Chapter 2659: Old Ties

Concubine Bai interjected, “But that’s as good as conceding that the new dynasty succeeds the Zhou Dynasty. Wouldn’t that be unfair to big brother Zu?”

“That’s true.” Bi Linglong agreed.

Zu An had saved the world from the monster invasion, and practically all powers in the world recognized him as their lord. Not even legendary emperors in human history had achieved the same height as him. He didn’t have to inherit the Zhou Dynasty’s mantle; it was beneath him to do so.

Zu An laughed. “Why would it be unfair to me? I’m not the emperor.”

Bi Linglong rolled her eyes. “Who else, other than you, is worthy of being the emperor?”

“You’re doing a good job as the empress.” Zu An shook his head. He had no interest in being the emperor. His eyes were set on the stars, the myriad worlds. Being a nation’s emperor held little significance to him.

“Not at all. It all went up in smoke within two years after you left,” Bi Linglong said with a sigh. She was proud and confident in her governing ability, but there had been many frustrations in recent years that made her realize that there was little she could do alone.

“They only acknowledge me because of you. You’re more suited to be the emperor. With the prestige you command, everyone will bow down to you willingly.”

She had ordered the Embroidered Envoys to spread news about Zu An’s immense accomplishment in driving back the monsters, building up his immense prestige among the populace. In truth, she had been preparing for this day.

“I’ll have to leave for a long time very soon. How can I be a good emperor when I can’t be present?” Zu An looked at Bi Linglong. “Linglong, you’ve already done very well. I believe that you’re a good empress. Now that I’ve cleared up all the underlying risks, you won’t have to worry about another rebellion anymore.”

Bi Linglong knew Zu An wasn’t the type to be bound to one place, and being the emperor would only be a constraint on him. She bit her lips and glanced at Concubine Bai and Zhang Zitong. After some hesitation, she asked, “Big brother Zu, have you considered how the others might feel if you make me empress? Won’t they be upset and dissatisfied?”

She was only one of his many lovers, and his other lovers were outstanding in their own right too. They could be dissatisfied with him giving so much to her.

In particular, the big miss from the Chu clan. They might have separated peacefully, but she’s still his legal wife.

Furthermore, there are also other lovers whose capability and beauty don’t pale in comparison to mine. What right do I have to be the empress? What if others turn against me, and this just leads to disharmony in Ah Zu’s household?

Zu An burst into laughter. “You don’t have to worry about that. They’re cultivators, and they have their pursuits too. I’ll help them realize their dreams. Of course, Little Qien and the others can assist you with your work too.”

“But I still don’t think I’m suited...” Had it been years ago, Bi Linglong would have taken the position without hesitation. Back then, she’d prioritized her clan above all else, and she also wanted to exact her vengeance.

But now, all those things felt fleeting to her. She would rather spend her time with her lover.

Zu An interjected, “Have you not considered a bigger problem? If I become the emperor, who should become the empress?”

Concubine Bai and Zhang Zitong were taken aback. They looked at Bi Linglong with gossipy eyes. Neither of them dared harbor thoughts of becoming the empress, but would Bi Linglong, as the current empress, lower herself to be an ordinary concubine?

And if Bi Linglong wanted to be Zu An’s empress, the other ladies wouldn’t necessarily let things slip. Being the nation’s empress was one thing, but being

Zu An’s empress

was another matter. The latter meant being Zu An’s legal wife; the others wouldn’t give up on that position so easily.

Bi Linglong was also stunned, as she realized how tricky the situation was. If Zu An became the emperor, she would be at a disadvantage competing for the empress seat.

It’d probably go to the big miss of the Chu clan. She is the legitimate wife, after all.

But the thought of lowering herself to serve tea to other women pricked her pride.

Noticing her dilemma, Zu An laughed. “Let’s not dwell on this. It’s too troublesome for me to be the emperor. It’ll be better for you to be the empress and bring prosperity to the people.”

Bi Linglong’s lips twitched, but she decided not to dwell on the topic. She took her leave with Concubine Bai so the two of them could discuss a legal way to settle her and her son without undermining the regent.

After they left, Zu An turned to the long-legged guard off to the side and said, “Zitong, there seem to be words on the tip of your tongue. Feel free to say whatever you have in mind.”

Zhang Zitong hesitated, but she spoke up anyway, “Regent, I don’t think what you’re doing is fair.”

“Oh? How am I being unfair?” Zu An was surprised.

“During the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, the Zhou clan went after the preceding Meng Dynasty’s imperial family. Many Meng clansmen and their subjects died as a result. And yet, you showed such compassion to the Zhao clan.” Zhang Zitong’s eyes reddened.

She must have been reminded about the casualties suffered by her Zhang clan protecting the old imperial grandson.

Zu An walked over and patted her shoulder. “You don’t think I’ve killed enough Zhao clansmen yet?”

He hadn’t gone after them out of a grudge, but there was no denying that he had killed many Zhao clansmen.

Zhang Zitong was startled. She belatedly remembered how the regent had previously purged respected and influential Zhao clansmen in the previous capital uprisings. That greatly placated her. “I wasn’t thinking clearly, regent.”

Zu An smiled. “Concubine Bai’s son is a child. We shouldn’t continue the bloodshed for the world’s stability. However, your words do remind me of something. Contact the Hub of Freedom and have them create a list of the Meng Dynasty’s survivors. I’ll acknowledge them and grant them a fief where they can live openly.”

Zhang Zitong’s eyes lit up. “Is that for real?”

“Of course it is. Do you think I’d lie about this?” Zu An huffed.

“I’ll do it right now!” Feeling conscience-stricken, Zhang Zitong meekly looked at Zu An and said, “Regent, I haven’t contacted them since I started following you. You aren’t... testing me, right?”

Zu An replied, “...Do you think I’d need to do something like that?”

Zhang Zitong beamed. “That’s true. But regent, those people would rather have you become the emperor and restore the Meng Dynasty’s glory.”

Zu An shook his head. “Dynasties come and go; this has been the unchanging way of the world. I don’t intend to get involved in such matters, so don’t mention it ever again.”

“Yes, I won’t mention it again.” Zhang Zitong was disappointed.

Zu An relented with a sigh. “Zitong, I’m not going to get involved with the Meng Dynasty, but I won’t forget the Zhang clan’s sacrifice. I’ll build a monument for the Zhang clan so that the world remembers their heroic deeds even after ten thousand years. Also, I’ve never thought of you as a subordinate, so you don’t need to be so uptight around me.”

Those words evoked Zhang Zitong’s past memories, and tears glimmered in her eyes. She kneeled and kowtowed to him. With a hoarse voice, she said, “I thank you on their behalf, regent.”