Chapter 2129: Against One’s Own Volition

Zu An felt a bit of a headache. Why were these Ocean race women even more passionate than fiend women? He had clearly already tactfully refused her, but why was she still going on the offensive?

Fortunately, Shang Hongyu replied in his place, “But of course.”

The duchess then left in satisfaction, to which the other Ocean race nobles nodded. The queen was still as generous as usual. No one could pick out any flaws from her decisions.

Thank goodness the Dragon King went back on the right path, or else where would we be able to find a queen as perfect as this?

Meanwhile, Zu An had begun holding Shang Hongyu’s waist and dancing. He was handsome and tall, while the woman was beautiful and gorgeous. When they leaned against each other intimately, their feelings for each other seemed to have become even better than before.

“Why didn’t you agree to the duchess’ request? She's so pretty that countless men here are gawking at her,” Shang Hongyu said with an ambiguous smile. Then, she added, “She only came to the Dragon Palace recently, so whether it's the real or fake Dragon King, neither of them have gotten their hands on her yet. There’s no need for you to have any misgivings.”

Zu An smiled. “No matter how beautiful she is, she’s still not as beautiful as my queen.”

“You’re such a smooth talker~” Shang Hongyu pouted playfully. Even though she knew he was only saying that to tease her, she still felt really happy.

A while later, she added, “However, you still need to dance with those pretty madams and young ladies. That’s more like the Dragon King’s perverted self.”

Zu An sighed. “This Dragon King really isn’t that easy to impersonate.”

“Hmph, look at you complaining even though you’re getting all the good stuff.” Shang Hongyu smiled and said, “They're all the greatest beauties of the Ocean races. This opportunity is something countless men dream about, yet will never get.”

“But I’m not like other men.” Zu An frowned in annoyance.

Shang Hongyu knew that what he said was the truth. With his current cultivation and position, forget about the fact that he was handsome, even if he looked like a pig, he would still be surrounded by endless beauties.

Hmph, correction. If he looked like a pig, then at the very least, I wouldn’t pay him any attention.

She added, “By the way, when you dance with them later, you can use the chance to cop a good feel of their butts and breasts. The Dragon King loved to use those times to take advantage of his dance partners.”

Zu An was briefly speechless. He could only ask, “Don’t you feel that a wife telling her husband to harass other ladies is a bit weird?”

“What’s so weird about that? You’re not even my real husband.” Shang Hongyu smiled. “This is something you should be happy about, and yet you’re still beating around the bush.”

Zu An sighed. “I really don’t want that kind of 'happy event'.”

If this had been a few years ago, perhaps he would really have been interested. But now, he had too many things he was shouldering. He didn’t have much room left for something like that.

“Just endure it. It’s all for the sake of the plan’s success.” For some reason, Shang Hongyu felt a bit strange as she advised him.

How could there be any men in this world who would refuse something this wonderful?

This man really is different!

When their dance finished, the duchess walked over with a big smile. Zu An was a bit helpless and could only accept her invitation, starting another dance. He had to admit that she was an extraordinary beauty. She smelled amazing and felt wonderful in his arms, making the dance an easy task.

And yet, who would have thought that just a moment later, Shang Hongyu’s impatient voice quickly called out in his ear?

“What are you doing? Why are your hands so obedient? Hurry and grope her already! It’s even better if you secretly reach into her clothes.”

Zu An really was completely stunned. Was this woman really the gentle and virtuous queen that everyone in the Ocean races saw her as?

Just then, a man walked up to Shang Hongyu. His formal attire was sharp and snappy, matching his figure well. It made him look even more handsome and confident. He bowed with a smile, his every move lacking the slightest flaw. Many of the noble young ladies’ eyes were sparkling as they watched him ask, “Beautiful queen, may I invite you to a dance?”

He was none other the Dragon King’s younger brother, Ao Yong. He was especially excited right now. Regardless of what had happened, the queen was no longer a wanted criminal, so from now on, he could once again see her every day. Also, after what happened, even though this married couple was putting on a great act on the surface, they’d definitely feel a bit estranged inside.

Sister-in-law will definitely see through brother king’s cold-heartedness, and together with brother king’s womanizing nature, she will definitely feel really disappointed in him.

So, I’ll use this chance to appear at her side and show her the most meticulous care. Then, she will know just who really treats her well.

In the past, when the great wedding was held in the Dragon Palace, the moment he first saw this beautiful sister-in-law had already left him with an unforgettable memory. He had spent countless nights dreaming of spending them with her. But back then, he'd always understood very clearly that he didn’t have the slightest chance. That was because his brother was the powerful Dragon King, and he and his wife loved each other a lot.

