Chapter 119 - 3.15

"..My lord, there is something that is much more enjoyable then standing on the pedestal that everyone seems to envy. And that is not being the Emperor.. nor the Empress, or anything of that sort." Xu Jiaqi stretched out her words as she tenderly combed at Xie Yongrui's hair.

Indeed.. What could be better than that?

Her utmost pleasure.

Controlling everything from the shadows.

There was nothing that could beat the sensation of everyone not knowing that there was a deeper power that lurked behind the back. It was the most exciting game for her. To build success without people realizing that she was the rightful controller of all.

In Xu Jiaqi's mind, it was the highest level of pleasure she could attain from indulging in these kinds of affairs. It was her natural way of thinking.

"What.. is it?" Xie Yongrui gulped a mouthful of saliva as he questioned.

"Let's just say.. I am someone who is similar with the Prime Minister in some ways. But instead of trying to usurp the throne.. I find it much more comfortable sitting in the back. You are able to enjoy your life knowing that you have power in your hands, even though you are not shown to the public and exposed so blatantly. I find it so enthralling. Does the lord not think the same?" Xu Jiaqi explained.

Xie Yongrui raised a brow in amusement at her statements. This was practically saying that she was going to control him from the backlines, just indirectly. Since the power in question was going to be him in the future, didn't she just insinuate that she would be reigning in the shadows over him?

What a bold child. So young, yet so blinding.

"You.. who the hell are you? To make this kind of suggestions and takes on these kinds of affairs.. No matter how mature you were forced to be due to your conditions, you shouldn't be able to rise up until this kind of level at all..." Xie Yongrui took a sharp breath as he started to feel like the room was getting hot. "Not even those who were taught strictly by the finest education could measure up in terms of your craftiness."

"Oh, my dearest lord, I am nothing but a person from a humble birth who learned how to fend for herself in the worst ways. The world itself was my teacher. Is that not a good enough answer for you?" Xu Jiaqi tilted her head, almost in a mocking manner. As if she was a born Ruler, a figure that she had described in her words. "As per what people usually say.. Hardship is the best teacher for someone's growth."

She grinned. The overwhelming presence and confidence she let out was unnerving. Like she was the epitome of the word authority. Everything was in her palms. Forever and after.

No one could hold a candle to her, and that was extremely surprising to the man currently below Xu Jiaqi, struggling to think clearly. Xu Jiaqi was like a lioness who teased her prey. Even though he was supposed to be the one who possessed more power here.

"..It seems like I picked up a diamond, not just a harmless little kitten." Xie Yongrui smiled, as he got up and sat properly. He didn't remove Xu Jiaqi from her place, though. "How unfair of you to do this."

His heart was still beating quick, and as much as he wanted to calm himself down, he couldn't take his eyes off Xu Jiaqi.

"Oh, my dear lord. I am not just a mere diamond, but the whole mine. A diamond is nowhere close to an asset like me." Xu Jiaqi boasted with a sly gaze. "Or rather.. I am not the diamond you are speaking about, but the one who produces diamonds. Please don't worry, I have no interest in the throne. I will produce brilliant diamonds for you, and the one who shines the brightest.. shall ultimately be you, my lord."

"You are a good speaker. You are blunt, and yet know how to use flowery words to your advantage. We shall see if you are just a person who spouts empty words, or if you have the skills to back your plans up. You do know that just stating all those isn't necessarily a valuable act, right?" Xie Yongrui narrowed his eyes as he started to gain his composure back.

Indeed, the things Xu Jiaqi whispered to him were grand schemes. However, to actually execute and accomplish those matters was a totally different subject.

"Of course, I do, my lord. However... in order to perform the best plans, don't you think that... I need to be supplied with bits of power?" Xu Jiaqi put a finger up against her lips as she smirked.

Xie Yongrui sighed. She wasn't wrong. However, no matter how hard this girl shook him to the core, it wasn't like he could just grant her power that easily.

It was a proven fact that his men were rather hard to work with. The conditions that Xie Yongrui picked them up from were harsh and unforgiving. After being polished and honed to be someone loyal and valuable to Xie Yongrui their expectations soon grew to be as high as the sky after working with him for a long time. It was certain that even if he showed support for the girl all the time, they still wouldn't obey her unconditionally.

This was not to say that they were disloyal, but it was just a matter of 'respect should be earned, not given'.

They took pride in their powers and abilities. Of course, if this frail looking girl was thrown into the fray all of a sudden, distrust would bloom inside their hearts. It was understandable.

To this, not only did Xie Yongrui not plan to stop them in the slightest, he was also tempted to fan the flames. See how much she would struggle under all the meddlesome matters.. See how she fares.