Inside the Hall of Governance, while Xiao Wu was struggling internally,
Ye Tian was also enduring immense torment.
However, unlike Xiao Wu, he was pondering whether to accept the position of Imperial Preceptor.
Gazing at Qian Renxue, who sat with a dignified expression on the throne ahead,
Ye Tian was left speechless.
Hadn't it been agreed that he would be given time to consider?
Well, now she had outright named him Imperial Preceptor in the imperial court using the Emperor's First Decree.
If he refused, wouldn't that be a blatant slap to the face of the Heaven Dou Emperor?
At this moment,
Ye Tian finally realized—
Qian Renxue was gambling.
Betting that he would side with her.
Admittedly, staking the emperor's dignity as the wager was indeed a hefty bet.
*Sigh… Ever since leaving East Sea City, I knew this world wouldn't bend to my will.*
Ye Tian let out a quiet sigh.
Qian Renxue's grasp of Heaven Dou's supreme authority would accelerate the unification of the continent by leaps and bounds.
This move would tip the scales of power entirely in favor of the Spirit Hall, potentially sparing countless lives from the ravages of war.
With this thought, Ye Tian stopped hesitating.
At the very least, he couldn't humiliate Qian Renxue in the imperial court.
A newly ascended monarch needed to establish authority,
and appointing favored ministers was one way to do so.
If even this couldn't be accomplished smoothly,
the court officials would inevitably grow disloyal to Qian Renxue.
"Your subject accepts the decree!"
Ye Tian exhaled slowly, then strode firmly toward Chief Eunuch Yu, took the imperial edict with both hands,
and turned to face the assembled court officials.
The moment he turned, he noticed nearly every pair of eyes in the hall fixed on him.
At this instant, he was undoubtedly the center of attention.
With unwavering resolve, Ye Tian raised the imperial decree to the height of his forehead.
"Honored by His Majesty's trust, I am bestowed the title of Imperial Preceptor."
"I, Ye Tian, pledge to serve the empire with utmost dedication, striving tirelessly until my last breath!"
"*What a vow—'striving tirelessly until my last breath'!*"
Qian Renxue's voice rang out clearly from the throne.
She rose, her long legs carrying her to Ye Tian's side.
After locking eyes with him for a deep moment,
she extended her delicate hand and clasped his broad palm.
Together, they faced the court:
"With a pillar of the state like Lord Ye assisting me, Heaven Dou shall surely usher in a new era of glory!"
"Long live His Majesty! Long, long live His Majesty!"
The ministers bowed in unison.
...
After the succession before the late emperor's spirit tablet,
the endless cycle of mourning rituals began.
During this phase, the empire's nobility, princes, and high-ranking officials would take turns offering incense before Emperor Xue Ye's coffin,
demonstrating their loyalty to the departed sovereign.
Even the governors of the provinces had to return to Heaven Dou City to participate.
The four kingdoms nominally subordinate to Heaven Dou were no exception.
However, envoys from these kingdoms would likely take another week to arrive.
Though the death of an emperor was a significant event,
it was not unprecedented, so the proceedings were carried out with rigid order.
Even weeping followed protocol—
the number of cries, their duration, all dictated by rank.
Dukes were allotted more time than marquises,
while minor officials could only glance briefly at the coffin before joining collective mourning.
Among those present, only one young woman wept continuously.
After inquiring with a nearby eunuch, Ye Tian learned
that her name was Xue Ke, Emperor Xue Ye's daughter—
and thus, "Xue Qinghe's" younger sister.
A closer look revealed
that her features bore a striking resemblance to Qian Renxue's disguised appearance.
"What, taken a liking to my sister?"
Qian Renxue had appeared beside him unnoticed.
Following Ye Tian's gaze, she too observed Xue Ke.
"You know I'm already married," Ye Tian replied earnestly.
Only children think they can have it all—adults know their limits.
Though Xue Ke was somewhat attractive, she hardly captivated Ye Tian.
"I just find her pitiable, considering..." He trailed off with a faint smile.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue momentarily lost herself in thought before responding wistfully:
"Such is the cruelty of the game of power."
"I've wronged her."
She openly admitted her guilt.
Once the political situation stabilized, she planned to enfeoff Xue Ke as a grand princess,
granting her a remote territory to rule—
a way to distance her from this place of sorrow.
"Word has come from the Clear Sky Sect. Would you like to see it?"
Qian Renxue's lips parted slightly as she studied Ye Tian.
"Oh?" Curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"Follow me." She beckoned, leading the way to the rear exit of the Hall of Governance.
Behind the hall lay the emperor's private chambers,
where the sovereign could rest after wearying hours of reviewing memorials.
However, Qian Renxue had yet to move in—
she feared nightmares might plague her there.
