After one cup, Jing Hengbo’s originally jade-white skin suddenly took on a rosy flush—a red that no rouge could match. It quietly spread from her dark temples like dawn’s rosy clouds emerging from the white sky at the horizon’s edge, instantly stunning all who saw it. Her eyes suddenly filled with a layer of watery light, clear and rippling. When she glanced around, her charm was captivating—one look could make hearts flutter, as if drowning in those autumn waves.

At first glance, Gong Yin frowned, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Tie Xingze.

Tie Xingze immediately realized his improper stare, quickly composed himself, smiled, stood up, and handed the wine vessel to Meng Hu, saying, “This wine is too strong. Please trouble yourself, Commander, to dilute it with some ordinary wine.”

Meng Hu smiled as he took it, not minding being ordered around by Tie Xingze—he was only grateful. Young Master Tie was tactful and understood what was taboo. As long as he was willing not to look at the Queen, Meng Hu would happily run ten errands for him.

Gong Yin withdrew his gaze and gently pressed Jing Hengbo’s hand, “If you can’t drink, then don’t.”

Jing Hengbo was just unaccustomed to the wine’s strength—after a brief dizziness, she quickly returned to normal. Her face now glowed brilliantly as she gripped his hand in return, laughing, “No! So refreshing! More!”

Gong Yin lowered his eyes, looking at his hand, then at her excited eyes sparkling with precious light, wondering if she knew how the last two words could be misunderstood.

“The drinking game! Right, I haven’t said my line for the drinking game yet.” Jing Hengbo smoothed her hair with a smile, put her hands behind her back, paced a few steps, cleared her throat, “Listen well—this is absolutely awesome: Gong Yin snatching soup, fills half bowl, leaves half bowl.”

“Pfft.” Tie Xingze spat out half a mouthful of wine.

“Cough cough…” Gong Yin choked on his wine.

Jing Hengbo looked triumphant, “How’s that? Clever or not?”

“Extremely clever.” Tie Xingze clapped and laughed heartily. Gong Yin’s expression seemed to faintly recall that day at the side door when he had snatched soup. Jing Hengbo worried he might angrily drink the entire wine vessel in front of him in one gulp.

Meng Hu in the distance couldn’t help smiling, unable to look away.

Red maples and emerald leaves, white carpet like snow—beneath the romantic autumn foliage were the most beautiful and intelligent young people in the world. Their hearts were like crystal, faces like spring flowers, minds filled with wisdom, words containing elegance. More importantly, they shared understanding and warmth, their eyes reflecting each other’s smiles, their sleeves gracefully brushing through this year’s most gentle golden autumn breeze.

Time was so beautiful in this moment—how one wished this instant could become eternal.

Jing Hengbo realized that if this game continued, she would definitely lose. Her eyes rolled as she suggested, “This isn’t fun. Let’s play Truth or Dare!”

“What is Truth or Dare?” Tie Xingze also seemed somewhat intoxicated, having loosened his clothing. The hand holding his cup rested lazily on his knee—his dignified, solemn temperament now carried a touch of wild romance, yet without appearing improper.

“Whoever the spoon points to drinks a cup and chooses either Truth or Dare. If it’s Truth, they must answer others’ questions and must answer truthfully. If they choose Dare, they must accomplish what the other person requires.”

“Sounds very interesting.” Tie Xingze raised his cup with a smile.

Gong Yin lifted his face, his dark eyes clear and bright as stones under water, saying simply, “Good.”

This time the spoon pointed to Tie Xingze.

Tie Xingze laughed heartily, “Truth then—I have nothing that cannot be spoken to others.”

Jing Hengbo looked at him, wanting to ask about his fiancée and the old marriage contract, but suddenly remembered that asking this would probably annoy the great god again. She’d ask privately later.

Her interest was in Gong Yin, not Tie Xingze—she’d just ask casually.

“What’s the most unforgettable thing in your life?” She propped her chin, smiling as she asked.

