The heavy golden doors had opened without a sound as a breathtaking figure slowly stepped into the hall.

Her presence alone seem to demand respect and awe... as if she was a higher being above everyone else in here.

...It was the Empress .

She currently wore a magnificent crimson and gold imperial robes that hugged her graceful yet voluptuous figure.

The deep neckline revealed her pale, flawless skin and the alluring swell of her bosom, accentuated by intricate golden chains and phoenix jewels that shimmered with faint spiritual light.

And a majestic golden headdress crowned her dark hair, its elaborate design resembling spreading phoenix wings.

Her steps were slow and steady, each one echoing with undeniable imperial authority.

The ministers, guards and even the furious Prime Minister Mu instinctively parted, creating a clear path toward the Dragon Throne.

The Empress did not raise her voice again as she simply walked forward, her crimson lips curved in a cold, beautiful smile that sent chills down everyone spine in the hall.

And Prime Minister Mu’s face drained of color when the Empress glance at him.

Facing that silent authority, the sword in his hand suddenly felt unbearably heavy.

Then he dropped to one knee at once, cupping his fists respectfully.

"This servant greets Her Majesty the Empress!"

Following him, one by one, the entire court also knelt.

The previous shouts and accusations died away completely, replaced by nothing but heavy, fearful breathing.

Seeing this, the Empress didn’t say anything.

With elegant grace, she ascended the steps and slowly sat upon the Dragon Throne.

At that moment, two ethereal blue-silver dragons manifested around her.

One coiled around her shoulder, the other swirled behind her like a protective storm.

Their crimson eyes glowed with ancient power as they stared at all the kneeling figure.

These dragon were no mere illusions or decorations... they were powerful spiritual entities born from her own cultivation and her imperial bloodline.

The Empress was not born in the Fen Dynasty, as she was an imperial royalty from the mighty Long Dynasty.

She was even hailed as the greatest genius of her generation, with talent rumored to rival even that of the Azure Moon Sect Leader in her youth.

Yet for some reason, she had not devoted herself solely to cultivation.

Instead, she chose to repay her family’s karma first by entering an arranged political marriage, strengthening the alliance between the Long and Fen Dynasties.

Despite maintaining a low profile as Empress for many years, her cultivation remained monstrous... so profound that no one in the court truly knew which realm she had reached.

For a long moment, she said nothing.

Her piercing crimson gaze swept across every face present.

The silence was suffocating.

"Prime Minister Mu," she finally spoke.

Her voice was soft, yet it carried the undeniable weight of absolute authority. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"You have always been fierce and loyal. But today, your loyalty has become reckless. Pointing swords at your own court while the Emperor lies dying... do you truly believe this is the way to save the dynasty?"

Prime Minister Mu lowered his head until his forehead touched the cold floor. "Your Majesty... this servant was only trying to—"

"Silence."

The single word was spoken gently, yet it cut him off like a blade.

The Empress turned her piercing gaze toward Grand Tutor Wei, who bowed deeply as the golden cranes on his robes fluttered slightly at her attention.

"Grand Tutor... you still counsel patience even now?"

Grand Tutor Wei answered calmly, "This old servant believes that rash action will only hasten our destruction, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, the Empress gave a small, unreadable smile.

She leaned forward slightly, one delicate hand resting on the throne’s armrest.

When she spoke again, her voice was clear and commanding, carrying the combined weight of both Fen and Long imperial bloodlines.

"From this moment onward, I, Empress Fen Ling of the Fen Dynasty, hereby assume full authority."

A collective gasp swept through the Grand Vermillion Hall.

"I was sent here through an arranged marriage to forge an alliance between our two great dynasties," she continued, her crimson eyes glowing faintly.

"I have remained silent for many years, respecting my husband’s rule and the traditions of the Fen Dynasty. But now that His Majesty lies unconscious and the palace is besieged by demonic arts, I will stand by no longer."

She rose slowly from the Dragon Throne.

The crimson phoenix patterns on her robes ignited with golden flames as the two spectral dragons roared silently, amplifying her overwhelming presence.

"Effective immediately, I declare myself Regent Empress. All military, political, and state affairs shall pass through me until His Majesty awakens... or until the throne passes to a rightful successor."

Prime Minister Mu’s head snapped up, his face a mixture of shock and reluctant. "Your Majesty... this..."

"Do you object, Prime Minister?" The Empress’s gaze sharpened. "You, who moments ago were ready to arrest half of the court?"

Prime Minister Mu clenched his jaw but lowered his head once more.

"...This servant does not object."

Grand Tutor Wei stroked his long white beard, his expression is complicated yet calm.

"The Long Dynasty’s bloodline is renowned for its purity and strength. So if Your Majesty is willing to bear this burden, this old servant will wholeheartedly support you."

Censor-in-Chief Zhao remained kneeling as a cold, unreadable smile playing on his lips but he said nothing.

Seeing no more objection, the Empress continued, her voice growing colder and more decisive.

"Prime Minister Mu, you will take command of the Imperial Guards and thoroughly inspect the eastern and northern palace walls for any signs of intrusion for the past weeks. Grand Tutor Wei, you will accompany me to the Emperor’s chambers and Censor Zhao, you will follow as well. I want your sharp eyes and sharper tongue to record everything we find."

She swept her gaze across the rest of the ministers.

"The rest of you will remain here under heavy guard. No one is allowed to leave the palace. Any attempt to send secret messages without my permission will be considered treason."

With her words, the twin spectral dragons let out a low, resonant growl that vibrated through every person’s bones.

"Yes, your Highness!"

The Empress stepped down from the throne platform, her phoenix crown gleaming as she walked toward the inner palace entrance.

"Tonight, the Fen Dynasty will not fall to demonic tricks or internal chaos," she declared.

"I carry the blood of dragons from the Long Dynasty and the phoenix fire of Fen. If there is a traitor hiding in the shadows..."

Her crimson lips curved into a chilling smile.

"...I will personally burn them to ash."

With those words, the Empress strode out of the Grand Vermillion Hall while Grand Tutor Wei and Censor Zhao following closely behind her.

The heavy pressure of the draconic might still lingered in the air even after she departed.

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[Dont forget to check out Empress Fen in the popularity pool XD]