Chapter 1105: Open Defiance

"The new Emperor is about to ascend the throne!"

"The new Emperor has ascended the throne!"

"Longyan is about to change its sky!"

In truth, at this time, although the defeat at Balkhash Lake had incited condemnation from all sectors of society, what people were more concerned about was the new Emperor's ascension.

Xie Tianyao's funeral was still in the midst of preparation.

But according to custom, a nation cannot go a single day without a ruler.

By comparison, the new Emperor's ascension had to come first, and only afterward would Xie Tianyao's funeral take place. This was because the funeral still required about a month of preparation. Historically, regarding the new Emperor's ascension, the previous custom was to hold the funeral first and the ascension later. Later, it gradually evolved into holding the ascension first and the funeral later.

But regardless.

After the imperial edict was read, Xie Ming was effectively already the Emperor of Longyan.

Therefore, it could be said that the current Xie Ming was the true and proper Emperor of Longyan.

"Pay respects to the Emperor!"

"Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!"

"Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!"

At this moment, Xie Ming was already wearing the yellow robe. As he looked at the ministers kneeling before him, every cell in his body was incomparably excited.

He...

was finally the Emperor!

If it had been the former him, he certainly would not have had this opportunity!

But with Xie Fang and Xie Ling both "dead," only he remained.

Therefore, no matter what, he was the true Son of Heaven!

He was the Heaven-chosen son!

The Son of Heaven.

He smiled faintly and waved his hand: "All beloved ministers, rise!"

"Long live our Emperor, long live our Emperor, long live our Emperor!"

The ministers knelt and kowtowed once more before rising.

Xie Ming took a deep breath and sat on the Dragon Throne, a sense of heroic pride in looking down upon the masses filling his heart.

Power!

This was the charm of power!

He must firmly grasp this supreme power in his hands!

"Has the ascension ceremony been prepared?"

He asked Zhu Zhen.

At this moment, the one standing at the head of the ministers was still Zhu Zhen.

He was also the current Chief Minister of the Cabinet.

"Your Majesty, it is already in preparation."

Zhu Zhen said, bowing with his hands cupped.

Xie Ming nodded. He took another deep breath; he was enjoying this feeling more and more. Following this, he asked a few questions regarding state affairs, and afterward, expressed his concern and encouragement regarding the recent war with Tsarist Russia.

Several ministers answered fluently in turn.

Liu Zheng had been standing to the side the whole time.

He did not say a word.

While communicating with the court officials, Xie Ming also watched Liu Zheng out of the corner of his eye.

Vice Minister Liu!

By what right did he control his Empire! By what right did he push for some constitutional monarchy! By what right did he come to manipulate his life and strip away his power!

Die!

Only if he died!

Could he sit securely on this throne!

Only if he died could Longyan continue to soar!

Regarding this, Xie Ming was not as deliberate as Xie Tianyao. He felt that each emperor has his own court, and Liu Zheng could die now. For the stability of the Xie Family imperial house, and for his own desires!

He must die!

Thinking of this.

Xie Ming could no longer hold back; he slammed his hand hard against the Dragon Throne and glared at Liu Zheng: "Where is Vice Minister Liu!"

This sudden outburst of anger left everyone looking at each other in dismay.

Liu Zheng was also taken aback.

He had been about to doze off just a moment ago...

"This subject is here!"

After a pause, Liu Zheng stepped out.

The expressions of the others were as colorful as could be. Because seeing Xie Ming's anger, it was clear he was about to make an example of

Liu Zheng.

But...

Xie Ming looked coldly at Liu Zheng: "Vice Minister Liu, you answer Me! Why has there been no progress in the war of resistance in the Western Regions! Why has an army of four hundred thousand still failed to take Balkhash Lake! All sectors of the country are criticizing and denouncing, feeling that I, this Emperor, am not suitable! Give Me an explanation!"

Slap!

Another strike, and the sound of him hitting the Dragon Throne made everyone tremble.

After all, in their minds, the Emperor was still the person with the highest status in Longyan.

His word was law, and no one dared to defy him.

Absolute authority!

Therefore, hearing Xie Ming fly into a rage, the group of people naturally knelt down.

Liu Zheng, however, did not kneel.

In this moment, he became a presence in the entire Great Hall that stood out like a crane in a flock of chickens.

"This..."

"Vice Minister Liu..."

"Hurry and kneel..."

"Liu Zheng!"

Seeing Liu Zheng like this, the group of people all grew anxious.

Liu Zheng, however, gave a faint smile and looked directly at Xie Ming.

When Xie Ming saw this meaningful gaze from Liu Zheng, his whole body trembled. After all, he was still just a child, only thirteen years old this year. In Liu Zheng's eyes, he was truly too small...

Xie Fang and Xie Ling had both been brought down by him...

How could he fear a canary like Xie Ming who had been temporarily pushed onto the stage?

What did he want to do?

What was he going to do...

At this moment, facing Liu Zheng's cold gaze, Xie Ming's entire back was actually already soaked, and his small hands were gripping the Dragon Throne tightly...

Fear arose spontaneously in his heart.

Liu Zheng, naturally, was no longer the person who had just transmigrated; through these years of tempering, he already possessed the capital and temperament to command respect without anger.

The two stared at each other like this.

Those court officials and the Feudatory Kings still in Jinghua all began to tremble in their hearts.

They were very worried that if Liu Zheng disagreed with a word, he would kill this Xie Ming... He had the strength to do so now.

A brief silence.

Everyone's thoughts changed in an instant.

Liu Zheng finally spoke; he looked at Xie Ming and said indifferently, "Emperor..."

"Longyan is reforming its system to a constitutional monarchy."

"Specific military matters will be discussed and decided by the Parliament and the Cabinet. Only then will they be presented to the Emperor for review; this is the law of a constitutional monarchy. I hope the Emperor will conduct himself with dignity."

Liu Zheng spoke neither fast nor slow, yet everyone in the hall could hear the content of these words.

At that moment, everyone's complexion changed instantly.

You tell the Emperor to conduct himself with dignity?

Xie Ming trembled all over, his eyes looking as if they were about to spit fire.

Bastard!

What kind of bastard is this!

He actually told him to conduct himself with dignity!

He was the Emperor of Longyan!

He glared at Liu Zheng in anger—no, in hatred—clutching his fists tightly, and then he looked at this group of court officials, only to find that these people were all kneeling with their heads bowed, not daring to let out a peep!

This...

A strong sense of powerlessness suddenly arose in Xie Ming's heart!

"Additionally..."

Liu Zheng continued with a calm expression: "Regarding the imperial villa the Emperor mentioned just now, this humble official suggests not considering it for the time being... During wartime, funds are tight, and this humble official worries that once the villa is built, there will be more complaints from the people, which would damage the dignity of the imperial family..."

"You..."

Xie Ming's expression changed drastically.

Every emperor who took the throne would try to find a Method to build his own imperial villa; this was an unspoken rule of the imperial family...

Just a moment ago, he was still excited about building his own imperial villa not far from Jinghua! When he had time, he could take his concubines and the like there to hunt!

He didn't expect...

It was directly vetoed by Vice Minister Liu alone?

Bastard!

He continued to glare at Liu Zheng, and he continued to look at the group of court officials for help.

But it was the same...

Not a single person stood up to help him!

"There is more..."

Liu Zheng paused and continued to speak.

The group of people turned pale instantly.

There is more?

Xie Ming was so angry he was about to stand up.