Originally posted on RBKTR Translations.
Author: The One Who Tells Stories Under the Bridge (天桥底下说书的).
Translated by: Yujuan
“Sis, you have to rescue your brother! I was drunk, all I did was touch him once or twice, I thought he was a prostitute! Look, this brat actually had the gall to call someone over!”
Upon hearing the Empress’ voice, he immediately ran over to wail and grumble as if he had spotted his savior. Ignoring him, Ji Mo switched Wuyan’s line of sight to the approaching lady while pretending to appreciate the murals in the corridor.
The Demon Empress’s name was Cheng Shuang. According to rumors, she was originally the daughter of a wealthy and influential family in the Fei Kingdom, and while her specific origins couldn’t be traced, it couldn’t be denied that she was the Demon Lord’s first wife. The Demon Lord loved beautiful women, but while the Demon Empress wasn’t exactly unattractive, she was no different than the average noble lady. In terms of looks, she had nothing on the beauties at the banquet they were previously invited to. However, possibly due to long-standing status as the Empress, her eyes exuded serenity and kindness, demure yet stately, even in her plain attire.
The Demon Empress had investigated the matter of the Royal Uncle’s injuries beforehand, and also knew of Ji Mo’s ambiguous relationship with this powerful immortal from the Demon Lord. Just as Ji Mo had anticipated, she merely treated this affair as Ye Mingjun’s way of venting his anger, not suspecting anything else. Having followed Ye Junhou in his war to conquer the world for many years, she had a good eye, and could tell that Ye Mingjun wasn’t a simple character. She spoke softly to Ji Mo, “My brother was the first to cause offense, I have already clarified this matter to His Majesty. He will no longer pursue this matter, may I humbly request the Morning Star Priest to forgive this careless mistake and resolve this once and for all?”
Resilient, with the presence of mind in face of disaster; while gently warning them by bringing up Ye Junhou’s name, he couldn’t feel any ill-will towards her. Facing such a woman, he really had no idea how Ye Junhou had the guts to think she would willingly share her own husband with others…
Silently gauging the Demon Empress, Ji Mo could tell that she couldn’t possibly be merely the virtuous principal wife as told by the outside world. He had no intention to worsen the situation, and so he spoke indifferently, “You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I heard of the Royal Uncle’s injuries, and thought that perhaps I went too far that day, so I’ve come to apologize. My guard here is just a little ill-tempered, this one hopes that the Royal Uncle will not take offense.”
Ji Mo’s real intention was for them to play good cop/bad cop, so that they could draw out the Demon Empress. Now that he had achieved his goal, he naturally had no reason to continue pursuing this matter. It was Ye Mingjun, not understanding the underlying hostility between them, who helplessly retreated a few steps away, using a finger to unhappily poke Ji Mo’s waist,
He was the most even-tempered immortal in heaven, this little liar.
Ji Mo instantly stiffened, feeling him suddenly poke at the soft flesh of his waist. He decisively grabbed onto the immortal’s hand, lifting his chin slightly to warn him,
What are you doing? I’m getting down to business, be a little serious.
The Demon Empress had been slightly doubtful when she heard of their relationship, but was now more inclined to believe now that she spotted their subtle interaction. Although she was unable to tell if these two had come here by chance or Su Ge had something to tell her, she ultimately decided to send them away before thinking of her next move. She said gently, “My brother has caused much trouble to the two of you. The banquets organized by His Majesty are most lively on each Betrothal Day, would you like to return to the palace with me? It will count as making amends for my brother’s misconduct.”
With her being so humble, Ji Mo was unable to find a reason to act unreasonable. Wanting to see what the hell was going on with this husband and wife, he simply agreed to her suggestion, “We naturally would not refuse an invitation from Your Majesty.”
Seeing him agree without an ounce of hesitation, the Demon Empress’ wariness had dissipated somewhat, and instructed Cheng Zhang, who was hiding behind her back, “Gege, it’s too rowdy outside at the moment. I must return to the palace to accompany His Majesty, please stay put at home today.”
“I know, I’ll just sleep Ting Xue tonight.”
