The System once told Jiang Xuan that in this matriarchal universe, someone as handsome as him could pretty much do whatever he wanted.
Now, Jiang Xuan got it—being handsome wasn’t about doing whatever you wanted; it was about letting others do whatever they wanted to you.
Too bad the System had gone into maintenance mode, otherwise, Jiang Xuan would have definitely faced off with it a bit.
d*mn, every day, it just exploits him for fun, rarely helping out properly. All these years, he’s been relying on his full-level good looks to get by.
This upgrade should come with at least a newbie starter pack, right?
At that moment, Jiang Xuan lay sprawled out, letting Nangong Liuyun do whatever she wanted, all the while thinking about his system.
With his current rookie-level strength, resisting was out of the question. The only option was to cooperate, let her have her way.
Since resistance is futile, why not embrace the chaos?
Jiang Xuan thought that if he just waited until Nangong Liuyun was content, she’d probably let him go. Then, he could smooth things over with some compliments, and hopefully, this whole situation could be forgotten.
But surprise! Nangong Liuyun turned out to be greedier than Jiang Xuan expected, tormenting him both mentally and physically.
All because she had this strange obsession with beating someone named Xia Xiaoyu.
“Hubby, who’s more amazing—me or Xia Xiaoyu?”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
“Oh? So, Xia Xiaoyu is better, huh?”
“Hmm? You hesitated when answering me. Looks like I need to keep grinding.”
…
“Hubby seems a bit unresponsive. That’s how you act around Xia Xiaoyu too?”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
“N-no… you’re just too strong! Can I take a break?”
“No way—Xia Xiaoyu wouldn’t let you rest anytime soon. I’m going to beat her in every aspect!”
…
Obsessed with comparing herself to this imaginary Xia Xiaoyu, Nangong Liuyun ended up hurting Jiang Xuan instead. No matter how many pitiful prayers Jiang Xuan made, she ignored them.
Only then did Jiang Xuan realize how terrifying a woman can be when she gets crazy. For men like him, powerless and weak, there’s no hope, period.
This made him more determined to become stronger; mainly, he had to up his physical game or he’d collapse.
Fortunately, after praising Nangong Liuyun non-stop, she started to calm down a little.
Nangong Liuyun leaned in close to Jiang Xuan’s ear, breath like a whisper in the wind.
“Hubby, have you realized the gap between me and Xia Xiaoyu?”
“Who’s Xia Xiaoyu? My wife is unparalleled. Being favored by you is my karma from three lifetimes.”
He leaned in to kiss Liuyun’s face, flawless and divine.
“Hmm, you’re getting so compliant. It looks like I need to reward you.”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
Hearing those words, he freaked inside.
“More? What do you mean ‘reward’? Punish me again?! Who can handle this?”
Facing Nangong, he pretended it was romantic. “But… Hubby, I hope you’ll rest. I hate seeing you so worn out.”
“That’s fine. Just looking at your face gives me the energy.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
Suddenly, an urge to disguise his face hit him hard. His looks, the true source of all the trouble.
Just when Jiang Xuan thought he’d be dragged back into chaos, a sharp voice echoed outside.
“Master, envoys came from the imperial palace. They bring the empress’ decree. It’s for Master.”
“Got it! I’ll be right there!”
Jiang Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, a chance to stop Nangong Liuyun before she drained him dry.
Liuyun frowned slightly, puzzled.
Previously, the empress had given her their marriage decree. She had handed it to Jiang Yuyan. Now, with a new decree solely for Jiang Xuan, Nangong Liuyun was confused.
After dressing, they headed to the Jiang family main hall where court servants impatiently awaited Jiang Xuan.
As soon as she saw him, her hostile expression vanished, replaced by greed she approached with enthusiasm.
“Sir Jiang, truly the most beautiful man in the empire.”
Noticing she was closing in, Nangong Liuyun stepped in front.
“What are you doing? Thinking about touching my betrothed? I’ll break your legs!”
Seeing Nangong Liuyun, the servant’s eyes widened in fear, taking a step back.
No choice but to back off—Liuyun was a bully in the city. No simple servant dared cross her.
But something crossed her mind. Looking at Liuyun, she took pity.
