Chapter 1402 - 51: Daqian’s Number One Noble Son

At the same time.

Southern Qin Imperial Palace.

Yangji Hall.

This is Emperor Yuanyou’s study, much like Emperor Longchang’s "Zhuozheng Pavilion," where Emperor Yuanyou handles daily state affairs, and where he spends most of his time.

Thus, the hall’s decor is quite refined.

Precious ancient calligraphy and paintings hang on the stone walls, a Red Copper Incense Burner sits atop a tall table in the corner, burning expensive incense, smoke spiraling gently, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Throughout the hall, there are many comfortable soft couches for resting. A few beautiful palace maids are scattered around, quietly brewing tea, or silently tidying and cleaning, while in the corner a group of musically adept palace maids plays soothing melodies with instruments bearing the Southern Qin style.

This ambiance is nothing short of enjoyable.

Though it isn’t yet midday, Emperor Yuanyou has finished handling the rather few state matters and now fully indulges in leisure. At this moment, he leisurely sits while sipping wine, a beauty in his embrace.

One by one, crystal-clear Spirit Fruits are fed into his mouth by the beauty.

On his shoulder rests a pair of jade-like hands, deftly kneading his shoulders.

Amidst the gentle, soothing string music, Emperor Yuanyou feels blissfully relaxed, a sense of buoyancy washing over him, even the suffocating feeling from having to flatter the Blood Child Demon Monarch in recent days dissipates completely.

"Hahaha~ It’s always the beauties who are attentive." He laughs heartily, "I’ve been stifled for so many days, but today my mood is somewhat better."

Though the national war is imminent, Yuanyou doesn’t care much.

The Anti-Emperor Army is led by Murong Kaifong, and he is very assured.

That lad has been by his side since childhood, tested in both personal strength and military leadership through real combat; with him around, the early stages of the national war will likely face no issues.

As for himself, a Lingxu Realm expert, he is the final trump card, rarely needing to act personally. Waiting until the national war hits a climax, and Longchang and Jiang Zhencang, those two old dogs make their moves, then he will step in without haste.

For now~ the priority is to enjoy the moment.

Emperor Yuanyou smiles as he holds the beauty tighter in his arms, his gaze becomes deeper, his actions more indulgent.

"Your Majesty~ It’s still daytime~"

The beauty’s snowy white face blushes, she playfully shoves him, her strength featherlight, seeming more like an invitation than a rebuff.

As their atmosphere intensifies, nearing fulfillment.

Suddenly.

A piercing scream echoes from outside the hall: "Imperial Uncle! You mustn’t enter!"

Before the voice fades, a white-haired elder pushes open the hall door, rushes in, and kneels at the entrance tremblingly, "Your, Your Majesty, I have important military intelligence to report!"

"Your, Your Majesty! I couldn’t stop Imperial Uncle... I, I have sinned! I beg, beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness!" An eunuch rushes into the hall after the elder.

Terrified and anxious, the eunuch’s face has turned deathly pale, his steps faltering, upon entering, he falls to his knees, trembling and stuttering incoherently.

Behind the eunuch are several smaller eunuchs who tried to intercept, their faces equally pale, shaking like leaves, clearly frightened.

For a moment, the scene at the hall entrance is quite chaotic.

Emperor Yuanyou’s mood is spoiled, he pushes the beauty away in irritation, coldly glancing at the elder kneeling at the entrance, he angrily says, "Zhou Renxu, the army has just set out, it may not have even reached Sword Ridge Pass yet. You tell me there is important military intelligence?"

"It seems, I’ve been too lenient with you, causing you to forget basic respect and hierarchy. If I don’t teach you a lesson today, where is my authority?"

He snorts coldly, not waiting for the elder to continue speaking, he waves his sleeve, and orders coldly, "Come! Imperial Uncle Zhou has disturbed the imperial presence, disobeyed the imperial mandate, take him away, punish him according to the law!"

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The frontline truly has urgent news!" The elder Zhou Renxu hears this and urgently raises his voice, "The army at Nether Gate Ridge has been ambushed by East Qian Kingdom, suffering immense losses! The entire Corpse Puppet Battle Group was annihilated, although the rest of the battle groups escaped swiftly, nearly thirty percent were also impacted and lost!"

"What?! How is it possible, how could it be so fast! Is Murong Kaifong useless?!"

Emperor Yuanyou’s expression changes drastically, he leaps up from the couch.

That’s the entire Corpse Puppet Legion! Plus almost thirty percent of soldiers! Such colossal losses haven’t occurred since his ascension, not even in Southern Qin’s history!

He is furious beyond measure and deeply chilled.

Though his reign is brief, he knows that such massive losses in a national war will bring severe consequences. Moreover, with Longchang’s character, having achieved such significant victories this time, will certainly choose to continue the onslaught and bite deeply into Southern Qin.

If mishandled, it might lead to a catastrophe of national extinction!

"What, what is to be done?"

Emperor Yuanyou feels uneasy, anxiously pondering countermeasures.

Suddenly.

His eyes brighten, he abruptly shouts towards the eunuch at the entrance, "Quick! Quickly inform the Blood Child Demon Monarch, this matter needs his attention!"

...

Meanwhile.

At the border between Celestial County and Southern Wilderness Ancient Marsh, the avatar of Blood Child Demon Monarch sits cross-legged atop a desolate rock.