Looking at his son's humble yet resolute posture, at the deep pain in his eyes and his final reluctance to leave his mother, Xi Linghao's overwhelming killing intent was ultimately suppressed by a trace of blood ties and immense exhaustion. He closed his eyes, waved his hand, and spoke with endless desolation and weariness: "Enough... enough... I... grant it. Strip Lin of her empress title, demote her to a commoner, and immediately... leave the palace with Che'er. Forever... she shall never set foot in the capital!"

Having dealt with everything, Xi Linghao seemed to have exhausted all his strength, collapsing onto the dragon bed, his breath weak. He wearily dismissed everyone, leaving only A Yuan and Xiao Chengkang who had rushed over.

"Yuan'er...Prince Kang." Xi Linghao's voice was weak and feeble. His gaze lingered on the two of them, carrying a complex mix of knowing everything. "Did you...know about today's events beforehand?"

A-Yuan and Xiao Chengkang exchanged a glance and knelt down together. A-Yuan's voice was calm, carrying just the right amount of shock and lingering fear: "Father, please forgive us! Although your son and I felt that the matter of Lady Lianxing and my second brother was suspicious, and we had secretly investigated, the depth of the collusion between the Lin family and Zhao Zheng, and their audacity in confusing bloodlines... were truly appalling! If it weren't for Father's keen insight and swift and decisive actions... your son and I... would probably still be kept in the dark!" She lowered her posture to an extremely humble level, not mentioning at all their contributions in secretly collecting evidence and guiding the clues.

Xiao Chengkang also said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty's wisdom and insight have allowed you to see through the treacherous officials, which is truly a blessing for Xiling. We are humbled and have failed to share your burdens earlier."

Looking at their respectful and cautious demeanor, Xi Linghao sighed wearily. He knew perfectly well that they were behind this whole affair, but at this moment, he was neither capable nor willing to investigate. The betrayal of the Lin family, Lianxing's lewdness, and Zhao Zheng's depravity had completely destroyed his last vestiges of strength. He knew his own body best.

"Get up..." He weakly raised his hand, his gaze falling on Xiao Chengkang. "Prince Kang... I... my body... to tell the truth... how much longer do I have?"

Xiao Chengkang rose and walked to the bedside, respectfully taking Xi Linghao's pulse. The pulse beneath his fingertips was weak and disordered, like a candle flickering in the wind, a sign of impending doom. His heart was heavy, but his expression remained calm: "Your Majesty, though your body is weak, your foundation remains. With quiet recuperation, and by taking the tonic I prepared on time, and avoiding anger and irritability... given time, you will surely recover." He chose a benevolent lie, prescribing the gentlest tonic. At this moment, the truth would only hasten its collapse.

Xi Linghao tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a bitter yet knowing smile: "You don't need... to comfort me." He turned his gaze to A Yuan, his cloudy eyes flashing with a final light, filled with utmost solemnity and entrustment, "Yuan'er... I... don't have much time left. This Xi Ling empire... this ravaged court... can only be entrusted to you."

He struggled to pull a heavy, dark jade seal, carved with dragons and feather totems, from under his pillow, and tremblingly handed it to A Yuan: "This is... the seal of the Western Ling Kingdom... I... pass the throne to you! Immediately... draft an edict! Proclaim it to the world!"

A-Yuan gazed at the Imperial Seal, a symbol of supreme power and immense responsibility, and at the unwavering trust and profound expectation in her father's eyes. A profound tremor ran through her! She took a deep breath, suppressing her surging emotions, and solemnly accepted the cold jade seal with both hands. Its weight was immense, as if she were receiving the entire future of Xiling.

"Your subject...accepts the decree! I will certainly not fail Father's trust!" A-Yuan's voice was clear and firm, like a rock.