Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Eight

Baisha looked at the young man before her, whose demeanor exuded an innate chill and elegance, and was somewhat surprised by his sudden submission.

Gazing into his slightly cold dark blue eyes, Baisha silently recalled what she knew about Han Chong before meeting him, information largely gleaned from the Emperor.

Judging by Han Chong's past conduct in parliament, he was known to be exceptionally cautious and reserved. Once he committed to a stance, regardless of the controversies and conflicts, he remained steadfast. His maturity and decisiveness were why he, despite his youth, held the position of parliamentary secretary.

Even without the halo of the Han family, Han Chong himself was a rare talent.

"You don't seem like someone who would offer unwavering loyalty without reason," Baisha expressed her doubts, "Can I know the reason behind the Han family’s actions? Is it because of my mother?"

"To be honest, yes. The Princess has been greatly indebted to the Han family," Han Chong nodded, "It involves some old matters that even I am not fully aware of. You might need to ask my uncle directly for the whole truth. However, this does not hinder me from temporarily serving as your chief minister."

"I can be your guide, filling in the gaps in your Imperial education, and act as your eyes and ears, keeping track of the shifts in parliamentary powers, strategizing for your future—if you wish so."

Baisha paused for a moment, then smiled slightly, "Then what you're doing, how is it different from a real chief minister?"

"To be honest, I have no memory of my mother. You telling me now about her favor to the Han family, I have no way to verify and don't intend to delve into it at the moment," Baisha said, arms crossed and leaning back in her leather chair, "I prefer sincere cooperation. I'm not the type to make empty promises or dangle carrots. If you serve as my chief minister, I don’t mind if you use my royal status to climb higher—since my uncle recommended you, I believe you won’t harm me, and that’s enough."

She preferred mutually beneficial relationships.

Han Chong pondered for a moment, not insisting further.

"But don’t celebrate too early," Baisha added, "I'm not even sure if I can become the crown princess."

She pointed to the little white bird on her shoulder, "As you can see, my spirit body is not a Xuan Bird. Although my uncle hasn't explicitly said so, I know this will lead to more suspicion and restlessness from others."

Han Chong: "You are the daughter of the Great Princess, born with the blood of the royal family flowing in your veins."

Baisha spread her hands, "You see, even you speak conservatively. All I have is a bloodline advantage. My spirit body isn't a Xuan Bird, so my starting point is the same as other royals."

With Cecil Luoning having no children, the Xuan Bird lineage in this generation is broken. Naturally, the remaining royals each demonstrate their own prowess, vying for power, not just relying on closeness of bloodline.

Han Chong smiled slightly, his features softening, "Are you truly lacking confidence in yourself, or are you undecided about ascending to the position of crown princess?"

What does it matter if the spirit body isn't a Xuan Bird?

With Cecil Luoning's strong support, even if Baisha can't monopolize power like previous Luonings, ascending to the throne should be relatively easy. If anyone were to object, the network left by the Great Princess and Cecil Luoning would be ready to remove any obstacles for her.

The path to glory was already laid out before her.

Han Chong didn't believe Baisha was oblivious to these factors.

"Frankly, I have no concept of being a crown princess," Baisha raised an eyebrow slightly, "I'm satisfied with my current life and don't have a burning ambition to rule the Empire."

Being an Emperor is exhausting. Does her uncle really just stay in Youdu Star, hands-off in all matters? On the contrary, he has quite a workload.

The scariest part is, there are no holidays for an Emperor. One even has to worry about the next successor, as producing an heir is like seeing the end of one's imperial career. Just thinking about it made Baisha's scalp tingle, as if an invisible cage awaited her.

Her spirit body, the Silver-throated Tit, like most birds, yearns for freedom. Being caged leads to depression.

"I'm not even sure if I'm cut out to be an Emperor," Baisha spoke earnestly, "Han Chong, do you think someone who hasn't received royal education like me can be a competent heir?"

Han Chong sighed, "I understand your thoughts for now. But I still recommend planning your future studies and lifestyle as a crown princess."

