"You stay in your room and reflect on your actions!" Shen Jinghong did not forget to warn Su Jiuli before leaving.
"Yes, Master…"
This time, Su Jiuli no longer showed her earlier arrogance. She lowered her head slightly and answered softly.
Her previous behavior had been a test. Since she couldn't control him, it was better to submit—for now.
Better a short pain than a long one…
When Shen Jinghong and Ninth Princess Zhao Linger arrived at the main hall, they saw that the Empress was already seated at the head.
At that moment—
Ding!
[Hidden Quest Triggered: Make the Empress Smile]
[Reward: Savage Potion + Rejuvenation Potion][Failure: Slave mark on Su Jiuli temporarily removed]
Shen Jinghong cursed inwardly.
This broken system again…
Before he could react further, Zhao Linger tried to pull him to kneel—but he didn't move.
The Empress smiled faintly.
"No need. A guest from another world does not need to kneel. Ling'er, let him sit."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Zhao Linger led him to a seat.
"You're at home, yet still so formal?" the Empress said gently. "Are you still upset about what happened in court?"
Zhao Linger lowered her head.
"No… Elder Sister has already protected me enough. I am the one who fell short."
The Empress glanced at Shen Jinghong, her tone turning colder.
"It is because the one beside you is useless."
"What is your name?"
"Shen Jinghong."
He stood and bowed calmly, neither servile nor arrogant.
Unlike earlier in court, he now seemed composed—perhaps because he had confidence, or perhaps because of something else entirely.
Tonight, the Empress wore no imperial dragon robe.
Instead, she was dressed in an elegant white gown with dark green accents, embroidered with delicate plum blossoms. Her figure was graceful, her presence both noble and alluring.
"You do understand etiquette," she said. "A good name. I hope you live up to it."
"I will not disappoint Your Majesty."
Then, unexpectedly, Shen Jinghong asked:
"May I know Your Majesty's name… and age?"
Zhao Linger panicked instantly.
"Shen Jinghong! How can you—"
But the Empress raised a hand, stopping her.
"What? Do I look old?"
She touched her cheek, her tone carrying a subtle hint of curiosity.
Shen Jinghong immediately replied:
"Not at all. On the contrary—Your Majesty's beauty is extraordinary, untouched by time. That is why I asked."
The Empress paused… then smiled.
"You have quite a silver tongue."
"I am thirty-two. My name is Jiang Chan."
"Gentle yet unyielding, radiant like a blade," Shen Jinghong said without hesitation. "A perfect name."
The Empress's gaze sharpened.
Those words… described her almost too precisely.
Interesting.
Zhao Linger, meanwhile, sat silently, feeling like an unnecessary third party.
After a moment, the Empress spoke again:
"Enough. Let us discuss serious matters."
Ding!
[Hidden Quest Completed]
Shen Jinghong let out a quiet breath of relief.
Finally.
The Empress's expression turned solemn.
"You saw what happened in court. I have ruled for less than two years, yet ministers already act without restraint."
"And now, zombies spread beyond our borders. Internal strife, external threats… I am stretched thin."
Zhao Linger's eyes reddened.
"It's not your fault, Elder Sister…"
The Empress didn't respond. Instead, she looked directly at Shen Jinghong.
"I intend to send you to Wei River County to assist in resisting the zombie threat."
"You may refuse. I will not force you."
Zhao Linger immediately protested:
"He just arrived! He's not ready yet—"
"I'll go."
Shen Jinghong spoke without hesitation.
Both women were stunned.
But in his mind, the reason was simple—
Refusal meant consequences.
And besides…
This world had already dragged him into its chaos.
There was no turning back now.