Chapter 101: The Goddess Falls into Depravity; The Empress' "Special Incentive" (3)
"Tomorrow, you will stay with me and go nowhere."
The Imperial Beauty declared without hesitation.
"If that happens, they definitely won't make a move, and the plan won't proceed."
"The assassination will be postponed to an unknown time, making it even harder to deal with."
"It's better if I act as bait. They won't miss such a golden opportunity."
Su Qing shook his head and replied.
"That's too risky. If they are making a move, they must be confident. I will still arrange for people to protect you in secret."
The Imperial Beauty frowned.
"They will eventually find a way to probe the situation, and then this opportunity will be lost."
"Only if my side appears vulnerable enough will they choose to act. This is an open scheme placed in the light."
"Protectors can't always follow me, and I don't want to constantly be on guard against hidden assassins."
"Since that's the case, flipping the table is the best option."
Su Qing smiled as he spoke.
The Imperial Beauty opened her mouth but had no words to refute him.
She knew this was indeed the best choice.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. With this battle, I will help you completely secure the capital!"
Su Qing's tone and expression carried firm determination.
The Empress instantly grasped his meaning.
She was well aware of the potential benefits this assassination attempt could bring—it could directly lure out the big fish!
Not only that, but this would be a perfectly justifiable reason to reshuffle the power dynamics in the capital.
"I don't care for that. If you, my traitorous minister, get hurt, where will my dignity be?"
"Since when do I need your life as a bargaining chip? Are you looking down on me?"
The Imperial Beauty spoke in an arrogant tone.
Her imperial persona had surfaced again, referring to herself in the royal first-person—textbook tsundere behavior.
She seemed proud, but in truth, it was filled with affection.
"Your Majesty, it's not about underestimating you. It's that I want to prove myself."
"I want to step from the shadows into the light. After all, I still don't hold any official position!"
"I need achievements, so they will be convinced."
Su Qing felt touched but insisted on his point.
Some things needed to be done—not because he didn't want to cling to power, but because he couldn't avoid them.
The road ahead would only grow more treacherous, and there would be moments when escape was impossible.
If he couldn't face even this level of danger, then hiding in White Jade Capital would be meaningless.
"This…"
The Imperial Beauty looked at the young man's determined gaze and hesitated, clearly torn.
"Xiao Qing, I support you. I know you wouldn't do anything reckless."
"Since you've made up your mind, daughter, you should give him a chance to prove himself!"
"Besides, although the divination was vague, I didn't foresee fatal danger."
Su Mengxi pondered for a moment before speaking.
She had great trust in Su Qing and understood his character well.
Su Qing nodded firmly, looking at the Empress with hopeful eyes.
"In that case… I permit it."
After a long silence, the Imperial Beauty reluctantly nodded.
What truly convinced her in the end was Su Mengxi's final statement.
At this moment, the Empress felt frustrated that she hadn't prepared more protective measures for him in advance.
Due to the system's constraints, before Su Qing completed his initial trial, she couldn't provide any assistance.
The things she had just suggested had already triggered several warnings.
Damn it, what exactly counted as completing the trial?!
The Empress felt a growing sense of agitation.
If something really happened to him, what was the point of this damned system?!
The decision was set.
After all, it was the best choice—without a doubt.
Seated in her dragon robe, the Empress sipped tea, her eyes clouded with irritation.
It wasn't that she couldn't calm down—if this assassination were targeted at her, she wouldn't be this unsettled.
Unconsciously, she drained an entire cup of tea before realizing something.
Was she caring too much about him?
Her mother's words echoed in her ears once more, stirring her emotions.
Love?
Impossible!
It was merely the result of prolonged companionship—nothing more than familial affection!
Recalling their moments together, the Empress let a small smile slip.
This was a rare moment of softness within her heart.
Ever since she took him in, she had quite enjoyed teasing that little rascal.
For example, whenever she was frustrated, he always managed to make her laugh.
Or how his skills were remarkable—his massages were exceptionally relaxing…
Yes, she merely enjoyed the ease of being around him. It wasn't love!
Successfully convincing herself, the Empress eased her internal tension.
She quickly returned to her usual self, her emotions stabilizing once more.
"Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"
Su Qing's voice carried curiosity.
He and the Empress Dowager had been watching her for several minutes while she was lost in thought.
"Come here."
The Empress snapped out of her reverie and directly pulled him into her embrace.
This bold move left the other two utterly stunned.
Su Mengxi's face was full of gratification, feeling that her daughter had finally awakened to her feelings.
"Your Majesty, what are you—"
Su Qing, feeling the unfamiliar pressure against his chest, was completely dumbfounded.
Even when they were alone, such close contact was rare.
"Don't overthink it. This is my blessing for you. I believe you will return safe and sound tomorrow."
The Empress spoke in a calm tone as if nothing had happened.
As an emperor, blessing an official before they embarked on a mission was perfectly normal, wasn't it?
Su Mengxi, hearing this, rolled her eyes in exasperation.
So dishonest—why couldn't she just say what she truly felt?
Then again, if she were honest, she wouldn't be her daughter.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Su Qing immediately responded.
His face was completely buried in warmth—this kind of blessing truly filled him with motivation!
But he didn't expect that the Empress' incentives weren't over yet!
"Su Qing, if you perform well tomorrow, I can give you an extra reward."
"Not just the stockings I've worn—you can also… savor my feet."
The Empress' red lips nearly brushed against his ear, her voice barely a whisper.
"Ah?!"
Su Qing, having heard it loud and clear, looked up in sheer shock.