Chapter 159

Su Hua didn’t turn back, as if even glancing at Song Qimo would dirty her eyes.

“Because he’s Wei Jue.”

“Wei?”

Song Qimo froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“Hahahaha!”

Song was the imperial surname, the most noble of all—yet to the woman before him, it represented nothing but hatred for the entire royal family.

So much so that he’d rather abandon it and take her surname instead.

Su Hua left.

Only Song Qimo and Wei Jue remained in the underground prison.

Seeing Wei Jue standing there dazed, eyes brimming with happiness, Song Qimo couldn’t help but sneer, “Song Jue, do you really think you’ve won? If it weren’t for Qi, you’d never have defeated me.”

His words snapped Wei Jue out of his thoughts.

Meeting Song Qimo’s jealous gaze, Wei Jue felt an inexplicable surge of satisfaction.

As a child, though he’d received his father’s surface-level affection, he’d caught glimpses of the man sharing warm, private meals with Song Qimo.

Back then, he’d envied it—then slowly, that envy turned to resentment.

Just like the look in Song Qimo’s eyes now.

But as assassination attempts piled up, he came to understand his true place.

The last shred of softness he held for that man vanished the moment he was callously sent off as a hostage.

All because he wasn’t the son of the woman his father truly loved.

Even a vicious tiger wouldn’t devour its own cub.

“Having her is my ability.”

Wei Jue smiled—brighter than he ever had before.

“I used to hate that man for seeing only you, never me. Even his so-called ‘favor’ was just a shield to protect you.”

“But now? I don’t care. As long as she’s by my side, this life is enough.”

For years, his hatred for Song Qimo had kept him alive.

Yet now that vengeance was his, he found it didn’t matter anymore.

With her beside him, nothing else did.

No matter how bitterly Song Qimo resisted, he was quietly executed.

Soon came the coronation—and alongside it, the empress’s investiture.

Every minister knew Su Hua’s background, yet not a single one dared voice dissent.

A long red carpet stretched ahead, flanked by rows of kneeling palace maids, eunuchs, guards, and officials—a sea of people in a grand spectacle.

Wei Jue held Su Hua’s hand as they walked slowly toward the twin thrones: the dragon seat and the phoenix perch.

The rituals dragged on—sacrifices to heaven, proclamation of ascension, receiving the imperial jade seal, mounting the throne, accepting homage from officials and envoys, ancestral temple rites…

By the end, Su hua was so exhausted she nearly dozed off mid-ceremony.

Can’t blame her—they’d dragged her out of bed at 4 AM, and it was now past noon.

The moment it wrapped up, Su Hua couldn’t be bothered with Wei Jue anymore.

She headed straight to bed.

The empire’s secured.

No idiot would dare cause trouble now.

She slept until evening.

Upon waking, Qiuyun reported Wei Jue’s bold moves: First, he changed his surname to Wei. Then he renamed the kingdom Wei. Finally, he issued a series of edicts, granting amnesty and reforms.

Commoners cared little who ruled—only that they were fed and clothed.

So Wei Jue’s actions won their hearts instantly.

“Where’s Wei Jue?”

Qiuyun bowed.

“His Majesty is still in the study, discussing matters with ministers.”

Su Hua nodded.

First day on the throne—of course he’s swamped.

“Your Majesty, the Emperor of Great Qian came to see you this afternoon.”

“Mm.”

Su Hua responded indifferently. “Serve dinner. I’m hungry.”

Qiuyun sighed inwardly.

No matter how high she climbs, Her Majesty never changes.

Who’d have thought a neglected maid from the cold palace would rise to become the Empress’s chief attendant? Even Xingyi was now the head guard of Phoenix Palace, fawned over by all.

Everyone envied their luck—to have followed Her Majesty before her rise.

…Honestly, she envy herself too.

After dinner, as Su Hua turned to sleep again, Wei Jue’s voice sounded nearby.

Warm lantern light cast a glow over her delicate features, her jade-like skin luminous.

Watching her approach, Wei Jue’s lips curved into a smile.

“Boss?”

“Huh?”

“Why the dumb grin? I called you three times.”

Su Hua patted his cheek.

The servants quickly averted their eyes.

Seems we’ve underestimated how much His Majesty indulges Her Majesty.

Wei Jue caught her hand, his gaze smoldering.

“I’m hungry.”

“I’ll have Qiuyun bring food—”

In one swift motion, he swept her into his arms.

“No need.”

Qiuyun, ever perceptive, ushered the servants out and shut the door firmly behind her.

Su hua landed on the bed, her ink-black hair spilling across red silk—a breathtaking sight.

“Since when did you get so strong? You could barely lift a sword before.”

Wei Jue’s years as a hostage had left him frail.

To be carried so easily now was a shock.

His face darkened.

Crushing his lips to hers, he growled, “Then let me show you my strength.”

Cloud-like hair, floral beauty, golden hairpins swaying.

Within the lotus-patterned curtains, warmth blossoms.

The night is fleeting, the sun rises too soon—

From this day forth, the emperor neglects his dawn court.

Su Hua, clutching her sore waist, mumbled drowsily, “Morning court…”

“Canceled.”

“Huh?”

“One more time.”

“No—mmph!”

The morning assembly never happened.

The ministers seethed in silent fury.

But they feared the Empress more than the Emperor anyway.

They didn’t rise until noon.

After a lazy meal, Qiuyun finally spoke up: “Your Majesty, the Emperor of Great Qian came again this morning. He sent another envoy just now.”

“Mm. Invite him in.”

Wei Jue grabbed her hand.

“I don’t like him.”

Though Qin Ruijing’s men hadn’t mistreated him during his hostage days, that didn’t mean he had to like the man.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to be emperor?”

“Host.”

De’er, freshly upgraded, chimed in.

“Our mission is to unify the world.”

Side quests were optional—but main and hidden tasks had to be completed.

“You’re done upgrading?”

“Almost. Just a tiny bit left.”

Wei Jue’s eyes lit up.

“Give the throne to him?”

“Yes and no.”

“Meaning?”

“Merge.”

Qin Ruijing, rejected three times, finally stood before Su Hua.

The moment he entered, she dropped the bombshell:

“Let’s unify the empires.”

Qin Ruijing’s breath hitched.

“You do want to rule the world, don’t you?” Su Hua smirked.

Of course!

What emperor doesn’t dream of unification?

Reading his thoughts, Su Hua pressed on: “Wei Jue keeps the title, but you hold the real power. He won’t interfere in governance—just leave him the ceremonial role.”