His words were spoken so casually, yet carried such an overbearing tone that she was momentarily speechless, allowing him to hold her on the horse as they galloped toward the northern gate of the inner city.
She knew deeply that she couldn’t refuse him—no matter how unreasonable or bewildering his words or demands were, she lacked the strength to resist.
In front of others, she could remain composed, handling even the most difficult situations without panic. But every time she saw him, it was as if she lost her mind, rushing headlong into the flames.
On the night of the tenth day of the first lunar month, he openly rode with her through the streets and alleys of the capital, disregarding his status as the Son of Heaven and her own position. Without even changing out of his Emperor's Robe, he was taking her out of the city toward the Western Mountain. And she, fully aware that his actions could only be described as madness, was still willing to join him in this recklessness.
Scattered bits of snow shook loose from the high branches along the street.
A chill touched her neck, making her shiver slightly.
He tore open his cloak and wrapped her securely inside. With a turn of the reins in his right hand, their speed increased. Her back pressed against his chest, the smooth, warm feathers of the cloak carrying his scent, making her feel intoxicated and somewhat unsettled.
The northern gate was wide open, and surprisingly, people were waiting below holding Red Gauze Pearl-Fringe Lanterns, illuminating the bluestone path.
The guards had withdrawn, leaving only members of the Imperial City Guard. As his swift horse approached, they bowed in unison, straightening only after the black steed shot like an arrow through the city gate to close it behind them.
Astonished on horseback, she gripped the saddlebow tightly, straining to look back at him. "Your Majesty?"
She had thought it a mere whim—that after returning from the Golden Bright Terrace, he had abducted her from the Meng residence without warning. But what had just unfolded was clearly prearranged.
Having served as Crown Prince for eleven years, he had numerous trusted followers across various departments. Now that he had ascended the throne, those loyal to him in the Inner Court were increasing. If he truly wished to conceal this nighttime excursion from the outer court officials, it would not be difficult.
The night wind brushed past his brows and eyes, casting a darker shadow over his already sharp, gleaming gaze. He stared at her, his eyes growing increasingly bold, burning like fire across her flushed cheeks and lips. Then, with a slight frown, he cracked the whip fiercely, urging the horse to go faster.
Snow stretched across the broad roads and narrow paths as the night deepened.
Thirty li west of the city was no short distance. But he drove the horse relentlessly, pushing the black steed to its limits, and they reached the foot of the Western Mountain by midnight.
On the Western Mountain stood the Auspicious Cloud Temple.
In the past, the Great Western Sacrifice Ceremony was held every five years in the kingdom, always taking place at the Auspicious Cloud Temple on the Western Mountain. Not far up the mountainside, the temple’s upturned eaves and Flying Beasts came into view, their glazed emerald tiles shimmering even in the night.
She had only heard of the Auspicious Cloud Temple but never had the chance to see it in person. While assisting in compiling the National History of the Previous Dynasty at the Imperial Academy, she had repeatedly read the intricate Sacrificial Ceremony Records and knew how profoundly secret and significant this place was to the Imperial Family. Never had she imagined that his promise to take her to the Western Mountain to admire the snow would lead directly to the Auspicious Cloud Temple.
The night was vast and hazy, the sound of hooves treading on snow exceptionally clear.
The winding path was quiet and well-kept, ascending along the mountainside. His breath brushed her ear, and her heartbeat quickened. Finally, after the last turn, she saw the expansive, smooth stone bricks in front of the temple’s watchtower.
On both sides of the watchtower stood two hundred pairs of red gauze lanterns adorned with gold leaf, a breathtakingly magnificent sight stretching as far as the eye could see.The tiny flames danced and flickered behind the red silk, the glow of two hundred pairs of lanterns reflecting off the distant snow-capped mountains in the night—a beauty both serene and majestic.
Seated before him, she was too overwhelmed to speak, her heart floating among the clouds, uncertain of its place.
His hand slid up from her chest, gently grasping her chin as he asked, "Beautiful?"
She nodded dazedly, unable to utter a word.
