Female supremacy: blasphemy of imperial power [Yuri/GL]

Chapter 18: Encounters ✨

In the realm of commerce, Chao Yang pursued a strategy targeting the common people, focusing primarily on the rice industry. Rice is a vital commodity for any nation, and coming from a modern era, Chao Yang understood its significance. Secretly, she became Yunqi's largest rice merchant and expanded into other countries, using agents she had planted long ago. This prevented any xenophobia and facilitated smoother growth.

Beyond rice, she also controlled three major restaurant chains. Aware that visibility could invite trouble, she assigned different visible agents to manage her enterprises, each under a distinct banner. Even her hidden operations rarely faced exposure, as Chao Yang operated them with precision, dividing and decentralizing everything to minimize risk.

Chao Yang's progress was seamless because she meticulously planned every step, leaving no room for error.

Only Chao Yang could manage such seemingly simple yet complex operations, thanks to her systems and her foundational knowledge. Her youth was often a limitation, but for someone like Chao Yang, who couldn't reveal her true face, it proved advantageous.

Even though the Empress had eradicated Chao Yang's family, the remaining forces were instrumental in her rise.

Years of careful planning had elevated Chao Yang's influence to a level that astounded the three great nations.

If Chao Yang allied with or supported any single nation, it would instantly disrupt the balance among them. Yet she never intended to use her power to stir continental upheaval. Her goal was simply to live freely and eventually gain absolute freedom.

Having faced death once, Chao Yang valued what she had, viewing the world through a detached, third-party lens. This made her seem mysterious and out of place.

Shuwen was thrilled to see Chao Yang leave the manor. She always worried about her aloof nature, pushing people away and avoiding the outside world, making it seem as if she could leave everything behind without a second thought.

At seventeen, Chao Yang should have been a mother, yet she showed no interest in marriage. Others dared not make decisions for her, not even the self-assured Zuo Qianchen, confident in his looks and talent, dared to propose.

It seemed everyone forgot that even someone as detached as Chao Yang would eventually marry. Except for Chen Yongle, who never forgot.

Chao Yang often indulged Chen Yongle, similar to Shuwen, but different. Their bond was pure and untainted.

Eschewing bright red, Chao Yang opted for a subtle blue gown.

The change from striking to elegantly refined caught Shuwen's eye. It was the first time she had seen Chao Yang in anything other than red or white undergarments.

Luckily, it was customary for unmarried women in the Southern Kingdom to wear veils or hats, so Chao Yang's hat drew no attention.

Still, her exceptional presence attracted many glances.

The bustling streets were filled with local culture and sights that left Shuwen in awe. She marveled at the brawny, unrefined men who openly displayed themselves.

She knew Yunqi was different, where men bore children and were graceful, unlike other regions where men were rugged and few were attractive.