[Day 2 · Imperial Palace · Hall of Supreme Harmony · Hour of the Rabbit (5-7 AM)]
"The Regent arrives—!"
The eunuch's shrill voice pierced the silence of the great hall. Every minister turned in unison toward the entrance. On the dragon throne, the young Emperor instinctively tightened his grip on the armrests.
The boy wore bright yellow dragon robes and a ceremonial crown, his small frame nearly swallowed by the elaborate vestments. He gripped the throne's armrests with white-knuckled hands, struggling to sit up straight, though his gaze kept darting nervously toward the doors.
Imperial Uncle isn't here yet.
"The Regent arrives—!"
The announcement echoed again.
All heads turned as a figure in purple-gold python robes stepped into the hall. A jade belt cinched his waist, accentuating his tall, slender frame. His features were cold as frost, and his phoenix eyes carried an upward tilt that made him look perpetually disdainful. An aura of unapproachable chill radiated from every inch of him.
This was Regent Xie Lan.
Xie Qingyan strode into the hall, his gaze sweeping across the assembled ministers before finally settling on the child upon the dragon throne. The boy visibly stiffened under his scrutiny.
So this is the puppet emperor from the original novel. Xie Qingyan mused. He doesn't seem entirely useless—merely young and suppressed by those around him.
He stopped beside the dragon throne and did not kneel. Instead, he offered only the slightest inclination of his head. "Your Majesty."
The young Emperor swallowed hard and managed a small voice: "G-good morning, Imperial Uncle."
Xie Qingyan did not respond. He simply stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze turning toward the entrance.
The ministers exchanged glances. The Regent seems even colder than usual today.
"The Duke of Zhenguo arrives—!"
Another announcement rang out.
Yin Wuwang strode into the hall with thunderous steps, cutting an imposing figure in his black military attire. A long saber hung at his waist, and two gold stars gleamed on his shoulders in the candlelight. His expression was hard as iron, his brow carrying the killing intent unique to seasoned warriors. Where Xie Qingyan's presence was cold and distant, his was fierce and overwhelming—yet both commanded the hall equally.
Several ministers instinctively stepped back as he passed. The Duke of Zhenguo's reputation preceded him—a man who had once executed three generals for cowardice on the battlefield. No one wanted to catch his attention.
He took his place at the head of the military officials, and his gaze briefly met Xie Qingyan's.
Xie Qingyan lowered his eyes almost imperceptibly, looking away without a trace.
Yin Wuwang understood immediately. He let out a cold snort and lifted his chin, adopting an expression of obvious displeasure toward the Regent.
It's just acting. With my level of experience—surely I can play one hot-headed general.
As he stood among the military officials, his gaze swept across the hall, cataloging every face, every posture, every subtle shift in expression.
This court is no different from the Demon Realm. He realized with something like amusement. The Prime Minister with his sycophants is just like the Blood Demon Peak's elder council—always scheming, always hungry for more power. The fence-sitters are the same as the minor demon lords—waiting to see which way the wind blows before pledging loyalty. And Prince Huai in his wheelchair... he reminds me of the Shadow Serpent who pretended to be crippled for three hundred years before striking.
The stakes are lower, the players are weaker, but the game is identical. And I've been playing this game far longer than any of them.
Ding!
Little Deer Assistant 9527 chimed in his mind: "Today's court session recommendation: Publicly humiliate the young Emperor! Kick over the dragon throne! Display the dominance of an imperial relative by marriage! Show these officials who the real master is!"
Yin Wuwang's eye twitched violently. He nearly broke character on the spot.
Humiliate the Emperor? Kick over the throne? Was this broken system trying to get him executed along with nine generations of his family?!
He sneered internally. This sovereign isn't actually an idiot, you broken piece of junk.
Meanwhile, on Xie Qingyan's end, Little Deer Assistant 9528 offered its own suggestion: "Recommendation for the Regent: Publicly berate the young Emperor for his incompetence. Display your authority as a power-hungry minister. For maximum effect, consider throwing memorials or slamming the dragon desk."
Xie Qingyan's expression didn't change. In his mind, he responded with a single word: Ridiculous.
Ignoring the system's idiotic advice, he stepped forward. His voice rang out, cold and clear: "Your Majesty, what matters are to be discussed at today's court session?"
The young Emperor tensed at the question, stammering: "I-it's the taxation report from the Ministry of Revenue..."
Xie Qingyan frowned. "The taxation report? Has Your Majesty reviewed it in detail?"
Beads of sweat appeared on the boy's forehead. "W-we... we haven't had time to examine it closely yet..."
Silence fell over the hall. The ministers held their breath.
Xie Qingyan's gaze cut like a blade as he stared at the young Emperor. The atmosphere froze, as if the very air had turned to ice.
The child shrank under his scrutiny, eyes reddening at the corners.
Just as the tension seemed about to shatter—Xie Qingyan looked away.
His tone remained cold, but softened by a fraction: "Your Majesty is young. Reviewing memorials naturally requires time. However, as the Son of Heaven, you must be diligent in governance. Henceforth, before the Hour of the Rabbit each day, Your Majesty shall have finished reviewing the previous day's documents. No exceptions."
He paused, then added: "This minister will have the memorials sorted by category. Urgent matters will be presented first; trivial affairs may be addressed later."
The young Emperor blinked, clearly not expecting the Regent to offer him a way out. He nodded hastily: "W-we understand. Thank you for Imperial Uncle's guidance."
Xie Qingyan inclined his head slightly and returned to his position. His expression remained impassive, but inwardly, he was already calculating his next move.
[End of V1_Chapter 09]
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Court proceeds. Yin Wuwang listens to the tedious taxation report, but his thoughts drift elsewhere. He steals a glance at Xie Qingyan—and one word escapes: "So beautiful."