As Xiao Yuan's trusted aide, Chu Li was used to his master's late-night drinking habits, but he also knew that too much strong liquor could be harmful.
"Your Majesty, our prince can’t sleep without a drink, but this wine is strong. It would be wise to persuade him to drink less," Chu Li whispered as he handed the wine to Pei Qing.
His considerate gesture made Pei Qing pause for a moment. Chu Li smiled, "The prince doesn’t listen to us. If we say too much and anger him, we’ll suffer for it."
Pei Qing nodded, understanding. Some people’s anger was obvious when it erupted, but others had a silent fury that could make your legs tremble.
She gently closed the door behind her and returned to the room with the wine. The man inside had casually draped himself in an inner robe, but as usual, it was loosely worn, revealing his firm and well-defined chest.
He was sitting on the soft couch, fiddling with something in his hands. Although it was just a matter of bringing the wine, she had taken her time, and Xiao Yuan’s gaze was now fixed on her with displeasure. "What were you saying to him outside?"
In just two days, Pei Qing had grown somewhat accustomed to his temper. She walked over, placing the wine on the small table by the couch. "Chu Li mentioned that this wine is strong and suggested I encourage you to drink less."
Xiao Yuan eyed her. "The Empress truly cares for the realm, even listening to the advice of a mere soldier."
Pei Qing wasn’t sure why he seemed upset again. She knelt down and poured a cup of wine for him, her eyes falling on the item in his hand.
It was a small, tassel-adorned red silk pouch, much smaller than usual, slightly worn, but still carrying the same fragrance as her.
Xiao Yuan didn’t take the cup from her. Instead, he followed her gaze to the object in his hand. "What, is this something that sickly emperor gave you? Hidden under your pillow, where you look at it every day?"
His tone dripped with disdain. But Pei Qing shook her head and softly explained, "This… was a talisman my sister obtained for me when she was alive. Having it close brings me comfort."
Xiao Yuan glanced at the talisman again. "Relying on this thing for safety—does it block knives or stop bullets? Tch."
Pei Qing didn’t mind his scorn. Seeing that he still held it, she tentatively offered, "If Your Highness likes it, I can give it to you."
"You want to give me this?"
Pei Qing nodded. "I’m always in the palace, where there’s little danger. But… you and the soldiers of Nanchuan are constantly fighting. Perhaps this talisman could offer you some protection."
She spoke earnestly, as if she truly cared for him.
Xiao Yuan smiled, knowing full well she was trying to win his favor.
"The Empress is clever, thinking she can just hand over this trinket and have the Nanchuan army risk their lives for her."
Pei Qing lowered her eyes. "That’s not what I meant. I… am truly grateful to you."
Xiao Yuan placed the talisman beside the wine jug. As he leaned closer, he caught the scent of her hair and looked at the cup in her hand.
"You’ve held that wine for so long. What are you waiting for? If you’re grateful, show it."
Pei Qing looked up, seeing the teasing and taunting in his eyes.
Reluctantly, she raised the cup, her pale hand trembling slightly as she brought it closer to his lips.
They were too close now, and Pei Qing could clearly smell the freshness of his post-bath scent. She could also feel the heat radiating from his body and the predatory intent in his eyes. She quickly averted her gaze, too frightened to maintain eye contact.
What Pei Qing didn’t realize was that being alone with a man in the dead of night was already dangerous. Her nervousness and shyness didn’t evoke pity but rather stirred his rough and domineering desires.
Xiao Yuan wasn’t one to deny himself.
At some point, his hand had slid to her slender waist, brazenly attempting to untie her sash.
Startled, Pei Qing let go of the cup, spilling the strong liquor onto Xiao Yuan's lower abdomen, soaking the surrounding fabric.
"I-I'm sorry…" She didn’t dare look at him, fumbling to retrieve a silk handkerchief to clean up the mess.
The next moment, his large hand clamped down on her wrist. "What’s this? You said you were grateful, but you can’t even handle a simple touch?"
"N-No… it’s not…" Her voice was so soft it was barely audible.
Xiao Yuan didn’t hesitate to grab her chin, forcing her to look up at him.
"Then use your tongue to lick it off."
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