Suzhen was so shocked that she didn’t react for a long while, until Leng Xue held her tighter, his flushed face and moist tongue trying to part her lips. Only then did she make a sound and kick his leg – Leng Xue frowned and released her in pain.

Suzhen touched her lips in bewilderment, still feeling the sensation of his tense, burning body pressed against her.

She was extremely embarrassed and panicked, but felt no anger – unlike when Quan Feitong touched her. This was a friend she’d known since childhood, like a brother. Her body instinctively felt no anger, only confusion as she looked at him: “Leng Xue, what are you doing?”

Leng Xue had also regained his senses.

So this was how it felt, he thought.

His emotions were equally complex, unable to speak for a moment, only looking at her deeply.

But Suzhen grew more bewildered – this was like Lian Yu’s gaze yesterday.

Burning hot and passionate.

Just as she wondered how to face him, Leng Xue stepped forward again, hands against the wall, trapping her between his arms.

His gaze still held anger, yet also heat and questioning.

“You said when this matter ended, you’d return with me to green mountains and clear waters.”

“Leng Xue, I did say that, but circumstances have changed. Besides,” Suzhen bit her lip, organizing her chaotic thoughts, hoping to explain clearly, “originally, that meant living like family.”

Disappointment gradually showed in Leng Xue’s eyes. He stared at her, saying quietly: “I understand. But I thought, since you and Li Zhaoting had broken up, we could…”

“How is there suddenly a Lian Yu? His treatment of you isn’t proper between ruler and subject, and you have past acquaintance. Why did it become this way? He loves you – how could he love you!”

He looked at her through gritted teeth, expressing his feelings in low tones.

Actually, he had also seen the unusual turbulence between her and Lian Yu, but he thought – how could she love the son of her father’s killer! Until last night, seeing her watching Lian Yu in a daze while drinking heavily, he finally realized! When love comes, it’s so unreasonable.

“His father killed your father!”

Suzhen was anxiously wondering how to explain to Leng Xue. She didn’t want to hurt him – she had been truly oblivious, never knowing Leng Xue harbored such feelings for her! Hearing his questioning, she smiled bitterly: “Father once said everyone is free, regardless of their birth or parents. Those were crimes his father committed, unrelated to him. As far as I know, he didn’t like his father either. The truth is, I also hated him once and thought it impossible. But he moved me. I…”

“Why make excuses for yourself? If you truly love him, you’re shameless!”

Leng Xue’s eyes reddened with anger, his handsome face taking on a stern cast as he delivered harsh words.

Suzhen’s heart felt stabbed. In the past, she would have kicked him and left angrily. But now, having experienced so much… she finally only said: “I’ll find you again. You… calm down.”

Seeing pain in her eyes, Leng Xue suddenly realized and chased after her.

“If you don’t come out, we’ll break down the door.”

Everyone in the courtyard was waiting. Though they didn’t know exactly what happened inside, they knew it was serious. Zhuiming half-joked, hoping to ease the atmosphere.

Suzhen forced a smile and returned to her room. Zhuiming said: “What’s really going on between you and Leng Xue? Speak clearly! What’s to argue about among our own people?”

But Wuqing blocked Leng Xue: “I have something to tell you.”

“Xiao Zhou, you others go back first.”

Since Wuqing intended to obstruct, he certainly couldn’t leave for now. Leng Xue’s expression darkened as he stopped. Zhuiming and Tieshou always obeyed Wuqing and immediately left. Xiao Zhou snorted coldly but said nothing.

Only the two men remained in the courtyard.

Leng Xue said coldly: “Speak.”

Wuqing looked at him: “Don’t interfere with her and His Majesty’s affairs.”

Leng Xue’s expression changed: “Xiao Zhou was right – Wuqing, you’re actually the Emperor’s man!”

“Think whatever you want. In any case, I won’t let you cause trouble.”

Xiao Zhou had wanted to find Suzhen but thought better of it and left the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

She wandered the streets for a while, then found an inn for tea. A waiter came over warmly, and she asked quietly: “Do you have what I need?”

The waiter smiled: “What the guest wants has arrived.”

Returning to the residence, she closed her door and took out a letter from her sleeve.

