Since she was removed from drafting edicts and began participating in state affairs, she had never again found an opportunity to be alone with him privately. Due to the examination reforms, she had spent recent days dealing with various court debates while simultaneously overseeing the transfer of officials in the Chaoan North Circuit military and transport offices. Additionally, she had to spare time to prepare for acting as chief examiner in the Ministry of Rites imperial examination half a month later. With Cao Jing continuously recommending new talents to her, she found herself without a moment of leisure for several consecutive days.
Since late February, the Emperor had frequently visited the Privy Council for discussions. She knew he was equally busy, working through the nights without proper rest, yet she remained unaware of what exactly he and the Privy Council officials were occupied with. Since the founding of the Great Peace Dynasty, the Secretariat and Chancellery had never interfered with military affairs handled by the Privy Council. The chief administrators and deputy chief administrators would only participate in discussions concerning major national military matters. Fang Kai, the Chief of the Privy Council, had rendered outstanding service following the previous emperor on royal campaigns to pacify the realm. His subordinate Privy Council officials were mostly military officers who had served the previous emperor and Prince Ping for decades—their loyalty to the current Emperor far surpassed that of other court officials. When the Emperor discussed matters with Privy Council officials, without special imperial decree, the Secretariat and Chancellery could not learn the details. Moreover, Fang Kai and his colleagues had always disdained the various factional struggles within the court halls, resulting in perpetually strained relations between the two councils. Thus, even as an official of the Secretariat, she remained completely excluded from Privy Council military affairs.
Since returning from Western Mountain, she had been too sleep-deprived to constantly dwell on sentimental matters. Knowing he had been wholly focused on court administration and military affairs for months, she assumed he wouldn't spare her a thought either. Therefore, she never felt the slightest resentment that he hadn't summoned her for a private audience.
But now, confronted by his question, she was suddenly overwhelmed by a surge of longing, realizing she had unconsciously missed him countless times. With him standing so close she could almost see starlight shimmering in his eyes, she felt her heartbeat quicken, barely resisting the urge to reach out and touch that resolute, handsome face that haunted her dreams.
The desire came so fiercely, yet so inopportunely, that she sighed softly and averted her gaze from his captivating eyes, her voice growing hoarse like his: "Your servant knows Your Majesty is occupied with court and military affairs. How could I possibly resent you for personal reasons?"
He chuckled low, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Very good."
She became intoxicated by his sunlit smile, desperately wanting to throw caution aside—to embrace him, kiss his brows and lips, and pour out all her long-accumulated yearning.
Yet she restrained herself again and again, finally lowering her head to stare at her feet.
He turned sideways and gave some instructions to the two junior palace attendants behind him.
Knowing he was truly leaving this time, she bowed her head respectfully. "After tomorrow's morning court, I shall proceed to the training ground as Your Majesty commands."
He acknowledged with a sound, gave her one deep look, and without further delay turned and walked away.
She slowly turned back as well, walking away with lowered head until her gaze fell upon the ledger in her hand, her eyes unconsciously darkening.
This was only the beginning.
She felt neither fear nor hesitation, nor would she retreat.
She was still young, with ample time to contend with these senior ministers. She firmly believed that someday she would make these important officials of the court halls unable to underestimate her any longer—that she would rightfully stand openly and honorably by his side, closer than anyone else.
·The next day after the early morning court session, she first returned to her residence to change clothes and have some food. It was past noon when she finally set out for the training ground to watch the Imperial Guards' cavalry drills.
Upon her arrival, Palace Guard soldiers were already riding at a steady pace on the field, all clad in light robes and thin armor, looking exceptionally dashing under the scorching sun. Not far away stood some officials from the Privy Council, likely sent by the Emperor's decree to observe the drills. Although she had never dealt with the Privy Council before, she could still recognize renowned military officials like Fang Kai and Jiang Ping, whose battlefield achievements were celebrated throughout the court.
During the earlier campaign to quell the rebellion in Chaoan North Circuit, the accompanying Imperial Guards had witnessed her fearless authority in the face of rebel troops. Many held her in high regard, and upon seeing her now, they raised their spears in salute with utmost friendliness, making her break into a delighted smile.
These soldiers were young and virile, their gazes straightforward and uncomplicated, their emotions clear and decisive. In action, they were brave and resolute, always radiating a raw, unadulterated masculinity.
