The whole family is insanely eavesdropping on my thoughts Chapter 449
Chapter 449: Eternal Submission
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The Eastern Ling royal family had been in turmoil for years.
Following the death of the old emperor, the imperial heirs waged a brutal battle for the throne, killing one another until the bloodshed reached a fever pitch.
In the end, there was no heir left to inherit the empire.
Only then did they remember the siblings who had been sent to Northern Zhao as hostages.
Xuan Ji Chuan had been taken to Northern Zhao when he was just a child. A young boy, growing up under the mercy of another kingdom, surely he had developed a timid nature and posed no real threat.
The court ministers of Eastern Ling deliberated and decided to bring him back.
They had assumed a coward would be easier to control.
No one expected that the chaotic situation would end at the hands of a sixteen-year-old boy.
Like a blade yet to be sharpened, once he tasted blood, he revealed his merciless edge.
With an iron fist, he crushed the disorder, ruthlessly eradicating all those with rebellious bones in Eastern Ling.
It was said that in the very month he ascended the throne, the palace floors were soaked in blood.
Even the steps before the grand palace gates ran red.
Entire clans were executed, and the headsman’s blade at the marketplace grew dull from overuse.
Within the borders of Eastern Ling, his name alone struck terror into hearts.
In just three months, he had seized complete control of Eastern Ling.
He was like a madman—unstoppable, unpredictable, and entirely ruthless. If the Third Prince could truly win him over, he might stand a real chance at claiming the throne.
The Southern Kingdom was in a precarious state and would not dare to sever ties with Eastern Ling.
Standing within the grand hall, the Third Prince crossed his arms and smirked, “This royal cousin of mine has quite the temper. Chao Chao, you mustn’t be frightened.”
His tone dripped with mockery.
Lu Chao Chao sat on the vast and empty dragon throne, appearing small and vulnerable. Many onlookers held their breath in worry for her.
Xuan Ji Chuan stepped forward, ascending the platform step by step. Zhu Mo wanted to intervene but hesitated, recalling Lu Chao Chao’s words, and withdrew to the side.
The young king of Eastern Ling towered over her, his gaze sharp and piercing.
The Third Prince’s smile widened in amusement, eyes fixed on the scene before him.
And then—
Before the entire court, the indifferent and haughty ruler of Eastern Ling placed his sword on the ground.
Then—
He bent his knees and bowed deeply, his forehead striking the floor with an audible thud.
“Xuan Ji Chuan of Eastern Ling greets the Little Master,” he said, his voice calm and utterly devoid of arrogance.
The Third Prince’s smirk froze in an instant.
“Cousin, what are you doing?!” His face twisted in disbelief, his voice rising in panic.
“You are the ruler of a nation! How can you kneel before an ignorant child?!”
Xuan Ji Chuan did not turn to look at him. Only when Lu Chao Chao nodded did he rise respectfully and take his place behind her.
His gaze was cold, his eyes gleaming with the promise of death.
“A ruler?” he scoffed. “Do you not know? When I was in Northern Zhao, I served her day and night as a mere attendant.”
His voice was calm, yet held an undercurrent of rebuke.
The Third Prince turned red with rage. Of course, he knew!
“You are a prince of Eastern Ling! They treated you like a servant, a mere errand boy! Do you not wish to reclaim your dignity?!” He had been certain that Xuan Ji Chuan would ally with him precisely because of his past as a lowly servant in Northern Zhao.
Xuan Ji Chuan chuckled softly.
No one could possibly understand—
Standing by Lu Chao Chao’s side was the only time he ever felt like a real person.
Even his sister, Xuan Yin, had only survived because of her.
He looked down at the Third Prince from his position of power.
“The Third Prince of the Southern Kingdom conspired with me last night, plotting rebellion. Seize him at once!”
Lu Chao Chao waved her small hand, and guards immediately surrounded the Third Prince, subduing him with ease.
“Cousin! Cousin! Our mothers are full-blooded sisters! How can you side with an outsider instead of your own kin?!”
“You are an emperor! How can you bow to her?!”
“Are you truly willing? Truly?!” His protests were silenced as he was dragged away.
Xuan Ji Chuan lowered his gaze.
In her presence, he would always be willing.
The Southern Kingdom’s princes and princesses looked at each other, then fell to their knees with a collective thud.
The Seventh Princess raised her voice, “Congratulations to the new emperor! May the mountains remain eternal, and the nation prosper in peace!”
The entire court echoed the chant in resounding unison.
From this day forward, Lu Chao Chao became the youngest empress in history.
By the time the ceremony concluded, afternoon had arrived.
Lu Chao Chao was so exhausted that she could barely lift her legs. But she was prideful, and she refused to show weakness, maintaining a dignified posture that made the ministers nod in satisfaction.
[Ahhh, my legs are about to fall off!]
[I can’t walk anymore! Curse these endless ceremonies!]
[This crown is so heavy! And I only had a bowl of porridge this morning! My stomach is growling!]
[Oh no… I just mistook the chubby Minister of Revenue for a giant roast pork… gulp…] She discreetly wiped her mouth.
Shi Yun sighed deeply, resisting the urge to cover her ears.
Once the proceedings finally ended, Lu Chao Chao was supported by palace attendants and escorted back to the rear palace.
Xuan Ji Chuan and Zhu Mo trailed behind her like an unbreakable wall.
Xie Yu Zhou clutched his ears, his small face scrunched in distress at the incessant murmurings around him.
“Your Majesty, the concubines in the harem have yet to be settled…” the eunuch whispered.
“What was the usual procedure?” Lu Chao Chao asked, curious.
The eunuch bowed his head. “According to Southern Kingdom tradition, when an emperor passes away, concubines with children remain in the palace. Those without heirs… are buried alongside the late emperor.”
Lu Chao Chao’s face darkened. “Buried alive?”
“Life is precious. How can such a barbaric tradition continue?”
“This decree is abolished immediately!”
The eunuch hesitated, “But it has been a long-standing practice to uphold the honor of the imperial family…”
“Then from my reign onward, it ends!”
Though Lu Chao Chao usually carried a playful demeanor, her gaze now was sharp and commanding, exuding undeniable authority.
The eunuch trembled, breaking into cold sweat as he fell to his knees. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Inform them—those who wish to stay may reside in the palace, granted full provisions. Their pensions will be paid without fail.”
“Those who wish to leave with their children will receive a sum of silver for their retirement.”
The eunuch stammered, “But if the ministers insist on burial…”
Lu Chao Chao’s eyes gleamed dangerously. “Then tell them they were the late emperor’s most trusted officials. Surely, he would want their loyal service even in the afterlife. Let them be buried with him.”
The eunuch paled. “Understood.”
Who claimed the Empress was just a naive three-year-old, easy to manipulate?
Lies. Nothing but lies!