"What!" Lu Yuan seemed incredulous that I didn't have a life-saving military token on me.

He grew anxious, drawing his sword against my chest, "Where did you put it!"

"What do you think?"

"Lu Jiao, it must be Lu Jiao! So you really want to support her as the empress!" Lu Yuan's sword pressed deeper into my chest, "Why would you risk everything to elevate a woman to power, yet refuse to help me!"

I remained silent, quietly feeling life slipping away.

Lu Ye had old ministers to assist him, and new nobles to support him.

Regardless of who would become emperor in the future, they would be constrained by these assisting officials.

Any measures I wanted for gender equality, civilian imperial examinations, or any actions to save the country and help the people would be obstructed due to conflicting interests.

Therefore, the best candidate is only Lu Jiao.

Coincidentally, she also harbored the same desire to save the world.

As consciousness faded, I heard the distant sounds of clashing weapons.

And a woman's voice calling my name in anguish.

I tried to open my eyes, but couldn't muster any strength, only allowing myself to fall into darkness.