Chapter 7: The Emperor Who Leveled Up in Love and Politics
Morning sunlight spilled across the jade floor of the Emperor's chamber, catching the soft blush of Empress Wan Qing still curled under the silk blankets.
When she finally stirred awake, she froze—because she was sleeping in Li Feng's (the Emperor's) lap, her arms still wrapped tightly around his waist from last night.
Her entire face instantly exploded red.
"Your Majesty... l-last night... this..." she stammered, voice trembling like a tiny rabbit.
Li Feng yawned, stretched, then casually leaned down, pinched her cheek, and smiled.
"Why is my Empress turning into a tomato again?"
She jolted, snatched her face away, and covered it with both hands.
"I—I will not speak to Your Majesty anymore! You are an evil emperor!"
"Eh? I'm the evil one? But you were hugging me like a baby kitten," Li Feng teased, enjoying her utter disarray.
"Your Majesty!!!" she squeaked, burying herself deeper into the blanket.
Li Feng chuckled, stepped back, adjusted his robe dramatically, flicked his hair, and left the chamber with a smirk.
The moment he stepped outside—
A golden shimmer twirled beside him.
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian appeared mid-air, leisurely sipping divine tea from a floating cup.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Ohohoho... is the little 5% influence dogshit emperor enjoying marital bliss? Look at you. One night of cuddling and your arrogance has leveled up. You actually smirked."
>
Li Feng: "Can you shut up at least once in your eternal life?"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian tilted his head. "No."
Li Feng groaned. "Fine... whatever. I have a genuine question."
The Divine Emperor nearly dropped his divine teacup.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "WHAT? YOU have a question? After a whole week of pretending to be Emperor and making chaotic moves?"
>
Li Feng scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Uh... how do I actually be an Emperor? You know, the general strategy."
The Divine Emperor's eye twitched so violently the wind stopped for a moment.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "How... HOW are you still alive?! Fine. Listen carefully, Li Feng. Since you're my only entertainment, I will teach you ONE basic rule..."
>
Li Feng leaned in eagerly.
The Divine Emperor raised a finger.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Act confidently. Even when you know nothing. Mortals fall for that every single time. It confuses their plotting and buys you time."
>
"That's it?" Li Feng asked.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "That's it. Also, learn how to glare convincingly. It covers a multitude of sins."
>
"...Will it work?"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Absolutely. One hundred percent. Trust me."
>
"Okay, now I'm scared," Li Feng said, because trusting the Divine Emperor was historically a terrible idea.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian smirked. "Good. That means you're learning."
With that, he vanished in a swirl of gold dust.
Li Feng continued walking through the palace garden, rehearsing majestic poses and "convincing glare" angles.
That was when he heard it—
A soft, melancholic tune played on a guqin.
He followed the sound and saw her:
A beautiful young consort seated beneath a blossoming plum tree. This was Consort Mei Lian (Sweet, innocent, loyal supporter). Her face was gentle, slightly shy, with eyes so bright they seemed to reflect winter snow.
Li Feng froze. When she noticed him, she immediately stood and bowed.
Consort Mei Lian:
"I greet His Majesty."
Li Feng softened his expression. "Your melody is beautiful."
She stiffened—then blushed hard, lowering her gaze.
Consort Mei Lian:
"Your Majesty's praises... I do not deserve."
Li Feng smirked, subtly flicked his hair (practicing his "confident Emperor" pose), and stepped closer, lowering his voice just a bit.
Li Feng:
"You deserve it. Truly."
Her breath hitched. She looked like someone who had never received kindness in her life, only cold political maneuvering.
After a moment, she gathered her courage.
Consort Mei Lian:
"Your Majesty, may I make a request?"
Li Feng:
"You may."
She bowed even deeper.
Consort Mei Lian:
"I am from the Jin Clan of the Northern Lands. Our clan faces severe famine and increased bandit attacks. But the court, specifically the Minister of War, has ignored every petition."
Li Feng's expression cooled instantly. So the Second Prince let an entire clan starve for political gain, hoping to blame me?
A flicker of divine energy flashed beside him—the Divine Emperor's voice echoing faintly:
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Ah yes... classic villain move. Your brother Li Ren is a menace. Good opportunity, Li Feng."
>
Li Feng lifted the consort's chin gently with two fingers, her cheeks turning even redder at the contact.
Li Feng:
"Bring me the evidence—the official petitions and the court's rejection reasons. This Emperor will deliver justice."
Her eyes widened, hope blooming in them like spring plum petals.
Consort Mei Lian:
"Yes, Your Majesty! I will secure it immediately!"
She hurriedly ran off, clutching her guqin.
From behind the flowering trees, a soft gasp and then a dramatic pout emerged.
Li Feng blinked. Empress Wan Qing was peeking out, glaring at him with undeniable, pure jealousy.
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian reappeared behind him, cackling.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Ohohoho! You've leveled up again! Now flirting with consorts too! At this rate, your harem will fill the entire palace. Your wife is ready to stab that girl with a hairpin."
>
Li Feng: "I'm not flirting! I was gathering intelligence! Don't make things weird!"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Well, the Empress seems to disagree. She likes you, you fool."
>
Li Feng pretended that didn't fluster him and continued walking, but inside, his heart was pounding.
He had work to do.
A dangerous court.
A starving clan.
A jealous Empress.
A newly-introduced consort who needed saving.
And an imperial session waiting for him tomorrow.
He straightened his robe.
Li Feng:
"I'll handle this in the next court assembly."
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian clapped slowly.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Good luck, trash emperor. Try not to die, and try not to ignite a royal catfight. Though, the catfight would be far more entertaining."
>
Li Feng sighed deeply.
"Thanks for the 'encouragement.'"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "I wasn't encouraging you. I was giving a warning."
>
Li Feng walked forward—unaware that his small act of kindness toward a lonely consort was about to shake the entire northern border and ignite the spark of the next major political arc.
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