A sharp, urgent voice cut through the silence.
The Second Prince stepped forward, his robes still torn and singed from the earlier beating.
He forced a smile, though his face was pale.
"Lord Bai Zihan," he said, clasping his hands together and bowing deeply, "someone of your might deserves to command more than a single clan. I am willing to serve under you-no, to assist you in managing the Falling Star Empire in your stead!"
He spoke eagerly, his voice trembling with excitement rather than fear. The words struck the Emperor like a blade to the chest.
His face twisted in fury, his Qi trembling as he glared at his own son.
"You-bastard child!" he roared, spitting blood. "Even now, you still covet the throne?!"
The Second Prince ignored him, eyes shining with a greedy light that no longer hid behind courtesy.
Before the Emperor could lash out again, another voice rang out.
The Fifth Prince staggered forward, his face still swollen from the earlier beating, clothes tattered, yet his tone was resolute.
"I... I too am willing to serve you! If you wish to rule this Empire, I'll obey every command! Even if you wish to make me servant-I will not complain!"
His words were half-desperate, half-ambitious.
The two princes-once rivals locked in blood and ambition-now stood side by side, bowing before Bai Zihan as if he were the true Emperor of the land.
Their reasoning was simple.
Even if the throne became nothing more than a puppet seat, it was still the throne.
Under one man but above billions-how could they not crave that position? Bai Zihan stopped walking.
He turned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two princes.
For a moment, neither of them could tell what he was thinking. Then-
A small, humorless sound that made the air grow heavier.
"Interesting," he said, his tone calm, yet every word seemed to slice through their hearts.
"You've both nearly lost your lives, and yet you still dream of sitting on that chair."
He was almost amused by how desperate the two of them were.
Bai Zihan didn't really care about the Falling Star Empire or who sat upon its throne.
After all, it was a weak empire, and the resources it possessed were nothing compared to what the Bai Clan had.
But of course, giving up on such an opportunity would also be a waste.
There was also the need to keep eyes on Chong Sheng-and on Elder Shuhai, if he ever returned.
Still, he had no intention of entrusting that to such incompetent people. When the time came, they would likely betray him and serve another.
His eyes slowly fell upon Princess Sun Yaoqing.
"Do you want to become the Empress, Princess?"
Princess Sun Yaoqing fell silent.
The words hung in the air like thunder that refused to fade.
For a brief moment, even the lingering winds seemed to hesitate.
She slowly raised her gaze to meet Bai Zihan's - the man who had shattered their armies, crippled their pride, and reduced the Imperial Palace to little more than rubble and ash.
And yet, she felt no hatred.
If the Falling Star Empire hadn't provoked him first if the Second Prince, her father, and the court hadn't acted so arrogantly - none of this would have
Well, if she Bai Zihan, she would realize that it wouldn't have mattered whether they messed with him. The most update n0vels are published on novęlfire.net
Even if they hadn't crossed paths, Bai Zihan would have eventually come. His
true target had always been the Second Prince.
Though if that had happened instead of what had happened, the palace might have still been standing by then.
Only the Second Prince might have been implicated.
Her hands trembled slightly at her sides, but her voice - when it finally came - was calm.
Behind her, her two attendants, Mingzhu and Meilin, exchanged glances. They understood what was happening, and both stepped forward, whispering
"Princess... you should consider it."
"Yes, Your Highness. You've always been the one most suited to lead. Think what would the Empire be if the Second or Fifth Prince were to take the
Their words were sincere. They had always believed their princess was more than just a royal figurehead.
Princess Sun Yaoqing was known not only for her cultivation talent, but for her poise, intelligence, and compassion.
She managed people with grace, balanced strength with kindness.
Perhaps... She truly could be the bridge between this man and the crumbling
Sun Yaoqing took a deep breath. Her gaze softened, but determination flashed
She stepped forward-the hem of her robe brushing against the cracked marble floor-and bowed deeply.
"If Young Master Bai truly wishes for me to become the Empress," she said, her voice clear and steady, "then I will not refuse."
The Emperor's eyes widened, his lips parting - but before he could speak, she
"However... I have a condition."
The court stirred. The Second Prince and Fifth Prince thought that their Sister was stupid for the condition when she could have become Empress.
Bai Zihan's expression didn't change, though a faint spark of amusement
glimmered in his eyes.
He asked lightly, as if this were all a game to him. "Let's hear them."
Princess Sun straightened her back, meeting his gaze head-on. "There should be no harm done to the citizens of the Falling Star Empire. I
would obey whatever orders you might have but if it concerns people's safety, I
Bai Zihan's expression remained unreadable, the faintest curve tugging at the
He said softly, his voice carrying a lazy amusement that somehow felt more
dangerous than any killing intent.
His crimson eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her-this princess who dared
to bargain with him, not out of arrogance, but out of sincerity and resolve.
She was different from her brothers.
He tilted his head slightly, lips curling into a faint smirk.
"Interesting," he said again. "Very well, Princess. Let's see if you're worth the
He turned away, his cloak fluttering as he began to walk.
"From this day forth... the Falling Star Empire will be under Empress Sun