"Are you sure? This man will surely be used by those imbeciles to make trouble, since he has not thoroughly cut ties with the Imperial Family like me" Nie Xiwang asked Wu Long in a small voice, her mental power shielding the words from traveling any further than the two of them could hear.
That Imperial Ancestor will make sure that there is no trouble with me from any of the members of the Imperial Family, at least trouble that is using the authority and resources of the Empire.
Not only that, in a couple of days the heads of the two idiots you sent off to rest will likely fly off their shoulders as Minister Du is a clever man, and will not risk the Empire coming into odds with me over the fact the two dared to move against me"
Wu Long shook his head, walking with a peaceful and carefree expression.
She made a surprised look at his words, but seeing as he had never spoken empty words in front of her decided not to worry about it anymore.
He and Nie Xiwang then went through the city, awkwardly followed by Nie Guanting, ignoring the shocked gazes of people that recognized the former Empress, and hearing the gongs knew what they meant, not to mention the muscular man acting like a puppy behind the two.
There was a carefree and happy smile on Nie Xiwang's face, as she proudly held Wu Long's forearm, walking next to him, feeling blissful and full of new vigor.
As they approached the inn, they were greeted by Butler Bang who bowed with impeccable manners as always.
"Welcome back, Young Master"
"Mm, good work. Everything in order?"
"As per your instructions, no exceptions", said the butler who wreaked havoc on anyone even remotely related to the assailants on the inn the night before, barring only those in the Palace. Then, he turned his eyes up and to the side to Nie Guanting with a slightly reluctant "this is..?"
"Haha, this fellow will now be my subordinate. Old Yen will take care of guiding him, so for now just have someone show him his quarters" Wu Long made a light laugh and turning to Nie Guanting, said "This is Butler Bang, he will be your Senior. For now follow him and his instructions until your partner arrives"
"Eh? Senior? This feeble old man?", Nie Guanting raised his eyebrow looking at Butler Bang, and then made a grin turning back to Wu Long, "How about if I beat him I will go up in seniority?"
"Hohoho, it seems this old man is being underestimated... Young Master, this old man also hopes you grant that permission", Butler Bang made a grin, stroking his beard a little as he looked at the energetic muscled man.
"Hahaha, if you wish. Just go easy on him" Wu Long chuckled, as both replied "Sure" and "Of course, Young Master", naturally attributing his words to themselves, while he turned to one of the servants behind Butler Bang.
"Is my Dao Family in the main garden?"
"No, in the small one"
"Mm, lead the way", Wu Long nodded, leaving Nie Guanting to Butler Bang, and having the Wu Family servant lead the way to a small courtyard with an idyllic garden and a gazebo from which sounds of a Zither and tinkling laughter of beauties could be heard.
As they approached, first eyes full of joy turned to Wu Long and then curious gazes shifted to Nie Xiwang.
Luo Mingyu stood up with widened eyes as she did want to meet with the Blade Empress, but never expected for her to arrive in person here.
And then as her purple eyes shifted to the hands holding Wu Long's forearm, they widened even more as she turned to look back at their faces.
Nie Xiwang let go of Wu Long and made a graceful and polite posture, that still had the air of haughtiness and pride, but was far more amicable and warm than her usual demeanor.
"It is a pleasure to greet everyone.
My name is Nie Xiwang, but you can call me simply Xiwang.
I have entered the Wu Family, and although I have no experience or confidence in such relationships, would very much like to get along with you all.
As someone who have entered this family before me, I would be grateful for your guidance and forgiveness if I lack anything. And look forward to call you Sisters.
I am the former Empress of this country, but now don't have even a citizenship, so I hope you do not mind my status and speak freely"
She made a light polite bow, as the eyes of the beauties filled with wonder.
'Oh! I have a junior!', a thought along with excitement appeared in Gong Cui's eyes, since the ones who entered the Dao Family before were not quite so formal about it. She then made a slightly smug, magnanimous expression, touching her chin and thinking 'Hehehe, I suppose this Senior Sister can help'
"Welcome to the Dao Family, Sister Xiwang.
Please don't be so formal, as we prefer having closer and informal relationships within the family"
Ye Ling gently smiled, welcoming the Blade Empress on behalf of the others, and then as Wu Long and Nie Xiwang joined the ladies in the gazebo, the beauties started introducing themselves and giving heartwarming words of welcome.
Nie Xiwang was a bit overwhelmed at first, as she was not used to the warm atmosphere.
Shen Min was the only one that she could completely relate to, as the heterochromatic eyes looked at her with a hint of caution and studying her behavior.
And thus she instinctively felt closeness, firmly deciding to gain the trust of the beauty.
There was also something familiar in Lian Zhiqiu's behavior, as the Palace Master of the newly formed Twin Essence Palace had a prideful and haughty air as well, though she was far more provocative and sensual in her day-to-day behavior, whereas the Blade Empress tended to be a bit more reserved and somewhat even pristine.
Yu Huan's reaction being a bit reserved and aloof also not surprising her.
To her surprise, she could not understand Xue Bing's reaction to her appearance here at all, as it was not indifferent, but not any particular reaction either, completely unreadable which was rare for her. Though she of course did not use her Truth Seeking Eyes with any of them in order to not be rude.
However, as she felt the sincerity and genuine goodwill of most of the beauties, she very gradually started adapting, though this process was likely to still take quite some time.
"Ehem, although Sister Ye Ling said we don't have formalities, which is true, if you are really stuck somewhere and need advice of a 'Senior', you are welcome to rely on this Sister here hehehe", Gong Cui spoke up as a few surprised gazes turned to her at the same time with a few wry smiles appearing on beautiful faces.
'And this one... seems like an airhead', the Blade Empress turned her eyes to the former, curling her lips up with a sincere "...of course, I will be in your care"
She knew this type of people, and was quite fond of that personality type, as there was nothing hidden or insincere about them.