The Evil Deity's Second Career - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Shi Jia was right; the world truly was falling into chaos.

The Stargathering Tower, which the Emperor had built, was burned to the ground.

Soon, the fire from the palace spread beyond its walls.

The Emperor’s own uncle, the Prince of Zhennan, had rebelled.

His army marched north, pointing straight at the Imperial City.

The chaotic era had revealed its true face.

Ji Lanci decided it was time to enter the palace.

I watched her fussing over herself in front of the mirror, going so far as to add a large, unsightly mole to her otherwise beautiful face.

“How is it?”

What else could I say? Did she expect me to praise her for looking good like this?

“I have only one request.”

“Please, speak, My Lord.”

“Don’t stand in front of me while I’m eating.”

…

Ji Lanci disguised herself and blended in with the group of women being brought in for procurement to enter the palace.

Initially, they weren’t going to take her; Ji Lanci had to slip them some silver before they reluctantly let her in.

The newly recruited Palace Maidens all lived in one room. Whenever a Eunuch came to select people, they all put in their best effort to catch his eye, hoping for a chance to meet the Emperor.

Later, when they realized that those who were chosen never returned, they began to panic.

When the Eunuch came again, everyone claimed to be ill. Only Ji Lanci sat there quietly.

“You’re the one.”

The Eunuch chose Ji Lanci.

As he led her to the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he handed her a Veiled Hat.

“Wear this when you meet the Emperor later, so you don’t give him a fright.”

Ji Lanci lowered her eyes submissively and said, “Thank you for the advice, Eunuch.”

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, smoke swirled in the air. The Emperor lay on a couch with no sense of decorum, looking completely lifeless.

“Are you today’s medicinal primer?”

Ji Lanci felt a surge of doubt. A medicinal primer? What kind of primer?

I stood silently by Ji Lanci’s side, my hand gripping my sword. I was only waiting for a single look from her, and I would rush forward to slay this Imperial Majesty.

I was impatient, truly impatient.

“I am asking you a question. Why do you not answer?”

“This Commoner Woman deserves death. I beg for the Emperor’s forgiveness.”

The Emperor struggled to sit up from the couch and raised a hand toward Ji Lanci, signaling for her to come closer.

Ji Lanci moved toward the couch on her knees, the black gauze of her veil hiding her eyes, which were filled with hatred.

“Why are you wearing that?”

“This Commoner Woman is hideous of face. I feared I would frighten the Emperor.”

The Emperor didn’t care. “I order you to lift it.”

“Yes.”

When Ji Lanci lifted the light gauze to reveal her disguised face, the Emperor was genuinely startled.

“How dare you! Where did this monster come from? Get out! Get as far away from me as possible!”

“This Commoner Woman did not intend to offend the Emperor. I beg for the Emperor’s forgiveness.”

The Emperor flew into a rage, shouting, “I will execute nine generations of your family!”

Ji Lanci let out a cold laugh. “Every member of my family is already dead. I am the only one left. I’m afraid I must disappoint the Emperor.”

“What did you say?”

“Look closely. Who am I?”

Ji Lanci ripped the mask from her face, revealing the countenance that the Emperor had once doted on so dearly.

“You! You! You!”

The Emperor was terrified. His blood surged, and he spat out a mouthful of gore before falling stiffly back onto the couch.