Chapter 125: The Empress's Legs Are to Be Played With for Years—Take Off Those Black Stockings! (2)
The system existed to help her favored minister grow—his success meant rewards for her.
And now, he had saved her life without even knowing it.
If he hadn't done well enough, he never would have earned such a reward!
"Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I simply believe in showing sincerity through actions, not just words."
Su Qing spoke with absolute seriousness, making his nonsense sound profoundly reasonable.
"You did well. Keep it up, but don't get too arrogant."
"It's already late—get some rest."
With those words, the Empress stood up, preparing to leave.
She hadn't come with any pressing matters—just to confirm his safety and set her mind at ease.
"Your Majesty, aren't you forgetting something?"
Su Qing suddenly grasped her hand, his eyes filled with expectation.
He had been feeling drowsy and was indeed ready to sleep.
But since she had come to him on her own, there was no way he could remain sleepy now!
"Can't this wait until tomorrow? I don't recall forgetting anything."
The Empress's expression changed subtly as she spoke with a reprimanding tone.
Of course, she knew exactly what he was referring to—so she feigned ignorance.
"If Your Majesty denies it, then I have no choice but to accept that. I was merely fulfilling my duty."
"There is no need for praise, nor should I ask for a reward."
"I faced life-threatening danger today, yet I endured it all just to see you."
"Being able to see Your Majesty today is already enough to make me content."
Su Qing's tone was sincere, yet laced with a pitiful melancholy.
The Empress's departing steps suddenly halted.
As an emperor, she never cared about the opinions of others.
Yet, this boy's words stirred a slight pang of guilt within her heart.
"You're right—it was your duty. But a reward is still in order."
The Empress sat back down with a light humph.
With Su Qing putting it that way, she couldn't bear to go back on her word.
In truth, she never intended to break her promise—she simply hadn't been prepared to follow through just yet.
Shenyue: "…"
She silently observed the two of them before disappearing into the shadows.
By now, she had grown accustomed to such scenes.
Her master was exceptional in every way—except for her rather… indescribable personal life.
Once a ruthless bodyguard who only knew how to kill, she now carried a recording stone everywhere.
Her photography skills had improved dramatically, and even her emotional intelligence had risen—who could possibly understand her struggles?
"So, Your Majesty has decided to honor her promise?"
Su Qing's eyes lit up as he eagerly asked.
"Too much talking! When have I ever gone back on my word?"
The Empress snapped, annoyed, before lifting her beautiful legs.
Her expression carried a hint of disdain as she looked at her eager subject.
"That's true. A ruler's word is absolute, and Your Majesty is always true to her promises."
As someone well-versed in flattery, Su Qing immediately delivered a perfect compliment.
"Enough sweet talk. Take them off yourself—I promised to give them to you."
"I know boys like things that have been worn. Consider this my special generosity."
The Empress spoke in an exasperated tone.
"Your Majesty… where did you even learn about these things?"
Su Qing stared at the full, alluring legs clad in black silk, utterly astonished.
To be fair, she had initially offered two rewards.
The first was a pair of stockings; the second was the privilege of playing with her feet.
He hadn't paid much attention to the first—his main interest was in the second.
After all, what would he do with her stockings? Collect them?
Palace craftsmen made excellent imperial garments, but unworn fabric had no real significance.
But now, she was offering him the ones she had worn herself!
This changed everything!
"None of your business! If you don't want them, I'll take them back."
The Empress's voice carried a trace of embarrassment.
As an Empress, this was undeniably undignified.
There was no way Su Qing would refuse such a blessing.
Without hesitation, he reached out and grasped her plump, shapely leg.
The Empress's body trembled slightly.
Her expression remained indifferent, showing no sign of discomfort.
But Su Qing couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
This Empress always appeared composed, yet when it came down to it, she still got nervous.
Still, he knew better than to show his amusement—otherwise, this thin-skinned Empress would definitely get angry.
He gripped her delicate ankle, slowly tracing his hand upward.
These were legs worth cherishing for years—plump yet slender, visually perfect.
Not too thick, not too thin—just the right amount of firmness and elasticity, satisfying to the touch.
Of course, he had touched these flawless legs before.
But back then, it had been for massages—this time, the meaning was entirely different.
His hand slid higher, reaching the edge of her over-the-knee stockings.
Just above the knee, but not too far.
Going any further wasn't an option—not yet, at least.
As he slowly peeled down the silk, her pale, flawless skin was gradually revealed.
Her fair complexion was like the most exquisite white jade, its enchanting color impossible to resist.
The stark contrast between the black stockings and her delicate skin made Su Qing's hands pause momentarily.
His gaze was filled with admiration, and his movements became even more gentle.
The Empress naturally noticed this unexpected tenderness.
They had touched before, but it had always been for massages.
This time, it was different.
A fleeting look of unease flashed in her eyes, yet she did not resist.
She bent her knee slightly, raising her leg, allowing her subject to do as he pleased.
She neither spoke nor objected.
She knew—this was only the appetizer. The real test was coming next.
Stockings were one thing, but the second promise…
Even an Empress, bound by her word, now felt a hint of regret.
Had she promised too much?
Letting someone do as they pleased—wasn't that the same as being at his mercy?
Even a fearless Empress felt nervous now.
Of course, she showed none of it on her face, remaining as composed as ever.
As if this entire situation was merely a trivial matter, not worth much thought.
Unfortunately for her, she was too focused on maintaining her expression and failed to notice her body's slight trembling.