"Your Highness, I pay my respects to the Immortal Emperor!"
Within the dimly lit imperial bedchamber of the palace in Shengdi City, the Qingxuan Immortal Dynasty, a hushed atmosphere prevailed.
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor sat on his dragon couch with his eyes tightly shut. His complexion, though slightly flushed, showed no sign of the failing vitality or the imminent end of his lifespan.
He slowly opened his eyes. While his face no longer bore the signs of decay and exhaustion, his pupils were cloudy and devoid of spirit.
"Rise," he commanded, his voice a slow, weak, and drawn-out sound.
"Thank you, Immortal Emperor!"
Prince Sheng Xiao, Qing Han, bowed and rose.
"Qing Han, it must be millions of years since we last shared a night of drunken revelry!"
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor smiled faintly, a flicker of life returning to his eyes.
"Heh heh, Elder Brother, you weren't the Immortal Emperor then. Nights of drinking didn't affect state affairs. Time flies like falling flowers and flowing water. Millions of years have passed in the blink of an eye. This era is ultimately coming to an end!"
Qing Han sighed with a wistful smile.
"You speak the truth. You've always lived a carefree life, detached from state affairs. Unlike me, whose vital energy has long been depleted. Twelve years ago, I sought to break through to the Great Celestial Venerable realm and extend my lifespan by a million years. Alas, fate was not on my side, and I injured my foundation. For the past few years, I've managed to cling to life with the aid of spiritual materials and elixirs."
"We both know in our hearts, I don't have much time left!"
"I don't know what's happened today. I woke up feeling my body surge with divine power. A burning hot current flowed around my back. My weary and weak body actually managed to leave the dragon couch today. It's truly strange!"
"Qing Han, do you remember ten million years ago? We were both still princes then. The Hengtian Immortal Dynasty attacked, and I led an army as the commander. You, Qing Han, were trotting behind me, muttering about wanting to charge into battle!"
"How old were you then? You were only a Saint, yet you dared to lead troops into battle! Hahahaha!"
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor's expression softened.
"Hahahaha!"
"Your Majesty's bravery today is no less than it was back then!"
"Look, in these past ten million years, the Qingxuan Immortal Dynasty has become increasingly prosperous under your rule!"
Qing Han echoed his laughter, his smile reminiscent of the young prodigy who once followed the Qingxuan Immortal Emperor.
"Hmph hmph hmph, I am old and useless. In these ten million years, I have managed to fulfill my father's wishes, upholding the Qingxuan Immortal Dynasty and guiding it through difficult times."
"Thirteenth Brother, since I ascended the throne, I have purged internal corruption, expanded our territory by thirty states, and displayed remarkable courage. However, my governance has been lacking. Years of warfare have weakened our national strength. I have seen all of this."
"Alas!"
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor's face was etched with sorrow. With a sigh, he pulled Qing Han back to the present reality. He gazed at his elder brother, who had once commanded an empire's forces and struck awe into the western frontiers. Now, his elder brother's hair was white, his face lined, his vitality waned, his lifespan dwindled, and he was on the brink of death.
"In the past few days, the divine power within me has been dissipating, bit by bit, beyond my control. I extend my hand, wanting to grasp it, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot hold onto the fleeting divine power."
"Cannot hold onto it..."
"I have summoned you to the palace today to entrust you with a great task!"
Qing Han's expression turned grave, tinged with sadness. He immediately knelt on both knees.
"My own heirs are few and far between. The only ones I can rely on are my three sons: Qing Wei, Qing Ji, and Qing Yu. Qing Wei has a good reputation and manages state affairs competently, but he lacks strategic depth and the ability to discern talent. His methods are also insufficient."
"During the expedition to the Zhulu Immortal Dynasty, Ji'er decisively intervened, leading them into a trap. Therefore, I cannot promote him. Qing Wei is not fit to be the Immortal Emperor. I will strip him of his title and demote him to commoner status, which will at least preserve his life."
"Yu'er has served in the army since childhood and has made indelible contributions to Qingxuan. Yu'er's achievements perhaps rival my own from back then!"
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor smiled with satisfaction.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Qing Yu has changed significantly over the past decade. He has curbed his temper and governs the army with great skill, earning the deep respect of all his soldiers!"
Prince Sheng Xiao, Qing Han, said calmly, devoid of any emotional leaning.
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor lowered his gaze, glancing at the kneeling Qing Han. He then stated, "I intend to establish the venerable King Zunye, Qing Ji, as the next Emperor!"
"You must understand that Yu'er currently holds immense prestige within the army. With a single call, four-fifths of the army might respond, which would be detrimental to Ji'er's succession."
"I know that you and Yu'er have been in close contact over the past decade. But you must realize, he is too much like me: exceptionally brave, fond of war and conquest. In the current western frontier situation, he could steer the ship of state very well."
"However, Qingxuan's national strength is weakening rapidly, and we cannot afford any further decline. A few years ago, I also considered making Qing Yu the Crown Prince, especially as his faction has developed so rapidly in the past three years."
"Qing Wei's faction has all been absorbed by him. Cui Yangwen has likely pledged allegiance to Yu'er as well!"
"Ji'er possesses outstanding strategic acumen and deep cunning. He does not engage in endless warfare. In this era of impending chaos, he will surely be able to stabilize the nation."
"You still hold influence within the army. I need you to devise a plan, after my death, to eliminate Yu'er's influence within the military. However, you must also spare Yu'er's life and find a secure method to do so."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty!"
"Qing Ji handles matters prudently. With the Immortal Dynasty's current weakness and Hengtian's overwhelming strength, temporarily bowing our heads and seeking a path of development is indeed the best course of action!"
"Your subject will ensure that Qing Yu's faction within the army is peacefully dismantled, and I will also spare Qing Yu's life, ensuring his peace and happiness for the rest of his days!"
Qing Han hastily kowtowed.
"This is my personal jade pendant. It will be able to protect Yu'er's life when necessary!"
"You may withdraw!"
The Qingxuan Immortal Emperor closed his eyes.
"Your subject takes his leave!"
Prince Sheng Xiao, Qing Han, accepted the jade pendant, bowed respectfully, and exited the bedchamber.
Outside the imperial palace, dark clouds gathered, pressing down on all living beings. All the princes and ministers silently awaited the moment of celestial change for the Qingxuan Immortal Dynasty.
Qing Han walked through the palace, glancing at the jade pendant in his hand. Although he had a close relationship with Qing Yu, the stability of the nation was paramount. He generally agreed with the Qingxuan Immortal Emperor's choice.
Qing Yu was warlike. If he became the Immortal Emperor, there would likely be a death match with the Hengtian Immortal Dynasty.
Qing Ji was prudent and skilled in political maneuvering. If he became the Immortal Emperor, he would certainly bow his head in submission to Hengtian for the time being, waiting for an opportunity to grow stronger.
"Elder Brother, you've given me quite a dilemma!"
Qing Han clutched the jade pendant. Both were his nephews, and both were equally dear. Alas!
...
"Military advisor, Prince Sheng Xiao, Qing Han, has gone to see the Immortal Emperor alone!"
At the residence of Prince Zunshuo, Qing Yu, in Shengdi City.
Qing Yu rushed into Kuai Tong's quarters.
"Alone?"
Kuai Tong's expression shifted slightly. "How long has he been inside?"
"Half an hour!"
Qing Yu said gravely.
"The Immortal Emperor has been in frail health for the past few years, not even attending court sessions. Today, he summoned Qing Han alone?"