Tie Xingze’s hand turning the wine cup paused. In this moment, only the wine reflected his expression. Then he raised his head and smiled, “One year watching fireworks in the imperial city—brilliant and spectacular, never to be forgotten.”

“A fireworks display, really?” Jing Hengbo pouted, “What do you most want to do?”

“Let my mother live the life she wants.” Tie Xingze answered solemnly.

Jing Hengbo thought his mother was the queen consort of the Shen Tie tribe, wasn’t she? At worst she’d be a lady—how could he speak as if her circumstances were poor?

But Gong Yin nodded and silently clinked cups with him, seeming to know something.

Jing Hengbo most hated when men had unspoken understanding while she knew nothing! Though it felt full of bromance, if one of them was her man, that wouldn’t be good!

“Who do you hate most?” She immediately pressed with another question.

“Far in the sky, close before my eyes.” Tie Xingze turned his wine cup, saying leisurely.

Jing Hengbo was stunned.

Tie Xingze looked up at Gong Yin with a smile, “Met him at age four, been unlucky ever since. First meeting, he made me fall in water. Second meeting, I accompanied him falling off a cliff. After that, countless small injuries and difficulties. Finally escaped him and returned to the royal city, but within a few years, because of him, I was summoned to remain in the capital as a hostage. Meeting him,” he smiled, raising his cup to drain it, “brought me great misfortune.”

Gong Yin looked up at him, his tone rarely filled with apology, “Actually, you didn’t have to come to the capital as a hostage. By rights, it shouldn’t have been you.”

“Someone had to come.” Tie Xingze smiled casually.

“If you hadn’t been the first to volunteer, my hostage plan wouldn’t have been completed so easily.” Gong Yin poured him a cup of wine and raised it to him, “Thanks!”

“This cup I’ll gladly drink!” Tie Xingze wasn’t modest. The two clinked cups and drained them.

Jing Hengbo watched with envy and jealousy—oh, the friendship between men tested through trials sometimes truly stirred the heart.

“I still have questions…” she forcefully interjected.

“Is Truth supposed to be endless questioning like this?” Gong Yin suddenly said, “Why do I feel there should only be one question? Otherwise, wouldn’t choosing Truth be disadvantageous?”

Jing Hengbo made an “uh” sound. Truth indeed should only be one question—she was just taking advantage of the ancients not knowing the rules. Who knew Gong Yin was too clever and could guess this too.

She had to reluctantly let Tie Xingze go.

The spoon spun again. Jing Hengbo winked at Tie Xingze.

Tie Xingze was indeed a tactful and understanding person, immediately fully grasping Her Majesty the Queen’s instructional spirit, lightly pressing his finger on the table.

The spoon handle visibly turned toward Gong Yin’s direction.

Jing Hengbo rubbed her hands together, excitedly waiting.

Gong Yin glanced at her and lightly placed his hand on the wine vessel.

The spoon handle that was slowly stopping suddenly spun rapidly again.

Jing Hengbo was dumbfounded, grabbing his arm and shouting, “No way! Cheating! You’re cheating!”

“Using your own methods against you.” Gong Yin remained unmoved.

“You just won’t give in to me! You just won’t!” Jing Hengbo watched the spoon spinning faster and faster, wildly pointing everywhere, and shook him frantically in frustration.

Gong Yin’s lips curved slightly. His upper body remained straight and motionless while Tie Xingze said nothing, watching with a smile.

The spoon spun wildly for a while. Just when Jing Hengbo almost thought it would definitely point to Tie Xingze or herself, it suddenly stopped without warning.

Pointing directly at Gong Yin.

Jing Hengbo, who was in the middle of complaining, suddenly stopped and stared wide-eyed.

Both men showed faint smiles.

This was what indulgence looked like.

“Ah, you were playing with me.” Jing Hengbo grumbled in annoyance, pinching his elbow, “I’m definitely going to ask you something tough.”