However, after what just happened, even though there were many strange factors, Ao Yong was still happy with the results. There was now a rift between the couple, which served as an opportunity for him. Even though the Dragon King was strong, for the sake of love, he was willing to take any risk. Moreover, the Dragon King was always out skirt-chasing and was rarely in the Dragon Palace. Even if he really did have something going on with the queen, his brother wouldn't necessarily find out.

Hmph, brother really is something else. He doesn’t cherish his beautiful wife at home and insists on eating those unsavory types all around, leaving sister-in-law at home all alone.

Since you’re going to waste something so wonderful, you can’t blame someone else for helping you out.

His eyes were fiery. After all, his sister-in-law had always treated him with warmth and gentleness. Even though she treated everyone the same, he had still sensed that there was a bit of difference.

She definitely feels something for me!

That was why Ao Yong used the chance while the Dragon King was dancing with the duchess to invite the queen to a dance. Her dissatisfaction was probably at its limit, so he figured she'd likely accept.

While he was feeling expectant, however, Shang Hongyu leaned to one side and said, “Please move out of the way.”

Ao Yong was speechless.

𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

What kind of a reply is this? It doesn't even seem to be a real reply at all.

Even so, he followed her line of sight and saw that Zu An and the duchess were swaying gently side to side. He realized what was going on and said, “Brother king is busy taking care of the duchess, so let this little brother take care of my sister-in-law.”

Shang Hongyu said with an apologetic smile, “I truly am sorry, but I don’t feel too well today and wish to get some rest. There are still many young ladies waiting for your invitation.”

When he heard her refusal, Ao Yong’s smile instantly froze on his face. But he recovered after just a moment, saying, “In that case, please get some rest, my queen. I won’t be disturbing you any further.”

He maintained sufficient elegance the entire time that many of the nobles secretly thought praises of him. Soon, he quickly found another noble lady to dance with. The young lady was clearly overwhelmed by favor. This was the Dragon King’s younger brother, and he was handsome, a lover that countless young ladies dreamed of. She was so excited that she made mistakes in her dance several times, and she even stepped on his foot.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” The young lady panicked.

“Don’t worry, just follow my rhythm. I’ll teach you.” Ao Yong’s dazzling smile left the young lady a bit absent-minded.

Why would the queen refuse such a perfect man?

Ao Yong was also thinking about that. Could it be that his sister-in-law was really deeply in love with the Dragon King?

No, that shouldn’t be. Sister-in-law showed me a smile just now. She’s clearly interested in me.

She probably just didn’t want to seem too close to me in front of everyone else.

Sigh, I was still a bit too hasty. I’ll just look for her when there aren’t as many people around us.

Perhaps it was because he was thinking about how incredible it would be once they were together, but his smile became even more dazzling. Meanwhile, the young lady in his arms was completely enamored by his smile.

...

Meanwhile, Zu An and the duchess were dancing with each other, and he was feeling really moved.

Are the Dolphin race really all this healthy? Their curves rise and fall like the waves. These swaying movements make it hard for even me to keep my eyes open.

The Dragon King’s usual life is way too extravagant. He really ought to be critiqued a bit.

The duchess suddenly said with a smile, “Your majesty seems to be a bit different from before.”

Zu An shivered and asked, “How so?”

Was I exposed?

“I’ve heard quite a few rumors about your majesty before entering the Dragon Palace, but now that I’ve met you, you’re very different. It’s almost as if the one who's holding me isn’t the Dragon King, but rather a modest gentleman,” the duchess said with a smile.

Zu An was speechless, replying, “Can I interpret that as the madam lusting after me?”

“Lustful is a word used to describe vulgar and low-quality men. Your majesty is such a heroic figure, so how could you use something like that? Of course, it is nothing but the grace of your majesty, and countless people only hope for your majesty to take pity on them.” The duchess bit her red lip slightly as she spoke. Her eyes showed him an ambiguous hint.

“Hurry and start touching her already! I never saw you hesitate so much when you were practicing on me.” Shang Hongyu’s disappointed and resentful voice entered Zu An's ears.

Zu An was speechless.

How could I just do that?

The duchess followed his line of sight and saw Shang Hongyu standing far away. She couldn't help but say with a smile, “I was going to say, so it's because the Dragon King is thinking about the queen. It seems that the two of you are even closer than the rumors say.”

“But of course.” Zu An harrumphed.

“Even so, now that the queen has nobleman Yong taking care of her, your majesty doesn’t need to worry. You can focus on dancing with me, right?” the duchess asked with a playful pout. A hint of craftiness appeared in her eyes.