She genuinely admired these military men. Unlike the civil officials skilled in factional strife, their loyalty to the Emperor was unwavering. Years of army life had honed their simplicity and decisiveness. Even Fang Kai, who had long left the barracks and joined the Privy Council years ago, struck her as distinctly different from the veteran officials of the two central departments.
Earlier, rumors had circulated that the Emperor intended to appoint civil officials to the Privy Council to participate in military affairs, breaking the court tradition since the founding of the Great Peace Dynasty that only military officials could hold key positions there. Yet not a single civil official in the entire court believed this rumor.
Leaving aside whether any current civil official dared claim competence in military matters, would the veteran generals who had long dominated the Privy Council ever allow an achievement-less civil official to join and dictate terms? Consider Madam Zeng—the only person in the nation's history who managed to enter the Privy Council as a civil official. But she had accompanied the previous emperor on campaigns, distinguished herself in the army, and gained the recognition of the generals before being appointed Vice Chief of the Privy Council. Since Madam Zeng resigned and retired from politics over twenty years ago, the realm had enjoyed prolonged peace. How could civil officials ever get another chance to join the Privy Council?
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard rapid hoofbeats ahead. Turning, she saw a black steed sweeping past like the wind, its rider clad in gleaming armor, an aura of indomitable fierceness about him.
Beside the black horse ran a slightly shorter chestnut steed, its red mane dazzling in the sunlight, its coat shimmering faintly—clearly a superior breed.
Ying Gua deftly controlled both sets of reins, urging the red horse toward her before pulling it to a halt beside her.
She looked up at him on horseback, and with that one glance, her eyes remained fixed, unable to look away.
It wasn't her first time seeing him gallop on a horse; she had even ridden with him, held securely before him as they cut through the wind. Yet the sight of him now—clad in light armor, gripping a silver spear, radiating rugged determination and heroic vigor—captivated her so completely she felt her soul had fled.
Though he was always handsome and imposing in daily life, how could that compare to this iron-willed, fierce masculinity that set her heart racing!
Suddenly, from the distance, rose the unified voices of soldiers paying homage to him—powerful, crisp, and echoing across the fields.
Silky clouds drifted in the azure sky, a gentle breeze brushing against his black armor and silver helmet. His eyes shimmered faintly, while the blazing sun cast his figure in even starker, colder relief.
She stared at him, mesmerized, even forgetting the proper etiquette of bowing to His Highness. Only when someone nearby reminded her with a call of "Lord Meng" did she abruptly snap back to reality.Her face flushed slightly, but she calmly averted her gaze and lowered her head, murmuring softly, "Your subject, Meng Tinghui, pays respects to Your Majesty." Hearing no response from him for a long while, she couldn't help but look up again, only to meet his smiling eyes.
The cold, hard Iron Armor he wore, combined with his blazing sun-like gaze, instantly made her succumb once more, forcibly stirring the desires within her heart.
She grew somewhat breathless under his intense scrutiny.
He stood before her, yet untouchable and unreachable—what torment this was for her. And to make it worse, he persisted in staring at her with eyes that seemed capable of piercing through her every thought.
After a long while, he finally called over someone nearby and ordered them to lead the chestnut-red horse to her. Then, looking down at her from his lofty position, he declared, "We bestow upon you this horse, naming it 'Azure Cloud Unfading.'"
She was stunned.
The name was so peculiar that she almost thought he was deliberately teasing her—Azure Cloud Unfading? Was he telling her not to fall off a horse again?
At the thought of falling from a horse, she glanced at the animal again. Its coat seemed both distinctive and familiar, as if it were the very spirited horse that had thrown her off and injured her years ago in the North Garden. It had only been two years, yet it had grown so tall.
Noticing the expression on her face, he raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. "Meng Tinghui, do you not know how to express gratitude?"
She hurriedly replied, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for bestowing this horse. But the name..."
His eyes gleamed with a hidden light as he spoke slowly, "We wish for you to ascend the azure clouds, soaring straight to the highest heavens, never to fall in this lifetime."
With that, he gathered the reins and turned away, raising his spear and swinging it forcefully toward the Imperial Guards of the Palace Guard on the field. The tassel on the spear's tip fluttered crimson like blood, and with several metallic clangs, the equestrian drills began.
She remained where she was, bewildered and at a loss.
