The morning light filtered through the silk curtains, bathing the room in soft golden hues.
The silence was comfortable, broken only by the distant sound of the wind gently brushing against the windows and doors of the house.
Ren Zu slowly opened his eyes, blinking to chase away the lingering drowsiness. The first thing he saw was the serene face of the Little Demon Empress, partially hidden beneath the immaculate white sheet that enveloped them. Her long black hair spread across the pillow like strands of gleaming obsidian under the warm rays of sunlight streaming through the window, lending an ethereal glow to her silhouette. Her delicate, curvaceous body was only partially covered by the thin sheet, which softly molded to her curves. A portion of her left breast lay exposed, revealing pale, smooth skin, with half of her rosy, sensitive nipple visible—like a delicate petal at dawn. Her slender, toned right thigh also escaped the covering, pressed instinctively against his own as she nestled beside him on the wide bed, her slender arms still wrapped around him with a subtle, affectionate possessiveness.
The air carried a faint scent of wildflowers mingled with the lingering warmth of their intertwined bodies, making the moment even more intimate and vivid in his newly awakened mind.
She slept deeply, and for a moment, he simply lay there, watching her in silence.
After yet another passionate night with his wife, he felt both body and mind enveloped in a profound sense of tranquility.
Ren Zu let out a small sigh.
"Sleeping so deeply… you almost seem like a normal girl…" he murmured to himself, a faint smile curving his lips.
He rose carefully until he was sitting on the edge of the bed, making no noise. The sheet slid from his bare chest, revealing pale skin and perfectly defined muscles. He stretched, his tense muscles relaxing, and glanced out the window.
It was still very early morning.
For a moment, Ren Zu considered simply lying back down and enjoying the quiet of the morning. However, when he looked once more at the Little Demon Empress—peaceful and serene in her sleep—a different idea came to him. Remembering how much she enjoyed the food he prepared, he decided to make something special for when she awoke.
With slow, silent steps, he stood, dressed leisurely, and walked down the corridor to the small kitchen of their home. The space was still wrapped in soft dimness, and the faint sound of his footsteps blended with the tranquil silence of the morning.
Ren Zu selected a few ripe spiritual fruits that exuded an ethereal sweet fragrance, a jar of refined honey with a viscous golden glow, and a handful of fresh aromatic leaves known for relieving fatigue. He chose them carefully, knowing that the Little Demon Empress, exhausted from the intense exertion of the previous night, needed something to restore her physical energy…
With precise, patient movements, he cut the fruits into uniform pieces. Their juice dripped slightly, staining the wooden board with vibrant shades of red and amber. The leaves were gently crushed, releasing an invigorating aroma that mingled with the sweetness of the honey as he poured it into a polished ceramic bowl.
As he worked, steam began to rise from the kettle on the stone stove, spreading a gentle warmth through the room. The comforting scent of the herbs and warmed honey filled the air, blending with the soft crackle of the fire.
"Perfect…" he murmured, pouring the tea onto a jade tray.
Minutes later, he returned to the bedroom. The Little Demon Empress was still asleep, lying on her side, her hair fanned across the pillow. The sight made him smile again—not the cold, ironic smile he wore for the world, but a genuine, tranquil, almost rare one.
He set the tray on the bedside table and approached, sitting beside her in a nearby chair.
"Caiyi," he called softly. "Wake up. I made something for you."
She stirred slightly, her long lashes fluttering before her eyes opened. A soft, sleepy sound escaped her lips.
"…Husband?"
"Who else would be here?" he replied in a light, amused tone. "Get up. The tea will get cold."
The Little Demon Empress blinked several times, her eyes still adjusting to the light. When she noticed the tray and caught the tea's aroma, she raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"You… made this?"
Ren Zu nodded, resting his chin on his hand.
"Of course. Someone had to reward the Empress for last night's efforts."
Her gaze wavered for a moment, and an almost imperceptible blush rose to her cheeks.
"You talk too much first thing in the morning…" she muttered, looking away as memories of the wicked things that beast had forced her to do flooded back.
Ren Zu chuckled softly.
"Then drink it before I change my mind."
She delicately took the cup, watching the steam rise. For a moment, she was silent, simply savoring the aroma, before taking a small sip. The sweet yet slightly bitter taste spread across her tongue, and warmth coursed through her body.
"It's good," she finally said in a low voice.
"Naturally…" he replied, pride gleaming in his eyes.
The morning unfolded in rare serenity, wrapped in a light, almost domestic atmosphere. The two of them enjoyed that time together like a true newlywed couple.
Despite her usual proud, cold, and imposing temperament, the Little Demon Empress began to reveal a different side. Her tone grew softer when speaking to him, her gestures gentler, and the way she looked at him made it clear that, little by little, she was coming to see him not merely as a partner by fate, but as a real husband.
