Blood-Sucking Empress - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Teasing Anhui

“This subordinate does not understand the Empress’ power but knows that this subordinate is not as good as the Empress. These subordinates are naturally not as good as the Empress, but the Empress cannot be without a guard. This subordinate begs the Empress to leave the two shadow guards by your side.”

Anhui said all of this without stopping, seeming very insistent.

“Take off the mask. Let zhen take a look.” Qianhe Liyou suddenly changed the subject. She had already learned how to deal with these types of people now. The men in this Empire looked weak appearance-wise, but they were particularly obstinate. Due to their persistence and tenacity, it seemed that they were not even afraid of death. As Empress, she could absolutely use her status and authority to make them obey without question, but she suddenly changed her mind. She was not completely unable to differentiate the good from the bad. These people’s stubbornness and persistence were all for her own good. Although she did not need this goodwill, she still had to appreciate their efforts. For so many years, no one had treated her well. She thought that she should learn to appreciate this kind of concern now.

“Ah, Empress, didn’t Your Majesty order this subordinate to don a mask at all times in Your Majesty’s presence?” Anhui’s expression darkened under the mask. He would never forget the Empress’ disdainful gaze and that ice-cold command. But, he was merely saddened and did not harbor any type of grudge or resentment against her. Towards the Empress, he was nothing but grateful and loyal.

“That was in the past. Now, zhen wants to see what you look like?” The memory was vague, but some fragments floated into her mind of a man wearing a mask, insulting words, and malicious mockery. She did not know what the man was thinking, but ever since that day, he had donned a mask. His previous appearance was very vague and abstract in her broken memories.

 “Yes, this subordinate obeys.” Anhui’s hand shook for a second, but he still took off the mask on his face. He lowered his head slightly, unconsciously hiding his face.

“Raise your head.” She hadn’t asked him to take off his mask just to see his black hair.

Anhui raised his head, but his eyes were glued to the ground. He did not dare to look up, because he was afraid of seeing those disdainful eyes that had been seared into his memory. He did not understand why the Empress had asked him to take off the mask, but with the Empress’ personality, it was most likely not a good thing. Maybe the Empress was so bored and wanted to kill time by messing around with him.

But it did not matter what her intentions were. He could only obey the order. Even if the Empress was making fun of him to relieve her boredom, it could only be said that this was his honor. Everything he had now, including this life, had been granted by the Empress. Nothing was wrong if it could help keep the Empress entertained…

“Why are you wearing a mask?” Tsk, just look at what she found. He looked like he was carved out of hard granite, his cold aura was ragged, yet firm. His toned body brimmed with vigor and resoluteness, seeming both swift and decisive. Coupled with the scare on his face, it was simply….uh, how to say it what modern people seem to call ‘mafia boss’. Hehe, he really looked like one.

Anhui was at a loss for words. How could he answer this question? It was obviously the Empress who had ordered him, but now that she asked him ‘why’, how was he to answer?

Hearing Anhui’s silence, Qianhe Liyou understood the answer. Then, she questioned: “Do you like wearing a mask?”

“…..It does not matter whether this subordinate likes it or not, the Empress’ orders, Anhui will definitely obey!” Today, the Empress was acting a little strange, even suddenly asking him these types of questions. Her intentions, he could not understand.

“Zhen is asking for your opinion, you only need to truthfully answer.”

“….This subordinate has become used to wearing it.” At first, he was really not used to it. He was not originally a person who cared about his appearance. To be able to arrive at this day was through his own virtue and abilities, achieved one step at a time by himself. He was especially grateful that the Empress had given him such a chance. He was slashed by a sword, the wound leaving a scar on his face. It could only be said that he was not capable enough. Although this wound had been nothing much, the Empress did not like it, so there was nothing wrong with him to cover it up. Although he was not used to it, when he put on a mask, it actually felt quite good. He was originally a person living in the shadows. Such a mask actually saved him a lot of trouble.

“Zhen does not like this mask. Don’t wear it when you come to see zhen in the future.” After saying this Qianhe Liyou had an uneasy premonition. She felt that she had become devious, even thinking that teasing this person was quite amusing. It hadn’t been long since she came to this world, and her personality had transformed so drastically. Who knows how she’ll continue to change as she stays even longer?

Qianhe Liyou was not surprised or disgusted by her own changes. Rather, she had a casual attitude, watching her personality and attitude change as if she was a mere bystander. There was even a trace of curiosity in it.

“Yes, this subordinate obeys the decree.” There was no need to question if the Empress’ order was the law.

“Anhui, Zhen had no need for shadow guards, but…” Qianhe Liyou spoke, and then her voice dropped into a low tone: “If the shadow guard that is sent over is like you, Zhen will consider it.”

Anhui’s head jerked up, his face turning a dark red. The Empress’ words, these words…no matter how he listened to them, it sounded like teasing. But how was that possible? He must be wrong, maybe the Empress just thought his martial prowess was good so he thought he was more suitable to be the Empress’ shadow guard. If that was the case….

“This subordinate is willing. Let this subordinate make the proper arrangements for the Anbu Black Ops, and this subordinate will report to Your Majesty tomorrow!” If the Empress indeed found him suitable, it would be his honor.

Qianhe Liyou’s eyebrows perked up with a hint of surprise, and a rare smile bloomed in her eyes. He truly was the resolute and decisive man she made him out to be. But, he seems to have misunderstood her meaning. She had only said she was considering….

“Zhen only says consider, there is no need to agree. Anhui, do you really like being by zhen’s side that much?”

“The Empress’ safety and wellbeing is this subordinate’s first priority. As long as the Empress is willing to accept a shadow guard, all the members of the Anbu Black Ops will feel honored.” Ignoring the indistinguishable tone from the Empress’ words, he felt uneasy but thought that it was important to address business matters first. As for the other things, he would treat it as if he had not heard anything and hoped the Empress would not blame him.

Qianhe Liyou said nothing. She was currently considering whether to accept a shadow guard or not….Since the first time she had laid eyes on Anhui, she knew that she could not reject this person. Anhui’s aura emanated coldness and firmness, and she liked it…

But, it had to be acknowledged that Qianhe Liyou had a habit. Many of her preferences were determined by this judge of aura, or breath. She believed in her own feelings and intuition. While people could hide their character or intentions, they would not be able to hide their own aura.

“Report to zhen tomorrow. But, zhen allows you to leave at any time, you are free to do as you want.”

“….Yes, thanking the Empress for Your Majesty’s kindness!”

Qianhe Liyou wanted to laugh. This was obviously meant to protect her, but she was still being thanked, and this person even felt grateful. Such pure loyalty really made her feel helpless.

After Anhui left, Qianhe Liyou fell into deep thought, her fingers stroking on the papers regarding intelligence about the eleventh Imperial Prince of the Sang Empire. There was a hint of playful wickedness in her expression.