Chapter 21: Someone Doesn't Seem Very Smart

  "Alright, that was just to help us get to know each other better. Don't overthink it."

  Su Qing patted Shenyue on the shoulder and spoke seriously.

  He had barely managed to suppress the urge to keep playing around and returned to his good boss persona.

  Shenyue: "..."

  Well, she could believe that.

  Her boss’s little stunt just now had given her a deeper understanding of his awful personality.

  "Today, we've officially met, so I need to test your loyalty."

  "I have a task for you—serve me in the water."

  Su Qing spoke in a calm tone.

  Newcomers should always have a chance to prove themselves, right? A bodyguard assisting with bathing—wasn't that completely normal?

  Shenyue’s eyes widened instantly.

  Serve him in the water?!

  The socially anxious ice queen trembled and immediately envisioned a scenario.

  Could it be that she had to submerge herself and practice holding her breath for that kind of underwater service?!

  N-No way! She wasn’t ready for that! She hadn’t even found her sister yet!

  "My lord, I’m not that kind of person!"

  Shenyue’s voice carried a strong note of resistance.

  Speaking through a mask really made one sound firm.

  Without the mask, even if she was unwilling, she probably would’ve just curled up in a ball with teary eyes.

  "What are you thinking? I just want you to assist me with bathing, nothing more."

  "Hurry up. After bathing and changing, I still have to go see the Empress."

  Su Qing spoke with indifference.

  Was she kidding? His waist had been overworked these past two days—he needed to rest!

  Not only did he have no such thoughts, but if she had any, he would definitely reject her!

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  He was a gentleman. He didn’t want to complicate their relationship for now.

  Hmm, maybe later—after he got some rest.

  "Oh, oh, oh!"

  The dull-witted, socially anxious bodyguard nodded forcefully, her eyes filled with relief.

  Since she didn’t bother hiding her emotions, Su Qing caught every bit of it.

  His conclusion—this bodyguard was really, really dumb.

  The young man jumped into the water and waved at Shenyue.

  The warm bathwater wrapped around his body, soothing his exhaustion from the past two days of hard work.

  Shenyue looked down at her tight-fitting leather outfit and hesitated.

  Should she take it off?

  Normally, one would undress for a bath, but this situation was different...

  After struggling with the decision, she simply jumped in—without taking off a single piece of clothing.

  Su Qing’s mouth twitched as he watched Shenyue bob up and down in the water, his gaze scrutinizing her.

  Even in the water, her enticing curves were on full display.

  The tight leather suit absorbed water, making certain areas even more pronounced.

  For instance—that incredibly ample chest.

  As she swam over, her exaggerated movements sent waves rippling through the bath.

  Yes, waves—just water waves!

  Honestly, he couldn’t understand her thought process.

  Taking off her clothes made her feel embarrassed, but jumping in fully dressed didn’t?

  This bodyguard really wasn’t very bright.

  Did she not realize that soaking wet leather clinging to her body made her look even more seductive?

  Alright, judging by her completely innocent expression, she truly had no clue.

  She wasn’t even aware of how enticing her own tight-fitting outfit was.

  But to avoid overstimulating this socially anxious, obliviously alluring sister, he chose to remain silent.

  It was fine just to watch—nothing else needed to be done. Watching alone was already a pleasant experience.

  ---

  In White Jade Pavilion, the Empress and her loyal minister met once again.

  The moment Su Qing entered, his eyes immediately landed on the woman who had been on his mind.

  The imperial beauty reclined lazily on a soft chair, completely at ease.

  Her stunning eyes were half-lidded, and her exquisite face carried a languid air as she enjoyed the peace and quiet.

  Her casual long dress hugged her perfect figure, exposing large areas of snow-white skin.

  Her skin gleamed like flawless jade, seeming to radiate its own soft glow—utterly mesmerizing.

  Further down, a pair of long, slender legs were wrapped in black silk stockings.

  Any more weight and they’d be too thick, any less and they’d be too thin—their curves were absolutely perfect.

  Her black silk-clad legs were crossed, and her high heels wrapped around her delicate feet, adding an air of aggressive dominance.

  She was both regal and lazy, exuding a sense of effortless control over the world.

  Su Qing admired her for a moment before stepping forward to pay his respects.

  But before he could speak, a sharp reprimand rang out.

  "You insolent minister—get over here!"

  The Empress’s voice carried a trace of anger.

  It was reasonable, really.

  She had enjoyed the show while peeking at him earlier, but after reflecting on it, irritation was inevitable.

  He hadn’t even discussed official matters! He clearly hadn’t taken her words seriously!

  Such an unruly minister needed to be properly disciplined.

  Su Qing sensed something was off and quickly stepped forward, arriving beside the Empress.

  "Insolent minister, where have you been all this time?!"

  The Empress remained seated, her sharp gaze fixed on the young man with obvious discontent.

  Her high heels tapped against the floor with crisp sounds.

  Clearly, she was far more inclined to stomp on someone’s face with those heels.

  "Your Majesty, of course, I have been working hard for you—taming that goddess from the Heavenly Dao Sect."

  "Not only that, but I’ve also uncovered crucial information!"

  Su Qing’s heart skipped a beat.

  Although he had expected that he wouldn’t be able to hide the truth, he still insisted on bluffing.

  To be honest, he did feel a little guilty about what he had been up to these past two days.

  But he wasn’t too worried—he had done legitimate work, after all.

  "You insolent minister, are you trying to deceive me?"

  The Empress let out a cold chuckle, her tone filled with skepticism.

  Of course, she didn’t believe him.

  Not because she doubted him, but because... she had been watching everything. What crucial information? He hadn’t even mentioned anything of the sort!

  Who did he think he was fooling?!

  But... she couldn’t directly admit she had been spying on him.

  She had actually prepared herself to have him beg her properly so she could step in to help.

  Yet here he was, too prideful to ask for mercy, making things up instead!

  If he had just pleaded properly, she would’ve let him off easily. But no—he just had to try and outsmart her!

  Let’s see how he wriggles out of this one. If he gives the wrong answer, she’ll have no choice but to reward him with some foot-licking humiliation!

  What the Empress hadn’t considered was that, for him, that kind of "humiliation" might actually be a blessing.

  "Your Majesty, who in the capital doesn’t know that I, Su Qing, am loyal to my ruler and devoted to my country? How could I possibly deceive you?"

  Su Qing spoke with utmost sincerity.

  Then, he began recounting the "information" he had extracted through his "interrogation."

  As someone who knew the story’s plot inside and out, he had indeed uncovered a major secret about the Heavenly Dao Sect.

  Prince Qi’s concubine selection would include rebel infiltrators hidden within the capital.

  Not only that, but this event was tied to another grand scheme of the Heavenly Dao Sect.

  Since he knew the script, it was only natural to use it to his advantage!