As soon as Cold Wu Shuang finished speaking, all the noble ministers became even more outraged.
With that face of his, they could be jealous? Even if it was given to them for free, they’d turn it down.
Who would dare do it? Oh, except the empress…
Now that they’ve seen Empress Cold Wu Shuang like this, those noble ministers were even more convinced.
Their empress must have been bewitched by that demon lord; otherwise, why on earth would she be saying such nonsense with her eyes wide open?
On the other side, after hearing Cold Wu Shuang’s straightforward and assertive words, Jiang Xuan inwardly cried foul.
He was clearly aligned with the noble ministers, adamant about not becoming the emperor.
Cold Wu Shuang’s words did more than just confirm that he was a demon lord; it turned him into a target, a lightning rod for everyone else’s anger towards the noble ministers.
Shaken out of his thoughts, Jiang Xuan quickly spoke up,
“Empress, I… I feel that the throne of the Emperor… really isn’t suitable for me. Please reconsider, Empress.”
Jiang Xuan feigned fear, deliberately stuttering to assert his stance.
Meanwhile, seeing Jiang Xuan state his position, the noble ministers wasted no time joining the chorus.
“Empress, you’ve always been a fair and just ruler. Since this young man has no desire to become Emperor, please retract your decree.”
“Yes, we trust you, Empress. Surely you won’t force a weak young man.”
“Empress, stop. Don’t make things hard for such a… oh, an innocent young man.”
Finally, when Jiang Xuan saw the situation turning in his favor, he sighed in relief.
Seeing Cold Wu Shuang wasn’t paying attention, he broke free from her embrace.
In his view, staying here to strategize and plot with these people was no fun compared to hurrying back to cultivate.
Once he reaches the Sky Martial realm, he can safely leave Cold Light Dynasty.
“Empress, I’ll head back first. The words of the main hall are nice, but oddly enough, I prefer my own company.”
At that moment, Cold Wu Shuang suddenly stepped forward, pulling Jiang Xuan back into her embrace.
“I didn’t give permission for the Emperor to leave, and your hesitation leads me to believe that the love I’ve shown you isn’t enough.”
“Since that’s the case, let me prove my affection to you again. Plus, others can witness it.”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
Bewildered, Jiang Xuan responded,
“Empress, what do you mean?”
On the other side, the noble ministers were shocked by Cold Wu Shuang’s words.
Their empress was actually considering dragging them into this to prove something.
Was this something they wanted to see? No, surely not.
Thinking about Jiang Xuan’s supposedly ugly face and whatever was about to happen, some of the noble ministers couldn’t help but confide in their peers.
On the other hand, Cold Wu Shuang cupped Jiang Xuan’s face.
“My Lord, you’re pushing it. I underestimated you. I thought I had you under control after yesterday.”
“But unexpectedly, you started acting up as soon as you arrived at the palace. You went back on your decision not to be my Emperor.”
“Ho ho, you weren’t whining like that when you begged for mercy.”
“But maybe it’s my fault. It’s because I didn’t satisfy you.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll compensate you later, including yesterday. What do you think, My Lord?”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
On the other side, the noble ministers erupted into chaos.
“Are these words really meant for us to hear?”
“No… are you serious, Empress? You really are spoiling this demon lord?”
“The damage is done. My ears are thoroughly ruined. Looking at the Emperor’s face, I can’t help but imagine being the Empress—now I’m feeling faint…”
While the noble ministers were abuzz with gossip, Jiang Xuan immediately pleaded,
“Empress, you misunderstood me. I don’t want to be Emperor because I don’t want the spotlight. And Empress, you don’t need to prove anything.”
“I felt your passionate love yesterday…”
“Oh? Really? Good. Then feel it once more right here.”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
As Cold Wu Shuang’s words hung in the air, she glanced at the noble ministers below.
“My dear ministers, who wishes to stay and witness my love for the Emperor?”
“If you wish to depart, no problem. Leave now and I won’t blame you.”
At those words, the noble ministers’ eyes all fell upon Jiang Xuan’s face.
The main hall became eerily silent.
Then, that female war god who previously suggested Jiang Xuan was a demon lord stepped forward.
“Empress, I am willing to remain and witness your love for the Emperor.”
“Wait, Empress. I too wish to witness it.”
“We cannot refuse your request!”
“That’s right! We trust you will conquer the Emperor.”
Cold Wu Shuang: “???”
This sudden change puzzled her.
She believed her words would scare away at least 90% of them.
Yet none left? Something was off…
Cold Wu Shuang noticed Jiang Xuan had returned to his original appearance.
She felt embarrassed. Just as she managed to manipulate the noble ministers, Jiang Xuan had exposed himself.
This backfired spectacularly.
More infuriating was how the noble ministers were ogling and even drooling over Jiang Xuan.
Suddenly, one female general stood up with a resolute look.
“We misjudged Empress. You have impeccable judgment. However, placing a handsome youth as Emperor might distract from your duties in the future.”
“If that happens, he could become the feared demon lord.”
“To prevent this, grant micro-minister the honor of marrying the Emperor and taking on this burden for you.”
“Grant micro-minister a chance to relieve your worries!”
Everyone: “???”
Before Cold Wu Shuang could respond, the female general was mobbed by the others.
“How dare you scheme against the Emperor!”
“Fine, you want it all? You’re asking for a beating!”
“You’re talking nonsense. This burden shouldn’t fall on you.”
…
With the mangled general dragged away, the atmosphere in the main hall turned weird once more.
Then, the respected Chancellor stepped forward.
“Empress, actions speak louder than words. Shouldn’t you prove your affection for the Emperor?”
“Do not worry, we will carefully observe this display for you.”
Cold Wu Shuang: “…”
Elsewhere, Jiang Xuan exclaimed inwardly:
“d*mn, I failed to calculate the duration of the makeup. After revealing my true appearance, these traitors are turning on me and accepting my status as Emperor. What’s going on!”
“Where is my ally? Save me!”
“And witnessing love? Why does it feel like they’re looking at me differently?”