She presented the decree, reading it aloud,
“The imperial decree: recently bestowed Jiang Xuan from the Jiang family and Nangong Liuyun from the Nangong household into marriage. But fierce reactions arose from within the Great Jiang imperial city due to this decision. After contemplation, the imperial decision stands revoked due to their lack of matching quality.
Fortunately, the Jiang Xuan-Liuyun marriage hasn’t occurred. As it hampers Jiang Xuan, I hereby withdraw this decision. Meanwhile, the empress desires Jiang Xuan to become emperor of the Coldlight dynasty.
Should he accept, the Great Jiang dynasty will present a grand gift.
Moreover, Sir Jiang Xuan, please visit the imperial palace immediately.”
After hearing the decree, Jiang Xuan was stunned.
Clearly, Leng Wushuang’s move.
Why did this happen now? Those old benefactors were digging their grave without him, and now, he’s being pulled into it too.
What’s even happening? They weren’t ever “compatible?”
“You can’t just say things like that! Especially since nothing happened!”
Panicking, Jiang Xuan feared Nangong Liuyun would torment him again.
Clearly, Wushuang desired his body. She wanted him to be miserable as an emperor.
Expecting a few days of respite, his plan was foiled. She forced the decree, using harsh tactics.
This could ruin everything. Liuyun was the one hurt here. Would she destroy the Great Jiang dynasty in anger?
Jiang Xuan felt the tension rising and hurried to reassure her,
“Wifey, there must be a misunderstanding. We aren’t close with the Coldlight dynasty’s empress!”
Nangong Liuyun nodded, accepting the decree, which instantly disintegrated.
Before the messenger could react, she said,
“Destroying the decree? A capital offense!”
“It’s okay. I believe her majesty won’t mind such trivial matters. Also, if she didn’t ask us about me before assigning me as your husband, surely she doesn’t care about us!
Let’s head to the imperial palace. Come with me. Trust me, I’ll protect you.”
“Alright…”
In the carriage, Nangong Liuyun pinched Jiang Xuan’s face.
“Hubby, despite believing you and the empress aren’t close, I still have doubts. She singled you out, meaning she knows you. How did you meet?”
Jiang Xuan: “!!!”
“Think about a place like Tianxiang Pavilion. They are mostly for the elite. Besides, what’s the use of a flower boy?”
Realizing the predicament, Jiang Xuan simply stated,
“We never met. Perhaps she heard about my looks, or she wanted to meet me.”
Smiling, Liuyun looked like a wolf watching its prey.
“Earlier, I mentioned your unique aura, hinting at Xia Xiaoyu’s presence. Could it be one of their auras is that of the empress?”
Jiang Xuan: “!!”
“If you won’t confess, we’ll confirm when you face her.”
“Wait! Wouldn’t that be wrong? Maybe she just mimicked her aura!”
“No, you know the truth.”
Jiang Xuan pleaded, “There’s a misunderstanding…”
“If you really have nothing to hide, let’s go to the palace and find out.”
Liuyun leaned in, kissing him, relentless.
They arrived; Jiang Xuan staggered out, dizzy. Breathing fresh air restored him.
South Palace Liuyun held his hand confidently and declared together to meet the empress.
Entering the imperial palace, curiosity struck Jiang Xuan. For years, she masked her power. Why?
Surely, she would reveal herself now. Yet, if she chose to expose, Jiang Xuan wondered. Despite doubting, her true might assured him. Facing the ruthless Coldlight dynasty and empress Leng Wushuang, she might be in serious trouble.
Soon, reaching the imperial chamber, they were greeted by intense stares from numerous guards and officials. Beside them stood the Jiang Dynasty’s empress, Jiang Yue.
Wushuang merely glanced at Liuyun, then fixed her eyes on Jiang Xuan.
“Dear emperor, patience wears thin. Finally, you’re here.”
“Last night, you agreed to leave with me. Took my ten billion spirit stones, yet missed our appointment?”
“Forgetfulness is forgiven. However, why drag her along? Didn’t you tell her you belong to me now?”
Jiang Xuan: “????”
Upon hearing, Jiang Xuan lost it.
“Why do you even think so? I ran away!”
South Palace Nangong replied coolly:
“Does that mean I am inferior?”
Jiang Xuan: “????”
