It was unfortunate that Cheng Xiaofan's clone, due to extreme physical weakness and ten years of confinement in the underground secret chamber, suffered memory gaps. Cheng Xiaofan could not recall how he met Chang'e of the Moon, nor the nature of their relationship.
Cheng Xiaofan wished to see Chang'e not only because of their prior arrangement but also due to a vague premonition that he might find medicinal herbs on the moon to cure the apocalypse virus. If he could find these herbs, he would be able to help Nü Xi eliminate the virus from her body.
"Xing Xi," Cheng Xiaofan said, "Later, I'll have the female guards change all the bedsheets and furnishings in this bedroom. After all, these are things left behind by Chen Xi!"
This bedroom originally belonged to the Star Lord. Cheng Xiaofan's clone had been living here for over a decade. Nearby, there were many other bedrooms, mostly occupied by Cheng Xiaofan's various consorts. As for the guards, they were all housed outside the Beidou Palace. However, after Chen Xi usurped power, she immediately moved into the Star Lord's bedroom, removed all its original furnishings, and replaced them with things she preferred.
Xing Xi smiled slightly upon hearing Cheng Xiaofan's words. "Never mind, the decor here is quite nice; there's no need to change it." She added, "Besides, I've left my first time on this bed, so there's even less reason to change it. Just replace Chen Xi sister's clothes and cosmetics."
Cheng Xiaofan nodded. "Alright, we'll do as you say." He knew Xing Xi had always been frugal and disliked extravagance.
After some intimacy, Cheng Xiaofan summoned two female guards and instructed them to remove Chen Xi's clothes and belongings. Cheng Xiaofan then retrieved numerous bottles of premium Happy Wine and various delicacies from his spatial storage, presenting them to Xing Xi for her to enjoy at her leisure.
Xing Xi accepted them without ceremony, especially since they were gifts from her husband. Before they had become intimate, Xing Xi might have been a bit reserved. Now, she didn't even need to say thank you.
Seeing Xing Xi's joyous and delicate demeanor, Cheng Xiaofan naturally felt a sense of accomplishment. As a husband, making the woman he loved happy was what truly defined a man.
The afternoon passed. In the evening, Luo Shu was scheduled to bring some old ministers. Cheng Xiaofan directly retrieved a whole sika deer and a leg of a river monster from his spatial storage, handing them over to the female guards. He instructed, "We have important guests tonight, so prepare several tables of dishes and make them as elaborate as possible." He added, "Furthermore, you are now the closest individuals to the Star Lord. There's no need to be overly formal. We will all eat at the same table."
"Thank you, Star Lord!" The female guards were deeply touched by Cheng Xiaofan's words. The nobility of their work was less important than being treated with respect. Eating with the Star Lord was a privilege they had never dared to imagine.
Gan Xiao Tang and Yue Jia, after touring the Star Lord's Hall, also returned. They too did not idle, joining the female guards in the kitchen to busy themselves.
As the sun began to set, Luo Shu arrived, accompanied by more than ten people. Upon seeing Cheng Xiaofan, the group of more than ten people immediately knelt down with a thud, crying out, "Star Lord, we've missed you so much!" Each of them wept like wronged children, gasping for breath.
Cheng Xiaofan, drawing upon the information from his clone's memories, quickly recognized all of them. They were his loyal followers! Cheng Xiaofan stepped forward and helped each of them up. He said, "My esteemed ministers, it has been ten years. I am truly overjoyed to see you all in the Beidou Palace today!" He invited them, "Come, everyone, sit at the tables!"
Two female guards hurried forward, busy with pastries and brewing tea. An old minister sighed, "Star Lord, we were greatly shocked to hear of your situation from Old Luo. Back then, the legend that the Star Lord had a clone outside the universe was met with disbelief. Now, we finally understand; it was indeed true!"
Luo Shu laughed heartily. "Fortunately, the Star Lord's clone arrived in time. Otherwise, who knows when this Chen Xi rebellion would have ended!" Another minister added, "Indeed, the Chen Xi rebellion has plunged the entire society into chaos, with the law of the jungle and the survival of the fittest prevailing everywhere, leaving the weak to suffer!"
Everyone engaged in lively discussion. The reappearance of Cheng Xiaofan brought immense joy to all the ministers present. Cheng Xiaofan was somewhat bewildered! Back on Earth, he had never even dreamed that another version of himself was the Star Lord of the Yanhuang Planet. Here, he could issue commands and change the rules of the planet at will.
"Everyone," Cheng Xiaofan began after the discussions had subsided, "I have invited you here tonight to discuss something." He gestured to Xing Xi, who sat beside him. "You all know Xing Xi, don't you?" he asked. "Tomorrow, during the morning court, I will announce her succession to the position of Star Lord!"
"Ah?" As soon as the words were spoken, everyone present, except for Luo Shu, was astonished.
An old minister cautiously inquired, "Star Lord, all of us here know that Xing Xi is virtuous and capable, and there is no problem with her succeeding to the position of Star Lord! The question is, why does the Star Lord wish to abdicate?" As his words faded, the eyes of all the old ministers turned to Cheng Xiaofan.
Cheng Xiaofan smiled faintly. "My dear ministers, the reason is quite simple. I have traveled from Earth, outside the universe, and have merged with my other self here. After all, I have my parents on Earth, and I cannot abandon them!" He continued, "There are many matters waiting for me to resolve there. Once things are settled here, I must return to that place. In the future, I can visit here once every three years, staying for half a year each time before returning to Earth!"
"I object!" At this moment, an old minister stepped forward and knelt on one knee, declaring, "Star Lord, your actions are unfair to the Yanhuang Planet. They are particularly unreasonable towards Xing Xi, who is also your kin! In my humble opinion, after you have resolved matters on Earth, you should come here to reside for one year every year. This would be fair and just!"
"That's right, we all agree with this suggestion!" In an instant, everyone present, except for Luo Shu, rose to their feet and knelt before Cheng Xiaofan. It seemed as if they would not rise unless he agreed.
Luo Shu then said, "Star Lord, please accept the suggestion of these old ministers! It has been ten years; their hearts have shattered from missing you! You cannot neglect one side for the other!"
"Everyone, please rise!" Cheng Xiaofan shrugged his shoulders helplessly and said, "I agree with your suggestion!"