Chapter 3: The Empress Arrives, and the Court Trembles
Li Feng (the Emperor) stood at the entrance of the Grand Hall, staring at the sea of officials waiting inside. His palms sweated through the heavy, embroidered imperial sleeves. The endless rows of jade pillars, the heavy scent of incense, the suffocating expectations—everything screamed one thing:
He was not ready for this.
And floating lazily near the ceiling like he owned the place was the High Deity, Divine Emperor Xuan Tian, spinning slowly as if he was sightseeing.
The Divine Emperor's voice echoed in Li Feng's skull, calm and annoyingly amused.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Hmm… which new Emperor should we bully today? Oh wait, it's always you."
Li Feng internally panicked.
"...Can you not say that above my head?! I'm trying to look dignified!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Relax. You're the Emperor. Technically. No one can hear me except the voices inside your head."
Li Feng gritted his teeth.
"Technically?!"
The Divine Emperor drifted downward, inspecting Li Feng like a failed exam paper.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Five percent influence is impressive, Li Feng. Not many could achieve such monumentally low numbers while wearing a crown."
"I swear—stop roasting me! Not now! I haven't even had breakfast!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"If I don't roast you, will you even grow? Adversity is nourishment. Besides, watching you squirm is the only reason you aren't dead yet."
"...I literally just became Emperor. I need at least twenty-four hours of emotional stability before I face a court full of ancient manipulators!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Denied. The entertainment begins now."
Before Li Feng could scream again, the Head Eunuch, Gao Ming (the man who delivers bad news dramatically), snapped his announcement.
"His Majesty, the Emperor Li Feng, enters!"
Every official lowered themselves in a practiced, silken rush. Even the Empress Dowager, Liu Yan, dressed in silky gold, bowed with a serene, unreadable face. And beside her stood the Second Prince, Li Ren (the main Antagonist)—handsome, confident, eyes sharper than blades.
Li Feng forced himself onto the imperial dais. He managed to sit without tripping. Survival Task: 1/3 Complete.
The Second Prince, Li Ren, stepped forward with a perfect, deadly smile.
Second Prince Li Ren:
"Your Majesty, forgive our urgency in the wake of your coronation. But banditry has risen greatly in the northern borders. The Minister of War has relayed urgent concerns."
The Empress Dowager Liu Yan stepped beside him, her voice soft but authoritative.
Empress Dowager Liu Yan:
"We humbly request emergency military funds and immediate troop deployment, my child. For the safety of the empire."
Li Feng froze. The classic pincer attack!
"...Military funds? Already? Do they think I'm an ATM?"
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian floated behind him like an evil conscience wearing a diamond halo.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Ah yes… the classic opening move: Give us money, Your Majesty. Predictable. But tremendously entertaining. It gives Li Ren access to the army and the funds to pay them."
"Do you think I'm an idiot? I KNOW what they're doing! It's written on their faces!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Good. You used two brain cells. I am proud. Now use the third one."
"STOP. NO ROASTING SESSION. I AM NOT READY. I need a distraction!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"You were never ready. But continue."
Li Feng inhaled, attempting to look imperial while desperately searching for an escape route. The pressure increased as officials added their voices respectfully, urging him to issue a decree.
And just as the Dowager took another step, ready to press the issue—
A eunuch's voice thundered, cutting through the silence. It wasn't Gao Ming, but an equally dramatic attendant.
"HER MAJESTY, EMPRESS WAN QING, ARRIVES!"
The hall stiffened instantly. The Dowager's fan froze mid-air. Li Ren's eye twitched.
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian perked up like someone just turned on live entertainment.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Oh? The wife is here. This should be fun. Prepare for more smiles, Li Feng."
"WIFE?! I HAVE AN EMPRESS?! Since when?! Did I miss that memo?!" Li Feng choked internally.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Since always. Political marriage. You're the Emperor. You get a wife. Congrats."
"WHAT KIND OF MESSED UP, TRAPPED MARRIAGE DID YOU DROP ME INTO?!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"A very amusing one."
The doors opened.
A woman in regal crimson stepped in. This was Empress Wan Qing (the First Heroine). Her poise was elegant, her expression steady, and her presence alone silenced the entire court better than an imperial guard. Officials bowed deeply.
And then—she stopped, faced the dais, and bowed to Li Feng too.
Li Feng's heart skipped. "…Why is she acting supportive? Is this a feint? Is she planning to stab me in my sleep after being polite?"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Possibly. Keep the suspicion high, it's working."
The Empress stepped forward, her voice cool and carrying an authority that rivaled the Dowager's.
Empress Wan Qing:
"Your Majesty has been coronated merely a week ago. He is currently reviewing the state of the treasury and the national defense policies." Her gaze swept the court like a blade. "Pressuring him for a hasty decree, without verifying the border reports or evaluating the current military budget, is unacceptable and irresponsible."
She continued, addressing Li Feng directly.
Empress Wan Qing:
"I advise Your Majesty to delay the military decree until full investigations by the Minister of Treasury and the Ministry of War are complete."
Delay, but not reject. Oppose them, but politely. Help him, without exposing all her cards.
Li Feng blinked at her, stunned.
The Empress Wan Qing walked to her seat gracefully and sat down, her crimson robes settling like a statement.
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian whispered:
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"You should thank her, Li Feng. She just saved your life for thirty-two hours."
"I'm scared she'll stab me in my sleep."
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"That fear will keep you alive. Good. Now look imperial."
Li Feng took a deep breath, lifted his chin, and spoke the traditional command, his voice echoing with borrowed authority.
Li Feng:
"Let the court begin."
The hall echoed with the sound of kneeling robes.
The stage was set. The Emperor with 5% influence… was somehow still alive.
Li Feng has just been saved by his new Empress what will he do