The sun was already high, yet Zhangtai Palace remained bathed in the glow of crimson phoenixes. Roy awoke, propping himself up slightly as he gazed at the snow-white, silken figure beside him, smiling tenderly.
With a soft murmur, Yu Ji also opened her eyes, immediately meeting Roy's smiling gaze. She shyly lowered her head, though unlike a typical maiden, she did not cover herself with the red quilt. Instead, she whispered softly, "...Good morning, my king."
"Are you well, Yu Ji?"
The night before had been one of repeated passion, leaving traces of their union throughout Zhangtai Palace.
Though Yu Ji was experiencing her first night of intimacy, she was no ordinary woman and could hardly be overwhelmed in just one evening. Propping herself up, she said to Roy, "...This concubine is fine. Allow me to assist His Majesty in washing and dressing."
Roy didn't forcefully refuse. While this was typically the duty of maids and servants, having the Yu Beauty attend to him naturally brought him even greater joy.
With gentle movements and a tender expression, Yu Beauty fetched warm water for Roy, helped him into his brocade robe, fastened a jade pendant at his waist, and draped a crimson cloak over his shoulders. Only then did she tend to herself, slipping back into her elegant black gown, which concealed her flawless jade-like skin. She then gathered her long hair into a high chignon, styled into delicate clouds.
Her gowns now followed Roy's suggestion, adopting a more conservative style—finally presentable for public view. Yet in private moments with Roy, she still wore those revealing outfits.
She had never been one to serve others, but after two or three years with Roy, she had learned such skills.
Seeing her dressed as a married woman, Roy raised his hand and plucked the hairpin from her carefully arranged hair, watching as her raven locks cascaded like a waterfall. Amidst that dark silk, a single pale silver strand stood out starkly.
"I still prefer Yu Beauty with her hair down," Roy said, holding the hairpin with a smile.
"If His Majesty prefers it, then this concubine shall always wear it this way," Yu Beauty replied softly, unbothered by the mess Roy had made of her painstakingly styled hair.
The ferocity and ruthlessness she had shown upon their first meeting—when she had transformed into a sea of blood at the slightest displeasure, ready to drown two thousand Chu soldiers—were nowhere to be seen now.
"From today onward, Yu Beauty is my 'wife,'" Roy declared, clasping her cool, jade-like hand in his. It felt like holding a chilled gem in summer, wonderfully soothing.
"Mmm," Yu Ji murmured in response, her crimson-lidded eyes lifting slightly, revealing a faint trace of tenderness and affection, like ripples gently stirring on a lake's surface.
Hand in hand, Roy led Yu Ji out of Zhangtai Palace. Before the palace lay a grand square where, in the days of the First Emperor's might, the nobles and remnants of the six states had once stood, awaiting his summons. Now, not a single Qin person remained in the square—only a thousand Chu soldiers.
"Migu~~"
Just then, Roy heard a playful, cooing sound. Amused, he turned to look beside him and, sure enough, there stood Tamamo-no-Mae, her smile enchanting, her eyes sparkling.
Tall and graceful, she exuded an effortless allure. Today, she was not clad in dancing attire but in an elegant, refined robe. Her fox-like eyes held a quiet nobility—this was the true bearing of the "Nine-Tailed Fox Daji." Pure seduction was hardly a sophisticated art.
It had been a long time since Roy had seen this fox—not since the Feast at Hong Gate. From Yu Ji, he knew Tamamo-no-Mae had been indignant over his dealings with Liu Ji, standing up for Yu Beauty's sake, which was why she had avoided him.
'This fox truly cares for A-Yu,' Roy thought, and so he greeted Tamamo-no-Mae with a warm smile.
Although, like the departed Su Daji, Tamamo-no-Mae possessed the cunning characteristic of foxes, she did not harbor the same pure malice toward humans as Su Daji did. In fact, to some extent, this fox was inclined toward kindness.
"Where have you been these past few days, Xiao Yu?"
Roy feigned ignorance of the reason Tamamo-no-Mae had been avoiding him, speaking gently instead.
Tamamo-no-Mae glanced at Roy and Yu Ji's clasped hands, then at the red drapes adorning the Zhangtai Palace, and cheerfully exclaimed, "...Ah Yu, congratulations to you!"
Her tone was sincere, lively, and infectious, lifting the spirits of anyone who heard it.
Yu Ji, usually reserved and aloof, was in high spirits today. Hearing Tamamo-no-Mae's congratulations, she smiled radiantly and replied, "...Thank you for your blessings, Xiao Yu."
Seeing that Tamamo-no-Mae ignored him, Roy wasn't upset and continued, "...This king and Yu Ji are heading to the Mausoleum of the First Emperor next. What are your plans, Xiao Yu?"
Only then did Tamamo-no-Mae turn to Roy and answer without hesitation, "...I'll go with you. I'm also a bit worried about what that bitch fox has been up to."
"Good! Then we'll go together."
Roy agreed readily.
Though Tamamo-no-Mae no longer possessed the invincible power of a nine-tailed fox, she was still formidable with her eight tails. Roy had always been wary of the Moon World. While its lower limits were weak—most magi and those who wielded mysteries couldn't match the fighters of the Campione world—the Moon World was also filled with hidden dangers, where one could easily stumble if not careful.
For instance, the Counter Force, or Roy's teacher Scáthach—these were things Roy currently found difficult to handle. Hence, caution was never excessive.
Yu Ji now retained only a tenth or two of her peak strength. Though immortal, immortality wasn't absolute—she could still be sealed by 440. Roy didn't want Yu Ji to suffer any harm, so dragging Tamamo-no-Mae along as extra muscle was a wise move. If the Mausoleum of the First Emperor truly held any dangers, she could be thrown into the fray to share the burden.
Completely unaware that Roy had already marked her as a tool, Tamamo-no-Mae trotted happily behind Roy and Yu Ji, watching as they mounted the Black Steed. At the command, the army set off, and she hurried to keep up.
Yet, in Tamamo-no-Mae's gaze as she looked at Roy and Yu Ji, there was a deep longing.
When will Xiao Yu find such a husband too~
Her fox-like eyes peered through Roy's body to his soul—so beautiful it stirred desire even in her.
...
Roy had initially planned to set the Xianyang Palace ablaze, but after some thought, he abandoned the idea. After all, the palace was a heritage site, built with immeasurable labor and resources. Leaving it standing might mean it could draw crowds of tourists millennia later.
Still, Roy doubted the palace would remain intact for two thousand years. The lands of Huaxia would endure countless wars—long divided, long united—and who knew in which year the vast Xianyang Palace might be torched by another.
But even if just one brick or tile could be preserved for future generations, it would be worth it.