Chapter 5: Senior Sister, I Am… the Empress

It had to be said, Senior Sister’s figure was undeniably soft and delicate.

But was Su Chen the type to be so easily swayed?

“Senior Sister.”

Those two simple words made Ying Qingge tremble slightly. 

Knowing her junior brother’s character well, she realized she couldn’t push things too far.

Reluctantly, Ying Qingge climbed out of the fragrant bedding.

At that moment, she was clad only in a thin black gauze nightgown, through which her fair skin was faintly visible.

Her jade-like feet, fair with a hint of pink, dangled gently at the bed’s edge.

As if struck by a new mischievous idea, Ying Qingge leaned toward Su Chen again.

“Little Junior Brother, let me help you change!”

As she spoke, she placed a hand on Su Chen’s shoulder, her red lips uttering shocking words:

“Then, you can help me. How about that?”

Su Chen’s mind immediately conjured up certain images, and he shook his head decisively.

“Senior Sister, men and women should maintain propriety. Please behave!”

With that, as if fleeing from a big bad wolf, he quickly darted into the changing room to get dressed.

Ying Qingge couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Little Junior Brother is as entertaining as ever!”

Inside the changing room, Su Chen was about to change.

Suddenly, he frowned and glanced back sharply, only to see a pair of phoenix-like eyes glinting with mischief, blatantly peeking at him.

“Senior Sister!”

Far from being flustered, Ying Qingge grinned teasingly.

“Little Junior Brother, nice figure! Need Senior Sister’s help?”

“No need!”

With that, Su Chen pulled the curtain shut, and feeling it wasn’t secure enough, he dragged a nearby chest to block the gap.

Protection against fire, theft, and Senior Sister—those words were indeed true.

“Tch, Little Junior Brother, do you have to be that scared?”

‘What a pity you don’t know… Senior Sister’s eyes have a see-through function…’

In no time.

The door opened again, and Ying Qingge, who thought she was mentally prepared, was instantly stunned.

She knew her junior brother was incomparably handsome, but as the saying goes, fine clothes make the man. 

After changing, he looked even more striking.

Dressed in a spotless white robe, his long hair tied at his waist, paired with his already remarkable looks, Su Chen now resembled an immortal descended to earth.

“My Little Junior Brother is truly the most unparalleled man in the world~!”

Ying Qingge’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Su Chen without blinking.

“Is that so?”

Su Chen glanced at his attire, the pristine robe, and checked himself in the mirror, standing tall, but said calmly,

“It’s just average, nothing special.”

“Excessive modesty is just arrogance.”

Ying Qingge retorted dismissively.

“Across the entire Great Qin, Senior Sister hasn’t found anyone who can compare to you.”

Su Chen’s brow furrowed as he caught a key phrase:

“The entire Great Qin?”

Only then did he notice Ying Qingge’s appearance.

She was dressed in an opulent phoenix robe, elegant and noble yet still breathtakingly beautiful.

Though her graceful figure was fully covered, far less revealing than the day before, it exuded an extraordinary air of majesty.

Cold and commanding, with lifelike phoenixes embroidered on the robe, they seemed almost alive, gazing down upon the world with authority.

“Senior Sister, this outfit…”

“Does it look good?”

Ying Qingge spread her arms, twirling proudly with a modest smile.

“Senior Sister, you see… is now the Empress~!”

Su Chen froze.

“Huh? In what sense?”

“What do you think?”

Ying Qingge leaned closer, lifting her junior brother’s chin with a lofty air and a teasing smile.

In that instant.

Su Chen’s pupils slowly contracted as realization dawned: My Senior Sister… is actually the Empress?!

At that moment, a maid’s voice came from outside.

“Your Majesty, it’s time for the morning court.”

Ying Qingge immediately leaned toward Su Chen, her breath like orchids. 

“Little Junior Brother, come with me?”

“Huh?” 

Su Chen stepped back instinctively. 

“Why? It’s not appropriate for me to go, right?”

Ying Qingge smiled slyly. 

“Because… Senior Sister is facing a very serious problem lately~!”

“You have to help me!”

Su Chen was puzzled. 

A problem even Empress Senior Sister couldn’t solve?

Could he solve it?

As if reading his thoughts, Ying Qingge said softly,

“Others definitely can’t, but if it’s Little Junior Brother, I’m sure you can~!”

Su Chen murmured skeptically,

“Is that so?”

Ying Qingge adopted a pitiful expression.

“You don’t want to help?”

Her ultimate move against her junior brother: never give him a choice, make herself seem vulnerable, and evoke his sympathy.

Phrases like “Are you willing to help?” versus “You don’t want to help?” carried entirely different tones.

As expected.

Feeling grateful for his senior sister’s care, Su Chen quickly said,

“No, if I can help ease Senior Sister’s worries, I have no reason to refuse.”

Ying Qingge’s eyes lit up, a smug curve forming at her lips. 

“Little Junior Brother, you said it yourself.”

With that, she hooked her arm around Su Chen’s.

“Let’s go then?”

But Su Chen sensed something off. 

Having been tricked multiple times, he suspected there was more to this.

“Senior Sister, you’re not going to scam me, are you?”

“How could I? Senior Sister would never scam you!”

“Really?”

Seeing Su Chen’s hesitation, Ying Qingge shook her head with a disappointed look.

“Didn’t Little Junior Brother just say he’d definitely help me?”

“Are you going back on your word already?”

“Poor Senior Sister, all alone with no one to rely on, ostracized in court every day, and now even my only friend…”

“Stop, I was wrong! I’ll help, alright!”

“Then Senior Sister must thank you properly—perhaps with a lifetime of gratitude.”

“Huh??”

Before Su Chen could react, Ying Qingge pulled him along, swiftly leaving the room.

It wasn’t a big problem—just that she was constantly being pressured to marry!

Little Junior Brother, just help out a bit. 

It’s only a marriage.

***

Inside the Golden Throne Hall.

The entire hall was resplendent, vast in size, its polished floor reflecting figures clearly. 

Golden dragon pillars supported the massive ceiling.

All civil and military officials were present, having awaited the Empress for some time.

“The state cannot be without an heir. Ministers, today we must ensure Her Majesty selects a consort.”

Following the words of a senior court official, the previously quiet hall erupted into noise.

“I recommend the son of the Left Chancellor. His talent is unmatched in Great Qin.”

“I believe the second son of the Duke of National Defense is more suitable. Young and accomplished as a general, his valor and merits are outstanding.”

“The heir of Prince Yan, with his jade-like appearance and royal blood, is also an excellent choice.”

***

Inside the hall, the ministers argued incessantly, each advocating for their preferred candidate, their faces flushed with fervor.

At that moment—

“My dear ministers, you’re all so concerned about my marriage!”

As the words fell, the hall fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.!