Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, Government Hall.
Xue Ye, the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, wore a crimson-gold robe and a crown as he sat upon the imperial throne atop the raised platform in the hall.
Xue Ye was tall and straight-backed, with white hair, a long beard, and an aged face. Holding a stemmed glass filled with clear, pure dark-red wine, he drank alone, looking utterly relaxed and content.
Glancing at the young man seated below the platform on the left, diligently reviewing memorials and handling government affairs, Xue Ye's aged face showed satisfaction, and he felt deeply gratified.
In his pleasant mood, he raised his glass and gulped down several more mouthfuls of the dark-red wine. Then he let out a long breath reeking of alcohol, feeling incomparably refreshed.
The young man appeared to be around twenty years old. He was not as burly as Xue Ye, but his posture was equally upright.
His appearance was not exceptionally handsome, but he had a straight nose and square lips.
His features were gentle. At first glance, he gave people an extraordinarily favorable impression—approachable, warm, and mild.
The young man's long black hair was tied with a golden ribbon and fell neatly behind his back.
He wore pristine white robes trimmed in gold thread. A swan was embroidered over his chest, symbolizing his Martial Soul, and his entire person exuded a distinctive aura.
This young man was Xue Ye's third son, the Third Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and the current Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
Several years earlier, the First Prince and Second Prince had died in succession. As Xue Ye realized that his health was deteriorating by the day, he invested the Third Prince, Xue Qinghe, as Crown Prince and gradually handed the empire's government affairs over to