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

Chapter 26: The Sudden Change ✨

While everything remained calm and leisurely for Chao Yang, a sudden upheaval occurred in the Yunqi Imperial Palace.

Inside the palace, the vast Hall of Supreme Harmony, where officials paid homage, held a golden throne at its highest point. The brilliant gold of the throne was blinding, making it hard to look at directly.

Chao Jun, dressed in vibrant red, ascended the steps one by one. Her long skirt almost covered the entire staircase, and her ornate sleeves fluttered gracefully. The intricate neckline revealed only her collarbone.

"I..." Chao Jun turned back slowly, seeing only another fiery shadow in the empty hall, unsure of what to say.

Chao Huang stood motionless, her face cold and aloof, her sharp eyes briefly showing frustration, quickly masked by confusion and hurt.

"Huang'er, do you know? I've sat in this position for nearly twenty years," Chao Jun said, sitting on the throne with a nostalgic gaze, gently caressing the familiar seat. "For as long as I can remember, I've longed for this position. Though my reasons have changed, I can't let go of this throne."

Chao Huang remained silent, her lips pressed into a line, her face showing wariness and unease.

As if expecting no response, Chao Jun continued, "I wasn't favored by my mother, and my father lived as if in a cold palace. He suffered countless hardships and humiliations for me. As a child, I remembered it all, vowing to become strong enough to ensure his happiness."

Recalling her gentle and strong father, Chao Jun's expression softened.

But her face soon turned sorrowful and regretful. "Yet before I could fulfill my promise, he..."

Chao Huang watched Chao Jun's shifting expressions coldly, remaining silent, showing no interest in questioning her.

In the vast palace, even a pin drop could be heard. Without speaking, it became a dead silence.

Chao Jun spoke again, venting as if to herself, "When I was about to give up, she told me she wanted me to inherit this position."

While Chao Jun referred to "her," Chao Huang couldn't ascertain who "she" was, though she sensed this "she" was significant.

Perhaps it related to the long-standing mystery surrounding Chao Jun's strange behavior, troubling both Chao Yang and herself.

"I agreed to her, but then she left... and I was left with nothing again..." Chao Jun's lips curved into a mocking smile.

"This throne is the last testament to our bond; I won't lose it!"

Chao Jun's gaze turned sharp as she looked at Chao Huang, saying slowly, "With that bastard Chao Yang gone, no one in Yunqi or this palace can stop me. You're smart, Huang'er, you know an egg can't hit a stone. I don't want to hurt you. If you cooperate, you'll continue enjoying the empress's treatment. If not..." Chao Jun's smile held no warmth, "then stay in the palace, lest you scare others..."

Chao Huang's eyes filled with more disdain, but she remained silent.

In the deadly silence of the hall, neither Chao Jun nor Chao Huang spoke. Chao Huang barely moved from her spot.