The reason why Cheng Zhang could live comfortably in the Demonic Continent as a Feian was all because of this little sister of his. He always followed her beck and call, and at present did not dare to protest, merely walking back into the house with an arm around a pretty good-looking man, sighing,
“Good for you, there’ll be fine wine and beauties to enjoy, and poor me will just be here facing these old faces…”
Unable to stand his deflated attitude, Ji Mo didn’t even bother looking at him. Yet, as the two of them were about to follow the Demon Empress out, Ye Mingjun secretly moved closer to his ear and told him of his discovery, “The person with him is a Celestial, but his cultivation has been sealed away.”
Slightly startled, Ji Mo used Wuyan to sweep across the man’s features without turning back. Once he was done memorizing the person’s characteristics so he could dig deeper when they got back, he said to the Demon Empress without turning a hair, “I heard that Your Majesty used to be a Feian.”
Never expecting him to suddenly ask that, the Demon Empress slowly turned her head, and after observing their expressions, replied calmly, “Since ancient times, women are bound to follow their husbands once they are wedded. I am a woman in His Majesty’s imperial woman, and that is the only identity I have.”
A reply extremely appropriate for someone of her standing, nor did it carry any sort of emotion, as if she was stating a fact.
From her tone, Ji Mo could assert that the Demon Empress had mostly lost all affection for the Demon Lord, but still urged quietly, “The Demon Lord as a harem of three-thousand beauties, yet only one he regards as his wife, even declaring a national festivity for you. It appears that Your Majesty is different from the rest, in the Demon Lord’s heart.”
Everyone knew just how much Ye Junhou favored the Demon Empress, and there was no lack of women in the harem who hated her out of jealousy. In the eyes of outsiders, this was the best life a woman could ever have, but the Demon Empress merely kept up that virtuous smile of hers, “His Majesty does not shun the wife who shared his poverty in a time of comfort, indeed, he is very loving.”
She was very good at concealing her emotions, and not even Ye Junhou, who had known her for many years would notice a thing. If not for Ye Mingjun seeing Su Ge enter the Royal Uncle’s estate with his own eyes, Ji Mo might have even believed that she was content with being the Empress. Yet, if he was correct in his guess, this Empress must have fallen out of love with the Demon Lord around the time Qing Ye was born.
As he thought that, he probed further by sighing, “A shame that, while he is loving, that love does not prove to be faithful.”
The Demon Empress paused in her footsteps upon hearing these words, and after a moment’s silence, said casually as if she hadn’t heard anything, “I noticed the Morning Star Priest admiring the murals earlier, did you perhaps identify their origins?”
Her question was a little fishy, Ji Mo was momentarily unable to comprehend this woman’s line of thinking. Recalling the murals, he was suddenly enlightened, “Cottonrose hibiscus. If I recall correctly, most of the works were created by painters from the Fei Kingdom.”
Seeing him identify it correctly, the Demon Empress smiled lightly, “The Morning Star is truly knowledgeable. These were all paintings that used to flourish in the North and South, I’m afraid most of the Feians have already forgotten about it.”
The Fei Kingdom had once been the most powerful and prosperous kingdom in the world, being the most culturally advanced at the time. In those days, it was something every Feian took pride in, and she was no exception, even if she was just the daughter of a respectable family.
Her husband had brought her kingdom to ruin, and everyone she knew had been slaughtered by the Demonic Army in the war. Now all she had left was a brother who was eyesore to all the bigwigs in the Dark Capital. If not for how unpromising he was and the fact that he spent his days indulging in carnal pleasures, he would already be dead.
When the Feians were reduced to lowly slaves, she had tried to stop him, but he ultimately attributed such an act to ‘a woman’s kind nature’.
In Ye Junhou’s eyes, she should not take notice of anything apart from him, nor reminisce about her homeland, nor have any other kin, nor interfere in any of his decisions.
Because she was just an ordinary woman, without any of his experience nor strength. What she was expected to do was hide behind his back, quietly waiting for her husband to return with his spoils of war.
