157. Imperial Edict

Filled with pent-up anger, Kane returned to the imperial capital two days before the wedding of Mo Fei and Aileen. Upon seeing the city adorned with festive lanterns and banners, and the residents brimming with joy, he felt somewhat at a loss. Grabbing a hurried passerby, he inquired and learned that the young master’s wedding was to be held in just two days. Upon hearing this news, the storm of frustration that had clouded his heart vanished instantly, replaced by a burst of excitement as he dashed straight toward the palace.

Veed had allocated a special fund for the emperor’s wedding expenses, covering not only the palace decorations but also subsidies for the city’s residents. Yet to Veed’s dismay, when the announcement was made, not a single person came forward to claim the money. Reluctantly, he ordered officials to distribute gold coins door to door, which took an entire day to complete. At first, the capital’s inhabitants were hesitant to accept the coins, until the officials promised to improve things, which finally coaxed them into receiving the funds.

“Young Master! Young Master!” Kane sprinted into the palace, calling out incessantly at the entrance. The palace guards were berserkers, fierce warriors who dared not block his path at such a moment.

“What’s all this fuss? You’re a grown man acting like a child. When will you ever settle down?” Mo Fei chided, though not sternly. Kane caught the teasing tone but pretended not to hear.

“Congratulations, Young Master! Where’s Aileen? I brought some nice gifts for her!” Kane grinned widely. Though summoned back by his father’s imperial decree, filling him with resentment, he understood the necessity of the war and begrudgingly obeyed. Before leaving, he had sought out rare curiosities to bring back for Aileen.

“Aileen has returned to the forest. You’ll accompany me to fetch her,” Mo Fei explained. The day after his proposal, Aileen had gone back with the queen to the forest. According to their customs, Mo Fei must lead a procession to bring her back to the empire to complete the wedding.

“Kane, take a look at this. I plan to announce this decision on the wedding day.” Mo Fei handed Kane a freshly written decree on yellow silk.

“Ah! Young Master…” Kane’s eyes widened in shock halfway through reading.

“Moved, aren’t you?” Mo Fei laughed heartily.

“Young Master, how can this be?” Kane stammered.

“Why not?” Mo Fei smiled wryly.

“Well… um…” Kane struggled for words. “Has Old Ove seen this?”

“No, you’re the first. I know what you’re thinking, but this is my decision—no changes allowed. Kane, I understand your concerns, but this empire belongs to all of us. From now on, only those with virtue and ability may hold this position, to ensure the empire’s lasting glory. If I simply pass the throne to my son, many problems will arise. Can you guarantee that my son is suited for this role? That the heir among them will carry on our legacy? Perhaps your son is more fit. I have arranged positions for my sons; if they are unfit to inherit the empire, they will be titled princes and granted cities as fiefs—I've made sure they have a place. No need to argue further. When the time comes, we’ll see whose son is most suitable. If none qualify, the two elder councils of the Dwarves and Berserkers will govern temporarily. We would rather have no emperor than an unworthy one. Remember, so many lives have been sacrificed for this empire. We cannot afford a single mistake.”

“I understand, Young Master. I support you,” Kane wiped tears from his eyes. “Perhaps my son will one day sit on that throne. Why wouldn’t I support you?”

Everything proceeded according to plan. The leaders of each empire arrived a day early with their entourages for the Death Empire’s grand wedding. But no one expected that on the morning of the ceremony, Mo Fei would issue a formal imperial edict that shocked all empire rulers.

The decree declared that the current emperor’s sons would not inherit the throne directly. They must first pass rigorous assessments by the elder councils of the Dwarves and Berserkers, proving their virtue and capability. Only then could they ascend. If none were suitable, candidates would be chosen from the princesses, then from the children of other ministers. Failing all, the empire would be placed under the joint stewardship of the two councils, who would wield the emperor’s authority and hold the power to depose an unfit ruler. Deposed emperors would be granted princely titles and fiefdoms outside the capital.

The proclamation sent the continent into a frenzy of debate. The citizens of the Death Empire were stirred to their core. This was their revered emperor’s true spirit—bold and far-sighted. While other empires’ princes fought bitterly for the throne, their emperor chose a path to ensure the empire’s future through merit. The idea of selecting heirs beyond mere bloodline was unprecedented but necessary. Such magnanimity belonged only to their emperor.

Empowered with the rare authority to depose the emperor, the elder councils of the Dwarves and Berserkers emerged from obscurity. Together, their power now rivaled that of the emperor himself. No other empire on the continent had such a system to restrain their sovereign. Absolute power was the norm elsewhere, and oversight was unthinkable.

The night before, the fifteen elders from both councils convened in the imperial council hall. Led by Elder Ove, who vehemently opposed Mo Fei’s unilateral decision, they expressed grave concerns. The idea of deposing an emperor was unprecedented. While they accepted their role in educating the future heir, choosing successors from their own races was irregular. Never before had they faced such a prospect, and all elders stood against it.

Even Kane, under the stern gaze of his own elders, reluctantly joined the opposition. No one supported Mo Fei’s decision.

“I know convincing everyone is difficult,” Mo Fei admitted with a smile. “But consider this: unchecked power leads to ruin. I can consult with you all, but can you guarantee that my sons will do the same? I cannot. As for the power to depose me—don’t worry, I know you won’t use it against me.”

Hearing this, the elders chuckled. They bore no ill will toward Mo Fei, for it was he who had brought prosperity to their clans. Otherwise, how could the Berserker elders have decreed that palace guards would be executed if the emperor were harmed? Such trust spoke volumes.

“But think—if the heir is wise and capable, your power is largely symbolic, isn’t it? Even if you wished to depose him, the people would not accept it, and you could not enforce it. But if the emperor is stubborn and misrules, will you stand by idly while he wreaks havoc? We have come so far since the Misty City, becoming the continent’s true leaders, with so many sacrifices. The instructors at the imperial training camp shed blood to prevent a tyrant from rising. Without checks and balances, could we deny that disaster might strike?”

The room fell silent, unsure of what to say.

“Of course, I hope my son can inherit the throne and continue our hard-won glory, but that requires all our efforts. We all bear responsibility for educating the young prince. If one of my sons proves worthy and gains your approval, I will have no objections. But if none are suitable, we will seek successors among the two clans. If that fails, we will look among the empire’s citizens. Whoever can truly build a better empire deserves our support.”

“He could be granted authority too, contributing greatly to the empire,” Elder Ove’s tone softened, evidently swayed by Mo Fei’s reasoning. The dwarves and berserkers were few in number; a foolish ruler would bring severe harm to both.

“In principle… I agree with Your Majesty’s decision,” Ove finally declared after thoughtful pause. “But I reserve the right to dissent. We must still strive to educate our future prince. His Majesty is wise and mighty; his sons cannot be that lacking, right?”

Ove’s words lightened the mood, and laughter filled the once solemn hall. Indeed, with such a wise emperor, how could his sons be so unworthy?

“Very well, since there are no further objections, the edict shall be issued. Today, I shall rest my hands and act as a mere noble. Kane, Uncle Veed, the wedding preparations are yours to handle. Now, go forth and get to work!”

Mo Fei’s sudden theatrical tone amused everyone. Kane and Veed dared not laugh aloud, mindful of the many elders present.

The two hurriedly rose and dashed out of the council hall, their departure accompanied by a chorus of hearty laughter behind them.