Chapter 71: Ascension to the Throne, Declaring Xiao Phoenix as Empress - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 71: Ascension to the Throne, Declaring Xiao Phoenix as Empress (Additional Chapter for 200 Monthly Tickets) [Xiao Zhan's attempt to assassinate you quickly reached the ears of the Xiongnu Khan.] [He rushed to your side, his face filled with concern as he beheld the bodies outside.] [To others, your life bears greater importance than it might to you personally.] [Upon confirming your safety, a sigh of relief escaped the Xiongnu Khan.] "My dear son-in-law, you must remain unharmed." "Were anything to befall you, it would spell disaster and division among us all." [In the current landscape, you no longer rely solely on the might of the Xiongnu forces. Many have allied themselves with you voluntarily, forming a powerful army.] "Father-in-law, there is no need to worry, for I will be just fine." "Rest assured." [You then approached the decapitated body of Ye Zhiqiu. Despite appearing merely in his thirties, his prowess was such that even Yuluo Niang with her eight centuries of cultivation feared him. Indeed, it confirms the rarity and value of a human form.] [No wonder these creatures yearn to assume human shapes.] [Upon searching his body, you discovered a booklet tucked in his bosom.] [The booklet bore five bold characters: "The Five Thunders Invocation."] [Yuluo Niang's face lit up with delight upon seeing it.] "Master, this is a genuine Taoist method, famed as 'firelight will burn the world, and devils turn to dust.' Though not as potent as a celestial tribulation, when mastered, it can summon the Five Thunders and deal with many demons and human foes alike." "You currently lack methods to counter humans; mastering this would be auspicious." [Surprised by Yuluo Niang's explanation, you nodded.] "This is certainly worth learning." [After confirming your safety, Li Jinglong and the Xiongnu Khan took their leave, leaving soldiers to manage the bodies.] [Seated by yourself, you devotedly studied "The Five Thunders Invocation."] ... Watching his simulated self engrossed in reading, Su Mo felt compelled to attempt mastering it himself. Armed with more techniques meant having more options. However, much of the incantation remained obscure, with phrases like "Five Thunders, Five Thunders, heavenly thunder follows," "thunder in palm, exorcise ghosts and evict evil," and methods like channeling true qi to hands, feet, and heart to unleash brilliance. He couldn't make heads or tails of it. It was like a child fresh out of kindergarten trying to grasp advanced mathematics. After a while, Su Mo grew disheartened. It seemed using simulation to learn cultivation techniques wasn't the right path. Undeterred, he pondered over his perceived lack of comprehension. Perhaps if he were more perceptive, these cryptic incantations could become clearer. After contemplation, Su Mo continued to watch his simulation. ... The scene shifted, with the fragrance of the red-sleeved beauty in the air. [Yuluo Niang stood by your side, guiding your studies throughout the night. As a great demoness, her comprehension of such texts ran deep, effortlessly explaining parts you couldn't decipher.] [However, lacking foundational skills in the Taoist arts, you couldn't yet summon thunder.] [Simply put, practice remained necessary.] [After tucking away "The Five Thunders Invocation," a commotion outside drew your attention.] [Upon venturing outside with Yuluo Niang, you found the guards stationed on the distant city walls had vanished.] [Troops from the capital were slowly advancing towards your position.] [This development implied the defenders abandoned the capital's defense.] [Yet, caution persisted, leading you to your maternal grandfather Li Jinglong's tent.] [Intent on discussing a preemptive strike with him.] [Within the tent were the Xiongnu Khan, your grandfather, numerous noble patriarchs, former court officials, and Xiongnu generals, creating a crowded scene.] [When you arrived, Li Jinglong promptly beckoned you over.] "Position onward, spies report chaos erupted inside the capital—guards clashing with surrenderists." "And with the gates now open." "Thus, we're debating whether to march our forces." [You remained unfazed about capitalizing on this report.] "What of Xiao Zhan?" "Has that old fox escaped the capital already?" [Faces in the tent turned blank in response; Xiao Zhan's whereabouts were untraceable.] [Observing their puzzled expressions, you spoke again.] "Let it be; the advantage is ours. Launch the offensive now!" "Sweep the capital in one decisive strike." [Your declaration ignited collective jubilation, spurring immediate and unhesitant action towards a full assault.] [Trails of apprehension flickered in Li Jinglong's eyes nonetheless.] [Later, he summoned you alone into the inner chamber.] "Mo'er, it is circulated that while on the steppe, you vowed to share the world with the Xiongnu Khan should you reclaim the throne." "Is there truth in this?" [Faced with Li Jinglong's earnest inquiry, you affirmed.] "Yes, Grandfather. Otherwise, how could I have secured the Xiongnu Khan's staunch