In a shocking anouncement made this morning by Shen authorities, their Empress, Wu Zhou, died in her sleep last night. This is the second world leader to pass away this year, with the Emporer of Xiomera being assasinated back in October.
The elderly sovreign died apparently of natural causes at 11:00 PM in her bed chamber. The nation will enter a period of mourning in the coming days. Zhou left behind a daughter, Wu Zhao, who will take up her position as ruler of the Kingdom of Shen, and a legacy forged by 64 years of service to her citizens.
Under Zhou's authority, the Kingdom of Shen developed from an agrarian state to the industial giant it is today. Her reign was characterized by a push to modernize Shen and reduce national debt acumulated by her father. Zhou also faced harsh criticism throughout her reign as a result of her brutal crackdown on political dissidents. She was a woman loved by many and hated by many but she will doubtlessly be remembered by all for overseeing perhaps the single largest change in Shen culture in their history.
President Lucas Brown spoke publicly about Zhou's death this afternoon saying, "I am deeply saddened to learn of passing of Empress Wu Zhou. My sincerest prayers go to her family and friends, and to the people of Shen. The entire nation has lost a figure they all look up to, a woman whos administration supported Maximusian causes on numerous occasions. I am pleased to report that the new Empress shares her mother's respect for Maximusian culture and I look foreward to working with Empress Zhao in securing a brighter future for the world."