Back Hall.
Laughter and cheerful chatter continuously rang out from within.
A lavish feast had been laid out inside, where a man and a woman traded playful banter amid unceasing merriment.
"Whew... Facing those stern-faced ministers all day, dealing with all those tedious formalities—it truly annoyed me to death."
"I was much more relaxed when I was with you. I did not need to worry about anything."
"From now on, we shall be close friends."
Xi Yao chattered on and on, pouring out all her frustrations. She was entirely unlike the Empress she had been in the grand hall.
"Oh? Just close friends?" Xiao Chi suddenly asked, the corners of his lips curling slightly.
"What else did you want?" Xi Yao rolled her beautiful eyes at him.
"Hey, hey, hey, you were not seriously thinking of...?" Xi Yao's eyes widened.
Xiao Chi nodded with great interest.
"Huh? Wasn't that a joke just now? Besides, you... at your age, what do you know about love between a man and a woman?" Xi Yao pursed her lips as she looked at Xiao Chi.
Xiao Chi smiled faintly, then rose and walked to Xi Yao's side.
"Oh? I did not understand?" With a slight smile on his lips, he suddenly kissed her red lips.
Xi Yao's eyes widened. She did not react for a long while, and when she finally came to her senses and tried to break free, it was useless.
"Mmph..."
A moment later, her face gradually reddened and her entire body grew scorching hot. Then, she began to respond eagerly.
Only when their breaths became ragged did Xiao Chi release her, a faint smile on his lips.
"You..."
"What about it?"
Xi Yao's face was crimson. She glanced at Xiao Chi's exceptionally handsome face before lowering her head.
"Hey, do