He chuckled lowly, then gave a short command, nudging the horse’s sides with his knees to urge the black steed toward the Auspicious Cloud Temple’s watchtower.
Her gaze remained fixed on the two hundred pairs of gold-red lanterns, her eyes filled with the brilliant white of the snowy mountain slopes. It felt as though even the night sky had brightened.
She had never known snow could be so beautiful. Nor had she ever imagined it could be admired in such a way…
She wasn’t foolish—she knew these two hundred red silk lanterns adorned with gold leaf couldn’t have been lit and placed here for no reason. Unless the temple guards knew he would be arriving tonight, such an arrangement would have been impossible.
Just how many things had he planned without her knowledge? How many more times would he surprise and delight her?
The horse halted outside the temple gate.
He dismounted swiftly, then lifted her down from the saddle. Reaching up, he untied his Crane Feather Cloak and draped it over her shoulders.
Someone from the temple hurried out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing him, they bowed hastily and led him inside.
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she tightened her grip on the cloak’s edges, stealing a glance at the official. The man’s expression remained neutral, as if there were nothing unusual about him bringing her here.
Relieved, she glanced at him sideways, silently marveling at his extraordinary influence—how had he managed to command such deference from every official along the way?
Behind the Auspicious Cloud Temple stood a hall reserved for the Emperor to change robes and rest during western sacrificial rites.
The guard escorted them into the hall, bowed once more, then closed the door as he withdrew.
Inside, incense braziers and warm stoves filled the air with heat. Her cheeks, chilled by the wind during the ride, instantly grew rosy and soft.
He looked down at her, his eyes flickering with unreadable emotion.
She removed the cloak herself, setting it aside gently, and said, "This is a sacred site for western rites. Your Majesty bringing your subject here tonight is a breach of protocol."
He reached up to brush aside the stray hairs by her ear, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you not defy my decree by entering Liuqi County without permission?"
Her body stiffened, realizing he had finally come to reprimand her for that. Flustered, she murmured, "The situation was extraordinary at the time. I had no other choice."
He pulled her into his embrace. "No other choice?" His tone was threatening, yet he lowered his head to kiss her forehead. "When have you ever had no choice? You’ve always been reckless, never once considering my authority."
She looked up urgently to protest, "I never—"
Before she could finish, his lips sealed hers, swallowing the rest of her words.
The kiss was fierce and intense, shattering what little clarity remained in her mind.
Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around him, responding eagerly. Her tongue brushed lightly against his lips, her eyes half-closed. Only after a long moment did she pull away slightly, murmuring, "Your Majesty… I missed you too…"
Breathing heavily, he cupped her face and asked in a low voice, "Did you rest well at the residence today?"She nodded instinctively, but before she could speak, she felt herself tilted sideways as he swept her up, carrying her by the waist toward the rear of the hall.
His gaze burned like fire, his strides long and swift. "Then let’s enjoy the snow by night."
She gathered her wits, exclaiming in surprise, "But earlier outside the temple…"
He kicked open the rear door of the hall, raising an eyebrow with a low chuckle. "The snowscape of Western Mountain is peerless in the world—what we saw earlier was nothing."
Beyond the door, the chill air invaded abruptly. The night sky overhead stretched dark and boundless, yet from nearby, a misty warmth drifted over, carrying threads of steam.
Struggling to be set down, she looked straight ahead and saw a clear hot spring pool nestled beneath the mountain cliffs. Encircled on three sides by rock faces and connected to the hall by a path on the fourth, the spring was bordered by snow half-melted and half-frozen into crystalline ice.
Fine snow drifted slowly from the sky, its fractured flakes scattering into the shimmering spring like falling flower stamens—a beauty so intoxicating it stole one’s breath.
Her eyes lowered slowly, voice trembling as she spoke: "This place is so beautiful. How have I, your servant, deserved such grace from Your Majesty? For Your Majesty to do this tonight is to overwhelm me."
He abruptly pulled her closer, guiding her toward the spring’s edge, his eyes smoldering, voice husky: "If you feel overwhelmed, then remember my kindness to you."