Still, emotional honesty had never been her strong suit. Whenever her heart wavered, she fell back on her mask of coldness and arrogance, trying to hide what she truly felt. It was almost amusing—even though she was an Empress feared throughout the entire Illusory Demon Realm, in front of him she behaved like a textbook tsundere.
He had noticed these tendencies in her long before that day, but now they were even more evident. The difference lay in how she had treated him since yesterday: she had stopped calling him merely "Ren Zu" and, with surprising naturalness, began addressing him as "husband."
For someone like her, that was not a simple gesture of affection, but a genuine demonstration of trust and acceptance. It was her proud way of saying that, despite her cold demeanor and harsh words, he had claimed an irremovable place in her heart.
After she finished the tea, Ren Zu simply remained there, watching her with the serene air of someone in no hurry. The Little Demon Empress set the cup down and leaned back against the pillows, her gaze fixed on the ceiling for a few moments.
"You woke up far too early… This Empress is still a little tired…" she commented, her voice soft and still somewhat sleepy.
Ren Zu gave a faint smile, his relaxed tone contrasting with the calm of the morning.
"If you want to sleep more, Caiyi… feel free. But as an Empress, don't you think you're being a bit lazy?" he teased lightly. "Don't you have duties or something as the ruler of the Illusory Demon Realm?"
The Little Demon Empress sighed, settling more comfortably beneath the sheet before replying:
"Most of the matters this Empress must handle concern the extermination of the remaining traitors, but everything is being resolved without major issues." She paused briefly, glancing at him sideways, her gaze carrying a cold glint yet no real irritation. "So I have a few days off… though I'll need to return later to check on progress…"
"It's rare for this Empress to be able to rest… and even rarer to have peace while doing so… I think in the past century, I've never had a morning like this." Her voice, normally firm and authoritative, sounded lower, almost melancholic. "This Empress has already fulfilled her vengeance… I avenged my father and brother, and restored my family's power over the Illusory Demon Realm. All of this Empress's goals have been accomplished! So I can enjoy a moment like this!"
Ren Zu remained silent for a moment, surprised by the unexpected vulnerability before him. The Little Demon Empress—always impassive, ruthless, and commanding—was letting a trace of melancholy show, something he never imagined witnessing so closely…
He suddenly realized with crystal clarity that this world was not merely a novel he had read in his previous life. Those distant stories, characters, and events… everything paled in comparison to the intensity he felt now.
This was reality, and it was impossible to deny: the woman before him had changed because of him. Everything they had shared over the past months had shaped her personality, allowing her to open up in a way that had never been possible before.
It was not just a simple variation from the original work—something predictable or superficial like her becoming one of Yun Che's wives and then being ignored by the author afterward…
"Then enjoy it…" After a brief smile, he finally replied, crossing his arms. "I'm truly glad I could give you this, Caiyi… really…"
She blushed faintly at his affectionate tone but quickly regained her composure and huffed, "It's your responsibility as the husband this Empress chose!"
"Yes, yes… my dear Empress…" Ren Zu said, rolling his eyes.
A tranquil silence followed.
She was the one who broke it first. "The coronation…"
Ren Zu raised an eyebrow, already anticipating the topic.
"I want to hold a ceremony for your coronation as the new Emperor beside this Empress, husband…" the Little Demon Empress continued. "This time, the entire Illusory Demon Realm will be summoned. All the Palaces, all the Guardian Families… everyone will witness the new Demon Emperor."
Ren Zu turned his gaze to the window, where the gentle morning light illuminated the garden herbs, making them shimmer like tiny jewels.
"Emperor, huh?" he murmured calmly, almost disinterested. "I don't think it's necessary. Honestly, I'd prefer something simple. That kind of ceremony has never appealed to me…"
It was true. Although in the past he had seriously considered becoming Emperor of the Illusory Demon Realm when thinking of winning the Little Demon Empress, he had never been drawn to the idea of a "coronation ceremony." Customs and formalities always seemed tedious to him; he preferred spending his time refining pills, cultivating, or solving real problems rather than getting lost in empty protocols and politics. A bit contradictory, perhaps, given the ambition that once drove him, but far more true to his nature of having many goals and not wanting to waste time on such things…
The Little Demon Empress observed him in silence for a moment, her dark eyes reflecting a subtle blend of affection and stubbornness.
