Chapter 888: The Young Empress (25)

Sitting in the palace, Tang Guo listened to the conversation between the two men and let out a soft laugh.

"This Su Qing really does have a clear head."

Lowering her eyes, she added, "But how many people can truly remain clear-headed forever?"

The system huddled quietly in the corner, not daring to interrupt.

"Still, they are quite courageous. Men and women really do think differently. Most women in their position would focus on winning the ruler's favor. But these men..." A faint smile appeared on her lips. "They want to overthrow a country ruled by women."

"In truth, it's merely a difference in position. But since I've arrived, they're destined to lose."

The system wholeheartedly agreed.

It really was a matter of differing perspectives.

That much it understood.

For the sake of their goals, these men were willing to sacrifice their appearance, their pride, and even their dignity to curry favor with women.

That kind of determination required genuine courage.

【Host, what are you planning to do next?】

"Nothing in particular. The Western Saint Kingdom is extremely stable. As long as I don't suddenly lose my mind, they won't be able to accomplish much."

Tang Guo narrowed her eyes slightly.

"For now, I'll just continue treating them well."

A meaningful smile curved her lips.

"One day, they'll miss the days they spent in the palace."

【Those two have already decided to meet Xiao Jin outside the palace every month. They'll probably meet Tang Nuoyue as well. If you don't interfere, things will develop just like they did in the previous life. They'll try to win Tang Nuoyue over and tell her that you're planning to harm her.】

"Let them."

Tang Guo wasn't concerned in the slightest about what those people planned to do next.

The only thing that interested her was how Tang Nuoyue would react.

"When they've left the palace, take me to see my Imperial Consort."

It had been several days since she had last seen Jing Cheng.

She wondered how he was doing.

At that moment, Jing Cheng had just finished practicing his swordsmanship.

His gaze landed on the painting hanging on the wall.

It depicted a sleeping beauty.

Without realizing it, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Imperial Consort, shall we invite Her Majesty over?" one of his attendants asked.

Those who served at Jing Cheng's side knew perfectly well that their master had begun to care deeply for the Empress.

But recently, the Empress hadn't visited his palace at all.

The attendants were growing increasingly anxious.

The Empress would soon come of age.

If Nan Yunchuan, Su Qing, and the others succeeded in captivating her, what place would their Imperial Consort have left in the palace?

Jing Cheng glanced at the attendant and shook his head.

"No need."

He had already observed the situation for himself.

The Empress's feelings toward those two men weren't nearly as genuine as everyone believed.

As for how he had observed it...

Naturally, he had taken advantage of moments when no one was paying attention, using his lightness skill to perch atop rockeries, rooftops, and hidden corners.

He had seen it with his own eyes.

Whenever the Empress was with Nan Yunchuan and the others, she never displayed a truly happy smile.

Nor did she ever relax enough to fall asleep in front of them.

Only when she was with him did she smile so openly, her eyes curved in delight, never bothering to hide her thoughts.

Therefore...

The person the Empress cared about was him.

The corners of Jing Cheng's lips lifted.

As a result, he wasn't particularly bothered by Tang Guo visiting the other palaces.

On this particular day, Tang Guo had once again accepted Nan Yunchuan's invitation.

The two were chatting pleasantly when she suddenly glanced toward a distant corner.

There, her eyes met Jing Cheng's.

He had been watching from afar.

After being discovered, Jing Cheng showed no intention of hiding.

At the same time, he had no intention of stepping out either.

Tang Guo smiled at him.

Likewise, she made no effort to call him over.

By the time Nan Yunchuan sensed something was off, the smile had already disappeared from Tang Guo's face.

Jing Cheng was no longer standing where he had been.

"Your Majesty, is something wrong?"

Tang Guo shook her head.

"No."

Nan Yunchuan remained suspicious.

He had the distinct feeling that the Empress had seen something just now.