Chapter 1534: Inverse Subsidy

Zu'an felt a little bewildered. He had many female confidantes, and it would be truly unfair to marry one and not the others.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Are you unwilling?" The Great Elf King's face instantly fell upon seeing Zu'an's reaction.

"How could that be? You misunderstand, Father-in-Law," Zu'an quickly replied with a conciliatory smile. "It's just that this happiness came so suddenly. After all, you previously weren't keen on me addressing you so intimately."

The Great Elf King's breath hitched. He remembered that Zu'an had, in fact, addressed him as "Father-in-Law" right from their first meeting, and it was he who had sternly insisted Zu'an call him "Uncle." He had truly shot himself in the foot.

He cleared his throat. "So, you agree?"

"Of course! It would be my honor to marry Xue'er," Zu'an answered unequivocally. He knew he couldn't hesitate on such a question and decided to agree first.

This was, of course, also his genuine sentiment. Although he and Xue'er had been separated for extended periods, their affection remained deep. Coupled with their fated connection, he would never betray her trust.

Hearing his words, Xue'er's eyes sparkled, and her delicate cheeks flushed with shyness and joy. She had been so comfortable holding Zu'an's arm earlier, but now she was too bashful to even glance at him.

The Great Elf King's expression softened slightly. Suddenly, the seemingly ordinary man before him appeared a little more handsome.

It was then that Zu'an spoke. "It's just that I also have solemn vows with Queen Medusa, and I cannot disappoint her. We might get married together at that time."

He considered taking this opportunity to marry Yu Yanluo as well. Since Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue had departed, there was no need to worry about them. As for the Little Demon Empress, her status dictated that their relationship could not be made public.

In any case, he was marrying here in his capacity as Regent. Even if the news reached the human race, it wouldn't matter. What did the marriage of a Demon Regent have to do with him, a Grand Chamberlain of the human race?

"Queen Medusa?" The Great Elf King frowned. "Her looks are merely acceptable. Letting her be a concubine wouldn't necessarily disgrace our Elf tribe's reputation."

"Father," Qiao Xueying tugged at his sleeve, a hint of worry in her voice.

Zu'an spoke up then. "Father-in-Law, you might have misunderstood. I am not suggesting Queen Medusa become a concubine."

The Great Elf King immediately erupted in fury. "What?! Are you implying that our Elf princess would be a concubine?"

"That's not what I meant..." Zu'an was cut off before he could finish.

"Hmph, you insolent boy! Do you think I wouldn't dare to kill you?" the Great Elf King said ominously. However, he quickly recalled how easily Zu'an had dispatched several Grandmasters earlier, and his confidence faltered. "Even if I can't do it alone, our Elf tribe has plenty of experts."

Zu'an explained, "Father-in-Law, you've misunderstood. I'm not suggesting that either Queen Medusa or Xue'er should be a concubine. It's simply that our family doesn't adhere to such rigid rules; there are no distinctions of rank, they are all considered wives."

"Heh," the Great Elf King sneered. "That's pure fantasy. Even the Demon Emperor and Human Emperor have only one Empress; all others are consorts, which are, strictly speaking, secondary wives. Are you greater than them?"

"They simply haven't conceived of it; it doesn't mean it's impossible for them," Zu'an said earnestly. "Whether you believe it or not, Father-in-Law, this is truly how I feel."

"Nonsense!" The Great Elf King found Zu'an's words far too unorthodox. He was about to retort further when Qiao Xueying, standing beside him, intervened. "Father, I'm still young; there's no rush for these matters."

The Great Elf King was on the verge of an outburst but quickly muttered to himself, "No, no, anger harms the liver and can lead to dull skin and blemishes..."

He took several deep breaths, then addressed Zu'an. "Think about it carefully. I don't want to hear such childish talk again."

Without waiting for Qiao Xueying's protest, he simply took her hand and led her away.

Only after they had walked some distance did he release his daughter. Qiao Xueying pouted, "Father, why are you trying to separate us?"

"Silly girl," the Great Elf King said, looking at his daughter with a hint of exasperation. "Don't you know that women who throw themselves at men never come to a good end?"

"Who said I'm throwing myself at him? Look, Brother Zu even gave me something nice," Qiao Xueying said, extending her hand for him to see.

Seeing a string of red objects in her hand, the Great Elf King's face twitched. "A mere string of candied hawthorn bought you off?"

For a moment, he even wondered if she had been swapped with another child during the war.

Of course, he never for a moment suspected that her mother had betrayed him; after all, he was so handsome, how could any woman abandon him for another man?

Qiao Xueying's face flushed, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Look at the ring! Look at the ring!"

Only then did the Great Elf King notice the ring on her finger, realizing his mistake. "Hmph, this ring is crudely designed, with no intricate patterns whatsoever. It's truly hideous, and you actually... wait, is this a Heaven-tier weapon?"

