Even though the ministers of Lin Country had successively acknowledged Feng Ninghe's identity, Lin Yuran still maintained her denial.
She had waited a hundred years for this day to ascend the throne. Now, with Feng Ninghe interfering, how could she willingly hand over the throne that belonged to her?
The Grand Tutor then turned his gaze to Feng Ninghe, his words laced with a hint of inquiry, "Empress, what has happened to your appearance?"
What puzzled everyone most was the transformation of her visage.
Feng Ninghe's face was entirely different from the former Empress, which also led a minority to still harbor doubts about her identity.
Facing the question, she moved her lips and explained softly, "My physical body perished, but my soul did not. I was fortunate enough to survive through a twist of fate. For the past century, I have troubled all of you with the care of Lin Country."
The Grand Tutor shook his head dismissively, refuting her words, "Empress, your safe return is a great joy for Lin Country. The rest is what we ministers are duty-bound to do."
"Lin Yuran, I am aware of everything you have done for Lin Country."
Feng Ninghe turned her head and looked at Lin Yuran, "Now that I have returned, Lin Country will no longer be your concern."
Lin Yuran froze on the spot.
It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck her from the heavens.
No one knew the bitterness and torment she harbored within.
She had finally managed to climb her way up, only for an unexpected obstacle to appear!
More importantly, a hundred years ago, she had killed the Empress in order to ascend the throne herself.
Now that the Empress had returned from the dead, she would never forgive her lightly.
Sensing Lin Yuran's distress, Ji Binyu spoke up, "Grand Tutor, Lin Country cannot have two Empresses. Today is the Princess's coronation day, and there are so many cultivators observing. Should we not carefully decide who will succeed to the position of Empress?"
Lin Yuran finally regained her senses and quickly chimed in, "Indeed. For the past hundred years, I have dedicated myself to Lin Country, working tirelessly. My efforts have been witnessed by all. Today is my coronation day, and now, the former Empress has suddenly appeared..."
She would never yield the position of Empress.
"Lin Yuran, I have acknowledged your century of hard work for Lin Country. The Imperial Seal has recognized its master, and only I can be Empress."
Feng Ninghe spoke, her cool eyes fixed on the woman before her.
The Imperial Seal's choice had already revealed to everyone who was more suitable to ascend to the throne.
No one else deserved this position but her.
The Grand Tutor nodded with slight approval, specifically looking at Lin Yuran, and gently advised, "Princess, your abilities are evident to all. Henceforth, we will rely on you to continue assisting the Empress."
As the Grand Tutor spoke, the court ministers also quickly voiced their opinions, "A princess is still a princess and cannot be compared to an Empress. Only one recognized by the Imperial Seal is the true Empress and worthy of the throne!"
"Although today has been a spectacle for the various sects, the return of the former Empress is an honor for our Lin Country!"
"However, the Empress was missing for a hundred years. The country has undergone significant changes during this time. It remains to be seen whether the Empress can adapt to the shifts in the court's dynamics."
Many ministers in the court had been bribed by Lin Yuran and were now quickly speaking out to aid her.
The Grand Tutor scoffed at this, casting a cold glance at the dissenting ministers, "Are you all questioning the choice of the Imperial Seal? Lin Country cannot be without its Emperor!"
These words instantly silenced the ministers.
Feng Ninghe gazed at Lin Yuran quietly, a slight smile playing on her lips. A strand of her spiritual energy, intentionally or unintentionally, fell upon Lin Yuran, "Speaking of which, I should properly thank you from a hundred years ago. Otherwise, I would not have become a daughter of a noble family in Li Country during these years and cultivated diligently."
Her clear, cold voice carried a hidden meaning.
A hundred years ago, her Phoenix Bones had been forcibly stripped from her, and Lin Yuran had plunged a sword into her heart.
If Phoenix Bones could be used by others, they could reshape one's spiritual roots.
Logically, Lin Yuran, having stripped the Phoenix Bones, should have used them on herself. However, she detected no trace of Phoenix Bones on this woman.
If she could find the Phoenix Bones on Lin Yuran, she could expose the truth of her death and reveal Lin Yuran's true colors to the public!
The simple words entered Lin Yuran's ears, and she almost lost her footing, instinctively taking a step back.
Others might not understand the meaning behind her words, but Lin Yuran understood them all too well.
This woman had come for revenge!
Feng Ninghe had not forgotten the grievances from a hundred years ago!
Lin Yuran's expression did not change much. She suppressed the panic in her heart and maintained her composure, "Empress, what are you saying? Contributing to Lin Country is my duty; you need not thank me."
Ji Binyu's effeminate face was clouded with gloom, as he pondered how he would establish himself in Lin Country in the future.
Feng Ninghe withdrew her gaze and swept it across the ministers. Her cold, clear voice slowly descended, "The coronation ceremony has turned into a return ceremony. There is no need for pleasantries, esteemed ministers. Please continue the celebrations."
With that, she vanished from everyone's sight.
Lin Yuran was both flustered and enraged, biting her lip as she stared at Feng Ninghe's retreating figure.
Just a little more, and she would have been able to ascend the throne as the new Empress!
That damned woman who should have died a hundred years ago, how could she have returned safely after a century?
Even with a changed face and a different voice, this woman was still as detestable as ever!
"Yuran, let's go," Ji Binyu said, looking at Lin Yuran, his head slightly lowered to conceal the viciousness on his face.
Lin Yuran understood his intention and nodded slightly.
They left the coronation hall and strolled through the imperial harem.
As she turned, Lin Yuran seemed to notice something. The features on her face contorted tightly, and she strode forward.
Not far away.
Palace servants were clearing away the crabapple blossoms.
The vibrant white crabapple blossoms were being uprooted and piled on the ground.
"Stop!"
Lin Yuran rushed forward, her anger surging. Her beautiful, delicate face was contorted with ferocity, "What are you doing!"
The palace servants did not cease their actions and continued to clear the crabapple blossoms.
One of the maids replied politely, "Princess, the Empress has ordered all crabapple blossoms in the palace to be removed. She does not wish to see any crabapple blossoms in the palace from now on."
Upon seeing crabapple blossoms, Feng Ninghe would think of Lin Yuran and involuntarily feel nauseated.
Crabapple blossoms were refreshing and bright, with no fault of their own. However, they were Lin Yuran's favorite flower. Because of this, she had cleared out all medicinal herbs within and outside the palace to make space for planting crabapple blossoms.
Feng Ninghe was merely returning the favor in kind.
"What?"
The words entered Lin Yuran's ears, and she reacted as if her tail had been stepped on. Her face contorted, "Lin Ninghe is so petty that she cannot tolerate crabapple blossoms! I believe she cannot tolerate me!"
She was intelligent.
Removing all the crabapple blossoms from the palace was a warning to her.
Lin Ninghe had returned, and Lin Country was no longer under Lin Yuran's control.