Use Me

Don't get it wrong.

Kang De is no longer a teacher.

During these three months, Kang De used a time-accelerating cheat code to cram on his foreign language knowledge. He not only improved his basic English but also focused on studying the grammar of the Continental Common Language.

The English learning progress has been remarkable, but the grammar learning of the Continental Common Language has not been as effective.

Because his teacher was named Tina.

Tina teaches very seriously and is a girl who appreciates ritual. This is specifically shown in how she takes teaching Kang De very seriously, wearing very proper and professional formal attire to teach, developing an engaging and fun teaching plan, and paying great attention to positive educational feedback and incentive mechanisms for students.

This results in each lecture typically lasting no more than thirty minutes.

As a result, Kang De only evolved from illiterate to semi-literate.

Reading books and letters with simple grammar and standard fonts is fine, but for slightly more complex texts, you'll need to find a human-shaped translator pendant or call on Horus for intelligent scanning and translation.

Normally, such trivial matters could be easily handled by having Tina read them, but since it was a letter from the Emperor, it was best to abandon the idea of what provocative things the old man might have said in it.

They didn't dare ask Horus to do the intelligent translation either. That rebellious son was a traitor by nature and had a big mouth. If he saw something extraordinary, he would definitely devise some unseemly scheme.

The best choice would be to find Hong San, who is extremely discreet and loyal, to translate, but...

"Could you translate this for me...?"

Kang De's tone was wooden, his expression desolate, carrying a hint of inexplicable humiliation.

Her public image has collapsed...

The image of a wise, powerful, sunny, and mysterious figure that he had painstakingly built in the minds of these young ladies was completely shattered in that silly phone call filled with loud, secret plotting.

Why is this happening...?

--I hadn't planned to come back before the war officially started, but I suddenly received news that the Emperor had sent the Chief of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau as an envoy with a personal letter, so I came back to take a look.

--Originally, Wei Yunyuan had nothing to do with this, but I don't know why Horus, that rebellious son, let the guards bring her in. A Fu didn't even stop her, so she came up.

--I originally intended to let her go wherever she wanted, but when I thought about how I had left these ladies-in-waiting all these days, I felt a little guilty. Seeing her expression like an abandoned puppy, and because she was so beautiful and big, I impulsively decided to let her come in and wait.

--I originally planned to call Hong San first and ask him to come and be the translator, then ask Wei Yunyuan what she wanted to see me about, but I didn't expect her to be able to understand Common Language...

Fuck.

His feelings were extremely complicated. "... How did you learn the common language so quickly?"

"Before I set sail for the East, my sisters and I had already been practicing foreign languages. During the voyage, we studied diligently every day for a full season, and we have already gained some understanding..."

Damn it.

Seeing his complicated expression, Wei Yunyuan immediately bowed gracefully and said, "My lord, please forgive me. I did not mean to eavesdrop. It's just that if I had known but not reported it and pretended to be ignorant, you would have found out later, which would have made me seem scheming and ill-intentioned..."

That's true.

"This humble woman, having crossed the sea to the east, has left her homeland and parents. Now, in this foreign land, the only one I can rely on is Your Excellency Duke of Qin, yet Your Excellency has taken us in. I know I am unworthy to offer myself to you, but I only wish to do something for you. Therefore, I could not contain myself and uttered these arrogant words... I beg Your Duke of Qin to punish me!"

After saying this, tears, like jade beads, fell in a steady stream, wetting the floor.

There's an art to crying too. A stunning beauty sheds silent tears, while a middle-aged village woman wails and sobs—the two are completely different experiences. Kang De, as a staunch member of the "appearance association," naturally found this very appealing.

He sighed, "Don't be like that, get up quickly, I didn't mean to blame you."

The fairy-like beauty raised her head pitifully, her face still streaked with tears, her eyes shimmering. The two locked eyes for about three seconds.

... Huh?

This is different from what the palace maids said. Why isn't Duke of Qin coming to help me?

By speaking in a weak tone and with a pitiful posture, gracefully bowing and pouring out her heart, she can evoke a strong sense of pity in the other man, prompting him to offer her support and comfort. This is a man's nature; he has both the instinct to hunt women and the impulse to protect them. Physical contact amplifies this instinct and impulse. By pressing forward with close-range displays of affection, words, actions, and intimacy, she can ignite the man's instincts, desires, and feelings of goodwill in one fell swoop. This is the advanced lesson they are taught.

Wei Yunyuan cautiously tried this method, but she never expected that the Duke of Qin would have such an iron will and be so averse to women—this surprised and saddened her.

