"I am advanced in years and no longer possess the ambition of my youth. I am incapable of leading the empire's people toward a more glorious future!"
Watching Xue Ye, who spoke with such vigor on the stage, everyone's eyes twitched slightly.
Advanced in years? Under normal circumstances, he could easily live for another decade or more without any issues. This statement was merely an excuse.
After all, he couldn't possibly admit incompetence and abdicate, could he?
On the contrary, Emperor Xue Ye was arguably the most capable and visionary ruler the Heaven Dou Empire had seen in the past millennium!
During his reign, he suppressed two internal rebellions and managed to hold his own against the rapidly rising Star Luo Empire.
Yes, it was only a stalemate.
The Star Luo Empire had developed too quickly and was on the verge of surpassing the Heaven Dou Empire.
If not for the interference of the Spirit Hall, the Heaven Dou Empire might have already fallen.
It was only under Xue Ye's leadership that this trend was reversed.
To say he was a ruler of great talent and vision was no exaggeration.
Of course, if not for the Spirit Hall's interference, the Heaven Dou Empire could have crushed the Star Luo Empire before it had a chance to rise.
Without the Spirit Hall, the continent would have been unified long ago, and the current tripartite balance of power would not exist.
Naturally, the Spirit Hall wasn't entirely wrong, it was merely a matter of differing interests. No one wanted the other side to grow too powerful, unless it was themselves.
This, however, led to constant minor conflicts between the two empires, resulting in the deaths of countless soldiers.
Had the continent been unified earlier, such a situation might have been avoided.
"Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is benevolent and possesses the qualities of a great emperor. In recent years, he has handled state affairs admirably, earning the support of the officials and the love of the common people. He is truly a ruler of exceptional talent."
"Today, I announce my abdication, and the throne shall be passed to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe!"
Xue Ye did not waste much time with words. After declaring his abdication and naming "Xue Qinghe" as his successor, the coronation ceremony began.
The ceremony was exceedingly complex, so much so that even "Xue Qinghe" nearly couldn't keep up.
If the emperor had passed away, the ascension process would have been simpler. However, this was a voluntary abdication, not a death.
Thus, the process had to take Xue Ye's feelings into account.
Only when "Xue Qinghe" donned the crown, wore the imperial robes, and sat upon the throne did the ceremony truly begin.
Yes, after all that, the ceremony was just getting started...
"I am Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, beloved by my father, and now seated upon the throne of the Nine and Five!"
"Today, I proclaim to heaven and earth, to the imperial ancestors, my ascension..."
"Xue Qinghe" sat on the throne, her expression solemn as she recited the prepared script.
Of course, this was merely a formality.
Sitting on this throne was entirely due to Xue Ye's will. As for whether the heavens and imperial ancestors would bless her, that was undoubtedly impossible.
If they had truly blessed her, she wouldn't have failed so utterly in her previous life when she attempted to seize the throne.
Understanding this, "Xue Qinghe" held no fondness for the so-called gods.
Hypocrites, all of them.
Especially that Sea God and the Asura God!
They had killed Tang San, yet he was resurrected and even grew stronger. If such a thing had happened to her, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Those gods were not only hypocritical but also claimed that gods should not easily interfere in the mortal world.
What nonsense...
If not for their interference, perhaps this "second round" would never have happened.
"You've finally grown from a crown prince to an emperor, Qinghe... no, I should now address you as Your Majesty."
Xue Ye stroked his beard and smiled.
His words carried a deeper meaning, hinting at certain individuals, though "Xue Qinghe" herself was not among them.
Upon hearing this, the officials quickly bowed to "Xue Qinghe."
"Long live the Emperor!"
Even the former emperor had addressed "Xue Qinghe" as Your Majesty, so how could the ministers do otherwise?
"Father, you may still call me Qinghe. This formality..."
"Haha, but we are in front of the officials, after all."
Xue Ye was pleased with "Xue Qinghe's" response. She had not let her new status as emperor diminish her respect for him, which was good.
"Xue Qinghe" sighed inwardly. For a brief moment, she wished Xue Ye were truly her father. Alas, it was not to be.
"Your Majesty, you have just ascended to the throne and likely have much to attend to. I shall not interfere here."
With these words, Xue Ye tactfully withdrew. From now on, he would spend most of his time in the imperial harem.
It was often said that emperors lived lives of extravagance, but Xue Ye was not such a ruler.
He had only one empress and three concubines!
And the three concubines were only taken for political alliances.
For an emperor, this could hardly be considered extravagant.
"Xue Qinghe" did not stop him. It was said that a new official would light three fires upon taking office, and an emperor was no exception.
"By my decree, I appoint my teacher, Ning Fengzhi, as Imperial Preceptor..."
The first fire was naturally to promote those close to her, even if only superficially.
Ning Fengzhi's acceptance of "Xue Qinghe" as his disciple had been a transaction of interests.
However, Ning Fengzhi had also diligently taught the crown prince, imparting much knowledge.
After all, Heaven Dou City was not Spirit City. It was impossible to openly train "Xue Qinghe" there, making Ning Fengzhi's role as the crown prince's teacher essential.
Anyone with eyes could see that Ning Fengzhi and "Xue Qinghe" had an excellent relationship. Not appointing him as Imperial Preceptor would have raised suspicions.
No one questioned this appointment; it seemed entirely natural, even to Ning Fengzhi himself.
His investment in "Xue Qinghe" had finally paid off.
As for titles, Ning Fengzhi was already a marquis, the highest rank possible for a non-royal. Ennobling him as a prince was out of the question!
Thus, the title of Imperial Preceptor was more of an honorary position, with little practical authority.
However, for Ning Fengzhi, the significance of this title far outweighed any material rewards. After all, this was the title of Imperial Preceptor!
"Martial God Zhongli, during his time as a guest advisor to the crown prince, has repeatedly saved me from peril. His presence in Heaven Dou City has deterred all who would dare to act against us!"
"I appoint Martial God Zhongli as Imperial Preceptor and grant him the title of Geo Archon!"
"He shall not need to bow in court and may freely enter the palace gates. He is granted authority to command the Royal Knights!"
"Martial God Zhongli's martial prowess is divine, his knowledge vast, and his character noble!"
"I bestow upon him the title of Co-Emperor. To see him is to see me. He shall share in the empire's fortune and faith, and shall be known as the Geo Archon!"
"The Geo Archon!"
The series of appointments left everyone stunned, yet they found it entirely reasonable.
Yes, entirely reasonable!
What kind of person was Zhongli? Every official in the court knew.
He had no interest in politics or titles.
Even with such honors, he would not act inappropriately.
Besides, even without these titles, who could stop Zhongli if he wished to do something?