Keyboard Immortal - Chapter 2963

Chapter 1476 A Difficult Choice

Unlike the somewhat aged Empress Dowager Dong from before, Yan Hua now exuded youthful energy.

However, Zu An, considering her actual age—far older than Empress Dowager Dong—felt a little strange.

“Oh dear, why don’t you even smile when you see me?” Yan Hua pouted, seemingly a bit angry.

Zu An didn’t say anything, simply walking over and pulling her into his arms.

“Trying to seduce me with your looks the moment we meet?” Yan Hua complained, but still pressed her head against his chest, hugging him tightly.

The two embraced for a long time, pouring out their hearts to each other. After a long while, Zu’an asked curiously, “Fireworks, did you settle the score you said you were going to settle when we parted last time?”

“Half of it,” Fireworks replied casually, then said with a smile, “I had a feeling I would definitely see you in this world, and I didn’t expect to actually see you. What are you doing in this world?”

“I came to find some information related to the True God,” Zu’an said with some curiosity, “And you, how did you become the Envoy of Annihilation, and even Empress Dowager Dong?”

“Because I was originally the Envoy of Annihilation,” Fireworks stood up and spun around, her face full of smiles, “Doesn’t it seem like it?” “

Envoys of Annihilation usually only bring destruction and fear to various worlds. A beautiful being like you doesn’t seem like it,” Zu’an said with a smile.

“Sometimes the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it is.” A strange light shone in Fireworks’ eyes.

Zu’an was stunned, then remembered that she had also caused the extinction of the entire Dreamland, which perfectly matched the stereotype of the Envoy of Annihilation.

“Is becoming Empress Dowager now an arrangement of the Annihilation Immortal Ancestor?” Zu’an said in a deep voice.

“Of course, the Immortal Ancestor not only wants to collect the power of the First True God, but also wants to seize the power of other True Gods.” Fireworks seemed to be talking about something completely unrelated, then looked at him with a smile, “Speaking of which, we should be rivals.”

“So you already know my purpose,” Zu An said apologetically, “I’m really sorry, this matter is of great importance, I…”

Fireworks waved her hand, “Never mind, a God of Annihilation like me is certainly not as trustworthy as those other confidantes who have gone through life and death with you. What if they tell me that I secretly leaked information to the Immortal Ancestor of Annihilation?”

Hearing her somewhat sarcastic tone, Zu An smiled bitterly, “We have also gone through life and death together.”

“At least you still have some conscience, remembering these things,” Fireworks snorted, “Fine, I’ll reluctantly forgive you.”

Seeing her bright red lips shining with a captivating light in the firelight, Zu An’s heart stirred and he pulled her into his arms.

But she pushed him away abruptly: “You smell like a vixen, don’t touch me.”

Zu An: “…”

Fireworks rested her chin on her hand, looking him over with a half-smile: “You just met Empress He, you should have realized she’s the goddess of pleasure and desire, right? What agreement did you reach?”

Zu An sighed: “It’s just that she wants to see her royal uncle, and also wants me to help assist her ‘son’ Liu Bian in this world.”

“You agreed?” Fireworks’ eyes were dangerous.

“Yes, she did me a favor before.” Zu An explained.

“What if I want you to assist Liu Xie?” Fireworks suddenly asked.

Zu An fell silent, unsure how to answer.

“Alright, alright, you don’t need to answer anymore. I already know your answer,” Fireworks said softly. “Anyway, in your heart, I’m not only inferior to those initial confidantes, but also to that sly fox you met later.”

Zu’an couldn’t help but laugh: “You don’t need to act like this between us. The Fireworks I know is quite domineering.”

Fireworks instantly stopped smiling. Although it was still the same face, her eye makeup became somewhat smoky and dark: “Oh? So you like this side of me.”

Zu’an thought of her special ability, which allowed her to have a thousand faces. The youthful and sunny Fireworks was probably her original personality. Later, she became beautiful, strong, and tragic, probably after experiencing too many hardships, turning into a queen. But she often switched between different personalities, and he wondered if she might have a split personality.

Thinking of this, a pang of pity flashed through his heart. He took her hand and gazed deeply into her eyes, saying, “Fireworks, I love every side of you.”

