Rumor Alliance

Jerome was dead.

He had died before the Imperial Throne ascension ceremony, never getting to be emperor for even a minute.

This came as a huge surprise to his wife, Tiffany. Her original plan had been to let Jerome take the Imperial Throne first, obtain the right of succession, and then let him die... That way, her son Little Ford could rightfully inherit everything Jerome had.

But of all times, he had to die before inheriting the throne.

Tiffany had been misled. In truth, the compounded poison Zhou Ming had prepared could kill after four to five consecutive days of use. Jerome had not died until the sixth day, which showed that his resistance to poison had been quite strong.

Fortunately, Zhou Ming had ultimately achieved his goal—he had eliminated the so-called "new emperor" before the new emperor's ascension ceremony began.

He had removed the greatest threat.

He had completed the most crucial first step.

The entire Imperial Capital immediately fell into chaos.

Three days later, the cause of Jerome's death was also determined: an overdose of potent aphrodisiacs. As for the culprit who had poisoned Jerome, the blame was swiftly pinned on Gadia Li, the "Imperial Capital Canary." Her death sentence was issued just as swiftly. A cup of poisoned wine was forcibly poured down her throat, and that canary met her end.

Jerome's true cause of death was thus covered up.

What concerned the entire empire now was not Jerome's shameful cause of death, but who exactly should become the new emperor.

Since Jerome had only one legitimate son, Little Ford, there were primarily two suitable candidates for the new emperor.

Twelve-year-old Noctis, Zhou Ming.

Ten-year-old Little Ford.

Because Empress Dowager Garnet still supported her most beloved son, Jerome... Even though that son was already dead, the old