Zhang Lexuan was stunned.
Ever since Qian Ran hinted at her origins, Zhang Lexuan had spent years tracing her family's history. She was now certain that she hailed from a noble lineage in the Sun Moon Empire.
But for Qian Ran to propose making her the empress right upon his return? That completely floored her.
Has my man become this powerful?
Zhang Lexuan recalled her first meeting with Qian Ran, back when he had just entered Shrek Academy. In the span of a few short years, this young man had grown to the point where he could influence the power structure of the Sun Moon Empire?
Wasn't he supposed to be studying abroad? Just what has he been up to over there?
"Senior Sister, do you want it? Just say the word, and I'll do everything I can to make it happen."
"Yes." Zhang Lexuan didn't hesitate.
It wasn't that she craved power. Authority held little personal meaning for her. But Qian Ran had made the effort to return specifically for this, which could only mean he wanted her to agree.
Qian Ran, being as free-spirited as he was, would never take up an official position, let alone become an emperor.
Zhang Lexuan realized that if she did become the Sun Moon Empire's empress, she could help Qian Ran in countless ways in the future. So, without a second thought, she gave her answer.
But how would Qian Ran make it happen?
As she stared at him with a puzzled expression, Qian Ran smirked mischievously.
"Senior Sister, you've heard of the Holy Spirit Sect, haven't you?"
"The Holy Spirit Sect?" Zhang Lexuan, as the Inner Court's Senior Sister, was all too familiar with the infamous organization. Since partnering with the Sun Moon Empire, the Holy Spirit Sect had come out of hiding. Shrek Academy's surveillance teams often clashed with these dark soul masters.
It was no secret that the Holy Spirit Sect's roots lay in the Sun Moon Empire.
"For years, the Holy Spirit Sect has cooperated with the Sun Moon Empire. Their original plan was to ally with entities like Mingde Hall to wage war against the other nations of the continent."
"But now… the Holy Spirit Sect and I have a pretty good relationship. I can influence their decisions to some extent. If I ask them to help you solidify your position in the Sun Moon Empire, it shouldn't be too difficult," Qian Ran explained.
"So it's the Sun Moon Empire that's been shielding the Holy Spirit Sect," Zhang Lexuan murmured. As a member of Shrek's surveillance corps, she had fought against those dark soul masters on numerous occasions.
She had known the Holy Spirit Sect was powerful and elusive, but she never imagined an entire nation would collaborate with them. Are they insane?
If the Holy Spirit Sect's partnership with the Sun Moon Empire succeeded, it would spell disaster for the continent.
Currently, the Sun Moon Empire was evenly matched with the three nations of Douluo Continent and Shrek Academy, with the latter holding a slight edge. But with the Holy Spirit Sect supplementing the Sun Moon Empire's weak soul master force, the balance of power would tilt dramatically.
Unlike Qian Ran, who straddled the line between light and dark, Zhang Lexuan was firmly aligned with justice. Her outrage flared at the thought.
"If you become empress, Senior Sister, this problem will resolve itself," Qian Ran said with a grin. Besides, who wouldn't want an empress for a lover?
Zhang Lexuan rolled her eyes, finally seeing through Qian Ran's true intentions. But if things had reached such a critical point, she had no choice but to shoulder this responsibility.
If the Sun Moon Empire truly launched a war, it would lead to unimaginable suffering and devastation.
With the Holy Spirit Sect's involvement, the dark soul masters could use the conflict to expand their power significantly.
Zhang Lexuan, as Shrek's Senior Sister, was far more conscientious than Qian Ran. Though she occasionally indulged his antics, her sense of duty and moral compass remained unwavering.
If not for Qian Ran's peculiar tastes requiring her to humor him with certain "games," Zhang Lexuan might have been the perfect woman.
"Are you sure collaborating with those dark soul masters won't backfire? This is like negotiating with a tiger," Zhang Lexuan said, frowning in concern. She feared Qian Ran, being so young, might get outmaneuvered. Her distrust of the Holy Spirit Sect ran deep.
"To others, they might be tigers, but to me, the Holy Spirit Sect is more like a bunch of kittens. Don't worry about it. In a couple of days, you'll come with me to the Sun Moon Empire," Qian Ran replied nonchalantly.
He couldn't imagine Ye Xishui, leader of the Holy Spirit Sect, betraying him. With the path to godhood already in her sights, why would she risk antagonizing him?
Xu Tiannan couldn't offer Ye Xishui nearly as much, and partnering with him came with its own risks.
Even if Ye Xishui did harbor ulterior motives, Qian Ran felt confident he could handle her.
"As long as you've thought it through," Zhang Lexuan said, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"As a reward…" She gently pushed him down.
After spending the afternoon with Zhang Lexuan, Qian Ran didn't immediately return to Dong'er and the others. Instead, he accompanied Zhang Lexuan to the outer court for dinner.
Qian Ran felt a twinge of guilt toward Zhang Lexuan. Reflecting on his actions, he realized he hadn't sought her out much, acting somewhat like a scoundrel.
It wasn't intentional neglect. Qian Ran spent most of his time at Shrek Academy with Dong'er's group, simply because they were many, and their collective presence outweighed individual connections.
Still, he didn't want to be seen as heartless by the women in his life.
That evening, Zhang Lexuan wore a short blue-and-white striped dress with her hair tied into a high ponytail. She looked more youthful and radiant than ever. While Qian Ran was away, Zhang Lexuan leaned into a more traditional, demure style. But when he returned, she would occasionally don youthful, flirtatious outfits to please him.
For someone as traditional as Zhang Lexuan, this was no small effort.
Qian Ran admired her deeply. She was poised and gentle, yet unafraid to be playful around him. A perfect balance.
After easing Zhang Lexuan's final concerns by explaining his connections within the Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Sect, Qian Ran didn't linger. He knew he would have plenty of time with her once she joined him in the Sun Moon Empire.
That night, back in his private estate, Qian Ran lost track of time and wondered how he managed to endure it all. He doubted any other man on the continent could be as blissfully exhausted as he was.
Sure, men with power and influence might live similarly indulgent lives, but could they match his quality?
...
(End of Chapter)