Moreover, there was a hint of defiance, even a threat, in this statement. If the Hualan Empire were only confined to a corner of the world, it wouldn't matter how you developed. But now that you know there are other city-states and other worlds outside, is it still a good choice to remain stagnant?
Obviously not.
"...Name your terms."
The little queen breathed a long sigh of relief, sat down in the chair, and nodded without much thought.
It has to be said that she truly couldn't refuse any of these combined tactics, whether it was coercion or enticement.
The allure was too great... To be honest, the reason she chose to place her bets on Xu Shi was because she valued his ingenuity and ability to drastically change the situation at any time—perhaps these were just basic skills in their city-states, but for the Hualan Empire, they were invaluable treasures.
Of course, there's also the subtle empathy between her and Xu Shi—he was once just like her, constantly being held back by others, and his current demeanor is exactly what she aspires to be.
If I had to say, that was the most attractive thing to her.
"I don't have many conditions, Miss Dongfang, you don't need to worry."
Xu Shi smiled and nodded slightly, saying, "First, I need to borrow your abilities. My wife suffered mental corruption during the battle with the Sea God and needs the Holy Light of the Royal Family to help her heal."
Which wife are you referring to...? That was the first question that came to Dongfang Xiao's mind.
However, this is nothing to worry about; it doesn't seem to have any impact regardless of which one it is.
So she agreed without much hesitation, "Okay, if I can help her, I will do my best to save her."
"Secondly, since the Vatican is also our common enemy, there are some things we must face together."
Xu Shi extended his second finger again, "So I need you to issue a decree allowing me to establish a new sect."
"!"
The difference between one and two seemed a bit too great, and Dongfang Xiao's eyes widened once again.
To be honest, she herself has always viewed the Holy See as an adversary. As for why Xu Shi is so hostile towards the Holy See, she thinks it's because of his past conflicts with Luo Yu.
But now it seems that it's not that simple; this person's ambition is outrageously large!
This is clearly a move to oppose the Vatican! And they've already shown their true colors right from the start!
As for his statement about "facing it together," there's not much to explain. If the decree to establish Protestantism came from the royal family, it was no different from declaring war, effectively binding both sides firmly to the same boat.
"……when?"
However, this condition is also acceptable. In fact, it's more like Xu Shi gave her a strategy to deal with the Papacy than a condition... So, it's no surprise that the young empress wouldn't object.
"When I need it, it won't be long."
"Alright, I agree. Is there anything else?"
"There's one more."
Xu Shi's smile grew even brighter, but he didn't say it directly, as if keeping it a secret. Instead, he slowly got up, walked to the table, and looked Dongfang Xiao up and down.
"……you!"
This look is not hard to understand, at least not for 21-year-old Dongfang Xiao.
Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she unconsciously moved back slightly. "You wouldn't happen to..."
She hadn't thought about it in this direction before, mainly because her attention was focused on Xu Shi's ingenious scheme.
Looking back now, she suddenly realized that this guy was a man too!
And he's the kind of man who's very lecherous... Of course, if he wasn't lecherous, how would he have so many wives and concubines?
That's why he's more inclined to choose himself... Isn't that right? How could Cheng Gujian, a burly middle-aged man, be more attractive than a beautiful young empress?
She was quite confident in her appearance and found it hard to imagine any other meaning behind the other person's body language.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat ambiguous, and she felt increasingly ashamed and indignant—it was undeniable that Xu Shi was indeed very handsome, but his criteria also included her, which...
"Hey? What are you thinking about, Miss Dongfang?"
Seeing her like this, Xu Shi put on an innocent expression instead, "You don't think I'm going to use this opportunity to blackmail you into marrying me or something, do you?"
"Don't worry, how could that be? You're overthinking it."
……Um?
Dongfang Xiao had been holding back her question, "Isn't that right?" and was stunned for a moment when she heard him say that.
But then she secretly breathed a sigh of relief. So that wasn't it after all…
But before she could even feel happy, she noticed something new on the desk in front of her.
It was a small black choker, which contrasted sharply with her white dress.
"I want you to be my slave, that's my third condition."
Xu Shi snapped his fingers lightly, finally revealing his fangs at that moment.
"……impossible!"
All other conditions are negotiable, but how could Dongfang Xiao agree to these conditions?
This is a hundred times worse than marrying you, okay? What kind of person is this? What kind of vile things are in his head?
To be honest, at this moment, the little empress realized that Xu Shi's ambition was excessive. Compared to that, confronting the Papacy was nothing.
Besides.
"If that's really the case, then what's the difference between you and Cheng Gujian?"
She gritted her teeth, her brows furrowed, and stared at Xu Shi, questioning him.
"The difference is huge."
Xu Shi shook his finger. "What Cheng Gujian can't do, I can do. What Cheng Gujian can't give you, I can give you."
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