Chapter 17: The Captured Imperial Prince of the Enemy Country’s Canary 4

Yuan Ming loosened his grip, suddenly filled with a strong sense of curiosity.

“What do you know?”

With her wrist caught, Lin Muqing was compelled to look up, mere inches from his sharply defined face.

The effect of the medicine was evident; the changes in her body could not be hidden.

She couldn’t deny it.

Lin Muqing leaned in and, taking the opportunity, settled into his embrace.

“What do I know? I swear I didn’t put anything in there.”

“There’s… something…”

“Wouldn’t Your Majesty like to experience it yourself?”

She tilted her head back, exposing her fair neck; her eyelashes fluttered like a brush, and her arched brows curled charmingly, her smile enticing.

“What feeling?”

After being held last night, he was certainly more receptive today. She wrapped her arms around his waist and gently caressed his shoulders.

Yuan Ming inspected her closely; his background was clean, and no one in Dongliao knew that he had any issues. He wondered if the soup she made had just settled poorly.

As Lin Muqing inched closer, she gently pressed her lips against his, kissing him softly.

Breathing became rapid, and Yuan Ming was bewildered at how she dared to do this.

The hand holding her shoulder tightened suddenly, the strength intense, squeezing her waist. Their gazes locked, and he closed his eyes, his expression a mix of surprise and momentary haze.

He waited for Yuan Ming to push her away.

Lin Muqing quickly broke away.

Seizing the moment he was momentarily dazed, she hurriedly left his embrace and adjusted her clothing.

Her heart raced; she patted her face.

She really lacked the courage; how could she leave such a unique impression on him?

Yuan Ming seemed dazed, his lips shiny with a hint of moisture, eyes lingering on her blushing cheeks and vibrant red lips, not speaking for a long time.

“You’re breaking the rules.”

She bit her lip, tugging at her clothing, appearing eager to pacify his stirred-up anger.

“I’m afraid Your Majesty might be angry; I have explanations.”

“I have not seen someone as bold as you.” Yuan Ming’s gaze regained clarity; normally, those who encountered him coveted him while fearing him.

Lin Muqing moved a round stool to sit beside him, speaking softly, “The ingredients for the soup were taken from the kitchen, and I didn’t speak with anyone on the way. If Your Majesty suspects I poisoned it, you should investigate thoroughly.”

“I will investigate thoroughly.”

Yuan Ming remained skeptical, feeling that he had to leave and hadn’t—

He deeply scrutinized her for a moment, ready to turn away.

“Your Majesty, wait.” Lin Muqing stood up, gently placing her injured hand on his arm, tiptoeing to reach a height, and took out a silk handkerchief embroidered with peonies to wipe the lipstick from his lips.

“Cough.” Yuan Ming’s eyes froze, his fingers curling slightly, his chest rising and falling irregularly. Once she stepped back, he silently left.

Leaving behind a tall, slender figure.

“That was too high; I almost couldn’t reach. How embarrassing,” Lin Muqing internally lamented.

[Tsk, this old man is quite bashful; his ears are turning red.]

Outside, Eunuch Qin’s voice could be heard.

“Your Majesty, the imperial concubine has arrived.”

Lin Muqing paused her steps and retreated a bit, preparing to act.

The imperial concubine outside was dressed beautifully and elegantly. Upon seeing Lin Shuyi, she gracefully tilted her head towards the dignified and handsome emperor, playfully saying, “Your Majesty, last night I called for you, but it was Concubine Chen impersonating me who sent the notice.”

Yuan Ming was focused, seriously reviewing memorials. He raised his head slightly, responding indifferently, “Is there anything else?”

“Uh…” The concubine was momentarily speechless, her hand gripping her handkerchief tighter at his cold response.

Yuan Ming replied, “Then Concubine must return.”

“Your Majesty, tonight…” The concubine noticed his indifference and, unyielding, changed the topic, “Your Majesty, I haven’t seen my father and brother in a long time; I wish to visit them in the palace. I hope Your Majesty can grant this request.”

“Granted.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The concubine’s face showed reluctance as she left.

Lin Muqing waited until the concubine was gone before stepping forward.

“Your Majesty, I will not disturb you any longer; I’ll take my leave.”

“Mm.”

Once she left, she said, “Eunuch Qin, bring a stronger healing salve for me.”

Eunuch Qin hesitated and asked, “Is it for Lin Shuyi?”

Yuan Ming shot a faint glance at Eunuch Qin, “Who else in the palace is injured?”

“I spoke carelessly.” Eunuch Qin hurriedly left, pondering that he hadn’t seen the emperor drink soup prepared by a concubine before; it was certain that Lin Shuyi was unique among them.

He couldn’t deny her beauty; even he, a eunuch, felt a tremor.

The emperor’s thoughts were hard to understand.

…

As Lin Muqing returned from the imperial study, she walked alongside the maidservants through the courtyard paved with blue bricks.

They encountered a rocking chair being brought over slowly. Seated in it was a woman in a pink palace dress, who looked immensely graceful.

“Greetings, Concubine Hui.” The maids pulled Lin Muqing to the side to pay their respects.

Lin Muqing followed suit and greeted, “Greetings, Concubine Hui.”

“Indeed, you are a stunning beauty,” Concubine Chen’s rocking chair stopped, and she looked at Lin Muqing with an unclear smile, “Lin Shuyi, would you be so kind as to visit my quarters?”

“Sister invites me; I cannot refuse.” Lin Muqing recalled hearing that last night it was Concubine Chen who had caused the emperor’s sudden visit to the concubine’s quarters.