The ancient capital of Luoyang, in the rear courtyard of the City Lord's Manor.
After handling the many major affairs, learning the general state of things, and reassuring his ministers, Xiao Ying went to the rear courtyard with Great Huan's six consorts, Xiao Fengtian, the three Diao Chans, Heavenly Charm Marquis Eunuch Qiu, and Empress Huating. What came next was clearly a private matter.
It was worth noting that when Xiao Ying called Emperor Qin Huating over and brought her along to the rear courtyard, her expression was extraordinarily complicated: sorrow, relief, resentment, bitterness, surprise...
"Qi Yi!"
Once everyone had taken their seats and the imperial guards and attendants had been dismissed, Xiao Ying spread his great hand and called out to Empress Qi Ji.
Qi Ji was indeed worthy of being Great Huan's empress; she understood Xiao Ying's intentions well. Turning her delicate hand over, she produced the Great Huan Imperial Seal and the Xuanyuan Sword and presented them to him, pleading guilty. "Your consort failed to safeguard Great Huan. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"
"Rise! I know these past twenty years have not been easy for any of you. You all rendered service and committed no wrong; the only difference lies in the extent of your contributions! In short, thank you all for your efforts!"
Xiao Ying glanced at Great Huan's six consorts and Emperor Qin Huating, comforting them with a sigh in his voice.
As he spoke, however, he did not take the Great Huan Imperial Seal and the Xuanyuan Sword. Instead, he suspended them in midair, then took out a jade slip and placed it alongside the Imperial Seal and the Son of Heaven Sword. Looking at Xiao Fengtian, he continued:
"For a man to call beauty the root of ruin is somewhat irresponsible, despicable, and