Chapter 28: Princess, Be My... Dog!

  Su Qing, growing more amused, became even more audacious in his actions.

  This directly led to the already resigned Princess nearly losing her composure multiple times.

  That damn scoundrel—he must have figured out her weakness and was exploiting it on purpose!

  Yet, every time she considered taking action, she hesitated, unable to make a decision.

  This matter was far too critical, with consequences beyond immediate retaliation.

  The usually decisive Princess found herself wavering, carefully weighing the pros and cons.

  And that was precisely the greatest difference—and advantage—that Su Qing had over her.

  "Princess, you need to recognize your position and circumstances. Don't ruin everything at the last moment."

  "Killing me might bring you momentary satisfaction, but what about afterward?"

  "You need to look at the bigger picture. Otherwise, the future will only become more unpredictable."

  "You’re a woman who prioritizes the grand scheme of things. Surely you wouldn’t let your emotions dictate your actions?"

  Su Qing’s words carried a tone of sincere guidance.

  Those words became the final straw that broke the camel’s back.

  Han Jin Xiu, as if completely drained of strength, let go of the last traces of resistance.

  That, unmistakably, was true surrender.

  "Good, good. This is exactly how you should behave."

  Su Qing looked at her stance, nodding in satisfaction.

  "What exactly do you want? I mean your real purpose—don’t try to mislead me."

  Han Jin Xiu forced herself to ignore his hand on her leg, speaking in the calmest voice she could muster.

  She refused to believe that this boy had come here just for her.

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  At this moment, his background and origins felt even more mysterious to her.

  He knew far too much—how could he be just a simple court favorite?

  It felt like there were things he hadn’t even told his Empress.

  She didn’t know exactly what, but she had already made up her mind—she would find out his hidden secrets.

  "Well... I can only say that your goal and mine do not conflict."

  "At the very least, I can assist you in finding what you seek. Does that answer satisfy you?"

  Su Qing considered before replying.

  "Naturally... that would be ideal."

  Hearing his response, Han Jin Xiu’s tense body finally relaxed slightly.

  Both of them had their own agendas—cooperation was only logical.

  However, she had clearly let her guard down too soon.

  The next words out of Su Qing’s mouth made her tense up once again.

  "So we’re in a cooperative relationship now, aren’t we?"

  "During this time, why don’t you be my... pet?"

  Su Qing made the suggestion as though it was the most reasonable request in the world.

  And why was it reasonable?

  Because cooperating with such a venomous woman came with immense risks!

  As the one taking the greater risk, wasn’t it only fair for him to receive some benefits?

  Han Jin Xiu looked as though she had been struck by lightning.

  Her body trembled, and she instinctively slapped Su Qing’s hand away.

  "Is this how you treat your allies?"

  Su Qing’s voice carried clear dissatisfaction.

  "No! I refuse to accept such a demand!"

  Han Jin Xiu’s voice rose, filled with blatant rejection.

  She was a queen—born to rule!

  Taming others as her pets was her specialty. But becoming someone’s pet? Never!

  "So, our fragile alliance is broken, then."

  Su Qing blinked, his tone carrying an exaggerated helplessness.

  "Lord Su, I-I can find someone else for you!"

  "Even Prince Qi’s concubine—surely you’ve had your eyes on her?"

  Han Jin Xiu suppressed her fury, reluctantly offering an alternative.

  This man was truly despicable!

  "That won’t do. I have a preference for *you*, Your Highness."

  "No one else can match you—not in status, not in charm."

  "Rather than wasting time searching, why not go straight to the best option?"

  Su Qing casually lifted her chin, his voice dripping with false tenderness.

  The very same gesture she had used on him earlier.

  Only now, the roles had reversed.

  Han Jin Xiu nearly cursed aloud.

  What did he mean by "no one can match her"? What did he mean by "wrong status"?!

  Had she just dug her own grave by suggesting someone else?

  This pervert was even more thrilled now!

  Having such a man as an ally—she truly had the worst luck.

  "Now, kneel."

  Su Qing’s voice suddenly turned commanding, cold and forceful.

  His gaze carried undeniable dominance, exuding a powerful authority.

  "You—"

  Han Jin Xiu’s pale face flushed slightly as she faced his imposing gaze.

  Before she could process it, her body reacted faster than her mind.

  She bent her knees.

  The moment she realized what she had done, she immediately tried to stand back up.

  But before she could exert force, a firm hand pressed against her shoulder.

  What had started as merely bending her knees became a full kneel under his pressure.

  The icy floor beneath her sent a wave of shame through her heart.

  For the first time, she understood what it felt like for those who had once kneeled before her.

  Her dignity had been crushed. Something inside her felt like it had shattered.

  Now… should she stand?

  After a moment of hesitation, Han Jin Xiu chose to remain where she was.

  What was done was done—standing up wouldn’t change anything now.

  Beyond submission, she had no other choice.

  "Have you made up your mind?"

  Su Qing, looking down at her obedient stance, nodded in satisfaction.

  "Since you’ve made demands, I will also make mine. Otherwise, I will never agree."

  Han Jin Xiu’s voice was unreadable.

  "Let’s hear it."

  Su Qing showed no surprise.

  He knew that without a price on his end, she would never fully submit.

  Unlike others, Han Jin Xiu was a true Princess—her pride could not be shattered so easily.

  For her to step down from her pedestal, she needed something in return.

  "Within three days, I require an equivalent exchange. If not, I will choose to destroy everything."

  Han Jin Xiu’s eyes flashed with undeniable killing intent.

  Even as she knelt, the icy, untouchable Princess still exuded an overwhelming presence.

  "Fine."

  Su Qing accepted without hesitation.

  As someone who had read the full script, information was his greatest weapon.

  The key moments of the story were burned into his memory—forgetting them was impossible.

  "Hah…"

  Han Jin Xiu exhaled deeply, as if releasing all the resentment in her heart.

  "The moon is lovely tonight. I should enjoy my rewards."

  "I assume I don’t need to explain further—you know what to do."

  Su Qing’s gaze gleamed with unmistakable anticipation.

  Clearly, it was time for him to indulge.