Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

But now, she discovers that things are far more complicated than they seem.

The Heaven Dou Empire is not a commodity that can be easily transferred.

It has tens of millions of citizens, deeply entrenched powerful families, loyal generals and soldiers, and ordinary people who have lived their entire lives in this country.

If she were to hand over the Heaven Dou Empire directly to the Spirit Hall, what would those people think? Would they be willing to accept it? Would they submit immediately?

the answer is negative.

War, bloodshed, resistance, rebellion...

She was very familiar with these things.

Qian Renxue's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne, producing a rhythmic tapping sound.

She can't do that.

At least, it shouldn't be done so directly or so crudely.

She needed a gentler, more discreet, and more irresistible way for the people of Tiandou to merge these two behemoths together.

Qian Renxue's gaze slowly moved across the map, from the frigid north to the fertile plains of the south, from the coastal cities of the east to the towering mountains of the west.

In her mind, a grand plan was slowly taking shape.

Qian Renxue let out a soft breath, leaned back on the dragon throne, and closed her eyes again.

Right now, she needs to stabilize the court, consolidate her throne, and quell the restless forces.

As for the rest... take it slow.

She has plenty of time.

After all, she had been waiting for more than a decade.

It won't make a difference if we wait a little longer.

……

Several days later, at the imperial court.

Civil and military officials lined up on both sides, while Qian Renxue sat upright on the dragon throne. The pearl strings on her crown obscured her eyebrows and eyes, making it impossible to see her expression at that moment.

Halfway through the court meeting, the Vice Minister of Rites suddenly stepped forward and knelt before the imperial steps.

"His Majesty."

His voice was loud and respectful, echoing in the empty hall.

"Your subject has a memorial to present."

Qian Renxue slightly raised her hand: "Granted."

The Vice Minister of Rites kowtowed, rose, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty has been on the throne for several days, the affairs of the country are gradually stabilizing, and the people are won over. However, we believe that there is one matter that concerns the foundation of the nation and must be carefully considered."

He paused, glanced at his colleagues on either side, and continued, "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, but the harem is empty and there is no heir. With no crown prince yet established, the foundation of the nation is not secure. We ministers are worried day and night, and cannot eat or sleep in peace."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you select beautiful women to enrich the imperial harem, so as to prolong the imperial line and consolidate the foundation of the nation."

As soon as he finished speaking, several more court officials stepped forward and echoed his opinion.

"We second that proposal!"

"We humbly request Your Majesty to select concubines to enrich the harem!"

Qian Renxue sat on the dragon throne, the pearl strings on her crown swaying slightly.

She looked at the kneeling court officials and a barely perceptible sneer curled at the corner of her lips.

A talent show?

She hadn't expected that these people would get restless so quickly.

But upon closer reflection, it makes sense.

A new emperor ascends the throne, but the harem is empty, and he has no children. In any dynasty, this would be a major event that shakes the very foundation of the state.

Some of these ministers were genuinely concerned about the country, while others wanted to take this opportunity to send their daughters, nieces, and nephews into the harem in order to consolidate their own power.

She knew exactly what was going on, but she remained outwardly calm.

"What you all say..." Qian Renxue spoke slowly, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger, "is indeed reasonable."

The kneeling courtiers' eyes lit up, thinking that the emperor had been persuaded.

However, Qian Renxue changed the subject: "However, the late emperor has just passed away, and I am still in mourning. It might be inappropriate to hold a selection of candidates at this time."

The Vice Minister of Rites quickly said, “Your Majesty is benevolent and filial, which we admire. However, the affairs of state are of paramount importance, and filial piety has its priorities. If the late Emperor were alive, he would not want Your Majesty to neglect the foundation of the state because of mourning. Your Majesty could issue an order to make preparations first, and then hold the selection of candidates after the mourning period is over. In this way, you can fulfill your filial duty without delaying the affairs of state.”

Other court officials echoed his sentiments.

Qian Renxue remained silent for a moment, seemingly seriously considering their suggestion.

In truth, she knew these people had a point. An emperor without an heir was, in the eyes of the court officials, a symbol of instability. She could disregard their opinions, but to secure her throne, she couldn't completely ignore their demands.

not to mention……

A thought suddenly flashed through Qian Renxue's mind.

A talent show?

She certainly won't actually participate in a talent show.

But she needs to give these people an explanation, an explanation that will shut them up without causing her any trouble.

"Let me think about this matter some more," Qian Renxue finally spoke, her tone calm yet authoritative. "Court adjourned."

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

The court officials knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Qian Renxue stood up, the beads on her crown swaying gently. She turned and left the dragon throne, heading towards the rear hall.

Behind him, the court officials rose one after another, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

……

Inside the Imperial Study.

Qian Renxue sat behind her desk, her fingers lightly tapping the tabletop.

Talent show.

Offspring.

Harem.

These words kept swirling in her mind, making her somewhat irritable.

To be honest, her harem as the "emperor" was indeed pitifully shabby.

The few concubines they had were just randomly chosen to cover their tracks.

She was only thinking about getting the job done and didn't put any effort into it.

Now, these ministers are pressing her with the weighty issue of "the foundation of the state," and she really can't refuse them outright.

But she can't actually participate in a talent show.

Qian Renxue closed her eyes, leaned back in her chair, and continued to tap her fingers on the table.

"Selection of imperial concubines... offspring... the foundation of the nation..."

She murmured those words to herself, and suddenly her fingers stopped.

She opened her eyes, and a sharp glint flashed in her clear, cold eyes.

and many more.

Why should she let these people lead her by the nose?

A talent show? Sure.

But who she chooses, how she chooses them, and what they do with them are all up to her.

A smile slowly crept onto Qian Renxue's lips.

The smile was faint, yet it carried the composure and certainty of a hunter locking onto his prey.

She came up with a solution.

……

late at night.

Queen Eva's bedroom.

The heavy velvet curtains blocked out the moonlight, leaving only a few soul-guiding lamps embedded in the walls emitting a soft and constant glow.

A delicate, cool fragrance filled the air, blending with the faint sound of the night wind coming from outside the window to create a languid and ambiguous atmosphere.

Eva reclined on a large, soft couch covered with snow-white animal hides, a dark green silk nightgown loosely wrapped around her body, the neckline slightly open, revealing a section of her fair, jade-like collarbone.

She toyed with a string of understated black pearls in her hand, her emerald eyes like deep pools in the dim light, their calm surface concealing thoughts that no one could fathom.

A knock came at the door.

Three sounds, neither too loud nor too soft, carrying a leisurely rhythm.

Eva didn't get up, but simply responded softly, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and Qian Renxue walked in.

She wasn't wearing a dragon robe today, but only a simple moon-white casual dress, her long hair casually tied behind her head. She lacked some of the imperial majesty, but gained more of her own cool and sharp temperament.

Eva looked at Qian Renxue as she walked in, a lazy smile playing on her lips.

"It's so late, what brings Your Majesty here?"

Her voice was as smooth as a pearl in her hand, with a hint of teasing.

Qian Renxue ignored her teasing and went straight to sit down in the chair opposite her.

She sat very upright, her back straight like a drawn sword.

Eva raised an eyebrow, put down the pearl necklace in her hand, and slowly sat up straight.

She knew that Qian Renxue hadn't come to see her so late just for a casual chat.