The Third Empire!

Chapter 20: The Third Empire!

Heaven Dou Empire Palace, State Council Chamber!

At this moment, Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire was discussing the details of a peace treaty and a three-party ceasefire with ministers from the Star Luo Empire.

As for why Xu Nian'an was not present, it was simple.

As the Heaven Dou Empire was the power backing the Great Ming Kingdom, the two great empires only needed to settle the details, and then simply inform Xu Nian'an afterward.

In the face of an empire, a kingdom had absolutely no say.

For instance, the entire territory of the Great Ming Kingdom, including the lands seized from the Star Luo Empire, was technically Great Ming territory.

In reality, however, it flew the banner of the Heaven Dou Empire and belonged to the Heaven Dou sphere of influence.

If the Star Luo Empire wanted a ceasefire, they only needed to negotiate directly with the Heaven Dou Empire behind the Great Ming Kingdom.

In truth, the Star Luo Empire was convinced that the Great Ming Kingdom would never have dared to snatch back the Star Shine Duchy or occupy the Galloping Wolf Kingdom right under their noses without the tacit approval of the Heaven Dou Empire.

After all, how could a mere kingdom dare to challenge an empire?

Unfortunately, what they did not know was that Xu Nian'an had come this time specifically to resolve this trouble.

He no longer needed the protection of the Heaven Dou Empire's wings; he intended to stand on his own and declare himself Emperor.

Clatter, clatter~

Just then, an imperial physician dressed in white ran in, flustered.

He forced his way into the State Council Chamber.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! The Second Prince, the Second Prince... has passed!"

Seeing the physician force his way into the chamber, Emperor Xue Ye frowned.

But upon hearing the man's words, his pupils constricted violently.

His second son, who had been frail since childhood and had been suffering from a strange illness for a month, had finally failed to hold on and had... died!!!

Hearing this news, the minister from the Star Luo Empire also had a slight change in expression, and he could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

It seemed the three-party ceasefire and the signing of the non-aggression pact would have to be delayed once again.

Thump, thump, thump, thump~!!!!

Before Emperor Xue Ye could even process his grief, a series of rapid footsteps rang out again.

"Fa... Father, Third Brother participated in the Tiandou Hunting Festival and was assassinated... and killed... in the Hunting Forest!"

The person who rushed in was none other than Xue Qinghe, his eyes red, his face deathly pale, and his entire body trembling uncontrollably.

"Wha... what? Chuan, too...!!!"

Hearing this news from Xue Qinghe, Emperor Xue Ye staggered, collapsing heavily back into his seat.

"My... son!!!"

"Who... who on earth could it be? How dare they...!"

Xue Qinghe slowly lowered his head, remaining silent, while a flicker of joy slowly emerged in the depths of his eyes.

"Report!"

At that moment, another person burst in.

"The Second Prince and the Great Ming King have been assassinated by remnants of the Galloping Wolf Kingdom. The Great Ming King is furious and has now issued an order to annihilate the kingdom!"

Whoosh~

Hearing this news, the minister from the Star Luo Empire could no longer sit still, his face changing drastically.

"No, he cannot do this!"

"The main force of the Galloping Wolf Kingdom has already been destroyed, their capital has been breached, and they have declared total defeat."

"We accept high reparations and territorial division, but we absolutely do not accept them turning their blades against defenseless civilians."

"This does not conform to international practice, it violates human ethics, it is immoral!!!"

Thump, thump, thump~!!!!

Just then, a series of crisp, clear footsteps rang out once more.

Accompanying them was a voice filled with unbridled fury.

"International practice, violating human ethics, morality... Heh..."

"These beastly remnants have already tried to kill This Seat, and yet I am supposed to kindly protect them, is that it?"

"Tell me, is it because of this so-called morality, ethics, and international practice that they... are allowed to shit on This Seat's head?"

"Tell This Seat!!!"

Xu Nian'an's voice was deafening, his rage echoing throughout the great hall.

Swish, swish, swish~

In an instant, everyone turned their heads toward the small figure standing at the entrance.

The figure was not tall, yet the aura he carried was astonishing. Drenched in blood, his black python-patterned robe was soaked through, revealing intricate, vivid patterns that made him appear even more domineering.

"Cou... Cousin!"

Xue Qinghe feigned surprise.

Hearing Xue Qinghe's words, Emperor Xue Ye also came to his senses.

This must be his distant nephew, the Great Ming King, whom he had never met before.

"Great Ming King, what... what is the meaning of this?"

What is the meaning of this?

Upon hearing this, Xu Nian'an was so angry he laughed.

"I traveled over a hundred miles to attend your banquet, and now you ask me what I mean? I encountered a life-threatening situation and was nearly assassinated! You tell me, what is the meaning of me being here?"

"Shouldn't you be giving me a reasonable explanation?"

Being assassinated by the remnants of the Galloping Wolf Kingdom was something Xu Nian'an had not anticipated.

His fury was not something the people of the Galloping Wolf Kingdom alone could bear; the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire could not escape responsibility either.

Since they wanted to make things difficult for him, Xu Nian'an, then no one should even think about having an easy time.

An... explanation?

Emperor Xue Ye stood frozen in place.

His own son had been assassinated, and even though he was the ultimate victim, he never expected that he would have to provide an explanation to someone else.

Emperor Xue Ye's mind was in a complete state of confusion.

Losing two sons on the same day was a devastating blow to any father.

It was a tragedy of a parent burying their children, and it had happened twice over.

However, he was not just a father; he was the emperor of an empire.

Finally, Emperor Xue Ye's lips trembled as he squeezed a few words through his gritted teeth.

"Fine, I will give you an explanation for this matter."

Hearing this, Xu Nian'an remained standing where he was, not moving an inch.

"I am currently very furious, so I want an explanation right now!"

BANG!!!

The next instant, Emperor Xue Ye completely lost his composure, roaring as he slammed his palm onto the table.

"What exactly do you want? Didn't I say I would resolve this matter!"

Inside the great hall, Emperor Xue Ye's voice was slightly hoarse.

Upon hearing this, Xu Nian'an's eyes narrowed instantly.

Although he knew this was not the best time, having just experienced a brush with death, Xu Nian'an's mind was filled with rage, and he only wanted to vent.

"The Great Ming Kingdom shall become independent and become the third empire on the continent!"

Swish!

As soon as Xu Nian'an's voice fell, everyone's eyes widened, and they stared at him in disbelief.

"That is impossible. Stop this nonsense."

"Give me some time, and I will give you a satisfactory answer."

Hearing Xu Nian'an's words, Emperor Xue Ye's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly tried to calm himself.

The independence of the Great Ming Kingdom directly threatened the core interests of the Heaven Dou Empire.

The ministers of the Star Luo Empire narrowed their eyes at this scene, their lips curling upward.

If the Great Ming Kingdom and the Heaven Dou Empire split, the Star Luo Empire would undoubtedly be the ultimate beneficiary.

Without the support of the Heaven Dou Empire, the Star Luo Empire could easily crush the Great Ming Kingdom.

Without the Great Ming Kingdom as a sharp blade, the national strength of the Star Luo Empire would also be able to steadily surpass the Heaven Dou Empire.