“Cheng Shuang, don’t think you can step out of line just because I like you. You must know, there are plenty of beautiful women in this world, the Demonic Palace has never lacked someone like you.”
When Ye Junhou had spoken those words, she could still feel something stuck in her throat up till this day. Even if that person would return to their room to reconcile with her after doing his deeds, resorting to various methods to return to their previous relationship after treating each other with mutual respect for the past few years, they could no longer go back to what it used to be.
He liked her, had bowed to heaven and earth with her, but belittled her, never allowing her to have a say in his decisions. What a truly harrowing man, Demon Lord Ye Junhou.
But, Your Majesty, if the one to turn their sword on you was me, would you still be able to walk on with arrogance for the rest of eternity? Perhaps you could kill me without an ounce of hesitation, and continue living to the fullest with your endless number of beautiful women.
If that happens, that might be a kind of liberation for both of us.
Her eyelids drooping slightly, the slight sorrow in the Empress’s eyes, brought by the mention of her homeland, scattered away. When she lifted her head, her expression had regained the usual gentleness, giving Ji Mo a tender smile, just like how she had silently endured for many years at the palace, “Morning Star Priest, it is inappropriate for married women to travel with other men, I hope you don’t mind using my brother’s carriage.”
“Many thanks to Your Majesty.”
Looking on as the maidservants helped her onto the carriage, Ji Mo also followed Ye Mingjun into the other compartment. However, he was a little wearied, not as lively as before.
He was now certain of the Demon Empress’ intention of reviving the Fei Kingdom and this was a calamity that Ye Junhou probably wouldn’t be able to escape. After all, in every story with a harem, the moment the protagonist married and had children with the female lead, this woman would be completely bound to his side, never to betray him.
Dark Black had given this protagonist the blood of a Heavenly Demon that was most instrumental in dominating the humans, had provided him with everything a person could hope for. The only thing he did not have was a heart to love others. Such an imperfection in one’s characterization was always a fatal flaw to the Celestials.
As far as the Godly Continent was concerned, this wasn’t a bad thing. Still, Ji Mo couldn’t help but feel a little gloomy, because the predicament faced by the Empress reminded him of his own circumstances.
He was already starting to get a little tempted, but Ye Mingjun still seemed to be lacking understanding towards love. If this went on, as someone who was sliding deeper as time went on, would he become the next Demon Empress?
“Why are you sad again?”
Looking up at Ye Mingjun’s puzzled expression, he did not have much to say, sighing, “Xianjun, there are times I think you’re fine as you are, but sometimes, I wish you possessed some human emotions.”
He did not know how to express his feelings toward the immortal, because there never existed the principle of someone having to reciprocate another’s feelings just because one was in love. However, this Ye Mingjun always gave him the illusion of being loved, just like a honey trap— He couldn’t help inching forward, although he knew it was dangerous.
Which was why he had warned himself beforehand; love was something that would prevent him from living.
Yet, just when Ji Mo tried once again to distance himself from this immortal who knew nothing else but to flirt with him, Ye Mingjun smiled suddenly, “So we’ve reached an agreement?”
“Hm?”
Faced with his bewildered look, the immortal decisively spoke of the key point that he had grasped, “You’ll teach me how to feel.”
It’s fine if you just flirted with me, you want me to teach you how to flirt? What, if we really get together in the future, am I supposed to teach you how to get in bed?
Instantly comprehending what he meant, Ji Mo realized he truly could not get serious in front of this person, and said coldly, “Xianjun, you should learn how to study on your own.”
It was a little difficult for the immortal to self-study, and after giving it some thought, he recalled the only married person he currently knew. He said hesitantly, “Who should I learn from, then? Ye Junhou?”
What difference does this make from seeking death! There are so many normal guys in this world, did you have to choose the worst role model to learn from?
Utterly frightened by this option, Ji Mo’s face immediately blackened, “Alright then, discard those bold ideas of yours, I’ll do it.”
God knows how an author like him who wrote novels aimed at a male audience, who had zero relationship experience, should guide another male into loving him. Not only was this topic beyond the teaching syllabus, it was also a large leap from his profession, okay?
