Liu Ji was led dazedly into the manor's courtyard.
They talked by candlelight—literally so. Hongmen was but a small town, and even its wealthiest households had modest courtyards, paling against the Qin palaces of Xianyang or the mansions of Pengcheng. Yet the very crampedness amplified Liu Ji's nervousness and bashfulness.
The small room glowed with candles lining its perimeter, casting deep crimson shadows across one wall. Clad in red robes amidst the scarlet light, Liu Ji's flushed cheeks made the scene resemble less an ordinary chat and more a... heart-pounding wedding.
Once inside, Liu Ji instinctively reached for the jade pendant at her waist, tossing it carelessly onto the table. Instantly, her once-indistinct figure—hazy as blossoms veiled in mist—came into sharp focus. The handsome youth transformed before Roy's eyes into a breathtaking, peerless beauty.
Although the barrier of the jade pendant couldn't hide anything from Roy's power, when he used to look at Liu Ji, he still felt an uncomfortable sense of separation, as if viewing through a thin veil. Now that the jade pendant was gone, Roy could see Liu Ji much more clearly.
Her delicate face was like jade, fair with a hint of pink—whether that blush came from the smoothness of her jade-like skin or from shyness was hard to tell.
The fiery red robe draped over her slender figure, her slightly lowered brows resembling a proud phoenix in a moment of shyness, made Roy feel an irresistible urge to play the melody "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate." Yet, no matter how demure she appeared, Liu Ji's faintly exuding regal aura still lent her an air of restraint and dignity, far from the coyness of a delicate maiden.
Liu Ji's heart pounded rapidly, her jade-like hands clenched in nervousness. However, the King of Han was no longer the greenhorn who had once been a lazy rogue, curious about everything in the world. Now, she commanded an army of a hundred thousand, had fought in dozens of battles, and ruled as a feudal lord over countless subordinates. She quickly shook off her flustered state, regaining her composure and steadiness—even to the point of becoming somewhat imperious.
With a flick of her fiery red robe, like a proud phoenix lifting its head, she strode over and sat down. Her slightly raised chin carried an innate authority as she took the initiative and addressed Roy:
"...There is one matter Ji still does not understand. I hope the Overlord can enlighten me!"
"Speak freely, King of Han!"
Roy couldn't help but find Liu Ji's dignified demeanor amusing as he sat opposite her, replying gently.
Liu Ji, ever straightforward, dispensed with empty pleasantries and cut straight to the point:
"...Why does the Overlord insist on elevating me to emperor?"
Roy had long anticipated her question and answered without hesitation:
"...I cannot say. And even if I did, the King of Han would not comprehend it now."
The Liu Ji before him, though now steady and experienced, was no woman who would blindly follow orders. This future Emperor Gaozu of Han was even somewhat rebellious at times. If Roy were to tell her that her rise to emperor was the inevitable course of human history, the ordained path of fate, this proud ruler might very well react with defiance, deliberately steering history in another direction.
And if history truly took a different turn, Roy couldn't guarantee the outcome. Success would be ideal, but failure would mean both Yu Meiren and Liu Ji would be pruned by the Human Order.
Like Ragnarök in Norse mythology—a mechanism ensuring the demise of the gods and the flourishing of humanity—if the Twilight of the Gods never came, mankind would never rise. In that case, even the true Norse gods surviving on earth would be severed by the Human Order's blade, vanishing with the world no matter their might.
This lunar world had countless parallel timelines, with innumerable versions of Yu Ji and Liu Ji. But the Yu Ji and Liu Ji Roy knew and cherished were the ones before him now. He had no desire to see them erased by the Human Order's execution. Instead, he wished for them to become the sole Yu Meiren and Emperor Gaozu across all parallel worlds.
So there were some words Roy couldn't say.
But his attitude infuriated Liu Ji. The revered founding emperor rose to her feet, her delicate face flushed red as she angrily shouted at Roy, "...The Overlord says the same thing again—how tiresome! Did the Overlord not once vow to bring prosperity to the common people of this land?"
"I did indeed say that. I hoped the King of Han would treat the people well. Though the chaos of war in this land may never truly end, I still wish that during your reign, the people may live in peace and prosperity."
Roy nodded lightly. He was no true demon, after all. If the people could thrive, why not allow it?
Liu Ji's voice was melodious yet carried the commanding presence of one long accustomed to authority. Pressing him aggressively, she said, "...The Overlord is too selfish! If you truly wish to end the people's suffering, is this not the perfect opportunity?"
"Oh? I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Roy's smile remained unchanged as he waited to see what Liu Ji would propose.
"Now, the Overlord holds the advantage in this land—his armies are strong, his horses mighty, and the feudal lords dare not speak against him. Though the lords may seem numerous, before the Overlord, they are nothing but paper tigers. Though I may be somewhat conceited, I dare say that among the lords of this land, only one or two could rival me. The title of King of Han was granted to me by the Overlord himself. Now, if I submit to you and our forces merge, it would align with the will of Heaven!"
Liu Ji's face was flushed, but she spoke boldly, "...I've thought deeply these past few months. For over twenty years, I lived as a man, but after meeting the Overlord, I realized I am but a woman—one who has fallen for you, who longs to rely on a man. Even if it brings shame, even if I abandon my male identity and return to my true self, even if the warlords mock me, it matters not! As the Overlord once said, if I can bring real benefit to the people, what does it matter if I am ridiculed?"
"If I return to being a woman, I will no longer be fit to lead troops. The Overlord can then absorb my forces into his own. I do not boast—Xiao He and Zhang Liang are men of great talent. If the Overlord treats them well, he will surely sweep across the land, unify the realm, and establish an empire that lasts for generations. What man would not desire such glory?"
"...I—I am willing to become the Queen of Chu, to serve the King of Chu for life. Though jealousy may gnaw at my heart, I will not stop you from keeping a harem. Even if you favor Lady Yu more, I am confident I can still be the mother of this nation!"
"If the Overlord truly cares for the people, he should heed my proposal. Within decades, the people will live in peace, singing praises, and great wars will cease!"
At first, Liu Ji had been somewhat shy, but as she spoke, her words grew smoother, more imposing—as if she were not making a suggestion to Roy but issuing him a command.
Roy gazed into her dark eyes, flecked with crimson, and at her earnest expression. With a sigh, he said, "...You have the bearing of an emperor. The mere title of queen would be effortless for you."
Hearing this, Liu Ji's face lit up with joy.