She had heard his words clearly, yet she couldn't comprehend them. Ascending the azure clouds was her own aspiration, but soaring to the highest heavens—how could she dare to harbor such extravagant hopes?
In the distance, majestic horses kicked up their hooves, their long manes flying. The cold glint of silver spears and the dark hues of Iron Armor intertwined, overlapping shadows and long bows curved like moons. Light sand shook and scattered, arrows suddenly arrived horizontally, and cheers from the sidelines rose wave after wave, stirring the blood and excitement in everyone's hearts. These hundred or so men were the elite of the elites among the various units of the Palace Guard. Under the direction of his spear, even a mere palace equestrian drill was executed with such grandeur.
Just as she was watching with rapt attention, she heard someone nearby call out with a laugh, "Official Meng!" Turning to look, she saw it was Huang Bo and couldn't help but smile. "Guard Huang is here today as well?"
After the Emperor ascended the throne, the Meng residence remained safe and undisturbed, and Huang Bo had been summoned back to serve in the Great Within. Having been dispatched outside the capital for several months by imperial decree and not summoned to the Hall of Profound Thought since her return, it had been a long time since she last saw Huang Bo.
Noticing that Huang Bo wore brown silk armor and carried nothing in his hands, she found it curious that he didn't seem prepared to participate in the equestrian drills. "Guard Huang, with your exceptional skills, few in the various units of the Palace Guard can match you. Why aren't you riding on the field? Instead, you're standing here?"
Huang Bo scratched his head with a laugh. "His Majesty has decreed that this humble official is to teach Official Meng horseback riding and archery today." With that, he dutifully stepped forward, taking the horse's reins and adjusting the bridle, waiting for her to mount.
She was speechless and immediately lifted her gaze toward the figure in black armor amidst the distant crowd. Just then, the black steed raised its head and kicked its hooves, and the rider turned gracefully, smiling at her through the layers of people.
The many court officials of the Privy Council, who had been standing with their hands behind their backs, also turned to look at her. Seeing that Huang Bo was to teach her riding and archery, they grew curious, their eyes scrutinizing her and the horse up and down, occasionally leaning in to whisper among themselves.Fang Kai took several steps forward, his gaze toward her carrying a hint of amusement.
She suddenly felt a surge of indignation.
Yesterday, he had said he wanted her to come watch the cavalry drills and incidentally practice riding. How had it turned into mounted archery today? She could ride, and she had learned the basics of archery during her studies at the girls' school, but asking her to release the reins and draw the bow on horseback—wasn't that just inviting another fall? He knew full well how much she valued face and reputation, yet he made her learn mounted archery from Huang Bo in front of so many people—clearly intending to embarrass her.
But several senior Privy Council officials were watching, and in such a public setting, she couldn't afford to show cowardice. Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward, braced herself, and mounted the horse, gripping the reins tightly. She lowered her head and said to Huang Bo, "I trouble you, Guard Huang."
Guard Huang chuckled softly as he tugged the horse's mane. The horse let out a low whinny, raised its neck and shook vigorously a few times, its front hooves pawing impatiently at the ground before finally settling down.
On the horse, she was terrified, her hands clutching the reins tightly, afraid she might accidentally fall.
She had thought that since he bestowed this horse upon her, it must have been thoroughly tamed. Who would have guessed its temper was even fiercer than two years ago!
Huang Bo, aware of her fear, patted the horse's body and said, "Qingyun is a mare, a bit shy around strangers. Once you ride her for a couple of laps, you'll get used to her temperament."
The saddle and bridle on the horse were imperial-grade, studded with pearls and gleaming with gold, extraordinarily dazzling. Amid her fear, she noticed this and couldn't help but pause in surprise. She had thought his gift of an imperial horse was already an immense favor, but even the saddle and bridle were so precious.
Following Huang Bo's instructions, she slowly guided the horse back and forth along the edge of the drill ground a few times. Seeing that Qingyun was gradually growing accustomed to her control, she rode back to Huang Bo. Huang Bo took a long bow handed to him by someone behind and presented it to her with both hands. She freed one hand to take the bow, finding it slightly heavy, but dared not release her other hand.
Compared to the heavy, sturdy longbows wielded by the Imperial Guards, this bow appeared exquisitely crafted. Parts of the bow's arc were gilded, shaped like flowing clouds and peaks, looking quite beautiful.