"I know… from everything I've learned by watching you, husband, I knew that would be your answer…" she said firmly, yet with deep meaning. "But a coronation ceremony is not just about showing that you will stand beside me as ruler of the Illusory Demon Realm. It also makes clear that you were chosen by the Divine Golden Crow God and thereby gain the legitimacy needed to be recognized as a member of the Royal Family. That way, everyone will understand that our bloodline will continue to rule the Illusory Demon Realm and that an heir from the two of us will be the future Emperor when we decide to retire…"
"In this way, any dissatisfaction regarding lineage—or even the fact that you come from one of the Guardian Families—will cease to exist. Everyone will understand that your position is not merely a personal choice but a decision backed by the Divine Golden Crow God itself, solidifying your role at my side… Although most can probably guess because of the incident a few days ago when you used the Golden Crow flames, there has been no official announcement that many are still awaiting…"
Although he lacked deep familiarity with politics from his modern-world origins, he was no fool. Every word from the Little Demon Empress made perfect sense, and he fully understood the implications behind ceremonies, protocols, and hierarchies. He knew that even without direct experience, he needed to proceed with caution and intelligence to navigate that complex system and be a "good emperor"…
Being a good emperor was not limited to occupying the throne or flaunting a title; above all, it meant understanding that true power arises from the balance between personal strength, authority, wisdom, and responsibility. A wise ruler views their kingdom broadly, understanding not only politics and laws but also the hearts and desires of their people.
To earn respect and loyalty, one must first deeply know those they lead: allies, advisors, even enemies. Listening carefully, questioning ideas, and making considered decisions prevents unnecessary conflicts and strengthens trust. An emperor does not rule alone; they must know how to delegate responsibilities, recognize talent, and maintain a network of trust capable of acting even in their absence.
Moreover, strategic vision is indispensable. An effective emperor anticipates problems before they arise, plans for the long term, and balances tradition with innovation. They know that every political action, alliance, and reform affects not only the present but shapes the future of the kingdom and the dynasty itself…
He was really diving headfirst into this new role, wasn't he?
"So it's more politics than celebration…" While thinking all this through, he replied with a faint ironic smile.
"Perhaps…" she admitted, her fingers idly tracing the rim of the empty cup. "…Husband, this way you will officially enter the Demon Emperor Clan. After that, you will belong to my Demon Emperor Clan. That way… the children we have must bear the surname 'Huan'."
"…I have no problem joining the Demon Emperor Clan, since I was adopted by the Yun Family, and my parents have no issue with it—I already discussed this possibility with them yesterday when they revealed the truth to me. But as for our children bearing the surname 'Huan,' I'm afraid that's not possible…" Ren Zu said with a shrug, explaining calmly.
"What do you mean, 'not possible'?" The Little Demon Empress shot him a sideways glance.
Ren Zu leaned back slightly in the chair, resting one arm on the bed's headboard, his calm, almost indifferent gaze settling on her. His eyes held that quiet, nearly disdainful glint, as if evaluating something trivial, and his voice was firm yet filled with unshakable conviction:
"Not because… I see no need to change something so naturally mine just to follow traditions or conventions," he said, gesturing lightly with his hand in an almost lazy motion. "A child's surname doesn't define who they will become. It's not a detail from the past that must shape their future. Whether it's 'Huan' or something else… it changes nothing that truly matters: that they are mine and yours, that they carry our strength and our values. That is what really counts."
He paused, his gaze still fixed on her, his expression almost disinterested, as though stating a fact that needed no debate.
"The rest… is just words written on paper. I don't care about that."
The Little Demon Empress stared at him in silence, her brow furrowed for a moment as she tried to discern whether he truly didn't care or if there was something deeper behind that apparent indifference.
"So… you're saying the children can choose their own path, regardless of everything?" she murmured, her voice low, carrying a mix of surprise and an emotion difficult to put into words.
Ren Zu merely tilted his head slightly, an almost imperceptible smile appearing at the corners of his lips.
"Something like that…" he said calmly but firmly. "We'll have to discuss it thoroughly in the future, but I don't want our children burdened with responsibilities just because they bear the surname 'Huan,' forced to inherit the throne if they don't wish to. If they want nothing more than a simple, happy life, we, as their parents, will support them—no matter what they choose…"
He paused, looking at her with a gentle smile.
"If they want to use 'Huan,' great. If not, also great. It doesn't matter to me. What truly matters is that they are ours. Everything else… is just detail."
The Little Demon Empress fell silent for several moments, absorbing every word. Her dark eyes, which usually gleamed with coldness, now held a trace of emotion she rarely allowed to surface.
"You… really think that way?" she murmured, genuine surprise mixed with something close to tenderness in her voice. "But behind this Empress stands the Demon Emperor Clan after all, and this Empress is the last of the Demon Emperor Clan… This matter is beyond even this Empress's control…"
Ren Zu briefly looked away toward the sunlit garden before returning his focus to her. His tone remained calm, almost indifferent, yet firm, carrying the quiet pride that always accompanied him:
"I know, Caiyi…" he said serenely. "That's why I said we can discuss our children's matter later. What really matters now is deciding about our marriage."
