Zhao Chen stood on the stage for a full minute.

The entire ceremony was completely silent for a minute, as if it were a pilgrimage.

Until Zhao Chen slowly raised his left arm, a slender, jade-like arm stretched out, and fair fingers rested on Zhao Chen's forearm.

As Zhao Chen walked, a beautiful figure appeared before everyone.

The luxurious white and gold gown featured a train that stretched for several meters.

With slow footsteps, Princess Qin Xiaolei's figure slowly appeared before everyone's eyes.

Zhao Chen then helped Princess Qin Xiaolei walk toward the throne.

Qin Xiaolei stood before the throne, facing the crowd.

Qin Xiaolei raised her head slightly, her gaze sharp, truly exuding the aura of an imperial empress.

Many of the invited guests were surprised by the little princess's transformation.

Most of them had only seen the little princess who was once a delicate flower in the royal family.

Although the little princess still has some childishness on her face, you can clearly feel her extraordinary aura.

At this moment, Zhao Ruyue came up carrying a brocade box, inside which were a brand new crown and scepter.

The old crown and scepter went missing when Qin Xiaotian died in the fire at the palace.

So after discussing it with Qin Xiaolei, Zhao Chen decided to simply remake a scepter and crown.

Zhao Ruyue walked to Zhao Chen's side.

At that moment, everyone realized something, and their eyes were filled with surprise.

In general, when a new emperor ascends the throne, a guide will place the crown on his head and present him with a scepter.

This guide is often an old emperor, a mother, a respected elder, or a member of the royal family.

In short, being able to preside over this ceremony for the new emperor signifies that his status and position are extraordinary.

The fact that Zhao Chen, who has no blood relation to the royal family, crowned Qin Xiaolei carries many implications.

"The new emperor is crowned." Zhao Ruyue's voice rang out.

Zhao Chen picked up the crown inlaid with various precious gems and looked at Qin Xiaolei.

Qin Xiaolei lifted her skirt and leaned forward slightly.

This subtle movement startled everyone in the audience.

This shows that Qin Xiaolei has completely placed Zhao Chen in a superior position.

Zhao Chen gently placed the crown on Qin Xiaolei's head, then took out a scepter from the brocade box, held it with both hands, and handed it to Qin Xiaolei.

Keen observers will notice something special about this new scepter: the handle features a clearly defined dragon pattern.

And within the fist-sized gem at the top of the scepter, there is also a dragon head pattern.

Wearing a crown and holding a scepter, Qin Xiaolei looked down at everyone below the stage and raised the scepter in her hand.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Inside the palace, guests in the back rows prostrated themselves on the ground, while some in the front knelt on one knee or bowed slightly.

All the female officers in the Xiaolong Legion placed their hands on their chests and gave a military salute.

Different social statuses require different etiquette.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, the newly crowned empress slowly sat on the throne.

Zhao Chen and Zhao Ruyue stood on either side of the Empress, like two guardian deities.

This process lasted three minutes.

Empress Qin Xiaolei slowly spoke: "No need for formalities."

Today marks the day our Starry Empire is reborn from the ashes.

Prior to this, for more than a year, the Starry Empire was beset by internal and external troubles and was engulfed in war for various reasons.

However, thanks to the tireless efforts of many loyal and righteous individuals within the empire, the Starry Empire was finally brought back on track.

Here, I would like to announce my first decree after assuming the throne.

From this day forward, I hereby bestow upon Zhao Chen, the former Lord of Xiaolong, the title of Prince of a different surname, and the name 'Prince Xiaolong'.

At the same time, he was appointed as the 'Regent' to assist the Emperor in governing the Starry Empire.

When necessary, all imperial troops within the Starshine Empire, as well as the lord fleets of various territories, can be directly mobilized.

"To see Prince Xiaolong is to see the Emperor himself!"

Empress Qin Xiaolei's words shocked the people from all sides present even more.

I originally thought that having Zhao Chen crown the new emperor was already a way of demonstrating the identity of the Dragon Lord.

Unexpectedly, the real benefits were yet to come.

First and foremost is his status—a prince!

This is a status that surpasses that of a duke. Qin Xiaotian was previously the Prince of Yan, and they are usually members of the royal family.

Since the founding of the Starry Empire, no princes of other surnames have been appointed.

The problem is that Zhao Chen was also granted the title of 'Regent'.

The Regent is a position that has never existed since the founding of the Starry Empire.

Everyone knows that a regent plus a prince is practically on par with an empress.

After that, the Empress granted Zhao Chen an extremely terrifying power.

It can mobilize the entire Imperial Fleet of the Starshine Empire, as well as the Lord Fleet.

It is equivalent to commanding the military power of the entire Starry Empire!

They have both power and status.

It could be said that as long as Zhao Chen had this idea, the Starry Empire could change its dynasty.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhao Chen's eyes.

He knew he would receive some reward.

However, the details were finalized by Qin Xiaolei herself.

He hadn't expected Qin Xiaolei to give him so much.

However, it's understandable when you think about it. The Starry Empire is in dire need of rebuilding, and there's also the Holy Radiance Empire eyeing it covetously from the side.

Qin Xiaolei's only option was to completely bind Zhao Chen to the Starry Empire's war machine.

After announcing this first decree, Qin Xiaolei announced several more...

The coronation ceremony ended quickly, followed by a celebratory banquet.

Zhao Chen and Qin Xiaolei exited the stage.

Walk to a deserted place.

Zhao Chen looked at Qin Xiaolei and asked, "Why didn't you discuss this reward with me beforehand?"

"Both a prince and a regent..."

Qin Xiaolei looked at Zhao Chen seriously: "What's the problem? Everyone has witnessed your strength."

Moreover, I trust your character, so naturally I will give you an important position.

"Aren't you worried that I'll seize your Qin family's dynasty?" Zhao Chen covered his face and laughed helplessly.

Qin Xiaolei blinked and looked at Zhao Chen teasingly: "Would you do that?"

Alright, Qin Xiaolei knew she wouldn't do that, which is why she made this decision.

Zhao Chen looked at Zhao Ruyue, who was trying hard to suppress her laughter.

"Big sister, do you know about this too?"

"What's wrong with that?" Zhao Ruyue asked with a smile.

Zhao Chen knew that the matter was already a fait accompli, so he could only emphasize, "I don't care what identity you assign me."

In short, you can handle the Empire's troublesome affairs yourselves; don't try to pass them on to me.

After saying that, Zhao Chen shook his hand and slipped away.

Zhao Chen himself was unwilling to deal with the affairs of the Dragon Legion, leaving them to Lilith and others.

Not to mention the mess that is the Starry Empire.

Let whoever wants to manage it manage it!

Qin Xiaolei pouted as she looked at Zhao Ruyue.

Zhao Ruyue leaned close to Qin Xiaolei's ear and whispered, "As long as you make him truly your king."

"He won't care about your affairs?"

Qin Xiaolei blushed.