Chapter 126: The Empress's Legs Are to Be Played With for Years—Take Off Those Black Stockings! (3)
Su Qing, however, sensed it clearly.
He barely held back a smirk.
She looked like a dependable older sister, yet in moments like these, she was just an inexperienced girl.
Her helpless appearance even carried a touch of cuteness.
Naturally, he wouldn't dare say such things aloud.
In the silence between them, her long, perfect legs were completely exposed to the cool air.
Her feet rested neatly side by side, her toes a delicate shade of pink, slightly curled.
If one had to describe it… she looked like a nervous student sitting properly in class, waiting for the teacher's instructions
The Empress felt the cool air against her now-exposed legs, and her heart tensed.
What would he do to her? What kind of request would he make?
Sometimes, the fear of the unknown was the most terrifying thing of all.
Su Qing's hand rested gently on her taut calf.
A cool, delicate sensation met his palm, as if he were touching the smoothest jade.
The Empress felt his fingers lightly exploring her leg.
Before long, his touch transformed into a firm yet careful massage—much like the ones he had given before.
She glanced at her favored subject, slightly confused.
"Your Majesty must have been worried for a long time today. Let me help you relax."
Su Qing smiled as he spoke.
His hands remained proper, full of respect, without the slightest sign of overstepping.
In truth, massaging such beautiful legs was an enjoyment in itself.
The Empress finally let out a quiet breath of relief.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to enjoy the massage, which felt no different from before.
And yet… she found it impossible to fully relax this time.
A small flicker of doubt sprouted in her heart.
What did he mean by this?
She had already told him he could do whatever he wanted, yet he was only giving her a massage…
There was nothing wrong with that, yet somehow, that was precisely the problem.
Why… was he so indifferent? Was he not interested in her?
Once the thought took root, it spread rapidly, impossible to ignore.
The real issue stemmed from Su Qing's usual behavior.
He was not the reserved type—if anything, he was quite indulgent.
Judging from the number of women he had entangled himself with, his preferences were clear.
So why, when she had already extended her leg to him, was he merely giving a massage?
Could it be… that she simply wasn't as attractive to him as the other enchantresses?
As soon as the idea struck her, the proud Empress felt genuinely displeased.
With other women, he acted without hesitation—but with her, he played the gentleman?
Was she not as enticing? Could she not interest him?
Su Qing, completely unaware of her inner turmoil, was simply enjoying the peaceful moment.
For him, this was a pleasant way to unwind.
The Empress had undoubtedly worried for him all day, even staying in his room at this late hour.
Helping her relax with a massage—was there any harm in that?
But just as he was thinking this, the elegant leg he was massaging suddenly withdrew.
Su Qing looked at the Empress, puzzled.
The massage had only just begun—why stop so abruptly?
"You insolent subject, have you already forgotten My command?!"
The Empress's voice rang out sharply.
A question mark might as well have appeared above Su Qing's head, his expression filled with confusion.
Command?
What command? He had no recollection of any such thing.
"I told you to do as you pleased, and I meant it! You must not hesitate!"
"Otherwise, I will become a laughingstock before the world. Now—lie down at once!"
Her tone was resolute, brooking no argument.
Just moments ago, she had seemed languid and relaxed, yet now she radiated imperial authority.
The sheer certainty in her voice left Su Qing completely bewildered.
Hadn't she been looking for an excuse to escape earlier? And now she was demanding this?
Women truly were unpredictable—especially when that woman was an Empress.
Despite his confusion, Su Qing chose to obey, silently lying down on the carpet.
"Forget about titles and ranks. When I make a promise, I keep it."
"And if you don't act on your own, then I will not hold back."
As she spoke, the Empress extended her flawless, exquisite feet.
Without hesitation, she placed them firmly upon her subject's chest.
"Your Majesty, this…"
Su Qing struggled to form words.
The softness pressing against his chest was incredibly pleasant.
Not to mention, from this vantage point, the curves of her long legs were even more pronounced.
Any leg or foot enthusiast would consider this pure bliss.
"Before coming here, I made sure to use fragrant oils for my bath. There isn't the slightest odor."
The Empress suddenly added, as if she had just remembered something important.
"Your Majesty… to be honest… I don't actually have a fixation on feet."
Su Qing attempted to protest.
He was speaking the truth. While he did appreciate beauty, he wasn't specifically obsessed with legs or feet.
He simply admired aesthetic perfection—is that so wrong?
Absolutely not!
"Not interested? If I say you are, then you are!"
The Empress's tone grew even firmer.
The more he resisted, the more she wanted to make him yield.
This was about her pride!
She refused to lose to other women in any aspect—especially this one.
"F-Fine…"
Faced with her imperial decree, Su Qing had no choice but to comply.
If he couldn't avoid it, then he might as well enjoy it.
How could a loyal subject refuse the Empress's request?
Without another word, he surrendered to this rare and exclusive experience.
Despite her commanding presence, the Empress was not as unshakable as she appeared.
A faint blush tinged her cheeks, adding an unfamiliar softness to her demeanor.
The warmth of his body against her feet sent an unexpected heat through her own.
A shadow flickered slightly—someone else had reached their limit.
The ever-watchful bodyguard, Shenyue, was starting to panic.
She knew Su Qing too well—this was a classic strategy of playing hard to get!
If it were anyone else, she wouldn't have interfered.
But the Empress was also her master.
They had spent years together, and the Empress had always treated her well.
She couldn't bear to watch her be deceived by this scheming rogue!
She wanted to intervene—but the moment she tried, she realized she couldn't.
The atmosphere between them was too natural, too seamless—there was no place for her to interject.
A deep internal struggle unfolded within Shenyue.
Should she warn the Empress?
But… surely the Empress was aware?
She was wise, powerful, and always a step ahead. Could it be that she was merely playing along?
That must be it!
Reassured by this thought, Shenyue stopped hesitating and settled in to watch the scene unfold.
As a bodyguard, it was only natural to keep an eye on her charge, after all.