Biting her lip lightly, she let him lead her to the poolside. Gazing at the warm water, she grew more aware of the firmness of his arm around her waist. Turning slightly, she bowed her head, her hands moving to his chest to gently loosen his robe. Softly, she murmured, "Yes, your servant will remember Your Majesty’s kindness…"
The spring’s ripples lapped just above his chest.
Her hands clung to his shoulders as he held her close, their bare skin pressed tightly together. The warm, silky water seeped into every crevice, its gentle waves brushing her chest and back like teasing down, coaxing a faint smile to her lips.
Steam curled between them, softening his sharp brows and lending a glimmer to his unusually dark eyes.
By the pool, robes and leather belts lay strewn across the thick snow. The long Knee Covering with its glaring Gold Embroidered Flame Insignia seemed ready to melt all ice and snow into water.
She had meant to help him undress, but instead, he tore her official gown to shreds—even her Lined Undergarment and Waist Wrap could not escape his grasp. Overpowered, she was swiftly and clumsily dragged into the water.
She had thought his domineering manner meant he desired her, yet once in the water, he grew tender, simply holding her against his chest without further movement.
The valley lay silent, a few sparse stars flickering in the night sky. In the nearby hall, candles still burned, casting a soft glow that illuminated the surrounding snow.
Everything was so beautiful.
So beautiful she could scarcely believe it was real.
Yet his heartbeat was firm and strong, his arms around her unyielding—leaving no room for doubt.
"Meng Tinghui."
In her daze, she heard him call her name softly and quickly looked up. "Your Majesty?"
His gaze, unlike its usual sharpness, was warm as it delved into hers. His large hand slid up her spine, and seeing her blush, bite her lip, and murmur softly, he smiled, fingers plucking the hairpin from her chignon. Her hair tumbled loose, spilling into the water.Her figure was half-hidden, half-visible beneath the hot spring waters, a hazy and utterly alluring sight. Dark tresses cascaded over creamy shoulders, pale skin glowed like scattered snow, and her crimson lips teased with unspoken invitation.
He watched her, his long fingers tracing the delicate curve of her brow and the corner of her eye.
Before others, she was unyielding and resilient, her determination to climb higher unshaken even by the greatest adversities. Yet before him, she remained utterly unguarded, offering every part of herself without reservation.
And this tender, vulnerable side of her—only he in all the world was privileged to see it.
The thought brought a faint smile to his lips. One arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer as he bent to kiss her cheek, then brushed his lips against hers. "Meng Tinghui," he murmured.
Her eyes drifted shut, lost in his gentle caress. His voice, as captivating as ever, melted her resolve, leaving her limbs weak. "...Your servant is here," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.
"The Liuqi incident caused you much suffering," he said, his tone subdued. "Di Nian reported the details of the suppression to me earlier today."
She lowered her lashes and gave a soft acknowledgment.
Studying her expression, he asked neutrally, "Do you have anything to say to me?"
While in Qing Province, she had submitted a memorial claiming she ordered the execution of the rebellious troops due to their insincere surrender, omitting her covert manipulations. His tone told her he harbored doubts—how could someone as astute and perceptive as him be completely fooled? Yet by phrasing it this way, he was giving her a chance to confess voluntarily.
After a moment's deliberation, she steeled herself and shook her head lightly. "What your servant had to say was fully expressed in the previous memorial. There is nothing more to add."
He gazed at her deeply for a while but ultimately said nothing, only holding her tighter.
She buried her face against his chest and closed her eyes.
What was done was done. Rather than reveal that she had schemed to execute thousands of Imperial Army soldiers on his orders, it was better to bury the truth in her heart. No matter what happened in the future, he would remain untouched. Why speak of it now?
This embrace was warmth enough for her. More than enough.
Over a decade ago, she had similarly buried herself against him, a youth whose warmth dispelled the chill in her heart. From that moment, she had wanted only him—no other man in this lifetime. Now, to receive even a fraction of his tenderness felt like a heavenly blessing, filling her with profound contentment.
Suddenly, he asked, "Do you resent my ruthlessness?"
