Chapter 168: The Empress' Black Silk Foot Massage—A Truly Groundbreaking Progress (4)
The request was odd, but not over the line.
Compared to everything he'd done, this reward was hardly anything.
As a sovereign who rewarded merit fairly, she even wanted to give him more.
"No need. This is enough for me."
Su Qing shook his head.
A change in how they addressed each other marked a shift in their relationship.
Later on, the Empress would realize just how bold this request really was.
"That won't do. I'm not someone who fails to repay kindness. You must ask for something more."
The Empress hesitated, then spoke seriously.
His complete lack of desire troubled her.
It felt like... everything they'd gotten through had relied entirely on his help.
Yet he didn't seem to care at all—it left her feeling a bit defeated.
"Really... Qinglan-jie, I don't have any other requests."
Su Qing looked helpless.
He truly didn't expect someone would push him to ask for a reward.
Not that he had no desires, but everything had its time and pace.
Clearly, the Empress hadn't realized she was the one at a disadvantage.
If he pushed too far now… once she figured it out, he'd be in for it.
"No other request? Then I'll just have to give one myself."
The Empress was even more dissatisfied.
She had been fully prepared—like last time—to offer a small personal favor.
If only he had asked, she'd scold him a bit and then grant it with reluctant grace.
So you're not even going to ask—what, not interested?
Su Qing: "..."
He blinked, unsure how to respond.
It's not like he asked—if she wanted to give, could he really refuse?
After making her decision, the Empress recalled the last time she had rewarded him.
Now that she thought about it... wasn't it a little too half-hearted?
Otherwise, he wouldn't have no requests at all and would've eagerly asked for more.
Her mind drifted to the Empress Dowager's face and those self-important words of advice.
As unpleasant as they had sounded at the time, there was some truth in them.
At his age, it was about time to marry.
Would he... one day leave her?
A sliver of reluctance stirred in the Empress' heart.
But she quickly brushed that feeling away.
She was the Empress—how could she allow herself such weakness?
If she didn't want to part with him, then she'd just keep him close and never let go!
There were too many wicked women out there, all trying to use him—far too dangerous.
So... to keep his heart with her, to keep him from falling for other vixens...
She had to give him a reward no one else could match!
Su Qing looked at the Empress, who had suddenly lit up with resolve, and question marks practically popped over his head.
What was she thinking about? Zoning out at a time like this?
Just as he had that thought, her eyes snapped to him—full of aggressive intent!
Su Qing: "?"
Wait... why did that look feel so wrong?
Usually, he looked at Ye Xueyi the divine pet this way...
Danger!
He didn't know what was about to happen, but his instincts screamed something was off.
Just as he tried to say something, the Empress moved.
She suddenly gave him a light push.
Well, it was more like a gentle nudge.
Yet Su Qing felt an overwhelming force send him tumbling onto the soft carpet.
It wasn't him acting like an old man faking a fall—this was simply the result of an immense power gap.
Honestly, she could've blown on him and he'd topple over. Using her hand was already polite.
It didn't hurt, but it was utterly baffling.
In fact... this whole scene gave him déjà vu!
From a different angle, wasn't this exactly how Ye Xueyi ended up with him?
He'd mocked her for being so easy to push over... and now look at him!
All those thoughts and doubts quickly vanished—wiped out by a pair of black silk-clad legs.
The moment they draped over him, he understood everything.
Talk of a reward, then knocking him over—wasn't this a repeat of last time?
Only this time, she wasn't even explaining herself. The whole vibe felt off.
Honestly, his Empress was really generous—she didn't hold back.
But even with that thought, he had still underestimated how far she'd go this time.
This wasn't some teasing or casual indulgence—this time, she was going much deeper!
"Out there we're ruler and subject—in here, we're sister and brother. I won't shortchange you."
"Today, I'll properly satisfy your filthy, perverted little fetish!"
The Empress looked down at Su Qing, her tone full of haughty arrogance.
Her speech was quicker than usual—she was clearly nervous.
"Qinglan-jie, you've got me wrong. What filthy fetish? Who's been spreading lies about me?!"
Su Qing blinked, feeling the heat of her silk-clad feet.
He, Su Qing, was a man of virtue! What perverted interests?!
Slander—absolute slander!
"Need someone to tell me? I've got eyes of my own. And you know what you've done!"
"Every time I show my feet, you sneak glances. Don't think I haven't noticed."
"If it were anyone else, I'd have dug out their eyeballs long ago! How bold you are, traitor!"
The Empress snapped.
Her voice was laced with authority, but also unmistakable shyness and nervousness.
It was always an unspoken thing between them—but now she'd called it out.
Even an emperor could get flustered like a woman.
"That... that was just appreciation! Can't I admire beautiful things when I see them?"
Su Qing argued his case, refusing to admit anything.
He was just looking—just enjoying the scenery! What's wrong with that?
"All you do is sweet talk. Say one more word and I'll shut that mouth with what you call 'beautiful'!"
The Empress raised her voice.
She sounded angry, but there was a definite edge of awkward defiance.
Her blushing, flawless face was dangerously alluring.
Even she couldn't take that disguised praise.
Su Qing wisely shut up.
Truth be told, with the Empress' purity and power, such a 'punishment' wouldn't be so bad.
But now wasn't the time to tempt fate. Better to behave.
"Rain or shine, it's all the Emperor's grace. Just accept it. Don't talk too much."
"Or I might just charge you with grave disrespect!"
The Empress huffed coldly, a flicker of disdain on her face.
As soon as she finished, her black silk-clad feet began their royal favor.
She seemed reluctant, and her expression gave nothing away.
But the inexperienced way she moved her feet had a strange charm.
Su Qing was stunned by the unfamiliar yet familiar sensation.
He had expected something light—this was a full-on ten out of ten intensity!
This completely unexpected turn left him utterly overwhelmed.
The physical feeling was one thing—but it was the psychological impact that really hit hard!
The room fell silent.
No words—just faint, ambiguous slapping sounds that raised all sorts of suspicions.
Crushed under the feet of a proud boss-lady, the poor boy couldn't even resist.
He could only silently endure, not daring to speak.
In the end, the pitiful youth couldn't bear the humiliation—"tears" slipped down his cheek.
"Tsk... ruined a pair of stockings. Looks like I can't wear them again."
The Empress lifted her foot slightly and glanced at it.
Her gesture was elegant as ever, but now tinged with a seductiveness she didn't even notice.
Su Qing stared blankly at the scene, completely dazed.
In a flash of realization—
This woman before him wasn't some fearsome Empress of the ages. She was the world's greatest seductress!
Goddesses, princesses... they were nothing!
A woman with imperial grace doing something like this? The contrast was off the charts!