Chapter 37 A Kiss from His Majesty

Chapter 37: A Kiss from His Majesty

A Wu knew that although the man seemed to ask casually, if she answered poorly, all her efforts might come to nothing.

Serving the emperor is like riding a tiger—this was no idle saying.

She blinked her eyes and looked at the Jingxi Emperor: "Your Majesty knows best about A Wu's... scandalous flight, doesn't He?"

Though the Jingxi Emperor wore a smile, it didn't reach his eyes.

A Wu ingratiatingly rubbed her cheek against the back of the man's hand and whispered, "Didn't A Wu... run away with Your Majesty...?"

Her silken cheeks brushed against him intermittently, pitiful and docile.

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his eyelids and said coolly, "Stop talking nonsense. Who ran away with you? Explain in detail—how did you escape from Yanxiang Taoist Temple?"

A Wu murmured, "Just... ran away, kept running... and escaped..."

The Jingxi Emperor leisurely pressed on: "Tell me, what about that Nie fellow? Didn't he come to rescue you last night?"

Her past misdeeds were numerous, one after another, too many to count.

A Wu: "Your Majesty, Her Majesty misunderstood! First, about last night—A Wu was in such a daze and didn't even know who was who. If you ask me, I should be asking those guards whether they colluded with Nie Qianpei! As if ready to swear on her life."

Yet the Jingxi Emperor chuckled: "Those who came to your aid last night were the Empress's personal guards. You didn't know?"

At these words, A Wu's blood ran cold.

So... the Jingxi Emperor knew?

What... exactly did He know?

The Jingxi Emperor said meaningfully, "Hmm? Care to explain?"

A Wu was terrified, but her expression grew even more aggrieved: "Wouldn't it be better to ask Her Majesty or those armed men? Why question a helpless woman like me... How would I know?!"

The Jingxi Emperor: "Then what about the scandalous flight?"

A Wu grew even more pitiful: "A Wu committed no such disgrace! If I'd had any man's help, how could I have ended up in such a state?!"

The Jingxi Emperor studied her impassively.

A Wu felt guilty.

The Jingxi Emperor let out a measured sigh: "You're still young, without much sense, ignorant of many things, and now bound to Us in this manner. Even if you were used by others, We wouldn't blame you."

A Wu listened in confusion, but had an inkling that He might suspect some connection between her and the Empress's faction. Yet it seemed He hadn't guessed Lu Yunjian's involvement.

But... such things couldn't be admitted. To confess would mean being labeled a spy, a pawn in the power struggle Between Their Majesties.

She could only say, "A Wu is truly at a loss."

The Jingxi Emperor raised His hand and stroked her hair: "As the Heavenly Emperor, none have ever presumed so with Us. A Wu, from the moment you first appeared before Us, We have indulged you beyond measure. Do you understand?"

His voice was warm and pleasant, yet laced with steel.

A Wu replied respectfully, "A Wu understands."

Had it been anyone else, her actions would’ve been killed ten thousand times over.

Jingxi Emperor: "When I left you in Nanqiongzi before, it was due to various considerations—"

As he spoke, he felt a flicker of emotion.

He did care for her—deeply. A fondness unlike anything he had ever known, holding her so tightly he couldn’t bear to let go. It was all too unfamiliar to him, even frightening, so he had resolved to cast her aside ruthlessly.

He paused, changing the subject, and instead murmured gently, "A Wu, in this world, if there is one person who can protect you, it can only be me."

A Wu looked up at him—his stern features softened with tenderness, his pale eyes warm with affection. The way he gazed at her was filled with love, and she nearly melted under it.

She was being bewitched by this man.

So she whispered, "A Wu trusts Your Majesty completely. A Wu’s whole future is in Your hands."

Jingxi Emperor: "Good. Be good now. Tell me what happened. Those who wronged you—I’ll make sure they suffer for it."

He spoke gently, "Even if you did something wrong, I wouldn’t hold it against you. You’re young and easily tricked by scoundrels."

A Wu: "Yes, A Wu didn’t know any better. All the bad things were done by others!"

Jingxi Emperor: "Good. Now, begin."

A Wu hesitated, "A Wu isn’t sure how to begin..."

Jingxi Emperor suggested, "Start from the flood in your hometown."

A Wu thought for a moment, then nodded lightly. She spoke of her father and brothers lost at sea, of pirates, of her mother’s death from illness. Tears spilled as she told her sad tale.

Jingxi Emperor’s strong arm encircled her slender waist, and he took a silk handkerchief to wipe her tears.

