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

Chapter 92: Stasis

Xiluo's domain was rich and fertile, which also indicated certain issues, such as abundant resources capable of supporting a large army equipped with fine weapons.

Zhao Yang held the military power of sixty percent, but she had given it to Zhao Huang when she ascended to the throne. Although military power could be useful at times, it was uncertain whether the soldiers would obey; troops were not like the officials in the court. They respected true strength—generals who defended the country, not individuals. Moreover, the majority of the troops were stationed in camps far from the imperial city, making it difficult to respond to immediate crises.

While the guards in the imperial city were well trained, their practice was often without live ammunition, putting them at a disadvantage. Zhao Yang could almost imagine the kind of crisis the imperial city was currently facing, perhaps the army had already breached the palace and taken Zhao Huang hostage.

Shu Wen was still in the palace, and he should be able to quickly gather personnel to protect Zhao Huang. However, the trained personal guards under her command were the only ones capable of fighting, and they were mostly bodyguards and assassins. How could they possibly withstand the charge of tens of thousands of elite soldiers?

At this moment, Zhao Yang couldn’t help but regret not having raised a personal army. But back then... she truly hadn’t had such thoughts. With more than half the military power in her grasp, countless shadow warriors and enough wealth to lead a life of luxury for several lifetimes, there seemed no reason to train a private army. After all, this was unnecessary. Given Zhao Yang's temperament, even if she were to rebel, she wouldn’t choose this path.

Yet it was precisely this “unnecessary” aspect that had now put her in a dilemma.

Xiluo’s ability to sneak the army silently near the imperial city was truly shocking. She didn’t believe that this could have been done without Zhao Jun and others working in conspiracy.

But now was not the time to dwell on such matters. Zhao Yang swiftly pulled out the hairpin from her head. Before Xiluo could be mesmerized by the dark strands of hair cascading like a waterfall, Zhao Yang pressed the hairpin against Xiluo’s neck.

Xiluo quickly retreated a few steps, twisting away from Zhao Yang's attack. Zhao Yang wasn’t interested in fighting Xiluo; she needed to leave quickly.

Her companions hadn't followed for a long time, likely held up or perhaps... completely wiped out.

Zhao Yang couldn’t afford to become distracted. After failing to land a strike, she turned and left without hesitation. As she jumped onto the wall, she glanced in Zi Jin’s direction and stopped in shock at the sight before her.

Xiluo had seized Zi Jin by the neck, and the visible pallor of Zi Jin’s face was shifting to a suffocating blue. Xiluo looked at him with murderous intent and then turned her gaze toward Zhao Yang, calmly saying, “I don’t like to use force against men, but it depends on the situation. If you insist on leaving…”

Xiluo was not like Su Bai Rong; she understood Zhao Yang better and didn’t believe that Zhao Yang could cold-heartedly abandon someone she had protected for so many years!

“Despicable!” Zhao Yang glared coldly at Xiluo.

Zi Jin was merely a weak man, receiving harm again and again. If he didn’t possess a strong will, he would have likely fainted from the strain by now.

Zi Jin still retained consciousness and looked at Zhao Yang, standing tall not far away, a glimmer of determination flashing in his eyes.

He had been prepared for this moment, and now he wouldn’t back down.