Qian Renxue said coolly:
"Dai Weisi, the Star Luo Imperial Family is cruel and bloodthirsty. But since you surrendered of your own accord and spared us a battle, your life will be spared."
At the words "your life will be spared," a surge of wild joy rose in Xue Beng's heart as he knelt nearby.
Xue Beng hurriedly raised his head, shuffled half a step forward on his knees, and lifted the Heaven Dou Imperial Seal above his head. He cried out:
"Xue Beng, heir of Heaven Dou, pays his respects to Your Majesty!
The entire Heaven Dou Empire submits as well!
Before my father, Emperor Xue Ye, died, he specifically instructed me to present the imperial seal and submit to Spirit Hall!"
At this, Xue Beng drew a deep breath. A note of what he fancied was clever flattery and hope entered his voice:
"Your Majesty, the northern lands of the Heaven Dou Empire are vast, and the nobles are deeply entrenched. Without the former imperial family to reassure them, the people may rise in revolt.
Though I am unworthy, I am willing to represent the old Heaven Dou bloodline and accept a fief from Your Majesty!
Even if Your Majesty grants me only the title of Duke of Heaven Dou, or King of the North, I and my descendants will serve the Spirit Hall Empire loyally and guard its northern borders for Your Majesty!"
Beside him, Prince Xue Xing hastily chimed in:
"Indeed, Your Majesty!
Heaven Dou's millions are accustomed to imperial rule. If Your Highness allows Prince Xue Beng to retain a fief, the north will remain stable!"
Hope flickered in Xue Beng's eyes.
As he saw it, the two empires might have fallen and the course of the world might have changed, but a camel starved