Chapter 210: "What Brazen Words Are You Saying?

Although the Emperor’s words had provoked him, Li Wei didn’t do anything rash.

’He couldn’t just rush over and tell the Emperor he liked her, could he? That would be far too abrupt.’

’And as for that whole "shameless" thing... he didn’t know what he was supposed to do to be considered shameless. It was all rather perplexing.’

The next day, he went to the palace to report on the details of the army’s northern campaign. He spoke until noon, after which the Emperor had him stay for a meal.

Xiao Yang looked at him. "You drank quite a bit last night. Are you drinking again today?"

Li Wei thought for a moment. "It’s cold out. A cup or two to warm up should be fine."

Xiao Yang thought that made sense. Just then, the snow outside began to fall even harder, and her interest was piqued. "Then let’s go to the Imperial Garden. We can drink while we watch the snow."

Li Wei replied, "As Your Majesty wishes."

Xiao Yang ordered a banquet to be prepared. Besides Li Wei, several other generals would be joining them.

Ye Shao and Xiao Ziling were among them.

Never mind Ye Shao—Xiao Yang couldn’t be bothered to spare him a glance. But Xiao Ziling...

You win some, you lose some. Xiao Ziling was doing very well for herself now. Naturally cool and aloof, she didn’t seem the least bit awkward sitting among a group of military generals. On the contrary, she was like an ice flower blooming amidst a sea of green leaves—utterly unique.

Her only regret was that Xiao Ziling could no longer stay by her side.

But the way to love a flower is to let it bloom.

Even if she was reluctant to part with her, and even if Xiao Ziling herself were willing, Xiao Yang could not bear to let her become a mere handmaiden again.

"Ziling."

Xiao Yang raised her cup. "I am very happy to see you here."

Xiao Ziling stood and raised her cup, her perpetually calm gaze instantly lighting up. "I thank Your Majesty for this honor."

All eyes fell on Xiao Ziling. Xiao Yang hadn’t made a point of mentioning Ling Ji’s name change; she had simply told everyone that Ling Ji was a nickname and Xiao Ziling was her proper name.

Except for the few who knew of her previous status as Mu Yunlian’s handmaiden, everyone else assumed she was from a collateral branch of the Xiao Royal Family.

Bolstered by this new status, and coupled with her exceptional martial skills and sharp reflexes, her position was undisputed.

Speaking of Xiao Ziling, Xiao Yang turned to Li Wei, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Now we have one more person on our side, General Li. You’d better not slack off. Just don’t get upset when you eventually lose, alright?"

Only Xiao Yang could speak of ganging up on someone with such brazen confidence.

Xiao Qing was also present, but Xiao Yang didn’t have time for him right now. ’That brat probably hates me for exiling his father. I’ll deal with him properly after the New Year.’

Li Wei sighed internally. ’Just because I forced her to learn martial arts and beat her during training back then, the Little Emperor has been obsessed with getting her revenge ever since.’

’Not that he regretted his decision. He genuinely wanted the Little Emperor to master martial arts so she could protect herself.’

’But now, the whole situation was becoming a little exasperating.’

’He was developing feelings for the Emperor, yet all she ever thought about was defeating him—even shamelessly gathering a mob to gang up on him.’

’For a fleeting moment, Li Wei considered just letting the Little Emperor defeat him. It would put an end to her obsession, and it would be a small price to pay for her happiness.’

’But if he let her win, would she still be so obsessed with challenging him?’

’Her single-minded focus on ganging up on him... didn’t that prove his strength held a special significance for her?’

"I await Your Majesty’s challenge whenever you and your entourage are ready."

In the span of those few fleeting thoughts, Li Wei knew he couldn’t afford to lose.

’I won’t be a hill that she conquers and then forgets. I must be the eternal mountain, always in her line of sight.’

The Little Emperor was a formidable martial artist with extraordinary courage. She treated her military generals well and her policies were just, which had earned her great prestige among them. Knowing the Emperor wasn’t a stickler for formalities, everyone spoke less reservedly.