It contained only one line in powerful, elegant handwriting:

— Approved. If investigation confirms accuracy, you may also return.

That word “Approved” made her lips curve slightly, but then a trace of darkness slowly crossed her eyes.

At this time, Suzhen was also contemplating in her room.

In just two days, she hadn’t expected things to develop this way.

Very good, yet also not good.

Ming Yanchu had told her Lian Yu wanted her to rest a few days, recover her health before returning to court.

Strangely, though she’d been ill before and damaged her constitution, from returning from Minzhou until now, despite all her heartache and worry, no symptoms had appeared.

Why?

But this wasn’t ultimately what concerned her most. She had too much to consider: her own affairs, Lian Yu’s, Li Zhaoting’s, and now Leng Xue’s…

Since Lian Yu had granted her leave, why not travel south to begin collecting evidence?

Perhaps when she returned, she’d know how to confess everything to Lian Yu, including Li Zhaoting’s involvement.

Since Lian Yu could overturn the marriage decree for Gu Shuangcheng, could he also overturn the late Emperor’s cruel judgment for her? As long as she had sufficient evidence proving the Feng family truly hadn’t committed treason.

For this investigation, she couldn’t bring only Leng Xue – their relationship was now awkward. Better to bring everyone. Besides, she’d need their assistance.

Head pillowed on folded hands, the image of her parents and brother hanging from the city walls appeared in her mind, her heart aching.

She also thought if Lian Yu didn’t come tonight, she’d see him at tomorrow’s court session before departing. If this succeeded, she’d help Lian Yu investigate A Luo’s case from years ago and find the killer. Not yet departed, she already felt longing.

She didn’t know how long she’d been thinking when Zhuiming called for dinner.

The dining atmosphere wasn’t as relaxed as usual.

Leng Xue watched her with complex eyes.

She usually sat beside Leng Xue. As she hesitated where to sit, Xiao Zhou pulled her to her side: “Sit.”

As usual, Suzhen picked up food with her chopsticks for Leng Xue’s bowl: “No more fighting – we’re always good brothers.”

Tieshou and Zhuiming agreed: “Well said! Come, let’s drink.”

Leng Xue felt his heart boiling. If not in front of everyone, he couldn’t help but grab her hand.

Uncle Fu brought the last dish. Just as the old man was about to sit, a servant excitedly led two people straight in.

“Why no announcement? What do you take the Criminal Investigation Bureau for?” Xiao Zhou scolded, looking up to see who it was and dropping her chopsticks in fright. Everyone knelt in greeting: “Greetings to Your Majesty.”

The visitor smiled slightly, only Qinglong attending him.

“All rise.” He seemed not to see the table full of food, not avoiding anything as he looked directly at Suzhen: “Come with me. I have business with you.”

Suzhen hadn’t expected Lian Yu to come at noon when he’d said later in the evening… Her heart was also joyful as she responded and followed.

Zhuiming whispered to Tieshou beside him: “Why do I feel His Majesty looks at our Huaisu so strangely? Like a weasel eyeing a chicken, a cat watching a mouse.”

Leng Xue’s blood surged, but as he started to move, Wuqing appeared like a ghost, already blocking his path. His expression was unusually stern: “Leng Xue, I said – no.”

Seeing this, Xiao Zhou grew suspicious.

Outside the residence was the same ordinary carriage as before.

But the interior was luxuriously and comfortably appointed.

Underfoot was a circle of snow-white wool felt with a rosewood tea table in the center, matching tea service, and a food basket. The basket was also made of precious wood, carved with dragons and phoenixes throughout – clearly a palace item. Beside it was a small huali wood case for storage.

Qinglong drove ahead. Upon entering the carriage, Lian Yu immediately embraced Suzhen, making them both fall onto the wool felt.

Lian Yu thought for a moment – was this how it felt to like someone, this urgent impatience, hoping to see them constantly? Lying down, he placed her on his waist, pulled her head down, and kissed her lips tenderly.

Suzhen blushed shyly, quietly responding. Lian Yu felt only soft fragrance and wonderful sensation, deepening the kiss while reaching for her body, pouring out the aching desire hidden in his chest and abdomen.