"I heard you were greatly doted on by your grandparents at home, and that your parents and brothers also pampered you and indulged you. So I assumed you'd be a little spoiled and willful. I was mistaken."
Jin Moli smiled faintly, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes. He no longer seemed in a hurry to leave.
Su Qiao suddenly had an idea and said coyly, "The Emperor was absolutely right. I really was very willful at home."
"But this isn't home—it's the palace. So, to keep things from becoming difficult for the Emperor, I should do my best to change and behave more sensibly."
"However, the Emperor knows that I've been willful since I was little. I'm afraid I can't change overnight, and I may occasionally cause a little trouble."
Su Qiao acted as though everything she did was for his sake, making it impossible for Jin Moli to tell whether she was sincere.
"It doesn't matter. I like your little acts of willfulness. I'll protect you and never let you suffer the slightest harm."
Su Qiao smiled happily, and her face seemed a few shades livelier than before.
"Then I'll thank the Emperor in advance."
"It's getting late, and the Emperor's duties are important. You should go quickly! We shouldn't keep the officials waiting too long."
After a moment's hesitation, Jin Moli reached out and tucked the blanket around her.
"All right, then I'll leave first. Rest well and recover. As for the Empress Dowager, I'll speak with her myself and excuse you from paying your respects these days."
Putting on an act, Su Qiao propped herself up with one hand against the bed and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Emperor."
"Lie back down quickly. With me, there's no need for so many formalities."
Jin Moli looked worried and