I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon

Chapter 1142 424: Catching Phoenix Tendons! Empress: Fortune Turns, Is It My Turn to Be Empress? (2)

"Anyway, with the protection of Her Majesty the Consort, I'm not afraid," Chen Mo said seriously, holding the exquisite black silk foot. "Besides, doesn't this mean we can rightfully be together?"

Yu Youhan crossed her arms and snorted coldly, "It sounds nice, but I bet you're thinking about the Empress, aren't you?"

"Her Majesty is always the most special presence in my heart, irreplaceable by anyone," Chen Mo shook his head, speaking sincerely.

Looking into those deep eyes, Yu Youhan's heart skipped a beat.

Although she had heard him say such affectionate words more than once, she still felt shy and delighted.

"Speaking of rebellion..."

"I have never seriously considered this problem before."

"You are imbued with Dragon Qi and bear the fate of the nation. Perhaps you truly have a chance to ascend the throne."

Yu Youhan pinched her chin with delicate fingers, murmuring to herself, "By then, I shall be the Empress, and Jiang Yuchan can be a concubine. Every morning, she would kneel in respect before me. If she's disobedient, I'll throw her into the cold palace and see what she can stir up..."

"..."

Chen Mo's mouth twitched slightly.

He was just speaking in jest; why did Her Majesty seem to take it seriously?

Regardless of how difficult this path was, even becoming Emperor might not bring happiness.

The complex affairs of state alone could crush a person. Not only would one have to balance the court, but also attend to the people's livelihood, or risk becoming a king who brings ruin to the nation and leaves a notorious legacy.

Chen Mo believed he did not possess such abilities, nor did he wish to spend his life buried in endless memorials. He only wanted to spend his years with someone he loved, drunk and watching the chaos of the world with laughter.

Of course, achieving this wasn't easy; it required sufficient strength, power, and status as support.

Who would have thought the women around him would all be so formidable...

"Never mind, let's just take it one step at a time,"

Chen Mo shook his head silently.

He was already caught in the whirlpool, dragged along by the tide, with little control over many things, so thinking too much was meaningless.

Meanwhile, Yu Youhan was still pondering how to manage the harem when a sudden heat came from her wrist.

Then, a red ribbon suddenly appeared, binding her hands firmly, with the other end tied to the bedpost.

"Hmm?"

Yu Youhan asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"Naturally, to massage you, Your Majesty," Chen Mo's hand glided over her bent leg, lifting her skirt and gently massaging along the texture of her skin, "I just mentioned catching your phoenix tendons, and we've just begun."

"Mmm—"

Yu Youhan's body twisted, a suppressed whimper escaping her lips.

The slightly rough palm rubbing against her skin brought an indescribable sensation, leaving her a little flustered.

With her hands bound, unable to move, the feeling intensified, her toes curling involuntarily, legs straightened, and a rosy blush spreading from her ears to her collarbone.

"A-all right, stop already..." Yu Youhan's gaze turned dreamy, losing focus gradually.

Amidst it all, she caught a faint floral fragrance, and Chen Mo's lips curled, saying with a smile, "Seems like Her Majesty is ready?"

Tear—

The black stockings were ripped open roughly.

Soon, a wave of heat surged through her, Yu Youhan's breath hitched, looking tense, her delicate hands instinctively clenching the bedsheets.

At that moment, Chen Mo abruptly halted his movements.

Yu Youhan's cheeks were flushed, her voice trembling, "What's wrong?"

Chen Mo turned his head to look outside the courtyard gate, saying, "Wait a minute, it seems someone's coming..."

...

...

"Zhixia, are you really going to see Consort Yu?"

Outside the courtyard, Ling Ningzhi held onto Shen Zhixia's arm, advising, "You've seen that consort's temper, if she gets offended, you might end up in real trouble..."

Shen Zhixia clenched her fists, looking determined as if heading to the execution ground, "Whether I confront it or avoid it, it's all the same. Both the Shen Family and Chen Family serve the Consort. If I want to be with my brother, I must pass her test."

"But this isn't as simple as you think..."

Ling Ningzhi tried to persuade her, but Shen Zhixia had already pushed open the door and walked inside.

As they stepped into the courtyard, they saw Ji Hongxiu in a white Daoist robe quietly sitting on a stone chair.

"Master?" Ling Ningzhi was surprised, "Why are you here?"

"Yu Youhan is capricious and doesn't follow conventions; she is extremely dangerous. I must stay here to prevent any unexpected events," Ji Hongxiu certainly couldn't admit she had been eavesdropping at the door earlier, so she asked, "What brings you two over?"

