Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 337 Night with the Empress and Dealing with Empire's Internal Troubles

As the night deepened, Wang Jian found himself in the inner chambers of the palace, surrounded by the opulence and beauty that he had cultivated within the Everlasting Mystical Empire.

Empress Su Xian, with her raven-black hair and warm brown eyes, sat across from him.

She wore an expression of both relief and concern.

"My beloved, there are matters of great concern that require your immediate attention."

Wang Jian, laying on his comfortable bed, nodded, his gaze fixed on the empress. "Tell me, Su Xian, what troubles have arisen in my absence?"

Su Xian's expression turned serious as she began to list the pressing issues. "First, as the leader of the coalition of Empires in the Southern Region, we bear the responsibility of deciding how to address the threats posed by the other races, namely the Barbarian Race and the Sea Monsters."

Wang Jian furrowed his brow, contemplating the challenge. "What news of the Barbarian Race?"

Su Xian's voice held a note of concern as she replied, "They have been relatively quiet, my Emperor, but the Sea Monsters have intensified their attacks on our fellow coalition members, such as the Golden Sun Empire and the Ebon Star Ascendancy."

Wang Jian's eyes narrowed as he considered the situation. The Sea Monsters were a formidable adversary, known for their superior physique and uncanny resilience. Their relentless assaults had strained the coalition's defenses.

"The Sea Monsters are proving to be a persistent menace," Wang Jian mused, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. "We cannot ignore their encroachment on our allies. I must devise a plan to quell this threat."

Su Xian nodded, her trust in her emperor unwavering. "I have faith in your wisdom, Wang Jian. Our alliance depends on your leadership."

As the discussion shifted to the internal matters of the Everlasting Mystical Empire, Su Xian's voice took on a more somber tone. "My Emperor, there are also internal troubles brewing within our own domain. Some human clans are dissatisfied with the rapid integration of beasts and demons into our society."

Wang Jian leaned forward, his expression pensive. The integration of these races had been a bold move, one that had brought forth its share of challenges and opposition.

"It seems we've advanced our society faster than some are prepared to accept," he murmured, contemplating the complexity of the issue. "But we cannot halt progress. We must find a way to bridge these divides."

Su Xian's eyes sparkled with understanding as she placed her hand on Wang Jian's arm. "Your vision has always guided us, my Emperor. I have no doubt that you will find a solution that ensures the harmony of our empire."

Wang Jian nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "I will convene a council and address these matters directly."

As the weight of their responsibilities hung in the air, Wang Jian found himself seeking solace in the presence of his beloved empress, Su Xian. The ornate chambers, adorned with silks and glistening gems, seemed to shimmer with the anticipation of what would transpire.

With a look of affectionate understanding, Wang Jian reached out, his hands gently pulling Su Xian closer. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the concerns of their empire faded into the background. It was a respite, a stolen moment of intimacy in the midst of their demanding roles.

Wang Jian's lips met Su Xian's in a tender yet fervent kiss, a silent promise of his love and longing. As their lips parted, he whispered against her skin, "I've missed you, my empress."

Su Xian's cheeks flushed with warmth, a combination of embarrassment and happiness. "And I, you," she admitted, her voice soft and filled with affection. She traced her fingers along Wang Jian's jaw, the touch a silent reassurance.

In that intimate space, Wang Jian's hands moved with practiced ease, deftly removing the layers of Su Xian's clothing. The cool silk slid from her skin, baring her to his gaze. It was a moment of vulnerability, trust, and a love that transcended the demands of their empire.

As they lay entwined, Wang Jian continued to whisper endearing words to his empress, his voice like a soothing melody. "Tonight, Su Xian, I intend to take care of my duties as your beloved husband as well. You have managed our empire with grace, and you have my deepest admiration."

Su Xian, her heart aflutter with a mix of emotions, bit her lower lip and whispered in response, "The sisters in the harem missed you, too. They wish to share in this passionate night with you."

Wang Jian's eyes held a glint of mischief as he replied, "Tonight, my empress, is yours alone. Your dedication to the empire has been exceptional, and I am proud of you."

With those words, they lost themselves in the embrace of their love, the worries of their realm left behind for a few precious hours.

In the soft illumination of the chamber, their passion ignited, a testament to the deep bond they shared.

After the long and passionate night of lovemaking with Su Xian, Wang Jian arose the next morning, his duties as the Emperor of the Everlasting Mystical Empire beckoning him. The previous night had been a celebration of their love, a brief respite from the weighty matters of their realm.

