Huang Bo had long served at the Emperor’s side. Though not like Bai Danyong and others who had been by His Majesty’s side since his youth, he had served in the palace halls for many years and understood the Emperor’s thoughts better than most. Now, seeing His Majesty take Meng Tinghui and gallop straight out of the training grounds toward the Western Splendor Palace, Huang Bo immediately leaped onto horseback and took a shortcut, riding at full speed to arrive at the Western Splendor Palace first and make all the necessary arrangements.

The officials of the Privy Council looked at each other in bewilderment, this sudden turn of events leaving everyone at a loss. Fortunately, Fang Kai reacted quickly, turning to dismiss the Imperial Guards on the field and the officials on the sidelines, while he stood watching the silhouette of the black stallion galloping away, kicking up light yellow sand.

Jiang Ping, standing nearby, walked over with a peculiar expression on his face and asked Fang Kai: “Did General Fang see His Majesty’s actions just now?” Though they had long been in the Privy Council, they still habitually addressed each other by their old military titles.

Fang Kai finally withdrew his gaze, nodded slightly, and seeing Jiang Ping’s expression, said impatiently: “What is there to be so surprised about? Consider the Emperor Emeritus and Prince Ping, General Xie and the Lady of Yingguo, Grand Tutor Shen and Madam Ceng—weren’t all these affairs more extraordinary than today’s events? General Jiang, you’re not like those decrepit officials in the Government Hall who spend all day contemplating schemes and intrigues. Why show such an expression?”

Jiang Ping snorted softly, stroking his beard. Knowing Fang Kai’s straightforward manner of speaking, he didn’t take offense and thought to himself: “I was merely curious, and now I know those rumors were more or less true. His Majesty is Prince Ping’s only son, and his abilities in governance and state affairs are not inferior to Prince Ping’s in the slightest. Does he need the Government Hall officials to dictate whom he can favor? Yet those people go around with their noses in the air every day, forgetting who conquered this realm! His Majesty is more restrained in temperament than Prince Ping, allowing them to scheme and fight among themselves. But if His Majesty were to say the word, would old military commanders like you and I stand idle?”

Understanding Jiang Ping’s character well—he was someone who had dared to brandish weapons even before the Emperor Emeritus, and whose loyalty to Prince Ping was unmatched, speaking without much forethought—Fang Kai waved his hands repeatedly and said: “Don’t speak so carelessly! Political governance is not established overnight. His Majesty has his deliberations; we need not concern ourselves. Besides, the Privy Council does not interfere in government affairs, and the Government Hall does not meddle in military matters. You must not embarrass the senior officials of the Government Hall to their faces at court!” He turned to survey the Imperial Guards on the field and lowered his voice: “Later, remember to pass down the order that His Majesty’s actions at the training grounds today must not be leaked. If the people in the Government Hall learn even the slightest detail, every person on this field will lose their military status and be exiled to frontier regions!”

Fang Kai tugged at the hard clasp of his chest armor, raising his hand to beckon Jiang Ping to leave the field together. As they walked, he said: “Fortunately, this Meng Tinghui can at least ride a horse and draw a bow. If His Majesty were to favor and promote a delicate, fragile beauty, I would truly have to go to the Western Capital to seek justice from the Emperor Emeritus!”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ping suddenly burst into laughter. After a few steps, he was laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath, repeatedly shaking his head at Fang Kai, his brows deeply furrowed.

The sunlight was as fierce as molten liquid, streaming directly down to the ground, making the entire training field scorching hot. The light sand shifted with the breeze, and the earlier hoof prints long disappeared, leaving only dozens of archery targets with white feathers glistening and quivering gently.

The Emperor’s sleeping quarters were originally in the Western Splendor Palace, but after his ascension, due to being busy with state affairs, he often spent the night in the Ruisi Hall. As a result, the Western Splendor Palace had become a secluded, locked palace, and even the palace attendants had been ordered by His Majesty to withdraw completely to reduce daily expenses.

By the time the two arrived on horseback, Huang Bo had already gone ahead to dismiss any unnecessary personnel from outside the hall and was waiting with the doors open.

The black stallion suddenly halted before the steps, raising its head and neighing continuously. After the two dismounted, Huang Bo came forward to take the horse, knowingly lowering his head and withdrawing.

They entered the hall, and the doors closed behind them. The heavy door bolt made a grating sound as it slid into place, disturbing the dust, which flew up. The tiny dust particles floated and fell in the sunlight filtering in from outside, shrouding the bright corner of the hall in a layer of dust.

She stood still, her heart still racing, her breathing somewhat heavy. Looking up at his figure standing before her, she suddenly felt as if she had been drenched by a clear spring, instantly coming to her senses.

“Your Majesty,” she knew she had angered him with her earlier willfulness and sincerely apologized: “I acknowledge my offense. I hope Your Majesty will calm your anger.”

His expression was calm, showing no sign of anger, but his gaze was sharp. “What is your offense?”

She became even more earnest, “I should not have refused to learn mounted archery, and I should not have rejected Your Majesty’s sincere intentions toward me.” She repeated what he had said, deliberately emphasizing the words “sincere intentions,” feeling her face grow warm. She knew his feelings, but could hardly believe he had spoken so candidly while on horseback, and secretly raised her eyes to glance at him.

Impassively, he asked: “Do you truly acknowledge your offense?”

She nodded hastily, “Truly.”

His brow relaxed slightly, and he turned to begin removing his armor. He first took off his arm guards, then undid his shoulder and chest armor. As he was about to continue, she unexpectedly approached and embraced him, her small hands encircling his waist. “Your Majesty.”

Despite his earlier imperial majesty, she knew what he meant by bringing her to the Western Splendor Palace. Perceptive as she was, seeing that he didn’t seem truly angry, she proactively helped him remove the rest of his armor before looking up at him.

He stared at her bright, clear eyes, standing still for a long while before slowly reaching down to embrace her.

As soon as his fingertips touched her body, she immediately wrapped herself around him, clinging to him, allowing him to hold her. She leaned in to kiss his cheeks and lips, then moved downward, her tongue sweeping across his exposed neck.

Though her kisses inflamed his desires, he restrained himself and tried to evade her, saying softly: “I’m all sweaty.” Having been riding and shooting at the training grounds, his body was covered in dust from the wind and sand, and he was drenched in sweat, not having bathed yet.

She paused, laughing softly, but said: “I don’t mind.”

“I mind,” he bent down to peck her delicate nose, wanting to put her down, but she held onto him tightly. He raised an eyebrow, “Meng Tinghui?”

She pressed against his body, her hands slipping inside his clothing to caress him gently, her red lips pressed against his ear. “Doesn’t Your Majesty want this? Can Your Majesty resist?”

He had been able to restrain himself, but now he could no longer.

His large hands deftly tore open her clothes, and he breathed heavily as she undid his brocade trousers. When he forcefully entered her, he felt a weight on his shoulder—she had bitten him through his robe.

A soft sound escaped her lips, seeming both pained and satisfied.