Over there, the Privy Council members saw the bow and immediately changed expressions, whispering among themselves.
Fang Kai strode forward, frowning at Huang Bo, and demanded, "Who allowed you to bring this bow?"
Huang Bo bowed his head and replied, "His Majesty said that the longbows made by the Armory Supervision weigh at least a hundred jin, which Minister Meng certainly couldn't draw. So he ordered this humble official to bring this bow for Minister Meng to use while practicing mounted archery."
Fang Kai was taken aback. He turned to look at Meng Tinghui, furrowed his brow in thought for a moment, then waved a hand, "Since it's His Majesty's idea, then use it!"
She didn't understand the reason behind this, but seeing Fang Kai's decisive manner and such reverence for the Emperor's words, she pursed her lips slightly, thinking to herself that these old ministers who had risen through military merit on the battlefield were indeed different from those in the Hall of State Affairs.
Huang Bo turned, took the reins from her hand, allowing her to hold the bow securely while he led the horse forward. He said quietly, "Minister Meng may not know, but this bow was originally the former Emperor's personal bow, specially commissioned from the Armory Supervision Minister when the former Emperor led the campaign personally. After the Great Peace founding and the world settled into peace, the former Emperor stored it away in the Armory Supervision, unused for twenty-five years."
Hearing this, she felt the bow's grip burning in her hand. She never expected the bow to have such origins—and what status did she have to dare use such a bow!"Lord Meng," Huang Bo called out to her again, noticing her distraction. "Your Ladyship must have learned archery at the women's academy. This humble official will steady the horse, so do not be afraid. Just try drawing the bow while mounted."
The mounted drills on the field had temporarily concluded, and many Imperial Guards soldiers were boldly gazing in their direction without restraint.
Feeling completely exposed, she straightened her posture and steeled herself to extend her arms and draw the bow—this bow seemed specially crafted for women, distinctly different from the longbows she had tried before, and required surprisingly little effort to pull back.
The bowstring vibrated faintly, its silver gleam sharp as needles.
Huang Bo laughed cheerfully beside her and added, "Your Ladyship, try urging the horse into a gentle trot." So saying, he loosened the reins and gave a low whistle, whereupon Qingyun leaped forward with a kick of its hooves, darting ahead.
Before she could stop it, the horse had already covered over ten paces, leaving Huang Bo far behind. At first she was frightened, but Qingyun's steps were steady, and she found herself quite secure even without holding the reins. Thus reassured, she waited for the horse to turn back.
Unexpectedly, several Imperial Guards who had been watching with keen interest urged their horses to join her. The moment Qingyun spotted those warhorses clad in chainmail, it went wild again, suddenly charging recklessly forward as if determined to compete with the splendid steeds.
Her heart leaped into her throat. She wanted to release the bow and grab the reins, yet dared not simply drop the precious imperial bow at her feet. In those moments of hesitation, Qingyun made a sharp turn that nearly threw her from its back.
Huang Bo, alarmed from behind, repeatedly cried out "Lord Meng!" as he turned to fetch his own horse in pursuit of Qingyun, but it was already too late.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air from afar. Wind whipped up dust as a black steed charged forth with furious energy, its rider leaning over to snatch Qingyun's reins and halt its stride.
Still shaken, her body went limp, and she slid from the saddle, the hand clutching the bow trembling slightly.
Huang Bo rushed up from behind, dismounted, and knelt directly before the black steed, his voice quivering as he said, "This subject was momentarily negligent. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
She collected herself and looked toward the horse that had been reined in nearby.
Qingyun snorted softly, lowering its head and shaking its mane, its large eyes clear and bright, presenting an utterly innocent appearance.
Infuriated by its demeanor, she turned toward the black steed and declared, "Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but this horse has a wild temperament and is utterly unsuited to me. I fear I cannot control it."
The man atop the black steed remained silent for a long while, his cold armor glinting.
Qingyun lightly bent its left foreleg, slowly kicking up some dust with a snort.
Growing even angrier, she continued, "This subject is naturally dull-witted and incapable of learning mounted archery. I have wasted Your Majesty's thoughtful intentions, but as a civil official, I need not necessarily master riding and archery!"
"Meng Tinghui." Ying Gua finally spoke, tapping the horse's flank with his heel to bring it closer to her. "Come here."
