Chapter 193 The Bad News of Duke Bai Hu_1

"Duke Bai Hu, has he really fallen?"

"The military encampment at Ming Dou Mountain Range was attacked!"

"Those wolves of the Sun-Moon Empire with their wild ambitions..."

"Your Majesty, what should we do?"

Atop the imperial court, when the ministers learned of this news, their hearts nearly collapsed.

The blow was indeed too great.

Duke Bai Hu had defended the border for many years and battled the Sun-Moon Empire countless times.

In their hearts, they regarded Duke Bai Hu as a shield; as long as Duke Bai Hu was there, they could rest easy.

But now...

Now that this indestructible shield had been shattered, they felt as if the sky had fallen.

Who could protect them in the future?

"Why so panicky!?"

Xu Jiawei, in a fit of anger, flung his sleeves, "Look at yourselves. If you are truly the pillars and the arms of our Xingluo Empire, what you should do now is not wallow in self-pity but take a stance. Provide me with suggestions."

"Hiss..."

Upon these words, the entire hall fell silent.

Many people shamefully lowered their heads.

The words of Xu Jiawei cut into their hearts like a knife.

It made them unbearably ashamed.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

"Your Majesty, we will brainstorm immediately, think of a solution, think of a solution."

The ministers hastily spoke up.

Xu Jiawei's expression softened considerably upon hearing this.

"Then think carefully," he said.

Xu Jiawei pointed to a minister, "You, go to Duke Bai Hu's Duchy Residence and inform his family about the duke's demise.

Duke Bai Hu devoted his life to the military service, earning great honors for the Empire, we cannot let it chill people's hearts. Reward them with ten million golden soul coins..."

Xu Jiawei offered a hefty reward.

"Yes, I will see to it immediately," the minister agreed at once.

...

At the Duke White Tiger's Mansion.

Dai Yueheng, as usual, paid his respects to the Duchess.

Today, he noticed that his elderly mother seemed... to be radiating vitality?

"Madam, you look well today."

"Yue Heng, you've come. I've thought it over; while I'm still young, perhaps I can give your father another son," said the Duchess with a flush on her face.

After some time, she had indeed opened her heart.

In her forties, she looked no different from a woman in her thirties.

She indeed had the capability to give birth.

Dai Yueheng: "..."

His heart was extremely conflicted.

He had no idea what to say.

However,

he could understand the Duchess's feelings.

In the Xingluo Empire, the lineage of Duke Bai Hu held high authority, was glamorous, and respected by thousands.

They enjoyed endless wealth and luxury.

But to maintain power and status, one also needed corresponding strength.

Ever since their ancestor Dai Mubai became a god a thousand years ago, the family's bloodline had greatly improved, all possessing the potential to become Titled Douluo.

But he had been crippled.

Without a miracle, there was no possibility for him to break through his cultivation level.

To not even mention Titled Douluo, even advancing to Soul Douluo Level seemed hopeless.

His cultivation level had regressed drastically, already reaching the Soul Emperor realm.

The future was utter darkness.

Originally, Dai Huabin had hope to assume the position of the duke.

Yet, his fate was even worse.

He no longer had his life.

A person with just the Soul Emperor realm inheriting the title of the duke could hardly command respect.

Moreover, in the side courtyard, there was a mother and daughter who had been severely repressed and excluded.

As far as he knew, that younger brother of his was a bona fide owner of the White Tiger Martial Soul.

A pure-blood of their White Tiger Clan.

'Let alone others, it's very possible this good brother might do something rash.'

Dai Yue Heng was also very worried.

So, he could understand his mother's concerns.

"Yue Heng, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

"Your father has already spread the news, the Sun-Moon Empire probably no longer has a place for that bastard Huo Yuhao."

"Believe that before long, we'll receive the message, we just wait for the good news then."

The Duchess revealed another piece of news.

Dai Yue Heng's eyes lit up.

"Is that really true?"

"Of course, last time your father sent a letter saying, wait for the good news. I believe it won't be long before we receive the reply."

The Duchess's face was all smiles.

Just thinking about Huo Yuhao meeting an untimely death, she couldn't help but let a smile spread across her face uncontrollably.

There was a sense of elation as if a great vengeance was about to be satisfied.

Hearing this, Dai Yue Heng also showed a smile.

If they could wipe out that rebellious younger brother, it would be like removing a thorn in their side.

Purging the shame of their White Tiger Clan.

"Madam, Minister Zhang has arrived."

Just at this moment, a servant hurriedly approached the two of them.

"Minister Zhang? Which Minister Zhang?"

The Duchess frowned.

"It's the minister from His Majesty's side, the one who often conveys the rewards bestowed upon the Duke."

The servant hurriedly explained.

"Oh, that minister." The Duchess relaxed her brow and even showed a hint of joy on her face, "It looks like the Duke has won another victory at the border, and His Majesty has conferred more rewards?"

The servant nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, that's what I think too. I also saw many carriages behind His Lordship, carrying large red chests that seem to contain golden soul coins."

"Hehe, then there's no mistake." The Duchess smiled from ear to ear.

Dai Yue Heng said, "I really hope I can become a great hero like my father, pushing back the Sun-Moon Empire at every turn."

"Yue Heng, let's go. Let's see what kind of merits your father has earned and what rewards he has received this time."

Twisting her graceful figure, the Duchess headed toward the entrance of the Duchy Residence.

...

"Duchess."

Minister Zhang bowed with a cupped fist salute.

"Minister Zhang has worked hard."

After returning the courtesy, the Duchess glanced at the long line of carriages and asked with a beaming smile, "May I know what merits my husband has achieved this time?"

Merits?

Minister Zhang was startled, his forehead creased with question marks.

He hurriedly shook his head, "Duchess, please accept my condolences."

"Con... condolences?"

The Duchess was taken aback.

Dai Yue Heng disbelievingly asked, "Minister, what are you saying? Could you have misspoken?"

A sense of foreboding filled his heart.

"Duchess, I have not misspoken."

Minister Zhang said somberly, "The Duke was assassinated in the Ming Dou Mountain Range and has fallen. His body is currently en route back from the Ming Dou Mountain Range. These rewards are His Majesty's way of mourning the late Duke."

Boom!

As those words were spoken, Dai Yue Heng and the Duchess were struck as if by lightning.

Their minds went blank.

Dai Hao died?

The pillar of the Duke White Tiger's Mansion had collapsed!

What were they to do now?

The Duchess's knees buckled and she collapsed backward.

With quick reflexes, Dai Yue Heng hurriedly caught the Duchess.

"Madam, Madam..."

He called out urgently.

He truly feared for his mother's wellbeing.

"Minister Zhang, could you please tell me what exactly happened? The Duke has been invincible on the border for decades; how could he have suddenly met with disaster!"