As the Great Elf King, he naturally possessed keen discernment and recognized it almost instantly.

"Yes, it can expand and shrink," Qiao Xueying explained, gently stroking the ring. "Brother Zu gave it to me for self-defense, and he deliberately made it into a ring, which clearly shows how much thought he put into it." Her face was alight with happiness.

"Hmph, to be so easily swayed by a mere Heaven-tier weapon! What a prospect!" Despite his words, the Great Elf King's mood significantly improved. While Heaven-tier weapons weren't unheard of in the Great Elf King's residence, they were still considered precious. Moreover, there were distinct grades within Heaven-tier weapons, and an item possessing such an aura and the ability to transform freely was clearly a top-tier example.

The boy isn't entirely heartless, it seems.

"Come back with me and stay put," the Great Elf King advised earnestly. "Girls who are too proactive in a relationship will always be at a disadvantage."

Qiao Xueying pouted and mumbled, "Didn't many aunties actively pursue you back then? They were far more proactive than I am, and I never saw you object."

The Great Elf King nearly choked. "Otherwise, why do you think I'm making such a remark? Isn't it the heartfelt advice of someone experienced? If you weren't my daughter, would I be telling you this? Alas, your father has been pursued by countless women throughout his life, and I never expected to sire a daughter who gives herself away so easily, a complete loss. This must be retribution."

"That's a terrible thing to say! If you keep it up, I'll smash your mirror!"

"You wouldn't dare? ...Hmph, fine, I won't say it."

Meanwhile, Zu'an was contemplating whether to follow them when a Golden Crow Guard suddenly arrived, announcing that the Little Demon Empress wished to see him.

Zu'an felt a touch of confusion. Given the formal nature of the summons, there must be a serious matter at hand. He followed the guard to a magnificent mansion.

"The Crown Prince's Mansion?" Zu'an's heart stirred. For a fleeting moment, he even suspected that the Crown Prince's remnants were plotting against him.

However, all such suspicions vanished upon seeing a magnificent carriage.

Light gauze fluttered, and a delightful fragrance wafted through the air; it was the Little Demon Empress's personal carriage.

Soon, the Little Demon Empress emerged, assisted by palace maids. Today, she wore a goose-yellow palace gown. While not as ceremonial as her robes for sacrifices or grand events, it was nonetheless beautiful and dignified.

Her hair was styled in a "Flying Cloud" bun, adorned with various precious gemstone hair ornaments. With phoenix eyes and vermilion lips, her waist swayed softly and gracefully as she walked, a rhythm that was captivating. Some people are simply born enchantresses.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" When in the presence of others, the proper etiquette could certainly not be overlooked.

"Regent, there's no need for such formality. Do you know why I specifically asked you to come here?" The Little Demon Empress's gaze, which had grown somewhat majestic since she became Empress Dowager, softened as she looked at Zu'an, for only she truly knew how powerful this man was, in every respect.

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty," Zu'an replied, his gaze gentle. No one would ever guess how wild the two of them were in private.

The Little Demon Empress did not prolong the suspense. With a single glance, her attendants at the entrance immediately pulled down the red silk from the lintel, revealing the characters for "Regent's Mansion."

"I had originally intended to prepare a new princely mansion for you, but that would take more time, and your current residence is far too modest. So, I have renovated the former Crown Prince's Mansion and present it to you. In the entire royal court, apart from the Imperial Palace itself, only the Crown Prince's Mansion is befitting of you," the Little Demon Empress explained, gesturing for him to come inside and look around.

Zu'an followed. Before he could even begin to appreciate the exquisite scenery and grand architecture within, he was startled by a large crowd of people kneeling on the ground. Particularly the ones in the front row, though their heads were bowed, possessed graceful figures and delicate skin. Even from a quick glance, it was evident they were all extraordinary beauties.

Noticing his surprise, the Little Demon Empress smiled, pressing her lips together. "I've arranged a new retinue of servants and maids for you; see if they meet your approval. Oh, and the ones kneeling in front are the Crown Prince's former concubines. If any catch your eye, feel free to keep them to warm your bed. The nights here in the royal court can be quite cold in winter."

Zu'an was taken aback. "No, thank you. I don't have that particular interest."

The Crown Prince certainly lived a lavish life; despite never formally marrying a Crown Princess, his mansion was filled with a multitude of concubines.

"Is that so?" The Little Demon Empress's eyes glinted as she cast him a look, clearly indicating her personal experience made her disbelieve his words entirely. "If you don't want them, these women will be sent to the Imperial Entertainment Bureau."

It was clear she still harbored some resentment for the Crown Prince's past oppressions.

Zu'an was speechless.