Chapter 948: The Young Empress (81)

Later, Su Qing told Xiao Yun that Xiao Jin was living well in Western Saint Kingdom and that there was no need to worry.

Xiao Yun trusted Su Qing completely. Never once had she imagined that he would deceive her.

From the very first time she met him, she had fallen in love at first sight.

As they spent more time together, her admiration for him only deepened. He had never grown arrogant because of his position as imperial consort. Everything he possessed today had been earned through his own abilities and hard work.

Moreover, Su Qing was devoted to her wholeheartedly. No matter how many women admired him, he never spared them a second glance, nor had he ever entertained any improper thoughts.

Looking throughout the entire Qi Kingdom, it was nearly impossible to find another man like Su Qing.

In truth, she should be content.

Because of Su Qing's schemes, all the princes who had once stood a chance had lost their qualifications to inherit the throne.

The old emperor had originally planned to nurture one of his younger sons slowly.

Yet after looking and looking, none of them met his expectations.

Time passed swiftly. Nearly twenty years had gone by since Su Qing arrived in Qi Kingdom. The once vigorous old emperor had grown increasingly frail.

Though he was barely holding on, he had still failed to choose an heir. Fortunately, he had Su Qing, his capable son-in-law, to assist with state affairs. Otherwise, Qi Kingdom would have long since descended into chaos.

When Su Qing saw that the old emperor still intended to choose one of the princes as successor, the last of his patience finally wore thin.

One day, the old emperor abruptly woke from his dragon bed. Somehow, he felt that something was wrong.

Opening his eyes, he discovered Su Qing standing beside his bed. Relaxing slightly, he said, "So it's you. What is it? Why aren't you waiting outside?"

"Father Emperor, your son wished to wait here for you to awaken. There is an important matter, and I hope Father Emperor will make a decision soon."

Though the old emperor's eyes had grown dim with age and his mind occasionally muddled, Su Qing's words immediately made him feel uneasy.

Still, this was the husband of his beloved daughter. For nearly twenty years, Su Qing had worked diligently and faithfully. At first, the old emperor did not suspect anything.

He merely asked, "What is it? Speak."

"Father Emperor, your son respectfully requests that you pass the throne to me."

A cold smile rested on Su Qing's face. Though he was already over thirty, he still appeared youthful, retaining the elegant bearing and detached grace of the refined young gentleman he had once been.

Even as he uttered those words, not a trace of greed appeared on his face.

The old emperor froze before slapping the bed and roaring, "You dare!"

"Father Emperor, I am only considering your concerns. Among the princes, there is truly no one worthy of inheriting the empire. Does Father Emperor really intend to hand the throne over to them and watch Qi Kingdom perish in their hands? I am the Princess's husband. In the future, the throne will still be inherited by the Princess's children. In the end, won't the empire remain in the hands of the Xiao family?"

The old emperor was furious and shouted for the guards to seize Su Qing.

Unfortunately, after nearly twenty years of preparation, the imperial palace had long since fallen under Su Qing's control.

Today, he had merely intended to offer courtesy before force.

When the old emperor realized that none of his attendants answered his commands, he finally understood.

Su Qing had always been a wolf lurking at his side, waiting for the opportunity to strike.

Unable to resist, the old emperor's anger subsided. Staring coldly at Su Qing, he asked, "The one who inherits after you… will truly be chosen from among Yun'er's children?"

"Of course."

Su Qing answered calmly.

In truth, the authority he wielded now differed little from that of the emperor himself.

After obtaining so much power, he realized that there was still only one person he truly wanted.