Chapter 4 I've Failed
Chi Li discovered that the biggest challenge in raising the tree spirit was not the trouble she caused, but her innocent and clear eyes after she caused trouble.
For example, right now, Tang Lu is holding a strand of her hair, like hugging a ray of warm sunshine, rubbing her face against it contentedly, completely unaware that she has just almost triggered a "royal ecological crisis".
Chi Li tried to free her hair, but the slightest movement caused Tang Lu to whimper like a small animal and grip it even tighter.
"..."
His Majesty the Demon King experienced for the first time what a "sweet burden" meant.
The eunuch she appointed was a perceptive one; he quickly brought over mild spiritual fruits and spring water suitable for Tanglu, and thoughtfully prepared... a small basket lined with soft velvet.
"Your Majesty, look at this..." The eunuch carefully held up the basket, his words carrying a clear implication.
Chi Li looked at her large, comfortable throne, a symbol of supreme power, and then at the exquisite basket that was clearly meant for a pet. Her brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a fly.
Let her little tree spirit sleep in a basket? What kind of nonsense is that!
With a cold face, she dismissed the eunuchs and decided to maintain the status quo.
Anyway... the throne is big enough.
However, she soon discovered that maintaining the status quo came at a high cost.
The next day, it was time for the routine morning assembly.
Chi Li looked at Tang Lu, who was curled up on the throne, breathing evenly and slowly, and who was obviously not going to wake up anytime soon, and fell into deep thought.
Should I wake her up? She's sleeping so soundly, I can't bring myself to do it.
Not wake her? Are you going to leave her alone in the bedchamber? What if she wakes up, can't find you, and starts crying? (Chi Li automatically imagines Tang Lu with teary eyes)
Carrying her to the court assembly? ...The scene was too beautiful for Chi Li to imagine.
In the end, His Majesty the Demon King made a decision that shocked all the demons.
She carefully lifted the throne area, covered with velvet mats and covered with dew, with a gentle divine power, and then, without changing her expression, moved it to the Hall of State Affairs.
Thus, when the elders and demon generals of various tribes solemnly entered the dignified and solemn government hall as was customary, preparing to report important matters to their king, they witnessed a scene worthy of being recorded in the annals of the demon realm:
Their majestic and aloof emperor, whose aura could shatter even the coldest ice, sat on a slightly lower throne base (because the seat had been removed), while the crimson-gold throne, symbolizing the supreme authority of the demon realm and inlaid with countless treasures, was placed to the emperor's right.
Even more horrifying, on that throne, a little girl with blonde hair, a green dress, fair skin, and an unbelievably pure spirit was fast asleep!
The little one seemed completely unaffected by the somber atmosphere in the hall, sleeping soundly with a rosy cheek, clutching a corner of... His Majesty's cloak tightly in his arms. Occasionally, he would smack his lips and mumble a muffled "Lili... warm..."
All the demons: "!!!"
In an instant, you could hear a pin drop in the government affairs hall.
All the demons' eyes widened like copper bells, and their chins collectively seemed to leave their homes.
Several older elders clutched their chests, looking as if they were about to run out of breath.
Chi Li took in the reactions of the demons below, her face remaining calm, as if having a "living throne decoration" beside her was perfectly normal.
"Let's begin," she said calmly, her voice as authoritative as ever.
The demons jolted, barely managing to regain their composure, but their eyes couldn't help but dart towards the throne.
The first demon general stepped forward and reported on the border patrol situation, his voice booming: "Your Majesty! Everything is normal on the northern border; no..."
"call……"
A faint, even snore came from the direction of the throne, which was very inconvenient.
The demon general's voice faltered.
Chi Li remained expressionless, and with a barely perceptible flick of her fingertips, she created a soundproof barrier that enveloped Tang Lu. Then she looked at the demon general and said, "Continue."
The demon general wiped away his cold sweat and continued his report.
Next was the elder in charge of the spirit mines. He held the jade slip, his voice trembling (whether from fear or excitement, it was unclear): "Your Majesty, the newly discovered spirit crystal vein has astonishing reserves. In my humble opinion, its mining should proceed..."
Just then, Tang Lu, who was in her sleep, seemed to feel uncomfortable in her position. She turned over, and one of her legs unconsciously rested on the armrest of the throne. Half of her fair leg was exposed under her skirt, and she swayed a little.
"!!!" The elder's words came to an abrupt halt again, his face flushed red, unsure of where to look.
Chi Li's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
She raised her hand, and with a gentle force, she gently lowered Tang Lu's legs, and also tucked her cloak in.
All the demons: "..."
We must be still half asleep!
How could Your Majesty... how could you do something like this... taking care of someone?!
The entire court assembly proceeded in this bizarre and comical atmosphere.
The ministers gave their reports haltingly and were distracted, while their emperor, while handling state affairs, also had to occasionally be distracted to cover the restless sleeping "little ancestor" on the throne next to him with a "blanket," adjust his posture, and reinforce the soundproof barrier.
When a bird-tribe general, so shocked that he accidentally bit his tongue while reporting, letting out a strange cry, Tang Lu was finally alerted.
Her long eyelashes trembled, and she groggily opened her eyes.
Her large, amber eyes were still misty with tears. She blinked blankly, and the first thing she saw was a group of strange monsters below, dressed in various clothes, but all with blank expressions, staring straight at her...
Tang Lu was stunned.
She instinctively turned her head, searching for that familiar figure and warm presence.
When she saw Chi Li sitting upright beside her, she immediately felt like she had found her pillar of support. Rubbing her eyes with her small hands, she called out softly with a hint of grievance and a nasal tone, as if she had just woken up:
"Lili...they...they're so strange..."
That cry of "Li Li" was like a thunderclap, once again leaving the demons scorched and battered.
Chi Li sighed inwardly, but remained calm on the surface.
She reached out and touched Tang Lu's slightly disheveled blonde hair with utmost naturalness, her voice gentle—a voice none of the demons had ever heard before.
"It's nothing, they're just reporting to me." She paused, then added, "Did they disturb you?"
Tang Lu shook her head, leaned closer to her with a hint of dependence, and curiously looked at the group of monsters below who seemed to be frozen in place.
Chi Li raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping downwards again, instantly regaining the coldness that belonged to the Demon King: "What are you all standing there for? Continue."
The demons shuddered and quickly lowered their heads, no longer daring to look around. However, the frantic exchange of glances betrayed the turmoil raging within them.
The demon realm is likely about to undergo a major upheaval!
Tang Lu, the instigator, sat awake for a while, but then seemed to get bored and started to feel sleepy again.
She yawned slightly, her head bobbing up and down, before finally leaning back against Chi Li's arm and drifting off to sleep again.
Chi Li's body stiffened slightly as she felt the weight and warmth from her arm, looking down at the ministers below who were trying to pretend they hadn't seen anything but were actually listening intently.
She suddenly felt that this court assembly was somewhat like... a public execution.
And her "Achilles' heel" was exposed to all her ministers without any warning, while she was fast asleep.
His Majesty the Demon King's prestige has been completely shattered by this little tree spirit.
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