"Once you inherit the title of the Great Princess and become a princess, before the Emperor marries and has children, you are the primary heir to the throne. Whether others vie for the position or not, your right of succession is inescapable. Have you considered that your mere existence determines that you must compete?"

"Either conquer them or be defeated by them; you have no third option. But are you really willing to let the glory of the Luoning family end in your hands?"

Baisha: "..."

Baisha took a deep breath, "But my uncle is still young."

"If the Emperor himself has no desire to produce offspring, no one can force him," Han Chong looked directly at Baisha, "Are you willing to gamble on such a possibility?"

Baisha: "..."

"You could be more optimistic," Han Chong suggested more tactfully, "The Ares Empire has never demanded that an emperor be perfect. As long as you are strong enough and can bear the name of the emperor with your actions and words, that's enough."

The emperor holds great power, but over a thousand years of peaceful evolution, Parliament and the Secretariat have assumed most administrative tasks. The Ares Empire is a finely tuned machine; as long as the emperor doesn't completely derail it, maintaining national strength and stable development is more than feasible.

Han Chong: "As for the qualities of a crown prince, you can start learning them now. There's plenty of time. Given the long lifespans of Imperial citizens, as long as you're dedicated, there's nothing you can't learn in your lifetime."

Baisha: Darn, forgot about that.

After several discussions, Baisha's retreats were systematically blocked by Han Chong. He even set a grand plan for her—'a secure position as a crown princess, aiming to ascend the throne within thirty years.' Baisha wasn't sure how she got convinced, but it had all happened. Han Chong even enthusiastically arranged various crown princess training courses for her: history, literature, mathematics, politics, economics, jurisprudence, science, military history and strategy, and even added dance, music, and art!

Baisha struggled desperately: "What happened to not needing to be perfect?"

Han Chong, preparing the schedule on the tablet: "But you should be well-rounded. Most of these courses are mandatory for the royal family. For the less critical ones, you can aim for a quick grasp now and slowly catch up later."

Baisha glanced at the schedule and felt faint. According to Han Chong's plan, she faced a barrage of seven or eight courses every day.

"From my experience, you can focus on building a strong foundation for the first three months. After that, the schedule can be relaxed a bit, aiming to complete the high school curriculum of the Empire within six months."

Baisha: "I'm enrolling in a military school..."

"I'm aware. Hence, the six-month plan," Han Chong said matter-of-factly, "If you were aiming for a top comprehensive university like my alma mater, it would take at least another year."

Baisha was utterly defeated. Even the little white bird on her shoulder seemed to deflate, sensing Baisha's mood shift and becoming listless, almost tumbling off her shoulder—Baisha quickly steadied it back in place.

"Your Highness, you're not just catching up with the basic education gap between the Federation and the Empire, but the cultivation needed for a crown prince. I believe the six-month course I've set is the least burdensome," Han Chong said earnestly.

Baisha: "…I believe you."

What exactly had her uncle sent her way?

Finally, Han Chong left the planned courses with Baisha and excused himself, mentioning he would refine the economic and political course outlines when he had time.

"If you don’t mind, I can personally teach you those parts," Han Chong said modestly, bowing slightly, "The rest of the courses will need to be selected by the Emperor for you."

Baisha managed a weak smile, sending off the extremely career-driven chief minister with great effort.

That evening, the Emperor joined Baisha for dinner and naturally came across the daunting training schedule.

Cecil Ronning first paused, slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter.

Baisha, unable to resist, tapped her spoon lightly against her cup in protest. "Uncle, do you really have no objections to this at all?"

"I knew that Han family boy would do this. Don't resent him for setting high standards for you; he's been through the same rigorous training since he was young." The Emperor clicked his tongue, "Han Chong is famously diverse in his interests. Since learning to read, he's persistently requested his parents add numerous courses to his schedule, never quitting halfway."

So, this guy was a natural overachiever…!

Baisha: "Why did you recommend him to me? What were you thinking?"

As if not hearing Baisha's challenge, Cecil Ronning continued, "Hmm, I think the literature and arts can be deferred. If you're not interested, it's fine to skip those."

