238: filthy

She frowned slightly.

Deciding to finish handling official business first.

When she had some free time, she would have a good talk with Shang Wan Ning to see what she was hiding from her.

Shang Wan Ning raised her delicate hand, her hair sliding down her fair neck. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, making a crisp sound.

"Ling Qi, is there really no problem with the Research Institute's budget?"

Ling Qi walked quickly to an empty chair in front of the desk and sat down, habitually pushing up the glasses on the bridge of her nose with her index finger.

"No problem. The Finance Department has verified it five times, and every expenditure is reasonable."

Shang Wan Ning's brows furrowed slightly as the Myriad Phenomena Pen in her hand spun nonchalantly between her fingers.

Her gaze was cold as she looked straight at Ling Qi. "AQi, take a record of this."

Ling Qi didn't dare to be slow and immediately took out a Jade Slip, preparing to record.

Shang Wan Ning's vermilion lips parted slightly. "Notify the Research Institute to resubmit a project plan. Require them to detail every expenditure to the extreme and provide a more detailed explanation of the expected results."

"I will transfer the budget to your account later. You will follow up on all projects in the Research Institute with full authority."

"If the proposal fails to meet the standards, send it back to be redone until it does."

Although the Empress valued the Research Institute's development prospects—after all, 80% of the armaments in the Ghost Soldier Legions currently came from factories under the Research Institute—

dead people were ultimately more useful than the living, just like cold tools that would never betray her.

She wasn't overly suspicious.

She just occasionally tripped some people up to make them clear about their status, lest some people lose their perspective and think the Underworld was good-tempered and easy to talk to.

She sometimes felt that some families were truly audacious.

They even dared to scheme against the Underworld, attempting to plant their own people.

Back when the Research Institute was first established, the Underworld lacked high-end technical talent and had no choice but to cooperate with the Special Affairs Bureau.

Those powerful Bettors were like hungry wolves, wishing they could stuff every functional department full.

If conditions hadn't forbidden it, even the family dogs would probably have been given a position in the Underworld's establishment.

Living people!!!

As long as they were alive, they couldn't escape the intricate web of social relations.

The Special Affairs Bureau was a razor-sharp blade in the Great Xia, as well as a shield for the people.

But no matter how powerful an organization was, it was inevitable that there would be a few high-ranking bad apples.

Fortunately, as soon as this trickery was discovered, it was suppressed by Shang Wan Ning and Niu Mengmeng working together.

Of course, this involved a fair share of bloody slaughter.

On Evil Dog Ridge, there were a few more wandering ghosts, and the Iron-Haired Dogs had a few more human head toys. They swayed in the yin wind, telling of past absurdities.

A hint of gratification appeared in Ling Qi's eyes.

Leaning forward slightly, she slid her left hand around Shang Wan Ning's waist, gently embracing her.

Shang Wan Ning felt a crisp, clean scent waft over her; it was Ling Qi's unique fragrance.

She seemed to enjoy this posture.

She adjusted her position slightly, snuggling more comfortably into the Empress's embrace. "Ba~by~, you're looking more and more like an Empress now."

This "Baby" made Shang Wan Ning's heart feel numb and tingly.

She was a bit unaccustomed to this atmosphere.

Especially when Ling Qi suddenly stared at her with that sense of gratification one has when watching a good daughter grow up.

〃∀〃

A blush rose to her cheeks.

Shang Wan Ning coughed lightly, trying to hide her embarrassment, then pushed Ling Qi away with feigned seriousness, saying, "Don't mess around, we still have serious business to attend to."

Ling Qi didn't let go as she wished.

Instead, she sat up with mock seriousness, one hand still resting on the Empress's waist, while her other leg quietly squeezed between her thighs.

"I couldn't restrain myself, because the thoughtful Your Majesty just now really made This servant's heart flutter... I want to do it..." Ling Qi's lips curled into a smirk as she teased.

Shang Wan Ning's face turned even redder.

She pursed her pale pink lips slightly, her expression constrained.

Not knowing what she had thought of, the indifference between her brows dissipated a bit.

"Wait a moment, okay? I didn't bring any props."

"Okay~"

Ling Qi withdrew her restless limbs.

Her temperament changed instantly, returning to her usual capable image as the Secretary-General.

She pushed up her glasses and said in a low, husky voice, "Your Majesty, the next item on the agenda."

Shang Wan Ning was momentarily stunned, greatly admiring Ling Qi's face-changing skills.

The Secretary-General calling her "Baby" made Shang Wan Ning extremely happy.

She just kept a solemn face, looking more serious. Inside, however, there was a chibi Empress dancing.

[Ahhh... Ling Qi praised me!]

[Even though she didn't explicitly say I'm a good Empress, I still feel all soft inside.]

Shang Wan Ning knew very well in her heart.

She was becoming more and more integrated into this world.

In the beginning, everything she did was just to save her own life, so she had to rack her brains to complete the tasks given by that crappy system.

At that time, she always looked at Mercury from the perspective of an outsider.

She was somewhat indifferent to what happened here and didn't have many feelings about it.

But now, the situation was completely different—she genuinely wanted to seek some benefits for the Ghost Messengers who had always been loyal to her.

So that they could live better lives.

Ling Qi cleared her throat. "Regarding the successful establishment of the Tier 3 Legion, Niu Mengmeng and Ma Sanqiang have applied for forty billion incense offerings, hoping these can serve as extra subsidies for the Ghost Soldiers."

Shang Wan Ning's expression was somewhat resentful as she massaged her Shangquan acupoint with a headache.

Mengmeng and Sanqiang had always been reliable.

The successful establishment of the Tier 3 Legion indeed deserved some rewards for the Ghost Soldiers, but forty billion incense offerings was no small amount.

"AQi, how are the Ghost Domain's military budget reserves currently?"

After quickly checking the Jade Slip, Ling Qi said, "The Ghost Domain's military budget reserves are currently quite sufficient. Although taking out forty billion will reduce the reserves, it won't be a major blow."

Shang Wan Ning nodded and said domineeringly, "In that case, I approve."

"Tell Niu Mengmeng and Ma Sanqiang to make good use of these incense offerings to improve the Ghost Soldiers' strength. If they achieve another great feat next time, I will have more rewards."

Ling Qi recorded the instructions, then added another point.

"Your Majesty, small groups of Ghost King forces have been restless around the East Sea recently, seemingly with intentions to invade."

Shang Wan Ning's eyes sharpened, and she became interested.

"Pass down the order to strengthen patrols in the surrounding areas. If any evil entities invade, kill them without mercy."

"And remember to loot the spoils clean. Even with a large business, one must manage the household thriftily."

Ling Qi's lips curled up, revealing a faint smile. "Alright, I'll give Mengmeng a few private tips."

Shang Wan Ning snorted softly. "Hmph ╯^╰, the Underworld has a large business, but we can't squander it recklessly."