"Besides, who can predict what the future holds? Once we crush any resistance to our rule, with our strength and union, who would dare complain about something as simple as the name of our descendants? We can do something balanced: our son could carry my surname, and our daughter yours. That changes nothing of what truly matters between us…"
The Little Demon Empress quickly looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, silence reigned in the room, broken only by the distant sound of wind through the curtains and the faint creaking of wood under the rising sun's warmth.
Then she huffed—that characteristic sound Ren Zu had learned to interpret as a dangerous mix of feigned irritation and genuine embarrassment.
"Hmph! Don't think this Empress is moved by your pretty words, husband…" she said, crossing her arms beneath the sheet, her tone deliberately cold. "You speak as though you're some enlightened sage detached from everything, but deep down you're just trying to dodge the responsibility of following the Demon Emperor Clan's traditions!"
Ren Zu raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on his lips.
"Oh, of course. Because planning a future where our children are free is the height of irresponsibility."
"Don't twist this Empress's words!" she retorted quickly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm only… saying that certain things are inevitable! If you are truly to be the Emperor at my side, your name must be recorded as part of the Clan. That is… necessary to maintain order among the Guardian Families and the Huan clan!"
Ren Zu tilted his head, pretending to consider it.
"I see… so the 'most feared Empress in the entire Illusory Demon Realm' is worried about what the mere heads of the Guardian Families will think?"
Her eyes widened for a second before she clenched her fist beneath the sheet.
"You…!"
"Yes?" he teased, his tone soft and provoking.
"You really enjoy testing this Empress's patience, don't you?" She fixed him with a sharp glare. "Don't think that just because this Empress accepted you as husband, you can say whatever you want!"
Ren Zu gave a light laugh, crossing his arms.
"But you yourself said last night that I should be more direct."
"T-that was a different situation!" she snapped, turning her face away abruptly, blush flooding her cheeks. "Don't mix things up!"
His smile widened, genuinely amused.
"I see… different situations, hm?"
"Stop laughing!" She pulled the sheet up to her chin, as if that could hide her embarrassment, but it only caused the fabric to slip further, revealing more of her pale shoulders and the skin that contrasted with the white cloth. Realizing it, she gasped and yanked the sheet back, shooting him a deadly glare. "You did that on purpose!"
Ren Zu raised his hands in surrender, though the mischievous glint in his eyes betrayed him.
"Me? I would never dare deceive Her Majesty…"
"Hmph! Say whatever you want…" she muttered, still looking away, but her voice had softened—more embarrassed than angry. "Just know that this Empress will not be moved by your words or gestures. Even if what you said about our children… wasn't entirely foolish."
Ren Zu arched an eyebrow. "Oh? So the great Empress is admitting I might be right?"
"I-I didn't say that!" she countered immediately, blush returning to her cheeks. "I only… acknowledged that your words… weren't completely absurd! That's all!"
He let out a low laugh—the kind that left her even more irritated yet strangely speechless.
"I understand. So, for the record—the Empress's husband managed to say something that wasn't totally foolish."
"Ren Zu!" She sat up abruptly, the sheet slipping a little further as she fixed him with the authoritative glare that had once terrified countless elders and patriarchs. "If you keep mocking this Empress, I swear that—"
But before she could finish, he leaned forward slightly, his smile fading into a calm, gentle expression.
"—you'll what?" he asked softly, his voice low, close enough that the warmth of his breath brushed her face.
For an instant, the Little Demon Empress's gaze wavered. She froze, the words dying in her throat. Her heart—which normally remained as cold as ten-thousand-year glaciers—raced, and she hated how naturally he could make it do that.
"…You're impossible," she murmured at last, looking away. "Completely impossible."
Ren Zu smiled and leaned back in the chair again, satisfied.
"And yet here I am. The impossible husband of the impossible Empress. I think we match quite well, don't you?"
"Maybe… just this once… this Empress will agree with you."
"Just this once?"
"Don't get used to it."
Ren Zu chuckled softly.
"We'll see, my dear Empress."
She crossed her arms again, feigning disdain.
A part of her—the part that fought to maintain composure and pride—couldn't help remembering the night before.
After yet another round of passionate, addictive "love," when their bodies and souls seemed to have fused in a rhythm that had completely addicted her, his words had left her even more thoughtful about her attitude toward him… That was why she didn't mind being teased by him now; if it had been before, with her former cruel demeanor, she would already have taught him a "lesson"…
Her pride whispered that she needed to stay in control, that an empress should not let herself be ruled by emotions. But her heart… her heart betrayed her reason, burning with a tenderness she had never known how to express.
No matter how much she wanted to deny it, no matter how her proud and haughty nature refused to admit it, she had already crossed the line that separated the cold, merciless Empress from the woman who, for the first time in all eternity, truly loved someone.
___________________
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