Chapter 86: Your Majesty Is Right Outside, Isn't This Inappropriate? (4)
It took great effort to regain her composure, but once again, her face flushed red.
She touched her burning cheeks and felt embarrassed by her reaction.
It was undoubtedly due to the lingering influence of the earlier scene.
That shameless traitor—engaging in such acts in the bathhouse! Truly despicable!
"What are you thinking about? You seem quite preoccupied."
As this voice rang out, a pair of mischievous hands silently crept up behind her.
Then, a soft, supple sensation pressed against the Empress's back.
The familiar mature body left no doubt about its owner. The Empress sighed slightly and restrained the wandering hands.
The two highest authorities of the Southern Dynasty were now engaged in a moment of secret intimacy.
Judging by their practiced ease, this was clearly not the first time.
"Daughter, you seem troubled. Do you need your mother to enlighten you?"
Su Mengxi whispered into her daughter's ear.
The Empress remained silent.
She had always been adept at making the best choices in any situation. When it came to state matters, she had unparalleled experience.
But with issues like this, she truly didn't know what to do.
That didn't mean she was going to confide in Su Mengxi—she had no intention of discussing these matters with anyone.
"Let me guess... there's only one thing that could make you look like this."
"Even someone like you can't escape the troubles of love."
The Empress's mother, oblivious to the atmosphere, bluntly pointed out the problem.
"Utter nonsense!"
The Empress finally snapped, lowering her voice.
"You and I both know whether it's nonsense. My daughter has been acting rather sentimental lately."
"Have you taken a liking to someone? Not sure what to do about it? I can offer guidance!"
Su Mengxi smirked playfully.
She was entirely unfazed by the dangerous glint in the Empress's eyes, instead adding fuel to the fire.
After all, opportunities like this didn't come often!
"Ridiculous. I determined my ambitions long ago."
"I will be a ruler for the ages, bringing an end to chaos. How could anyone capture my interest?"
The Empress countered with a proud tone.
"Oh, is that so?"
Su Mengxi's gaze grew intrigued.
That haughty denial only made her want to tease even more.
"Naturally."
The Empress's voice was firm.
"Fine, let's not talk about romantic feelings. Have you ever had someone linger in your thoughts?"
"Someone you find yourself thinking about often? Someone whose absence for too long makes you uneasy?"
The Empress instinctively thought of someone—her trusted subject.
He fit the description perfectly.
But… that was merely concern for a younger brother. There was nothing more to it!
"I believe you already have the answer, even if you won't say it."
"My poor daughter has only ever interacted with one man. No one else compares."
Su Mengxi chuckled like a fox.
The Empress remained silent, refusing to comment, making her stance clear.
Su Mengxi, however, didn't press the issue further.
She simply turned and left, already planning for the next day.
—
The next morning.
Summoned by the Empress Dowager, Su Qing once again entered the White Jade Pavilion.
Their meeting took place in the rear garden, specifically beside the fish pond.
When he arrived, he saw that the 'fishing master' had been waiting for some time.
Well, calling her that might be a bit disrespectful—it would be more proper to say the esteemed Empress Dowager had been waiting.
The voluptuous beauty sat gracefully, her luxurious gown accentuating her regal aura.
Her wavy red hair cascaded behind her, an effortlessly fashionable look.
Her stunning face bore a pair of gentle eyes that seemed capable of embracing all.
But unlike Yun Rong's pure kindness, Su Mengxi's gentleness carried the wisdom of a ruler's mother.
She could see through everything yet accept everything, exuding an air of reliability.
Her flawless figure stretched the fabric of her gown to its limits, and her delicate hands held a fishing rod.
She was, without a doubt, an enchanting sight.
Yet, the only flaw in this picturesque moment was the stern expression on her face.
Her mesmerizing eyes were fixed on the water's surface, waiting for a fish to take the bait.
"Mother, if you're fishing, why aren't you using a hook?"
Su Qing glanced at the water, puzzled.
Su Mengxi never needed a hook to catch fish, but making such an amateur mistake seemed unlikely.
"Who says you need a hook to fish? The willing ones will bite."
Su Mengxi turned, her words carrying a deeper meaning.
She scrutinized Su Qing with interest, a hint of sentimentality in her gaze.
The once small child had truly grown into a charming young man, capable of stirring the hearts of women.
No wonder her daughter found herself in such a predicament.
A faint sense of pride welled up in her chest.
After all, this was someone she had raised.
Casually placing her fishing rod aside, she spread her arms toward Su Qing.
Su Qing: "…"
He sighed helplessly and walked forward, allowing himself to be pulled into an embrace.
As always, the powerful embrace left him breathless, though the sensation wasn't unpleasant.
"Today, I'm testing a new fishing technique. Qing, you'll help me, won't you?"
"With your assistance, I'm sure the fish will come easily!"
Su Mengxi spoke in a soft tone.
After saying that, she released him and pulled out a cushion she had prepared in advance.
As Su Qing watched in confusion, she lifted her skirt slightly and patted her lap.
Beneath the gown, a pair of silk-clad, voluptuous legs came into view.
Su Qing was momentarily stunned by the sight.
Before he could react, she had already taken his hand and guided him down.
His head landed against her thighs, the soft sensation overwhelming him.
His vision went dark—not because of the sky, but because of something much closer.
Even the Empress Dowager's face was completely out of view!
Su Mengxi seemed pleased, holding the fishing rod in one hand while gently patting Su Qing's head with the other.
Suddenly, the water rippled—a fish had taken the bait!
But as expected, without a hook, reeling it in was impossible.
Even with luck, the Empress Dowager remained empty-handed.
"Oh dear, what a pity… so close."
She sighed regretfully.
At the same time, she lightly rubbed Su Qing's face, as if venting her frustration.
Su Qing: "…"
Close? Seriously?
"Qing, what do you think of my daughter?"
Su Mengxi asked casually.
Fishing was merely a pastime—this was the real topic of interest.