Chapter 255: That Chu Yaoyao

“Qiqi, what is your opinion on this matter?”

The Demon Emperor’s voice echoed through the great hall.

Everyone’s gaze, whether open or subtle, turned toward the stunningly beautiful girl with a graceful figure at the very front.

She was clearly hailed as the number one beauty under heaven of the Demon Race World, equal to Chu Jiutao.

Yet, no one dared to approach this number one beauty under heaven.

In fact, anyone who had even the slightest contact with She Qiqi would subconsciously overlook her appearance; instead, what left a deeper impression was her shrewdness.

No one knew what she was thinking, and no one could guess what she truly intended to do.

For a woman, to have her peerless beauty ignored and instead be feared and revered by others…

…one could not say whether it was a blessing or a curse.

She Qiqi stepped forward. Dressed in palace attire, the girl bowed slightly, her long hair reaching down to her waist:

“Giant Country governs through martial force and appears powerful. In reality, after several hundred years of successive campaigns by my brothers, its military strength is no longer what it once was.

If any of my brothers were to lead an expedition now, they would surely be able to conquer it.”

As soon as She Qiqi finished speaking, the court fell silent. The Crown Prince, standing beside the Demon Emperor, narrowed his eyes.

She Qiqi seemed to be declining the task, even speaking up for the other princes to give them an opportunity.

But in reality, everyone knew that Giant Country’s strength was still extremely formidable. Even if the other princes set out again, they would certainly face defeat.

With She Qiqi’s words having set the stage, the other princes would only end up even more humiliated.

“Forget about them. I wonder if Qiqi has any other recommendations?” The Demon Emperor waved his hand, still reluctant for She Qiqi to campaign against Giant Country.

She Qiqi thought for a moment. “General Long of Jubei City would be up to the task.”

“Long Qie bears heavy responsibilities and cannot leave Jubei City.”

“Xue Feng of Lindong City would also suffice.”

“Xue Feng is currently campaigning against the Snow Flood Dragon Clan; no one can replace her.”

“Then Qiqi has no other candidates.”

.”

The two people She Qiqi had just recommended were both among the four most prestigious generals of Ten Thousand Demon Country, and they belonged to the neutral faction.

Of the other two, one was the Crown Prince’s man, but he was still in secluded cultivation, attempting to break through to the Immortal Realm.

The other was She Qiqi’s person, named Lush Orchid.

But if Lush Orchid were to go on the campaign and conquer Giant Country, what would it matter even if she were rewarded?

She was She Qiqi’s person after all; this would merely indirectly bolster She Qiqi’s influence.

“Qiqi, how is Lush Orchid doing these days?” the Demon Emperor asked.

Because Lush Orchid was She Qiqi’s follower, when the rewards were being handed out at the start of the reign, the Demon Emperor had intentionally tried to suppress her, not wanting her to hold military power and instead wishing to give her a sinecure.

However, Lush Orchid’s merits were indeed great back then; no idle post or honorary title could match her military achievements.

Thus, the Demon Emperor had even considered bestowing a marriage upon Lush Orchid, making her the primary wife of a certain prince.

Yet, before the Demon Emperor could decree the marriage, Lush Orchid stated she wanted nothing, only wishing to resign and return home to live a quiet life.

In the face of such a request from one of the founding era’s greatest contributors, and with a legitimate reason, the Demon Emperor could not refuse.

Since then, Lush Orchid had surrendered her military tally and left the court.

But everyone knew that although Lush Orchid claimed to have retired to the countryside and left the court, she had actually been living in She Qiqi’s manor.

Everyone knew this, yet no one ever brought it up.

When the court officials heard the Demon Emperor’s words, they were all startled, and the expressions of the other princes turned even more unsightly.

It seemed the Imperial Father wanted Lush Orchid to gain military merit, but he did not want Qiqi’s prestige to increase further.

But allowing Lush Orchid to gain military merit—wasn’t that like drinking poison to quench a thirst?

“To answer Imperial Father, Lady Lush Orchid has been staying at my manor recently. All is well,” She Qiqi spoke slowly, her tone calm.

“Lush Orchid is one of the greatest contributors to our Heavenly Frost White Snake Clan. I allowed her to retire back then, but now Ten Thousand Demon Country has need of her. I hope she can return to service.”

The Demon Emperor looked at his daughter.

“Since Lush Orchid happens to be staying at your manor, I’ll trouble Qiqi to convey my intent. If Lady Lush Orchid truly does not wish to return, I will not force her.”

“Imperial Father is too kind. Since Ten Thousand Demon Country has a need, I will certainly do my best to persuade Lady Lush Orchid and ease Imperial Father’s worries.”

She Qiqi bowed. Her skirts flared out like the most beautiful peony in bloom.

“That is good then.” The Demon Emperor looked at his daughter with a smile, and She Qiqi returned it with a stunning smile of her own.

Between father and daughter, there seemed to be a genuine air of paternal affection and filial piety.

“Do my dear ministers have anything else to report? If not, today’s morning court shall end here.”

The Demon Emperor scanned the crowd; everyone remained silent.

“In that case, court is dismissed.”

“Your Highness.”

Inside the Seventh Princess’s manor, a woman dressed in ordinary commoner’s hemp clothes knelt on one knee before She Qiqi.

The woman had a pleasant face, and her sword-like eyebrows gave her a heroic air.

Although she was a Cultivator, she also practiced martial arts daily, and her martial artist Realm had reached the Martial Gall Realm.

Due to her daily martial practice, her posture was exceptionally upright, like that of a female knight.

“Rise.” She Qiqi rested her chin on her elbow, looking quite nonchalant.

“Yes,” Lush Orchid rose.

“Imperial Father wants you to return to service and campaign against Giant Country. What are your thoughts?” She Qiqi yawned, appearing somewhat weary.

Or rather, today’s court session felt as boring as ever to her.

“Lush Orchid will follow all of Your Highness’s arrangements.”

“Then go.” She Qiqi’s eyes curved into a smile. Her bright smile caused Lush Orchid to momentarily lose herself, dazed. “Five years. Bring the head of the Giant Country’s sovereign back to the Demon Capital within five years. Any problems?”

Lush Orchid cupped her hands. “Your Highness, forgive my bluntness, but several princes failed to conquer it over hundreds of years. If I take Giant Country in five years, I fear it will put even more pressure on Your Highness. There are already rumors among the people: ‘If the Seventh Princess becomes the Empress, Ten Thousand Demon Country will be at peace for ten thousand years.'”

“And who do you think is secretly fueling these rumors?”

Lush Orchid was startled for a moment, and then her brow quickly furrowed.

“You dummy, it’s the First Prince.”

She Qiqi sighed softly.

“You are skilled at leading armies in battle, but you alone cannot handle the filth of the court. That’s why I had you retire, lest you end up dead without even knowing how.

“Now, there’s no need for that. Since my brother wants to praise me to death, wouldn’t it be interesting if he builds me up so high that he finds he can no longer kill me?”

“Lush Orchid does not understand.”

“You don’t need to understand. You only need to conquer Giant Country, as quickly as possible.

Once Giant Country is conquered, kill the entire royal family, leaving only the Eldest Princess. Then, deliver this letter to her.

When you return, simply accept all the rewards.

I won’t be around then. You can do whatever you want. Don’t hold back; just act according to your nature.”

“Your Highness is leaving Ten Thousand Demon Country?”

“Mhm.” She Qiqi’s smile grew even sweeter. “I’m going to see that Chu Yaoyao of the former royal family.”