Chapter 001: The Glory of the Empire

The atmosphere suddenly became extremely strange. Du Fan and Duke Green were at a loss—neither able to answer nor remain silent, and could only stand there in confusion.
Even with Duke Green’s cunning and readiness to face whatever punishment the old emperor might impose on the Green family, the old emperor ended up saying something completely unexpected…
This… was hardly a punishment at all! It was actually a reward!
After all, marrying into the royal family brought obvious benefits. Just by bearing the royal name, one could do many things that would otherwise be impossible.
Moreover, for an emperor to bring up such a matter on his own meant one thing—absolute trust…
Yet today, at such a time… Du Fan sensed a hint of conspiracy in it!
Fortunately, Du Fan hadn’t come here on his own, and he was still under eighteen, having not yet undergone his coming-of-age ceremony. As a noble child who hadn’t had his ceremony, he had little say in front of his parents!
So, Du Fan quickly lowered his head to hide the strange look in his eyes. What happened next would likely depend on his father’s decision.
But Duke Green was also at a loss, not knowing how to respond for a while.
Austin III stared at Duke Green with a faint smile on his face, but after waiting in vain for an answer, the smile gradually turned into anger. He glared at Duke Green and said coldly, “What… Duke Green, do you refuse?”
Duke Green also detected the anger in Austin III’s tone. He hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, please calm down… It’s not that I refuse. It’s just that my son has not yet undergone his coming-of-age ceremony, and he is also a believer… As for this marriage, I’m afraid…”
Before he could finish, Austin III waved his hand and said, “It doesn’t matter. My younger daughter hasn’t had her ceremony either. In my view, they are a perfect match… As for being a believer? Who says a believer can’t get married and have children? Old Green… if you have no objections, this matter is settled.”
Duke Green lowered his head with a bitter smile and could only nod. The old emperor’s intention was clear enough… If he refused, trouble would surely arise.

Seeing Duke Green nod, Austin III finally smiled again. He slowly walked over to Duke Green and patted his shoulder—given Duke Green’s status, it was likely only Austin III in the entire empire who had the right to do such a thing!
“It’s been a long time; we’ve both grown old…” Austin III said slowly. “Look, your youngest son is already so big… Why are you still so careless in your actions? Old Green, do you know why I asked you to marry my daughter as soon as you arrived today?”
Duke Green glanced at Du Fan but said nothing.
Austin III didn’t mind. He placed the crown in his hand on the table beside him, folded his arms, and walked a few steps around the room before turning back with a smile and saying in a deep, hoarse voice, “We’re both well aware of what happened today. I’m sure you understand why I called you two here. After all, I’m still the emperor. Such a major incident happening in the capital must have been reported to me.”
Du Fan was stunned. He wanted to say something but noticed Duke Green’s gaze and obediently kept his mouth shut.
Then Duke Green sighed and said, “Your Majesty… this…”
Before he could finish, Austin III waved his hand to interrupt him. “I know what you want to say. Fischer has already reported everything to me… Given Fischer’s nature, I already know exactly what happened… But…”
At this point, Austin III gave Du Fan a deep look before continuing, “Your youngest son does have a rather impatient personality… Though it’s not a big deal, it was he who started the fight… Old Green, you understand the situation in the empire better than I do. You must know the consequences.”
Duke Green sighed and said, “I am guilty. It’s all because I failed to discipline him properly… Please punish me, Your Majesty…”

A faint smile appeared on Austin III’s lips as he looked at Duke Green. After a moment, he raised his eyebrows and said, “Old Green, haven’t you thought about it? If I wanted to blame him, why would I give him my most beloved daughter? Old Green, let me tell you the truth without fear… Regarding today’s incident, not only do I not blame your son, but I even intend to reward him… Look at all these nobles in the city—whenever they meet someone from the Lani Empire, they act like cats facing mice, flattering and terrified. I doubt they were ever this cautious in front of me, the emperor. Yet your son isn’t afraid of them and even helped me vent my anger… So, what crime has he committed?!”

Duke Green was stunned and said, “Your Majesty, this…”

Austin III replied calmly, “No need for all these excuses. Since I’ve given my daughter to your son, I certainly have no intention of blaming him… But, Old Green, you must understand that even as the emperor of the empire, there are many things I still can’t control… So, although I don’t want to punish your son, I still have to make him suffer a little to silence everyone’s mouths.”

Duke Green glanced at Du Fan before saying, “Your Majesty, if that’s the case, I assume you’ve already made up your mind. Please give your orders!”

Austin III nodded, his eyes showing deep thought. After a moment, he said calmly, “You’re all aware of the war between the empire and the Lani Empire, right?”

As one of the top military figures, Duke Green knew far more about this than Du Fan, so he nodded.

Austin III smiled faintly and said, “Good! Since you’re all aware, I won’t waste words. Duke Green… Your Green family is one of the empire’s most renowned martial clans… Over the centuries, aside from your family, I doubt there’s another clan that has maintained such a martial legacy… I also know that among the four great legions, aside from Kimberly’s Western Legion, which is somewhat useful, the other two are useless. Only your Northern Legion is a true mighty force… So, I want to ask you—how should we respond to the Lani Empire’s provocation right now?”

Duke Green raised his eyebrows but quickly bowed and said, “The Green family is willing to fight to the death for the empire, defending its land and dignity!”

A faint satisfied smile appeared on Austin III’s face. He glanced at Du Fan again and said, “What about you? Du Fan… what are your thoughts?”
Hearing the old emperor suddenly address him, Du Fan felt a bit uneasy. When he saw the emperor’s mocking gaze, his thoughts grew even more complicated. Yet, under such circumstances, he had no time to overthink. He could only bow and say, “Du Fan is willing to go through fire and water for the empire without hesitation!”
Sure enough, Austin III’s smile grew even softer. He laughed heartily and said, “Truly a member of the Green family—brave and resourceful, far better than those nobles! It’s a pity the current situation doesn’t allow it. Otherwise, I would surely send an army to deal with the people of the Lani Empire! Hmph! The Lani Empire! Do they really think they’re so great? Are they just playthings at the feet of some bitch?”
In his last few words, the old emperor hid none of the hatred in his tone.
Although Du Fan didn’t know much about the situation on the continent, he knew that the ruler of the Lani Empire was an empress… which explained why the old emperor spoke in such terms!
Playthings at the feet of a bitch?
Du Fan sneered inwardly. It was these very “playthings” who had utterly defeated one of the emperor’s proud four great legions—the Southern Legion—time and again…
Of course, Du Fan couldn’t say any of this. If the old emperor heard such insults, both father and son would likely never leave the palace alive!
So, Du Fan could only force a smile and say, “Your Majesty is wise!”
Austin III nodded, thought for a moment, then said, “Originally, the empire’s military affairs should have been dealt with first… but now there are some other matters that force me to put them aside… So, Old Green, Du Fan, I’ve called you here today because I have a request for your help…”
Duke Green and Du Fan exchanged a glance, then both knelt down, looking up at the old emperor with eager eyes at a 45-degree angle. They said in unison, “Your Majesty, you overestimate us. Whatever order you give, the Green family swears to obey!”