Artistic courses were mainly aimed at cultivating sentiment and demeanor. Although Baisha grew up on a remote Federation planet, she didn't possess any bad habits, perhaps just not the typical Imperial manner. Moreover, Baisha had her own set of living rules, not as elegant as the royal family, but still poised and composed, which spared her from extensive etiquette training.

But Baisha couldn't escape the other subjects.

Cecil Ronning revised the course plan, removing most of the arts subjects, leaving only social dance.

"As a member of the royal family, dancing is a necessary skill. Our Ronning family has always excelled in this; you won't need many days to learn enough to appear proficient."

After a moment of consideration, Cecil Ronning added courses in combat training and spiritual power development. Baisha didn't object, finding them far more practical than the other subjects listed.

"I'm also interested in Imperial mechas, Uncle..." Baisha brightly suggested, "Could you arrange a mecha design tutor for me?"

"Don't bite off more than you can chew." Cecil Ronning took a sip from his water glass, the lapis lazuli ring on his finger glinting slightly. "As for mecha design, when you enter the military academy, you'll have instructors to teach you. However, I can gather some materials for you to get a head start on the Empire's mecha technology."

Baisha: "..." Fair enough, materials from the Emperor would undoubtedly be superior to her own haphazard inquiries.

"Speaking of which, before you join the military academy, your mecha should be prepared." Cecil Ronning continued, "It's better not to use the ancestral mechas yet. Going to a military academy with an Emperor-class mecha would be overkill. You will have a mecha of your own—"

Scrape.

The scraping sound of chair legs on the floor was somewhat jarring.

Cecil Ronning was about to ask Baisha what was wrong when he saw her, wordless and solemn, suddenly stand up. The noise was from her abruptly pushing back her chair—Baisha walked over to the Emperor and gave him a firm hug from behind.

"Uncle," Baisha tried to suppress her joy, but her voice still trembled slightly, "Are you serious?"

Cecil Ronning slightly lowered his utensils, "Of course, it's true. A mecha is indispensable for military school."

Baisha took a deep breath, "Uncle, you are truly magnificent—"

Cecil Ronning, trying to manage Baisha's increasingly tight embrace, said, "Calm down, do you want to strangle me?... Let go."

Baisha slowly relaxed her arms.

"I'll take you to the Mecha Research Institute on Tianshu Star, and they'll design a mecha for you. But since you're still a student, the mecha's capabilities will be somewhat restrained. If you don't find one to your particular liking, it's okay, we can try out several to find the right feel," Cecil Ronning reassured Baisha. "Once you officially become the Crown Prince, you can rightfully use an Emperor-class mecha—"

Baisha, excited, tightened her grip again.

The Emperor: "...Why are you starting this again? Let go already!"

Baisha quickly withdrew her hand.

Suddenly, the grueling training didn't seem so bad. If it meant getting her own mecha, she was willing to endure anything, even studying.

Just a bit of cramming, right? As if she hadn't done it before! She was a pro at this!

With such an enticing goal in sight, Baisha felt a surge of motivation.

Cecil Ronning cleared his throat softly, straightened his somewhat disheveled collar, and casually removed his tie, saying, "Everything's planned out now, all set except for your personal guard... Finish your meal quickly, then come with me to a place."

Baisha obediently returned to her seat and finished her meal. The royal chef had greatly satisfied her palate. Usually, she savored each bite, but today she merely tasted her food before setting down her utensils.

After dinner, they walked out of the palace together. The night sky was adrift with golden stardust, like clouds at sunset. Cecil Ronning waved away the two squads of guards following them and led Baisha to a silver hover car on the terrace.

The silver hover car gently ascended, then tilted downwards, heading straight beneath the palace.

The palace's foundation connected to a black stone cliff. The car descended along the cliff wall to a narrow and deep tunnel. A floating golden barrier enveloped the tunnel's entrance, and the hover car's surface began to emit a similar glow. As it touched the golden barrier, the barrier fluidly undulated and smoothly drew the car in.

The hover car navigated the deep tunnel, the light around them growing darker, akin to descending into deep sea.

Gradually, a dim purple light appeared at the end of their view.

