In the Name of Empress-Chapter 383 - 267: Master of Slander (Part 2)

They are already dead, but according to procedure, they have to wait three years to enjoy martyr status.

Can their families wait three years?

Roland picked up a pen and wrote the instructions.

"All the personnel mentioned above have sacrificed their lives for the country in the battle of Beihai, Luz Bay. Compensation policy will follow the highest level, and the treatment of martyr’s family accommodation is to be retained. Eyewitness: Northern Rodinia Governor Roland."

To prove death on the battlefield, there needs to be a clear corpse or a high-ranking witness at the scene as proof of death.

With Roland personally vouching, there is naturally no problem.

Just as he signed the first document, Sif walked in.

She casually stood behind Roland, catching a glimpse of Roland’s instructions.

She naturally would not oppose. Although she did not witness the deaths of these people personally, what Roland saw was her vision.

Seeing this list of missing persons, she recalled another significant missing figure.

"Roland, how should we notify the cabinet about my father’s situation?"

"What do you think?"

After a moment of thought, Sif softly said, "I think we should still count him as missing. If we publicly announce the Emperor’s death, and the Sea Witch brings him back, it would cause a huge problem."

"The possibility of her doing so is not small."

Roland smiled with satisfaction.

Sif now considers issues more comprehensively and is no longer the political novice who acted entirely on instinct.

"Is there no better way to handle it?" Roland asked with a smile.

Sif’s slightly tired mind instantly became clear.

It’s time for the pop quiz again.

Announcing the Emperor’s death is the stupidest move because it’s easily debunked.

Frequent liars know not to say easily debunked lies.

Since you can’t preemptively announce the death, you must tell the truth.

Sif didn’t rush to speak, but instead fell into contemplation.

If it’s just to inform the Cabinet of the situation, Roland wouldn’t specifically ask.

Is there a third way between false reporting and truth reporting?

Sif pondered for a long time, silently muttering, "If we can’t lie, and can’t easily speak the truth, should we call them here to say it in person?"

Roland lightly tapped the table, nodding in satisfaction, "Exactly, let them come over."

"Ah?" Sif was stunned.

"Next month is your coming-of-age ceremony, and if you wish, you can ascend to the throne within three months after the ceremony. According to custom, you should return to the Imperial Capital to complete the ceremony. But it’s a special circumstance now, and with us having secured accurate information about the old Emperor, it’s reasonable to temporarily stay in Hansa to ascend the throne here."

Sif suddenly realized.

Historically, there indeed have been emperors who ascended the throne while outside the capital.

She is investigating the whereabouts of the old Emperor and already has precise information, so ascending the throne elsewhere is reasonable.

The Imperial Capital is the Cabinet’s home turf; going back to ascend would surely be controlled. Hansa is Sif’s domain, where the Cabinet is not in a position to speak loudly.

If you can fight on home ground, who would willingly fight away?

"Then I’ll write a personal letter inviting the Cabinet to come. Before that, let’s not make my father’s news public."

"I have an idea, let The Sun take action. Their channels are broad and can spread news about the old Emperor." Roland suggested with a smile.

Sif was somewhat troubled, "But they specialize in rumors and tabloid news. Having them publicize something so important doesn’t seem suitable, does it?"

"Very suitable."

Roland said seriously, "Precisely because they are a tabloid, most people won’t take their news seriously."

"I need a story that the Sea Witch must respond to."

Sif was dizzy by Roland’s unconventional thinking, softly murmuring, "Must respond? We can’t say my father and she slept together, can we?"

"You’re truly a genius at fabricating rumors!"

Roland gave Sif a thumbs-up.

"Ah?!"

Sif was completely bewildered.

She just said that casually, and Roland actually took it seriously?

After a moment of astonishment, Sif suddenly understood.

Although it sounds absurd, Roland’s unruly approach actually makes sense.

What is the Sea Witch Adina trying to do? Unclear, but certainly without good intentions.

Since they temporarily can’t go to the sea to demand an explanation, think of a way to make her come up.

If you can fight on home ground, don’t fight away.

According to reliable information, the Sea Witch is the youngest among the Ocean Generals and is not yet married.

It’s said that there are many suitors, and to avoid harassment, she vowed publicly not to consider personal issues until the Sea Emperor awakens.

