Chapter 129: The Empress Dowager's Love Takes a Turn—Mocking the Empress to Her Face Is Asking for Trouble (2)
She gazed at him, a hint of daze flickering in her eyes.
The little one she had always known suddenly seemed all grown up.
He… he had already matured.
Not just in height, but in every aspect—he was no longer the delicate boy she once knew.
The softness of his youthful features had faded, replaced by the sharp confidence of a man.
Realizing this, Su Mengxi's heart quickened, her pulse accelerating without her control.
A fleeting moment of shyness passed through her chest.
That subtle, inexplicable emotion caused a delicate blush to rise on her face.
She lowered her head slightly, suddenly unable to meet his gaze.
Even though, at this very moment, he appeared so reliable, so trustworthy.
She had to admit—
A bashful and flustered Empress Dowager was simply too enchanting!
Wait a minute—I was just saying something serious. Why are you looking at me like that?
It almost made my genuine intentions sound like flirtation. Completely absurd!
Honestly, when this Empress Dowager wasn't acting foolish, her beauty was almost criminal.
Her peerless face alone could overthrow nations—a truly devastating allure.
If she acted like this every day, I'm afraid my filial piety would have already crumbled!
Su Qing stared blankly at the exquisite sight before him, unable to speak, utterly entranced.
The atmosphere turned still and silent.
The two of them held hands, neither saying a word.
Under Su Qing's unwavering gaze, the blush on Su Mengxi's face deepened.
Her appearance—radiant, delicate, and utterly at a loss—was enough to make anyone question her identity.
How could an Empress Dowager react this way just from holding hands?
And yet, it was happening.
If it weren't for the inappropriateness of the situation, Su Qing would have loved to capture this moment with a recording stone.
Such breathtaking beauty—how could he not admire it for just a little longer?
But considering the Empress Dowager's fragile pride, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.
At that exact moment, the door to the room swung open, abruptly shattering the delicate atmosphere.
"What exactly is going on here?!"
The Empress stood at the doorway, her expression darkening at the sight before her.
Today had been an exhausting day for her—she hadn't even had a moment to rest.
And yet, upon returning, this was what greeted her eyes.
Her emotions were difficult to put into words. Anger? Yes. A bit of sour jealousy? Also yes.
"Your Majesty, you're back."
Su Qing withdrew his hand nonchalantly, offering a smile.
"Oh? Am I interrupting something? How utterly disgraceful!"
The Empress's fury flared, her voice carrying a biting edge.
Her usual imperial composure had almost completely unraveled.
"Oh my, daughter, is that any way to speak to your mother? Are you perhaps… jealous of me?"
"Tell me, are you envious that I get to take care of Xiao Qing, or envious that he gets to be taken care of by me?"
Su Mengxi wasted no time delivering a perfectly timed jab, her words dripping with smug amusement.
She fully embodied the role of a wicked stepmother, maximizing the taunt.
Normally, she wasn't one to be so aggressive.
But in this case, she needed a diversion to defuse the earlier awkwardness.
The Empress's lips curled into a cold smile, utterly refusing to dignify such remarks with a response.
"Xiao Qinglan, you're being unfair. Xiao Qing is still recovering from serious injuries."
"All his wounds were suffered for you—how could you treat him this way?"
Su Mengxi continued, her voice carrying the perfect blend of concern and provocation.
If her daughter refused to respond, she would just keep going.
"Do you think I'll believe a word you say? Do you take me for a child?"
The Empress scoffed coldly.
At this moment, her mother resembled nothing more than a cunning fox, trying to deceive an unsuspecting rabbit.
But she was no naive rabbit—she wouldn't fall for it!
Acting swiftly, the Empress seized her mother's arm, intent on dragging her away.
Her ridiculous, improper behavior was only making matters worse.
Even if Su Qing truly was injured, staying here with his overly affectionate adoptive mother was more likely to make his condition deteriorate!
She had to set things right—firmly and immediately!
"Xiao Qinglan, I was wrong! Don't kick me out! I'll just sit here quietly, I promise!"
"I won't interfere, I won't disturb you two—I'll even pretend I didn't see anything~"
Su Mengxi's wicked stepmother persona instantly crumbled as she switched tactics, resorting to pitiful pleading.
"Get out."
The Empress's expression soured even further, her gaze turning dangerously sharp.
"Nooo! I don't want to go! Don't separate us! Xiao Qing, help me~!"
With teary eyes, Su Mengxi dramatically reached for Su Qing, hoping for rescue.
The Empress narrowed her eyes, shooting Su Qing a silent but unmistakable threat.
Su Qing: "…"
He simply watched the scene unfold, his emotions an intricate mix of amusement and exasperation.
Just moments ago, the Empress Dowager had exuded grace and maturity.
And now… words failed him.
There was no way he was going to intervene—getting caught between them would be far too dangerous!
Seeing that Su Qing wouldn't come to her aid, Su Mengxi escalated her antics.
Her theatrics shifted to full-blown tantrum mode—minus the actual self-harm.
Instead of flailing dramatically, she latched onto the Empress's leg like an unshakable limpet.
The Empress looked down in disgust at the woman clinging to her, attempting in vain to shake her off.
Unfortunately, Su Mengxi was relentless, sticking like stubborn candy.
The room filled with protests of "Let go!" and "I won't!" echoing back and forth.
Despite the playful struggle, an undeniable warmth permeated the air.
Yet, in the storm brewing over the capital, how long could such peaceful moments last?
Su Qing narrowed his eyes slightly at the thought.
He wanted to preserve this happiness.
A silent resolve took root in his heart.
Beyond mere survival, he wished to give those he loved a future filled with genuine happiness.
They deserved it.
And to ensure that future, he had to eliminate every lurking threat.
The first step?
Dealing with the rebels and the Heavenly Dao Sect.
Moments later, Su Qing quietly left White Jade Pavilion.
He did not leave alone—his bodyguard followed with a group in tow.
Disguised, they moved unnoticed.
At that moment, on the outskirts of the capital—
A small town flourished, known for its unique medicinal herbs.
A merchant guild had long been established there.
Its name—Feiyun Merchant Guild.
The town bustled with activity, filled with merchants and common folk, all seemingly occupied with daily affairs.
On the surface, it was a normal town—only more prosperous than most.
But in truth, every resident harbored a secret.
For this town was the true base of operations for the rebels within the capital.
Merchants were the perfect spies, traveling freely and gathering information.
Over time, the town had flourished, unnoticed by outsiders.
Who would suspect ordinary traders?
They came and went from the capital freely, raising no alarms.
But today, this town would receive an unexpected visitor.
At the very heart of Feiyun Town, inside an exquisite building, sat the guild's leader.
A strikingly beautiful woman gazed out the window.
Tall and graceful, even in her elegant gown, she exuded the aura of a warrior.
She looked nothing like a mere merchant guild leader.
And in truth, she wasn't.