She shook her head slowly. "...I may have doubted Your Majesty's decree at first, but after entering Liuqi County, I came to truly believe the rebels deserved no mercy. Sparing that battalion would have invited future trouble along the northern border. For the sake of the greater good, even ruthlessness is justified."
His expression darkened, his voice lowering further. "If you understand this, then I need not worry." After a pause, he added, "In matters of state, difficult decisions are inevitable. When considering the welfare of the people, ruthlessness often becomes necessary..."
She wondered why he had shifted the conversation so abruptly, his tone grave and laden with hidden meaning she couldn't decipher. She merely nodded gently to show she understood.
The warm, slightly scalding spring waters began to redden her skin, heat coursing through her bones and meridians until her entire body grew restless and feverish.She nuzzled her cheek against his chest and whispered, "Your Majesty..."
He responded in a low voice, "Is the bath comfortable?"
She lifted her head, her eyes glistening as she gazed at him. Her lips quivered slightly before she finally said, "It is." As she spoke, her hands began to wander restlessly over his body.
Wherever her fingers traced, she felt taut, solid muscle. She could clearly sense his desire, yet he allowed her to roam freely, remaining motionless for a long while.
Overwhelmed by heat, she clung to his shoulders, leaning in to kiss him. Her eyelashes brushed against his face before she opened her eyes again, a misty haze clouding her gaze. Her voice came out muffled, "...Did Your Majesty bring me here tonight truly just to admire the snow?"
His eyes filled with laughter, his expression relaxed. "...Truly just to admire the snow."
She pressed her lips together, lowered her head, and fell silent, pressing her body against his without further movement.
He had no intention of being intimate with her, yet her heart itched with longing. Still, she could never bring herself to say it aloud. Not only would it be utterly embarrassing for a woman to voice such a desire, but given her status, how could she possibly ask the Emperor for such a thing?
Just thinking about it made her inwardly curse herself for all her years of scholarly learning. Before, when others called her a sycophantic favorite, she could dismiss it as ignorance. But now, the thoughts filling her mind were truly the kind only a cunning minister would entertain.
Suddenly irritated, she looked up, frowned, and said softly, "Your Majesty deceived me terribly outside Chongzhou back then. Had I known the man in my heart was the ruler of the realm, I would never have acted as I did during the provincial exams."
He raised an eyebrow. "I did not deceive you."
Hearing this, she grew even more annoyed. "Your Majesty claimed your surname was He and your given name was Du—how is that not deception?"
He chuckled lazily. "It is well known that the late Emperor and Prince Ping gave me two names. Claiming the surname He was merely following the precedent set during my father’s incognito inspections." He pinched her chin lightly, his expression slightly displeased. "Rather, you—daring to utter the Emperor’s Given Name so directly—what punishment do you deserve?"
Unyielding, she retorted, "The late Emperor and Prince Ping also declared that although the Crown Prince had two names, the character 'Du' was not to be treated as a taboo, and the people need not avoid using it."
He smiled, his thin lips curving into a pleasing arc. Leaning down, he kissed her, their lips and tongues entwining for a long while before he pressed his forehead against hers and said hoarsely, "Say my name. Let me hear it."
"Does Your Majesty wish for my death?" Her face flushed, her eyes bright. Though her words feigned fear, her expression showed no trace of it. She leaned close to his ear and quickly whispered two syllables: "...Ying... Gua."
He trembled slightly, his lips still curved, the laughter in his eyes undiminished. "Meng Tinghui, you truly have audacity enough to defy the heavens."
Yet warmth surged within him in waves.
From childhood to adulthood, aside from his exalted parents, who had ever dared to call him by his name? And this character 'Gua'—how much expectation, hope, and trust had it burdened him with? For over twenty years, day and night, his thoughts had been solely devoted to the realm. Never once had he allowed personal feelings to occupy his heart.
But tonight, in this moment, he longed so deeply to hear her call him by his name.
That single syllable, uttered softly from her lips, felt light and unburdened—just like her feelings for him, pure and transparent as snow, without any weight.