Such a cold and aloof young girl being rumored to have an affair with a human emperor, could she tolerate that?

No matter what, this would disrupt Adina’s original plan of detaining the old Emperor.

Whether or not she responds, this rumor would make it hard for her to explain.

If Adina were to rush ashore angrily like an old turtle, there would be one less Ocean General.

Roland certainly wouldn’t be polite with her.

Though she didn’t kill Edward, she killed Prince Feino, and even made thousands of Imperial Navy officers and soldiers perish with him.

This blood feud cannot go unavenged.

Sif took a deep breath and slowly said, "How do you plan to write this story?"

"I can’t write it; you’ll have to write it."

Roland slowly shook his head.

Sif knows the old Emperor, knowing how to write the rumor to make it more believable.

It has to be said, stabbing in the back is easier with someone you know. Sif didn’t refuse Roland’s arrangement, sketches of her father’s public and secret lovers already forming in her mind.

She didn’t know what kind of person Adina was but would portray Adina as the type of woman her father liked most.

After all, no one has seen Adina, she could fabricate as she pleased.

As for what Adina would think, she didn’t care at all.

Sif didn’t see herself as evil, but she wasn’t kindhearted enough to consider the enemy’s situation.

Thinking of her father still under house arrest having to be slandered by his own daughter, Sif felt a slight pang of embarrassment.

Not wanting to continue this topic, she simply asked about another issue.

"Roland, do you think they will come?"

"Not necessarily. Some will come, others won’t, and there will even be those who criticize your actions as violating Empire laws and being an invalid ascension."

"Are you talking about Alben?" Sif thought of that name which left her with mixed feelings.

"Exactly, Minister of Justice Alben is our ’enemy.’ If he doesn’t jump out to oppose us, it would be surprising."

Sif laughed like a small fox, softly teasing, "You’re really a cunning fox."

"Same goes for you." Roland shrugged, not denying it.

Unlike Wald who was already labeled part of the Imperial Faction, Alben, in others’ eyes, was a classic Anti Emperor Faction member.

Alben is a hidden agent within the Cabinet camp who can clearly understand the Anti Emperor Faction’s situation.

He would undoubtedly oppose overseas ascension and might even run to the Upper House and Heraldry Institute to impeach Sif for violating ancestral law.

This kind of impeachment could either be serious or trivial. If handled well, it might even mean replacing the Emperor.

With Alben leading the charge, reluctant Cabinet Ministers would also stand out.

As long as Alben takes action, the treacherous ministers will expose themselves.

This is also an excellent opportunity to determine the Cabinet’s stance.

However...

Sif sighed in frustration, "We’ve already set up outside the Empire, and most of the Cabinet must be replaced. Accepting their allegiance and then acting against them would leave a bad impression."

"Then don’t take action."

Roland’s answer always left her at a loss. She was stunned for a few seconds before realizing.

"If the Cabinet Ministers haven’t made mistakes, I indeed can’t take action, but..."

"Then don’t take action."

Roland calmly explained, "If the Cabinet Ministers haven’t made mistakes, I’m indeed unable to take action, but..."

"There’s no need to act." Roland’s reply always leaves Sif momentarily speechless. It took her a few seconds to understand.

"If the Cabinet Ministers have not made any mistakes, I can indeed not take action, but..."

"If the Cabinet Ministers haven’t erred, I can’t act. However..."

"We have to adjust our plans without being rigid. Now that Empress Sofia is missing, this period is the best time for expansion. If we waste time here in internal struggles, we’ll miss a rare window of opportunity. Think about our neighbors, the Jin Yuan Kingdom. They have considerable strength, but have essentially lost a seat at the table alone."

Sif was silent for a moment, then softly said, "We need to decide who gets to share the pie. The loyal ministers can share it, while the treacherous ones will have to pay for their mistakes."

Understanding Roland, Sif finally understood that he intended to divide and break up the Cabinet’s strength while not giving up the struggle with them.

Conflicts existed among Cabinet Ministers as well, which could be utilized.

Sif smiled and nodded, speaking lightly, "You’re right. We need to reshuffle the Cabinet and evaluate their performance."

Seeing Sif’s relaxed expression, Roland’s eyes lit up.

Alright, Sif, you’ve even grasped the essence of PUA techniques.

The way she is now, she indeed has the demeanor of an Empress.