He comforted her gently, like soothing a hurt child, occasionally asking a question or two.

A Wu then spoke of fleeing the disaster, of how the neighbor’s brother had disappeared.

At this, her voice broke, "We were supposed to marry, but then we got separated."

A tear hung on her lashes, then fell.

Jingxi Emperor frowned, "Enough. That’s not important."

A Wu nodded but still dwelt on her yearning for the neighbor’s brother—how she searched for him, how she later encountered the Crown Prince. She glossed over her time with the Crown Prince before recounting her suffering in Yanxiang Temple, the daily suffering she went through.

Jingxi Emperor’s face darkened as he listened but remained silent.

Finally, A Wu mentioned Nie San, describing how he had deliberately seduced her. She even added pointedly, "A Wu still has some gold buried on the mountain. I must dig it up."

She looked at Jingxi Emperor, "Your Majesty, that’s all A Wu has left..."

She had spilled almost everything!

Yet Jingxi Emperor suddenly sneered, "So, the moment you left the Crown Prince’s residence, some lowly guard sweet-talked you, and you just fell for it? Were you really that easy?"

A Wu gasped, shocked by the sudden accusation, "Your Majesty, you just said—"

How could he turn on her so fast?

Jingxi Emperor: "I can take back what I said. So what? Clearly, if you hadn’t met me, you’d have gone running to Nie San, wouldn’t you?"

A Wu: "..."

Her eyes widened. "You—you—you—"

This is no way for an emperor to act!

The Jingxi Emperor stepped closer, his expression full of menace. "Speak plainly. No tricks."

A Wu put on a pitiful pout. "Put my whole family to the sword?"

The Jingxi Emperor’s voice was icy. "Yes."

A Wu: "But, but..."

She kept sniffling, tears welling up.

The Jingxi Emperor: "Speak."

A Wu wiped her nose, her voice thick with tears. "My mother is dead, and my father and brother vanished long ago. If Your Majesty wants to wipe out my clan, you’ll have to find them first. Then at least I can see them one last time before I die."

The Jingxi Emperor: "You—"

A Wu huffed. "Your Majesty, I told the truth, but you just won’t believe me! Must I really say that after ditching the Crown Prince, I took one look at that guard Nie San and lost my head, then followed him in fleeing the temple to rough it with him? What would I gain from running off with him? Do you really think I’m that stupid?"

The Jingxi Emperor studied her for a long moment before finally saying, "A beauty like you is nothing but trouble. That Nie San originally had a bright future, serving under the Crown Princess, yet because of you, he rebelled—raiding Yanxiang Temple single-handedly just for you."

A Wu: "No one can resist my charms."

The Jingxi Emperor snorted softly. "The Crown Prince’s still hung up on you. For your sake, he’s throwing tantrums!"

A Wu: "Oh?"

The Jingxi Emperor: "He’s completely spellbound—how shameful."

A Wu: "Aren’t you to blame, Your Majesty?"

The Jingxi Emperor: "Me?"

A Wu blinked her bright, gleaming eyes. "Of course it’s Your Majesty’s fault for never teaching your son manners! You let him pester me endlessly—I was at my wit’s end!"

The Jingxi Emperor: "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Her eyes shimmered, defiant and unyielding.

Looking at her like this, the Jingxi Emperor’s anger instantly dissipated, his heart melting completely.

Everyone has their soft spot. He had never had one since childhood—not even kept a pet. His gaze had always been fixed on official documents, ancient classics, philosophies, military strategies—mastering them all effortlessly.

He ascended the throne at fourteen, took full control at fifteen. Step by step, he’d walked through hell and back.

But had he ever truly cherished something? No.

Now, as he gazed into her shining eyes—even if they hid cunning and greed—he still adored them, longing to cup them in his hands and drink them in.

And so, his irritation melted away entirely.

If she was vain, he had plenty to spoil her with.

Her little games? He could handle them.

The Crown Princess and the Empress had used her, but it didn’t matter—he still trusted her.

She had a past, but he could slowly erase those traces and make her forget.

Since he desired her, he would keep her by his side, shaping her gradually into the woman he desired.

As for the small price—did he care? Not in the least.

He had sacrificed so much to bring peace to the realm, to ensure tributes from all directions and envoys from foreign lands.

Now was the time to reap the rewards of peace—why shouldn’t he claim what he desired?

So the Jingxi Emperor raised his hand, cupped her face, and gazed into her eyes.

