Chapter 204: The Empress Caught in the Act, Enters the Battlefield of Jealousy (4)
Su Mengxi said nothing. She hurriedly grabbed Su Qing, who was leaning against the wall.
She pulled him in front of her, wrapped her arms around his waist, and hid behind him.
This utterly shameless, totally cowardly behavior left Su Qing even more helpless.
He could clearly feel those big, soft breasts behind him rubbing rhythmically against his back.
Obviously, she was offering him a little benefit, hoping he'd help explain things!
But... but what was there to explain? Just say you wanted to go out and have some fun!
Acting this shady only made things worse—now it looked suspicious even if it wasn't!
"What exactly are you two planning?"
The Imperial Beauty's gaze landed on Su Qing, clearly irritated.
"Taking Mother out to enjoy the common folk's life. Sister Qinglan, I should've informed you earlier."
"That was my mistake. Please punish me."
Su Qing admitted honestly, even taking the blame.
What could he do? It was his own mother—he couldn't just leave her hanging.
The Imperial Beauty had nothing to say to his sincerity.
"But if Mother goes out unannounced, she might run into danger."
"If you have time, Sister Qinglan, I think this trip would be much safer with you protecting her."
Su Qing continued.
Keeping the peace among the inner circle required fairness.
His invitation showed he treated them equally—he was willing to take them both out.
That way, there'd be no fighting.
The Imperial Beauty's eyes flickered at his words.
Whatever lingering irritation she had immediately vanished.
Was this... was he inviting me on a date?
Her heart began pounding, and she suddenly felt both flustered and uncertain.
Should she say yes? Would that make him arrogant?
If she didn't say yes, would he feel hurt?
Honestly, just having these thoughts meant she definitely wanted to go.
But her tsundere nature made her stubborn—she couldn't decide.
Just then, the long-silent system came back online.
"For an emperor, appropriately deepening relationships with favored ministers is a required skill..."
The mission released by the system made her decision easy.
If it's for a quest, then I guess I have no choice but to agree!
Yes, all for the sake of those reward points!
The tsundere empress comforted herself in her heart, easily convincing herself.
"Since you've said all that, for Mother's safety... I'll go with you."
The Imperial Beauty said in a composed tone.
Her expression had returned to calm, the earlier anger completely gone.
Now that the capital was firmly under control, letting her mother roam a bit wasn't an issue.
What bothered her earlier wasn't the act itself, but the fact that they tried to sneak around behind her back.
The three of them were often together—so why leave her out?
"Do you really mean that?"
Su Mengxi had somehow slid out from behind Su Qing, her eyes full of suspicion.
She entered full-on Detective Meow mode, her gaze sharp enough to pierce the soul.
"Mother, don't tell me... you didn't want me to come along?"
The Imperial Beauty's face flushed slightly, trying hard to play it cool.
Was she really supposed to spell out why she agreed?
"Of course not! Come, I'll help you change—if we're going out, we need to prepare properly."
"If someone recognizes you, the streets will be jam-packed. That'd ruin everything."
Su Mengxi didn't press her stubborn daughter further. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
How many years had it been since she last helped her daughter get dressed?
She'd grown up to be even more beautiful, but there was never a chance to help her.
Now the opportunity had landed in her lap—she wasn't letting it go!
So excited!
"Mother, this behavior... really lacks the dignity of an Empress Dowager."
"I can dress myself, you know. I don't need help."
The Imperial Beauty could already sense what was coming and tried to reject her.
She knew she was about to be turned into a dress-up doll—one with zero say in anything.
"That won't do. If you get recognized, today's trip is ruined."
Su Mengxi pulled her daughter straight into the dressing room.
Su Qing silently watched the scene unfold, unsure if he should go kill some time.
Everyone knew—when girls change clothes, it takes forever.
Moments later—
On a lively street in the capital, the three of them were already attracting attention.
The Imperial Beauty had dressed like the girl-next-door, her high ponytail swaying as she walked.
She carried a soft air of majesty and a heroic spirit that turned every head.
Though her outfit was ordinary and warm-toned, worn on her tall, striking figure, it radiated nobility.
Many passersby quickly stepped aside, not daring to block her path.
Meanwhile, Su Mengxi walked beside Su Qing with the gentle charm of a friendly housewife.
She wore a long white dress, her hair pinned up, paired with sheer dark stockings.
Among this trio, Su Qing stood in the middle, drawing countless envious stares.
Either of these stunning women would be a rare catch on her own—but both?
"Weren't we supposed to wear veils? Why are they gone now?"
Su Qing looked at the two women beside him, a bit confused.
"I haven't shown my face in public for ages. Only some ministers have seen my daughter."
"So walking around here is totally fine. Before, I was just trying to sneak out..."
Su Mengxi didn't finish—one glare from the Imperial Beauty shut her up.
She stuck out her tongue and fell silent.
The three had no particular destination—they wandered aimlessly.
When you're with someone important, it doesn't matter where you go—everything's beautiful.
Especially for two women who rarely left the palace, everything felt fresh and interesting.
Of course, they weren't truly amazed. Anything they wanted was delivered to them anyway.
If something interesting appeared, it'd be brought to them instantly.
At first, Su Mengxi played the gentle, elegant neighbor lady to perfection.
But after walking for a while, she couldn't resist revealing her true nature.
No need to keep up appearances—why pretend to be so proper?
As Su Qing walked over to buy snacks, the Empress Dowager trotted up beside her daughter.
She gave her a little poke and flashed a mysterious smile.
The Imperial Beauty: "..."