Chapter 381

Chapter 381: Have You Considered Carefully?

“His Majesty has a deal to propose to Minister Xu, I wonder if Minister Xu is interested?”

The Dragon Empress looked at Ming as she spoke slowly.

Ming’s curiosity was piqued: “Your servant is all ears and will certainly relay Your Majesty’s words back to Wudu.”

Ming believed it was likely a trade between the Wu Kingdom and the North Sea Dragon Palace.

The Dragon Empress shook her head: “It’s not a deal between the North Sea Dragon Palace and the Wu Kingdom. It’s a deal between me and you, with no relation to your Wu Kingdom.”

“Huh?” Ming was momentarily stunned, looking at the Dragon Empress in disbelief, suspecting he had misheard, “Your Majesty, a deal with me?”

Ming couldn’t figure out what someone of his cultivation level and status could offer that the Dragon Empress wanted.

The only thing on him worth anything to the Dragon Empress might be his Red Sleeve Immortal Sword.

But he had never shown it to her, so how would she know?

If she really wanted that sword, there’s no way he could agree to such a deal.

He intended to refine the Red Sleeve into his Life-Bonded Flying Sword; giving it up would leave him weaponless. “That’s correct,” the Dragon Empress nodded, “Isn’t Minister Xu interested in the Linglong Pearl?”

Ming: “Yes.”

“I can personally retrieve the Linglong Pearl for you, but Minister Xu must agree to one condition.” The Dragon Empress stated.

“Your Majesty, please speak freely,” Ming became cautious.

As an old saying goes—free things are often the most expensive.

If he retrieved the Linglong Pearl from the North Sea Abyss himself, even at the cost of nine deaths to one life, he’d feel more secure.

At least he’d believe the pearl wouldn’t have any issues.

But if she just handed it over, he needed to be careful. He had to weigh whether he could afford the price she demanded.

“It’s not a particularly difficult task,” the Dragon Empress said calmly, “The North Sea Dragon Palace needs an Attendant. If you stay here for ten years, during this time, the Dragon Palace will provide all the cultivation resources you need, which won’t be less than what the Wu Kingdom offers. How does that sound?”

Ming: “…”

The position of Attendant varies in meaning across different dynasties.

In some, the role involves taking care of the emperor’s daily life, while in others, it mainly involves drafting imperial edicts.

In the Four Seas Dragon Palaces, Ming knew, the Attendant is essentially a historian, responsible for recording the Dragon Empress’s words and actions, and sometimes personal matters.

Some even record which wife the respective Dragon King favors each night.

In a sense, the Attendant is closer to the ruler than those who simply take care of their daily needs.

“Why did Your Majesty choose me for this position?” Ming asked.

Such a close role should logically be given to a trusted confidant, especially since the Dragon Empress is female, making it even less likely she’d appoint a man.

Especially considering she’s a pure-hearted warrior.

The Dragon Empress tilted her head, her voice echoing in the room: “I chose you because of your talent. In our North Sea, no one can match you.”

“Besides, you’re human and not from the North Sea. As my Attendant, recording my words and actions, you’ll have more credibility.”

“And the fact that you’re a man, why does that matter?” “…”

Ming thought it mattered greatly. “Who was Your Majesty’s Attendant before me?”

The Dragon Empress shook her head: “Before you, I didn’t have an Attendant, nor did I have a man serving in my inner palace. You’re the first.”

“But the closest man to me, you’re the second.”

Ming: “…”

Ming naturally knew who the first was—his old lover, whom he hasn’t found yet.

“I don’t understand,” Ming shook his head.

“What don’t you understand?”

“I don’t think there’s anything special about me. Is it solely because of my talent that Your Majesty wants to keep me here?”

Ming didn’t believe his talent was the reason she chose him.

If she were a promiscuous empress, he might understand.

Ming thought, though he wasn’t extraordinarily handsome, he was definitely at the top of his university class, maybe even campus heartthrob material.

So if she were extremely desperate, it would make sense for her to choose him as a paramour.

Especially since he was a Martial Artist, exactly the type rich women adore.

But the problem was, this Dragon Empress was the epitome of purity! No blemish on her private life! She wouldn’t dream of keeping a paramour.

Even if he were the most handsome man in the world, she wouldn’t glance at him twice.

“You’re right, I didn’t choose you as my Attendant solely because of your talent. There are other reasons, but you don’t need to know them now. Just answer whether you accept or refuse,” the Dragon Empress’s tone was calm.

Ming thought for a moment and tried to decline politely: “Your Majesty, ten years is quite a long time.”

Dragon Empress: “Then five years.”

Ming continued: “Actually, I have many things to do.”

Dragon Empress: “Three years.”

Ming: “Your Majesty, it’s not about the length of time, but…”

“Minister Xu doesn’t need to rush to reject me,” the Dragon Empress interrupted, “You can go home and consider carefully, and learn more about the North Sea Abyss. When you’ve made your decision, come back and let me know.”

Ming: “…”

“I’m feeling a bit tired,” the Dragon Empress tossed a jade token onto the table. “When you’ve decided, you can find me in the Imperial Palace anytime.”

With that, she lay back down, pulling the bed curtain closed.

After much hesitation, Ming could only take the jade token, bowing respectfully toward the drawn curtain: “Thank Your Majesty for your favor. I will consider carefully. I’ll take my leave now.”

…

…

[Alright, today’s 5 chapters totaling 10,000 words are complete. I’ll continue early tomorrow.

I’ve realized something—if life is disciplined and you wake up early, you get a lot more time, and if you don’t use your phone while writing, efficiency improves, saving even more time.]