After I Faked My Death, the Realm Fell into Chaos and the Empress Panicked

[Contending for the World + Fiery Battles + Never Looking Back] Guan Qing transmigrated into a parallel ancient world, becoming the adopted son of Jiang Huan, the previous emperor of Qi. Over the next ten years, while still a young man, he was entrusted with the heavy responsibility of serving as regent. At home, he reformed the government; abroad, he repelled powerful enemies. As he struggled to balance the forces within and beyond the court and preserve Qi's dominance, the new empress, Jiang Yu, decided that his achievements were too great to reward and plotted to have him killed. Guan Qing acted decisively. He set fire to the prince's residence and faked his death to escape. With him gone, the delicate balance that had held everything together was shattered. The noble families at court: “Without Guan Qing, the government is ours to control!” The tribes of the steppe: “Guan the Butcher is dead? Send out the troops at once and raid Qi!” The powerful clans of the Huai and Si regions: “Prince Guan is dead. No one can hold us back now! Let's rebel!” The Jixia Academy: “With Lord Guan gone, no one can protect the academy! Flee Qi at once!” The news of Guan Qing's death spread, and the realm descended into chaos! Qi, once the realm's dominant power, was rocked by turmoil at court, rebellions among the people, collapsing border defenses, and rampant foreign enemies. The empress panicked and sent people everywhere to search for Guan Qing. North of the Great River, Guan Qing rested a hand on his Demon-Slaying Whip and slowly made his move. “The blood oath is broken. It's time for me to take the seat at the table and rule this realm!”