Rita gazed at Kiana, her eyes filled with gentle affection, and continued:
"From that moment on, the late emperor, who once held high hopes for Lady Kiana, no longer groomed her as his successor. Perhaps he believed a ruler could not afford to be so naive and compassionate.
It was also from then on that Lady Kiana dedicated herself to reclaiming barren lands and fostering trade. For ten years, she tirelessly worked to increase food production and facilitate the distribution of more sustenance along the Empire's trade routes, thereby averting several potential famines.
At the same time, I never again saw Lady Kiana waste even a single grain of food. Her appetite is voracious, often making her meals seem extravagant, but regardless of the quantity before her, she would always eat until every plate was practically licked clean, leaving not a morsel behind."
Rita gazed with a smile at the sleeping Kiana while subtly observing Zeke's changing expressions. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly with disappointment—still, there seemed little emotion stirring within him. Could this emperor truly be so indifferent, unaffected by such beauty and pure goodness?
Durandal gazed at Kiana's sleeping face, her perception of this former mistress entirely transformed. After a moment, she bowed with heartfelt admiration.
"Lady Kiana, truly a paragon of virtue!"
After a long period of contemplation, Zhuge Kongming stroked her chin uncertainly.
"Wait, when my grandpa designated me as heir apparent—did he mean to imply that I'm colder-hearted and less kind than her?"
As Zhuge Kongming continued self-reflection, Rita gently tapped her on the shoulder.
Zhuge Kongming looked up, blinking innocently.
Without speaking, Rita subtly glanced toward Zeke before looking at Kiana, her eyes flickering with a message incomprehensible to outsiders.
Taken aback for a brief instant, Zhuge Kongming solemnly rose to her feet and bowed respectfully to Zeke. "Your Majesty, the matter of the Hound of Heaven concerns the very foundation of our nation. We must engage in further deliberations. As it is already late tonight, to avoid affecting tomorrow's official duties, please allow us three to withdraw promptly. We will swiftly devise an appropriate plan—and yes, Senior Shi and Senior Fu, given your profound mastery of the Profound Gate and martial arts, any guidance you can provide would be invaluable. May we request..."
"Granted. Senti, you may join them. As for Fu Hua, find her yourselves."
With that, several individuals swiftly exited the grand hall.
Kiana's eyelids fluttered slightly.
The palace quietened down. Zeke leaned back, slowly closing his eyes as if about to take a nap on the spot.
Just then, Kiana, curled up on the table, rolled over and fumbled with her collar, pulling at the white sleeves. The black fabric covering her chest slid down, revealing beneath it a red undershirt accentuating her ample, rounded curves.
"Mm... So hot..." Kiana mumbled groggily, without any deliberate coquettishness; she couldn't feign such gestures or tones convincingly.
However, this scene was already quite suggestive enough.
Suddenly, the room's temperature plummeted, particularly around the table where Kiana lay, freezing almost instantly.
"Sss—"
"Achoo!"
Startled by the chill, Kiana hastily wrapped her clothes tighter around herself. After an involuntary sneeze, she instinctively opened her eyes.
Her gaze met Zeke's tranquil, indifferent stare.
Zeke remained silent.
Kiana was equally speechless.
The slightly ambiguous atmosphere instantly turned awkward.
"...Ah, my Emperor, how did I end up here? What happened? What time is it now?"
"You woke up while Rita was speaking. Based on your hormone levels and blood flow rate, the alcohol's effects should have worn off."
"Uh..."
Zeke's voice was calm, devoid of both desire and anger.
However, this very detachment made Kiana, harboring her secret intentions, instinctively cover her face, feeling so embarrassed she wanted to bolt out of the grand hall immediately.
Zeke folded his arms and spoke deliberately, "Let me take a guess—what were you, Zhuge Kongming, and Rita planning silently among yourselves?"
Kiana fell silent.
"You deduced from our occasional remarks that my departure is imminent, with little time left. Concerned about ensuring the stable progress of the nation, you've been contemplating one question: How can we make him stay? If not possible, at least devise ways for the highest authority to continue unbroken. From the perspective of a feudal imperial system, the best solution would naturally be establishing a successor to the throne."
Kiana fell silent.
"Many traditions of the Empire have undergone reforms, but the core principle of hereditary rule and bloodline succession cannot be easily shaken in a short span of time. Otherwise, the legitimacy of the entire ruling system would be jeopardized. Based on this foundation, once I depart, neither you nor Zhuge Kongming, as members of the old imperial family, would be suitable to directly ascend the throne without causing unrest among the populace.
"At the same time, the new Emperor's reign is still young, and the residual influence of the former royal family won't dissipate swiftly. Your current positions of power, Kiana and Kongming, already perpetuate the legacy of the old dynasty.
"With the new Emperor ascending amidst the fall of the old monarchy yet not fully overthrown, the most ideal heir to the throne would naturally be someone with lineage from both the new Emperor and the old royal family. Such an heir would possess unquestionable legitimacy; even if they were just an infant, everyone would rightfully rally behind them after my departure. With all four of you present, it could ensure a smooth transition of supreme authority..."
Before Zeke finished speaking, Kiana had clutched at her clothes with one hand and pulled her hair with the other, her face flushed as she roared indignantly:
"Why can't you believe that I genuinely like you for who you are?!"
Zeke shook his head resolutely.
"It's not like I'm gold, and even if I were, not everyone likes gold. We've known each other for a short time, and I've been mindful to maintain distance and limit our interactions. There's no reason for you to harbor feelings for me. In any case, what you seek is a child with both my bloodline and that of the old royal family. It could be you... hmm, considering antiquated notions from the past era, even Zhuge Kongming at twelve years old might suffice. If factoring in imperial traditions of harems and expanding lineage branches, perhaps your true intention is to have as many children as possible. What I'm saying is, you can give up on this idea."
"You... alright! I admit, Rita convinced me, and some of what you said rings true. But I'm not so casual either, you know? Throughout my life, I've never felt attracted to any man. If it weren't for finding you visually appealing, do you think I'd willingly offer myself?!"
"If unwilling, actively giving up would be best for you. Firstly, our levels of existence differ greatly; given your physiology, it's impossible for you to bear my offspring—you simply couldn't conceive. Secondly, I am already committed elsewhere, with no interest in involving others. Thirdly, even if I did have descendants, I wouldn't confine their lives to such a trivial world. Instead, I would take them away with me. So, I'm going to rest now, feel free to do as you please."
As Zeke rose to leave the grand hall, he glanced at the stars above and silently shook his head.
They feared him growing independent once he departed, yet also wanted to manipulate this rigid system for their own gain! If all else failed, they could simply find any orphan as a puppet figurehead. As long as these women diligently worked with Zeke to successfully pilot the System, he would fully acknowledge such a child's legitimacy. With key insiders' endorsement, who could question the heir's rightful status?
There were plenty of viable options, but choosing to lust after his body is just absurd! He already had a family, with three partners no less, each requiring careful attention—a headache enough, isn't it?