Gong Yin picked up his cup, “How do you know I’ll choose Truth?”

Jing Hengbo smiled slyly, “Choose Dare? Fine, go ahead and choose!”

Gong Yin looked at her and decided he’d better not choose Dare.

What if she asked him to dance in these woods?

“Truth.” He said, “Only one question allowed.”

Jing Hengbo pouted, “Difficult people are no fun. Fine… Tell me, how would you love a woman?”

Gong Yin’s hand paused.

Tie Xingze, who had been smiling while looking at the scenery, turned his head.

Meng Hu in the distance suddenly tensed his shoulders, breathing lightly.

Only Jing Hengbo continued smiling casually, relaxed as she waited for an answer.

If she couldn’t hear the reserved guy boldly confess, an alternative approach would do.

Maple leaves rustled in the dappled sunlight, casting light red maple shadows on faces. Yet Jing Hengbo’s eyes held something more fiery than red maples, blazing bright as if about to ignite in the next moment.

But Gong Yin lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought over the wine.

Jing Hengbo was patient for now, not pressing, but unconsciously picked up her wine cup, drinking cup after cup.

Finally she heard Gong Yin speak—very slowly, very softly, yet making one feel each word had been tempered in the heart, powerful and solemn.

“If I loved someone, I wouldn’t make her love and hate my only guide.”

Jing Hengbo looked up in surprise.

“If I loved her, I also wouldn’t seek ‘one life, one world, one couple.'”

Jing Hengbo’s eyes widened.

“I would only wish for her to be well in this world, living peacefully or magnificently. If only one path remained in this world for her alone to walk, I would choose to send her on it. If that path required all people’s corpses as foundation, it could start with mine.”

“Talking about love, why does it sound so bloody and murderous…” Jing Hengbo shivered, saying somewhat disappointedly, “What if the other person doesn’t need to walk such a path?”

Gong Yin said flatly, “As long as I think it’s necessary, then it’s necessary.”

“Male chauvinist pig!” Jing Hengbo murmured, hugging her shoulders.

This answer couldn’t be called disappointing. Carefully considered, it had its own shocking ruthlessness. The persistence and solemnity between the lines made one feel only brilliant determination, leaving no escape.

But she feared such decisiveness.

She was lazy, longing for simplicity and leisure. Even if she occasionally had ambitions, she only hoped to reach for stars and moon alongside someone she liked.

If she couldn’t have “one life, one world, one couple,” what joy was there in sitting alone on the throne? The golden glazed throne of Yuzhao Palace had no armrests on either side—whichever direction she leaned, she couldn’t touch a warm embrace.

“That’s how aloof emperors are…” she murmured, “Everything becomes especially serious and solemn with you. Can’t you relax a little? Saying ‘I’ll eat with her, play with her, build a family together, be faithful to her for life, have three or four babies, grow old together’—wouldn’t that be nice?”

Gong Yin glanced at her.

“Ten years ago, perhaps I could have said such foolish things.”

Jing Hengbo sighed, thought about it, seemed to understand, nodding then shaking her head.

“I understand what you mean, but I think,” she smiled, tilting her head to look at him, “don’t be like that. She might not be the weak person you think she is. Women can hold up half the sky. Sometimes if you let go, she might be stronger and more capable than you imagine. So don’t easily talk about using corpses as foundation. Perhaps she can carve out a path herself, perhaps she only wants to live an ordinary life with someone she loves, perhaps in her view, losing you is what she least wants to see. Treasuring oneself for one’s beloved is what every person in love should do.”

Gong Yin gazed at her, his eyes gentle. The rich autumn scenery seemed to fade in his sparkling features.

“Yes.” He said.

Wind swept up scattered red leaves, flying past dark hair. Youth at its most beautiful, wine rich and flowers fragrant, yet nothing compared to this moment’s deep gaze of mutual affection.

Tie Xingze leaned back, murmuring, “Feel quite superfluous…”

Jing Hengbo burst out laughing, suddenly feeling her mood was strange, as if infinite emotions were about to burst forth. She wanted to drink heartily and sing loudly.

