Do you wish to become emperor?
This was the second time Liu Ji had heard Roy ask her this. The first time, she hadn't answered, merely finding the question strange.
But this time, she wanted to respond.
Memories flashed through her mind—of him rescuing her in Xiangcheng; of him staunchly defending her when others in the army looked down on her; of the moment her true gender was discovered, when she had already prepared to sacrifice herself just to survive, only for him to refuse to take advantage of her vulnerability.
Though Liu Ji could be narcissistic at times, she knew her own inexperience, her many shortcomings. It was Roy who had defied opposition, granting her trust, support, care, and opportunities, allowing her to carve out a place for herself in the army. In this era of war, she had learned skills not just for survival, but for achieving glory and wealth.
She remembered clearly how clumsy and naive she had been when first leading troops. But now, she had mastered military affairs. Though she wouldn't call herself a renowned general, she had become a competent commander. Under his influence, she had come to understand the greater principles of the world, the desires of the common people, and how a leader should strategize.
At times, Liu Ji felt Roy treated her too well—so well that it seemed he was willing to spend soldiers' lives just to nurture her. Such profound kindness could be called the grace of a second parent.
Though thick-skinned and ruthless when her life was at stake, Liu Ji was no petty villain. If she were, she wouldn't have earned the loyalty of so many. Faced with Roy's benevolence and protection, she felt that if she still harbored any thoughts of betrayal, she might as well slit her own throat.
"You treat me well, and I shall not betray you!"
"I don't want to be an emperor, but I wish for you to become one!"
Liu Ji boldly uttered these words, her jade-like cheeks slightly flushed with shyness, yet she bravely met Roy's gaze. Her burning eyes reflected unwavering determination, like a maiden confessing her love.
"You truly don't wish to? Being an emperor is wonderful. For someone like you who enjoys indulgence, becoming emperor would bring endless glory and wealth—shouldn't that be the life you've always longed for?"
Roy's fingers traced the rim of his wine cup as he spoke indifferently.
He understands me!
A flicker of joy crossed Liu Ji's face. From Roy's words, she sensed his deep understanding of her.
Like Yu Ji, what Liu Ji truly desired was a peaceful life, not the current state of displacement and uncertainty. Her initial rebellion had been born from recognizing the world's instability—had she not taken up arms, she might have lost her life in these turbulent times.
Had she harbored grand ambitions from the start, she wouldn't have remained content as a mere village official, bullying locals and basking in petty authority.
Unlike Yu Ji, however, Liu Ji was more worldly—she wasn't accustomed to a simple life and would gladly embrace wealth and luxury.
Yet his persistent questioning despite understanding her stirred frustration within her.
I don't want to be an emperor! I just want to help you conquer the land, and then you can grant me riches and honor—that would be enough. Whatever you bestow upon me, I'll gladly accept.
Though known for her benevolence, Liu Ji had a temper. In her irritation, she stomped her foot and retorted petulantly, "Why do you keep asking me this? Fine! If that's how it is, then yes—I want to be the emperor, satisfied?"
When she first saw the First Emperor, she had sighed, "A true man should be like this." Now she had met a man who rivaled the First Emperor, yet he remained indifferent to her advances, whether subtle or direct. This left Liu Ji deeply frustrated.
She glanced almost imperceptibly at Yu Ji. Could it be that he loved this beauty so much he had no room for anyone else? The thought disheartened her.
She had assumed her rival was General Xiang before her, but Liu Ji now realized her true adversary was the enchanting Yu Ji.
With this thought in mind, Liu Ji casually remarked, "...General, have you heard the recent rumors circulating in the army?"
"What rumors?" Roy asked offhandedly.
"They say Yu Ji isn't human—that she's a demon like Su Daji from King Zhou's era. The soldiers claim you've been bewitched by her charms, indulging only in pleasure."
This wasn't Liu Ji's fabrication; such rumors had indeed spread through the ranks. She had even ordered an investigation, tracing the source to certain mystics who wielded supernatural influence, lending credibility to their claims.
Though she had secretly executed some of these mystics, the rumors had already taken root. She knew suppressing them would only fuel suspicion, so she let them be.
"So the soldiers are dissatisfied with me?" Roy asked, his expression unchanged.
"The soldiers all hold great admiration for their general, and none would dare to be dissatisfied with you. But they have grown discontent with Yu the Beauty."
"So, Lord Pei, do you believe Yu the Beauty is a demon?"
Roy's next question made Liu Ji open her mouth. She very much wanted to say that regardless of whether Yu the Beauty was a demon or not, General, you should make a decision. But in the end, she found she couldn't bring herself to say it. She realized she couldn't quite bring herself to drive a wedge between Yu the Beauty and him. In the end, she could only sigh helplessly and say, "...Regardless of whether Yu the Beauty is a demon or not, as long as the General is happy, that's all that matters."
'How have I become like a resentful woman, learning to sow discord?'
Liu Ji laughed at herself mockingly, somewhat regretting having said these things.
"I understand everything. Lord Pei need not pay attention to those rumors."
"Yes!"
At this moment, Liu Ji felt somewhat dispirited. She cupped her hands in salute to Roy and left the residence in a daze.
After Liu Ji had left, Yu Ji, who had been plucking the strings of her zither to play a beautiful melody, finally spoke. "...She has given you her true heart."
"I know."
Roy nodded.
"Then why don't you respond to her? Is it because of me?"
At these words, Yu Ji's heart trembled, a mix of joy and bashfulness rising within her.
"This has nothing to do with you, Yu Ji."
"Oh…"
Hearing Roy's words, Yu Ji's flicker of joy vanished instantly, and she replied coldly.
Seeing this, Roy shook his head helplessly, thinking that even if Yu Ji was a spirit, she was still a woman. Women were auditory creatures—they loved hearing sweet words, even if they knew they were being deceived, they'd gladly bask in the illusion.
His words had been a bit too blunt. A true 'scoundrel' would have said, I did it all for you.
But Roy didn't want to deceive her like that. He didn't consider himself a 'scoundrel.'
"I helped her become emperor, gave her wealth and glory, ensured her name would be remembered in history, revered by the world. I've given her so much—it's only fair she gives something in return."
"What do you want her to give?" Yu Ji asked, puzzled.
"Her sincerity, of course. Otherwise, what do you think could be more valuable than the throne? Naturally, it's the 'emperor's' genuine heart."
Roy smiled brightly as he spoke.
"Scoundrel!"
Yu Ji spat out the word she'd learned from Roy, slapping it right back at him.
"????"
Roy was left utterly bewildered.