Once inside the secluded chambers,
Qian Renxue produced a confidential letter and handed it to Ye Tian.
Her beautiful eyes glimmered with amusement:
"The letter says you played a pivotal role in the assault on the Clear Sky Sect."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. I don't even know the sect's location—how could I have aided the Pope?"
Ye Tian unfolded the letter and skimmed its contents.
Understanding dawned, and a faint smile curled his lips:
"Ah, the hot air balloons."
"But credit belongs to Zhou Long—he was the one who proposed the idea to Bibi Dong."
As he spoke,
Ye Tian casually ignited the letter with a flick of his wrist and sighed:
"Who'd have thought the Clear Sky Sect would crumble so easily? A single surprise attack forced Tang Xiao to abandon the sect with his disciples."
"After half a month of siege, Pope Bibi Dong only managed to slay one Titled Douluo."
Qian Renxue sighed helplessly:
"The Clear Sky Sect was simply too cunning—they'd prepared escape tunnels in advance."
"And Tang Xiao actually burned his life force, using the 'Ring Explosion' technique to trap elder sister for half a day."
As the world's foremost sect, the Clear Sky Sect's disciples were among the continent's elite.
In battle, their might was unmatched—and in retreat, none could catch them.
"Tell me, where do you think the Clear Sky Sect will turn after abandoning their stronghold?"
Qian Renxue's eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief as she teased:
"Heaven Dou Empire is a major power—might they seek refuge with us?"
"Unlikely." Ye Tian answered without hesitation.
"The number one sect under heaven still has its pride."
"Besides, they only lost a fortified mountain—not their foundation."
"A sect's true strength lies in its people."
"Still, this defeat has surely shattered the Clear Sky Sect's arrogance."
To lose even their ancestral home—how could they still claim supremacy?
Hearing this, Qian Renxue smiled:
"Whether they submit or not matters little. No matter where they flee, the Spirit Hall will grind them to dust!"
"Something just occurred to me." Ye Tian's expression turned serious as he met Qian Renxue's gaze.
"What is it?" She tensed slightly.
Was he about to confront her about the unilateral appointment?
Truth be told, naming Ye Tian Imperial Preceptor had indeed been a gamble—
a wager that their friendship ran deep enough.
The results proved her right.
"By making me Imperial Preceptor, aren't you just using me as a shield?"
Ye Tian's gaze bore into her.
"What do you mean?" Puzzlement flashed across her face.
"Once you solidify control, you'll align Heaven Dou with the Spirit Hall."
"But the empire and Spirit Hall have always been enemies."
"An abrupt alliance will provoke fierce opposition from the nobility—perhaps even rebellion."
"And as Imperial Preceptor, wouldn't I bear the brunt of being labeled a treacherous minister leading the nation astray?"
"Ah..." Qian Renxue's eyes widened.
This angle had genuinely never crossed her mind.
It made perfect sense.
As emperor, the court wouldn't dare attack her directly—making Ye Tian the obvious target.
His youth and sudden rise to Imperial Preceptor already drew criticism.
If he then pursued "capitulation" policies,
history would brand him a villain of the ages.
For a moment,
Qian Renxue's heart raced with anxiety:
"You're not... planning to leave me, are you?"
Ye Tian smiled bitterly:
"It's just that this scapegoat role is rather heavy."
"Once the 'purge the evil ministers' calls begin, assassination attempts will come in waves."
"Your Imperial Preceptor might spend every day looking over his shoulder."
Hearing this, even Qian Renxue wavered.
She truly hadn't considered these ramifications.
Stationing a few Titled Douluo around Ye Tian wouldn't be difficult,
but absolute security was impossible.
Against relentless assassins, lapses were inevitable—
and one slip could cost Ye Tian his life.
This outcome was unacceptable to Qian Renxue.
After all, Ye Tian was the first man to claim a place in her heart.
Even if they couldn't be together, seeing him regularly
helped fill the void in her soul.
Losing him would render her world colorless.
"I won't stay in Heaven Dou City indefinitely. But I can remain for a while."
Ye Tian spoke thoughtfully.
"So whatever policies you wish to enact, push them through during this window."
"I'll shoulder some of the backlash for you."
"Really?!" Qian Renxue nearly jumped for joy before guilt crept in: "But wouldn't that be too unfair to you?"
"You're such a tease." Ye Tian rolled his eyes.
Playing along, he deadpanned: "Fine, I retract my offer. That way, you won't feel guilty."
Qian Renxue: "..."
"I just wanted to show I care," she protested weakly.
Then, leaning close, her lips brushed his ear as she whispered:
"Don't worry—I won't let you take the fall for nothing."
With rosy cheeks, she hastily retreated.
Left stroking his chin, Ye Tian watched her departing figure in contemplation.
"What's Qian Renxue plotting now?"
(End of Chapter)