She reached out to spin the plate, “Continue, continue!”

Both men seemed lost in thought. This time they didn’t cheat, and the spoon handle stopped in front of Jing Hengbo.

“Hahaha!” She eagerly drained her cup, eyes bright, declaring loudly, “Dare!”

Gong Yin immediately stopped her, “Truth!”

“Dare!”

“Truth!”

“Dare!” Jing Hengbo was stubborn as a donkey that wouldn’t move when led but backed up when beaten, “If you keep interfering with me, I’ll do a hula dance!”

Gong Yin imagined a hula dance, looked at Tie Xingze, and shut his mouth to drink.

Jing Hengbo was satisfied, laughing as she looked at the two men, “Dare—you can require me to do one thing. You can choose something difficult. After I accomplish it, I can require one of you to do one thing.”

She arbitrarily changed the rules—these two ancients wouldn’t know anyway.

Tie Xingze smiled and spread his hands, “This humble minister has no qualification to require anything of the Queen. I’ll leave it to the State Preceptor.”

Gong Yin paused his wine cup, glanced at Jing Hengbo, seeming to consider.

Jing Hengbo smiled and pouted at him, pointing to her raised red lips.

You can require a public kiss—I’ll follow the rules. After this village, there won’t be this shop.

A faint red passed over Gong Yin’s cheeks as he looked away.

“Sew a wearable garment.” He said.

“Ah?” Jing Hengbo was stunned.

How ruthless!

She was prepared to dance or sing or something. The great god definitely wouldn’t ask her to randomly flirt with some man or kiss someone, or she guessed he’d want her to confess publicly, which she’d support with both hands and feet. She’d even chosen the location—right on top of Moon Bridge over the lotus pond at Shenghua Pool, shouting to all of Yuzhao Palace!

But his lordship came up with this!

“This this…” Her eyes went straight, “What if I can’t do it well immediately?”

“Then owe it first.” Gong Yin’s lips held faint amusement, seeming quite pleased, “You just need to tell me whether you can do it.”

“Yes!” Jing Hengbo gritted her teeth—her man wanted loving underwear! Even if she poked holes in her fingers, she’d accomplish it! Wasn’t it just sewing underwear!

Too bad when transmigrating, she couldn’t fit a sewing machine in her suitcase, or bring Little Cake along—Little Cake seemed to know how to knit gloves…

She answered readily, and Gong Yin was quite satisfied—mm, finally he could make her settle down and learn needlework. Mm, the first robe she made would surely be ugly, but he’d still wear it, just at night…

Both had their calculations set, straightening their expressions.

“I’ll owe this first. Let’s continue.” Jing Hengbo actively spun the plate.

Both men stared at her. Longshan Ice Brew was extremely strong—ordinary people could handle half a vessel at most. By now both were slightly tipsy, yet this woman remained spirited. Except for her face being slightly redder, there was no change.

Truly someone who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk?

Gong Yin was starting to regret suggesting drinking…

“Wait,” Jing Hengbo suddenly slapped her forehead, realizing, “I almost forgot—just now I said as long as I passed the Dare, I could require each of you to do one thing.”

Without waiting for their agreement, she righteously pointed at Tie Xingze, “I require you to immediately withdraw!”

Tie Xingze laughed heartily, quickly drained his wine vessel, grabbed another backup vessel into his arms, then stood up, “This humble minister obeys the decree!” He turned and left, extremely graceful and decisive.

Gong Yin half-reclined, looking at Tie Xingze then at Jing Hengbo, his expression quite complex—uncertain whether expectant or nervous.

The nearby guards also tensed their shoulders in unison, expectant yet nervous as they stole glances—who knew what the unconventional Queen would do next? Even less what the Queen, who seemed to have had some wine, might do. Surely she wouldn’t in broad daylight… that… would she?