Thinking of this, she rose gracefully, her tall figure and blooming posture like a flower. She lowered her head shyly and whispered, "Thank you for your generosity, sir..."

Kang De opened his mouth, then said helplessly, "Don't tell anyone what you just heard."

The beautiful woman smiled gently, "Who else could I possibly tell this to?"

"..."

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

This wicked feudal society, which objectifies women and suppresses their natural instincts, has actually produced such gentle and refined older sisters who act like proper ladies from noble families. It's utterly despicable!

While denouncing this evil and backward alien world, Kang De shifted his attention, pointing to the letter on the table.

"Since you're already here, and you understand it, could you help me translate it?" He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I don't need to hide it from you, I don't understand mainland Chinese very well."

Wei Yunyuan said softly, "Duke of Qin man of great talent and ambition, and he is busy with countless affairs every day. He does important things to defend the country and protect human morality. It is only natural that he does not have time to study these minor arts. There are thousands of people who understand the common language, but you are the only one who wields Forbidden Spell and uses mechanical arts to awe foreign lands."

--Oh my gosh, it feels so good to be flattered by such a beautiful young lady with such sincere eyes and a tone of admiration!

Kang De struggled to maintain his composure, casually raising his hand and saying, "Please take a look."

The beautiful woman curtsied, then came to the table, bending down to decipher the words on the letter. This movement caused two long strands of hair to cascade down her chest, emphasizing her fullness and the curves of her waist and hips. Kang De glanced at it a few times as if time had accelerated, then looked away and said, "Please sit down."

"Ah?" Miss Wei exclaimed in surprise, then declined, "No, no, I can't do that..."

"Sit down, please sit down." Kang De strolled over to her. "It's alright."

"... yes."

The girl then sat down, feeling an inexplicable heat emanating from the seat and back of the chair. She composed herself and glanced briefly at the scattered pieces of paper.

Kang De stood beside her and asked, "Can you understand it? It didn't stump you, did it?"

Wei Yunyuan examined it for a moment and replied, "It's the Melotard Ornamental Script used exclusively by the Holy Empire's royal family. I even studied this kind of knowledge and calligraphy specifically back then."

"That's good." Kang De squinted and said, "Could you please translate this for me?"

When this letter was opened in the White Mist World, not only was "safety first" a consideration, but a photo copy was also taken. No matter how Wei Yunyuan translated the contents of the letter, Kang De was going to send a copy to Hong San. Although Wei Yunyuan's arrival was unexpected, it was also an opportunity that could be easily exploited. If there were any serious discrepancies between the translations on both sides, then she would rather die.

Wei Yunyuan was trying to concentrate on studying the letter. She could feel the presence of Duke of Qin standing next to her, which made her feel slightly uneasy and shy. The young girl had no eyes in the back of her head, so she naturally couldn't see the Duke of Qin's condescending gaze on her, which was scrutinizing, cold, and silent.

Just like Princess Tina's gaze, exactly the same.

She was overjoyed, seeing this as a great opportunity. Not only could she show herself in front of Duke of Qin, but she could also have a nice little secret with him, and even have the chance to access the contents of his letters with the Emperor of the Empire... This was a rare honor and a sign of trust.

At the same time, she also felt a sense of unease and curiosity.

She disapproved of the military and political adventures that the Distant Harbor had always undertaken, believing that Kang De's approach was too radical. The Shogunate's current diplomatic situation was not optimistic. At this dangerous moment, with war with the Council erupting and Goth's internal strife looming, what would the emperor of the empire say?

Wei Yunyuan was taken aback after reading the first few paragraphs.

The emperor of the empire went straight to the point, listing the crimes of the Duke of Qin.

They slaughtered the nobles of Distant Harbor, seized the Broken Isles, manipulated and schemed against the Council, and now they want to annex Goth.

She was taken aback and rose hastily, saying in a low voice, "Duke of Qin, this letter is not suitable for me to read. You should ask Princess Tina or a minister of the Shogunate to discuss it."

"What?" Kang De asked in surprise, "That old man insulted me?"

"..." Wei Yunyuan in a state of utter confusion, completely lacking her previous meticulousness and flawless handling of matters. She subconsciously replied, "It's hard to say. It seems so, but it also seems not."

The Duke of Qin asked in bewilderment, "What did he say?"

The young woman's voice was barely audible. "He seemed to recount everything you've done..."

Kang De retorted angrily, "Isn't that just swearing? -- No, what did I do? Just read it aloud."

As he spoke, he turned on the recording function on his phone.

