Liu Ji calmly watched Roy with the same serene and inscrutable expression Roy often used when observing others—now perfectly mimicked by Liu Ji.
Her eyes brimming with charm, she sat on the edge of the bedding, gazing at Roy with an alluring demeanor as she said, "...Does the Conqueror know why I need an heir?"
The domineering and haughty attitude of the future Emperor Gaozu was so amusing that Roy's brow arched. Being teased by an older woman and treated like a helpless lamb was a first in Roy's life—usually, he was the one taking the initiative with his strength and dominance. This was his first time being pressured by a woman.
Though Liu Ji was no match for Roy in strength, at this moment—just this moment—her presence overshadowed his, exuding an almost condescending air.
Without waiting for Roy to respond, Liu Ji continued, "...Ji is too young. Though I now bear the title of King of Han and have been granted the lands within the passes by the Conqueror, I have neither wife nor child. This unsettles my subordinates. Both Zhang Liang and Xiao He have privately advised me to marry and produce an heir—even my parents urge me."
Liu Ji spoke with a sigh, her tone tinged with vexation.
The matter of succession was of paramount importance in ancient times, especially for leaders like Roy and Liu Ji who commanded great influence. Having a son was absolutely critical.
As Liu Ji said, only with a child—and specifically a son—could she put her followers at ease. Otherwise, her subordinates would remain anxious and uncertain.
This was human nature. When one held immense power but lacked an heir, the vulnerability of their faction became glaringly obvious. The moment the leader died, their followers would turn on each other, leading to the faction's collapse.
If there is an heir to inherit, no matter how young the child is—even if just a swaddled infant—it can rally people's hearts, earn their trust, and significantly reduce the likelihood of assassination.
When a major faction has a successor, those who seek to assassinate its leader will think twice. They know full well that even if the leader dies, it will not greatly destabilize the faction. Instead, it would provoke relentless retaliation, leading to a fight to the death.
Having an heir is of utmost importance, as it instills confidence in subordinates. Moreover, Liu Ji and Roy are different. Roy, at least on the surface, has a favored concubine, Yu Ji, so his followers are merely waiting for the "Beauty Yu" to conceive. But given Liu Ji's current age, not only does she lack a wife—she doesn't even have a concubine. How could this not unsettle the hearts of her people?
The old Liu family truly has a throne to inherit!
Now, Liu Ji stands firmly on the side of righteousness!
Then, the revered Emperor Gaozu continued, "...However, neither Zhang Liang nor Xiao He knows I am a woman. Even if I were to marry a woman, I could not bear a child. Nor am I willing to casually adopt a child and raise it as my own. If I wish to have an heir, Ji must find a man to conceive one with."
"...In this world, no hero surpasses the Overlord. Ji has long admired the Overlord. Since the Overlord insists I ascend the throne, the issue of succession cannot be ignored. If the Overlord finds Ji's humble self worthy, Ji is willing to offer herself. If the Overlord is unwilling, Ji will not insist and will simply find another man to bear a child with."
"You cannot do this!"
The moment Liu Ji finished speaking, Roy rejected her idea outright. His tone was firm and domineering, leaving no room for refusal.
Hearing Roy's words and seeing the displeasure on his face, Liu Ji curled her lips into a triumphant smile, her flushed cheeks brimming with joy.
Her eyes brimming with allure, she spoke in a soft, delicate tone, "...What can Ji not do? Pray, Overlord, speak more clearly."
Her bewitching voice was enough to make one's bones melt.
"With the King of Han's wisdom, you already know what I mean. Why ask redundantly?"
"But Ji wishes to hear the Overlord's true thoughts with her own ears."
Liu Ji took a step forward, suddenly closing the distance between them. She gritted her teeth, pressing him further.
"You just want to hear me admit weakness and yield to you, don't you?"
Roy smiled at Liu Ji, his expression warm and indulgent.
"Exactly!"
Liu Ji admitted without hesitation.
"Very well. Since I have decided your fate and forced you onto a path you did not originally wish to take, it is my duty to indulge your whims. If you wish to hear it, then I shall say it."
"...This king forbids you from casually finding another man to bear a child with. It would make me jealous and angry. Ever since I first laid eyes on the King of Han, I, too, have been captivated by your beauty and that seemingly lazy yet dignified and imposing aura. I have also grown to admire you!"
Roy's words remained domineering, but Liu Ji knew this was actually him yielding—because he had truly spoken the words she demanded.
Her delicate frame trembled slightly, pearly teeth biting her lips as her dark eyes, tinged with crimson, brimmed with joy and unshed tears. To receive Roy's genuine emotional response, to know he could feel jealousy and possessiveness for her sake, that he truly cared—this was already enough.
Liu Ji 810 was an intelligent woman. She wouldn't ask foolish questions like "Do you like me more or Yu Meiren more?" With a sniff, she closed her phoenix-like eyes and murmured, "...To hear such words from the Conqueror of Western Chu—this alone makes Ji's life worthwhile."
Liu Ji hesitated not at all.
In that instant, scarlet dragon flames scattered like cherry blossoms dancing in the wind.
"My lord, the Feast at Hongmen has only just begun. This flowing banquet may last days and nights, until..."
A blush colored her cheeks, yet her expression shone radiantly, eyes overflowing with tender affection.
Roy knew exactly what Liu Ji left unspoken.
The tall, statuesque beauty gazed at him through half-lidded eyes, her voice a silken whisper: "...Since my lord indulges Ji so, please forgive this willfulness of mine. I beg your tenderness and care."
Roy arched an eyebrow as the mature beauty advanced upon him. "...Aren't you going to blow out those candles?"
"Let them burn. Their light allows me to see my lord's expressions and face more clearly. Rest assured, I won't cause you discomfort..."
Liu Ji spoke like some brazen temptress, leaving Roy caught between laughter and exasperation.