After an unknown duration of travel, the purple glow became increasingly bright. Baisha peered through the window and saw that the light emanated from an enormous pair of crystal doors.

The doors, several tens of meters high, clung to the black rock face. The crystal, like purple ice, was frosted over, with symmetrically carved feather-like fine lines along its surface, creating a sense of three-dimensionality and ethereal beauty.

The hover car came to a gentle stop.

Baisha followed Cecil Ronning out of the car, stepping onto rocky ground. Their landing echoed softly in the silent space.

Baisha curiously surveyed her surroundings: "Where are we?"

She saw Cecil Ronning solemnly raise his right fist to his heart and bow respectfully toward the door.

This was the first time Baisha saw her Emperor uncle performing such a reverent gesture.

"This is the gateway to 'Crystal Heaven'," Cecil Ronning spoke, his deep blue eyes reflecting the brilliance of the crystal doors. His tone was calm yet carried a special emotion, "Crystal Heaven is also the Hall of Valor of the Ares Empire. It used to be the resting place of many 'Angels,' but over time, they gradually fell..."

Baisha mimicked the Emperor's gesture towards the crystal doors and then asked in a low voice, "What do you mean by 'Angels'?"

Cecil Ronning raised an eyebrow: "Didn't they mention them in 'The Brief History of the Empire' you read?"

"I read 'The Brief History,' not myths," Baisha said self-deprecatingly. Realizing the implications of the term "Hall of Valor," she asked, "Does this place contain the spirits of the Empire's warriors?"

The story seemed to be taking a turn towards the supernatural.

Cecil Ronning smirked: "What are you thinking? There are no ghosts in this world."

"What's inside are knights who fought alongside the first Emperor, each with distinguished military achievements. They're from the 'Silver Age,' bio-engineered Aresians," he explained with a profound look, "They abandoned mortality, using the mechanical technology of the Silver Age to gain new life. With their immense power, they swept through battlefields, bringing victory to Aresians and clearing obstacles for the Empire. Hence, they are revered as 'Angels.'"

"The 'Angels' have long surpassed the Aresian lifespan. After the establishment of the Empire, they lived for several centuries and eventually chose to enter a long slumber, only to awaken when their descendants, the Imperial Family, need them."

"Throughout the Empire's history, the royal family has awakened the 'Angels' several times, mainly to combat the rampant Star Worm invasions. Of the original four 'Angels,' one has entered eternal rest due to energy depletion... Now, only three remain."

The Emperor's gaze shifted to Baisha.

"Your task is to enter through this door and request an 'Angel' to serve as your guardian," Cecil Ronning instructed, "Not every 'Angel' may respond to you... choose the one willing to accompany you."

Baisha gazed at the purple crystal doors, momentarily speechless.

Bio-mechanical beings?

"From the Silver Age to now?"

"How many years must that be...?"

Even if machinery is immortal, the very name "Silver Age" sounds incredibly ancient and unbelievable.

Baisha felt awkward: "Isn’t it a bit much to disturb them for something so minor? It doesn’t seem right."

Cecil Ronning sighed: "Do you think being in a long slumber is a good thing? Although they are asleep, their perception isn’t entirely gone. Anyway, waking them up occasionally for a walk is beneficial. Guarding you within the Empire won’t consume too much of their energy."

The title "Angel" is intimidating enough to deter any foolish assassination attempts, saving Baisha a lot of trouble.

Understanding the rationale, Baisha stopped fussing and asked Cecil Ronning, "How do we open this door?"

"Just go forward," Cecil Ronning, standing still, indicated he had no intention to accompany her. He gestured with his chin and said to Baisha, "This crystal door won’t deny the imperial family of the Empire."

...Is it that intelligent?

Baisha, half skeptical, slowly approached the crystal door.

When she was about five meters away, the entire door suddenly lit up, illuminating each feather carved on it - almost as if, Baisha mused, the feathers came to life, fluttering elegantly within the icy purple crystal.

...As if waiting for her arrival.

Baisha took a deep breath and touched the cold door. Surprisingly, she easily pushed open a large gap in the massive crystal door –

With a crack, the door fully opened.