Chapter 669: Chapter 476: Little Crybaby, Beautiful and Charming, The Rugged Man Spoils His Wife with Seduction 26
"The diplomatic relations between the two nations are of great importance. If the Emperor were enraged and killed his son, it would only be a moment for him, but the Wang Dynasty would also learn the truth. By then, they would seize the opportunity to start a war, claiming that it was our Wan Dynasty who deceived with a fake and was not sincere in marriage. If it were truly so, it would turn a good thing into a bad one."
Su Zhiruan spoke in a flat tone, yet she dissected the pros and cons.
Although the two nations have established diplomatic relations now, it is due to the short-lived peace brought by marriage. Spies planted in the Imperial Palace are numerous, and adding one more would not attract attention. However, if dealt with, the repercussions would be immense. The True Princess went missing and was killed in the Wan Dynasty, while the Fake Princess married into the Wang Dynasty with ulterior motives.
The Emperor squinted his eyes to scrutinize this daughter who was not favored regularly. He was somewhat surprised, not expecting to breed such a daughter in the deep palace.
Initially, he indeed considered secretly disposing of Su Zhiruan. As for the fake Princess of marriage, by then, he would arrange for spies to assassinate her, for dead men tell no tales.
But now, he changed his mind. The Old Emperor paced in front of Su Zhiruan, looking at this face of devastating beauty. He chuckled lightly as he surveyed the harem; few could match her beauty. Moreover, this daughter had only reached the age of womanhood a few years ago, right at the bloom of youth. If only...
The Empress was the Old Emperor’s first wife. Although there wasn’t much affection between the two, they had treated each other with respect all these years, understanding each other’s thoughts with just a glance.
She frowned, stopping her hand that was originally fiddling with the armor, and spoke, "Your Majesty, it is late. Why don’t I take Jialan down to settle."
The Old Emperor’s indecent thoughts were awakened by the Empress. He cleared his throat, shifting his lingering gaze from Su Zhiruan and spoke thoughtfully, "Let the Empress decide."
The Empress sighed in relief. She knew the Emperor’s look well enough. If he were to be left alone, perhaps it wouldn’t be long before a new concubine entered the harem. The Emperor’s absurdity over the years was infamous. Even she, the Empress, sometimes found it ludicrous. The Emperor taking his minister’s wife was already a talking point in the previous regime’s harem; adding a father taking his daughter as a consort would be even more shocking.
"Jialan, follow me," the Empress ordered Su Zhiruan as she stood before her, then took the lead.
Su Zhiruan said nothing, following the Empress at a distance of two or three steps behind.
It wasn’t until they walked out of the Imperial Study Room that she gave a faint glance at those gathered at the doorway.
Birds fluttered by in the sky, seemingly free and blissful, unfettered by chains. But she knew very well that although their bodies were free, they were guarded by special people, their legs tied with marks and their eating and travels not of their control.
Su Zhiruan, by nature, was easygoing, always resigned to her fate. She didn’t favor competing or seizing by force, nor did she desire anything grand. Coming to the Small World to do tasks was just about doing her duty, nothing more.
But now, she felt an itch in her hands.
The original owner was a princess, with Royal blood flowing in her veins. Since she was restricted everywhere in the Imperial Palace, watched and confined, with the Old Emperor potentially perverted enough not to spare his own daughter, she might even face the possibility of being killed at any moment.
In that case, it was better to strike first, for in such a feudal dynasty, only with power in one’s hand could one have a voice and get what one desired.
During her time in the Apocalypse Mini World, Su Zhiruan obtained a gun. At first, she thought this gun might not be of much use, but if she wanted to choose a path full of bloody storms, it might become her most useful partner.
"You also know your identity can’t be exposed to others. I can’t let you live in another palace and must have you condescend to serve as a mere Palace Maid," the Empress’s tone was lofty yet commanding, "Any objections?"
"No," Su Zhiruan agreed, making arrangements in her mind.
The Empress nodded coldly, supported by the Chief Court Lady as she returned to the palace.