Chapter 2225: Empress  

“Ah, you heard about that stuff?” Shang Hongyu immediately became really embarrassed. “Those guys really aren’t acting properly despite their old age. They only have the Ocean races’ interest in mind. Ahhh, they're so frustrating!”

The various clan leaders and elders had all previously secretly sought her out. They had pretended to comfort her for a bit, telling her to not be too broken-hearted and even advising her to seek her own happiness from now on.

At first, Shang Hongyu had been a bit angry, thinking that they were having audacious thoughts about her after the Dragon King’s death.

However, those people had then begun to hint at Zu An being young and handsome, mentioning how strong he was. They had said that if he supported the humans and the fiends, things would become bad for the Ocean races. And Zu An had shown the Ocean races such grace, so they needed to repay him properly. But... Their Ocean races didn’t seem to have anyone else who was on good terms with him apart from the mermaid sisters!

Even though they had been rather tactful, how could Shang Hongyu not realize what they were hinting at? They clearly wanted her to seduce Zu An! That way, the Ocean races would also be taken care of. At the very least, Zu An wouldn’t just side with the humans and fiends if war broke out between them.

Shang Hongyu had felt quite annoyed by their words. After all, she had constantly been on the brink of life and death as of late. Luckily, she'd just happened to run into Zu An when she was being pursued. Later, in order to win the trust of the monsters, she'd even ended up giving up her purity... Of course, it didn’t seem like that much of a sacrifice now. Her time together with Zu An really was wonderful.

Even so, she had already given up far too much, but in the end, those people hadn’t done a single thing. But now they wanted to use her to thank Zu An... They were just being generous at others’ expense!

She was willing to be with Zu An, but that was because their affection for each other had already reached that level, and they were both willing. If they added in that element of political interest, what kind of relationship would they have then? If Zu An found out about such ulterior motives, what would he think of her?

That was why, when she was at the mourning hall, she had gotten so angry that she just stormed out. Chatting with Zu An and her sister had made her feel a lot better, but how could she have known that they would end up chatting on the table, at the window, against the wall...

Sigh... If those guys found out, they’d definitely be rolling on the ground laughing at me.

They’d think 'She looks all decent and proper on the outside, but didn’t she still proactively give herself away?'

When he noticed the changes in her expression, Zu An frowned. “It seems I went a bit too easy on them. They actually dared to pressure you like this?”

Shang Hongyu was really alarmed and quickly said, “It’s not actually their fault. If it had been me, I would’ve most likely suggested a similar plan for the Ocean races. Please don’t be mad anymore.”

If conflict between Zu An and the Ocean races came about because of her... It would naturally be a one-sided beating, and she would be filled with remorse.

Zu An asked seriously, “Who are you all planning to make the new king?”

Shang Hongyu shook her head. “Since the Dragon King thought he was still in the prime of his life, he didn’t set a crown prince. All of his sons have a chance, and there's a supporter behind every single one of them. Everyone is evenly matched, and no matter who takes the throne, some people will be dissatisfied. That's why the situation has been locked in a stalemate.”

“That’s not hard at all. You can just become the new ruler,” Zu An said with a smile.

If she had a son, she could support him to the throne, but she didn’t have any children. Rather than supporting the other sons of the Dragon King, Zu An would rather support her in taking the throne instead.

“Me? I'm but a woman! No way, no way!” Shang Hongyu was alarmed and immediately shook her head. “Why not? Who says women can’t become rulers? There are quite a few female rulers already in this world. For instance, the Snake race has the Medusa Queen, and the Fox race has the Bluefield County lord. Even your Mermaid race probably has a woman ruling over you, right?” Zu An replied while walking forward to help her with the wrinkles on her clothes. His hands seemed to have some mysterious power, because just a light brush was enough to smooth out the wrinkles.

“Those are just rare examples. How could I rule over an empire as vast as the Ocean races? Those princes would immediately rebel, and their supporters would definitely cause trouble as well...” As she spoke, Shang Hongyu’s voice even started shaking a bit. Whenever Zu An’s hand moved over her skin, it felt as if electricity flowed past. Her body couldn't help but soften up. The charming and gentle memories of when she was subdued appeared in her mind.

This guy really is a scoundrel!

“There are supporters behind every prince?” Zu An chuckled. He remarked indifferently, “I don’t care who supports the other princes. I only support you. More importantly, are you willing or not?”

When she heard what he said, Shang Hongyu took a deep breath. She felt a storm of emotions inside.

She was the Ocean races' queen, so her worldview was naturally very different from that of an ordinary person. She had just never considered the option of a female ruler. Now that she was reminded of that possibility, she immediately realized that it was indeed a feasible path. After all, the reason why she had received the love and respect of the Ocean races was in part due to her own virtue and kindness, and the fact that she helped a lot of people but more importantly, it was because she was the queen.

Now that the Dragon King had died and she didn’t have any heirs, who would still truly respect her in the future if a new king ascended to the throne? It would already be quite a good situation if she was given her own palace and they still maintained some level of respect toward her.