It made it impossible for him to suppress the emotions in his heart any longer.She lowered her gaze and whispered softly, "It is only by relying on Your Majesty's favor that I dare to be so audacious." She paused briefly, her voice growing even quieter, "...for I do not know when the day might come when I no longer enjoy Your Majesty's favor. By then, even if I wished to be audacious, I fear I would no longer be able."
He gripped her face, forcing her to look up at him. His eyes burned with an intense fire as he spoke slowly, "I have never been an unfeeling or passionless person. But since childhood, I have witnessed the unwavering devotion between my mother and father. I never knew if there would be anyone in this world who could move me so deeply."
She stared at him in astonishment, completely unprepared for his words.
His gaze remained fixed on her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly as he enunciated each word clearly: "If I were to be moved, heaven and earth would bear witness, with this empire as my pledge. Meng Tinghui, did you hear me clearly?"
—If I were to be moved, heaven and earth would bear witness, with this empire as my pledge.
These words struck like a sharp blade, slicing straight through her heart and shattering the self-imposed armor she had built around it in an instant.
A bitter, sour liquid welled up from her heart, making it difficult for her to breathe.
She had always known him to be a man of few words, yet tonight his declaration resonated with such force—each word striking like a hammer, even pledging the empire itself as his vow.
How could she have ever imagined he would say such things to her!
Unable to escape his gaze, her face cradled in his palms, she felt waves of emotion surging within her. Her eyes grew moist, and though his features were close, they blurred through her tears. After a long moment, she slightly lowered her lashes, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and said, "...I did not hear clearly."
His grip tightened slightly, his thin lips parting as he uttered two soft words: "Deceiving your sovereign."
A shiver ran through her, yet she still did not raise her eyes. "If Your Majesty insists on pledging the empire, how dare I hear clearly? I am but one person with one life—how could I dare equate myself with Your Majesty's empire? If Your Majesty persists in this, it would be tantamount to demanding my death."
He traced his finger over her slightly trembling red lips, his eyes darkening as his voice grew deeper. "If I did not pledge the empire, how would you ever believe my sincerity?"
She had thought his words were finished, but he pressed on relentlessly. The phrase "my sincerity" caused her heart to crumble, and she could not hold back a sob. "I do not ask for Your Majesty's sincerity, nor is it necessary for you to offer it."
"But I ask for it." His brow arched sharply as he suddenly pulled her into his embrace, turning his head to whisper by her ear, "When I was young, my father once said that if you truly love someone, the greatest pain is not being believed by that person. For an emperor, speaking of sincerity may seem laughable, but I do not want you to continually belittle yourself and repeatedly refuse to believe me."
Tears fell from her trembling lashes.
It was never that she refused to believe him—it was that she did not dare.
Between sovereign and subject, intentions have always been difficult to discern. Even when he had said he treated her well because he wished to, she had assumed it was merely a tactic to secure her loyalty. She had never hoped to receive his genuine affection; even if it meant being a moth drawn to flame, she would not regret it. But tonight, he had shed all his coldness, pledging the empire just to earn her trust. How could she not believe in his sincerity!He stroked her hair and continued, "You believe that my repeated promotions of you over these two years were merely using you as a pawn against the old ministers of the Eastern Faction. Yet you fail to consider that without this reputation as a sycophant, how could you have survived until today? Your single-minded devotion to serving me has offended far more than a few court officials. Were it not for the veteran ministers fearing your notorious reputation as a schemer who deludes the ruler, what would prevent them from dealing you a fatal blow?"
Tears welled in her eyes as she buried her face against his chest, speechless.
The corners of his lips lifted slightly as he reached to wipe the tears from her cheeks, his voice softening. "Meng Tinghui, I cannot bear to see others deceive or humiliate you, nor do I wish your lofty aspirations to go unfulfilled. As long as you can stand firm and act safely within the court, what is there to fear from the criticisms of the purists?"
She lifted her head gently, meeting his gaze, her heart trembling even more. But when she opened her mouth, she found herself at a loss for words, only softly calling out, "Your Majesty."
