Chapter 6

Murong Su seemed to discover that I knew how to enjoy life.

In my rooms, he picked up a little clay cat I’d made, then solemnly admired a painting I’d done on a stone.

He looked as full of wonder as Granny Liu on her first visit to Grand View Garden.

I was putting flowers I’d secretly plucked from the imperial garden into a vase when he came over again. “Burning incense, whisking tea, hanging paintings, arranging flowers. You certainly know how to amuse yourself.”

I gave him a look.

I was so bored here, so lonely. If I didn’t find something to do, I’d probably sink into depression.

Every day, I urged myself to live well. In my first year at the palace, I could still enthusiastically decorate my rooms and find little pleasures.

Two years on, the novelty had gone. Life was dull again.

Wei Qinghe wouldn’t let me pester her anymore. There went another source of amusement.

I wanted to sigh.

Then I turned and saw Murong Su picking up one of my milk-coated dates and cautiously tasting it.

Noticing my gaze, he instinctively made to spit it out.

This greedy boy had eaten himself into another species, and he was still eating.

Our eyes met. The gluttonous emperor’s gaze held a trace of fear and innocence.

Ah, well.

If the child wanted to eat, let him.

Resigned, I said, “Go on. Eat.”

He relaxed. He ate elegantly, chewing slowly, quite pleasant to watch.

Actually… if he lost some weight, he might not be so frightening.

Suddenly, inspiration struck. I rushed over. “Your Majesty!”

He recoiled, shielding his face in alarm. “Wait, wait! I only ate one! Don’t be angry! I’ll spit it out, all right?!”

“Tsk. I said you could eat it, so eat it. Would I go back on my word?” His inexplicable fear of me was extremely irritating. “Why are you dodging? I’m not going to eat you.”

He still wouldn’t look at me. Head lowered, he muttered, “You never know.”

I laughed coldly. “Don’t worry. I don’t eat pork. But…”

I stepped up and patted his shoulder. “I can help you, Your Majesty. I’d never hurt you. From now on, let’s stop eating things indiscriminately, all right? It’s such a beautiful day. Why don’t we go for a walk?”

That’s right.

I’d found a new goal.

I was going to help Murong Su lose weight.

——

This was their thirtieth lap.

In the scorching summer heat, Murong Su was practically dehydrated. Mei Anqing still wouldn’t stop talking. “You know, as emperor, you have to stay healthy and set an example. How can you neglect your body like this? Keep walking. I’m doing this for your own good. Ten more laps and you’ll have met today’s exercise target.”

It had been a long time since Murong Su had wanted to die.

He had no idea how he’d neglected his health. He’d practiced martial arts since childhood and was among the best-built men in the imperial family. Apart from insomnia and excessive worrying, there really wasn’t anything wrong with him.

Perhaps Mei Anqing was taking revenge.

He shouldn’t have taken that bite of milk-coated date.

“You’re the emperor. You can see this through. I believe in you!”

When he could walk no farther, she tugged him along. Her soft hand caught his wrist, her cheeks lightly flushed, her beautiful face vivid and alive. “Come on. You can do it.”

Murong Su suddenly realized his heart was pounding.

Surprised, he pressed a hand to his chest.

Was Mei Anqing about to drive him to an early grave?