No matter what she thought, he loved the way she looked at him now—clear and soft, utterly fearless, like newly polished obsidian.

He wanted those eyes to always watch him, and only him.

A Wu naturally noticed the growing tenderness in the Jingxi Emperor’s gaze, a tenderness tinged with possessive devotion.

Under such a look, her body relaxed, and she curled her lips into a smile. "Your Majesty doesn’t want to kill me anymore?"

The Jingxi Emperor’s cool fingers stroked her cheek. "First, I’ll keep you by my side. If I ever find you unfaithful, I’ll take you, then kill you, and burn your body to ashes."

A Wu: "..."

She peeked at him—he looked utterly serious.

So she said, "Fine! If I die, let it be in Your Majesty’s bed!"

The Jingxi Emperor laughed, though he still warned in a low voice, "From now on, mind your words. No more cheek or boldness. The palace isn’t like the outside."

A Wu: "Then if someone bullies A Wu, will Your Majesty protect me?"

At this, the Jingxi Emperor paused.

A Wu frowned in confusion and looked up, only to see the ornate gold carvings around them, the man’s sharp yet radiant profile, and his warm, indulgent gaze fixed upon her.

For a moment, A Wu froze, her heart flooding with warmth.

At this moment, she believed him—that he truly meant to treat her well, without suspicion.

Now, watching A Wu, the Jingxi Emperor pressed his lips together, then smiled—a slow, tender smile. "Yes."

In an instant, A Wu’s knees went weak.

She nearly leaped into his arms, nuzzling like a kitten!

**************

When the imperial carriage stopped, A Wu was already nestled in the Jingxi Emperor’s embrace, playful as a kitten.

The Jingxi Emperor said, "I must return to the palace first. You will go to Yanxiang Temple. In a few days, I’ll send for you, and then you may enter the palace openly."

After a brief thought, he added, "You might have to change your name."

A Wu lifted her head from his chest. "Huh? Why? Can’t I keep my real name?"

The Jingxi Emperor: "'A Wu' isn’t a proper name. Just choose another. Once you enter the palace to stay by my side, what’s a name worth?"

A Wu’s face fell. "What’s wrong with my name?"

The Jingxi Emperor looked at her displeased expression: "You dare show displeasure before Us?"

A Wu set her jaw stubbornly: "My name was given by my parents. Lovely or plain, it is still my name, and I've used it for sixteen years. Yet Your Majesty would scorn it with but a word! If that's the case, then my very form is unworthy, and neither am I. You might as well not keep me!"

The Jingxi Emperor regarded her impassively.

Silence hung between them.

After a moment, the Jingxi Emperor said, "We've spoiled you, that you dare dispute with Us?"

Yet, for some reason, A Wu felt unusually bold at that moment. She snorted, "Then have your way, Your Majesty. Call me whatever you like—even 'Little Dog,' and I'll bark a few times for you."

The Jingxi Emperor: "..."

After a long pause, he finally relented, "Fine. You may keep your name as it is."

A Wu immediately beamed, cheerfully exclaiming, "Great! Your Majesty is so kind! Long live the Emperor—ten thousand years, and again ten thousand thousand!"

The Jingxi Emperor studied her smiling face intently.

Later, while reviewing memorials, his vermilion brush hovered as her blossoming smile flashed before his eyes.

His heart stirred beyond control.

In the past, whenever the Jingxi Emperor traveled, full imperial protocol was observed, with guards, ceremonial attendants, and retinues surrounding him. Though this departure was hasty, he still brought along seven hundred of the Imperial Guard.

************

The Jingxi Emperor summoned Fang Yue and ordered him to select thirty elite guards from the escort to personally see A Wu to Yanxiang Temple.

Fang Yue marveled inwardly but voiced no doubt.

The Imperial Guard served as the Emperor's personal retinue, chief among the Twelve Imperial Guards. Clad in crimson silk robes with goose-feather hats and armed with embroidered sabers, their Northern Garrison Office even handled espionage, judicial matters, investigations, and arrests, answering to no law but the Emperor's.

Thus, in the Great Hui Empire, the presence of the Imperial Guard was akin to the Emperor himself.

Aside from serving the Emperor, the Imperial Guard could also be assigned to protect princes or other royal relatives—but only with explicit imperial approval, proper documentation, and recorded protocol.

Yet now, the Emperor freely commanded thirty officers of the Imperial Guard to escort a young woman—a breach of all precedent.

Fang Yue swiftly obeyed, though he couldn't help but conclude that such marked favor foretold an exalted future status for this lady.

