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Li Zhaoning sat upright, listening to the unreserved praise from the crowd, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips. An indescribable...
A sense of pride and accomplishment quietly spread through her heart, as if her carefully nurtured treasure had finally gained the world's recognition. However, this joy was short-lived.
The conversation continued for a short while before being interrupted by the laughter of another official.
"Su Mu must be twenty-one this year, right? Such a talented person, with upright character, and having received the Prince's meticulous guidance, has now achieved considerable success in his cultivation."
At the age when one should establish a family and career. I have a niece at home; although she is not particularly beautiful, she has a gentle and kind nature.
This statement immediately drew several echoes from others.
"Indeed! I also think Su Mu should find a good marriage."
“Your Highness, this matter certainly needs careful consideration. If a suitable match can be found, it would be a wonderful thing for Su Mu and for the Prince’s Mansion.”
As Li Zhaoning listened to the officials below suddenly begin to discuss Su Mu's marriage with great enthusiasm, the slight comfort she had felt earlier was instantly replaced by an inexplicable sense of unease.
replace
She felt a slight tug at her heart, and her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
She composed herself, clearing her throat only once, her voice ringing out clearly in everyone's ears: "I appreciate your kindness, but Mu'er has already..."
They are mutually attracted and have become Daoist partners; there is no need to discuss this matter further.
The hall fell silent immediately. Everyone looked at each other with satisfaction, then bowed and said, "So that's how it is. We were overthinking it. Congratulations, Your Highness!"
Prince Xi.
Then everyone returned to the main topic and discussed the intentions behind the demon race's actions.
Fang Li added, "The demon race's attack this time was intended to assassinate my Genshan Sect disciples and hinder the deployment of the demon-slaying formation. Although this action could interfere with the daily..."
The "Post-Heavenly Pride Society" is too risky and ostentatious.
An official pondered, "If it's merely to cover for other demon clans to infiltrate, Qingzhou City will certainly be on high alert and heavily fortified after the incident in Linhe Town."
"Even if the demon race has managed to infiltrate, the effect has been minimal. This large-scale mobilization likely indicates ulterior motives."
Li Zhaoning took the lead in agreeing: "What you all say is absolutely right. Since the wolf clan rose to power, the relationship between the human and demon races has become increasingly tense, and the demon race's actions have become increasingly..."
It's difficult to fathom. The attacks on Genlian Mountain have become increasingly frequent in recent years, and although they haven't caused significant damage, their intentions should not be underestimated.
She paused briefly, her voice deepening, "During this attack, the mysterious cultivator reappeared."
The hall fell silent.
Back then, at Su Mu's request, Li Zhaoning took him and Su Zhixiao to the Sleeping Flower Sect. On the way, they were attacked by mysterious cultivators, suffering significant losses.
Mu and Su Zhixiao even went missing for a time. Many officials present still vividly remember this incident.
"Could this mysterious cultivator be...?"
"That's right," Li Zhaoning confirmed everyone's guess, "the same type of cultivators who attacked the convoy back then. Fortunately, Mu'er and Zhixiao have already..."
He was beheaded.
"But there are probably many more mysterious cultivators like this. When you are checking them, please pay extra attention to those with bandages on their bodies and wearing masks."
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Suspicious person.
"In any case," Li Zhaoning concluded, "strict precautions are of utmost urgency. I hope you will all supervise your subordinates to ensure they fulfill their duties and responsibilities without making any mistakes."
She paused, then added, "I have already informed Her Majesty of this matter, and the Empress attaches great importance to it; an imperial decree may be issued soon."
"Yes!
After discussing several more important military and political matters, the sky outside the window was gradually darkening. Li Zhaoning announced the adjournment of the meeting, and all the officials bowed and withdrew.
She dismissed several of her personal female guards and sat alone in the empty hall for a while, the imposing and cold demeanor she had displayed when facing the assembled officials gradually fading away.
But the scene of the officials proposing to act as matchmakers for Su Mu flashed through his mind again, which was quite inappropriate.
