Chapter 3

Chapter 3

For the entire day, I stayed in my bedchamber as quiet as a mouse.

I didn’t go to the study to bother Fu Zhaoting, nor did I keep sending people to summon him over at the drop of a hat.

To stave off boredom, I even took out a handkerchief and began studying embroidery.

I was in the middle of stitching when the chief eunuch, Hai Fulai, came to ask for instructions.

“Your Majesty, the pear soup from the imperial kitchen is still warm. Would you like to send it to His Majesty?”

In the past, under the pretext of bringing him food and drinks, I would parade myself in front of Fu Zhaoting eight hundred times a day.

This time, I refused without hesitation and even instructed him, “I won’t be sending anything from now on. There’s no need to ask me again.”

Hai Fu was stunned. “You won’t be sending anything from now on?”

I nodded. He withdrew, looking bewildered and uncertain.

A while later, he came back in with a beaming smile and presented me with a bowl of pear soup.

“His Majesty ordered this servant to bring it to you. His Majesty said he understands what Your Majesty means now.”

Huh? Had he figured out this quickly that I was determined to turn over a new leaf?

My pleasant surprise lasted only a moment.

Then Hai Fu kept bringing in pastries, snacks, sweet soups…

My embroidery was interrupted again and again. The thread became a tangled mess, and I was so annoyed I could die.

Just as I was about to lose my temper, a chill suddenly ran through me, and I realized these were all things I had done to Fu Zhaoting before.

“System, is he… is he taking a jab at me?”

“Could it be any more obvious? He’s already started getting revenge on you.”

With a snap, my entire being went unwell.

While I was trembling with fear, Fu Zhaoting arrived.

Fu Zhaoting had changed into a set of jet-black night clothes.

The fitted outfit outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him a somewhat untamed, youthful air.

Seeing him walk closer and closer, I swallowed, utterly spineless.

“I am leaving the palace.”

Fu Zhaoting’s dark, heavy gaze fell on me. His Adam’s apple bobbed.

“I’m not sure what time I’ll be back tonight. You’ll have to sleep alone.”

As soon as he finished, he gripped my chin and kissed me, hard and deep.

By the time it ended, I was still dazed all over.

Fu Zhaoting wiped away the wetness at the corner of my eye, his tone inexplicably indulgent.

“Consider this me coaxing you in advance. Is that enough?”

I came back to my senses and pushed him away.

“There’s no need to coax me. From now on, Your Majesty doesn’t have to force yourself like this.”

Fu Zhaoting frowned and seemed about to say something more.

Outside, a guard reminded him that it was time.

“Wait for me to return.”

Fu Zhaoting left those words behind and hurried away.

I lay in bed alone, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

In the middle of the night, the System suddenly spoke.

“Host, do you know why Fu Zhaoting left the palace?”

“He captured a witch from the borderlands. That witch has a gu poison on her similar to the Obedience Potion.”

“He’s interrogating that witch about her connection to you. He’s been suspecting you and investigating you all along!”

I shot upright in bed.

“I knew it. No wonder he was kissing me and coaxing me before he left. It was all to keep me stable.”

I was on the verge of tears.

“He really does want me dead! What do I do, System…”

The System hesitated for a moment, then gritted its teeth.

“Host, why don’t you run away?”

I was shocked. “What about the conquest mission?”

“Forget about it. Host’s life is the most important thing.”

“System, you’re so good to me!”

I was so moved my eyes filled with tears, and I packed my bundle at lightning speed.

Climbing out the window and avoiding the palace maids and guards on night duty, I plunged headfirst into a remote side path.

Sneaking around furtively, I had no idea that two hidden guards were following right behind me.

…

Hidden Guard Number Two scratched his head.

“In the middle of the night, what is Her Ladyship doing?”

Hidden Guard Number One sounded unsure.

“Does Her Ladyship know His Majesty will take this road back to the palace, so she’s going to welcome him on purpose?”