“Xingze,” Gong Yin suddenly said, “that matter—please.”

Tie Xingze turned, smiled and bowed, “I dare not fail the State Preceptor’s trust.”

Gong Yin gazed at him, saying slowly, “You’ve been in the capital for years, familiar with its roads and buildings. The Queen lives idly in the palace and sometimes wants to go out for relaxation. You know I’m busy—when you have time, please accompany Her Majesty more.”

Jing Hengbo suddenly looked up—what? Did her ears have problems?

Tie Xingze also seemed stunned, not expecting Gong Yin to say this, but showed no excitement. Instead, he frowned, “Her Majesty’s travels—how important is her safety…”

“Therefore,” Gong Yin cut off his words, “if she leaves the palace, her safety is entrusted to you!”

Tie Xingze smiled bitterly, touched his nose, and could only bow again, “Yes.”

Gong Yin looked at him again, “You’re showing signs of intoxication. This wine has extremely strong aftereffects—you’d better stay here tonight.”

Tie Xingze didn’t decline, shaking his wine vessel, “That’s good. I really feel I can’t walk…”

Jing Hengbo watched his retreating figure, her eyes unfocused, murmuring, “Did the vinegar jar change flavor today…?”

Behind her came a “clang” as a wine cup was set down. Gong Yin’s voice revealed neither joy nor anger, “Has Your Majesty drunk to your heart’s content? Then forgive me—I still have urgent matters and won’t accompany you further.”

“Ah, don’t! You still owe me a dare!” Seeing him actually get up to leave, Jing Hengbo quickly pounced over and threw herself on his back, “I want you to carry me and walk around the quiet courtyard once!”

Gong Yin’s whole body stiffened.

So suddenly, she had pounced on him.

Almost instantly, he felt the warmth and softness on his back, felt her body’s lightness and vitality, felt her breath—slightly sweet with wine fragrance and a woman’s natural alluring scent—brushing past his neck, over his temples, suddenly throwing heaven, earth, and humanity into chaos.

His body leaned slightly forward, and he actually didn’t dare move.

All the guards in the quiet courtyard instinctively reached for their weapons the moment Jing Hengbo pounced, but the next moment they quickly withdrew their hands. They wanted to turn around but didn’t dare, wanted to move but didn’t dare. Seeing the State Preceptor’s strange posture, they wanted to laugh but dared even less.

Jing Hengbo didn’t care how many people were watching. She squinted her eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and spoke in a nasal tone, “Hurry up… hurry up… if you don’t move, I’ll demand you carry me around Yuzhao Palace once… or carry me around the entire capital… tire you to death…”

Gong Yin remained stiff for a while, then slowly straightened his body, reaching back with both hands to slowly support her legs. Jing Hengbo immediately comfortably rested her face against his back.

He met Meng Hu’s slightly worried gaze and gently shook his head. Meng Hu made a gesture, and the guards in the quiet courtyard immediately dispersed.

Gong Yin calmly carried Jing Hengbo along the cobblestone path. Jing Hengbo giggled on his back, “Hehehe, back in the forest when you forced me to carry you, now thirty years later the wheel of fortune turns—I’ve gotten my revenge!”

Gong Yin glanced at her sideways, his lips curving slightly—was this what having a meeting of minds meant? At this moment, he was also thinking of that journey when she carried him through the dense forest.

Though being carried hadn’t been comfortable then, and he’d had to support her with his inner energy, by now it was time to repay the debt.

As he turned his head, brushing against her just as she leaned down to speak, their lips touched like lightning for an instant.

He trembled at that cool softness, his steps stopping.

But she seemed completely unaware, continuously giggling softly. Her breath carried light wine fragrance and bewitching aroma intertwined, creating another strange scent—mysterious and lingering, seeming to awaken all the hidden desires deep in people’s hearts.

Only then did he realize she was still slightly intoxicated from drinking too quickly earlier.

