Chapter 128: The Empress Dowager's Love Takes a Turn—Mocking the Empress to Her Face Is Asking for Trouble (1)
Su Mengxi leaned affectionately against Su Qing's chest as she spoke.
Her ample bosom pressed against him, their astonishing softness beyond imagination.
This, Su Qing realized, was precisely why his situation was so difficult to endure.
Too enticing—yet completely off-limits.
Regarding her current attire, he felt there was still room for improvement.
Perhaps… a noble, virtuous white angel's uniform?
Less fabric, more impact—enough to make even a gravely injured man sit upright in an instant.
If this devastatingly beautiful Empress Dowager wore something like that…
But wait—she was his adoptive mother!
How could he even have such thoughts?
Feeling the soft warmth pressing so closely, Su Qing found himself caught in an internal struggle.
A struggle fueled by moral conscience.
He felt his mindset shifting in a dangerous direction—this kind of unfilial thinking was unacceptable!
But, really, who could withstand this level of closeness?
Just as Su Qing was at a loss, Su Mengxi suddenly sat upright.
The sensation of closeness disappeared, and Su Qing exhaled in relief.
"So, you're not actually injured. That puts my mind at ease."
With that, the Empress Dowager tossed back her long, wavy hair and exited the room.
Su Qing, still grappling with his near-misstep in filial piety, stared blankly at her retreating figure.
Just like that, she let him off so easily?
That didn't seem like her usual behavior at all.
He sat up, debating whether to follow her and see what she was up to.
No particular reason—just pure curiosity.
However, before he could step outside, the Empress Dowager returned.
This time, she was wearing an entirely different outfit.
"Mother… where did this outfit come from?"
Su Qing was momentarily stunned by what he saw.
Her previous white ensemble had been simple, modest, and purely elegant.
It had given off an air of purity due to the monochromatic color scheme.
But this… this was something completely different—this was an actual uniform!
In the Southern Dynasty, physicians typically wore long white robes for practicality rather than style.
But what Su Mengxi had on was clearly a heavily modified version, designed with an entirely different purpose in mind.
The normally rigid and conservative medical attire had been transformed into something uniquely captivating.
The pristine white fabric, coupled with a cleverly designed opening at the front, perfectly hugged her curves.
Her abundant chest pushed the fabric to its limits, while the cinched waist accentuated her figure even more.
Below, a pleated white skirt cascaded down in perfect contrast to the refined elegance above.
It was a masterful blend of dignity and allure.
Seeing her in this unprecedented look, Su Qing's eyes lit up.
It was eerily reminiscent of a certain angelic aesthetic… and it looked incredible.
She truly understood how to care for a man's experience.
No matter who the patient was, they would undoubtedly wish to be treated by such a compassionate and well-endowed physician.
"Well? Are you mesmerized? I'm quite confident in my fashion sense."
"I've dabbled in clothing design in my free time and come up with several unique styles."
The Empress Dowager spoke with a proud tone.
She lifted her chin slightly, fully expecting a round of praise.
"Mother, you're truly remarkable! I never realized you had such a talent."
"If possible, I'd love to collaborate with you and create even more designs."
Su Qing was more than happy to indulge her—and an idea was already forming in his mind.
With the Empress Dowager having ample free time, why not introduce some modern fashion concepts?
"Of course! I'd love to exchange ideas with you, Xiao Qing!"
"Uwahh, having a son is truly the best! There's so much joy in raising one!"
"I even tried discussing fashion with Xiao Qinglan before, but she didn't care at all—so boring!"
"But you, my dear son, are so capable—you make me so proud!"
With delight sparkling in her eyes, Su Mengxi hugged Su Qing tightly.
That saying—true kindred spirits are rare.
Within the confines of the palace, she had few pastimes aside from fishing.
Her secret hobby—designing beautiful clothing—was one she had never found anyone to share with.
It wasn't like she could discuss it with the Empress.
The Empress had no interest in such things—if the two of them were together, they might as well just go fishing.
Conclusion? Sons were far better than daughters!
Su Qing: "…"
He found himself utterly speechless as he was once again enveloped in her overwhelming motherly affection.
He had barely survived the first encounter, and now she had changed into this outfit?
Was she actively trying to ensure his thoughts went astray?
Completely immersed in her radiant maternal warmth, the mature and alluring Empress Dowager failed to notice the turmoil on Su Qing's face.
She was already basking in the fulfillment she felt.
Every time she hugged Su Qing, it was the same.
Whether she was with the Empress or Su Qing, she always felt a deep sense of motherly satisfaction.
It was a role she could never truly experience in this lifetime.
The constraints of her position had bound her to the palace, severing her from the outside world.
She had spent the prime years of her life trapped within these walls, isolated from everything beyond them.
Despite her high status and unwavering resilience, she was not immune to loneliness.
The melancholy etched in her brows could only be eased when she embraced them.
If they could stay by her side forever, perhaps she would never feel alone again.
A moment later, she finally released her embrace.
"Xiao Qing, you must visit me often."
"I have so many beautiful outfits waiting for you to see."
She winked at him playfully as she spoke.
Her true intention was clear—she simply wanted him to come by more often and spend time with her.
Though unspoken, the Empress Dowager deeply feared loneliness.
Su Qing didn't say anything in response.
Instead, he gently grasped her hand.
With his keen perception, he had already sensed her emotional shift.
"What's wrong?"
Su Mengxi blinked in slight confusion.
Now that she thought about it, it had been a long time since he had last held her hand.
"I'll visit you often. And I'll make sure you can one day walk freely outside these palace walls."
"That day isn't far off. Trust me—that is the future I promise you."
Su Qing's voice was quiet, yet filled with unwavering conviction.
He was someone who never forgot kindness.
Anyone who treated him well—he remembered, he cherished, and he repaid.
He wanted to give this woman, who had always cared for him, the happiness she deserved.
The playful smile on Su Mengxi's face instantly vanished.
In its place was sheer astonishment—something she couldn't possibly hide.