Feeling she had utterly lost face before the crowd, and not understanding why he insisted on forcing her to learn riding and archery against her will, she stubbornly refused to move, retorting, "This bow belongs to the retired emperor. Forgive me, but I dare not practice with it."
The black steed let out a piercing whinny. In one swift motion, he dismounted, pulled her onto his horse, gave a sharp command, and spurred the steed forward into a gallop.
The surrounding Palace Guards, Imperial Guards, and Privy Council ministers all stared in stunned disbelief.A breeze carrying grains of sand brushed against their faces. He swiftly adjusted her posture in front of the saddle, released the reins with both hands, and drew an arrow before her. Gripping her hand firmly, he extended the longbow, nocked the arrow, and ignored the black steed’s wild gallop. Leaning close against the wind, he whispered in her ear—
“My woman need not excel in riding and archery, but she must understand what they entail!”
His breath seared her skin, his grip painful on her hand. She saw the bowstring vibrate with a golden shimmer, heard the sharp twang beside her ear, and watched the swift arrow soar, its white fletching tracing a graceful arc through the air before striking the center of the target a hundred paces away.
The blazing sunlight seemed to freeze, the gentle breeze turning bitingly cold. Beneath her, the black steed’s powerful strides exuded raw strength. The bow trembled in her grasp, and her heart quivered—she felt his brute force and imposing presence vividly. The intensity of the galloping horse, the vibrating bow, and the released arrow was far more real and overwhelming than she had ever imagined.
Releasing the bow, he wrapped an arm tightly around her waist and declared, “Meng Tinghui, this horse yields to none but you, this bow is meant for your hands alone. If you refuse again, you scorn my heartfelt intentions!”
Huang Bo, though not like Bai Danyong—who had served by the Emperor’s side since his youth—had spent considerable years on duty within the Forbidden Palace and could read the Emperor’s mind better than most. Seeing the Emperor ride off with Meng Tinghui straight from the training grounds toward the West China Palace, Huang Bo immediately mounted his horse, took a shortcut at full speed, and raced ahead to ensure everything was prepared outside the West China Palace.
The officials of the Privy Council exchanged bewildered glances, thrown into disarray by the sudden turn of events. Fortunately, Fang Kai reacted quickly, turning to dismiss the Imperial Guards on the field and the ministers at the sidelines. He then stood firm for a long while, watching the retreating figure on the black steed kicking up yellow dust.
Jiang Ping, who had been standing nearby, approached with a peculiar expression. “Did General Fang see what the Emperor just did?” Though both had long served in the Privy Council, they still used their old military titles out of habit.
Fang Kai finally withdrew his gaze and nodded. Catching Jiang Ping’s look, he replied impatiently, “What’s so astonishing about this? Think of the past—the former Emperor and Prince Ping, General Xie and Lady Ying, Grand Tutor Shen and Minister Zeng. Weren’t their affairs far more extraordinary than today’s? You’re not one of those scheming old fossils in the Hall of State Affairs, so why wear such an expression?”
Jiang Ping snorted softly, stroking his beard. Knowing Fang Kai’s blunt nature, he let it pass. “I was merely curious, and now I see those rumors held some truth. The Emperor is Prince Ping’s only son, with governance skills matching his father’s. Does he need the Hall of State Affairs meddling in his choice of a woman? Those officials strut about arrogantly, forgetting who forged this empire! Compared to Prince Ping, the Emperor is more restrained, allowing them to scheme and clash. But if he ever gave the word, wouldn’t we, his old guards, be more than ready to act?”
Fang Kai understood Jiang Ping's temperament better than anyone—this was the man who had dared to brandish weapons before the Retired Emperor, whose loyalty to Prince Ping was unmatched, and who never minced words. Hearing Jiang Ping's remark, Fang Kai immediately waved his hands in dismissal. "Such words must not be spoken carelessly! Rectifying court governance is no overnight task. His Majesty has his own considerations—we need not trouble ourselves with idle concerns. Moreover, the Privy Council never interferes in administrative affairs, nor does the Hall of State Affairs meddle in military matters. You must not openly embarrass the senior officials of the Hall of State Affairs at court!" He turned to sweep a glance over the Imperial Guards on the field, then lowered his voice. "Later, remember to relay the order: what His Majesty did today at the training grounds must not be disclosed. If even a whisper reaches the Hall of State Affairs, every person here will be stripped of military status and exiled to the borderlands!"