Aside from refraining from profanity and crude jokes, they could more or less speak their minds.

Everyone enjoyed the meal.

Once everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they took their leave one by one, until only Xiao Yang and Li Wei were left.

Xiao Ziling had wanted to approach Her Majesty, but seeing that Li Wei clearly had something he wished to say, she quietly withdrew. She would have plenty of other opportunities to see Her Majesty; there was no need to vie for this particular moment.

"Be careful, Your Majesty."

Li Wei walked beside Xiao Yang, hovering protectively, afraid she might slip on the ice.

Xiao Yang waved a dismissive hand. "I’m fine. I’m a martial artist, after all. How could a little ice make me slip?"

Yet, no sooner had the words left her mouth than her foot landed on an icy flagstone, and she nearly fell.

As she stumbled, Li Wei’s arm shot out and caught her.

Xiao Yang: "..."

’Talk about eating my words,’ she thought. Her face burned.

"I... will be more careful."

Li Wei, however, didn’t laugh. He was genuinely worried, his hand constantly hovering near her, ready to offer support.

One trying to help, the other refusing to be helped, they continued on their awkward way.

They walked on until they reached a viewing pavilion.

Xiao Yang gazed at the frozen lake ahead. "I remember there used to be lotuses here."

’The lotuses had been in vibrant bloom when she’d left. Now, all that remained were a few withered stalks. Time sure flies.’

Li Wei said, "You’ll have to wait until next year for the lotuses. But there are several plum trees in bloom just ahead. Would Your Majesty like to see them?"

"Since we’ve come all this way," Xiao Yang said, "we might as well take a look."

The crisp, clean fragrance of plum blossoms rode on the snowy wind, an invigorating scent.

But the wind was a bit strong.

"ACHOO..."

Xiao Yang couldn’t hold back a sneeze. In the next instant, the wind and snow abruptly ceased, and a masculine scent tinged with wine washed over her.

Xiao Yang opened her eyes to the sight of Li Wei’s powerful chest.

He was holding his cloak up with one hand, shielding her from the wind and snow, a gesture that also put his chest on full display right before her eyes.

In an era without protein powder or fitness equipment, Li Wei’s physique was pure, hard-earned muscle. Every inch of it radiated power.

Even in the dead of winter, he wasn’t dressed in thick layers, and the contours of his muscles were clearly visible through the form-fitting fabric.

Xiao Yang covered her nose, unable to resist taking a second—and then a third—look.

’The image of him completely naked, which she had seen before, flashed through her mind...’

’A man who had it all—strength, looks, martial prowess, and status. Her own slight frame was no match; every time they sparred, he could lift and toss her about with ease. His power was undeniable.’

’He wasn’t her usual type, but who wouldn’t be tempted to stare at a man like that?’

"Ahem... I’m fine. A snowflake just flew up my nose."

She reached up and pushed his arm down, sighing inwardly. ’Stop holding that pose, or I really won’t be able to resist copping a feel.’

’An emperor feeling up her subject’s muscles... She could tell herself it was just for fun, a simple act of appreciation, but it would still make her look like a total pervert.’

Li Wei’s attention was focused solely on the Emperor; he hadn’t missed her lingering little glances.

’Her Majesty might not have any feelings for me,’ he thought, ’but it seems she... appreciates my physique.’

’The men in the barracks looked at him with envy. Her Majesty’s gaze, however, wasn’t envious. It was appreciative.’

"Your Majesty... would you like to touch them?"

Xiao Yang, who had already started to turn away, whipped her head back around. "What kind of outrageous thing are you saying?"

The moment the words were out, Li Wei’s face turned red, but he held his ground. "My muscles... they are very powerful. Not like an ordinary man’s. Your Majesty can test them."

Xiao Yang opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. "...That’s... not necessary. I know you’re very strong."

’Stealing a few glances is one thing,’ she thought. ’But actually getting hands-on... that’s a bit inappropriate, to say the least.’

’It would be like *she* was the one hitting on *him*.’