Following orders, he changed out of his brocade uniform, concealed his saber, and disguised himself as an ordinary civilian to escort A Wu to Yanxiang Temple.

A Wu was to spend a few days at the temple, copying scriptures and praying for the Emperor's blessings, awaiting the imperial summons to enter the palace.

For A Wu, this was a path paved with gold laid out by the Jingxi Emperor.

All she had to do was obey and follow his arrangements.

Before leaving, A Wu twined her arms about the Emperor's neck, unwilling to let go. She let her lips graze his ear and whispered, "Your Majesty, A Wu cannot bear to go… When will you come for me?"

The Jingxi Emperor remained silent, only stroking her back quietly.

A Wu added, "Once Your Majesty returns to the palace, let no palace beauty turn your gaze and make you forget A Wu…"

The Jingxi Emperor's gaze turned cool, his face a mask. "Go."

Her manner—half in earnest, half in play—both vexed and beguiled.

A Wu hesitated...

She bit her lip, batting her eyelashes at the Jingxi Emperor with a playful pout. "How cruel of Your Majesty, but this A Wu can't bring herself to go. Give me a kiss, or I'm not going anywhere."

The Jingxi Emperor maintained his stern expression. "Cease this childishness. The guards are waiting outside."

But A Wu stood her ground, insisting on a kiss.

She closed her eyes, her lips forming a perfect little pout.

Sunlight filtered through the layers of drapes, dappling the girl's porcelain skin. Her long, thick lashes trembled faintly as they rested against her cheeks.

Her lips glowed with youthful radiance, tender and rosy.

She tilted her chin up, stubbornly demanding his affection and favor.

The eunuchs quickly averted their eyes. None would dare witness this intimacy.

The Jingxi Emperor silently watched her for a long moment before reluctantly leaning down.

His embroidered sleeve, adorned with intricate patterns, lifted slightly to shield their faces from view as he pressed a butterfly-light kiss on her brow.

Withdrawing his sleeve, his expression remained indifferent and solemn. "Will this suffice?"

Though it was a token kiss, A Wu beamed with triumph. She giggled, wrapping her arms around the Jingxi Emperor's neck and clinging to him sweetly. "Your Majesty is the best! When A Wu goes to Yanxiang Temple, she'll pray for Your Majesty night and day!"

The Emperor's face betrayed nothing, neither responding nor rejecting her.

A Wu's face lit up with joy, and lifting her skirts, she stepped down from the carriage.

The emperor watched as she skipped down without waiting for the eunuchs' assistance, her skirts blooming like a peony, light as a joyful butterfly.

The curtains fluttered closed, obscuring her from his sight.

Yet his eyes remained fixed where she'd been.

At that moment, Fu Tai entered, standing respectfully to the side and speaking in a hushed voice. "This humble servant understands, Your Majesty. The elite covert guards have already been dispatched in plain clothes."

An emperor was the most suspicious man in the world—Fifth Lady's past naturally had to be investigated.

The Jingxi Emperor pondered briefly before replying, "Her experiences along the way are hardly significant. She is but a helpless woman; whatever she endured was only to be expected. One cannot blame her..."

He suddenly paused, realizing that with these words, he had already surrendered completely.

No matter what her past held, he would accept it—even cherish it.

Even if someone had trampled her into the mud, he, as the emperor, would lift her up and present her to the world once more.

Lowering his voice, he added, "The key is to uncover her origins and the circumstances of her encounter with the Crown Prince."

Fu Tai hesitated before continuing, "This humble servant understands and has made it clear. However, the chaos was too extensive. The coastal regions suffered floods first, then bandit raids. Local records may have been damaged by water, making it difficult to verify the details."

The Jingxi Emperor: "Make every effort."

Lost in thought, he recalled another matter and commanded, "Have Fu Rui transferred to another assignment."

Upon hearing this, Fu Tai was taken aback.

Yet the Jingxi Emperor fell silent. Once an order left his lips, it was to be carried out—without reason, nor any need for one.

Fu Tai remained quiet for a long while before finally realizing that the Emperor had banished Fu Rui because he had begun to care, to care deeply for that Fifth Lady.

And Fu Rui's palace partner was someone close to the Empress.

The carriage was dead silent, the Emperor no longer speaking. Fu Tai gradually relaxed a little and moved to stoke the nearby copper brazier.

But just then, as he turned his head inadvertently, he caught sight of the Emperor’s fingertips barely touching his lips.

His expression held a hint of something tender, almost longing.