Granting the Title of Feudal Lord

Amidst the astonished courtiers, Sean Hayes, disguised as the Chief Palace Attendant, finished reading the imperial edict.

The ministers gasped in shock. No one had ever dreamed that Emperor Leonard the Enlightened would suddenly grant Alexander Hayes the title of Prince and bestow upon him such a vast fiefdom!

Such earth-shattering news—how was there not even a hint of it beforehand?

Tsk tsk, the Emperor and Prince Alexander sure know how to keep a secret!

But regardless of the circumstances, the imperial edict has been issued. The Emperor's word is as good as gold—there’s no changing it now.

Besides, Alexander Hayes has the merit and strength to back it up. Even if some courtiers feel dissatisfied or jealous, all they can do is swallow their complaints.

Envious that he’s become a prince? Well, if you’ve got the skills, go help the Emperor ascend the throne yourself. If you’re so capable, go win battles and earn military honors!

Right now, the entire Jin Kingdom’s military rests on Alexander Hayes alone. Meanwhile, the neighboring Chu Kingdom has torn up the alliance, with Gregory Gu Jr. leading the charge and eyeing Jin like a hungry tiger.

The court desperately needs military commanders—what can those civil officials do, anyway?

If you’re not convinced, we’ll send you to the front lines, and when conflict breaks out, you’ll be the first to be used as cannon fodder. That’ll shut you up.

Alexander Hayes and his wife accepted the imperial decree and expressed their gratitude. No matter how the officials truly felt, everyone had to put on a smile and congratulate Alexander Hayes on his promotion.

This new title of Feudal Lord outranks all clan princes and imperial relatives—second only to the Emperor of Jin. With his own territory, Alexander Hayes is practically a local sovereign!

The Grand Court Assembly was convened just to announce this. Now that it’s done, Alexander Hayes and his wife are the stars of the show—and the assembly quickly disperses.

Emperor Leonard the Enlightened watched as officials crowded around Alexander Hayes and his wife, each one eager to flatter them—some looked ready to kneel just to curry favor.

And what about the Emperor himself? On paper, he’s the ruler of Jin, but in reality, he’s half a puppet!

The real power and decision-making lie with his father, Lord Huainan.

Back when Lord Huainan was aging and only had one son, father and son ruled together in harmony. That was fine.

But now, thanks to Bella Su’s clever schemes, father and son have been driven apart.

Emperor Leonard is feeling the pressure. On one hand, he has to protect Bella Su’s influence in the capital, or else Empress Bella Bell—and the child she’s carrying—will turn against him, leaving him without an heir. On the other hand, if Lord Huainan has more sons, Leonard’s position will be truly doomed.

Emperor Leonard is so stressed he slaps his own thigh in frustration.

But Lord Huainan isn’t having an easy time either.

On one hand, Lord Huainan tries to win back his son, who now guards against him; on the other, he harbors selfish hopes—to father a few healthy sons and continue his own bloodline.

Bella Bell watched Emperor Leonard the Enlightened coldly, knowing he must be deeply conflicted. She flicked her sleeve and left.

Emperor Leonard snapped back to his senses and realized Bella Bell had left. He hurried after her, finally catching up at the pavilion near the Rear Garden.

"Bella Bell, I have something to say to you." Emperor Leonard rushed over and blocked her path.

"There’s nothing left to say between us." Bella Bell replied coldly, "Today’s Grand Court Assembly was my last act as Empress. I’m leaving the palace today. From now on, we’re finished—no more ties between us."

Pain flickered in Emperor Leonard’s eyes. "Bella Bell, do you really mean this? I’m consolidating imperial power for the sake of our child."