Chapter 82: Zhang Chuqiao: Am I Really Marrying the Empress?
“Sijié, are you being a bit excessive?”
The next morning, Zhou Tong was on the streets of the Imperial Capital, flanked by two girls but wearing a lifeless expression.
The Little Demoness had one of his arms tightly wrapped in her embrace, and no matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t pull it out.
The other arm wasn’t idle either, firmly occupied by Zhang Chuqiao.
“You little runaway cat, you’ve made your sister angry. I won’t let you have all the benefits alone in the future.”
“Hmph… So shameless.”
The Little Demoness blushed and replied, “I clearly arrived first!”
“I confessed to you first!”
The two girls glared at each other across Zhou Tong, sparks flying between them.
Zhou Tong felt helpless. He whispered to Zhang Chuqiao, “You’re a man now, talking like that is ruining my reputation. Could you tone it down a bit?”
The reason was that Zhang Chuqiao found the Heavenly Prison too dull and wanted to go out and explore the bustling Imperial Capital.
This request couldn’t be refused, or else the magnificent Senior Apprentice Sister would cry and make a scene all night.
“I’ve been locked up for so many years; do you want me to stay in prison forever? Can you really bear to do that?”
The Yin-Yang Body cast a dreamy illusion and blinked her innocent big eyes, complaining with a tearful voice that anyone would have to surrender on the spot.
Zhou Tong surrendered, but with the condition that Zhang Chuqiao must disguise herself as a man.
This was only because her appearance was too eye-catching. If people from the Heavenly Dao Mansion saw her and reported it to Zhao Wutian, it could cause unnecessary trouble.
“I won’t let go…”
Zhang Chuqiao seductively whispered, her soft lips brushing against Zhou Tong’s ear, filled with lazy charm.
“Being held like this by your sister should be incredibly comfortable, right?”
She proudly puffed her chest, gently rubbing against Zhou Tong’s arm.
Those mountains that were previously hidden were now tightly bound and flattened by the fabric.
Yet, upon contact, one could still feel the incredible elasticity and weight.
An unparalleled weapon indeed!
“Hmph! What are you so proud of? I won’t be any worse than you in the future.”
The Little Demoness looked at her ample bosom, confidently declaring.
“Tch, you’re still too young.”
“And you still have the nerve to say that! You were the one sitting on the ground crying and throwing a tantrum last night, waah waah waah… so pitiful!”
Just then, there was a huge commotion in the crowd.
Zhou Tong saw the Guard Leader, who was back to business, announcing the Empress’s decree to the people of the Imperial Capital.
“By the decree of Empress Lingxia: At twenty-six, I have no children, which is a concern for the nation. Ministers often remind me, a nation cannot be without an heir, and I deeply agree.”
“Therefore, I wish to select outstanding individuals from the common masses to be my husband and share the fortune of the land.”
“I will build a training ground in the center of the Imperial Capital to recruit husbands. All men under thirty are welcome to come on stage; the final victor may marry me on that very day!”
Upon hearing this decree, Zhou Tong felt utterly stunned.
Last night, he thought Qian Miaoyu was just joking, but it turned out this woman was serious.
“Is she really that eager to get married?”
The Little Demoness asked in confusion, “With her strength and talent, she could remain beautiful for another hundred years, right?”
“A hundred years is too long. I seize the day!”
A familiar voice came from behind, and everyone knelt down around them.
“Your Majesty!”
“At ease.”
Qian Miaoyu had arrived unnoticed and was staring at Zhou Tong, her expression filled with complexity.
She dreamt of him again last night.
Although it wasn’t a nightmare, it still kept her up all night.
“If the Guest Senior has free time, why not accompany me to the training ground and see what heroes the world has to offer?”
The Empress extended an invitation.
“How could I refuse such an honor?”
Zhou Tong didn’t hesitate and readily accepted. The crowd immediately parted to allow them to pass.
…
At the training ground, the air was buzzing with excitement, with countless participants registering.
There were no other reasons; the rewards were too generous.
A stunning Empress, half the empire, glory for all…
As long as you can defeat everyone, you could have it all. Who could resist such temptation?
At the registration desk, the person in charge wore a grim expression, ready to explode.
The elder before him had a beard long enough to reach his pants yet still claimed to be a youth.
“How old are you? Lying is treason!”
“I… I’m eighteen years and a thousand months old.”
“Get out!”
Just as the registrar was about to lose his temper and throw the old man out, a figure suddenly descended—none other than the Guard Leader.
“Greetings, Leader.”
The officials respectfully saluted; this person’s status was far from ordinary.
“At ease. I have important matters to discuss.”
The Guard Leader pulled the registrar aside and whispered, “The Guest Senior will be arriving shortly. Regardless of your methods, you must ensure he participates in the competition!”
“Uh… I don’t know the Guest Senior…”
The registrar awkwardly replied; in a place swarming with officials, it was normal not to have seen Zhou Tong.
“This is simple. The Guest Senior will appear alongside the Empress, and the handsome young man by her side is the Guest Senior.”
“I understand now!”
The official nodded firmly, thumping his chest to guarantee that he would ensure the Guest Senior was registered properly.
A moment later, Qian Miaoyu and Zhou Tong’s party arrived on the scene, drawing everyone’s attention.
“I have matters to attend to, excuse me for now.”
Seeing the Guard Leader signaling that everything was prepared, Qian Miaoyu felt delighted and prepared to temporarily separate from Zhou Tong for the next steps to proceed smoothly.
“Young man, please hold your step.”
As expected, Zhou Tong and his friends were stopped.
“I see you have extraordinary bone structure and a remarkable appearance. You will surely become a great talent in the future. Right now, there’s a fantastic opportunity on the horizon—if you can seize it…”
“We’re not interested.”
Zhou Tong directly refused, causing the registrant to show an extremely displeased expression.
“It’s about participation! Today is the Empress’s big day. If you perform well, even if you don’t win in the end, you’ll still receive generous rewards.”
“Don’t you want to see what your peers are capable of, or are you… afraid?”
“Interesting, I might as well give it a try.”
Zhou Tong couldn’t help but laugh. Hearing the other party’s provocative words made him a bit excited.
As long as he didn’t win in the end, it was fine.
The official immediately gleamed with joy, handing over a token.
“This is your registration proof; keep it safe.”
Zhou Tong reached out to take it but saw the registrar’s contemptuous expression. He turned and handed the token to the nearby Zhang Chuqiao.
Does he even understand the true worth of a “handsome young man”?
Compared to the striking Zhou Tong, the beauty masquerading as a man was much more eye-catching.
As soon as Zhang Chuqiao touched the token, it radiated a bright glow.
This was clearly a contract token; there was no chance for regrets!
Zhang Chuqiao was taken aback. Although this contract couldn’t bind her, as a Yin-Yang Body, she had no reason to retreat.
“I… am I really competing to marry the Empress?!”
