The next day, a rejuvenated Xue Qinghe, clad in dragon robes, strode with the majesty of a dragon and the vigor of a tiger and seated himself triumphantly on the dragon throne that had once belonged to Xue Ye.
Meanwhile, Xue Ye lay in a cold coffin, never to wake again.
Civil and military officials knelt beneath the dragon throne, their faces steeped in sorrow. They could not accept that the ruler of their nation had been assassinated by a killer.
Even though the murderer had already been executed on the spot and chopped into mincemeat.
"My beloved ministers, my imperial father met an untimely death yesterday, and I am deeply grieved. As his son, I failed in my duty. I am willing to slit my own throat to atone."
On the dragon throne, Xue Qinghe spoke in a grief-stricken voice. His performance was so convincing that it inspired both sorrow and reverence.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you must not do this! You must not take your own life! We still need you to lead us!"
"Indeed, the nation cannot go a single day without a sovereign. His Majesty has passed away; the Heaven Dou Empire cannot lose you as well, Your Highness!"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, when His Majesty was still in good health, he instructed us to assist you faithfully. We hope you will not disappoint his great expectations."
As the senior court officials below pleaded with him one after another, Xue Qinghe laughed inwardly, but maintained an outward appearance of utter heartbreak. "I understand. Naturally, I will govern the Heaven Dou Empire well. Rest assured, my beloved ministers. I will never disappoint my imperial father."
"Your Highness is wise! Long live Your Highness! Long live Your Highness for ten thousand years!" everyone below cried.
Xue