Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck, and Qi Jingxuan, who was about to die, suddenly swapped souls with Ruan Yumu.
Consort Mu then burst into laughter, "So I'm the one who laughs last!" With that, she strode away.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan's face instantly turned ashen, his eyes wide with anger and disbelief. Consort Mu's words pierced his heart like a sharp sword, filling him with an unprecedented sense of betrayal and rage.
"You...you actually..." Emperor Qi Jingxuan's voice trembled as he pointed at Consort Mu, but his anger prevented him from fully expressing his emotions.
Consort Mu was startled upon seeing this, but she maintained her composure: "Your Majesty, hahaha, General, I have won!"
However, Emperor Qi Jingxuan could no longer hear any words. His body began to convulse violently, and a mouthful of blood gushed from his mouth, splashing onto the dragon bed and onto Consort Mu's dress.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" Panic-stricken cries rang out in the palace. The maids and eunuchs rushed forward, but it was too late.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan's body gradually stopped convulsing, his eyes still wide open, seemingly expressing his resentment and anger. Thus, an emperor ended his life in anger and despair.
Consort Mu stood by the bedside, her heart filled with complex emotions. She knew there was no turning back from her plans, and the future of the Qi Kingdom would become even more unpredictable.
The news quickly spread throughout the palace. In the court, civil and military officials were shocked, but a barely perceptible glint flashed in the Grand Tutor's eyes. The emperor's death was undoubtedly a golden opportunity for him.
Consort Mu had composed herself, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Ziling, immediately summon General Xu Yunchuan and all loyal court officials. We have important matters to discuss."
Zi Ling accepted the order and left, while Consort Mu sat alone in her palace, her mind racing. She knew that Emperor Qi Jingxuan's death would put her in even greater danger, and she had to react quickly to ensure her and her son's safety.
Amid the chaos following Emperor Qi Jingxuan's death, General Xu Yunchuan and the Fulu family acted swiftly, publicly declaring their support for the eldest son, Qi Yunli, to ascend the throne in order to maintain the stability and continuity of the Qi Kingdom.
"Your Excellencies, a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day." Xu Yunchuan stood in the court, his voice firm and powerful. "The eldest son of the Emperor, Qi Yunli, is intelligent, virtuous and talented, and is the best candidate to inherit the throne."
Fu Lu Shou, the patriarch of the Fu Lu family, also stepped forward. His words carried an undeniable air of authority: "The Fu Lu family will fully support the eldest son's ascension to the throne to ensure the prosperity and stability of our Qi Kingdom."
In the inner palace, Consort Mu, accompanied by Zi Ling, listened quietly to the news from the court. A hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Your Highness, General Xu and the Fulu family have announced their support for the eldest son," Zi Ling said in a low voice, her tone tinged with joy.
Consort Mu nodded, her voice carrying a hint of determination: "Issue the order that from this day forward, I will rule from behind the curtain and assist my son in governing the country."
Zi Ling accepted the order and left, while Consort Mu slowly rose to her feet, her figure appearing exceptionally upright under the palace lanterns. She knew she was about to face a tremendous challenge, but she had the confidence and determination to do whatever it took for the future of Qi and for her son.
In the imperial court, under the influence of Xu Yunchuan and the Fulu family, the civil and military officials gradually accepted the fact that the eldest son had ascended the throne. Although some ministers still had doubts, they chose to remain silent in the face of the current situation.
Soon after, with the support of Xu Yunchuan and the Fulu family, the eldest son, Qi Yunli, formally ascended the throne, becoming the new emperor. Meanwhile, Consort Mu began her regency from behind a curtain.
At the enthronement ceremony of the new emperor Qi Yunli, General Xu Yunchuan stood at the very front of the court, his posture upright and his gaze resolute. Accompanied by Consort Mu, the new emperor slowly walked towards the dragon throne, and Xu Yunchuan was the first to kneel and acknowledge his submission.
"General Xu Yunchuan, your loyalty and bravery have made great contributions to the Qi Kingdom." Ruan Yumu's voice echoed in the hall. He looked at Xu Yunchuan with admiration and trust in his eyes. "Today, I hereby appoint you as the Grand General Protector of the Nation. I hope you will continue to assist the Emperor and protect the land and state of our Qi Kingdom."
Xu Yunchuan excitedly accepted the imperial edict, his eyes glistening with tears: "This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your great favor and Your Majesty for your grace. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust and vow to protect the Qi Kingdom with my life."
All the civil and military officials present congratulated Xu Yunchuan, whose reputation and status had reached their zenith at this moment. Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Zi Ling learned of this news, her heart filled with joy and pride.
Not long after, Xu Yunchuan and Zi Ling's wedding was held in the palace. Zi Ling wore a red wedding dress, her beauty and nobility attracting everyone's attention. Xu Yunchuan looked at his bride, his heart filled with love and happiness.
"Ziling, from this day forward, we, husband and wife, will be of one mind and work together for the future of the Qi Kingdom," Xu Yunchuan said to Ziling at their wedding, his words filled with anticipation for the future.
Zi Ling smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with happiness: "Yun Chuan, I will always be by your side. No matter the storms, we will walk hand in hand."
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