The council chamber was lively with discussion as Zhang Lian and her ministers talked about putting the new policies into effect.
After cultivators placed the kingdom's past wealth in the Kingdom treasury and gave Zhnag Lian authority to it, now Zhnag Lian and her ministers discussed how to best utilize the available resources to increase the popularity of these policies.
They also talked about how to put policies into place so that the public will accept them, with special attention to how Zhang Lian's decision to take concubines and have children would strongly support the laws that encourage large families and high birth rates.
With seriousness in his voice, one minister stated, "We have to make sure that the people know what the queen wants." "Her actions will set an example for all citizens, showing them the importance of contributing to the kingdom's future."
A second minister gave a nod of approval. Many will be motivated to do the same by the thoughts that the queen is setting an example for others."
Zhang Lian paid close attention and occasionally. After a few hours, the ministers emerged from the chamber to get to work with a clear plan in place.
Later,
She returned to her royal chambers, her two guards, Gou Liang and Wei Jun, following closely after..
The stroll was peaceful, and the gentle afternoon light filled the palace's rooms. Upon reaching her chamber, the guard around her unlocked the door and bowed in her direction. After she was finished, they carefully shut the door behind her, letting her remain alone in her room.
With a heavy sigh of relief, Zhang Lian went to the mirror on one side of the room. She was ready to get rid of the formality that came with her status, but her reflection revealed the weight of the decisions made that day.
She started taking off her jewels. She began with the large earrings, setting them down on a little silver tray she had on her dressing table. She then undid the necklace that was hanging around her neck, placing it next to the earrings.
Her fingers went to her hands' rings, taking them off one at a time and putting them with the rest of her jewelry.
At last, Zhang Lian lifted her hand to take out the hairpins holding her long white hair in place and set them on the tray.
Zhang Lian approached her bed after taking off all of her jewelry. With a sigh of relief, she fell upon her bed, stretching out and losing herself in its softness. Her blue eyes briefly closed as she whispered, "Finally, I'm free." In a semi-joking tone, she continued, "These clothes suck."
The cat, who had been close by, said upon hearing her comments. "Nya, then why don't you wear some casual clothes?" With a curious twist of its head, it made a suggestion.
Zhang Lian shook her head and opened her eyes. "It is not possible for now at least," she thoughtfully answered. "Do people think I'm the queen even if I dress casually and don't have a serious expression? Would I still be taken seriously by them?"
With another groan, she turned over on her back. "This is just a way to create an aura around myself, to influence others."
Cat nodded in understanding
Zhnag Lian then said, "I've always liked tattoos in my past life, but it seems like no one here has them," she pondered out loud as she laid there. Later on, I'll have to urge the ministers to look into this, and create tattoos which don't go off."
Cat spoke up. "Do you want to get tattoos, host?" "System has amazing tattoos, especially for cultivator's, They are also upgradeable.
Zhang Lian immediately became interested. Her blue eyes glowed with curiosity as she turned to face the cat. "Oh system has tattoos too?"
She came into the seating position right away, show me quickly," she said, at fast speed.
The cat nodded and began to bring up the system interface, eager to show its host the various possibilities available for improving her body with powerful, mystical tattoos that would not only look amazing but also grant her new skills.
Its eyes narrowed with focus as it got ready to activate the system. Forces, and a gentle hum filled the air causing the room to slowly dim. Zhang Lian was suddenly faced with a brilliant, translucent screen full of markings and symbols. The interface of the system was now active.
With a movement of its paw, the screen changed, and a series of options appeared. The cat began searching through the shop, its movements were swift
/ [ System: Baby Making System
Shop: Tattoo
Energy Absorption Tattoo (!)
- Boosts energy absorption by 10%.
- Appearance: A tattoo that forms a spiraling vortex and glows slightly. It begins on the stomach around the dantain area.
- Can be upgraded.
- Price: 10 NP
Attack Power Tattoo (!)
- Increases attack power by 10%.
- Appearance: a tattoo that looks like a lightning bolt striking from the wrist to the shoulder.
- Can be upgraded.
- Price: 10 NP
Defense Tattoo (!)
- Increases defense by 10%.
- Appearance: a tattoo that crosses the chest like a barrier made of shields.
- Can be upgraded.
- Price: 10 NP
Speed Tattoo (!)
- Increases speed by 10%.
- Appearance: a tattoo that gives the impression of continuous motion that spiral around the legs.
- Can be upgraded.
- Price: 10 NP ] /
The cat had found the section it was looking for. The screen displayed a list of tattoos, each one glowing faintly with its own unique energy.
Zhang Lian leaned forward, her eyes filled with curiosity. She studied the tattoos carefully, her mind racing with possibilities. Each tattoo offered not only a striking visual design but also a benefit that could enhance her abilities. The cat looked up at her.
"Nya, what do you think, Host?" With joy in its voice, the cat inquired. "These tattoos have the potential to increase your strength, speed, and power. The best feature is that NP allows you to upgrade them."
With curious eyes, Zhang Lian's fingers moved over the system screen. She whispered, "They're amazing," and was already deciding which tattoo would look best on her.
