Chapter 257: Li Wei’s Unique Words of Love

No one had expected Xiao Yang and Li Wei to fight for a full hour.

Even though she had figured out the best strategy, she still lacked the strength and stamina to achieve victory.

An hour of all-out exertion left her drenched, beads of sweat covering her entire face.

Just as she wore Li Wei down to the point where he finally revealed an exploitable opening, she found she had no strength left to attack. She clenched her jaw but couldn’t stop her muscles from trembling.

"CLANG."

The staff fell from her hand. Xiao Yang took a step back, but her strength gave out and she collapsed backward.

The few people watching from behind shot to their feet, but Li Wei, being the closest and fastest, caught Xiao Yang in his arms.

"Your Majesty!"

Li Wei immediately swept Xiao Yang into his arms.

Xiao Yang went limp, letting him hold her. She looked up at the sky, a smile of pure satisfaction on her face.

She hadn’t won, but she’d finally let off some steam.

"Exhilarating!"

Li Wei chuckled at her words. Before the others could approach, he carried Xiao Yang over and gently set her down on a chair.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to get closer to Her Majesty, but he, too, was covered in sweat and dust; he was filthy.

The moment Xiao Yang was seated, a group of Palace Attendants swarmed over to serve her, but none were faster than Xiao Ziling.

She first adjusted the back cushion for Xiao Yang, then took a hot towel to wipe away her sweat, carefully helped her drink some water, and finally, thoughtfully straightened the blanket covering her lap.

Her every action showed her complete devotion to the Emperor, as if she wished she could pull her into an embrace and coddle her.

Xiao Hong was so jealous his features were twisted with envy.

Xiao Qing, speechless, tugged on his sleeve. "Get a grip."

’With that look on his face, anyone who didn’t know better would think he was about to commit regicide.’

’He’d get himself killed as a suspected assassin.’

While everyone was fussing over Xiao Yang, Li Wei slipped away. By the time Xiao Yang had recovered a little, he had already returned, freshly washed and changed into a handsome set of clothes.

"It’s rare for Your Majesty to exert yourself this much. You shouldn’t just rest. Let’s get up and walk around to cool down, or you’ll be sore tonight."

He extended his hand to Xiao Yang as he spoke.

Xiao Yang glanced at his simple, yet clearly deliberate, attire and raised an eyebrow.

’So General Li is starting to care about his appearance.’

She placed her hand in his. "Alright. We can walk back for a bath. The timing is perfect."

Li Wei grasped Xiao Yang’s hand and pulled her up with a gentle tug. His other hand instinctively moved to support her, and though he didn’t make contact, it hovered right over Her Majesty’s waist.

And just like that, the two of them walked off, hand in hand.

Xiao Hong’s eyes widened in amazement. "The Great General... He’s finally caught on."

’Not only has he caught on, he’s showing off like a peacock.’

’Changing his clothes on purpose... such a schemer.’

Everyone knew something was going on between Li Wei and Her Majesty, but until now, it had all been rumors. The interactions between the Emperor and the Great General had always seemed strictly professional, with no hint of romance. This was the first time any of them had seen Li Wei reveal a different, more intimate side to their relationship.

Xiao Lan and Xiao Cheng, as her personal guards, automatically fell in step behind the Emperor. They couldn’t linger to gawk with the others; besides, they could watch the "show" all the way back.

Xiao Lv’s eyes held a knowing look, as if he saw through everything. "If the Great General didn’t make a move soon, he’d lose his standing."

"Those other three are not to be underestimated. If you’re not proactive, you’ll be left behind as just a subject."

Xiao Ziling wasn’t interested in this conversation. It wasn’t the right time for her to be near Her Majesty, so she gave a slight bow to the others and departed.

Xiao Hong instinctively started to follow her, but Xiao Lv grabbed his arm. "Her Majesty has assigned you to the Ministry of Revenue. You need to go report in."

