Liu Ji's words were undoubtedly a confession. Even modern women rarely have the boldness to openly and resolutely declare "I like you, I want to marry you" to a man's face.
But Liu Ji was no ordinary woman. She was destined to achieve imperial greatness despite being born female. Had she not been left with nothing earlier, forced to rely on Roy's shelter, and had Yu Meiren not outshone her like a jewel, she might not have felt so insecure, might not have hesitated to speak her mind.
Now, however, after marching west from Pengcheng straight into Guanzhong, overthrowing the Qin dynasty, she had shed her past timidity, growing confident and mature. Even in Roy's presence, she now had the conviction and courage to stand as his equal.
If she loved him, she would fight for it. Why bother with coy maidenly thoughts? What did it matter if a woman was direct? She had always been a rogue from Pei County, and by sheer luck, she had risen to her current status. If she couldn't even obtain what she desired most, what meaning would her life hold?
It was with this mindset that Liu Ji had become so assertive, so unyielding.
Yet Roy shook his head, dousing her fervor with cold realism:
"...If I were emperor and you empress, conquering this land—no, given enough time, even the entire world—would be trivial. But I cannot do this."
Around 200 BCE, Alexander the Great was already dead, his empire fractured. Europe had only Greece and the rising Rome, while the West had an equally ancient India—the rest was untamed wilderness. With Roy's power and knowledge of history, given enough time, he could undoubtedly unify the globe.
And then? Then humanity would likely have no future left.
Roy was an utterly self-centered man. Were he emperor, he would mold his empire, shape all of mankind according to his will. But Roy couldn't guarantee that humanity under his rule would tread the right path. It would be a history where only his voice echoed across the world—a history where he alone dictated humanity's fate. Thus, Roy couldn't afford to err, lest all of mankind be led astray.
Yet Roy didn't know what direction humanity should take. Modern civilization was merely one stage in human history, not its endpoint. If the world truly became a place where only Roy's voice remained—where he alone represented humanity—it would mean the human race had lost its infinite potential, its future. It would be time for pruning.
For humanity to progress, it needed self-correction, internal dissent. But Roy knew himself too well. With absolute power, he would annihilate any opposition. The idea of an emperor humbly accepting advice or issuing "self-criticisms" was laughable—those who did were emperors on the brink of collapse. Otherwise, where would the emperor's dignity and authority lie?
This was the "Emperor's Sovereignty," the "Emperor's Glory"—absolute and singular. But for an emperor to truly become the world's sole authority would spell catastrophe for all of human history.
Roy had self-awareness. He knew he wasn't the one who could lead humanity down the right path, nor could any single individual or saint accomplish that. The only thing truly capable of guiding humanity correctly was humanity itself—only by giving them the power of choice could it be achieved.
In the end, it was humanity's own choice. If they walked the right path, they would survive; if they erred, they would face destruction. No one else could be blamed.
Liu Ji didn't understand what "Human Order" was. She was simply infuriated by Roy's refusal, to the point where she found his stubbornness exasperating—so much so that she even laughed in frustration.
She stood before Roy, her phoenix-like eyes glaring at him with an intensity that seemed to burn with fire, yet also carried an air of superiority. Her entire demeanor exuded overwhelming presence.
"I ask you—does Yu Meiren know the reason? Does she know why you're pushing me to become emperor?!"
Liu Ji's aura was terrifying. An ordinary person standing before her would likely have been frightened into kneeling and begging for mercy.
Roy admired her imposing presence and nodded approvingly. "...She knows."
Yu Ji was an elf who had lived for tens of thousands of years. Though not an expert on the magecraft concept of "Human Order," she was still knowledgeable enough to discuss such topics with Roy. Liu Ji, despite possessing the bloodline of the Red Dragon, was born in an era where mystery was fading and Human Order was about to flourish. Her understanding of the arcane was limited to what she had learned from the fangshi.
Moreover, while Yu Ji was temperamental—prone to anger and lacking self-restraint—she possessed immense power that could not be ignored. Yet at her core, she was a gentle-hearted woman. No matter what decision Roy made, she would silently support him. Even if she suffered great grievances, she would endure them alone, shedding tears in private rather than opposing him.
But Liu Ji was different. Though merely a mortal, incomparable to Yu Ji in terms of power, she was fiercely independent and strong-willed. She wouldn't blindly follow Roy's lead but would make her own choices based on her judgment and reasoning.
Those capable of becoming emperors all possessed such domineering personalities. The so-called "courtesy to the worthy" was merely a means to compensate for their own shortcomings—this was the very essence of Liu Ji's "Imperial Authority"!
That was why Roy wouldn't explain to her what "Human Order" was...
Hearing Roy's words, Liu Ji couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy—a natural human reaction. However, she wouldn't let such emotions cloud her judgment. Gritting her teeth, she said, "...Fine. I'll listen to you. I'll strive to become this emperor, even go so far as to defeat you with my own hands. But in return, you must promise me one thing."
"Name it!"
Seeing that this future Founding Emperor was finally willing to take the throne, Roy was in high spirits. Though this was forcing her into the role, Liu Ji inherently possessed the capability and boldness to rule. Once she truly became emperor, she would realize that the position didn't grant absolute freedom—she would have to remain in it indefinitely.
The only one who could truly act without restraint was someone like Roy, who wielded overwhelming power.
Liu Ji took a deep breath, then flashed a bewitching yet provocative smile. "...If I defeat you and become emperor, you must promise me one thing, Roy!"
Liu Ji had long known that the so-called 'Xiang Ji' was merely an alias, and the true name of this Conqueror of Western Chu before her was 'Roy'.
"If it's within my power, I will agree."
Roy nodded as he spoke.
"Excellent! The word of the Conqueror of Western Chu is as good as gold! Then when I become emperor, you shall wear the phoenix robe and golden crown as my empress!"
What if a woman becomes emperor? It's perfect to have the man I love serve as my empress!
Having said this, Liu Ji revealed a challenging, triumphant smile that left Roy utterly stunned.
His eyelid twitched as he suddenly considered whether he should just cut Liu Ji down right here—how dare you want me to be your empress?!
"Is the Conqueror of Western Chu afraid?!"
Liu Ji continued to provoke him.
"Since the King of Han says so, how could I possibly be afraid!"
Roy laughed freely, already devising a plan to extricate himself—first, he would motivate this woman to set human history back on its proper course!
Sure enough, with Roy's assurance, Liu Ji immediately became passionately enthusiastic, no longer dwelling on Roy's intentions. She paced a couple of steps before adding, "...Then I have one more request."
"You certainly have many demands. Speak!"
"I need an heir!"
Liu Ji suddenly flushed crimson but bravely met Roy's gaze. Her words sounded like a discussion but carried the tone of a command, truly acting as if she were already emperor.