Chapter 85: Your Majesty Is Right Outside, Isn't This Inappropriate? (3)
"Finished bathing?" the Empress asked, her face unreadable.
She had already composed herself, considering how best to punish this insolent subject.
"What is Your Majesty thinking? Why does your expression seem so strange?"
A faint smile played on Su Qing's lips as he spoke.
The moment he had opened the door, he had known—this imperial beauty had definitely seen something.
Her expression might have remained as composed as ever, but the flush on her cheeks betrayed her.
To avoid any potential trouble, he decided to turn the tables.
"You impudent subject! Since when do you have the right to question me? Do I owe you an explanation?"
The Empress's tone carried a hint of guilt.
Hearing this, Su Qing was now certain she had witnessed quite a lot.
Just as he was about to press further, she unexpectedly spoke first.
"Shenyue, if he bullies you, just let me know. I will see to it personally!"
The Empress turned her gaze toward Shenyue, who had been trying her best to shrink into the background.
"Huh? I... No, he didn't..."
Shenyue stammered, unable to meet her mistress's gaze.
If anything, what had just happened could absolutely be considered bullying.
Yet, the tamed beauty had no intention of exposing Su Qing.
Even though her lie was transparent, her attitude made her stance clear.
The Empress: "..."
She stared at her former bodyguard, momentarily speechless.
Had she really lost her charm so quickly? Shenyue had only just left her side, and she was already choosing another over her?
This treacherous subject—his methods were truly limitless!
Feeling indignant, the Empress was about to press further, but Su Qing had other plans.
Without warning, he suddenly stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
"You insolent subject! What do you think you're doing?!"
The Empress's voice rang out in a sharp reprimand.
She remained still, yet her body tensed imperceptibly. Her unshakable composure wavered slightly.
Was he really about to take liberties with her?
"Your Majesty, do not be alarmed. I merely have crucial intelligence to report."
Su Qing grasped the Empress's arm, leaning in toward her stunning yet visibly unsettled face.
"Speak," she commanded coldly.
There was no actual need to get this close. There were no prying ears around.
And yet, she permitted the closeness without complaint.
Su Qing, granted this opportunity, deliberately lowered his voice to a whisper beside her ear.
He explained the phenomenon from earlier, disclosing details about the [Nine Lives Celestial Silkworm Art] without reservation.
The Empress felt an unusual warmth in her ear.
She struggled to maintain her usual indifference, barely managing to focus on his words.
By the time he had finished, she had a clear grasp of the situation.
"Your Majesty, the [Nine Lives Celestial Silkworm Art] is an extraordinary technique. You might even be able to use it."
Su Qing's voice carried an invitation.
If she desired it, he would offer the divine technique without hesitation.
After all, wasn't it said that staying close to power ensured one's own success?
"Keep it for yourself. I have no interest."
The Empress shook her head.
The [Nine Lives Celestial Silkworm Art] was indeed a remarkable technique, but she was unmoved.
Her cultivation path was already well-established. Even among the Seven Legends, she remained unimpressed.
Her concern had never been about acquiring the technique herself, but rather about preventing any unforeseen disruptions.
Since it was now in Su Qing's hands, there was no cause for alarm. He could keep it as a life-saving tool.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Su Qing had anticipated this answer, so he wasn't surprised.
"Thank? Treacherous subject, have you forgotten how far you've overstepped today?"
"You dared to visit such a place, and with company no less! Who gave you such audacity?"
"Finding the White Jade Pavilion dull, so you sought amusement elsewhere?"
"And offending so many people at once—are you expecting me to clean up after you?"
The Empress's face darkened as she pieced things together.
She wasted no time in reaching out, gripping his face tightly.
Even if the end result had been beneficial, the fact remained—he had gone to such a place.
Did this insolent subject not realize she wouldn't tolerate such behavior?
Furthermore, he had practically looted every influential figure aboard that pleasure boat.
Even if none of them dared to formally accuse him, they would surely harbor grudges and plot their revenge.
The thought made her grip tighten unconsciously.
"Your Majesty, I acted entirely to save them. I simply needed an excuse to drive them away."
"That highly sought-after courtesan? She was actually a demonic woman from the [Heavenly Demon Sect]!"
Su Qing wore an innocent expression.
Had he not intervened, the highest bidder would have met a grim fate.
"The [Heavenly Demon Sect]?"
The Empress hesitated slightly, her gaze sharpening in thought.
"Indeed. In fact, the entire sect was using her to extend an offer of cooperation. I did not accept."
"That demoness was docile with me, but with those other men? Who knows."
"To protect them, I had no choice but to take on this burden, even if it meant being misunderstood."
As he spoke, Su Qing felt his own sense of virtue rising ever higher.
Even if others didn't understand, he would bear this unjust reputation for the sake of the greater good.
The Empress stared at him, momentarily speechless.
Was he expecting her to reward him now?
"Your Majesty, you know me well. I was there solely for official business, nothing else."
"My unwavering loyalty is evident. All I ask is for you to be pleased with my efforts!"
Su Qing seized the moment to grasp her delicate hand, his expression brimming with sincerity.
"Silver-tongued rogue."
The Empress spat out the words disdainfully.
She turned abruptly, striding away.
But her steps were quicker than usual, betraying her uncharacteristic fluster.
Only when she finally returned to the White Jade Pavilion did she let out a deep breath.
That fleeting contact had shaken her.
The once familiar young man had grown dangerously bold.
And worse, she couldn't shake the feeling that he might make a move on her at any moment…
What was he planning?!