Chapter Sixty-Nine: Toying With You

"Your Majesty, whatever are you saying? I'm perfectly fine—how could anything happen to me?" Faced with his sudden urgency, Hua Rong was slightly bewildered. Yet the words he uttered hinted at trouble, prompting her to press, "What happened? I heard you mention someone sneaking in earlier—what's going on?"

"Don't you know? Just now, a shadowy figure darted past here. Did you see anything?" Jun Yeli feigned utmost seriousness, leaving Hua Rong at a loss, her courage faltering.

"No, surely not. I didn't notice anything unusual. Perhaps you saw wrong?" As she spoke, her clever eyes warily swept the surroundings, yet nothing stirred—not even the wind.

Suddenly, the crash of falling tiles startled her heart. "What's happening? A thief—Your Majesty, save me!"

Without a second thought, Hua Rong instinctively flung herself into Jun Yeli's arms, clutching his waist tightly.

The abrupt embrace was like a warm current flowing into Jun Yeli, his pupils trembling. "Don't... don't be afraid," he soothed.

For a fleeting moment, he lost control, his restless heart surging once more. He glanced up, only to spot a cat perched regally atop the courtyard wall.

The feline licked its paw, sitting with aristocratic pride upon the broken tiles, a touch of arrogance mingled with triumph—as if it had facilitated a happy encounter.

"Enough. I am the Son of Heaven; who would dare harm you? There's nothing to fear," Jun Yeli gently patted Hua Rong's back. His tender manner, like a mother's comfort, imparted an indescribable sense of peace.

The nearby maids were caught off guard, while Suxin, moved by the scene, wiped away nonexistent tears.

"Wonderful! At last, Her Highness knows how to win the Emperor's favor. Our days of obscurity may finally be over!"

Suxin unconsciously dabbed at her eyes and quietly led the other maids away.

The courtyard fell silent. Only when Hua Rong regained her senses did she realize everyone had vanished. "Where's Suxin and the others? They've disappeared—could it be the assassin?"

She scanned the surroundings. Aside from the shattered tiles, nothing else remained. Her anxiety mounted, tinged with fear.

Her demeanor, both frightened and endearing, stirred a reluctant pity in Jun Yeli, who couldn't suppress a chuckle.

Hua Rong heard him and was puzzled. "Why are you laughing, Your Majesty? Suxin and the others are gone—it must be the assassin's doing! Shouldn't you send someone to catch them?"

"Don't worry, there’s no assassin—just a cat. The maids are giving us a private moment together. Such thoughtful girls!"

Such praise rarely passed Jun Yeli's lips, reserved for moments like this—beauty in his arms, prompting him to speak on impulse.

"What? Just a cat? But you said you saw someone suspicious," Hua Rong was confused, feeling she’d been played, and looked at him seriously for confirmation.

Jun Yeli shrugged, his fingers gently caressing Hua Rong’s slender waist. "I saw wrong. It was only a cat, acting suspicious."

"Your Majesty... you weren’t deliberately teasing me, were you?"

Hua Rong pouted, disgruntled at how her nerves had been wracked for nothing. In that instant, she wished she could slap him, so he'd know what it felt like to be bewildered.

Her eyes were still clouded with doubt and unease. Jun Yeli noted her indignation and, feeling a twinge of guilt, couldn't help but tease, "What? Are you angry?"

"No, of course not. Your Majesty is the ruler of the land—surely you wouldn't stoop to such childish antics. It must have been an honest mistake. I have no reason to be angry."

Hua Rong crossed her arms, her rising and falling chest betraying her pretense.

She tried to step back, to distance herself from this liar.

But before she could move, Jun Yeli’s strong arm swept around her waist, pulling her close so that her toes barely touched the ground, pressing her against his chest.

Their breaths mingled, faces so near that every detail was magnified—like flawless jade, perfect and unblemished.

Both Hua Rong and Jun Yeli were momentarily lost in each other.

A cool breeze drifted by, its chill oddly refreshing.

Hua Rong shivered instinctively, then realized their intimate posture. She hurriedly retreated, crossing her arms defensively. "What are you doing?"

Her questioning was abrupt, but Jun Yeli burst out laughing. "Consort Rong, you're so adorable it's hard to resist. Are we not allowed to embrace—are spouses forbidden even that? How disheartening."

"It's not that—just so sudden. I wasn't prepared..."

Hua Rong murmured, turning her head and whispering, "What’s gotten into him today? First he teases, then he flirts—is he actually falling for me?"

She dared not imagine what might come next. Glancing up at Jun Yeli, she saw an irresistibly handsome face, yet he was the Emperor.

If they truly became a couple, she’d probably publish a book called 'The Complete Guide to Poison,' and witness firsthand the battles among rivals.

At the thought, Hua Rong shivered. "No, no, that's far too frightening. I can't be swayed by beauty. When I regain my freedom, I'll find someone even more handsome!"

Why settle for one tree when there's an entire forest?

As she daydreamed, Jun Yeli's hand slid once more around her waist. "Enough. Since I startled you, let me make it up to you—I'll take you out for a walk. I'm sure you'll like the place."

Before she could object, he was already guiding her forward with irresistible strength, her body no longer hers to command.