But what kind of a person was Zu An? He immediately realized that this woman seemed to be inciting disharmony between him and Ao Yong. He wondered just what her objective was. Still, he couldn't help but give that side a glance. Ao Yong liked his sister-in-law and always wandered around Shang Hongyu’s side like a fly. That really was a bit annoying.

However, Zu An just happened to see Shang Hongyu refuse him before finding a place to sit down. She raised a cup of wine and looked at him with an ambiguous smile. She asked playfully in his ear, “Jealous?”

“We aren’t even a real married couple, so why would I be jealous?” Zu An remained indifferent.

“What a heartbreaking answer.” Shang Hongyu harrumphed. Then, she added quietly, “Don’t worry, I'll only dance like that together with you. As if I’d let another man touch me.”

Zu An was a bit moved.

What is she trying to say here?

Shang Hongyu spoke again, but it was much louder than before. “You are the Dragon King. Who knows how many pairs of eyes are secretly watching you? If you say anything wrong, we’ll have failed at the very last moment...”

Zu An sighed. He wasn’t an unreasonable person. Since they were going to put on a performance, he had to act a bit more like the real deal. Of course, it could just be because he couldn't take Shang Hongyu’s endless pestering.

When she sensed his hands that seemed to contain magic, the duchess’ entire body trembled. Her breathing even became a bit disorderly as she said, “Oh my, and I was just praising your majesty for being a gentleman.”

“Then do you want me to be a bit more gentlemanly, or to be less gentlemanly?” Zu An replied. He had to admit that this duchess felt incredible. All the trouble he'd gone through to impersonate the Dragon King wasn’t for nothing.

“As long as it's your majesty, then I like it all~” The duchess moaned, and practically leaned half her body into Zu An’s arms.

Zu An was speechless.

...

After the dance was complete, when they saw how the duchess couldn't even walk steadily back to her seat, many of the nobles of the Ocean races exchanged looks.

His majesty really is his majesty after all. This level of technique is quite impressive.

Even so, for some reason, Shang Hongyu felt strange.

Hmph, and he was acting all pure and innocent in front of me. Not even the Dragon King himself might have been this proficient.

You have successfully trolled the Mermaid Queen for +110 +110 +110...

Zu An was really confused when he saw the Rage points.

Didn’t you tell me to do it? What are you getting angry for?

However, he didn’t have the time to think about that, because another high-ranking military officer’s young lady came to invite him to a dance. Even though she wasn’t as gorgeous as the duchess in terms of figure, she was more youthful. Her skin was extremely smooth and she was full of life.

There were many people who seemed to be paying attention to his expression. Zu An knew that this was his first performance in the Dragon Palace, and he had to give them a good show. Only then would he be able to largely reduce their suspicions. Otherwise, if the seed of doubt was planted, no matter how well he performed after, he would actually have already failed. As such, he got up with a smile and returned to the dance floor with the young lady.

After some time passed, Zu An could no longer keep track of how many Ocean race noblewomen he had danced with. The madams and young ladies of the noble clans, the princesses from various races... He couldn't even remember their names anymore. There were many younger women who also gave him enough signals, and as long as he wanted to, he could take them to bed.

Zu An finally understood why the Dragon King didn’t stay in the palace much. The outside world really was too wonderful.

...

The banquet eventually finished. As he returned to their room with Shang Hongyu, Zu An seemed as if he was finally relieved of a huge burden.

When Shang Hongyu looked at Zu An’s face and saw lipstick marks all over it, she had an ambiguous smile as she said, “You must be feeling really refreshed now.”

Zu An sighed. “Wasn’t it because you kept egging me on? I really wouldn’t like to experience that again.”

He wasn’t a block of wood. After dancing with so many beautiful ladies of all kinds, he felt as if his body was on the verge of exploding.

“You really are quite the dreamer. How could an extravagant banquet like this be so easily held?” Shang Hongyu harrumphed. In front of all of the servants and maids’ eyes, she returned to her own room with a frown.

...

Zu An used this chance to summon the minister named Gui Chengxiang. “By the way, there was a bit of a misunderstanding previously between this ruler and the queen. Shang Liuyu must be worried as well, and we don’t know where she is. Have you discovered her whereabouts?”

He hadn’t let himself be completely swept away by all the fun, and was still concerned about the Shang sisters’ safety.

Gui Chengxiang replied, “The third princess is often wanders in the outside world and her whereabouts are hard to determine. We are unable to locate her.”

“Now that the misunderstanding between this ruler and the queen has been resolved, you should hurry and inform the world about it. She will naturally find out and hurry back,” Zu An said.

“Understood. This subject will quickly complete the task.” Gui Chengxiang bowed with his shell on his back and withdrew in a stooped posture.

Soon after, the suspicious guard leader entered and asked, “Dragon King, why are we sparing the queen?”