Chapter 26: The Canary Captured by the Enemy Emperor  13

It was actually a drawing of the two of them riding horses on the plain yesterday, enjoying the scenery. Just their side profiles leaning against each other, with trees, streams, plains, and white clouds—drawn in just a few strokes, yet the entire atmosphere was vividly brought to life.

There was an indescribable warmth and lingering affection. Lin Muqing smiled gently—it made him seem even more charismatic.

Suddenly, she found herself curious—what was Jun Yuanming like in his youth? But she also knew that was his most difficult time.

Probably like a lost and helpless wolf cub.

“What are you thinking about? I called you twice and you didn’t even hear.”

“Nothing. I’m just so hungry. Your Majesty, please have the food brought in!”

Now that she had secured his affection, Lin Muqing no longer bothered pretending to be reserved.

Jun Yuanming let her lead him along, finding it a bit amusing and new.

“There are cold dishes and pastries prepared. Eat a little to fill your stomach first.”

A round table outside already had some cold dishes set out, and Eunuch Qin quickly arranged for the hot dishes to be served.

Jun Yuanming watched her take small bites of meat, eating with elegance and a touch of girlish charm—quite different from how she usually acted all gentle and attentive, always urging him to eat first.

He watched her the entire time with an expression of curiosity and delight. How many sides of Qing’er have I yet to see?

After the meal, Lin Muqing stood up, dimples showing as she smiled. “Your Majesty, this concubine will return to Shuyu Palace first. I won’t disturb Your Majesty any longer.”

So thoughtful, he thought.

“You don’t need an escort?”

“No need.”

Jun Yuanming glanced at her lovely face. When she walked off decisively without a second thought, he stared at her retreating figure for a long while, a trace of confusion flickering in his deep black eyes.

She just… left?

Normally, she would cling to him, begging to spend more time together.

Was I too rough last night?

—

Halfway back, Lin Muqing passed through a small garden—only to be intercepted by her old nemesis.

As she reached the middle of a small stone bridge, she saw the imperial concubine (Guifei) below, seemingly plucking roses from the bushes.

“The Emperor took Lin Muqing back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation! I’ve never been there—why her?!”

“She’s just a pretty face with a curvy body—what else does she even have?!”

“If I ever catch her…”

Lin Muqing could faintly hear the concubine cursing her.

And of course, the concubine saw her too—her jealousy immediately turned to fury.

She rushed forward, raising her hand to slap.

“Did someone forget to leash the dog before letting it out?” Lin Muqing grabbed the concubine’s wrist and flung it aside, her expression turning cold and fierce.

“You dare call me a dog?” the concubine was stunned—where did this wench get the nerve to be so bold?!

The old matron behind her widened her eyes, quickly rushing forward to help the concubine, shouting sharply, “A mere shuyi dares bully the imperial concubine?! Do you want your entire family executed?!”

Lin Muqing, remembering the original host was a beggar as a child and an orphan selling sugar figures later, just smiled. “Then I’ll thank you for finding all my nine clans for me.”

The matron was fuming, practically snorting through her nose.

Using her strength, she rushed forward to avenge the concubine, trying to grab Lin Muqing’s hair.

But Lin Muqing dodged quickly, running to the other side of the bridge—only to be blocked by four palace maids.

She turned and landed a solid kick on the approaching matron, knocking her to the ground. Thank goodness for the two extra bowls of rice she had earlier—after a whole night of activity, she’d have been too weak otherwise.

“Guifei, you’re the prime minister’s daughter—why are you acting like a gang leader, gathering followers like this?”

The concubine snapped out of her earlier humiliation, gritting her teeth. “Lin Muqing! I told you—if you dare steal the Emperor’s attention, I won’t let you off!”

“Oh? And how exactly won’t you let me off?”

The palace maids surrounded her. The concubine stormed over and shoved her hard in the chest.

Lin Muqing instinctively leaned back.

Suddenly, the system warned: [Host, be careful—behind you.]

I know it’s a bridge.

The concubine couldn’t stop in time, her body tipping over the edge, almost falling.

“Ahhh!”

“Guifei, Your Grace!”

The palace maids and matron screamed in horror.

Lin Muqing grabbed the concubine’s calf, leaving her dangling upside down over the edge—below was a shallow pool with jagged ornamental rocks.

Falling would mean a guaranteed bloody mess.

“Don’t let go! Don’t let go!” The concubine wailed, thrashing in panic.

“Stop moving, or you will fall,” Lin Muqing warned. She hadn’t yet regained her full strength, so pulling her back up wasn’t easy.

The maids and matron, legs shaking, rushed to tug on Lin Muqing’s arms.

That only made it worse. “If you keep pulling at me, I really won’t be able to hold on.”

Just as she was about to hoist the concubine up—

Out of nowhere, a man in black suddenly appeared using lightfoot technique, grabbing the concubine’s leg. Lin Muqing quickly let go.

The concubine was brought back to the bridge, sobbing hysterically.

But before she could catch her breath—smack!

A slap landed on her face.

Then another on the opposite cheek.

Everyone was stunned—maids, matron, and even the concubine herself.

“You tried to push me off the bridge and ended up nearly falling yourself. If I hadn’t grabbed you, you’d be a bloody smear on the rocks below. Two slaps are the least you owe me for saving your life!”

Lin Muqing glanced around—the man who had saved the concubine seemed to be a secret guard. After the rescue, he disappeared without a word.

“I will never forgive you!” the concubine shrieked.

Slap!

“Ahh! You dare hit me again?!”

Lin Muqing patted her hands, grinning mischievously. “If you’re not going to forgive me whether I hit you or not, I might as well make it worth it.”

And with that, she brushed past the crowd and left.

This time, no one stopped her—the palace maids and matron were too busy comforting the devastated concubine.

By the end of the day, the entire imperial palace had heard the news—

The Imperial Concubine had been slapped by Shuyi Lin.