Chapter 287: The Brainless Empress in the Arrogant Stallion Novel (37)

Chapter 287: The Foolhardy Empress in the Arrogant Stallion Novel (37)

The aftermath of indulgence had finally broken Tang Qing's grueling, nonstop schedule since becoming the Empress of Lin State.

That day, for once, Tang Qing remained in bed long past sunrise.

Sweetie had been wild and reckless in the middle of the night, keeping her awake all night long...

Sitting up from the bed, half of her waist was numb.

A real morning-after situation...

To think the mission had reached this stage—was this even considered a workplace injury?

"Why do you dare stop me?!" Outside the palace doors, Mu Zimo's voice suddenly rang out, clearly furious. "I'm here to see Her Majesty—what business is it of yours?!"

Mu Zimo was fuming!

Yesterday, his talks with Chang Yongshou had gone nowhere, and the matter of the registry had already infuriated him...

Today, when he came to see Her Majesty about the Chu State's merchant branch, he had the misfortune to encounter that sly fox!

He was definitely taunting him deliberately!

As if afraid others wouldn’t notice he had stayed the night, he deliberately dragged out putting on his clothes in front of Mu Zimo in the morning!

A single outer robe took him half an hour to put on, and those love bites on his chest... That sly fox made sure Mu Zimo saw them over and over!

"And what is all this?"

Amid their argument, Mu Zimo noticed palace servants bustling about, installing latches on the windows of Her Majesty's bedchamber, hammering away busily.

"Locks, obviously."

Wei Shang answered as if it were the most natural thing. "Is it not obvious?"

"Her Majesty is the monarch of a nation—her security comes first."

"If these windows remain unlocked, wouldn’t it give intruders an opportunity?"

What intruders?!

That sly fox was clearly targeting him!

In all of Lin State, who else but Mu Zimo had the audacity to sneak into the Empress’s chambers through the windows...

"Wei Shang..." Mu Zimo glared, his anger boiling over. "What authority do you have to decide for Her Majesty?"

"Let’s face it—you and Her Majesty still have no official recognition."

It was the truth.

Even now, the Empress had never bestowed Wei Shang with any formal rank. In court circles, the ministers could only address him as Lord Wei.

"Heh—"

"I may lack legitimacy... but at least I’m not like some people, who can’t even get their names on Her Majesty’s courtesan registry."

He knew about the list?!

Mu Zimo clammed up when his thoughts were laid bare!

His lips twitched, words dying on his tongue...

Mu Zimo's wishy-washy attitude earned a cold sneer from sweetie, "What, struck a nerve, did I?"

"Lord Chang truly lacks romance, can't even tell when someone's throwing themselves at His Majesty."

"Mu Zimo, since you have such intentions, how about you get on your knees and beg me today..." Deliberately provoking Mu Zimo, Wei Shang spoke with increasing arrogance, "I'll speak to His Majesty for you."

"Perhaps... your chance will come."

The indulgence of last night now made Wei Shang stand before Mu Zimo like a victor flaunting his triumph, every word laced with sarcasm.

Knowing that idiot's temper, hearing this would likely drive him away in anger.

Wei Shang was certain of Mu Zimo's next reaction, but what he never expected was...

"Alright then, go ahead and tell her."

"You still won't leave..."

Both spoke simultaneously, which stopped Wei Shang dead in his tracks.

Did that idiot just say what I think he said?

Wei Shang's impossibly handsome face turned to Mu Zimo in disbelief.

"Wei Shang, tell His Majesty for me, say... I..."

Mu Zimo spoke with an awkward fumbling, yet his gaze was unexpectedly firm as he addressed Wei Shang, "That registry—count me in."

"I'm willing to become His Majesty's companion."

"Wei Shang... would you say such words for me?"

Like hell I will!

Never did he imagine his offhand remark would be taken seriously by this fool!

Over my dead body you're getting on that list!

Abruptly changing the subject, Wei Shang no longer mentioned the registry but instead brought up Mu Zimo's merchant association, speaking slowly, "Hah, Chairman Mu's feeling playful today, joking with me."

"I've heard your Chu branch has been dealing with some serious shit lately..."

"Shouldn't Chairman Mu be rushing to Chu to handle your mess?"

This was the real reason Mu Zimo sought His Majesty today.

The Chu branch of the merchant association had been operating smoothly.

But recently, as if someone was deliberately causing chaos, fake association banknotes were widely circulated in Chu. The branch faced daily run-ins with those mountain barbarians, keeping the place in chaos.

"Chairman Mu has his hands full, and His Majesty trusts you deeply... You must manage the association well." His words oozed sarcasm, and subtly, Mu Zimo even detected a touch of glee at his misfortune.

Just as he was about to respond, His Majesty stepped out of her bedroom.

Barely awake, she found the two male leads already squaring off like roosters in a pit...

Tang Qing tugged at Jiaojiao, signaling Wei Shang to be silent.

"We are already aware of the situation with the merchant guild."

The voice that spoke was unusually hoarse, and combined with Wei Shang's earlier calculated display, anyone with eyes could tell what had happened in the imperial chambers last night...

Seeing this, Mu Zimo's expression darkened imperceptibly...

"Your Majesty, I suspect someone is deliberately causing trouble with the merchant guild."

The Female Emperor replied, "Indeed, then go and investigate it thoroughly."

"The road to Chu is distant. The journey will be arduous."

He had to go to Chu again?

Instinctively, Mu Zimo was reluctant to leave Lin State at this moment...

His intuition told him that leaving now would surely lead to regret later!

Just as he was about to refuse the arrangement, Wei Shang suddenly spoke up, "President Mu, the merchant guild branch in Chu has always been under your management. Aside from you..."

"There really isn't a better candidate... Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"

With just a few simple words, Wei Shang had skillfully maneuvered Mu Zimo into a corner.

The phantom thief opened his mouth several times to speak, but each time, he was met with the Emperor's impassive imperial gaze.

"Your Majesty, I will take my leave at dawn."

Burying his reluctance, Mu Zimo had no choice but to accept the task.

"Your Majesty, are you reluctant to let him go?" Once Mu Zimo's figure had completely disappeared, Jiaojiao stepped forward from behind and stood beside Tang Qing, grumbling, "I just wanted to say a few words, but Your Majesty wouldn't even let me speak."

It was always thus—whenever that fool quarreled with her, the Emperor always silenced her first!

Thinking of this, Wei Shang felt rather displeased. Like a kitten extending its claws, she gave the Emperor a petulant swipe!

"If you keep talking, you'll reveal your hand." Calmly pulling her sleeve back from Wei Shang's grasp, the Emperor continued, "Wei Shang... the forged banknotes in Chu were spread by you."

A tone of certainty.

Wei Shang was only stunned for a moment before her smile spread across her face. "As expected, nothing escapes Your Majesty."

"Since Your Majesty knows it was me, why are you still willing to send that fool away?"

The Emperor replied, "If I don't arrange for him to leave, can you hold yourself back?"

The system was right—ever since she had taken away this favoritism toward Wei Shang, Jiaojiao had grown ever more willful, especially toward Mu Zimo...

This time, deliberately spreading forged banknotes was all to remove Mu Zimo from Lin State.

"Hah—Your Majesty is wise indeed."

Wei Shang, sinuous as a serpent, coiled around the Emperor once more, blowing a soft breath near her ear with a smug smile. "That fool has too many designs, Your Majesty. Someone like him... is better gone."

"Having me is enough," she purred.