“Mm, Gong Yin… you smell so good…” she said quietly, her lips unconsciously brushing against his neck repeatedly, “but you’re also so cold…”

He paused, tilting his head slightly to avoid her lips—not because he didn’t crave her fragrance, but because he feared he couldn’t withstand such teasing.

Intentional seduction could still be resisted; unconscious provocation was most soul-stirring.

When he stopped, light mist rose around him. Wisps of cold air automatically dispersed as his body temperature automatically rose.

This made his face pale slightly.

Her senses seemed undiminished—she quickly felt his warmth, rubbing against him comfortably while murmuring, “Did you use your inner energy? You don’t need to… I’ll get used to it. I said I wanted to warm you… just let me warm you…”

His lips curved slightly.

Who said she was indulgent and frivolous, playing with the world?

He had always only seen her delicacy and sensitivity—like a mirror bright enough to reflect people, mapping all phenomena, illuminating every inch of shadow-covered space.

His steps were leisurely and slow along the cobblestone path of the quiet courtyard.

Past Lansheng Pavilion, Feilan Pavilion, Cuihua Tower, Yechun Lake… The quiet courtyard was silent now, only preserving his footprints.

Jing Hengbo lay on his shoulder, feeling that the quiet courtyard viewed from behind his shoulder was most beautiful now. She was surprised she’d never noticed how beautiful the quiet courtyard was—emerald trees and red leaves, blue lake and white bridge, white walls and indigo tiles, red curved railings. All the romantic colors crystallized against the azure sky background, forming a picture of a prosperous palace court procession.

“Over there, over there!” She suddenly became excited, kicking on his back.

Ahead was Yechun Lake with a nine-arch long bridge—uniform curved arcs spanning the air, their reflections connecting like nine rounds of moon.

Since Gong Yin was carrying her, he naturally didn’t want to go against her wishes. He walked slowly onto the bridge. Jing Hengbo watched their steps climbing higher and higher, as if they were walking into that stretch of blue sky ahead. Heroic feelings suddenly rose in her chest.

The dare she wanted still wasn’t complete!

That stuffy Gong Yin would never dare ask for her dare in his lifetime!

But how many times would she have such an opportunity? If she wanted to do it, she had to do it. If she wanted to say it, she had to say it bravely!

Gong Yin suddenly stopped—at the bridge’s highest point.

The wind was fierce here, blowing their long hair into tangles.

Jing Hengbo pushed away Gong Yin’s hair that the wind had blown across her face and spread her arms wide.

“Careful!” Gong Yin leaned against the bridge rail. Not expecting her to suddenly open her arms, he hurried to support her.

“Gong Yin! I like you!”

Jing Hengbo’s great shout instantly spread throughout the entire quiet courtyard.

For a moment, the quiet courtyard fell completely silent.

The wind seemed to stop, the water seemed still. People stood in place, looking up in shock.

Gong Yin’s raised hand stopped in mid-air. His face suddenly paled, making his eyes appear even more black as deep abysses.

Yet in those abyss depths, stars seemed to explode and flash, instantly shooting to the clouds, piercing the long sky!

He suddenly turned around.

Jing Hengbo laughed loudly, then shouted again as if to shatter Gong Yin’s eardrums.

“Gong Yin! I’ve liked you for a long time! Like you so much! I want to be with you! I want the whole world to know I want to be with you! I want the whole world to know I like you!”

She laughed and pointed to the long bridge from their high vantage point.

“On this bridge, I can see all of Yuzhao Palace, all of the capital! Do you see me? Do you see me saying I like him? People will age and die, time will pass and go by, but the earth won’t decay, flowing water won’t decay, bridge stones won’t decay, trees won’t decay! Today what I’ve said—mountains and rivers, earth and trees, heaven and earth, sun and moon, imperial heaven and earth—you bear witness!”

The wind suddenly intensified, whooshing away her hair tie. She simply raised her head, letting her long hair fly like a banner atop the bridge.

Far below the bridge, Meng Hu and others looked up from afar, their eyes shocked and complex.