Wei Yunyuan felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. She had only read a few paragraphs and couldn't imagine what would happen next. Would it be a declaration of war, an ultimatum demanding surrender, or even more severe accusations and threats?

She composed herself and began reading from the beginning.

Kang De listened quietly to the emperor's many accusations against him, occasionally letting out a cold laugh.

Wei Yunyuan read the emperor's letter in a clear, melodious voice with standard pronunciation, but she felt uneasy. She had thought that even if the emperor's letter contained hidden dangers, it would be concealed with elegant diplomatic language. Who knew that this letter was neither greeting nor polite, but so aggressive.

They started with fierce condemnations and accusations; what will happen next...?

He was secretly lamenting his situation, but then the contents of the letter suddenly took a turn for the better.

Her eyes widened slightly, and her voice trembled a little.

That was the emperor's questioning.

They have no interest in power, yet they are consolidating their power and eliminating dissidents. They wield immense power capable of changing the world, yet they are keen to arm everyone liberated from the fields.

What are you preparing for?

Her voice wavered dramatically.

"You are definitely not from Cathayan..."

The voice was even slightly distorted.

As Wei Yunyuan read, she glanced at Kang De. The Duke of Qin leaned against the table, listening silently. His profile, illuminated by the sunlight, resembled a silent sculpture, quiet yet powerful.

To change the fate of those who suffer, to make them content and dignified, what is the purpose of their death?

Who exactly is your enemy?

A dazzling display of light, a sky full of aurora borealis.

... aurora?

The girl looked up in disbelief as she read this.

On the day the Nuclear Light Lance blasted the Starry Firmament Bridge, the high-energy particles that escaped fell into the atmosphere and produced a reaction similar to the solar wind. Together with the fragments of the Starry Firmament Bridge, they formed a band of light in the atmosphere that was clearly visible across half the planet. This strange phenomenon was also clearly witnessed by Cathay, causing great fear and endless discussion. Wei Yunyuan also witnessed it firsthand. There are many different theories about the cause of this strange phenomenon.

Now, the testimony from the Supreme Emperor of the Empire has clearly and precisely pointed out the cause and reason.

It's no longer just vague guesses and inferences.

This left Wei Yunyuan feeling deeply shaken and shaken.

She never actually witnessed the Forbidden Spell, even though she trusted His Majesty's decree and the Imperial Tutor's judgment, and had seen the vibrant life of the Distant Harbor... she still had no real sense of the power of the legendary Forbidden Spell.

But now...

Such power, such supernatural abilities, are unimaginable.

She suddenly realized the emperor's fear and unease.

What kind of enemy would someone with such power fight to warrant such a formidable threat?

Kang De was deep in thought when he saw her stop. He glanced at her instinctively and said coldly, "Read."

What kind of gaze was that? Wei Yunyuan felt as if her flesh and bones had been easily stripped away, leaving only her pristine soul. In an instant, she was completely suppressed, understood, and controlled, as if her life, fate, and soul were all in the other's hands, and her survival was just a thought away.

But she didn't feel fear; instead, she felt a chilling, submissive, and exhilarating sensation that went straight to her bones.

She continued reading.

Another version of what the emperor said.

Kang De, who acted with integrity and without shame, may have only seen a sign and prophecy of destruction in the Paradox Element event, which led him to prepare for war and enter the power arena on the continent.

Only this reason can explain the source of Kang De's mysterious motives, saintly compassion, and eccentric behavior...

"You are indeed not from this world..."

"Perhaps a prophecy, a warning, a destiny..."

"Kang De, tell me, how much of my guess was correct?"

Upon reading this, Wei Yunyuan quietly looked up and glanced at her master again.

His expression remained calm and unwavering, showing neither wavering nor satisfaction.

So the beauty continued reading, the letter shifting from her deductions about Kang De to her assessment of the current situation, the hidden threat posed by Griffin, the emperor's decision to choose the lesser of two evils, her feelings of both respect and apprehension towards Kang De, and the conditions for resolving this chaotic end.

"Come and become my son-in-law."

Upon reading this, Wei Yunyuan wavered and paled once again.

Before arriving at the Distant Harbor, and even before today, she still didn't quite support His Duke of Qin's proposal and plan to marry the Duke of Qin. After all, the Duke of Qin and Princess Tina were already deeply in love, and she had even heard concrete rumors of an ambiguous relationship between the Duke of Qin and the Elf Queen. As for his other female companions, they were too numerous to count. Under such circumstances, it would be too undignified for His Majesty to marry the Duke of Qin...

But the emperor said, "Come and become my son-in-law."

