Relying on a Man or a Master Was Useless. Only You Could Rely on Yourself

"Xu Tianran is unstable and vulnerable right now. Once someone new satisfies his desires, or the day he decides you aren't capable enough and have become a nuisance, he can cast you aside. What will you have left to take revenge with then?"

Long Wushang rose slowly and walked up to Ju Zi. Looking down at her, he spoke one word at a time.

"Rely on a man, and his heart may change. Rely on a master, and he may discard you once you've served your purpose. Only when you have allies and trump cards of your own behind you, quietly supporting you, can you keep your position secure."

"Of course, if you believe in love—especially love in the imperial family—then forget everything I said today."

Although the Douluo Continent was where the Love God had fallen, and love's influence permeated it, Long Wushang believed Ju Zi and Xu Tianran were nowhere near that devoted to each other. Otherwise, Ju Zi would never have conceived a child by another man, leaving the emperor who had always helped her without an heir and making a cuckold of him to boot.

A long silence settled over the office. The tea, once piping hot, had gone completely cold.

Ju Zi lowered her head. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, slowly unclenched. She worked to steady her breathing and rein in every trace of emotion.

When she looked up, the first thing she saw was a glimpse of Long Wushang's broad chest. Facing his imposing presence, she drew a deep breath.

"President Long, what you've said to me today carries a great deal of weight."

"The stakes are too high for me to give you an answer now. I need to go back and think this through carefully. Once I've made up my mind,