The command was ruthless and decisive—only someone with years of military leadership would dare issue such a harsh decree. Yet Jiang Ping responded with a faint smile. "Does General Fang even need to remind me? If His Majesty cannot act as he wishes before us, then I, Jiang Ping, would truly deserve to resign and face Prince Ping's judgment."
Fang Kai adjusted the hard buckle of his chest armor and gestured for Jiang Ping to leave the field with him. As they walked, he remarked, "Fortunately, this Meng Tinghui can still ride a horse and draw a bow. If His Majesty had favored and promoted some delicate, frail beauty, I would have gone straight to the Western Capital to reason with the Retired Emperor!"
Jiang Ping burst into laughter at this, so heartily that he nearly lost his breath after a few steps. He shook his head at Fang Kai, the creases between his brows deepening uncontrollably.
The sunlight poured down like thick syrup, scalding the training grounds inside and out. Fine sand drifted with the wind, erasing earlier hoofprints, leaving only dozens of arrow targets with white feathers shimmering and trembling lazily.
·
The Emperor's bedchamber was originally the West China Palace, but since his accession, he had often stayed overnight in the Hall of Profound Thought due to his busy schedule. Thus, the West China Palace became a locked and secluded hall, with even its attendants and palace maids withdrawn by imperial decree to reduce daily expenses in the Great Within.
By the time the two arrived on horseback, Huang Bo had already rushed ahead to dismiss idlers and open the doors, waiting respectfully.
The black steed halted abruptly before the steps, tossing its head and neighing incessantly. As the two dismounted, Huang Bo stepped forward to take the reins, wisely bowing his head and retreating.
Entering the hall, they closed the doors. The heavy bolt clanked shut, stirring dust into flight. Tiny particles floated and settled in the sunlight streaming through, veiling the bright corner of the hall in a hazy mist.
She stood still, her heart still racing, breaths somewhat heavy. Lifting her head, she saw his figure standing firmly before her, and it was as if a clear spring had drenched her—she sobered instantly.
"Your Majesty." Knowing she had angered him with her earlier willfulness, she humbly sought forgiveness. "Your servant acknowledges her fault and begs Your Majesty to calm your anger."
His expression was calm, unlike one enraged, but his gaze was sharp. "What is your fault?"
She grew even more earnest. "Your servant should not have claimed to lack skill in riding and archery, nor should she have rejected Your Majesty's kind intentions." She repeated his words, emphasizing "kind intentions," feeling her face grow warm. Though aware of his affection, she could scarcely believe he had spoken so openly on horseback and secretly glanced up at him.
He replied impassively, "Do you truly acknowledge your fault?"
She nodded hurriedly. "Truly."His brow relaxed slightly as he turned sideways to begin removing his armor. He first took off the arm guards, then unfastened the shoulder and chest plates. Just as he was about to continue, she unexpectedly pressed close, wrapping her slender arms around his waist to embrace him. "Your Majesty."
Even with his earlier imposing authority, she understood what it meant for him to bring her on horseback all the way to West China Palace. Quick-witted, she noticed he didn’t seem truly angry and proactively helped him remove the remaining pieces of armor. Only then did she lift her head to glance at him.
He stared into her clear, bright eyes, standing motionless for a long while before slowly reaching down to hold her.
The moment his fingertips touched her body, she instantly coiled around him, clinging to his frame as he lifted her. She leaned in to kiss his cheeks and lips, then trailed downward, her tongue brushing against the exposed skin of his neck.
Her kisses stirred restless desires in him, yet he resisted and tried to evade her, murmuring softly, "I’m all sweat." Earlier, riding and archery on the training grounds had left him covered in dust from the wind and sand, his body drenched in sweat not yet washed away.
She paused and chuckled lightly, replying, "This subject doesn’t mind."
"I mind." He bent his head to peck the tip of her delicate nose, intending to set her down, but she clung tightly, making him raise an eyebrow. "Meng Tinghui?"
Pressing against him, her hands slipped inside his clothes, skillfully caressing, while her red lips met the side of his ear. "Your Majesty doesn’t want to? Can Your Majesty endure?"
He could have endured, but now he could no longer hold back.
His large hands swiftly tore open her garments, and he panted softly as she loosened his brocade trousers. When he thrust fiercely into her, he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder—she had bitten him through his robe.
A soft moan escaped her lips, a sound mingling pain and satisfaction.
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