Chapter 11: The Untouchable High Mountain Flower

Chapter 11: The Untouchable High Mountain Flower

Half an hour had passed.

The massage continued, and Su Qing showed no intention of stopping.

Though he was supposedly giving a massage, wasn't he enjoying it just as much?

The delicate black-silk-clad feet fit perfectly in his hands, soft and supple, an absolute delight to the touch.

The sensation was beyond wonderful—he was starting to become addicted.

But for an emperor, enjoyment had its limits.

The Imperial Beauty, having indulged long enough, attempted to withdraw her slightly heated feet.

Massages were pleasant, but if they lasted too long, she risked losing her composure.

Moaning softly was one thing, but if her skin turned red, or worse, if sweat made her clothes cling to her body…

That kind of display was unacceptable.

Even in front of her most favored minister, it was not permissible.

She gently applied force to retract her feet.

Yet, they didn't budge.

Thinking she hadn't been obvious enough, she applied more pressure.

Still, nothing changed.

The Imperial Beauty turned her gaze to her minister, her eyes carrying an unmistakable warning.

Her stare clearly conveyed two words: Let go.

But Su Qing, seemingly oblivious, continued his dedicated massage, his eyes fixated on her feet.

Completely engrossed.

"You little rascal, do you love my feet that much? Do you have no shred of male dignity?!"

The Imperial Beauty was not oblivious—he was doing this on purpose! She was so exasperated that she actually laughed.

This was ridiculous!

"Huh? I just wanted to make sure my dear Empress-sister is happy. Did I do something wrong?"

Hearing her reprimand, Su Qing stopped moving, putting on a pitiful expression.

His voice dripped with grievance, and with exaggerated hesitation, he slowly released her feet.

His actions and demeanor combined to deliver an absolute masterclass in manipulation—pure, irresistible PUA.

Who said only women could master this art?

With unparalleled beauty, even a man could use it to devastating effect—especially against strong, independent women!

"I… I may have been too harsh just now. Of course, I know your loyalty."

"But enough with the massage. As an emperor, I should not be overly indulgent in pleasure."

The Imperial Beauty looked at his expression and, to her dismay, actually felt guilty.

Not only that, but her tone softened considerably.

She even… silently accepted the "sister" title he had casually tacked on.

"Really?"

Su Qing's face instantly lit up with gratitude.

"Really. Su Qing, tell me exactly what happened last night. Did you encounter danger?"

The Empress quickly changed the subject, unable to contain her curiosity.

She already knew the general details but wanted to hear the specifics from him.

Su Qing gave a concise explanation of the events, leaving out certain details but fully disclosing the Heavenly Dao Sect's attempt to manipulate him.

"Those fools from the Heavenly Dao Sect dare lay hands on what belongs to me? How audacious!"

"I'll send troops immediately and wipe them out to avenge you!"

The Imperial Beauty let out a cold snort, her overwhelming dominance filling the room.

Anyone witnessing this would be struck with awe.

Su Qing blinked but remained silent.

"Aren't you going to stop me?"

The Empress, expecting the usual "Please reconsider, Your Majesty" plea, was puzzled by his silence.

"I am honored that Your Majesty would take action on my behalf. I will repay this kindness with my life!"

"If there is to be war, I volunteer to be the vanguard and annihilate all who stand in your way!"

Su Qing's tone was solemn, his expression utterly serious.

In reality, he was simply telling a very well-delivered joke.

Silence filled the room for a few seconds, making things rather awkward.

They looked at each other, maintaining their prior expressions.

The tension in the air felt stifling.

Both of them knew full well—there was no way she was actually sending an army.

The real issue was the precarious political climate of the capital.

On the surface, the Empress wielded immense power, but in truth, every step she took was a delicate balancing act.

Countless eyes were fixed on the Imperial Beauty, scrutinizing her every move.

Outside, powerful sects plotted in the shadows. Inside, rebel factions cried out that a woman could never rule an empire.

One wrong move could unite her enemies against her.

For some time now, the Empress had been searching for a way to break this deadlock.

She needed a strong show of force to set an example.

And the Heavenly Dao Sect—one of the oldest righteous sects of the Southern Dynasty—was the perfect target.

The problem?

It was just an idea.

The sect's exact location was unknown, hidden by powerful formations that obscured it from detection.

Forget whether or not she could win—she needed to find them first.

What was she supposed to do? Mobilize her entire army to comb through the land?

The thought alone was absurd.

If she actually went through with it, her reign would be over.

Frustrated, the Empress coldly withdrew her feet.

"Why so quiet, Your Majesty?"

Su Qing asked innocently.

He had just been teasing, keeping things playful and within limits.

Honestly, he was probably the only one in the empire who dared joke like this.

"Nothing. I have a task for you. You must capture the Heavenly Dao Sect's saintess."

"Through her, we will uncover their sect's location. If you succeed, you will be rewarded."

"How does the once-revered 'Unattainable Flower,' the most beautiful woman in the world—your reward—sound?"

The Empress issued her command, employing an enticing incentive.

For any man, such a reward would be impossible to resist.

"Your Majesty, I am not that kind of person! My loyalty lies solely with you!"

Su Qing declared righteously.

He felt his reputation had been tarnished and sought to prove his purity.

"Oh? So you don't want both master and disciple? If not, I'll have to reward someone else."

The Empress smirked, mocking him.

If she hadn't seen that look in his eyes earlier, she might have believed his words.

But now… there was no way she was buying it.

"Your Majesty, that would be far too dangerous. Who knows what kind of mistakes someone else might make?"

"As your loyal subject, it is my duty to prevent such risks."

"Besides, taking both master and disciple will surely earn public scorn. That burden, I alone shall bear!"

Su Qing's expression turned solemn.

Anyone watching might think he was about to carry out a world-shattering mission.

The Empress said nothing, merely rolling her eyes in disdain.

Yet, despite the irritation in her gaze, an undeniable hint of charm lingered.

She truly was a breathtaking woman—so stunning that even making faces could make hearts race.

It was almost unfair.