Next door, Cui Jie stopped her laundry, looking up this way.

Yong Xue poked her head out from the kitchen, her dark pupils fixed on this direction.

Jing Jun slowly emerged from inside, supporting herself against the door frame as she gazed into the distance. Perhaps from being cooped up inside too long, her face was even paler than snow.

Among the guards, the young women’s eyes shimmered with fine tears—whether from joy or melancholy, admiration or envy, was unclear.

There was a kind of brave freedom that transcended eras, irreplaceable.

Gong Yin half-turned his head, staring intently at her face. Her face was slightly flushed, her eyes bright. Though unrestrained, there was no frivolity.

At least at this moment, he knew every word came from her heart, sincere and pure.

Waves crashed against shores in his chest, flooding over the nine-arch long bridge in his heart. Though he heard the sound of ice and snow spreading and cracking in his innermost depths, he still felt that hearing this moment, even death would bring no regret.

This moment—whether joy or pain, shattering or wholeness—waves like fire surged over icy walls, washing through meridians and blood. Light blood spots appeared in his palm as his body swayed slightly.

Just then, Jing Hengbo made a grand sweeping gesture to conclude her declaration to heaven and earth today.

“Gong Yin, I fancy you! I want to be with you! I also want to—ah!”

The movement was too large—her body suddenly tilted, falling toward the bridge bottom.

Gong Yin hurriedly reached out. In an instant, his fingertips were suddenly covered with a layer of ice crystals that immediately shattered. His movement stiffened, missing Jing Hengbo’s arm by inches.

Jing Hengbo was already falling from the bridge. Amid cries of alarm, Gong Yin lunged forward.

“Splash.”

The two embraced as they fell into the water below the bridge.

…

The quiet courtyard was shocked into silence again and again today.

Even Meng Hu was stunned by this sudden scene, his eyes widening—no one could have imagined the Queen would fall from the bridge, much less that the State Preceptor couldn’t save her and fell in too.

After being dazed for a full moment, Meng Hu finally reacted, rushing over, “Quick! Search and rescue!”

“Splash.” The water surface erupted as Jing Hengbo’s head emerged, still giggling, “Cool! Refreshing!” She splashed the water surface with her hands, saying in surprise, “Eh, why are there suddenly so many ice fragments?”

She pushed back her hair, looking around on the water surface for a while, suddenly feeling something was wrong.

With wine clouding her mind, she thought slowly, then suddenly widened her eyes.

Gong Yin!

Where was Gong Yin?

Jing Hengbo looked around frantically. The narrow lake surface showed no human figure, only some ice fragments floating up and down.

Damn, still at the lake bottom?

Jing Hengbo dove down again with a splash, moving so fast and violently that Meng Hu, who had just reached the lakeside, worried she might crack her head open.

Moments later, another “splash” as Gong Yin emerged this time, his face like frost and snow, holding the pale-faced Jing Hengbo.

He rose and swept to shore. Before even leaving the water, he was already calling out repeatedly, “Prepare clothes, braziers, ginger soup, hot tea!”

“Master, is Her Majesty all right…” Meng Hu approached, draping a cloak over the soaking wet Gong Yin. Gong Yin immediately took it off and wrapped it around Jing Hengbo.

“She was too hasty diving to rescue someone—she got cramps!”

…

Half an hour later, everyone in the entire quiet courtyard, including people from the neighboring Queen’s quarters, was running around frantically.

The Queen was drunk.

Logically, being drunk and soaked in water should make her more sober, but the Queen did everything opposite to normal people. When she got cramps, she cramped herself drunk.

An hour later, everyone in the quiet courtyard had been hit.

When maids tried to change her clothes, they were hit.

“I want Gong Yin!” she said.

When maids tried to give her ginger soup, she spat it in their faces.

“It tastes terrible! Call Gong Yin to feed me!”