Zhang Lian sighed , "I'll need to consider which one to choose in the future as these are very expensive for me now." "But this… this is definitely something I want, her voice filled with determination."
...
The cat said, "Host, that's why it's important to give birth to the babies quickly."
Then, it added, "You can also place them on your body to see how you'll look. Let me show you your hologram."
The hologram flickered into view, and Zhnag Lian was amazed at the new feature. "Oh, a hologram feature? I didn't know the system had this," the host remarked.
The cat nodded, "Yes, the system offers many features to your needs. Feel free to explore them."
Sensing her curiosity, the cat waves its paw in the air, bringing up a new screen, next to the tattoo screen. Zhang Lian's current stats were shown on this screen as a holographic diagram of a human, clearly displaying her physical characteristics.
/ [ System: Baby Making System
Name: Zhang Lian
O (Head)
/|\ (Arms and Body)
/ \ (Legs)
Strength: 1
O
|
|
/ \
HP: 2
O
|
|
/ \
Stamina: 2
O
|
|
/ \
Speed: 2
O
|
|
/ \
] \
Instantly, the holographic image of Zhnag Lian—bare and bald—appears, with thin lines denoting various features of her body and powers. With its body divided into portions that corresponded to various stats, the figure stood in a neutral position. The dim glow in each region indicated Zhang Lian's current skill level.
- Strength: 1
- HP (Health Points): 2
- Stamina: 2
- Speed: 2
The cat tapped one of the holographic sections with its paw, making it momentarily shift and shimmer. "See, Host? You can drag the tattoos from this panel onto your hologram body to see how they will look."
Zhang Lian examined the hologram with a puzzled and little angry expression. "Why am I naked, and where's my hair? I look strange being bald."
The cat moved its head, slightly. "This is just your body as it looks without any modifications from outside sources. Your naked form is reflected in the hologram."
Zhang Lian nodded, calming down a Little
"Host, you see this hologram?" the cat began, its voice. "You can check how you look with each tattoo and you can also customize the design, and place it anywhere on your body. Unlike normal tattoos, which could fade over time, these are permanent."
Zhang Lian expressed interest right away, asking whether you had a design available or if I would have to make one.
The cat moved its paw across the screen to expose a range of tattoo designs, then answered, "No, these are available in the system."
–––
/[System: Baby Making System
Shop: Tattoo Designs
1. [Dragon Design - 1 NP]
2. [Phoenix Design - 1 NP]
3. [TurtleDesign-1NP]
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. [Fox Design -1Np]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀etc. ]\
Zhang Lian frowned, pointing at the holographic price tag. "Why is this 1 NP? Shouldn't it be free?"
The cat flicked its black tail & red wings and calmly explained, "No, Host. This tattoo will actually merge with your special tattoos to give them design and color. While they don't offer any additional effects, you won't need to upgrade them, and you can place them anywhere on your body. The size can also be adjusted."
Zhang Lian's finger hovered over the hologram, her brow furrowing deeper as the cat continued,
"However, keep in mind host, these adjustments are one-time only. If you want to resize or change the design or color later, it will cost you another point."
Zhang Lian let out a deep sigh, her shoulders bent over in frustration. She murmured, "Fine, close this now," and waved her hand seriously at the hologram.
"Not even enough points exist for me to begin Cultivation. How am I going to pay for everything?"
"I still need to get that bag in order to keep my stomach from growing." as she turned to look at the cat. "Damn it, cat, why is everything so expensive in the system?"
The cat simply blinked, its orange eyes wide with innocence and he quickly went into the system screen as if seeking refuge. "I didn't put this price!" it hurriedly said.
Zhang Lian, in irritation, threw herself onto the bed. A mixture of annoyance and tiredness could be seen on her face as she glanced up at the ceiling after landing, making a low sound and while spreading her arms wide.
She let out a short breath, blowing hair out of her eyes, and her legs hung over the edge of the bed.
Zhang Lian was lying there, deep in concentration, her thoughts running over the never-ending list of things she had to get done. A few minutes later, a sudden thing came to her mind. "Oh shit I forgot!" she exclaimed, quickly stood up.
She hurried to the door after hurriedly adjusting her outfit, making small, exact adjustments to smooth out the wrinkles.
She opened the door and noticed two guards standing outside, their shoulders stopping in recognition of her presence. The guards had changed; they were not the same as before.
They bowed at once, "Your Highness," greeting each other with a steady, polite voice. Zhang Lian responded with a nod. She said, "Call Bai Dia here."
One of the guards nodded. "Yes, Your Highness," he said, bowing his head in response as he turned to meet her request.
The maids would normally be waiting inside her room in the morning, alert to the tiniest sound of the bell. But since the maids were too busy during the day doing other things, she had to send a guard to get them, because the room is almost soundproof.
Zhang Lian gave them command, then went inside her room and shut the door as she waited for Bai.
Flying in the air, the cat moved its tail and murmured "Nya." It moved its head, its eyes going somewhat narrower. "Why did you call the maid, Host?"
Zhang Lian turned to face the cat and smiled. In response, she said slowly with an evil smile, "You'll find out soon enough."