"Starting today, you are officially appointed General of the Left Battalion of the Imperial Guard, commanding its thirty thousand elite soldiers." The emperor's voice rang through the hall. "I trust you, and I hope you won't let me down."
Xiao Dingtian kowtowed, his voice booming. "Your subject will not fail Your Majesty!"
The entire hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Xu Yanli lowered his eyes, but his thoughts raced.
Thirty thousand elite soldiers!
The Left Battalion of the Imperial Guard was one of the core forces defending the imperial city. Was the emperor really handing it to Xiao Dingtian just like that?
And he had to know that giving it to Xiao Dingtian was the same as giving it to him. Wasn't he afraid of him?
He abruptly looked up and met the gaze of his cheap old man.
He saw a flicker of meaning in the dog emperor's eyes. Then the emperor spoke.
"Prince Xiaoyao."
Xu Yanli froze, then hurried out of line. "Your son is here."
The emperor looked at him, a kindly smile on his face. "You served the country well during your year at Shrek Academy. I'm very pleased. The talents you brought back are especially valuable."
He paused, then enunciated every word. "Starting today, I grant you the authority to act as regent. You may participate in decisions on all major matters of state."
The entire hall erupted.
The authority to act as regent?
That was a privilege reserved for the Crown Prince!
Xu Yanli was stunned too, and instinctively turned to look at Xu Tianran.
Xu Tianran remained seated in his wheelchair, wearing that same gentle smile, but the light beneath his eyes was too murky to read.
Xu Yanli's heart sank. He understood at once.
The emperor was... driving