"What does the Great General intend to do?" Xiaoya looked up at Ji Binyu.
"I need you to do me a small favor." Ji Binyu lifted her chin, his gaze sweeping over her inch by inch. "Help me, and I'll grant you one request, anything at all."
Xiaoya's heart tightened, and she pursed her lips. "You truly will grant anything?"
Ji Binyu released her hand and stood before her, his lips moving slowly. "Tell me, what is it you desire?"
Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to voice her deepest wish. "I want to become the King of Hell's woman!"
The Protector General was renowned throughout Lin Country, wielding immense power. Perhaps he could truly help her. Having assistance was better than blindly rushing in alone.
"Pfft..."
Ji Binyu scoffed and pulled a small packet of powder from his robes. "With this, it doesn't matter whose woman you want to be."
Xiaoya eagerly reached out for the powder. Ji Binyu, however, kept it to himself, his peach blossom eyes narrowing, a hint of ruthlessness creeping into them. "If you want what I have, you must first help me. What I want you to do is simple: I want you to keep an eye on them..."
Xiaoya gritted her teeth. After a moment's thought, she nodded firmly. As long as she could stay by the King of Hell's side, serving him, she was willing to do anything. Besides, Feng Ninghe had stripped the General's clothes off; it was she who had been unfaithful, so who could blame others...
*
A few days passed swiftly.
Soon, it was the day of Lin Yuran's ascension to the throne. In the palace, servants bustled about, preparing everything needed for the ceremony. Feng Ninghe and the others had also risen early. Zhenzhu was helping her with her makeup.
"Master, what gift have you prepared for the Princess of Lin Country? I heard from other sects that they are either sending elixirs or rare treasures," Bai Niannian said, walking in from outside, her curiosity piqued. "The First Sect once led the major sects of Jinling, and we cannot be outdone by others."
Feng Ninghe smiled and replied, "Don't worry, my gift is unparalleled. It will surely leave everyone stunned."
At this moment, Zhenzhu's eyes welled up with tears. She murmured softly, "Miss Feng, your hair looks so beautiful when styled like this."
"If it looks beautiful, why are you crying?" Feng Ninghe noticed the tears in Zhenzhu's eyes and asked gently.
Zhenzhu wiped away her tears and sighed. "Seeing you reminds me of the former Empress of Lin Country. You are so much like her..."
Though they were two different people, Feng Ninghe's demeanor and actions involuntarily brought to mind the former Empress of Lin Country. Feng Ninghe simply smiled and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The woman in the mirror was serene yet radiant, with a pair of icy eyes. She had finally waited for this day...
After a moment, she collected her thoughts and stood up. "It's almost time. We should go congratulate Lin Yuran."
As she passed Si Jianye's room, she saw two figures engaged in a game of chess. For days, these two had been playing, their skills evenly matched, and no victor had emerged even after days and nights.
Si Xinxin frowned, her small brows knitted together. "The coronation ceremony is about to begin, and we should go watch. Father is still playing chess; it seems we're going to miss it."
"Who said I was going to miss it?" A cool male voice sounded as Si Jianye placed a chess piece on the board. He rose unhurriedly, glancing at the board before him. "The board is full, you have no moves left. It's another draw."
Su Hongxiu looked somewhat displeased, her gaze fixed on the chessboard, searching for an escape. The board was completely covered with pieces, with no empty spaces. Su Hongxiu finally withdrew her gaze and shook her fan with a sigh, "It's always a draw. How boring."
Xiaoya quickly brought over two bowls of soup. "Princesses, this soup has a refreshing effect. You've been playing chess for days; have some hot soup to warm yourselves."
"Oh, soup too." Su Hongxiu smiled and accepted a bowl, drinking it. "The soup is thick and smooth, with a good taste."
Hearing the praise, Xiaoya smiled. "I made it myself. I'm glad you like it."
Si Jianye didn't even glance at the soup and walked away. In his eyes, neither the soup nor Xiaoya were worth mentioning or wasting his energy on. Xiaoya, holding the soup, looked somewhat lost but managed to regain her composure and put the soup down.
Bai Niannian, mistaking her disappointment for an attempt to please the King of Hell and stay, said reassuringly, "Xiaoya, you don't need to fear being driven away by the King of Hell. Master has already allowed you to stay, so rest assured."
Xiaoya nodded obediently and offered the soup to her. "Niannian, if you don't mind, you can have this bowl of soup. I promise you won't be disappointed with the taste."
Bai Niannian accepted it without refusal, thanking her as she did.
When everyone arrived at the grand hall, the major sects had already begun to gather.
"Look! The new Empress of Lin Country has arrived!"
"This Empress looks dignified and grand in this crimson and gold robe!"
The onlookers murmured amongst themselves. Feng Ninghe turned to look behind her. Lin Yuran was exquisitely made up, her hair adorned with jewels, her lips a vibrant red, and a red and gold robe trailed to the floor. A large retinue of maids followed her. Closest to her was Ji Binyu. The incident of Ji Binyu being stripped had already spread throughout the palace, but with the Empress's ascension imminent, people only dared to discuss it in private.
Looking at the crowd, Lin Yuran's red lips curved slightly, a hint of arrogance flashing in her eyes. She whispered to Ji Binyu, "Binyu, today is my most important day. Be cautious with everything."
Upon receiving the instruction, Ji Binyu nodded gently. "Your Majesty, rest assured. We have men stationed all around. There will be no surprises."
There were still a few old officials in the Lin Country court who had held out for a century, but they had finally agreed to let Lin Yuran succeed to the throne. The position of Empress of Lin Country had been vacant for a hundred years, and it was time for someone to take it. Moreover, Lin Yuran's disguise had been flawless when she was among the people.
Satisfied with his assurance, Lin Yuran nodded, her gaze fixed on the dragon throne at the very front. In the past, she had only dared to sneak onto this throne in secret. After a hundred years, she finally had the opportunity to sit on it openly!
Under the gaze of everyone present, Lin Yuran's eyes lifted slightly. She strode forward, her alluring face adopting a rare solemnity and dignity. "From this day forth, I am the new Empress of Lin Country! I promise you all that under my rule, Lin Country will flourish!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Ji Binyu was the first to offer congratulations, kneeling and bowing respectfully. With Lin Yuran becoming Empress and ruling Lin Country, he would also become a powerful minister, his influence extending throughout the court. Lin Country would completely fall into their hands, becoming their plaything.