Emotion suddenly surged in his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing lightly. He paused for a moment before continuing, "Meng Tinghui, seeing you smile is enough to satisfy my heart. If you're willing to trust me, give me a smile, would you?"
Her face flushed instantly. After a long moment, she slightly curved her lips and lowered her eyes, saying, "Your subject has always believed Your Majesty to be a man of few words, but I never knew Your Majesty could also speak with such clever charm."
His gaze remained fixed on her. "Since you know I'm not one for many words, remember well what I just said. In the future, if you wish to hear me repeat them, I'm afraid that won't be possible."
She nodded softly. "Yes, Your subject remembers."
The thick snow by the pond gradually melted, icy droplets pattering down along the edge, each pearl-like drop hitting the water and stirring small splashes. The night sky in the distance grew darker, the sparse stars unable to outshine the brilliance in his eyes.
Only then did she realize they had been soaking in the hot spring for far too long.
Waves of heat crept from the tips of her toes to her heart, stirring restlessness within her once more. Where her skin touched his grew increasingly sensitive, as if the slightest movement would bring immense torment. After enduring it for a long while, she finally couldn't hold back and whispered, "...The night is deep, Your Majesty should rest early."
Since she couldn't rely on him to soothe her restlessness, she thought to escape his embrace sooner, so as not to suffer so much.
He leaned against the pool wall, his expression lazy and indolent, unwilling to let go. His gaze wandered over the skin she exposed above the water, flickering with a faint fire.
His stare made her even more restless. She felt her face burning hot, even the hands clinging to him grew numb and itchy.
So she averted her eyes, refusing to look at him, but couldn't help lightly twisting her body.
In the next instant, his palm covered her chest, two fingers pinching her red bud, his warm hand gently kneading her full breast.
Caught off guard by his move, a trembling sound escaped her lips, and she reached out to dig her fingers into his shoulder.
He continued to knead her slowly, his arm around her waist tightening slightly. He lowered his head to suckle her earlobe, murmuring intermittently, "Do you want... hmm?"
Ripples of water rose and fell, the gentle waves lapping against her body, tickling her subtly, making her feel as if she were floating on cotton. All she could do was hook her arms around his neck and shoulders, allowing him to freely tease every sensitive spot.
With every movement of his hand, she bit her lip and sighed softly in pleasure.
She felt as though she, too, would melt like the snow, bit by bit turning into water in his embrace, merging with the warm spring in the pool.
His fingers moved downward inch by inch as he asked by her ear, "Does it feel good?" Seeing her nod, he shifted to another spot, his voice slightly hoarse, "And this, does it feel even better?"
She gasped and moaned continuously, her fingertips sinking into the firm muscles of his shoulders. Her eyes half-opened and half-closed, glistening with moisture, her body so soft and weak she could barely stand.
He watched her expression carefully, his fingers moving lower and lower until they finally reached her most tender spot, gently stroking and pressing, still asking her, "Does it feel good?"
Her face flushed as if about to bleed, her voice like silk, "...It... feels good..." Through the misty steam, she saw a hint of restraint between his brows, yet his gaze upon her remained exceptionally gentle.A smile tugged at his lips as his fingers moved swiftly below, lowering his head to gently kiss her brows and eyes, whispering softly, "As long as you're comfortable."
She had never seen him so tender before, and a flicker of clarity returned to her. Her hand slid down from his shoulder to caress his chest, and she opened her eyes to murmur, "Your Majesty tonight... seems a little different..."
His brow furrowed slightly. "Did I hurt you last time?"
She bit her lip and shook her head.
A vague understanding dawned on her—his gentleness and restraint tonight were because he feared hurting her as he had the previous time. Yet, she had been equally rough then, driven by her own anger, biting and scratching until their tempers cooled and they melted into tenderness.
The thought softened her heart once more.
She had assumed he only desired her body, but from this night onward, she would no longer belittle herself. Since he disliked her self-deprecation, she would no longer allow herself to indulge in wild speculations as before.
She lifted a leg to hook around his waist, raised a hand to gently stroke his cheek, leaned in close, and whispered by his ear, "Only when Your Majesty is pleased can your servant truly find pleasure..."
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