When maids brought a basin for her bath, she hugged the tub and shouted, “Gong Yin, you coffin-faced, deadpan, aloof emperor, ten-thousand-year iceberg! Why are you always so stiff? Can’t you be softer? Hey, your waist is so thick—I can’t grasp it with one hand, what should I do!”

She wailed to the heavens, “Why is it so hard!”

She jumped into the bathtub with a “plop,” splashing water everywhere as she beat the water, shouting while splashing, “Heat up! Heat up! I want you to heat up!”

After a while, she dove headfirst underwater, not surfacing for a long time. The maids and Cui Jie feared she’d drown in the bathtub and hurried to pull her up. She burst out with a splash, pointing at empty air and shouting passionately, “Damn it, you all bully him! All bully him! Better not let me catch you! Or I’ll make sure you can never be men in your next lives!”

Cui Jie and Yong Xue stared dumbfounded at the wine-crazed Jing Hengbo, numbly wiping the water splashed on their faces.

…

Gong Yin stood just outside her bedchamber door, unchanged clothes, wearing a cloak, wet black hair sticking to his face, listening to her jumping, shouting, and complaining.

At first he frowned, then felt helpless. To her constant calls for “Gong Yin to serve,” he pretended not to hear.

In broad daylight with everyone watching, it really wasn’t convenient for him to just go in.

But hearing the last sentence, he trembled slightly, his lips pressing together lightly.

Just as his feet unconsciously started to move, he suddenly heard a woman’s voice behind him, timidly saying, “State Preceptor, you haven’t changed clothes and are standing in the wind—please be careful not to catch cold…”

He slightly tilted his head to see a small white flower-like Jing Jun in plain clothes with a black hair bun, clean face, pitifully holding a bowl of ginger soup and standing behind him to his side.

She was so delicate that even her standing posture swayed gently, making one feel dizzier than the drunk Jing Hengbo.

Meeting Gong Yin’s gaze, she offered the ginger soup.

…

Drunk people were truly miraculous.

The Jing Hengbo who was acting like a shaman in the room somehow suddenly became sharp-eared and eagle-eyed, mysteriously saying, “There’s a woman’s voice outside!” Before finishing, she had already climbed out of the tub and rushed wetly to the window.

“Hey hey, be careful not to catch cold…” Cui Jie, Yong Xue, and Zirui chased after her, torn between tears and laughter.

…

The ginger soup was offered before him, still steaming hot.

Jing Jun’s upturned gaze also hid slight heat and concern.

But Gong Yin’s gaze drifted past the ginger soup, past her face, settling on an empty point.

“I thought,” when he spoke again his voice carried a chill, “as Her Majesty’s attendant, your ginger soup should be offered to her first.”

Blood instantly drained from Jing Jun’s already pale face.

Gong Yin had already turned his head, accepting the ginger soup that Meng Hu opportunely brought at this moment.

Jing Jun’s hands holding the ginger soup trembled slightly. That bowl of ginger soup now felt like a thousand pounds in her hands—she could neither hold it nor drop it, weighing her down as if she might sink into the ground.

She stood rigidly. Gong Yin ignored her, drinking several sips of ginger soup before half-turning, “Mm?”

His slanted eyes were deep black, their light cold and sharp. She couldn’t help shivering and quickly lowered her head.

“This servant was improper…” She bit the words between her teeth, persisting in pronouncing each character clearly, “This servant will immediately take the ginger soup to Her Majesty.”

She walked away quickly, but her steps were somewhat unsteady. Dizzy and confused, she couldn’t identify directions clearly and actually walked to the window.

Jing Hengbo had been watching the excitement through the window crack and suddenly called to her.

“Jing Jun.”

Jing Jun trembled, raising her head to discover Jing Hengbo was right by the window. Her face turned even paler as she forced a smile and raised that scalding bowl of ginger soup.

“Da Bo, I brought you ginger soup…”

Jing Hengbo pressed her head against the window frame, pushing the window open, and shook her head, “Jing Jun… do you like Gong Yin?”