Originally posted on RBKTR Translations.
Author: The One Who Tells Stories Under the Bridge (天桥底下说书的).
Translated by: Yujuan
“Sis, you have to rescue your brother! I was drunk, all I did was touch him once or twice, I thought he was a prostitute! Look, this brat actually had the gall to call someone over!”
Upon hearing the Empress’ voice, he immediately ran over to wail and grumble as if he had spotted his savior. Ignoring him, Ji Mo switched Wuyan’s line of sight to the approaching lady while pretending to appreciate the murals in the corridor.
The Demon Empress’s name was Cheng Shuang. According to rumors, she was originally the daughter of a wealthy and influential family in the Fei Kingdom, and while her specific origins couldn’t be traced, it couldn’t be denied that she was the Demon Lord’s first wife. The Demon Lord loved beautiful women, but while the Demon Empress wasn’t exactly unattractive, she was no different than the average noble lady. In terms of looks, she had nothing on the beauties at the banquet they were previously invited to. However, possibly due to long-standing status as the Empress, her eyes exuded serenity and kindness, demure yet stately, even in her plain attire.
The Demon Empress had investigated the matter of the Royal Uncle’s injuries beforehand, and also knew of Ji Mo’s ambiguous relationship with this powerful immortal from the Demon Lord. Just as Ji Mo had anticipated, she merely treated this affair as Ye Mingjun’s way of venting his anger, not suspecting anything else. Having followed Ye Junhou in his war to conquer the world for many years, she had a good eye, and could tell that Ye Mingjun wasn’t a simple character. She spoke softly to Ji Mo, “My brother was the first to cause offense, I have already clarified this matter to His Majesty. He will no longer pursue this matter, may I humbly request the Morning Star Priest to forgive this careless mistake and resolve this once and for all?”
Resilient, with the presence of mind in face of disaster; while gently warning them by bringing up Ye Junhou’s name, he couldn’t feel any ill-will towards her. Facing such a woman, he really had no idea how Ye Junhou had the guts to think she would willingly share her own husband with others…
Silently gauging the Demon Empress, Ji Mo could tell that she couldn’t possibly be merely the virtuous principal wife as told by the outside world. He had no intention to worsen the situation, and so he spoke indifferently, “You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I heard of the Royal Uncle’s injuries, and thought that perhaps I went too far that day, so I’ve come to apologize. My guard here is just a little ill-tempered, this one hopes that the Royal Uncle will not take offense.”
Ji Mo’s real intention was for them to play good cop/bad cop, so that they could draw out the Demon Empress. Now that he had achieved his goal, he naturally had no reason to continue pursuing this matter. It was Ye Mingjun, not understanding the underlying hostility between them, who helplessly retreated a few steps away, using a finger to unhappily poke Ji Mo’s waist,
He was the most even-tempered immortal in heaven, this little liar.
Ji Mo instantly stiffened, feeling him suddenly poke at the soft flesh of his waist. He decisively grabbed onto the immortal’s hand, lifting his chin slightly to warn him,
What are you doing? I’m getting down to business, be a little serious.
The Demon Empress had been slightly doubtful when she heard of their relationship, but was now more inclined to believe now that she spotted their subtle interaction. Although she was unable to tell if these two had come here by chance or Su Ge had something to tell her, she ultimately decided to send them away before thinking of her next move. She said gently, “My brother has caused much trouble to the two of you. The banquets organized by His Majesty are most lively on each Betrothal Day, would you like to return to the palace with me? It will count as making amends for my brother’s misconduct.”
With her being so humble, Ji Mo was unable to find a reason to act unreasonable. Wanting to see what the hell was going on with this husband and wife, he simply agreed to her suggestion, “We naturally would not refuse an invitation from Your Majesty.”
Seeing him agree without an ounce of hesitation, the Demon Empress’ wariness had dissipated somewhat, and instructed Cheng Zhang, who was hiding behind her back, “Gege, it’s too rowdy outside at the moment. I must return to the palace to accompany His Majesty, please stay put at home today.”
“I know, I’ll just sleep Ting Xue tonight.”
