Anning looked at the Emperor with a smile that was not quite a smile: "Teacher, aren't you afraid that I'll take you for a playboy by saying that?"
With a single question, even the Emperor, who was quite advanced in years, blushed.
He had ascended the throne over twenty years ago, and now held the esteemed title of Emperor. He thought he had achieved a state of calm detachment, no longer swayed by any person or event. Yet, in Anning's presence, he found himself unexpectedly nervous and uneasy.
"I meant no offense to the young lady."
The Emperor quickly explained, his nerves on edge: "I simply... simply am fond of you."
"What if I say I'm already betrothed?"
Anning grabbed a handful of dried fruit from the table, popped one into her mouth, and spoke somewhat indistinctly.
As soon as she said this, a hint of anger flashed in the Emperor's eyes: "Engaged to which family?"
Anning shook her head with a smile: "I'm just teasing you, sir. I haven't been betrothed yet, but..."
