputation as a treacherous official.
With Xiao Ye's death, the Empress gained complete control.
The court's factions began to crumble. Before eliminating Prime Minister Xiao's influence...
Mu Qinglan decided to give Xiao Ye a grand funeral.
At that time, palace servants carried a coffin, but it did not contain Prime Minister Xiao's body.
Mu Qinglan had Xiao Ye's attendant, Xiao Si, bring over his ceremonial robes and burial hat.
The grand funeral was held at Prime Minister Xiao's manor, with mournful cries accompanied by the deafening sound of gongs and drums.
Marquis Lin'an could not hide his smile.
Outside the manor's gates, countless citizens stood in attendance.
They were not there to see Xiao Ye, but to catch a glimpse of the Empress!
The Empress had actually graced Prime Minister Xiao's manor with her presence. Her gaze was heavy, her expression unreadable.
The surrounding ministers could not fathom Mu Qinglan's thoughts, as she held Xiao Ye's ceremonial robes in her hand.
Did the Emperor truly value Prime Minister Xiao?
They had always believed that the Empress and Xiao Ye were sworn enemies.
Yet, what was unfolding now was that Mu Qinglan showed no joy.
I thought I would be very happy.
On the day of Xiao Ye's death, I was sure I would feel exhilarated.
However, Mu Qinglan's heart felt hollow. She personally carried Xiao Ye's ceremonial robes.
She arrived at Xiao Ye's opulent manor, where countless household servants were weeping.
Whether their tears were genuine or feigned, their cries gave me a headache.
Mu Qinglan walked to the front of the coffin and carefully placed the ceremonial robes inside.
Xiao Ye, you might as well be buried with my own brother.
You've played the role of a treacherous official long enough, haven't you?
Mu Qinglan's gaze was indifferent. She stared blankly at the coffin, as if seeing nothing.
From her imperial yellow dragon robe, Mu Qinglan also placed a book inside.
It was her favorite book from her youth, the one you used to read to me word by word.
A hint of melancholy appeared in Mu Qinglan's eyes. If Xiao Ye had been content to serve as a civil official.
She would have considered Xiao Ye a cherished minister.
But he had to challenge the Emperor's authority.
Mu Qinglan clenched her fists, her breathing growing restless.
Suddenly.
A minister looked towards the right side of the Prime Minister's manor, where a tall figure stood.
It vaguely resembled Xiao Ye!
They exclaimed in shock, "Your Majesty the Empress, there seems to be someone over there!"
Mu Qinglan looked up in surprise.
A man emerged from the shadows, dressed in dark, mysterious robes, a familiar smile on his lips.
"Your Majesty, you have all come to send this humble subject off. This funeral is truly grand."
...
The Blue Star Alliance.
Hao Duoyu became the Queen of Blue Star, and countless humans, though furious, dared not speak out.
He craved luxury and, of course, intended to enslave humanity.
Since Hao Duoyu had few subordinates, the entire alliance of millions consisted of humans from surrounding cities.
He had long since transcended the realm of humanity and transformed into a scaled demonic creature.
Hao Duoyu indulged his nature, and the rules he announced demanded human obedience.
Obedience to his desires, obedience to his commands, Hao Duoyu's commands.
"Report any news of infected individuals to me immediately. Dare to not report, and you will be sent to the execution platform to be beheaded!"
In just one day, these original indigenous citizens were plunged into misery.
The two female war gods, seeing the abject fear of the people, also wished to intervene and stop Hao Duoyu.
However, Hao Duoyu's defenses were impenetrable, and he had been reborn, stronger than ever.
Hao Duoyu observed the captured humans milling about aimlessly, and he did not distribute any food.
A palace must be built for me, Hao Duoyu, in the shortest possible time!
A palace befitting my status.
Hao Duoyu pulled a female human into his embrace and kissed her as she trembled.