Xu Tianran's passing was clearly unexpected by everyone, including Dai Hao and others.
At this moment, Liu Hao, the commander of the 8th Division, asked, "Marshal, what should we do now?"
The others also looked bewildered; Xu Tianran's move had truly caught them off guard.
She was fine just a moment ago, but then suddenly tried to commit suicide.
Dai Hao turned his gaze to Xu Tianran, who was now lifeless, then silently turned away and sighed.
"First, find his younger sister and protect her. As for Xu Tianran's funeral arrangements, I will decide after I have personally consulted His Majesty."
"Yes, Marshal!"
After receiving the order, Liu Hao, along with several other regimental commanders, went to search for Xu Tianzhen's whereabouts. If nothing unexpected happened, she should be protected in the palace.
After the group left, Dai Hao ordered the other soldiers to carry Xu Tianran's body to a refrigerated Soul Tool for safekeeping.
As for the civil and military officials present, dealing with these lingering issues was quite simple, since he had made such a condition during the initial negotiations.
Those who surrendered could also choose to continue serving as officials in the court, retaining their wealth and a certain status.
Dai Hao slowly approached them and said, "Gentlemen, the Sun Moon Empire has now been replaced by our country, but as I promised you, those who choose to continue serving in the court can stay and await His Majesty's further arrangements for you."
"Those who choose to resign from their official posts and remain in a life of wealth and honor may also leave, but of course, you will also have to give up your status and power."
Many of those below were still grieving, and a large number of the older officials spoke one after another:
"I am too old to serve His Majesty of the Star Luo Empire."
"So it is for us too."
"We are willing to give up our official positions and retire to our rural homes!"
Whether civil or military officials, the majority chose to leave the government and the country.
Finally, they glanced around at the group of people who were standing silently.
The old ministers who had just decided to leave asked, "What are your thoughts?"
At this moment, a middle-aged civil official stepped forward, bowing his head somewhat shyly, and replied, "Water flows with the current."
"Same here." The other choices also expressed the same attitude.
Several elderly civil and military officials glared at them with indignation and shouted, "Spineless! Incompetent!"
After being criticized, those people naturally blushed and lowered their heads even further.
Then he whispered, "May you all have a safe journey."
"Snort!"
A large group of officials turned and left angrily, and the entire hall instantly became much quieter.
Looking at this last group of people, Dai Hao smiled gently.
"Since you've chosen to stay, then work diligently for His Majesty from now on. Alright, you can go back and await further instructions."
"Yes, sir!"
The group bowed slightly and then left the main hall one after another.
In the royal back garden, Xu Tianzhen sat on a stone platform with a worried expression, watching the goldfish swimming back and forth on the lake, as well as a group of ducks.
Her eyes seemed somewhat dazed, and there was someone standing beside her, seemingly there specifically to look after her.
I picked up a small pebble and threw it into the water, startling a splash. A flock of ducks swam away, disturbing the goldfish below.
"Grandpa Kong, have we been defeated?"
Kong Deming gazed ahead and slowly said, "Yes, Princess, we have been defeated, and utterly defeated."
In his memory, the little princess used to be extremely cheerful and lively, but he never expected that she would change so much now.
Xu Tianzhen has lost her innocence; instead, she has become more melancholic.
Kong Deming was filled with mixed feelings, but mostly he felt helpless, because the decline of the empire was far beyond what he could save alone.
This is now a matter between two great empires; individual strength cannot play a significant role in this war.
"So how will they treat us next?"
Kong Deming comforted her, "Don't worry, Princess. The Emperor has already gone to negotiate with them. You have nothing to do with this war, so they won't implicate you."
Xu Tianzhen turned around and asked, "But where's my brother?"
Meeting her gaze, with tears welling in his eyes, Kong Deming was speechless for a moment.
He also understood that Xu Tianzhen must have guessed something. The princess was no longer the little girl she used to be; she had grown up and understood her brother's personality and the fate of a king who had lost his country.
Before long, a group of people arrived in the back garden. After their eyes met, Kong Deming and Xu Tianzhen understood the purpose of their visit.
"Let's go, Princess. What's meant to happen will happen."
Kong Deming walked ahead, occasionally turning back to reassure her, "With me here, they can't hurt you, don't worry, Princess."
Xu Tianzhen reached out and wiped away the tears from the corner of her eye, nodded gently, and said, "Mm."
"We are the commanders of the Star Luo Empire's division, and we are here on Marshal Dai's orders to protect Princess Xu Tianzhen."
At the garden entrance, Liu Hao and his group stared at Kong Deming and Xu Tianzhen, presumably these were the princesses they were looking for.
As for who this old man was, they could probably guess a thing or two.
This old man has quite an impressive background.
After all, Chancellor Cao was most fond of top talents, and this old fellow was someone Chancellor Cao specifically requested to find.
He just wasn't found on the battlefield, otherwise he would have been tied up long ago.
"Greetings, Senior Kong." The group bowed slightly. Kong Deming wasn't too surprised that they could guess his identity.
He simply nodded slightly and asked, "How is His Majesty now?"
Liu Hao and the others exchanged glances, then looked at Princess Xu Tianzhen, but chose not to speak out on the spot.
Instead, he chose to transmit his voice to Kong Deming.
"He... he chose to hang himself."
Seeing how everyone was trying to hide their emotions, Xu Tianzhen immediately understood. She then rushed out of the crowd while crying and ran towards the main hall.
"Protect her!"
Liu Hao and his group immediately realized what was happening and sent a group of people to follow Xu Tianzhen. Only then did everyone turn their attention back to Kong Deming.
"Senior Kong, please come with us."
"Hmm." Kong Deming nodded, and was able to continue talking to them. His face showed no emotion, only calmness.
The long process of fusing Soul Ring finally came to an end. Cao Yu stood up from the ground. Having successfully broken through to the Titled Douluo, he certainly did not stop his advancement.
As the remaining Soul Power Enhancement Card transformed into starlight and merged into his body, his strength steadily increased.
The ascent finally stopped after breaking through level 100.
"It seems to be summoned by some force, but it's not obvious."
It is possible that a separation occurred between the human world and the Divine Realm, which is why no divine position was passed down.
"So, does that mean I'm essentially Pseudogod? A god without a divine position, haha..."
Just as he was pondering these matters, the system's voice sounded once again.
"System upgrade in progress..."
Upgrade progress: 1%...10%...66%...99%...
(End of this chapter)