He gasped for breath and glared at Mu Qingyao.
Mu Qingyao shook her head vigorously. It seemed she was truly drunk tonight. Otherwise, why would she hear such a long speech from the usually calm and reserved fellow?
Most importantly, he forgot to refer to himself as "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I" used by the emperor) and instead kept saying "my," as if their relationship had moved a step closer. Mu Qingyao took two steps back and rubbed her temples.
"I'm drunk, Your Majesty. You can't be Murong Liuzun. Tell me, who are you pretending to be?"
Murong Liuzun found it rather amusing and exasperating. It seemed he was too serious usually, for this woman to openly suspect him and say he was someone else.
However, she was different tonight. When he held her earlier, he distinctly smelled alcohol on her, with a faint scent of osmanthus. Had she been drinking?
Could she be drunk? Murong Liuzun looked over and saw the usually indifferent person now giggling foolishly, her pretty face flushed, making her exceptionally alluring.
She was currently spinning in circles in the great hall, saying as she turned, "Oh heavens, why is the house moving everywhere? Alright, stop moving, I command you to stop moving! I'm dizzy, so dizzy."
With that, she lunged straight towards the hall. Murong Liuzun, half amused and half annoyed, stepped forward and tightly embraced her.
As he got closer, he smelled the faint scent of osmanthus wine. She had indeed been drinking. He had wanted to ask her what she had discovered today, but now it was impossible. With a firm grip, he lifted her and walked towards the sleeping quarters.
Along the way, the girl was not still, kicking and flailing, causing Murong Liuzun to take several hits. He simply couldn't comprehend why this usually quiet, reserved, and self-possessed woman would be completely different after a few drinks.
Was she always faking it, and this was her true self? She was as arrogant as a wild kitten. But no matter which version of her it was, she was spirited and captivating.
However, the moment Mu Qingyao reached the bed, she clung to it possessively. Murong Liuzun sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the woman tightly hugging the pillow, and felt a warmth in his heart that he hadn't experienced in years.
Since his mother's death, he hadn't felt this way. Although he had a sister, Xingzhu, they had been apart more than together. Even now that they were reunited, he was the Emperor, burdened with state affairs, and had no time to spare for her. Therefore, despite their good relationship, it never brought him the heartfelt warmth.
But ever since he met Mu Qingyao, everything had changed.
Initially, he only found her intelligent and cunning, observing everything with a cold eye. But gradually, the brilliant facets of her personality emerged, drawing him in involuntarily. He had resisted at first; he had dreams of quelling internal strife and unifying the seven kingdoms, and couldn't afford emotions. But the more he resisted, the more he was drawn to her.
Why not simply accept her and keep her by his side? The thought brought him a sense of hope for everything.
Murong Liuzun sat by the bed, gazing dotingly at the woman on it. Her sleeping posture was anything but elegant. He saw an ungraceful side to her for the first time. A smile played on his handsome features.
He had always thought she was perfect and flawless, like an elf detached from the mortal world. It turned out she had flaws, but these minor flaws only made her more endearing.
As the Emperor was lost in thought, the woman sleeping soundly suddenly shifted, and a leg carelessly draped over Murong Liuzun, in an extremely suggestive pose.
Her fair, tender face was flushed, and her lips, like petals, were slightly pouted, making it impossible to look away.
Murong Liuzun's breathing quickened. He quickly turned his head away, but his heart was pounding furiously. At this moment, he was comparable to a young man experiencing his first love.
Who would have known that Emperor Xian, perceived as astute and wise by the world, had never favored any other concubine?
This was an untold secret. It wasn't due to any perverted desires, but because his mother, Empress Li, had been unjustly accused. As a son, he was determined to clear his mother's name before he could favor his concubines.
However, later he developed a wish: if he ever met a woman he loved, he would never become like his father and repeat a mistake.
A warm current flowed through the sleeping quarters, the atmosphere charged with romance. Murong Liuzun's gaze darted around, finally settling on Mu Qingyao's face. His heart beat even faster.
It seemed like the right time to do something, but this girl was asleep. If he did anything, wouldn't it be taking advantage of her?
Emperor Xian's self-control had always been strong, but at this moment, the surging tide in his heart was like a wild horse breaking free, galloping wildly. Finally, he couldn't resist. He leaned down and gently licked her rosy lips before quickly sitting up straight.
A hint of confusion flashed across Murong Liuzun's handsome and imposing face. He licked his own lips – soft, tender, and yielding, seeming quite delicious. He couldn't help but lower his head and kiss them again. It was a strange sensation; it felt as if his entire body was heating up.
Despite it being autumn, and the windows of the sleeping quarters being half-open, he still felt hot. It seemed he desired more than just this.
Just as Murong Liuzun was about to kiss her more deeply, the sleeping woman on the bed seemed annoyed by the disturbance. She withdrew her hand and slapped the Emperor on the back of the head with a "snap." She then turned over and faced inward, asleep.
Murong Liuzun suddenly became much more clear-headed. He quickly stood up and strode out of the sleeping quarters.
Outside the door of the sleeping quarters stood Ah Jiu and Mei Xin, along with others. Seeing the Emperor emerge, they quickly curtsied, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
But the Emperor seemed not to hear them and walked past hastily. Ah Jiu quickly followed. Everyone was rather bewildered. What was wrong with His Majesty?
His face seemed flushed just now. Could it be that His Majesty had also been drinking tonight, causing him to lose his temper?
The maids exchanged glances and entered the sleeping quarters. The Consort was sleeping soundly on the large bed, her clothes still on. Mei Xin, fearing she wouldn't sleep comfortably, climbed onto the bed, removed her long skirt, tidied things up, and then descended with peace of mind.
Except for those on night duty, everyone else retired for the night.
Morning arrived with deep morning mist.
A line of palace maids waited outside the sleeping quarters, some holding basins, some holding towels, and others holding spitting bowls, all in silent anticipation. It was only when a lazy voice sounded from within that the crowd outside breathed a sigh of relief; the Consort had awakened.
Mu Qingyao opened her bright, sparkling eyes and gazed at the gauze curtains above. Last night was so strange. She had a dream of being kissed. Was she longing for romance?
This shouldn't be. Didn't she not want to get involved in relationships? Why would she have such a dream?
It seemed she was too drunk yesterday, her mind almost burnt out. She decided she should drink less in the future. After some thought, she didn't move at all.
Mei Xin and Mo Chou waited quietly by the bedside. However, the little fox, Mao Xueqiu, was impatient. It leaped from the ground onto the bed and burrowed into Mu Qingyao's embrace, acting spoiled. Mu Qingyao stroked its soft fur, played with it for a while, and then got up.