The more she read, the more shocked she became, even uneasy and fearful.

This is not as simple as "becoming a son-in-law".

Is this how conflict and hostility are resolved, with the inheritance of an empire presented as a gift of reconciliation...? The emperor actually wants to give the entire country to the Duke of Qin!?

Although a letter is not a contract or a blood oath, and its word may not necessarily be kept, the attitude expressed in this letter alone is already extremely terrifying.

The Emperor, the Elf Queen, and even His Majesty... Good heavens.

Just then, she suddenly heard Duke of Qin curse, "As expected! This old bastard actually wants to be my father?"

--What's wrong with that!

--An entire empire!

For a moment, Wei Yunyuan was filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

She had no idea whether to persuade Kang De to agree or not—if he agreed, the Holy Empire could be used by the Duke of Qin, but if the Duke of Qin became the ruler of a great nation, then discussing marriage with His Majesty would be much more complicated. Furthermore, as the supreme ruler of a country, what reason would he have to send the entire nation westward to restore the Divine Land?

But then she realized her worries were completely unfounded... and there was nothing she could change.

With a wry smile, the girl continued reading. The letter was nearing its end, revealing the cold-blooded cruelty of killing the son to save the mother, and the resolute decision to treat the eldest son's life as nothing. All of this contrasted sharply with the stern threat at the end of the letter, "Do not publish this letter," which ironically gave this heavy letter a touch of liveliness.

Wei Yunyuan secretly imagined what an embarrassing scene it would be if Duke of Qin took this letter, published it in the newspaper, and read it aloud on the radio to all the people of Distant Harbor.

However, that's not what we should be worried about.

She slowly put down the last page of the letter, her palms already covered in damp sweat.

A belated sense of fear, unease, excitement, and trembling is surging through my body.

This is not a letter she should be reading.

It was a letter designated by the emperor and absolutely forbidden to be leaked.

That supreme ruler must have written furiously, using a script reserved for royalty, renowned for its elegance and nobility, and considered presumptuous for outsiders, to express his mutual appreciation with the Duke of Qin. In a flash of insight that blended sincerity and pretense, the noble supreme ruler poured out his heart to the Duke of Qin, his words earnest and demonstrating the utmost skill in grammar and diction.

He subconsciously believed that Kang De, who was capable of writing the "Valentan National Cemetery Speech" and the "Distant Harbor Victory Speech," must also be a well-educated and brilliant writer, and that he could feel the profound emotions contained in Kant's earnest letters and achieve a spiritual resonance with him.

But while His Majesty the Emperor may have seen through the Duke of Qin's background, purpose, and scheme, he overlooked one thing... the Duke of Qin couldn't understand his graceful and lively calligraphy...

So, by a twist of fate, she, a lowly female official in Cathay, actually read this terrifying letter, which was of profound significance and contained many secrets.

It wasn't just top-secret strategies and proposals from the Imperial Supreme.

There is also a huge secret about Duke of Qin himself.

An unknown enemy, a prophecy of disaster.

Not from Cathayan.

They're not even from this world.

Her body was trembling slightly, as if every drop of her blood was burning.

"Ah, I've finished reading it."

The Duke of Qin's voice slowly rang out.

He pulled out a fruit knife from somewhere and was licking the blade with a sinister expression, his eyes openly and maliciously scanning Wei Yunyuan.

"You've learned quite a few secrets," he threatened wickedly. "What should we do with you then?"

Wei Yunyuan slowly exhaled.

She actually smiled.

She had already read the letter, and its contents were firmly etched in her mind.

Before today, her understanding of Kang De came only from hearsay and what she had seen.

A man of exceptional talent, an ambitious man, a man who achieved great things, a man expected of by the Imperial Tutor and His Majesty, the last hope of Divine Land, beloved by the people of the Distant Harbor, hated by the nobles of the mainland, who protected and saved tens of thousands of people, yet was hostile to various nations... That impression is fragmented and contradictory.

But today, this letter brings together the image of the person before me, finally giving me a sense of reality.

A living, breathing person.

She has experienced many things she is still unaware of, including separations and deaths.

She also came into contact with many secrets she was still unaware of, and ultimately decided to stay in this world to do something magnificent and awe-inspiring... not just to save Cathay homeland.

He lives by his own beliefs, protects the weak, and gives them a chance to change their fate. He protects Goth for his promise and fights against the spirits... No matter who the enemy is, he is fearless in the face of adversity.

