Chapter 26: Princess, You Wouldn’t Want Your Secret to Reach Her Majesty, Would You?
"What brings Lord Su here? Are you up to something you can't speak of?"
Han Jin Xiu's eyes carried an unfiltered scrutiny.
The arrogance of someone looking down from above was plainly visible.
Su Qing felt a trace of irritation at being looked at this way.
No one liked such a gaze… well, except for certain kinds of men.
That thought brought a moment of reflection.
Had he unknowingly been influenced by his surroundings?
This venomous beauty certainly had a way of reading people.
Since that was the case, he had no reason to retreat.
Might as well roll with it—was he the type to cower just because there was danger?
"Your Highness jests. Naturally, I came here to see you."
Su Qing’s lips curled into a slight smile as he sat down across from her without hesitation.
"Oh? Now, that’s interesting. I would have thought Lord Su came to visit the stunning new bride."
Han Jin Xiu’s tone carried amusement as she teased.
"I don’t understand what you mean, Your Highness."
Su Qing played dumb, his expression unreadable.
"Heh... Lord Su, I know your nature well. I also know you are capable of such a thing."
"Reckless, willful, doing everything purely on a whim."
"The only reason you came to this tedious banquet was to bed the prince’s new concubine, wasn’t it?"
"If word got out, neither you nor the Empress would come out of this unscathed."
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Han Jin Xiu crossed her arms over her ample chest, her words precise and cutting.
"Your Highness, one can take medicine recklessly, but words should be chosen carefully. It’s unwise to make baseless claims."
Su Qing’s voice was calm.
"Oh? What need is there for further proof? We are currently deep inside Prince Qi’s inner court."
"No man is allowed here except the prince himself. Isn’t that proof enough?"
Han Jin Xiu’s smirk deepened, her eyes filled with an unmistakable danger.
"Just a wrong turn, nothing more. A simple mistake."
Su Qing remained unfazed.
"Oh? Then how about this…"
Han Jin Xiu’s expression did not change as she slowly unfastened the buttons of her robe.
Lifting the hem of her skirt, she revealed the fullness of her smooth, supple thighs.
Further up, the details were obscured—just enough to entice, leaving a hazy allure.
At the same time, she adopted an expression of vulnerability, as if she had just been wronged.
Her face practically screamed "helpless victim."
Su Qing watched the display with newfound appreciation.
Without a doubt, this was an open trap!
"What do you think would happen if I called for help right now?"
After showcasing her "weakness," Han Jin Xiu’s gaze turned sharp once more.
Her eyes held undeniable malice, like a predator toying with its prey.
Clearly, she intended to use this moment to blackmail him into obedience.
No… not just obedience. Something far worse.
The goddess had similar intentions, but she merely sought to control him.
Han Jin Xiu—she wanted to train him like a dog!
Su Qing remained silent, his expression showing slight hesitation.
Han Jin Xiu saw this and pressed her advantage.
"As long as you behave, I might even indulge some of your… preferences."
"What she can’t give you, I certainly can."
She slid closer to him, lifting his chin gently with her fingers.
Her eyes were filled with a possessive desire.
"Tsk…"
Su Qing observed her predatory gaze and felt amused.
This was even more ridiculous and vile than he had anticipated.
His hesitation wasn’t because she had something on him.
He was merely debating whether or not to strike—since she wasn’t his primary target.
But now, she had helped him make up his mind.
Target or not, she had picked the wrong person to play with!
Though it wouldn’t contribute much to his current objectives… it would be quite satisfying.
Without any hesitation, Su Qing swatted her hand away.
"So, Lord Su is rejecting me?"
A dangerous glint flashed through Han Jin Xiu’s eyes.
"Your Highness, you wouldn’t want your secrets… reaching Her Majesty, would you?"
Su Qing’s smile was dazzling.
"Oh-ho… Are you trying to threaten me, Lord Su?"
Han Jin Xiu paused before covering her mouth with a light chuckle.
Her narrowed eyes held undisguised contempt.
Her long, fishnet-clad legs crossed and uncrossed, practically itching to step on him.
She had made up her mind—she’d start by crushing him underfoot.
Su Qing dipped his finger in water and began writing on the table.
Han Jin Xiu’s gaze followed his movements.
The moment she saw the characters, her expression froze.
For several seconds, she remained motionless.
Then, her piercing gaze grew even sharper.
"How do you know this?!"
Her voice was cold, laced with disbelief.
"Oh dear, Your Highness, why so nervous? I haven’t even said much yet."
"The secret *Tianzang Organization* hidden beneath the South Court? My recent investigations exposed it. And yet, just this little revelation has you shaken?"
"Or perhaps… you were confident no one could ever uncover your secret code?"
Su Qing grinned mischievously.
The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
The positions of hunter and prey had been completely reversed.
As he spoke, he casually rested his hand on the Princess’s fishnet-clad legs.
He applied a little pressure, adjusting her crossed legs into a more "proper" posture.
"A lady should sit like a lady. Do you need me to correct you further?"
His tone was chiding.
Despite his words, he made no move to remove his hand.
Truth be told, both the texture and the aesthetics were excellent.
He had experienced long legs before, but the last pair of such quality belonged to Ye Xueyi.
Their temperaments were different, and so was the sensation.
Ye Xueyi’s figure was more sculpted, while Han Jin Xiu’s curves were softer.
Each had their own appeal—it was impossible to say which was better.
That said… the Princess had an undeniable advantage here.
Ye Xueyi’s legs were bare, while Han Jin Xiu wore black fishnet stockings.
For a seasoned man, the choice was clear.
Perhaps he should gift the goddess a pair?
Hmm, that actually seemed like a promising idea!