"It was I who wished to come."

Shen Zhixia spoke hesitantly, "I wanted to ask Her Majesty the Consort if she has any opinions on the marriage between Chen Mo and me."

"Marriage?" Ji Hongxiu's brows furrowed even tighter, "Yu Youhan just had a confrontation with your master, and now is not the time to discuss such matters, is it?"

"I know that as well." Shen Zhixia replied helplessly, "But the Consort dwells in the deep palace usually, and it's rare to meet her even once. Once we return to the Capital City, there might not be a chance to talk at all."

"But..."

Ji Hongxiu wanted to say something more, but then they heard a creak as the door of the room swung open by itself.

A composed voice came from inside the room, "Come in."

"Yes."

Shen Zhixia took a deep breath, calmed her emotions, tidied her dress, and then stepped inside.

Ji Hongxiu and Ling Ningzhi exchanged a glance, and followed her.

The room was rather dimly lit, with a copper candle burning on the table.

Yu Youhan sat on the chair, legs crossed, her exquisitely carved bare feet gently swinging, as the amber candlelight illuminated her beautiful face, her Qing Bi eyes seemed like ancient and unmeldable ice.

Chen Mo stood by with a purple sand pot, silently refilling tea.

"I am Shen Zhixia, paying respects to Her Majesty the Consort."

Shen Zhixia bent and bowed.

Ling Ningzhi also performed a Daoist salute along with her.

Yu Youhan glanced at her, and said indifferently, "Are you Shen Xiong's daughter? What brings you to me?"

Shen Zhixia composed her words carefully, and spoke cautiously, "Your Majesty, it is about the marriage alliance between the Chen and Shen families, after all, it is a betrothal set by the ancestors, and I and Mr. Chen are truly fond of each other. I wonder when this could be arranged?"

Yu Youhan's expression remained calm, as if she had already predicted her intention, "Back then even Shen Xiong asked me. You should know the answer."

Shen Zhixia bit her lips and asked in a low voice, "May I ask the reason?"

Yu Youhan's gaze was somewhat impatient.

Nonsense, what would happen to me if you two were to get married?

However, considering that she was Chen Mo's childhood friend, she restrained herself and explained, "Firstly, the situation in the Capital City is currently complex, the Chen and Shen families are at the center of the maelstrom. A sudden marriage alliance would cause turmoil in court, with unpredictable consequences."

"Secondly..."

"Perhaps you are unaware, the Emperor has personally spoken and wants Chen Mo to participate in the Princess's public selection of a consort."

"What?"

"Selection of consort?!"

Upon hearing this, both Shen Zhixia and Ling Ningzhi exclaimed in surprise, even Ji Hongxiu's brows furrowed tightly.

"Brother, is this true?" Shen Zhixia asked incredulously, turning to Chen Mo.

Chen Mo looked slightly embarrassed, and nodded, "I just learned of this myself."

Shen Zhixia wobbled slightly, her face pale as paper.

If Chen Mo were favored by the Imperial Family and truly became the Prince Consort, what should she do?

With Chu Yanli's dominant personality, not to mention being a secondary wife, she was afraid she couldn't even be a concubine!

Thinking about this, her heart was in turmoil, both bitter and fearful, she didn't know what to do.

Seeing this, Chen Mo hurriedly stepped forward, holding her soft hand, and comforted her gently, "Don't worry, it's just a formality, nothing is possible between me and the Princess."

Only hearing this did Shen Zhixia relax a bit, her cheeks regaining a bit of color.

Watching their tightly clasped hands, Yu Youhan squinted her eyes, picked up a teacup, and said leisurely, "At least until the selection of the consort concludes, Chen Mo cannot marry, otherwise it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor... You don't want to harm your Brother Chen Mo, do you?"

Shen Zhixia clearly understood priorities, and didn't dwell on it further, nodding, "I understand clearly, thanks to Your Majesty for the pointers."

"..."

Thanks indeed...

Chen Mo sighed silently.

Even without these circumstances, Her Majesty would never allow her wish to come true.

To balance the relationship among them, would indeed require careful consideration.

At this moment, Yu Youhan's eyes swept towards the Daoist nun, inquiring aloud, "Are you Ling Yishan's granddaughter?"

Ling Ningzhi cupped her hands, "I am Qingxuan, paying respects to Her Majesty the Consort."

Yu Youhan tapped her fingers lightly on the table, speaking with indifferent tone, "I've heard that you have a fleeting romance with Chen Mo too?"

Ling Ningzhi: [・_・?]