Jin Li climbed the sacrificial altar step by step, accompanied by Kong Qi's chanting. One’d expect a national memorial to be grand, yet only the Minister of Rites presided over it. Such a pitiful sight it was. 0

Below the platform, Lady Qin and Duke Yu gazed helplessly at Jin Li, who intended to summon the Divine Court Army. To them, it seemed nothing more than an illusion, like a dream that vanished upon waking. In the end, they couldn’t defy the heavens.0

Next to Sima Ting, several civil and military ministers watched Jin Li as if enjoying a play. Some—especially those aware of the altar’s purpose—only sneered. Others sympathized with Jin Li, convinced that their empress had reached the end of her rope. Alas, beauty was often ill-fated. In the end, Jin Li would be buried along with this crumbling empire. 4

Jin Li mounted the altar slowly and steadily beneath countless watchful eyes. Her heart swelled with many emotions, but her greatest worry was Qi Yuan, who hadn't replied to her in the last four days. 0

Yet, now wasn’t the time...0