"Mi'er, what do you mean by that?"

Song Huaixi's voice trembled as she tightly gripped Cui Mi's icy hand.

Cui Mi spoke with difficulty, her voice barely audible, "Sister, Yun Shu... in order to control me, he secretly poisoned my food. Our child... I'm afraid..." A hint of despair flashed in her eyes, and tears streamed down her face.

Before she could finish speaking, her throat tightened, and blood rushed to her head. Yun Li quickly handed her a spittoon.

Cui Mi vomited a mouthful of blood, her face turning even paler.

"Mi'er!" Song Huaixi screamed, her heart breaking. "How could he... how could he do this to you?!"

Cui Mi was unable to respond and could only lean helplessly against Song Huaixi.

Seeing this, Yun Li silently left the room, leaving the two alone.

Qin Han had been waiting outside the door. When Yun Li came out, he asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, would you like to examine Yun Shu's body?"

Yun Li gazed at the endless palaces, a cold glint in his eyes. "Hang his body on the city wall and expose it to the sun for three days as a warning to others."

Qin Han accepted the order and left, while Yun Li entered the imperial study.

Soon after, Qin Han returned, presenting evidence of Yun Shu's crimes over the years, as well as a list of ministers who supported Yun Ling.

"I have already carefully preserved this evidence for any eventuality," Qin Han said respectfully. "Your Majesty, this old servant humbly requests that you ascend the throne immediately and stabilize the court."

Yun Li gazed at the dawn breaking outside the window, took a deep breath, and nodded.

The next day, in the Golden Palace, the civil and military officials attending the morning court were surprised to find a tall figure standing with his back to them.

Qin Han stood respectfully to the side with his head bowed, holding a roll of yellow silk.

When the person slowly turned around, everyone realized that he had a face that bore a striking resemblance to Cui Jiao and Yun Ling.

They understood that Yun Shu's fate was sealed.

Yesterday, the former crown prince Yun Li, who had been stationed in the southern part of Yun Dynasty, had already taken control of Dunyang City and become the new ruler of Yun Dynasty.

Qin Han slowly stepped forward and recounted Yun Shu's various crimes since ascending the throne.

"During Yun Shu's reign, he indulged in sensual pleasures and neglected state affairs, causing suffering to the people and instability on the borders. What's more, he listened to slander and killed loyal officials, leading to a decline in the court and widespread fear among the people. Now, Crown Prince Yun Li has taken over Dunyang. He is wise, decisive, benevolent, and kind, and will surely lead our Yun Dynasty to a new era of glory."

Having said that, Qin Han knelt on the ground and earnestly pleaded, "This old servant implores Your Highness to ascend the throne immediately and stabilize the court!"

"Your humble servants respectfully welcome the new emperor's ascension to the throne! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The shouts in the Golden Palace were deafening.

Yun Li sat on the dragon throne, his eyes blazing as he surveyed the officials below.

"Yun Shu has been executed. I have been appointed to this critical mission and I will certainly live up to the expectations of the people of Yun Dynasty!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Speak if you have something to say, otherwise the court is adjourned!" Qin Han straightened his chest and shouted with a strong voice.

Back in the Imperial Study, Qin Han presented the enthronement ceremony agenda, which he had prepared overnight. Yun Li casually flipped through it and said, "The Yun Dynasty's treasury is empty, and all industries are in need of development. This enthronement ceremony should be kept simple and there is no need for extravagance."

Qin Han nodded in agreement.

The Imperial Astronomical Bureau calculated the dates and set the coronation ceremony for the end of the month.

Ji Qiu, the end of the month.

Under a clear blue sky, the atmosphere inside and outside the imperial palace of Yunchao was solemn and dignified.

As dawn breaks, golden sunlight spills onto the glazed tiles of the imperial city, shimmering with dazzling light, as if foreshadowing an extraordinary day.

The main gate of the palace slowly opened, and rows of officials dressed in court robes stood in neat formation, holding jade tablets, solemnly reciting their names.

Dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown, Yun Li walked steadily out of the Imperial Study and stepped onto the jade steps leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. His gaze was firm and profound, and his face carried a hint of majesty, yet it was not without warmth.

In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, drums and music resounded, their sounds shaking the heavens.

Surrounded by civil and military officials, Yun Li slowly ascended the throne.

He looked around, and everywhere he looked, he saw the respect and expectation of his subjects.

He took a deep breath, then slowly opened his mouth, his voice loud and clear, "Today I ascend the throne, by the mandate of Heaven and in accordance with the will of the people. I wish to govern the world together with you all and create a prosperous era for the Yun Dynasty."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The officials immediately knelt and bowed, and the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" rose and fell like a tidal wave, echoing through the sky.

Yun Li's eyes welled up with tears, and his hands, hidden beneath the dragon robe, clenched tightly.

He lay low for ten years, not for this day, nor for this position.

His goal was to avenge his parents.

His purpose was to provide a safe haven for his younger sister in the future.

His aim was for the people of Yun Dynasty to live in peace.

Yun Li raised his hand to signal everyone to rise. "Ministers, the national treasury is empty and all industries are in need of development. I have decided to use the expenses saved from the enthronement ceremony for the national economy and people's livelihood."

Upon hearing this, all the officials were moved and praised Yun Li for his wisdom.

On the same day, Yun Li also ordered tax reductions and exemptions to provide relief to disaster victims. These measures won the enthusiastic support and cheers of the people.

After the ceremony, Yun Li stood in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, watching the officials leave one by one.

His heart was filled with emotion and anticipation.

To plan for one person is foolish; to plan for one country is wise.

Now, he wants to work for one person, and he also wants to work for one country.

It is easy to scheme for others, but if a country is not strong, how can any egg remain intact when the nest is overturned?

He knew that the road ahead was long and destined to be lonely and arduous.

After the coronation ceremony, Yun Li posthumously honored his father, Emperor Yun Ling, as Emperor Wenzhao Shengwu, and his mother, Empress Cui Jiao, as Empress Rende Zhenyi.

After the imperial decree was issued, no one, whether in the imperial court or among the common people, discussed the matter of Cui Jiao being a demon empress.

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