Chapter 236: Helping the Empress Put On White Stockings, the Tangible Weight of That Foot (4)
Alright, teasing the Empress... was like dancing on a cliff.
One wrong move, and you fall.
Just like now—he had clearly crossed the line of her tolerance.
"Heh..."
The Empress retracted her still slightly trembling leg and let out a cold laugh.
Tonight, she was definitely going to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget!
Moments later—
The Empress in white silk left with a frosty air, leaving Su Qing hanging from a tree, repenting his crimes.
"Reflect well! Let's see if you dare say something like that again!"
Su Qing heard her voice still ringing in his ears and nearly burst into tears.
Sure, teasing the Empress felt worth it, but… this punishment was just insane.
No one else around, only the chirping of insects and rustling plants.
And how long he had to stay like this? That was a mystery.
Even with his current physique making this mostly bearable—it still wasn't comfortable!
Time passed.
Eventually, night fell.
Su Qing didn't feel physically unwell, but he was bored out of his mind and getting sleepy.
Someone to talk to would've been nice at least.
Yawning, he wondered if he was going to spend the whole night up here.
Maybe he could fall asleep like this… it would be quite the unforgettable experience.
This also proved that the Empress was truly mad.
Normally, she wouldn't have the heart to bully him for so long.
Maybe "flustered fury" was the more accurate term?
While his mind wandered, a tall silhouette appeared in the distance, walking toward him.
Under the moonlight, he couldn't see who it was, but the shadow arrived first.
Tall, slender—definitely a woman.
Could it be his loyal bodyguard, finally sent to untie him?
Su Qing perked up, suddenly wide awake.
But when the figure got closer, he immediately sensed something was off.
His smile vanished, eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
The outfit was the same—tight black leather, identical to his bodyguard's uniform.
But the body inside it... was something else.
It wasn't the frame of someone still developing—it was full, mature, and blazing hot.
Her face was covered with a mask, completely obscured.
And in her delicate hands, a gleam of deadly cold light.
The night itself seemed to chill at her arrival.
Clearly, this visitor came with malicious intent.
Killing intent poured off her—she didn't speak, just silently charged forward.
That dangerous-looking dagger aimed straight for his throat!
Su Qing watched calmly—no panic at all.
His eyes reflected the cold glint of the blade.
At the critical moment, a figure burst forth from his shadow.
A flash of steel blocked the lethal strike.
In the dark, two graceful figures clashed mid-air, blades ringing with crisp clarity.
In just a few exchanges, they had already crossed blades multiple times.
The shining blades brought an unusual brilliance to the night.
Shenyue gradually fell into a disadvantage, doubt flickering in her icy eyes.
Her opponent's style was eerily similar to her own—yet far superior.
She couldn't withstand it… and something about the woman felt strangely familiar.
"Still haven't figured it out? Looks like you've regressed quite a bit."
That clear, cold voice carried a note of disappointment.
"Master?!"
Shenyue finally realized, her voice tinged with disbelief.
No wonder she felt that sense of familiarity—it was her old teacher!
This elegant, frosty beauty wasn't just anyone—she was none other than Yuqiong, master of Qiong Tower, one of the Twelve!
A reunion of master and disciple after years apart.
Yet the atmosphere was anything but warm and joyful.
Instead, it was brimming with tension and conflict.
No tearful embraces—just the same sharp distance between them.
"Did my appearance ruin your lovely life?"
"You've really wasted all those years I spent teaching you. I should never have given you so much."
Yuqiong scoffed coldly.
"I..."
Shenyue looked down, ashamed, unsure what to say.
"I'm not here to hear apologies. If you want to make amends—die."
Yuqiong's killing intent surged, her cold aura growing even fiercer.
She had no patience for what she saw as hypocrisy—her killing intent was real.
Just then, a figure stepped between them.
Su Qing, of course, wouldn't just sit by and let them fight to the death. He'd already slipped free.
Yes, he had waited to be rescued—but not because he couldn't get down.
Coming down too early would've ruined the Empress's cathartic fury.
Shenyue's eyes lit up the moment she saw him—calm returned to her gaze instantly.
Like finding her anchor, all her fear vanished.
"You plan to stop me?"
Yuqiong's voice was icy, her presence overwhelming.
She had no intention of attacking again—just wanted to scare him off.
Shenyue instinctively stepped forward to shield Su Qing, but he gently held her back.
"Not stopping you. But shouldn't you greet your superior first?"
Su Qing spoke without a hint of fear, calmly revealing the white jade token.
The very one the Empress had entrusted to him—he always carried it.
Yuqiong went silent.
Her overbearing aura slowly faded.
She hadn't expected this boy to insert himself into such a deadly moment so fearlessly.
That kind of courage was impressive for someone his age.
"No salute, attempted assault on me—Yuqiong, your actions are quite reckless."
Su Qing's voice was calm, yet full of commanding pressure.
After a few seconds' hesitation, Yuqiong dropped to one knee and bowed her head.
This cold, leather-clad beauty finally knelt before Su Qing.
Ever since the Empress had rewarded him, he was no longer just a figurehead.
Now, he truly held power.
Commanding the Twelve Towers—this wasn't just a fancy title.
"I'll overlook the earlier test—but Shenyue is mine."
"Hurting her is no different than disrespecting me."