Fireworks, however, recalled how she had constantly changed her appearance to play along with him, and couldn’t help but spit out, “Pah, you lecher!”

Zu An: “???”

“By the way, is your reluctance to support Liu Xie because you’re worried about the Ancestor of Annihilation?” Fireworks suddenly asked.

“That’s certainly one reason,” Zu An said in a deep voice. “Actually, in terms of personal ability alone, Liu Xie is superior to Liu Bian, but he’s supported by the Ancestor of Annihilation. My relationship with the Ancestor of Annihilation is not far off, so naturally, we can’t cooperate.”

“I only support Liu Xie; it doesn’t mean he’s one of the Ancestor’s people,” Fireworks snorted. “But you won’t believe it for now. How about this, don’t rush into a choice. Wait until you understand things better, and then consider it carefully.”

Zu An’s expression changed. Could it be that she, as a divine messenger, wasn’t on the same side as the Ancestor of Annihilation?

At the same time, he marveled, no wonder even the god of pleasure and desire was wary; fireworks could now rival the level of true gods.

They chatted for a long time in Yongle Palace before Zu’an finally left.

Lu Zhi and Ji Xiaoxi had been extremely worried. Seeing him return safely, Lu Zhi breathed a long sigh of relief. Ji Xiaoxi jumped up happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms, but immediately realized there was a “father” watching, and became a little embarrassed.

Seeing this, Lu Zhi’s expression was also somewhat strange. He had been thinking of introducing him to women from other families, but it turned out his own daughter had a good impression of him too…

Zu’an hurriedly told the two what he had seen in the palace. Lu Zhi was astonished: “The Emperor intends to have the two princes recognize you as his uncle? And appoint you as the Commandant of the Western Garden?”

“Yes.” Zu’an was also completely surprised; he had thought he was being punished for entering the palace.

“It seems the Emperor is trying to win you over so you can protect one of the princes in the future.” There was another reason Lu Zhi didn’t mention: the Emperor might support a prominent member of the imperial family to counterbalance the powerful clans, but he represented one of those clans, and saying it would be awkward for both of them.

“Currently, it seems the Emperor favors the Second Prince more.”

“The Second Prince is indeed more intelligent and decisive, but it’s a pity that deposing the eldest son in favor of the younger one could easily destabilize the country.” Thinking of Empress He and He Jin’s influence, Lu Zhi cautioned, “Don’t rush in headfirst. If you’re targeted by General He, it’ll be troublesome.”

Zu An hummed in agreement, not wanting to explain that he already knew Empress He well.

The next day, the palace announced that the two princes would recognize Zu An as their uncle, and Zu An would replace Bao Hong, who had died in prison, as the Commandant of the Western Garden.

The entire court was stunned; some were delighted, some were jealous, and some were deep in thought.

Zu An seized the opportunity to submit a memorial, explaining the situation in Ji Province and highlighting his significant contribution in severely damaging Lu Zhi, the Yellow Turban Army’s teacher.

The gentry in the court naturally echoed this sentiment, while the eunuchs, seeing Zu An treated so favorably by the emperor and considering his status as the emperor’s uncle and the Western Garden Commandant, subconsciously regarded him as one of their own and were unwilling to offend him, so they didn’t object much.

Furthermore, news arrived from the front lines that Huangfu Song had decisively defeated the Yellow Turban army at Guangzong, greatly pleasing the emperor. He thus approved Zu An’s request, not only releasing Lu Zhi without charge but also restoring him to his original position.

This incident, coupled with Zu An’s special talent, truly made him famous in Luoyang.

One day, Zu An, temporarily staying at Lu’s residence, was chatting with Ji Xiaoxi about what had happened during their separation when a cough sounded, and Lu Zhi had arrived.

Ji Xiaoxi blushed and stepped aside, while Zu An stepped forward

to greet him. Lu Zhi then said, “Prince Shi is hosting a banquet and specifically requested your presence. He probably wants to introduce his daughter, Diao Chan, to various young talents. You must seize the opportunity.”

“Diao Chan…” Zu An’s heart skipped a beat. This legendary beauty of the Three Kingdoms… he wondered if she was related to the true god.