Chapter 928: The Young Empress (65)

Ten days later, Su Qing came to see Tang Guo.

"Your Majesty."

He bowed with clasped hands, his figure noticeably thinner than before. Those naturally cool eyes of his, now clouded with melancholy, possessed an irresistible allure.

Had it been another woman, she would likely have been unable to resist asking what troubled him, whether he had been living poorly.

But Tang Guo merely cast him a light glance and asked, "You're leaving the palace?"

"Yes… I am leaving."

Seeing such indifference and unfamiliarity in her response, disappointment flashed through Su Qing's eyes.

He had thought that if he waited a few more days, perhaps Her Majesty would remember him.

If that happened, perhaps he would have a chance to remain.

But he had never waited long enough for her memories to return.

"Today, I came specifically to bid farewell to Your Majesty. In the future, Su Qing will no longer be able to play the qin for Your Majesty."

"So I used to enjoy listening to your music?" Tang Guo's question made Su Qing feel cold all over.

Her Majesty had truly forgotten him.

She had even forgotten that his music had once been her favorite.

"In the past, Your Majesty said that my music brought tranquility, as though one had left behind the noise of the mortal world."

Unable to stop himself, Su Qing explained further, hoping that perhaps these words would stir something in her memories.

But Tang Guo only nodded.

"So that's how it was."

Her reaction was calm and flat.

"I'm no longer fond of it now," she continued. Then she glanced at Jing Cheng, who sat beside her, and reached out to hold his hand. "Recently, I've become especially fond of watching the Imperial Consort practice swordsmanship. The way he wields a sword—free and unrestrained—is truly wonderful to behold."

Jing Cheng's lips curved upward.

His Guo'er was praising him so openly in front of others that he actually felt a little embarrassed.

Su Qing stared blankly at the two exchanging affectionate gazes and suddenly felt that he never wanted to see them again.

If not for that incident at the cliff…

Perhaps the person sitting beside Her Majesty now would have been him.

"Your Majesty, Su Qing is leaving."

"Grand Chief Eunuch, see Su Qing out."

Su Qing looked deeply at Tang Guo, bitterness filling his heart. Finally, he bowed to both of them and left with the Grand Chief Eunuch.

After exiting the Empress's palace, he paused at the entrance, his lonely figure standing motionless.

"Young Master Su?"

"Let's go."

Her Majesty no longer remembered him.

There was no point in staying.

Even if he wished to remain, Her Majesty no longer wanted him.

He himself had caused all of this.

Perhaps this was what people called retribution.

But a ruler who had treated him so well…

He feared he would never encounter another like her again.

And yet, to simply give up…

The thought alone left him unwilling.

He, Su Qing, had fallen for the one person he should never have loved.

He was Su Qing.

Ever since childhood, he had always known what he wanted.

No matter how difficult his circumstances, he had relied upon his own intelligence to achieve his goals step by step.

Now, what he wanted was no longer Western Saint Kingdom.

Nor was it overthrowing the Empress and restoring men's status.

What he desired most…

Was the Empress who ruled Western Saint Kingdom.

Su Qing clenched his fists tightly, flames blazing within his eyes.

He wanted her.

He had to have her.

He wanted her so desperately.

—

"Guo'er, the way Su Qing looked at you really displeases me."

Tang Guo couldn't help laughing.

"He can only look and never touch. What are you jealous about, Ah Cheng?"

"His gaze is too possessive. It makes me uncomfortable."

Jing Cheng spoke honestly. Rising to his feet, he crouched beside Tang Guo and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Fortunately, he's gone."

Then he suddenly raised his head. His eyes sparkled brightly, like a puppy begging for a bone.

"Your Majesty, in two months, you'll finally come of age."