Chapter 539: Chapter 535: Ascending the Throne as Emperor! Empress and Imperial Consorts (Part 2)
This move caused the ministers of Western Xia to be terrified, no longer daring to entertain any rebellious thoughts.
The new Emperor.
Cannot be poisoned.
Cannot be killed.
With unmatched lightweight skill, he’s naturally hard to burn or drown.
They had no way to deal with Ding Ling.
Ding Ling had many ways to kill them.
Helplessly.
Even for the sake of their clans and families, these ministers could only comply.
They complied.
But Ding Ling didn’t care for it.
On the day he ascended the throne.
A selection examination was held in the Main Hall.
Only those who met his criteria could continue to hold office in Western Xia.
There was a written test.
And an interview!
The written test assessed knowledge of state governance, people’s livelihood, military strategy, Mo Family, Legalist School, and diplomatic strategies among others, covering a wide range of topics, totaling 500 points.
Only those who passed could continue being officials.
The interview.
Was where Ding Ling would use the Observing People Skill, acting, and psychology to discern if a person harbored any intent to kill or betray him.
Only those without such tendencies could remain.
After such a round of screening.
Fewer than twenty or thirty percent of the officials remained.
The court suddenly felt empty.
"...!!"
Li Qiushui, Li Qianshun, and Li Qinglu were dazzled and dumbfounded, completely stunned by Ding Ling’s series of actions!
They never imagined Ding Ling would act this way!
Moreover, their loyal ministers were all screened out without exception, and the opportunistic flatterers were all cleared out!
Now the court was filled with elite individuals, and although fewer in number, the scene was much more pleasing to the eye!
Xiaoo Feng was in awe like seeing a celestial being!
Jiu Mozhi was full of admiration. He too wanted to do this, but he lacked the ability. Just by looking at the test paper Ding Ling issued, he was already dazzled, not to mention scoring 500 points. Scoring 300 would be impressive for him.
And these remaining officials scored above 200 points, clearly showing they were truly talented and knowledgeable.
Zhong Ling and Mu Wanqing were also secretly delighted, feeling proud of Ding Ling.
After a part of the court officials were appointed.
Then came the appointments in the harem.
The Chief Eunuch held the Holy Decree, reading it aloud:
"Zhong Ling is appointed as Empress!"
"Mu Wanqing and Li Qinglu as Imperial Consorts..."
During these days.
Li Qinglu, following the requests of Li Qiushui and Li Qianshun, knelt persistently outside Ding Ling’s chamber, enduring wind, sun, and rain, regardless of the elements. When Zhong Ling asked what she wanted to do.
She said if Hero Ding wouldn’t marry her or accept her, she would kneel until the end of time, kneel until death.
Ding Ling naturally wouldn’t indulge her, let her kneel as long as she wanted!
How could he be a man manipulated or threatened by a woman?
But Zhong Ling had a soft heart, seeing Li Qinglu kneel genuinely for three days and nights, her face turning pale and her body swaying weakly, barely clinging to life, she couldn’t help but plead for her.
She was optimistic, innocent, and kind-hearted, already having some fondness for the beautiful and stubborn Li Qinglu. Seeing her indeed not eat or drink and not get up for three days and nights, she was astonished as well.
She couldn’t help but plead for her repeatedly.
Mu Wanqing saw this and, although quite unwilling, to avoid being seen as a jealous woman in Ding Ling’s eyes, could only swallow her bitterness and join in pleading for Li Qinglu.
Ding Ling, seeing them plead several times and noticing Li Qinglu being exposed to the scorching sun for several days and then battered by a torrential rain, while she hadn’t used inner power to protect herself, and being inherently frail as a woman, realized she was indeed at her limit.
He was quite moved as well.
He was also a man, with a heart of flesh. Li Qinglu did all this for the sake of saving Li Qianshun and others’ lives, but her filial piety and sincerity could not be ignored by Ding Ling.
Upon the repeated pleas from Zhong Ling and Mu Wanqing, he went with the flow and accepted her.
When Li Qinglu received the news from Zhong Ling, she breathed a sigh of relief and kowtowed heavily in the direction of Ding Ling:
"This servant thanks Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
Having said this.
Perhaps due to the relaxation of her tense emotions or having already reached her limit, upon loosening up, she felt the world spinning as she fell over.
With weak breaths and fading vitality.
More than three days without food or water.
Exposed to the elements, wind, sun, and rain, her body had already succumbed to illness, burning with fever, now unable to endure any longer.
Ding Ling’s medical expertise was exceptional; as long as there was a breath and medicine, he could save people from the grasp of the Death God.
Li Qinglu’s illness and injury naturally were nothing for him.
She was saved on the same day.
Once she regained consciousness, she forced her weak body to kneel by the bed again, continuing to express gratitude to His Majesty and wishing him long life.
Ding Ling sighed upon hearing this, said nothing more, and walked away.
Even though Li Qinglu was desperate to marry him.
And he agreed.
However, her father, Li Qianshun, could live.
But her grandmother, Li Qiushui, was destined to die.
Ding Ling told her the truth.
Li Qinglu’s face fell at first, then she said: "For Your Majesty to show kindness is already a rare gesture, this servant dares not ask for more."
It was clear she had already prepared for the worst.
For Ding Ling to accept her.
To spare most of her clan from the fate of death.
And only to kill Li Qiushui.
It genuinely was an act of mercy.
How could Li Qinglu not be content?
...
...
Precisely because Li Qinglu had already earned the approval of Zhong Ling and the others.
This led to her becoming an Imperial Consort.
"Appoint Xiaoo Feng as Grand General of the Western Xia"
’Jiu Mozhi as Western Xia Mage’
’Appoint Ling Yanqiu as Commander of the Imperial Guard’
...
Once all appointments were complete.
Everyone knelt on the ground, expressing gratitude for the imperial grace.
Despite being an emperor for the first time.
Ding Ling was skilled in his duties, having not served as a Prince in multiple worlds for nothing.
