It's not impossible for a woman to be the queen, because there are precedents of empresses ascending the throne in the history of the Heaven Dou Empire, and this world doesn't have such a custom.
Moreover, at such a time, even if there is no precedent, it is necessary to create one. In his secret edict, Xue Ye specifically authorized Qi Ling, bestowing upon him the title of Prince Protector of the Nation, allowing him to take any means necessary to deal with Xue Qinghe in special circumstances.
"Wow, Protector-General Prince? That sounds really cool!" Qi Ling's eyes lit up as she looked at the title. "Hey, Xue Xing, tell me, which one is more powerful, the Protector-General Prince or the kings of those duchies?"
"A Prince Protector of the Nation is naturally second only to the King. How can the Kings of those duchies compare?" Xue Xing said helplessly. "In terms of rank alone, you are higher than me, and that's no joke."
"Hmm, impressive. Having an excuse makes things easier. Now I have a reason to deal with Xue Qinghe," Qi Ling said. "Let's go, Prince Xue Xing, we should go out and make preparations."
But just as Qi Ling was about to leave the room, Xue Xing Qi Ling grabbed her arm, her expression extremely serious. " Qi Ling, I have something to tell you! Actually, it was precisely because of this that I insisted on waiting for you to come."
Seeing Prince Xue Xing's serious expression, Qi Ling couldn't help but say, "Oh? Prince Xue Xing, please speak freely."
" Qi Ling, only you have seen this secret edict. Even I don't know its contents now," Prince Xue Xing said. "Therefore, forging its contents would be very easy."
"Hmm? Prince Xue Xing, what do you mean by this?" Qi Ling asked, frowning.
"What I mean is, Qi Ling, do you want to be the king of a country?" Xue Xing said. " Xue Ke is too young and may not be able to be a good king, but if you are willing, I can do my best to assist you in becoming the king!"
Qi Ling was taken aback by Prince Xue Xing's words; such things were indeed not something that could be said to others.
But then, Qi Ling said directly, " Prince Xue Xing, don't say that again. The Heaven Dou Empire is about to welcome a great queen, and I believe she will do a better job than anyone else."
Qi Ling's words were tantamount to rejecting Prince Xue Xing's suggestion. Qi Ling had absolutely no interest in the throne, and besides, what difference was there between him and someone like Xue Qinghe if he were to seize his own disciple's possessions?
After hearing Qi Ling's words, Xue Xing breathed a sigh of relief and said, " Qi Ling, since that's the case, I won't bring this up again. From now on, I will do my best to assist Xue Ke, and I ask the Prince Protector to take good care of me."
"Sure, sure," Qi Ling readily agreed.
Afterwards, Qi Ling led Prince Xue Xing to the reception room in the lord's mansion. Everyone waiting there was astonished to see Prince Xue Xing appear.
Then, Qi Ling announced the contents of Xue Ye's secret edict to everyone. Xue Ke exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Me? Me? I can't do it, teacher, how can I, how can I..."
" Xue Ke, relax. Actually, being a king is quite simple. Haven't you managed Dragon's Glory City very well these past few years? Being a king is pretty much the same, except you have to manage a lot more areas."
"Moreover, with all of us helping you and Prince Xue Xing assisting you, things won't be too difficult for you. Just prepare to become one of the few empresses in the history of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"I, I..." Xue Ke wanted to say something, but she was too excited to speak. Of course, she knew that this was her father's last wish, and no matter how difficult it was, she should bravely shoulder it.
"So, brother, now that we have Xue Ye's secret edict, what should we do next?" Tang San asked.
"It's simple. Now that we have the initiative, we certainly can't hand it back to Xue Qinghe," Qi Ling said. "I estimate that Xue Qinghe will definitely announce to the world that he is the legitimate emperor and will soon ascend the throne."
"What we need to do is expose his crimes before that happens, let the whole world know his true colors, and, more importantly, tell the world that he is no longer the crown prince, and that Xue Ke is the true heir to the throne."
"If a king who is not recognized by anyone ascends the throne, then he is nothing but a clown. I think everyone except Xue Qinghe's own subordinates knows how to make the right choice."
Tang San suddenly realized and said, "Big brother, you mean we should wage a propaganda war? Let the whole world know about his crimes, then even if some high-ranking officials want to join Xue Qinghe, his subordinates might not agree! After all, if that happens, they'll be considered traitors!"
"That's right, that's exactly what I meant," Qi Ling laughed. "By the time Xue Qinghe realizes what's happening, he'll be a pariah, and taking him down will be a piece of cake."
"But, brother, how can we spread this news throughout the country?" Tang San pondered. "This is no easy task; the workload is enormous."
"Don't worry, Xiao San, money makes the world go round. In the entire Heaven Dou Kingdom, there's no city without my Tianhua Bank," Qi Ling laughed. "In less than three days, the whole country will know what kind of person Xue Qinghe is."
Upon hearing Qi Ling's words, everyone couldn't help but sigh, realizing that power in this world indeed takes many other forms besides Soul Power!
After that, everything proceeded as Qi Ling had predicted. Xue Qinghe only realized what was happening after these unfavorable rumors about him spread throughout the country, and began to claim that he was the legitimate heir, but it was too late.
Humans are naturally self-centered, so most people are fickle and indecisive until things are settled.
Seeing that Qi Ling had seized the moral high ground and was behaving so forcefully, the city lords and generals from all over the country began to have their own agendas and secretly started to contact Dragon's Glory.
In the end, Xue Qinghe reluctantly announced that after observing three months of mourning for his father, he would ascend the throne and become king, intending to silence everyone with a fait accompli.
The reason he delayed for three months was to show the world how filial he was and how he could possibly kill his own father. But his plan was exposed, and no one believed his fake performance.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Dragon's Glory also continuously absorbed power and strengthened himself. Three months later, the outcome would be clear.
" Xue Qinghe, Xue Qinghe, you will soon know how terrifying it is to have me as your opponent," Qi Ling said slowly.