As Xiao Ziling’s figure vanished from sight, Xiao Hong shot Xiao Lv a resentful look. "Bro, just because you’re married, you can’t abandon me to my fate, can you?"

’My big brother has his wife, and I’m still all alone!’

Xiao Lv said, "If you want to pursue Miss Zi Ling, a few moments won’t make a difference. Besides, be realistic. Between Her Majesty and Minister Mu, who do you think you can outperform? If you don’t have any real abilities, why would she ever choose you?"

’Coming from his own brother, that really hurt.’

Xiao Lv left, leaving Xiao Hong to wallow in his sorrow. Unable to watch, Xiao Qing patted his shoulder. "Look on the bright side. If Her Majesty and Minister Mu get together, then you’ll have a chance."

It had to be said, Xiao Qing had a unique way of consoling people. But Xiao Hong didn’t feel consoled in the slightest; it only made him feel even more pathetic by comparison.

Compared to Minister Mu, he was hopeless at making money. Mu Yunlian’s wealth could rival a nation’s; Xiao Hong lacked that talent and wouldn’t be able to match it even in twenty years.

And compared to the Emperor? How could he compete? Stage a rebellion? If he did, Xiao Ziling would probably be the first one to run him through with a sword.

’Thinking about it all just makes me want to turn into a villain.’

Li Wei and Xiao Yang walked back hand in hand. Palace Attendants and guards tactfully kept their distance. The path was still quite long, however. Partway there, Li Wei suddenly asked, "Your Majesty... are you tired? If you don’t wish to walk, I am always at your service."

’At his service? How?’

Xiao Yang saw the anticipation in Li Wei’s eyes, and out of the corner of her own, she saw the sedan chair that had been waiting for them.

’If she were tired, she could simply be carried back.’

Just then, a snow-white petal drifted down between them.

They looked up to see countless more petals fluttering down, filling the air like snow in a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Xiao Yang held out her arms. Li Wei, understanding her unspoken request, immediately and securely scooped her up.

Li Wei was tall and powerfully built, with strong, sturdy arms. He lifted her effortlessly, settling her in his embrace.

Xiao Yang rested her head on his shoulder, watching the flurry of petals and listening to his heartbeat as he carried her slowly forward.

’She had to admit, his arms were certainly more comfortable than a sedan chair. The hold was steady, and he was warm. The only problem was his racing heartbeat; it was a little loud.’

Xiao Yang reached out and placed a hand over his heart. "You’re not very composed, Great General."

’We’ve kissed and embraced before, yet he’s still this excited. His heart is pounding like a drum.’

Li Wei, of course, knew exactly how flustered he was. He held her a little tighter. "I can’t help it. Forgive me, Your Majesty."

That wasn’t an apology. It was, quite clearly, Li Wei’s unique brand of sweet talk.

Xiao Yang chuckled softly, then tilted her head up to press a kiss to his chin. "The Great General is as valiant as ever. This is your reward for today."

Li Wei’s stride faltered for a second. He took a deep breath before he resumed walking. After they had gone some distance, he said, "My injuries have completely healed. I await Your Majesty’s summons at any time."

What kind of summons he meant was perfectly clear to both of them.

Xiao Yang didn’t refuse, but she didn’t immediately accept, either. At least, not for today.

Li Wei carried Xiao Yang all the way back to Zichen Palace and brought her directly inside. He only emerged after she had gone to bathe.

And this was the very scene that greeted Meng Xuechen upon his return.

In that instant, he suddenly realized this was no longer a question of whether he could accept reality. He was facing a crisis: if he didn’t fight for her, he would lose his chance entirely.

Ah Yang had always been popular. Now that she was an adult—and the Emperor—she was even more sought-after. She knew how to enjoy life, and she had every right to do so.

’He might be special to her, but he wasn’t the only one...’

Meng Xuechen left the palace to return to his own residence, giving the reason that he needed to look for some old belongings that might help restore his memory.

Xiao Yang had never restricted his movements. He was free to go anywhere, and as long as he stayed within the Capital City, he wouldn’t get lost.