Fengming Pavilion.
Symbolizing the phoenix’s cry reaching the heavens and ruling the world, but ever since the Empress ascended the throne, she has never once resided here in the past three years.
For the first two and a half years, she was always in the Minister’s Office, the Golden Throne Hall, and the Hanlin Academy, tirelessly working to reform the previous dynasty’s flawed systems and unify the Wilderness. After her marriage, she commuted daily to the Taiji Hall, leaving this nominal emperor’s bedchamber unoccupied.
“When did Liuli enter the palace? Why didn’t she tell me? Did she come after I left?”
“At that time, I hadn’t even negotiated with the Empress. How could she be so confident that I would agree to her terms?”
Meng Qingzhou muttered to himself as he walked, filled with doubts.
Su Qingqiu wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, silently cursing. Why did Her Majesty insist on her accompanying them? The current situation was more terrifying than the saying “accompanying a monarch is like accompanying a tiger.” She had to be on edge constantly, fearing she might say the wrong thing.
She also had to run around, covering up any gaps in Her Majesty’s words. Just now, she had lied to the Empress’ Husband, saying she was going to the restroom, but in reality, she was helping the Empress change clothes and set up the Fengming Pavilion, then hurriedly rushed back.
She envied Wu Die and the God King, who did nothing and still received their salaries…
“Her Majesty has long known about the lady’s hidden illness and probably guessed that the master rushed to the Imperial Capital for this reason, hence her confidence.”
“That makes sense.”
At this moment, the female court official leading the way turned around and said coldly, “We have arrived at Fengming Pavilion. Please proceed as you wish.”
Meng Qingzhou nodded slightly, bypassed the female court official blocking the way, and walked towards Fengming Pavilion.
Suddenly.
A hand grabbed Meng Qingzhou’s collar. He turned back, puzzled, and asked, “Is there something else?”
The female court official took out a brush, her attitude arrogant and distant, and said calmly, “Non-officials of the Great Jin Dynasty entering the Empress’ bedchamber must sign and leave their name.”
Meng Qingzhou was surprised, “Is there such a rule?”
Back when he was an official in the Great Jin, he served as the Minister of Rites and was well-versed in palace regulations, but he didn’t remember this one.
“A recently added regulation,” the female court official replied.
“Alright, where do I sign?” Meng Qingzhou took the brush, holding it in mid-air.
The female court official’s beautiful eyes sparkled. She lifted her skirt, stretched it out flat, and held it up in front of Meng Qingzhou, “Sign on my skirt.”
Meng Qingzhou’s face turned dark: …
So, she wanted an autograph.
Turns out she was a Sword Saint fan.
After Meng Qingzhou swiftly signed his name, the female court official finally waved her hand in satisfaction, “You may enter.”
The female court official watched as Meng Qingzhou pushed open the door to Fengming Pavilion. Unable to suppress her excitement, she held her skirt, lovingly caressing the powerful strokes of the three characters, imbued with sword sense.
“I must hurry home and keep this dress forever.”
…
…
Fengming Pavilion.
Dongfang Liuli shed her crimson dragon robe and changed into a light, transparent gauze dress. Her beautiful legs were wrapped in flesh-colored silk stockings, and her long red hair was tied into a high ponytail. Her eyes were cold and abstinent, like a graceful female Sword Immortal fallen to the mortal world, both forbidden and alluring…
Splash…
Her slender jade legs stepped into the pool, the water surface floating with cold steam. Her small, delicate feet curled slightly, seemingly chilled.
“This thousand-year cold pool, infused with the essence of the sun and moon, is a treasure among Emperor Grades. I once used this pool to break through to Moon Glow and seize the throne of the Great Jin.”
“And thus, I contracted a cold illness…”
“I suppose using this Emperor Grade cold pool as a pretense, Qingzhou won’t suspect. Hmm… not right, Qingzhou has too many mysterious abilities. I can’t let him touch the pool water, or he’ll surely find out.”
Dongfang Liuli slowly immersed her graceful figure into the water. The cold pool gradually covered her shoulders, her long hair spreading out in the water like blooming red spider lilies, enchanting and beautiful.
Knock, knock, knock…
The knocking sound echoed, as if striking Dongfang Liuli’s heart, making her tremble slightly.
“Liuli, is that you inside?” Meng Qingzhou’s gentle voice came through.
Dongfang Liuli’s heart pounded like a little rabbit, her emotions in turmoil. After several deep breaths, she managed to calm down a bit and softly replied, “Yes.”
“Then I’m coming in. I’m very worried about you and want to check on you personally.”
With that, the door to Fengming Pavilion was pushed open. A figure, backlit by the sun, appeared, casting a long shadow into the room, covering Dongfang Liuli’s stunned face.
Tap, tap, tap…
Meng Qingzhou released his sword sense, locating Dongfang Liuli in the room, and walked towards her step by step.
“Don’t… I’m not ready yet…” Dongfang Liuli’s face turned crimson, half of it submerged in the water, blowing bubbles, her shy eyes fixed on him.
After all, she was just an inexperienced girl, unaccustomed to such situations.
Though not naked, her current attire was even more revealing, utterly… utterly embarrassing.
‘It’s all Qingqiu’s fault, insisting that time was tight and giving me this outfit,’ Dongfang Liuli silently complained.
While she was lost in thought, Meng Qingzhou had already reached the poolside, about to squat down and touch the water, seemingly wanting to check it.
“Qingzhou!”
Splash!
Dongfang Liuli was so startled that she broke through the water surface, standing up.
“What’s wrong?” Meng Qingzhou asked, puzzled, unconsciously retracting his hand, concerned.
Ugh…
Dongfang Liuli realized her situation, quickly covered her chest, lowered her head, her eyes moving up to stare at Meng Qingzhou, feeling so embarrassed she wanted to bash her head against the pool’s edge.
A dignified ruler, a potential unifier of the Wilderness, was now so flustered. It was too shameful!
“I… missed you.” Dongfang Liuli’s mind raced, unable to think of a suitable excuse. In a moment of desperation, she threw herself into Meng Qingzhou’s arms, hugging his waist tightly.
“Hey, what?” Meng Qingzhou opened his arms, stunned, feeling the warmth in his embrace and the soft sensation that tugged at his heartstrings, momentarily freezing.
The thin gauze dress barely provided any sensation, allowing him to feel Dongfang Liuli’s graceful body without any hindrance.
Though they often referred to each other as husband and wife, they had never consummated their relationship. This was a first for Meng Qingzhou.
And in such an unexpected situation.
“Couldn’t bear to be apart for half a day?” Meng Qingzhou regained his composure, smiling as he patted her back.
“Yes, so when the Empress sent her people to bring me to the palace, I came straight away, wanting… to see you.” Dongfang Liuli bit her red lips, clinging tightly to Meng Qingzhou’s waist, disregarding her imperial dignity, wanting to savor this moment of happiness.
Because of a beautiful accident, their relationship took a step forward, even though neither was prepared.
…
…
[Thanks to users and icegdeorp for their recognition, and many thanks to all the supporters. Kneeling in gratitude!]
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