The reason why Cheng Zhang could live comfortably in the Demonic Continent as a Feian was all because of this little sister of his. He always followed her beck and call, and at present did not dare to protest, merely walking back into the house with an arm around a pretty good-looking man, sighing,
“Good for you, there’ll be fine wine and beauties to enjoy, and poor me will just be here facing these old faces…”
Unable to stand his deflated attitude, Ji Mo didn’t even bother looking at him. Yet, as the two of them were about to follow the Demon Empress out, Ye Mingjun secretly moved closer to his ear and told him of his discovery, “The person with him is a Celestial, but his cultivation has been sealed away.”
Slightly startled, Ji Mo used Wuyan to sweep across the man’s features without turning back. Once he was done memorizing the person’s characteristics so he could dig deeper when they got back, he said to the Demon Empress without turning a hair, “I heard that Your Majesty used to be a Feian.”
Never expecting him to suddenly ask that, the Demon Empress slowly turned her head, and after observing their expressions, replied calmly, “Since ancient times, women are bound to follow their husbands once they are wedded. I am a woman in His Majesty’s imperial woman, and that is the only identity I have.”
A reply extremely appropriate for someone of her standing, nor did it carry any sort of emotion, as if she was stating a fact.
From her tone, Ji Mo could assert that the Demon Empress had mostly lost all affection for the Demon Lord, but still urged quietly, “The Demon Lord as a harem of three-thousand beauties, yet only one he regards as his wife, even declaring a national festivity for you. It appears that Your Majesty is different from the rest, in the Demon Lord’s heart.”
Everyone knew just how much Ye Junhou favored the Demon Empress, and there was no lack of women in the harem who hated her out of jealousy. In the eyes of outsiders, this was the best life a woman could ever have, but the Demon Empress merely kept up that virtuous smile of hers, “His Majesty does not shun the wife who shared his poverty in a time of comfort, indeed, he is very loving.”
She was very good at concealing her emotions, and not even Ye Junhou, who had known her for many years would notice a thing. If not for Ye Mingjun seeing Su Ge enter the Royal Uncle’s estate with his own eyes, Ji Mo might have even believed that she was content with being the Empress. Yet, if he was correct in his guess, this Empress must have fallen out of love with the Demon Lord around the time Qing Ye was born.
As he thought that, he probed further by sighing, “A shame that, while he is loving, that love does not prove to be faithful.”
The Demon Empress paused in her footsteps upon hearing these words, and after a moment’s silence, said casually as if she hadn’t heard anything, “I noticed the Morning Star Priest admiring the murals earlier, did you perhaps identify their origins?”
Her question was a little fishy, Ji Mo was momentarily unable to comprehend this woman’s line of thinking. Recalling the murals, he was suddenly enlightened, “Cottonrose hibiscus. If I recall correctly, most of the works were created by painters from the Fei Kingdom.”
Seeing him identify it correctly, the Demon Empress smiled lightly, “The Morning Star is truly knowledgeable. These were all paintings that used to flourish in the North and South, I’m afraid most of the Feians have already forgotten about it.”
The Fei Kingdom had once been the most powerful and prosperous kingdom in the world, being the most culturally advanced at the time. In those days, it was something every Feian took pride in, and she was no exception, even if she was just the daughter of a respectable family.
Her husband had brought her kingdom to ruin, and everyone she knew had been slaughtered by the Demonic Army in the war. Now all she had left was a brother who was eyesore to all the bigwigs in the Dark Capital. If not for how unpromising he was and the fact that he spent his days indulging in carnal pleasures, he would already be dead.
When the Feians were reduced to lowly slaves, she had tried to stop him, but he ultimately attributed such an act to ‘a woman’s kind nature’.
In Ye Junhou’s eyes, she should not take notice of anything apart from him, nor reminisce about her homeland, nor have any other kin, nor interfere in any of his decisions.
Because she was just an ordinary woman, without any of his experience nor strength. What she was expected to do was hide behind his back, quietly waiting for her husband to return with his spoils of war.