He appears divine and saintly, yet he also has a lovable side. Despite his high position and great power, he does not indulge in pleasure. He takes care of his own food, clothing, and daily life, without relying on others. When communicating with important ministers who are like friends in private, he may curse and swear, but this does not appear vulgar. On the contrary, it makes him extremely genuine and lovable.

Just like now, he's licking the knife with a threatening look, making a menacing face, but that fruit knife is so dull it's laughable.

She smiled gracefully and said gently, "Your Majesty, I am ready."

Kang De exclaimed in astonishment, "What?"

"Whether it's being given poison to commit suicide, being stabbed to death, being imprisoned, or any other punishment, as long as Master deems it necessary, I will gladly accept it."

"... ah?"

"Because everything I have belongs to you." The beauty smiled like a flower, her tone gentle yet firm, murmuring as if in a dream, "Chosen, entrusted by His Majesty, bidding farewell to my parents and homeland, arriving in a foreign land to serve a stranger I've never met, whose nature I know but who possesses power... I've long been prepared. My body and my life belong to Duke of Qin. No matter what treatment or even torture I suffer, I will accept it willingly."

" In Divine Land chaotic world, calamity has struck, our land is ravaged, and heroes have shed their blood. Even women should step forward to defend our homeland. We sisters have made a pact that we will spare no effort to win the favor of Duke of Qin, using every ounce of our strength and meager power to change his mind even slightly, to make him a little more friendly towards our Eastern Lands. That would be no less meritorious than any warrior shedding blood on the battlefield."

... Wait, wait, wait, this script isn't right.

Kang De was somewhat stunned. Seeing the beautiful woman before him clutch her chest, smile sadly, and whisper, "But a girl, after all, has a heart. Even if she were to sacrifice herself to feed a tiger without regret, there would still be regrets in her heart. I was thinking, in a peaceful and prosperous world, what would my dreams and wishes be? Would it merely be to find a suitable husband, be a good wife and mother, and live out my life? I, Wei Yunyuan, am confident in my talent and learning, and I am not inferior to anyone. How could I be willing to marry a vulgar man and live a life without any ups and downs? I also want to achieve great things, to write books and leave my name..."

"But with the chaos of war, people are powerless to act. Even if I were to fight on the battlefield, using all my skills, I could not match even a fraction of your power. However, by using my looks and talents to serve you and please you, so that you may befriend your homeland and send troops to rescue Divine Land as soon as possible, the effect I could make would far exceed what I could contribute on my own... In times of chaos, people's value varies greatly. Now that Divine Land has fallen, everyone should sacrifice themselves for it."

"Though I am unwilling, I accept it. This is fate. All fates are beyond our control. In this chaotic and desperate world, even His Majesty cannot choose his own destiny."

"I was just thinking..."

She pressed her hand to her chest, her voice trembling, "Even if I have to swallow my pride and try my best to please you, whether it's writhing and submitting to your pleasure or serving you with utmost tenderness, I'll do anything, I'll risk everything... I keep reminding myself that even if I do everything, my heart and soul must never yield."

"These twenty years of luxurious life and unparalleled wealth were earned by farmers digging from the soil and by soldiers fighting bloody battles on the border. Now that the country is in trouble, I have dedicated myself to the nation, and I have done right by their sacrifices... But no matter what, my soul is still my own, and I will never yield. I will always remember that."

But now...

As she spoke, her expression of fragility and helplessness gradually changed.

Her almost dazzlingly radiant smile, as vibrant and exuberant as spring blossoms, was a stunning beauty born from the joy of her soul, no longer the rigid etiquette and insincere smiles of a well-bred lady.

I've changed my mind.

She said.

"My soul, my heart, like my body... are all dedicated to you."

The voice was excited, the soul trembled, like blood burning fiercely, like a body shaking.

But there was no fear.

"I have come to understand the meaning of life... It's not about being a good wife and mother, nor is it about sacrificing oneself to feed a tiger, but about you, your will, your purpose, your preparation, and your cause."

"To follow you, to burn for you, to fight for you, to die for you... anything is acceptable. Even if you feel I must remain forever silent to ensure the contents of this letter are never leaked, I will gladly accept my death. Such a death is more valuable than the fate I previously accepted."

Kang De listened, dumbfounded.

He had a vague feeling that he should thank the emperor first, no matter what.

With incredibly gentle, respectful, and even fervent movements Wei Yunyuan took Kang De's hand, embraced it reverently, covered his beautiful, rose-red face, and whispered softly.

"... Use me."

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Seven thousand words! I feel like I can make up for the other five thousand by writing a little more each day these past two days... Oh well, I won't worry about it so much, I'll just write as much as I can.