Chapter 234: Helping the Empress Put On White Stockings, the Tangible Weight of That Foot (2)
"Your Majesty, how about I help you change your stockings?"
Su Qing instantly picked up on what the Empress was thinking and volunteered eagerly.
Now he understood why he'd felt something was off during their last shopping trip—he regretted not taking action then.
Making up for it now was only right.
"You wicked subject—always thinking such treasonous thoughts."
The Empress eyed the suddenly energetic Su Qing with disdain.
Yet as she spoke, she was already sitting down on a stone.
Classic tsundere behavior.
"Qinglan sis, that's not fair to say. Since you're incognito, you should commit to the role."
"Right now we're in private. We're siblings, and you're my attendant."
"So your superior's favor—you should accept it with joy!"
Su Qing stood and stretched, pushing his luck.
His voice had a rare firmness and sense of command.
Just now he was meek and obedient—now he was striking back with confidence.
"You… fine. I always see things through to the end. I'll forgive your disrespect this once."
The Empress felt that rare pressure from Su Qing and murmured quietly.
They had known each other for years, but this was the first time she had felt this kind of assertiveness from him.
If it were anyone else, her proud and combative self wouldn't have let it slide.
But… he was her little brother, after all.
Letting it go just this once—it wasn't that big a deal.
Su Qing immediately darted into the carriage. A moment later, he emerged again.
They were out traveling, so of course he had brought spares.
"Wait… white ones?"
The Empress's voice held a note of hesitation.
She never wore this color—in fact, she'd never worn it before.
"Qinglan sis would look great in white stockings too. You have to try new things."
Su Qing replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
As he spoke, he crouched down and began dressing her.
Mist swirled around them, a gentle breeze blowing—it felt peaceful, almost sacred.
At this moment, it was like the world contained only the two of them.
Su Qing's movements were careful and reverent. He held her calf as if it were a priceless work of art.
The black stockings slid down, revealing smooth, pale, impossibly perfect legs.
The Empress's cheeks turned pink. She said nothing, just silently watched his every move.
She tried to look composed, but her curled toes betrayed her nerves.
It was clear—she might regret this at any moment and stop him.
Because of that, Su Qing didn't linger—he quickly slid the white stockings up her legs.
Then he stepped back and took a long, serious look.
She wore a plain, pale long dress—nothing extravagant.
But on her, even simplicity became elegance.
Her proud, flawless figure was impossible to hide under any garment.
Beneath the skirt, those long legs wrapped in white silk stockings were perfectly proportioned.
Her gorgeous face still held its usual dignity—but there was also a faint blush.
She no longer seemed like the Empress people didn't dare look directly at.
She had a hint of softness—a faintly girlish air.
And that touch gave her a kind of unworldly purity.
"You wicked subject—you tricked me."
The Empress looked down at her legs, her voice colored with strange emotion.
She wasn't angry—it was… a subtle, almost sad insecurity.
She had always disliked pure, flawless colors like this. They didn't suit her.
Her dirty soul, she thought, didn't match such purity.
"What? Come on, Qinglan sis—you look incredible. I can't stop looking."
"You should really try these more often. Always wearing black is such a waste."
"Of course, don't wear them in front of others. Only for me—don't give anyone else that privilege."
Su Qing's voice brimmed with sincerity, his hand softly stroking the smooth white silk.
"What, you're not 'someone else' now?"
The Empress smiled faintly, her tone laced with fondness.
Her eyes held a rare nostalgic glint.
He might be grown up now, but he still knew how to bring her joy at just the right time.
Back when she'd first ascended the throne, she was under immense pressure.
No matter how talented, the endless burdens of governance had nearly crushed her.
Her expression was cold every day, and the entire court—and capital—felt suffocating.
No one dared smile, afraid of saying the wrong thing, even if they hadn't done anything wrong.
Serving the ruler was like walking on thin ice—who wouldn't be scared?
But even under such pressure, she held strong.
She issued command after command, eliminated hidden threats one by one.
The capital ran red with blood—but it was finally quiet.
No one dared openly oppose her again.
She secured her position—but also earned the title of a ruthless iron-blooded Empress.
For her enemies, that was terrifying.
But for her, it only made life heavier and lonelier.
Until one day, he stood in front of her, his voice childish and clear, inviting her to play a game with him.
She didn't even know what she was thinking when she agreed—almost like something had possessed her.
From that moment on, playing with him became an indispensable part of her life.
The innocent, adorable little boy never seemed to notice the oppressive aura she carried.
He was like a ray of sunlight, brightening her face with smiles.
He had been lovable since childhood, bringing rare comfort and ease to her otherwise lonely and stressful life.
One could say—he was there during her hardest days.
And now... it was still the same.