support?" "Although, it was merely a stratagem—something to reconsider upon securing the throne." [Understanding you weren't naïve, Li Jinglong relaxed.] "Good, ensure clarity remains." "Our Great Zhou bows not to barbarian control." [From those words, it weighed on you that breaching the capital was but the initial step. Handling the Xiongnu was the next challenge.] [However, Yuluo Niang already crafted a scheme.] [Her plan entailed assassinating all Xiongnu heirs except for Ayina, awarding you the right to the Xiongnu throne.] [Thus, Great Zhou and the Xiongnu could unite, forming an expansive realm.] ... [Thereafter, you refocused on overseeing the capital's siege.] [Amidst the civil strife, the capital was swiftly seized, returning you to the imperial palace.] [Just six months since your departure seemed akin to a lifetime.] [You commanded the palace to be encircled, entering alone within.] [Inside, eunuchs and palace maids bowed on either side, welcoming their future emperor.] [Xiao Phoenix, garbed in a splendid red gown, awaited you at the hall's end, smiling like a flower in bloom.] [Catching up to her, you gently embraced Xiao Phoenix.] "I have arrived." "Yes..." "I knew this scene mirrored my dreams exactly." [The once formidable empress now nestled in your arms like a docile kitten.] [Ignoring all onlookers, you carried Xiao Phoenix to the place of your initial intimacy.] Within the scene, Xiao Phoenix bit her lip, toes curling, her skin flushed with warmth... ... ... ... [Your presence ensured no chaos unfolded within the palace, allowing eunuchs and maids to resume their duties seamlessly.] [Experiencing earlier events made the transition of power quite smooth. Upon ascension, many existing officials remained, while your supporters were duly rewarded.] [Members of the Xiao clan were spared due to Xiao Phoenix, save for and excluding the excessively ambitious, who were executed publicly.] [Yet, Xiao Zhan remained elusive among the Xiao clan.] [As Xiao Phoenix recounted, the capital's fall marked Xiao Zhan's disappearance, with no trace of his whereabouts.] [Worry gnawed at you since Xiao Zhan, both a martial adept and strategic mind, posed a significant threat.] [Notably, the populace bore the brunt of conflict, prompting you to decree a two-year tax exemption.] [Concerning the Xiongnu, with confrontation looming, you ceded three northern provinces to them for recuperation.] [Yuluo Niang departed the very day the provinces were ceded.] [According to her, within a year, all but one of the Xiongnu Khan's successors would mysteriously perish.] [As for the Xiongnu shamans, her array of a hundred talismans rendered them negligible.] [Before she left, you pledged her a grand title of National Grandmaster upon success, alongside a generous palace near the capital.] [Motivated by your promise, Yuluo Niang was filled with energy that very night...] ... ... ... [Now that the realm has found relative stability, your marriage has emerged as the most pressing matter.] [Your mother, Consort Li, has naturally assumed the role of Empress Dowager, showing particular interest in your matrimonial affairs.] [Regarding Ayina, the Xiongnu princess, she is absolutely against her becoming Empress of Great Zhou.] [She instead favors your cousin from your maternal uncle's family as a potential candidate.] [However, deep down, you wish to name Xiao Phoenix as Empress.] [To you, no one fits the role better than Xiao Phoenix.] [Inside the Cining Palace.] [With a stern expression, Empress Dowager Li questioned you.] "Mo'er, do you truly intend to make this former Empress your queen?" "Mind you, her surname is Xiao!" [Resolute, you replied to your mother's concerns.] "There's nothing to negotiate. It was Phoenix's decisions that led to my opportunities with the Xiongnu." "She foresaw this outcome long ago." "Thus, no matter what, Phoenix remains my first choice for Empress of Great Zhou!" [Empress Dowager Li attempted to persuade you otherwise.] "Mo'er, times have changed." "At most, consider making her a consort. I won't object." "Your cousin from your uncle's family is at the perfect age for marriage, with enchanting looks and a pleasant demeanor." "Perhaps..." [Watching your mother repeatedly recommend your cousin, you harbored strong objections.] [You stood up immediately.] "If mother truly likes her, why not invite her to the palace to keep you company day and night?" [With those words, you exited the Cining Palace.] [Recognizing your determination, Empress Dowager Li had no further arguments.] [She resigned herself to let you decide.] [Subsequently, you visited Xiao Phoenix, who still retained many loyal handmaidens, and you chose not to dismiss them, valuing her safety above all.] [Noticing a hint of displeasure in your demeanor, Xiao Phoenix approached with concern.] "Your Majesty, what happened?" [Without disclosing the matter to Xiao Phoenix, you gently caressed her cheek.] "Nothing has happened." "Phoenix, how about you become my Empress and assist me in governing?" [Hearing your proposition, Xiao Phoenix's eyes flashed with concern, fully aware of the pressures you would face...] (End of Chapter)