However, the sun's rays streaming through the windows signaled the return to his responsibilities. Wang Jian knew that he couldn't linger in the embrace of his empress forever, as much as he desired to.

With a final kiss and a whispered promise to return later, he reluctantly left the inner chambers and made his way to the heart of the palace, where his role as Emperor awaited him.

One of the first orders of business was to officially instate Victoria as his concubine. To the people of the Everlasting Mystical Empire, her arrival was explained as the result of Wang Jian's conquest during a campaign in the Northern Region. They were led to believe that she was a woman he had taken from the Verzen Empire, a common practice among warriors who sought to claim spoils of war.

Unbeknownst to them, this Victoria was none other than Empress Victoria who had once ruled the Verzen Empire.

The people accepted the explanation without question, treating her as a common individual who was now under Wang Jian's ownership. Her status was, for the moment, no higher than that of a concubine. Reluctantly, Victoria acknowledged this explanation, knowing that challenging Wang Jian's narrative would only result in more trouble.

As the days passed, Wang Jian turned his attention to the internal matters of his empire. Some human clans remained dissatisfied with the rapid integration of beasts and demons into their society. In response, Wang Jian employed the skills of Fen Shuying's Night Dagger Clan. The expert assassins systematically eliminated individuals who staunchly opposed this integration. Over thirty such figures, who represented the core of the dissident clans, met their demise.

As the news of these assassinations spread, the people of the Everlasting Mystical Empire realized the futility of resistance. They began to understand that it was Emperor Wang Jian's vision to integrate these two races into their society, and there was no choice but to adapt to this new reality. Slowly, the atmosphere within the empire shifted towards greater acceptance.

With internal matters addressed to a certain degree, Wang Jian turned his attention to the external threats, primarily the relentless attacks by the Sea Monsters on the neighboring empires. In a show of solidarity and support, he convened a meeting with the delegates from these empires.

"I understand the gravity of the situation," Wang Jian began, his voice filled with sincerity. "The Everlasting Mystical Empire is committed to defending our coalition and standing against the Sea Monsters."

He assured them that reinforcements were on their way, an offer of aid that would help bolster their defenses against the relentless enemy. However, Wang Jian knew that conventional forces alone might not be enough to turn the tide.

After the meeting, Wang Jian summoned the leaders of the Blue Moon Eclipse Devil Clan and the Nether Curseweaver Devil Clan, who had been instrumental in sharing their insights about the Sea Monsters. He sought their assistance in developing and producing Devil Artifacts and Weapons.

These specialized artifacts and weapons, infused with Devil and Cursed Qi, possessed an innate lethality against the Sea Monsters. Their effectiveness in repelling the invaders had been demonstrated in various skirmishes, making them a valuable resource.

Wang Jian was determined to provide his allies with every advantage they could muster. As the artisans of the two devil clans worked diligently, they created a series of unique and potent artifacts and weapons tailored for combating the Sea Monsters.

Abyssal Shadowcloak: This dark, hooded cloak bestows its wearer with the ability to move silently through water, rendering them nearly invisible to the Sea Monsters.

Tidebreaker Gauntlets: These enchanted gauntlets grant the wearer immense strength, allowing them to shatter the thick scales and shells of the Sea Monsters.

Cursed Harpoon of Leviathan: A fearsome harpoon that emits a pulse of Cursed Qi upon impact, causing excruciating pain to Sea Monsters and rendering them temporarily immobile.

Tempest Trident: A three-pronged trident with blades coated in Devil Qi, capable of slicing through the toughest hide of Sea Monsters with ease.

Siren's Lament: A hauntingly beautiful conch shell that emits a haunting melody when blown. Its sound disrupts the coordination of Sea Monsters, creating confusion and disarray among their ranks.

Abyssal Reaver Sword: A long, sleek blade forged with Devil Qi, ideal for cutting through the thick armor of Sea Monsters.

Kraken's Bane Crossbow: A crossbow that fires bolts imbued with Cursed Qi, causing crippling pain to any Sea Monster struck.

Maelstrom Staff: A staff that can channel Devil Qi into powerful energy blasts, capable of decimating Sea Monster hordes from a distance.

Hydra's Fang Dagger: A curved dagger with venomous properties, its blade is laced with Devil Qi that can incapacitate Sea Monsters upon contact.

Siren's Whisper Bow: A bow that fires arrows infused with an eerie resonance, causing confusion and disorientation among Sea Monsters hit by its projectiles.

With these Devil Artifacts and Weapons, Wang Jian was prepared to turn the tide in their favor against the relentless Sea Monster attacks.