She closed her eyes and took a soft breath. The words, like fine needles, pierced her heart silently, bringing a subtle yet distinct bitterness.
meaning.
She should have been happy for Mu'er—he had grown up, achieved great cultivation, gained respect, and even found someone to share his life with.
But why does her heart feel so heavy and anxious when others mention his marriage, and when she has to say it herself that "he has become a Daoist couple with Zhixiao"?
This is not the kind of emotion she should be experiencing.
She was the Prince of Qingzhou, an "elder," a "father" who had watched him grow up, and the most respected scholar in the entire royal palace and even the whole prefecture. She should be gratified, she should...
Bless him, and take care of everything for him, ensuring his future is worry-free.
But that untimely selfishness in my heart always quietly peeks out when no one is around.
She couldn't help but recall the way he used to follow behind her when he was young, his earnestness when he first learned the Nine Yang Spear technique, and his upright posture now.
And that calm and tolerant gaze... When did that pure affection for you quietly change?
Was it because he was the only one who allowed her to occasionally let down her guard and not always have to act like a prince? Or was it because, setting aside their identities...
She was, after all, a woman, and naturally, she developed feelings for Su Mu, the only man who could get close to her.
Or was it that, from the very first moment she met Su Mu, she already...
She didn't know. All she knew was that these feelings were destined to remain buried deep within.
She is Li Zhaoning, the Queen of Qingzhou, a scholar-official who must always remain calm and composed, weighing the overall situation. She carries the weight of the entire royal court and Qingzhou on her shoulders.
For ordinary people, matters of the heart, especially such dark thoughts that are unacceptable to the world, are both a luxury and a danger.
She sighed softly, the sound particularly clear in the empty hall.
Ultimately, this is the only way.
She suppressed all her outward emotions, pressing that subtle bitterness back into the deepest corner of her heart. Her face beneath the mask regained its composure.
It was as if that moment of distraction had never happened.
She rose, straightened her perfectly wrinkle-free python robe, and stepped out of the main hall, returning alone to the palace as the twilight deepened. Her figure shone through the long corridors and palace lanterns.
Her downward strokes were straight and firm, just as she should be.
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Chapter Twenty-One: Jade Legs Under the Dinner Table
As dusk settled, palace lanterns lit up one by one, casting a hazy, tranquil glow over the long corridors of the Prince's residence. Li Zhaoning sat upright in the carriage returning to the residence, her face hidden behind a mask.
His expression revealed a hint of fatigue that was barely perceptible.
The carriage came to a smooth stop. She composed herself, straightened her clothes, and stepped into the mansion. Her steps were steady, but upon seeing Su Mu, her pace involuntarily faltered.
I'll have to eat.
Su Mu was carrying a steaming dish out of the kitchen. Seeing her return, he looked up and smiled gently. The light illuminated his warm features:
His Highness has returned and is waiting for you to begin the feast.
Su Zhixiao, Hu Chanyuan, and Li Qinghan were all sitting around the table. Hearing the sound, they all looked over, their eyes filled with natural anticipation and concern.
The warm light in the hall, the aroma of the food, and the quiet companionship of everyone created an incredibly genuine sense of "home." (Li Zhaoning)
The icy melancholy that had been lingering in my heart was suddenly melted away by this warm scene.
She took a small breath, suppressing the slight turmoil in her eyes, but her voice was softer than usual: "I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting."
Everyone rose to greet her, and she took her seat at the head of the table. Her gaze swept over the exquisite dishes on the table and finally landed on Su Mu's smiling face.
This child… is so sensible. This thoughtfulness rekindled the shame she felt for her past "wicked thoughts," and she almost dared not look at him too much, only…
She lowered her eyes slightly and said softly, "Let's have a meal."
Dinner proceeded in a warm atmosphere. After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Li Qinghan seemed to have mustered her courage and suddenly stood up, taking her chopsticks to serve Su...
Mu picked up a piece of tender fish belly, her voice soft yet clear: "Mu, Brother Mu, thank you for your hard work..."
