Her lips remained strikingly red, plump and luscious as berries, yet her eyes were profoundly dark, fixed motionlessly upon him as if truly awaiting his "recklessness."
But he released her, slowly straightening his posture, and said to her, "Step down."
She lowered her lashes, veiling the depths of her gaze, and complied with his words, pushing herself off the desk.
He turned, drew a brush, spread paper, leaned over to write something, then handed it to her. When he spoke again, his voice was so hoarse it was nearly unrecognizable: "Return to the Imperial Academy tomorrow. Take this to Zhang Ren and say it was my order for you to follow Fang Huai in the Editorial Compilation Department, studying the revision of former dynasties' histories. There is no need for you to serve as Crown Prince's Attendant anymore."
She reached out to take it, uttering a soft "Mm," her own voice tinged with raspiness.
He watched her. Moments ago, her audacity had seemed boundless, her words repeatedly crossing the line of propriety, unafraid he might truly act "recklessly" here... Yet now, she wore this composed and reverent expression.
She gently folded the thin paper, tucked it into her sleeve, then went to tidy the scattered memorials about Chaoan North Circuit on the desk. Looking at him, she said, "This subject forgot to mention earlier: the tasks Your Highness assigned this subject during the day have all been completed."
He remained silent, watching her retreat slowly.
But after a few steps, as she reached the palace door, she turned back. Her eyes warm and bright, her red lips slightly parted: "This subject has been rather unwelcome among the elder officials at the Imperial Academy. They refused to assign substantial duties and, due to Lord Shen's interference, compelled this subject to serve as Crown Prince's Attendant. This subject's heart lies solely with the people and the Emperor—how could I wish to linger under Your Highness's wing? Today's various acts of defiance were not this subject's true intent; rather, they were meant to prompt Your Highness to send me back to the Imperial Academy. Now, with Your Highness's written decree, this subject can peacefully work under the Editorial Compilation Department. This subject thanks Your Highness and begs forgiveness for any offenses committed earlier."
He stood rigidly straight, listening to her deliberate words one by one, his expression unchanging.
She then performed a distant bow to him and turned to leave the hall.
As the heavy thud of the door closing echoed, his heart felt as if it had been violently wrenched open—a clear, forceful, brittle sound that made him instinctively raise a hand to rub his chest.
Regardless of whether she truly had designs on him, regardless of the reasons behind her bold audacity today, he could not deny that this woman had stirred something within him.
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