Raidman Newspaper, funded by the imperial capital, had consistently grown with its rapid information capabilities, securing a steady readership.
However, as a company supported by the imperial capital, it refrained from publishing negative articles related to the imperial family. In a place where rumors circulated about the imperial family being a lapdog, there would be no fool providing crucial information like me.
“…Would Your Majesty go this far.”
This was another warning and ambition.
Regardless of the former Emperor’s status, she would proceed on her own path.
She immediately picked up a pen to write a reply. However, her hand, in contrast to her urgent thoughts, lost its composure and struggled to find its way.
After firmly grasping the writing hand with the opposite hand to stabilize it, she could finally write down the words.
“Thank you for the prior notice.
Please discard the contents as I have instructed. I will visit promptly to provide a response.”
She called back the maid who delivered the letter and handed her own response. She then firmly instructed her to deliver it quickly.
The maid, hurried by the Empress’s urgent voice, left the study with quick steps.
Even though she had only written one reply, it was so challenging. There was still a mountain of obstacles to overcome in her future.
Sitting on the chair, she sighed, and beyond her vision, another letter arrived from the newspaper.
“Damn it!”
She angrily shuffled the documents, and her hand raised the letter high. The paper crumpled into an unrecognizable shape as it mercilessly plunged into the trash can.
Without glancing at it, the Empress stood up abruptly.
“It’s okay, it’s okay.”
Her uneasy steps filled the air as she paced around the study. Though her mind reassured her, her body repeated various bad habits.
With continuous anxiety, the Empress had anticipated the frightening visit of Emperor Friedrich, but even as night fell, he did not appear once. The next day, which was supposed to be the last day he promised, his actions were elusive.
Surprisingly, someone unexpected reached out to her.
After finishing her bath, she found a letter on the table that wasn’t there a moment ago.
Familiar scent and, naturally, sealing wax that shouldn’t exist on the envelope.
Without a hint of suspicion, the Empress took out a knife and opened the envelope.
Soon, the familiar tone greeted her. The handwriting felt a bit neater than usual for some reason.
“Empress, I hope you haven’t revealed our story. I hope you didn’t make a foolish choice.
Today, Freon Newspaper suddenly arrived at my mansion. They asked me about our story. At first, it seemed like they were asking about how I obtained my title, but upon closer inspection, it seemed like they were curious about our real relationship.
Whatever happens, I hope you handle it well. Unless we both want to die, that is.”
Freon Newspaper was the second most famous newspaper in the empire, following Raidman. Once the most influential, Raidman reclaimed the top spot after acquiring capital from the imperial family.
For such a place to be interested was alarming. If it was Freon Newspaper, which didn’t need to worry about the imperial family’s influence, they would publish a sensational article without hesitation.
The man who orchestrated everything must have aimed for that!
“Is he really going to blow everything up? Not an exaggeration for the sake of intimidation, but genuine?”
At that moment, the second letter appeared.
She was startled by the pattern sealed in the sealing wax.
It was the emblem of Freon Newspaper.
“Ah!”
There was no need to check the letter.
Similar to Raidman but lacking the politeness to inquire about the Empress’s intentions, it undoubtedly contained content befitting a newspaper’s substance.
The Empress swept her hand over the table, unable to believe what was before her.
“Haah, haah…”
Cedric Fried was the seed of the affair, born beneath the secret mischief of the former Emperor Fried and Empress Sahir.
If this fact were revealed, not only would the imperial family suffer but also the Empress herself would face a tremendous blow.
The Sahir Empire was much more conservative than other countries. Although worldwide legalized under the decision of the Pantheon Temple, extramarital affairs were still frowned upon, especially in Sahir.
Moreover, an affair involving not just anyone but the Empress representing the empire!
Furthermore, if it were revealed that Cedric received the position of the Duke years ago because he was the Empress’s illegitimate child, it would invite numerous condemnations. It might even lead to criticisms of her competence.
Accepting or rejecting Emperor Fried’s negotiation was not the main point.
To live or to die.
If that was the issue, she wasn’t sure.
“No, it’s still negotiations.”
“Three days.”
“I will be staying at the palace. Please decide and let me know within three days.”
⭐⭐⭐
Time flowed uncontrollably, and finally, the next day arrived. Today was the third day that Kun mentioned.
After Being Cheated On, She Picked Up a Treasure (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: The husband I married on a whim had been secretly in love with me for a long time.
On the day when Jun Shao finally obtained the imperial decree for her marriage, Lan Qu, the person she had admired for six years, defied the decree and ran away.
Her gentleness and devotion, her promise of a lifetime together, were all disregarded by him. Instead, he dreamed of entering the palace to serve the Emperor’s sister as a sixth-rank attendant.
News of this incident spread throughout the capital, and the alleys in front of and behind the Lan mansion were crowded with people who came to watch the commotion.
Jun Shao should have been embarrassed and angry.
But someone stepped in to protect her dignity.
The figure was in a miserable state, yet still possessed an undeniable elegance and handsomeness.
The young lord struggled to climb the wall of the Lan mansion and shouted to her, “If he won’t marry you, I will!”
So, Jun Shao took advantage of the situation and married the person.
She thought the young lord did it to save the Lan family from the crime of defying the imperial decree, but never imagined that from beginning to end, what he coveted was her.
*
After the wedding, Jun Shao felt like she was living in a dream.
Her Wife-master was as beautiful as a fairy in a painting, skilled in the six arts, well-versed in poetry and literature, capable of being gentle and attentive, and also grand and dignified. Most importantly, she was the only one in his heart and eyes.
Jun Shao didn’t know how Lan Shiwu, as a illegitimate son without a father and blessed with beauty, had managed to preserve his purity, recklessly escape, and use his last ounce of strength to ruin his own reputation, all because of his love for her, just to stand before her.
She could only see him gazing at her with eyes full of love, and when she bestowed a name upon him, his eyes shone like stars.
“You have come to me like a weary bird perching on a branch. I shall call you A Qi.”
