Ji Qingwu’s heart tightened.

She looked at the handsome face that had suddenly appeared before her.

Before she could even react, Emperor Wu Su’s arms wrapped around her soft waist, making the silver tassels on her sash sway.

His gaze, intensely predatory, swept over her entire body before finally returning to her face.

Being scrutinized by him like that, Ji Qingwu couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. ’He must not know what I did today,’ she thought.

And indeed, Emperor Wu Su did not yet know.

Si Hai’s secret reports were delivered once a day. Since there was nothing urgent, today’s report had not yet reached him.

He asked first, "You rarely wear such vibrant colors. Why are you dressed so alluringly today?"

Ji Qingwu’s clothes were mostly plain or cyan; she had never dressed like this before.

She had received many compliments today, but hearing them from his lips felt entirely different.

It was as if a clear spring was bubbling up in her heart.

Ji Qingwu’s gaze shifted, and she lowered her eyes demurely. "It’s just an ordinary outfit. Nothing special." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Emperor Wu Su did not hold back his praise in the slightest. "Your beauty is extraordinary, your elegance unmatched in this generation."

Receiving such high praise from Your Majesty the Emperor, the spring in Ji Qingwu’s heart now seemed to be filled with sweet water.

Her lips, as delicate and vibrant as peach petals, held the faint trace of a smile, making her look utterly shy and captivating.

It seemed Ji Qingwu’s original plan to hide her feelings was now impossible to maintain in the slightest.

And Emperor Wu Su was even less able to hide his intentions.

He found that her slender waist could be encircled with a single palm, so his other hand moved elsewhere.

"Isn’t this neckline a bit too low?"

Though he said that, his hand gave it a little tug downward.

Ji Qingwu’s eyes went wide, and she was momentarily speechless. "In broad daylight, Your Majesty, you... you would..."

Emperor Wu Su retorted, "Does Ah Wu mean we must wait for a dark and stormy night?"

Ji Qingwu covered her gold-threaded bodice. "This is where Your Majesty handles official business. I shouldn’t disturb your peace."

"Peace?"

Emperor Wu Su looked down at her, his eyes narrowing. "When you walk into this hall dressed like that, what peace could you possibly leave for me?"

’How am I dressed?’ she thought. ’Besides, this dress isn’t indecent, nor is it some kind of see-through gauze.’

Ji Qingwu said, "How is this my fault for what I’m wearing? It’s entirely due to Your Majesty’s lack of self-control."

Hearing her seriously refute him, the Emperor hooked his index finger around the fingers she was using to cover herself and gave a gentle tug.

"Since you know my self-control is lacking, why wear this to seduce me? What are you trying to do?"

Ji Qingwu was left speechless, unable to argue. No matter what, it was her fault.

She couldn’t win an argument against him, so she could only pout her lips in dissatisfaction to show she felt wronged.

In the next instant, Emperor Wu Su leaned in, pressing down on her.

Ji Qingwu quickly dodged backward, her supple and slender waist bending back with ease.

Emperor Wu Su failed to steal a kiss and said in a deep voice, "What are you dodging for? Where do you think you can hide?"

The hall doors behind them were still wide open. Ji Qingwu bit her lip and said, "Your Majesty, what if someone outside sees us?"

Emperor Wu Su was unconcerned. "Who would dare to look?"

When others came for an audience with the Emperor, they could only raise their heads after hearing his permission. Who would dare to sneak a peek while passing by?

His hand moved from her waist, inch by inch, up to her back.

Ji Qingwu felt that strong, scorching hand supporting her, her entire body trapped within his control.

Even her breathing slowed as she saw that domineering, forceful kiss about to descend upon her.

The Emperor had spoken with far too much confidence. As it turned out, there was indeed someone at the door who dared to look.

Not only that, she barged right in.

Jiu Jiu stepped over the high threshold and walked straight inside.

Her small mouth called out urgently, "Mama!"

Li Yuzong followed behind, his head hanging low. He had only managed to placate the little master with sweet cakes for a short while.

Before long, she started crying out for her mama, and he had been unable to stop her, despite trying every trick in the book.

The only one to blame was Ji Qingwu, who was exceptionally beautiful today. Jiu Jiu missed her terribly and just wanted to stick close to her mama.

Emperor Wu Su had forgotten about her. With this troublesome little girl around, he had almost been caught. The expression on his face was a sight to behold.

It was rare for Ji Qingwu to see him look so frustrated. Suppressing a laugh, she called out, "Jiu Jiu, come to Mama."

’That’s my good girl.’

Just then, Little Dongzi appeared at the door. Master and apprentice exchanged a few quiet words, and Li Yuzong took the envelope he was handed.

As he entered the hall, he glanced at Ji Qingwu before quickly retreating as if something was chasing him.

Jiu Jiu was still clinging to Ji Qingwu, hugging her leg. She lifted her tender little face, shaking her head and giving her a sweet smile.

Emperor Wu Su was now completely sidelined. With nothing else to do, he picked up the letter Li Yuzong had presented.

He tore open the envelope, unfolded the paper, and glanced at it briefly.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew cold and heavy.

Children are sensitive to changes in their environment. Jiu Jiu’s smile vanished, and her expression grew tense.

Little Dongzi peeked his head in at the doorway, holding a plate of colorful sweet cakes.

Jiu Jiu hesitated, looking at her mama, then at the sweet cakes, and finally at the Emperor, who had a terrible look on his face.

Ji Qingwu met her eyes and said with a sense of foreboding, "Jiu Jiu, you wouldn’t..." ’...abandon your mama, would you?’

In the next moment, Jiu Jiu’s little legs carried her in a mad dash toward the hall entrance.

Ji Qingwu watched the little girl’s retreating back and sighed. ’What a good daughter, so perceptive. She just abandoned me here.’

From behind her came the command, "Close the red gate."

CREAK. The hall doors swung shut, and the light inside instantly dimmed.

After delivering the letter, Li Yuzong had been waiting behind the door, ready for this very command.

Ji Qingwu felt a familiar sensation on her neck. It was cool, but this time, it didn’t bring the same trembling apprehension as before.

It was just... her heart that quivered slightly.

At this critical moment, she even had the presence of mind to think with some relief, ’I’ve gotten used to this. I guess that counts as progress, doesn’t it?’

Emperor Wu Su’s voice returned to its cold and aloof tone.

"Come here."

Ji Qingwu suddenly recalled the first few times she had come to the Diligent Governance Hall. It seemed the Emperor had never been happy on any of those occasions.

She approached the dais with heavy steps.

Emperor Wu Su sat on the Dragon Chair and issued another command, "Come up here. Closer."

Ji Qingwu ascended the steps and walked gracefully to his side. She glanced at the letter on the large desk; it was a record of her words and actions from today.

Emperor Wu Su eyed her coldly. "Why aren’t you speaking? Have you nothing to say?"

Ji Qingwu said softly, "I have something to say."

The Emperor gave her a chance. "Then say it."

His simmering anger was difficult to look at. Although his teasing manner from before had been a bit infuriating, it was far better than this.

A glint flashed in Ji Qingwu’s eyes. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself.

Just as Emperor Wu Su thought he would finally hear her explanation...

The voluptuous and beautiful woman moved with light, graceful ease and fell directly into his arms.