The man never expected the young girl to say such heartless words to him. However, he still refused to give up.
"We've both contributed so much to the Great Liang's royal cause. Moreover, the late emperor never shared a bed with the empress dowager. You've never even had physical contact. So what if we were to be together? Wan'er, as long as you desire, I have numerous ways to ensure that we, as lovers, will eventually be united."
Unable to contain himself, he instinctively wrapped his arms around the young girl's waist from behind. But in an instant, the faint fragrance lingering in his nostrils vanished.
Seeing the young girl avoid him as if he were a venomous snake, the man couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
It was the first time he had revealed his emotions and true feelings in front of others, only to end up in such a disheartening situation. The man was momentarily at a loss as to how to salvage the situation.
Shi Muwang nervously tugged at the corner of her robe. In her two lifetimes, it was the first time she had such an intimate encounter with a man.
"Your Excellency, the national teacher, it would be better if you refrained from saying such things in the future. The world is a cold place, and the current situation is quite satisfactory. If these words were to reach the ears of outsiders, they might misunderstand our relationship."
The man felt somewhat dejected, and a hint of melancholy briefly clouded his usually composed expression.
However, on the surface, he feigned nonchalance and quickly regained his composure.
"I overstepped my boundaries today, Your Majesty. Rest assured that such a thing will never happen again. We shall continue as we did before."
His change of tone relieved the young girl.
"Then let's get back to business. I have a matter I hope the national teacher can investigate."
"Please feel free to speak."
"The identity of that Yun Xing is probably not as simple as it seems. Your Excellency has extensive connections and influence. I can only place my hopes on you."
Cui Qizhou raised his eyebrows slightly, a glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Your Majesty's discernment is becoming increasingly sharp. You were able to spot the problem at a glance. May I ask, Your Majesty, where did you detect the issue?"
He had also noticed something amiss with Yun Xing during the journey. However, it wasn't at the beginning but when Yun Xing had mustered the courage to argue that he had detected the internal strength concealed within this maid.
A person who had almost managed to deceive even him. He wondered how Shi Muwang had seen through her.
In response to his curiosity, the young girl didn't try to conceal anything.
"Coincidentally, I was out selecting people today, and the next moment, there was someone selling herself to bury her husband and being bullied. How could there be such a coincidence in this world? As the old saying goes, when all the coincidences pile up, they become a premeditated plan. Also, did you see what I saw when I returned?"
"What does Your Majesty refer to?"
The young girl blushed slightly and turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.
"The marks on He Hui's neck. They weren't there last night."
The man seemed to have thought of something amusing and slightly curled his lips.
"Your Majesty is referring to those ambiguous marks on her neck? But Your Majesty didn't get a complete view last night. How do you know those marks weren't left last night?"
At the mention of that eye - opening scene, the young girl coughed lightly.
"Although I didn't witness the whole thing, I could clearly see when she was kneeling outside last night. These two must still be in contact. Yun Xing's appearance is worth pondering. Since they're still attached to each other, don't blame us for being merciless. I believe Your Excellency has a way to deal with this."
"I'll give you an answer tomorrow."
After saying that, the man disappeared in a flash.
Jing Hong looked at the spot where the man had stood and was somewhat puzzled.
"The national teacher rarely expresses his feelings so clearly. I believe he's never shown his true heart to anyone else. Why doesn't Your Majesty accept his feelings?"
Shi Muwang shot her a look.
"To avoid harming others and myself. That's enough. Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, but three times is a pattern. I hope there won't be a next time. If you ultimately remain loyal to others, I won't keep you by my side any longer."
It was the first time she had used her status to put pressure. Jing Hong quickly waved her hands.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. There will never be a next time."
...
The next day.
Early in the morning, Shi Muwang was having lunch when she suddenly saw people carrying large and small packages into her courtyard.
She frowned and sent Mei out to inquire. Only then did she learn that after Ji Junlin had heard that she could cook, he insisted on tasting her dishes himself and pestered Ji Huang to buy those ingredients.
Looking at the little fellow jumping into the courtyard, she felt helpless.
Even though she loathed those two people, she had never taken it out on this little fellow. Unless it was absolutely necessary, she wouldn't play this card.
"Junlin, I remember you weren't so fond of food before. Why have you become so greedy lately?"
The little fellow blinked his innocent eyes and threw himself into the young girl's arms.
"Grand - empress, Father said your cooking is the most delicious, even better than the best chef in the world. You won't refuse to cook for me, will you?"
"Alright, alright. I really can't do anything about you. Let's start later. Do you want to help?"
"Okay."
The young girl and the little boy got busy in the small kitchen. By noon, the table was filled with delicious dishes.
The two of them high - fived, and this scene happened to be seen by Ji Huang as he walked in.
Seeing his son getting along so well with the empress dowager, he felt relieved.
"Mother, did you cook all these delicious dishes just for Junlin?"
He remembered that he had always adhered to his mother's principle of never wasting food and had also passed this principle on to his son.
The little fellow, suddenly pointed out, puffed out his cheeks and hid behind Shi Muwang.
The young girl was helpless.
"It's okay. If we can't finish it, we'll feed the stray cats and dogs around the mansion. Junlin has never tasted it before. If he's curious, let him try them all."
"Mother, don't you always tell us not to be so delicate? Why doesn't this principle apply to Junlin?"
"Of course not. He's still young. And haven't you heard? People tend to dote on their grandchildren more."
"Your Majesty is right. I also find Junlin very endearing."
Following the voice, Ji Huang's gaze fell on a person beside them.
He always felt that this person looked familiar.
Seemingly because he had stared for a long time without recognizing her, Yun Xing couldn't wait any longer.
"Your Highness is really forgetful. We just met yesterday, and you've already forgotten me today."
"Who are you? Where did we meet yesterday?"
"Oh, it was when Her Majesty and Your Highness helped me out and allowed me to punish those two bullies who had oppressed me. Come to think of it, I haven't even had the chance to thank Your Highness. You left yesterday in a hurry. Fortunately, you're here today. How about I offer you a cup of tea instead of wine as a token of my gratitude?"
The young girl watched quietly from the side. Just as Yun Xing was about to reach for the wine pot, Ju couldn't hold back any longer and slapped her hand away.
"You're being extremely presumptuous! Who gave you the audacity to speak like this in front of Her Majesty and His Highness? Her Majesty and His Highness showed you mercy yesterday, but you, a mere maid, are really pushing your luck."