The things those high officials had been saying to her in private were already clear proof of that. In their eyes, she was just a bargaining chip, a pretty one that could be used to appease Zu An whenever they wanted.

It was one thing if it was Zu An, since they already had affinity with each other, but what if it was someone else next time? If the humans, fiends, or even the alien monsters invaded, and these officials saw that the enemy was perverted, wouldn’t they hand her right over?

Apart from her, her little sister was also renowned as a great beauty among the Ocean races. Mermaids were all famous for their beauty. If the various clans wanted them to sacrifice themselves for the interests of the entire Ocean races, what were they supposed to do then? Was she supposed to beg Zu An with puppy-dog eyes each time?

No, absolutely not! Her fate had to be in her own hands. She definitely couldn't let what happened today in the funeral hall repeat itself.

Besides, Zu An had all kinds of beautiful women at his side already. Even before she met him, she had already heard all manner of rumors about the regent. Every single one of those women was first-rate. If she didn’t have the title of Ocean races' queen and only had her own power, how was she supposed to contend against them in the future?

Taking ten thousand steps back, even if she didn’t fight with them, as long as she managed the Ocean races she would be able to help Ah Zu much more. Whenever he was too tired from dealing with the outside world, this could be a place for him to find shelter and rest.

When she thought through those things, her expression turned firm. “Okay, I’m willing to do it!”

Zu An immediately smiled and said, “That’s more like it.”

Shang Hongyu’s face heated up when she saw his gaze. “But there’s still another problem, which is that everyone will be curious as to why you're supporting me. After all, this will also show how far you are willing to support me.”

“Just tell them that you're my woman and that I’ll support you without limits.” Zu An couldn't help but take her into his arms again. Shang Hongyu’s body was soft and fragrant, so hugging her felt incredible.

“We just fixed the clothes, so don’t wrinkle them again.” Shang Hongyu gave him a playfully protesting look. “It’s a bit inappropriate for me to say that now, since the Dragon King has just died. The Dragon King still had quite a lot of prestige when he was alive. If we said that right now, it wouldn’t be good for the prospect of me taking over the Ocean races. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation either.”

Zu An chuckled and said, “My reputation was terrible to begin with. There are already a lot of rumors about me and the Second Empress, as well as the human empress. Aren’t they all pretty much the same? But what you said makes sense, so let’s not announce it yet for now.”

Shang Hongyu had an ambiguous smile as she asked, “Then are those rumors true or false?”

Zu An’s face heated up. He said ambiguously, “Half true, half false, I guess.”

He wasn’t lying either. The relationships were real, but those rumors were too absurd, with many details that were completely made up. How could he be that shameless?

Shang Hongyu considerately chose not to completely expose him and continued, “Then let’s just say that you and my little sister are lovers, and that you're helping me because of her.”

Next door, Shang Liuyu was dumbstruck.

At first, there had just been too many noises next door, making it useless even if she covered her ears. She couldn't sleep either, so she could only listen. Of course, she wouldn’t admit to the fact that she was actually a bit interested and wanted to listen in... But how could a virgin like her withstand this kind of talk? Her face quickly turned completely red. Her expression became a bit absent-minded too. She didn’t even hear the following words too clearly, but she immediately shivered when she heard that it had to do with her.

What does big sis mean? She keeps using me in their games!

It’s clearly the two of you who have something going on, and yet you’re using me as a shield. I’m a woman too! Do you think I don’t care about my reputation?

Ah Zu will probably refuse, right...

No, he will definitely refuse. We're like siblings!

Sure enough, Zu An sounded a bit hesitant. “That’s not too good for her reputation, right?” Shang Hongyu rolled her eyes. “Everyone already saw you carry her out of the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons, and she looked as if you already took her purity. It would be worse for her if you didn’t admit to it.”

Zu An nodded. “Alright, then let’s do that. I hope big sis Shang won't be opposed to it.”

Shang Liuyu was stunned.

You’re really going to do this to me?

“Don’t worry, she wouldn’t be opposed to it.” Shang Hongyu gave the next room a look while smiling.

She might even be secretly happy.

Little sis, sorry for sneaking a bite of your tasty food first. I’ll try my best to make up for it as much as possible.

But you really are a bit too cold. Shouldn’t you be a bit more proactive about these types of things? There was clearly just that last thin sheet of paper between the two of you to break through. If you took even the slightest initiative, it would be broken. I wouldn’t have stolen him away first at all.

Meanwhile, Shang Liuyu was going through a storm of emotions.

What do you mean I won’t mind? I mind it a lot, okay?

She quickly got up to clear things up next door, but the sound of rushing water when she stood up and ran to the door reminded her that she had just been taking a bath. She quickly ran back into the water while looking for her clothes.

Meanwhile, Zu An said, “I should make a trip over to the mourning hall with you.”

“Okay.” Shang Hongyu didn’t refuse him this time. She had previously assumed he wanted to do that stuff in the mourning hall, but now, she realized it was clearly meant as a sign of support for her.