The abdication of Emperor Xue Ye was the most peaceful part of the change of dynasties in the Heaven Dou Empire.
The old emperor, who had ruled Heaven Dou for decades, had long been utterly exhausted by Spirit Hall's oppression and the blow of internal rebellion.
After Lin Yi led his troops to quell the rebellion and force Spirit Hall's army to withdraw, Emperor Xue Ye voluntarily proposed abdicating in favor of a worthy successor.
However, in the edict of abdication, Emperor Xue Ye made one condition: Princess Xue Ke would be betrothed to Lin Yi as a consort.
The condition surprised many people, but it was also perfectly reasonable.
Though Emperor Xue Ye had abdicated, the imperial bloodline still needed to continue. Marrying Xue Ke to the new emperor would preserve the imperial family's last shred of dignity and leave the Xue Family a chance to carry on its bloodline.
Besides, Princess Xue Ke was breathtakingly beautiful and gentle by nature. She and Lin Yi made a well-matched pair.
Lin Yi did not refuse.
In the way of emperors, marriage alliances were the most direct means of consolidating power.
Accepting Xue Ke meant winning the wholehearted allegiance of the old Heaven Dou imperial family and ensuring a smooth transition for the empire.
He agreed.
After the wedding, Xue Ke was named Consort Shu and granted residence in Moon-Gazing Palace.
However, Lin Yi was busy with state affairs. He successively elevated Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and later Liu Erlong, yet never once set foot in Xue Ke's bedchamber.
The newly appointed Consort Shu was like a flower forgotten in a corner, passing her days in solitude deep within the palace.
One day, Ning Rongrong came to the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty." After paying her respects, she hesitated for a moment,