He had never expected that so much could happen in the outside world during the year and a half he had spent in seclusion.
Even his elder brother, Xu Tianran, had successfully put down the palace coup more than a year ahead of schedule.
And his legs were still intact. That meant the assassination attempt against him had failed, and he was still capable of fathering children.
Ju Zi hadn't saved the emperor's elder brother as she had in the original timeline, nor had she used the opportunity to embark on her path of revenge.
Xu Tianyao jogged all the way to the entrance of Taiji Hall and glanced inside at his father, whose eyes were tightly closed and whose heart had turned to ashes.
Then he looked at his elder brother, who stood before him looking vigorous and full of confidence.
An overwhelming sense of unreality welled up inside him, leaving him somewhat dazed.
Was this what the imperial family was? Was this what power was?
That was right. This was the imperial family. This was power.
Even if you became a Soul Douluo, you still couldn't escape the arrangements of fate. Even if you were a Titled Douluo, you couldn't evade the judgment of even greater power.
Kong Deming had been willing to let him out to witness this palace coup.
He must have hoped Xu Tianyao would come to some realization from it.
As the palace coup came to an end that night, a new sun slowly rose over the Sun Moon Empire.
The following morning, the court officials attended the imperial court.
The emperor's personal chief steward announced the abdication edict on the emperor's behalf.
The eldest prince, Xu Tianran, was appointed crown prince and heir to the throne, with his coronation to take place on an auspicious day.
All the princes, imperial relatives, nobles, and court officials who had taken part in the palace coup and attacked the imperial palace were doomed to have their entire households executed.
The Sun Moon Empire carried out a nationwide purge. Through these ruthless measures, Xu Tianran silenced all opposition and consolidated the central imperial authority.
As the only other surviving prince besides the current emperor, Xu Tianyao was Xu Tianran's most trusted younger brother—and the highest-ranking prince in the Sun Moon Empire.
But at that moment, he was far from relaxed. While the former emperor was alive, he had established a stable peace with the Douluo Three Kingdoms.
So when the Sun Moon Empire's imperial power changed hands and its new emperor ascended the throne, the former Douluo Three Kingdoms—including Shrek Academy—sent envoys to offer their congratulations and celebrate the momentous occasion.
But that wasn't their only purpose. More importantly, they wanted to sound out the new emperor's attitude toward the established situation and his views on the Douluo Three Kingdoms.
Peace was naturally what they hoped for most.
If war proved unavoidable, they could at least prepare in advance, rather than be caught off guard and routed in a thousand li.
To show the new emperor's respect for the envoys, Xu Tianyao—the empire's highest-ranking noble—would represent the Sun Moon Empire in his elder brother's stead and receive them.
His fiancée, Meng Hongchen, would accompany him as well.
This was also a signal to the outside world: the Hongchen Family had fully sided with the new emperor, and Mingde Hall had pledged its complete loyalty to him.
Ming Capital Grand Hotel
In the royal banquet hall on the top floor.
The envoys present were Wei Na of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire, Xue Lingyue of the Dou Ling Empire, and Qian Duoduo, head of Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department.
Whether they had come to sincerely congratulate the new emperor of the Sun Moon Empire or each had their own aims, Xu Tianyao still had to play host and make the empire's position clear.
Xu Tianyao's bodyguard was a Titled Douluo personally trained by Kong Deming. He had once served in the Royal Soul Engineer Legion.
He went by Mad Bear, possessed the Raging Vajra Bear Martial Soul, and was a Level 91 Titled Douluo. He was also a Level 8 Soul Engineer.
"Your Highness Prince Ming, the envoys from the Heaven Dou, Dou Ling, and Star Luo Empires, as well as Shrek, are inside."
Xu Tianyao gave a slight nod. He straightened his prince's ceremonial robes, then entered the banquet hall with Meng Hongchen.
At his appearance, the people who had been talking turned their gazes toward him.
At last, Xu Tianyao met the figures who would one day become renowned throughout the continent.
Seated at the head of the table on the left was Princess Wei Na, dressed in a pale purple gown.
She was beautiful and gentle in manner, and every gesture of hers showed the bearing of royalty.
On the opposite side sat Xu Jiujiu, the Star Luo Empire's Princess Jiujiu.
Compared with Wei Na's softness, Xu Jiujiu was more spirited and decisive. Her beautiful eyes held a trace of scrutiny throughout.
Xue Lingyue seemed quieter still.
The Dou Ling Empire's princess spent most of her time silently observing everyone, rarely speaking first.
The last person was a sturdy, broad-built middle-aged man with a guileless smile.
He must have been Qian Duoduo, head of Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department.
"Everyone, you've come a long way. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."
Xu Tianyao smiled and, with Mengmeng beside him, walked to the seat of honor.
"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Ming."
Everyone rose together to return the greeting. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they sat down again, and the banquet officially began.
Once all the dishes had been served, the formal courtesies gradually gave way to conversation. Xu Jiujiu was the first to raise the evening's topic.
"Your Highness Prince Ming, since we're all gathered here today, Jiujiu won't beat around the bush."
"Hundreds of thousands of troops from your country and my Star Luo Empire are stationed on either side of the Mingdou Mountain Range."
"Although there hasn't been a full-scale war between us in recent years, skirmishes have never ceased."
"My Star Luo Empire hopes to continue the peace policy established during your country's former emperor's reign."
"At the very least, neither side should be the first to start a conflict in the next few years."
As soon as she said this, the entire hall fell silent.
Wei Na and Xue Lingyue also pricked up their ears, since this was what they wanted to know as well.
If the new emperor of the Sun Moon Empire launched a large-scale war after ascending the throne, it would be a catastrophe for every country.
Xu Tianyao gently set down his knife and fork, then gestured for Mengmeng to bring him a napkin.
"Princess Jiujiu, I understand how you feel, but I have no authority to make decisions on military matters. I hope your country's senior officials will discuss this with my emperor in person."
"However, there is one thing I can tell you with certainty."
"The empire has only just completed its transfer of power. Stability is still needed throughout the land, and His Majesty the new emperor is most focused on domestic development, not war."
"At least for now, the empire has no plans to start a major war."
At this, the tension in Xu Jiujiu's eyes eased considerably.
Wei Na and Xue Lingyue also breathed a sigh of relief.
What they feared most was Xu Tianran rushing to make a name for himself immediately after ascending the throne.
If that were the case, the entire continent would soon be shrouded in the clouds of war.
"Your Highness's assurance puts us much more at ease."
Xu Jiujiu smiled and raised her cup, about to toast Xu Tianyao.
"However..."
Xu Tianyao changed tack, raised his cup toward Xu Jiujiu, and continued, "Peace has never been won through words alone. Of course, there's nothing wrong with everyone communicating with one another."
"But peace can only last and remain secure when both sides have comparable strength and aligned interests."
"I hope your country will cherish this period of peace. It hasn't come easily."
Before you continue