Su Mu was slightly taken aback, then a genuine smile spread across her eyes – it seemed that Aunt Hu had not only spoken openly with Qinghan, but had also persuaded her to stop avoiding her.
He thanked him gently and accepted the gift naturally.
Li Qinghan sat down with a slight blush on her cheeks, her fingertips secretly rubbing the hem of her clothes, her heart filled with joy.
Brother Mu accepted my kindness! But how could I have let my previous willfulness and my constant distancing and avoidance of Brother Mu be so easily forgotten?
Can a simple piece of fish really make up for it? I need to work harder and perform better!
Sitting to Su Mu's left, Su Zhixiao took it all in. Her gaze subtly shifted between Su Mu and Li Qinghan, and a smile played on her lips.
A sly curve appeared on his face.
She picked up her silver chopsticks and gracefully served Su Mu a piece of emerald green pasta, her voice sweet and soft: "Brother, you've been working so hard lately, please eat more."
Green vegetables are good for your health.
Her words were incredibly considerate, but her actions under the table were quite different—a toe peeked out from under a soft satin embroidered shoe, its delicate silk stockings...
She brushed against his trouser leg almost imperceptibly, and then her entire soft, slender thigh pressed tightly against his.
She even subtly rubbed against me with the slightest movement of adjusting her posture; the touch was soft yet carried an undeniable possessiveness, as if...
Silently marking out their territory.
Su Mu's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, the tips of his chopsticks pausing in mid-air. He glanced sideways at Zhi Xiao, only to see her smiling gently and innocently, but her eyes...
The atmosphere was dark and turbulent, with a hint of barely perceptible jealousy and a touch of spoiled provocation.
He immediately understood – this girl must have become jealous after seeing Qinghan's advances and was secretly asserting her dominance.
He felt a mix of helplessness and amusement, but showed no outward sign. He calmly ate the food she offered, seemingly oblivious to the subtle, romantic tension that was brewing beneath the table.
presence.
Before he could even swallow a bite of food, Hu Chanyuan, who was sitting to his right, also reached out with her chopsticks.
With graceful movements, she placed a tender, flavorful braised pork into his bowl, her tone kind and gentle:
"Mu'er's cooking skills are getting better and better; this braised pork is cooked to perfection. You should eat more too, don't just focus on taking care of us."
Instead, I've been mistreating myself.
Before the words were finished, a clear and distinct sensation came from the other leg—the soft, supple curve of a mature woman's thigh.
The thread, warm and close, pressed against me through the fabric.
Her movements weren't like Zhixiao's playful, tentative explorations; they weren't fleeting, light touches that would quickly fade away. Instead, they carried a clear sense of probing.
The intense, continuous, almost seductive pressure, the warm sensation and the full, supple touch were vividly conveyed.
Su Mu was stunned, her chewing slowed down a beat. Zhi Xiao was one thing, but Aunt Hu...?
He subconsciously looked up at Hu Chanyuan beside him, only to see a faint blush spreading across her fair cheeks, and her eyes seemed to shimmer with a gentle light.
The water rippled.
When she met his probing gaze, she would subtly look away, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, her expression and posture inexplicably revealing a hint of shyness, yet also...
It had an almost provocative tone.
A thought suddenly flashed through my mind: Is Aunt Hu... seizing the opportunity to treat him? But isn't that a bit too direct?
Su Mu chewed on the braised pork with a calm expression. Xiao Xiao was right beside her, and the others were also there. How dare Aunt Hu and Aunt Gu...
It's different; it's more "burnt".
Su Mu felt the muscles in his right leg involuntarily tense slightly; the sensation was far more noticeable than that from Zhi Xiao on his left.
The feeling was even stronger and harder to ignore, and with Xiaoxiao, that little jealous girl, right beside him, it was even more heart-pounding and exciting.
At this moment, his legs were pressed tightly against the body of a woman, different in style yet equally soft; to his left was the slender, supple leg of a young girl.
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