By Imperial Decree, Heaven's Mandate: On the occasion of my imperial birthday, as I ascend to celestial realms, my two sons, Xuan Yao and ---, possess remarkable character, literary and military talents. They are virtuous, humble, kind, filial, and righteous. They are surely capable of succeeding to the throne and continuing my legacy as emperor. Let this decree be proclaimed throughout the land so that all may know it.

In the nineteenth year of Emperor Qing Jia, Emperor Qinding of the neighboring country passed away. His most trusted chief minister read out the imperial edict before his death, proclaiming that the crown prince, the second son, Xuan Yao, would ascend to the throne.

The moment they heard the imperial edict, everyone was shocked. Although the Crown Prince had previously caused a great upset to the late emperor due to the "witchcraft and sorcery" incident, his position as crown prince was never revoked.

And the empress dowager, Tai's mother, was so deeply favored by the previous emperor...

Even if the previous emperor had truly lost confidence in the crown prince, there was still the third prince!

The biological mother of the Third Prince, Xiao Guifei, though she did not enjoy the same favor as Empress Ji, was known for her generous and forthright nature. Despite being in the imperial harem, she never competed or schemed, possessing a demeanor reminiscent of a martial arts practitioner from the rivers and lakes.

...and their relationship with Empress Ji was even better, like close sisters.

The empress dowager should have been treated with the respect befitting her position, but the late emperor never did so. Furthermore, Empress Xiao's brother, General Xiao Chengwu, held dominion over nearly a third of the neighboring country's military forces.

The Empress Dowager's brother, Ji Ling, is known as "Left Prime Minister and Right General". Moreover, the Third Prince Xuan Rui inherited the Xiao family's unique chivalry and courage, being both brave and intelligent.

Even though there was a battle with the Xiongnu two years ago, after returning to the capital, he and several people who were usually close to the General of Cavalry denounced him. The emperor had no choice but to reduce the military power of the Xiao family.

But in the end, he did not relinquish his title of Grand Marshal. He remained a general, though without military authority; just a mere figurehead.

But the general who guards the state's powerful family, how could they possibly lose to the Minister of Personnel's family...

Ren Baixiang racked his brains, but couldn't figure out how this normally unassuming second prince had suddenly won the favor of the late emperor and ascended the throne. But the imperial edict was clear, and despite his bewilderment, no one dared to question it.

Feng Xuanyao ascended the throne as emperor, and his first act was to elevate the former Second Prince's concubine to empress. Ji Qingge, with her gentle nature and obedient demeanor, was immediately crowned as Empress, reigning over the central palace.

The common people sigh, this season truly is the blessing of past lives. They have produced two empresses!

And just as Ji Qingge was overjoyed, the next day she was sent to the Imperial Ancestral Temple by Xuan Yao's most trusted guard. The reason given was to pray for the country, for a period of one year.

Meanwhile, rumors spread throughout the palace that the new empress, relying on her powerful in-law, the prime minister's family, was arrogant and domineering, committing all sorts of wrongdoings and bullying the other concubines....

>Spring has arrived once again.

A year flew by in the blink of an eye. Ji Qingge's prayer period was over, and she was escorted back to the palace by the guard who had brought her there a year ago.

The carriage stopped outside the palace gate, and Ji Qingge alighted with the help of her maid, Linglong.

At noon, the dazzling sunlight streamed down, illuminating the vermilion palace walls, which shimmered with brilliance.

Ji Qingge was startled. She took a light step, moving her lotus-like feet and ascended the nine stone steps.

Her steps faltered, coming to a standstill just outside the palace gates. Gazing at the handsome man seated regally on his throne, Ji Qingge felt her breath catch in her chest for a moment.

With graceful tact, she withdrew.

Ji Qingge came back to her senses and stared intently at the man in the room.

Feng Xuanyao wore a bright yellow dragon robe. The dragon robe was embroidered with a black dragon soaring pattern, and the edges were inlaid with gold thread, making it extraordinarily dignified.

He had a head of ink-black hair tied back with a purple jade crown. His sword eyebrows were prominent, his eyes star-shaped, and his nose high. He possessed a pair of eyes like black obsidian, but at this moment, they were filled with a chilling coldness. His handsome face showed no hint of joy or anger.

No matter how many times she looked at this face, Ji Qingge still couldn't help but be captivated by it.

A year apart, Feng Xuan Yao had become thinner. It was understandable; this past year, their neighboring country had been developing rapidly. Though not to the point of "roads unpatrolled and doors never closed at night," it was significantly stronger and wealthier compared to before.

It is undeniable that he was a good emperor.

Ji Qingge stepped into the room and stood in the center.

Feng Xuanyao stared at Ji Qingge with a condescending air.

He raised his hand, and An Gonggong behind him stepped forward a few steps. He lifted his hand, and only then did Ji Qingge notice the bright yellow object in his hand.

A imperial decree!

The next second, the eunuch's characteristic sharp and shrill voice rang out: "The Emperor has an order!" Then he paused and looked at Ji Qingge who was still standing there dumbstruck. Ji Qingge bent her knees and knelt down straight, "Your Majesty, I receive your command!"

Feng Xuanyao looked at Ji Qingge, who was neither humble nor arrogant, narrowed his eyes, this person, forever so arrogant.

Emperor An continued, "Ji Ling serves as the Prime Minister, the head of the hundred officials, he should set an example for all. Yet, he withheld disaster relief funds, lining his own pockets, deceiving superiors and subordinates, causing the people to be displaced and suffer greatly. His crimes are heinous and unforgivable. He deserves to be executed in the most excruciating way possible. However, because I am merciful, I shall grant him a swift death... The Ji family, exterminate them all! Ji Qingge, as the Empress, is guilty of harboring criminals. Her position is hereby revoked, and she will be given a cup of poison. This is my decree!"

Ji Qingge was struck as if by lightning, incredulously collapsing to the ground, her cheeks filled with tears. This… how could this be possible?

City… Wasn’t that four years ago? It's been so long...

The Emperor wants to execute his father...?

He's actually going to kill his father...

He's the husband! His pillow talk, how could she possibly want to kill her father? And how could his father have done such a treacherous thing!

"Your Highness... no, Your Majesty, please investigate this thoroughly and give my father justice. My father wouldn't do such a thing... he isn't that kind of person... Your Majesty... I only have him left as family..."

Ji Qingge rose to her feet, using the space between her brows to contort into a near-hysterical plea.

Feng Xuanyao's cold and stern face relaxed slightly when he heard Ji Qingge call him "Your Highness."

However, just for an instant, it returned to normal. He stood up and walked out without a word.

Passing by Ji Qingge, Ji Qingge grabbed the corner of the dragon robe and pleaded bitterly: "Your Majesty... spare the Ji family, spare my father. Please..."

Feng XuanYao frowned, his hand tightened, and he pulled a corner of the dragon robe from Ji Qing's hand. He took a few steps out of the palace.

(Editor in charge:james novel)