Chapter 261: Uncle and Nephew Join Hands Again, The Empress Feels the Heat Beneath Her Feet, Deeply Disdainful (3)
This snake-hearted queen would be a truly troublesome threat.
Master Yuqiong clearly realized that too.
In their eyes, a quiet murderous intent began to grow.
If they weren't truly on the same side, it would be better to eliminate her early.
"Who can say for sure in this world?"
Han Jin Xiu didn't seem to notice the cold atmosphere.
Her face carried a calm smile, her words holding no hint of deference.
Without the Empress around to suppress her, she feared no one.
Master Yuqiong's hand was already resting on the short blade at her waist.
Clearly, she was ready to kill.
That was the scene Su Qing walked in on.
But he wasn't surprised.
This queen, normally just a bit overbearing, would instantly revert to her true self when given the stage.
The danger and charm of a femme fatale like her could pressure anyone nearby.
But calming her down? That part was easy.
As someone who could suppress her, Su Qing had plenty of experience.
"Come here."
He pulled out a chair and sat down, casually beckoning Han Jin Xiu over.
"I haven't finished writing the orders yet. Can you wait a bit?"
Han Jin Xiu paused her brush, turned to look at Su Qing, her tone soft with a hint of playful pout.
That composed, scheming smile vanished instantly, replaced with obedient sweetness.
The sudden change eased the tense atmosphere immediately.
"You can finish later. Come here now."
Su Qing shook his head and said.
His commanding tone wasn't the least bit polite, and Xuanxin and Master Yuqiong both looked surprised.
What was going on between them? Was she... his woman?
Before either could figure it out, they witnessed something jaw-dropping.
"Okay."
Han Jin Xiu didn't hesitate. She set her brush down.
The queen who always radiated manipulative energy had no temper at all now.
She rose and walked over to Su Qing, kneeling gracefully at his side, head slightly lowered.
And somehow, once she did, she felt a deep sense of calm.
As if... being near him meant no more danger could touch her.
If she had to describe it, maybe it felt like a puppy finding its master?
The queen found that idea bizarre.
She wasn't afraid of Xuanxin or the others, so why did she feel this way?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the hand placed gently atop her head.
"Your suggestion was excellent. It saved us a lot of trouble."
"Keep it up. Your talents will definitely bring us glorious victories."
Su Qing softly stroked her head, praising her without reservation.
Having such a loyal little strategist dog was like freeing up his brain.
He only needed to provide the general direction. She could handle all the details.
Once he fully subdued her, she would be a massive asset.
What was that saying? I don't need to be a genius—just good at using them.
"As long as I can help Master, I'll keep doing my best!"
Han Jin Xiu tilted her head slightly, making it easier for him to pet her, her voice soft as silk.
Normally, she would have felt nothing from such praise.
But when it came from Su Qing, her heart filled with joy and pride.
See? I'm amazing, and you noticed!
Xuanxin and Master Yuqiong exchanged stunned glances.
Both women, usually unfazed even if the sky fell, now looked completely dumbfounded.
Was this for real?
Just a second ago, she looked like a cold-blooded schemer ready to turn on them.
Now she was her superior's obedient lapdog?
She seemed more loyal than either of them!
The contrast was way too much.
And just like that, their hostility and killing intent vanished.
They couldn't help but feel this snake queen wasn't nearly as threatening as before.
It felt like if they took it too seriously, they'd just be embarrassing themselves.
"Everyone, I know you have some bias against Jin Xiu, but this isn't helping our cooperation."
"Let's keep things cordial so we can move forward with the next phase, agreed?"
As Su Qing gently stroked the queen's head, he looked around and spoke.
He didn't mind standing up for his loyal strategist.
Feeling the murderous aura that had been wrapping around her fade away, Han Jin Xiu's hands clenched involuntarily.
Her heart sped up.
Even when locked in killing intent before, it hadn't beat this fast.
She was... being protected?
That emotional ripple flashed through her chest, then faded.
There was no way this evil bastard was being nice. He just wanted to bully her.
Even if he did want to protect her, it was just a petty favor. She couldn't fall for it.
Yet despite thinking that, the warmth from his hand kept spreading down through her.
It felt... really good.
Night fell.
After sleeping the whole day, the uncle-niece pair finally regained some strength and woke up.
But they didn't leave the room. They just lay in bed, chatting idly.
"Xue, you seem a little uneasy."
The gentle older woman easily picked up on her companion's state of mind and asked.
She reached out and held her junior niece's hand, just like she used to long ago.
Come to think of it, they hadn't really sat down and chatted like this in ages.
"Martial Aunt... the things we did today mean we'll be going to war with the sect."
"A large-scale conflict will definitely lead to deaths. Aren't you worried at all?"
Ye Xueyi sighed softly, her eyes showing a trace of concern.
It was the classic feeling of being torn—both hands were flesh, and you couldn't favor one over the other.
She didn't want Su Qing to get hurt, and she didn't want her master harmed either.
They were like water and fire—utterly incompatible.
Unless one of them bowed their head, this conflict wouldn't end.
But... how could that be easy?
Thinking of that, she let out another sorrowful sigh.