“Cheng Shuang, don’t think you can step out of line just because I like you. You must know, there are plenty of beautiful women in this world, the Demonic Palace has never lacked someone like you.”
When Ye Junhou had spoken those words, she could still feel something stuck in her throat up till this day. Even if that person would return to their room to reconcile with her after doing his deeds, resorting to various methods to return to their previous relationship after treating each other with mutual respect for the past few years, they could no longer go back to what it used to be.
He liked her, had bowed to heaven and earth with her, but belittled her, never allowing her to have a say in his decisions. What a truly harrowing man, Demon Lord Ye Junhou.
But, Your Majesty, if the one to turn their sword on you was me, would you still be able to walk on with arrogance for the rest of eternity? Perhaps you could kill me without an ounce of hesitation, and continue living to the fullest with your endless number of beautiful women.
If that happens, that might be a kind of liberation for both of us.
Her eyelids drooping slightly, the slight sorrow in the Empress’s eyes, brought by the mention of her homeland, scattered away. When she lifted her head, her expression had regained the usual gentleness, giving Ji Mo a tender smile, just like how she had silently endured for many years at the palace, “Morning Star Priest, it is inappropriate for married women to travel with other men, I hope you don’t mind using my brother’s carriage.”
“Many thanks to Your Majesty.”
Looking on as the maidservants helped her onto the carriage, Ji Mo also followed Ye Mingjun into the other compartment. However, he was a little wearied, not as lively as before.
He was now certain of the Demon Empress’ intention of reviving the Fei Kingdom and this was a calamity that Ye Junhou probably wouldn’t be able to escape. After all, in every story with a harem, the moment the protagonist married and had children with the female lead, this woman would be completely bound to his side, never to betray him.
Dark Black had given this protagonist the blood of a Heavenly Demon that was most instrumental in dominating the humans, had provided him with everything a person could hope for. The only thing he did not have was a heart to love others. Such an imperfection in one’s characterization was always a fatal flaw to the Celestials.
As far as the Godly Continent was concerned, this wasn’t a bad thing. Still, Ji Mo couldn’t help but feel a little gloomy, because the predicament faced by the Empress reminded him of his own circumstances.
He was already starting to get a little tempted, but Ye Mingjun still seemed to be lacking understanding towards love. If this went on, as someone who was sliding deeper as time went on, would he become the next Demon Empress?
“Why are you sad again?”
Looking up at Ye Mingjun’s puzzled expression, he did not have much to say, sighing, “Xianjun, there are times I think you’re fine as you are, but sometimes, I wish you possessed some human emotions.”
He did not know how to express his feelings toward the immortal, because there never existed the principle of someone having to reciprocate another’s feelings just because one was in love. However, this Ye Mingjun always gave him the illusion of being loved, just like a honey trap— He couldn’t help inching forward, although he knew it was dangerous.
Which was why he had warned himself beforehand; love was something that would prevent him from living.
Yet, just when Ji Mo tried once again to distance himself from this immortal who knew nothing else but to flirt with him, Ye Mingjun smiled suddenly, “So we’ve reached an agreement?”
“Hm?”
Faced with his bewildered look, the immortal decisively spoke of the key point that he had grasped, “You’ll teach me how to feel.”
It’s fine if you just flirted with me, you want me to teach you how to flirt? What, if we really get together in the future, am I supposed to teach you how to get in bed?
Instantly comprehending what he meant, Ji Mo realized he truly could not get serious in front of this person, and said coldly, “Xianjun, you should learn how to study on your own.”
It was a little difficult for the immortal to self-study, and after giving it some thought, he recalled the only married person he currently knew. He said hesitantly, “Who should I learn from, then? Ye Junhou?”
What difference does this make from seeking death! There are so many normal guys in this world, did you have to choose the worst role model to learn from?
Utterly frightened by this option, Ji Mo’s face immediately blackened, “Alright then, discard those bold ideas of yours, I’ll do it.”
God knows how an author like him who wrote novels aimed at a male audience, who had zero relationship experience, should guide another male into loving him. Not only was this topic beyond the teaching syllabus, it was also a large leap from his profession, okay?
