Dance Of The Dragons
Chapter 343 : Reclaiming The Twin Heirs (1)

Chapter 343: Chapter 343 : Reclaiming The Twin Heirs (1)

Thanks to, allegedly, the combined efforts of the remaining eight palaces, the insurrection at Wuyang Palace was quelled, and its flames of rebellion extinguished.

Liu Wenyuan was discovered lifeless within the confines of Wuyang Palace, his body ravaged by a rapid, mysterious decay that rendered identification almost impossible.

Xie Jianzhi, the treacherous prince, Liu Yichen, the former Wuyang Palace Master, and their remaining accomplices were duly apprehended and incarcerated within the depths of the Golden Dragon Palace’s dungeon, their reign of terror brought to an abrupt end.

Concurrent with his declaration to ascend the Dragon Throne, Xie Jianshen, accompanied by his two infant nephews, their devoted wet nurses, and a retinue of maidservants from Fuxi Palace --including Mingyu -- made their way to the Golden Dragon Palace.

As the palace embraced its new sovereign, a palpable buzz of renewed activity filled the once-desolate chambers. Eunuchs scurried about, diligently engaging in the task of recruiting and training a new generation of palace attendants. The very air crackled with anticipation for the impending ascension ceremony.

When the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, Xie Jianshen ventured into the palace gardens, carrying his precious charges in his arms.

The gentle morning sun bathed the infants in its warm embrace, casting a golden glow upon their rosy cheeks and innocent slumber.

With utmost care, Xie Jianshen placed them upon a soft, silken blanket, allowing them to bask in the sun’s comforting warmth.

The elder omega recalled doing the same to Xie Jianyu twenty years ago, when they had just lost their dear mother.

Just as he had found solace in nurturing his younger brother while grieving for his mother’s passing, so too did he seek refuge from his sorrows in the act of caring for his infant nephews.

Nourished by a steady supply of milk, the infants thrived, blissfully unaware of their mother’s untimely demise and their father’s absence.

When the morning feeding time arrived, Xie Jianshen summoned the wet nurses.

The elder ladies bowed deeply in front of him before they lifted the infants with practiced hands.

Xie Jianshen’s watchful eyes never left the wet nurses when they handled his precious nephews.

As the babies contentedly suckled from their wet nurses, their eyelids grew heavy, and soon, they succumbed to the tranquil embrace of sleep, just in time for Xie Jianshen’s first morning meeting with the palace officials.

Seated upon the exalted throne at the end of the audience hall, Xie Jianshen exuded an aura of calm authority, his gaze sweeping across the kneeling officials who gathered before him.

Having discussed among themselves prior to the meeting, the palace officials gathered their courage and came up with a plea, "Your Majesty, in order to restore peace and stability to the Heavenly Empire, we beseech Your Majesty to swiftly ascend the throne!"

Xie Jianshen’s gaze swept across the assembled officials, his expression unyielding.

"The ascension can wait," he declared, his voice resonating with a sense of purpose. "At this moment, it is more important to help all nine palaces heal from the wounds of the recent unrest."

Noticeably absent from the morning assembly, all palace masters remained ensconced within their respective palaces, nursing their grievances and meticulously rebuilding their depleted forces.

Among the nine palaces, Juhua Palace bore the brunt of the conflict, its once-grand halls reduced to rubble. Wu Shenyuan, the future palace master, remained in a depressive state, casting doubts upon his ability to lead the palace’s restoration.

Meanwhile, Wuyang Palace, once a hotbed of treachery, lay in ruins after the Liu family’s reign of terror was brought to a swift end. The vacancy left by their downfall required a new noble house from the wolf clan to step forward and claim dominion.

Xie Jianshen’s insistence on delaying his ascension to the throne was not without merit, given the turmoil that still plagued the empire. Yet, the palace officials remained steadfast in their demands.

"Your Majesty," a senior palace official interjected, his voice laced with urgency, "while we understand your concern for the well-being of the palaces, it is imperative to assert your authority as Emperor without delay. The empire needs stability, and only your ascension can provide that."

Xie Jianshen, his expression unreadable, countered with a hint of disdain, "I have no intention of ascending the throne merely to have it snatched away by the next traitorous plot. Our immediate priority should be to determine the fate of Xie Jianzhi and Liu Yichen, the architects of this rebellion."

With deep reverence, the palace official bowed until his forehead touched the cold marble floor. "Your Majesty’s wisdom is unparalleled," he declared. "In light of Your Majesty’s decision, this humble servant implores Your Majesty to inflict a fitting punishment upon the apprehended traitors."

A wicked grin contorted Xie Jianshen’s features, his eyes glinting with a chilling intensity.

What more effective deterrent could there be against future uprisings than to expose the perpetrators to the harrowing consequences of their actions?

By chance, Xie Jianshen undertook this task with a morbid fascination.

"Traitors are nothing but rabid beasts," the omega declared, his voice laced with a cruel mockery. "They must be taught the virtue of humility. Subject them to a hundred plank beatings thrice a day, followed by a forced diet of spoiled food. I shall devise their ultimate punishments within a week."

A ripple of trepidation coursed through the palace officials as they heard Xie Jianshen’s chilling instructions. The harsh punishments he had devised for the traitors painted a stark portrait of his unwavering ruthlessness, a trait that had only intensified in the wake of his ascent to power and the depths of his grief.

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live Your Majesty!" The palace officials shouted in unison as they bowed deeply before Xie Jianshen.

As the morning assembly drew to a close, the officials were looking forward to returning to their duties. However, before they could depart, an unexpected figure emerged, sending a fresh wave of shock through the gathering.

Emerging from the shadows, General Zhang Fengxi stood before the assembly, his composure masking the profound grief etched upon his features. Cradled in his arms was the lifeless form of the late Crown Prince, swaddled within a thick blanket as if to preserve his warmth.

When Xie Jianshen laid eyes upon the lifeless body of his beloved brother, the grief he had valiantly suppressed for days surged forth like a violent eruption. The dam of his composure crumbled, and with a primal roar, he lunged at Zhang Fengxi, his eyes burning with a tempestuous rage.