The Empress bit her lips lightly.
Yes, why would Chen Mo go to such lengths?
If he cared about the title of Martial Arts Champion, he wouldn’t have been late at the start, almost missing the examination entirely.
If it’s not for fame, there’s only one explanation—
Because of a promise she made, he disregarded his own life!
[I’m not that noble, but once I promise something to someone, I’ll uphold it even if it costs my life!]
The deep and determined voice seemed to still echo in her ears; the Empress’s gaze was somewhat dazed, and she seemed to faintly see that blood-stained yet extremely radiant smiling face once more.
Previously, under the effects of the Heart-Seeking Incense, Chen Mo had expressed his feelings to her.
But that only represented his heart’s truth, not necessarily that he could match his actions to his words. Even those with ambition may hesitate when facing confrontation.
Faced with life and death, how many can truly hold steadfast?
Yet Chen Mo proved with his actions that his love was unwavering and intense, steadfast even if he were to be crushed!
"One day, will you openly stand by my side..."
The Empress’s heart skipped a beat.
An indescribable feeling spread through her.
The accumulated anger and embarrassment from before mingled together, like warm water constantly flowing into her heart, almost overflowing.
"Annoying little thief..."
Suddenly, Sun Senior Palace Lady’s voice sounded.
The Empress snapped back to reality, her expression somewhat unnatural, "Why didn’t you knock before entering?"
Sun Senior Palace Lady whispered, "I did knock, but you didn’t seem to hear..."
The Empress cleared her throat and asked, "Is everything taken care of?"
Sun Senior Palace Lady replied, "The Heavenly Shadow Guards found Shi Yun, but he temporarily escaped using the power of the Buddha Bone, and then Consort Yu intervened, making it difficult for the guards to pursue..."
The Empress’s brows furrowed slightly and said, "Since Yu Youhan personally intervened, Shi Yun is surely doomed, but with her nature, she probably won’t handle it perfectly."
Sun Senior Palace Lady nodded and said, "Shi Yun’s body was found 300 miles outside Tiandu City, already turned into a pool of mud, while the martial monk accompanying him has gone missing."
"Yu Youhan did this on purpose, she’s signaling defiance to Wuwan Temple."
The Empress’s expression was somewhat helpless as she sighed, "Although she’s the one who killed him, Shi Yun was here for the Martial Arts Examination. Ultimately, I’ll be blamed; that demoness is truly sly..."
Sun Senior Palace Lady asked, "Do we still need to pursue that martial monk?"
The Empress shook her head, "No need, with the Buddha Bone in hand, he’s probably nearing the Western Regions by now. Moreover, Shi Yun’s remains are gone, which already explains everything; whether there’s a witness doesn’t matter."
Sun Senior Palace Lady worriedly said, "What if Wuwan Temple investigates..."
The Empress’s phoenix eyes flashed coldly, her voice icy and sharp, "What then? Hmph, if they have the guts, let them try Tiandu City. I want to see what those bald monks can stir up!"
Sun Senior Palace Lady looked shocked.
Though the Three Saints Sect was a thorn in Her Highness’s side, from a strategic perspective, stability was always prioritized; rarely had she been so aggressive...
Could it be due to Consort Yu’s influence?
The Empress waved her hand, "If there’s nothing else, you may leave."
Sun Senior Palace Lady bowed and retreated.
As she closed the door, she saw the Empress sitting by the bedside, looking at the unconscious Chen Mo, with the dim candlelight casting a gentle glow on her exquisite face.
That feeling was like...
A wife silently accompanying her severely injured husband?
"What am I thinking... I’m imagining things..."
Sun Senior Palace Lady shook her head vigorously, dispelling the rebellious thought from her mind.
A watchman’s sound came from outside.
Listening to the watch beats, it was already 9 p.m.
Night had deepened, and it wasn’t appropriate for the Empress to stay longer, so she tucked in the blanket and prepared to leave.
At that moment, Chen Mo seemed to feel hot in his sleep, furrowing his brows and pulling away the thin blanket covering him.
The Empress’s almond-shaped eyes widened, her expression froze.
For Li Yuanshi’s convenience in examining wounds, Chen Mo hadn’t been dressed.
Now he was completely naked, lying on the bed in a bold and sprawling position.
Looking at the sculpted body as if carved from stone, the Empress stood dazed like a statue, her cheeks turning red visibly like a ripe apple.
What a rogue, even sleeping he’s not behaving!
Returning to her senses, the Empress hurriedly grabbed a small blanket, attempting to cover Chen Mo’s body.
Chen Mo happened to turn over, his arm landing on the Empress’s waist. Though unconscious, his muscle memory already formed, and he skillfully drew the delicate body into his embrace.
The Empress hadn’t reacted, her back was already pressed against the firm chest.
Chen Mo held her slender waist with one hand, while the other slipped under her neck, firmly grabbing the large ’Chest.’
"Little thief! Release me!!"
The Empress’s body shook slightly, her phoenix eyes filled with panic and disbelief, and she immediately began to struggle fiercely.
Chen Mo seemed displeased with her defiance, increasing his arm strength to hold her tightly.
His lips reached the soft, white ear lobe, his breath warm, his words slurred:
"Baby, behave, don’t make a fuss."
The Empress’s cheeks were as bright as sunrise, her white neck flushed, her pupils trembling, her cherry lips slightly parted.