“Our northern cities have only just been established. Their walls aren’t even finished yet. Before, to encourage people to move there, we made promises to all three of the northern cities.”
“We promised them exceptionally generous policies and very low taxes. We promised there would never be a war there, and that they’d be a key focus of the Demon Clan’s future development.”
“But now…”
Alisha trailed off. The Human Race had clearly chosen this moment on purpose.
They’d seized these three up-and-coming cities and were using the cities and their residents as hostages. If the Demon Clan didn’t handle this well, they’d lose the people’s support.
With the walls still unfinished and the residents of the captured cities in their hands, the Human Race was making outrageous demands without the slightest restraint.
Their audacity was enough to make anyone suspicious.
“There’s no need to panic. They must be certain I won’t get involved—that’s why they dare to do this.”
The Demon Emperor waved a hand, her voice carrying a rare chill. Hearing her say that, Alisha couldn’t help but shrink back.
The Human Race was probably in for a rough time this round.
“Your Majesty, don’t you suspect… Mu Nanyan… Her Majesty the Empress?”
“Think about it. Everyone here is someone we can trust, but the Empress is the one exception…”
“That’s enough.”
Before Alisha could finish, the Demon Emperor raised a hand and cut her off. Alisha tactfully fell silent. She knew the Demon Emperor had a soft spot for Mu Nanyan.
If she kept saying things like that, she’d only upset the Demon Emperor.
“Why not test her and find out? Everyone knows I married her. In that case, she can come with me to this so-called meeting as the Demon Clan’s Empress.”
“I… don’t think that’s very appropriate.”
“What’s inappropriate about it? I married that woman properly. Of course she should be there for an occasion like this. What would people think otherwise?”
“Besides, if I show up with Mu Nanyan, how many people do you think will change their expressions on the spot?”
The Demon Emperor gave a cold smile. Anyone trying to mess with her Demon Clan was still green.
“So you’re using a beauty trap, are you? Then I’ll show you how it feels to come away with nothing—to lose both your plan and your beauty!”
“Yes, I understand. I’ll make the arrangements right away.”
……
Mu Nanyan slept until the afternoon. It had been a long time since she’d rested so well.
After getting dressed, Mu Nanyan stepped into the courtyard. She straightened her slightly mussed hair, stretched, and let out a long yawn.
“Come to think of it, how am I supposed to fix this mess of hair?”
Mu Nanyan’s memories didn’t seem to contain anything about how to manage her long, glossy black hair.
Was it so simple that the original Mu Nanyan hadn’t thought it worth remembering?
“Ah, my chest feels so heavy, and my shoulders are a little sore. Being a girl isn’t easy.”
Mu Nanyan rubbed her eyes and looked around the courtyard. The pit Liya had dug had been filled in at some point, and the little courtyard, which had been covered in dust, was now spotless.
“You’re finally awake.”
Gan Mei’s voice came from behind Mu Nanyan. She held a long broom and was sweeping the fallen leaves off the ground.
“You… haven’t gone back yet?”
“The Demon Emperor has ordered me to serve as your personal maid for the time being and take care of your daily needs. I’ve offended you many times before. Please forgive me, Your Majesty the Empress.”
Gan Mei dipped her head slightly. Her words sounded somewhat rehearsed, but this was the most respectful she could be toward Mu Nanyan.
After all, she’d wanted to kill Mu Nanyan outright before.
“I won’t disturb you. As long as you don’t leave this courtyard, you can do whatever you like. Just call for me if you need anything. I’ll get back to cleaning now. Please make yourself at home.”
Gan Mei didn’t seem eager to talk to Mu Nanyan. She lowered her head and went back to cleaning on her own.
