I Am the Emperor, So What If I Go Back on My Word!

Xiao Bing was stunned upon hearing this.

"That's not true. Why would Chu Ning badmouth Your Majesty behind your back?"

"That's because you don't know. Yesterday, he stood right here and called me a tyrant."

"Ah??"

Xiao Bing was even more bewildered, but she immediately explained, "He didn't badmouth Your Majesty. I just asked Chu Ning about his attitude toward you."

Ye Qinglian let out a cold snort.

"Do I need to know his attitude toward me? I keep him here now simply so there will be someone to accompany the Dragon Prince once he is born. That is his only use. Even if he thinks ill of me behind my back, it changes absolutely nothing!"

"Uh... I feel that Your Majesty might be thinking too poorly of Chu Ning. He really isn't that kind of person."

Ye Qinglian looked over with an expressionless face: "What kind of person someone is cannot be judged by a single day or a single action. How many people have you met to dare judge that he isn't that kind of person? You have only known him for a single day."

Xiao Bing pondered for a moment and decided it was better to say nothing. Because of her status, Your Majesty's self-protection instincts were far too strong...

Unless Your Majesty changed her own perspective, nothing she saw or heard would make any difference.

However, just as Xiao Bing was about to leave, Ye Qinglian spoke up faintly.

"What did he say today?"

Xiao Bing smiled upon hearing this.

So Your Majesty was still quite concerned about Chu Ning's attitude...

"Chu Ning said that he doesn't actually have any sincere feelings for Your Majesty..."

Ye Qinglian's face remained calm, but her heart sank, and her emotions became complicated.

"Hah! And so what? Do you think I have sincere feelings for him?"

"He broke into my secret cultivation chamber for reasons unknown, which led to everything that followed. How could anyone in this world have sincere feelings for someone because of such a thing!"

"As I said before, I simply don't want the child to be born without a father, nothing more..."

In truth, there was no need for her to say so much, but the competitive spirit in her heart made her unable to stop herself.

Why was it that just as she felt a flicker of emotion toward Chu Ning's actions today, he could just say he had no sincere feelings?

Clearly, she was the one who had suffered the loss, and it was Chu Ning who had disrupted everything...

She clenched her fists tightly, her expression growing even more complex after she finished speaking.

Xiao Bing had been with Ye Qinglian for many years; she could see it at a glance.

With Your Majesty's personality, it was impossible for things to develop normally with Chu Ning, which was exactly why she had encouraged Chu Ning to be more proactive!

Look, you already have a child together. Wouldn't it be happier for the future child if your relationship were better?

Xiao Bing smiled and said, "But Chu Ning also said that since it was the first time you met, even if you have a Dragon Prince together, it is only right that there are no sincere feelings yet."

"Hah! If that's the case, why does he have to be so sentimental? Do you think I'm lacking a cook?"

If she kept talking, she would lose her composure. Ye Qinglian had never faced such a situation, and she felt an inexplicable sense of tearing in her heart.

So, were yesterday and this morning all fake? Did he not have a single thought for her in his heart?

Seeing this, Xiao Bing continued, "But Chu Ning also said that his current relationship with Your Majesty is more like a kind of responsibility."

"Just like the officials in the court who are enfeoffed and appointed to positions for fame and profit, or like when I first entered the palace to serve Your Majesty, it was also for better treatment..."

"He also said that so-called sincere feelings are often false, and true sincerity is found in the process of constant interaction and understanding. Right now, he feels responsibility and commitment toward Your Majesty, and he wants to take on this burden and do his best."

Ye Qinglian was slightly taken aback.

She understood, more or less.

The court was currently tied to the Great Gan Dynasty, and they were genuinely committed to watching the country develop.

And Xiao Bing was genuinely looking out for her.

Everything was constantly changing, and Chu Ning's view of her would gradually change as well. In contrast, would she?

These words seemed more reliable than any talk of "sincere feelings"...

Ye Qinglian suddenly blushed and turned away abruptly.

"I am the Supreme Sovereign, carrying the mandate of Heaven and responding to the will of the people. Why would I need Chu Ning to take responsibility for anything!"

"Go back and tell Chu Ning to stay quietly in his own little corner. Stop coming up with strange things, and he is not allowed to say such things again!"

"Alright, Your Majesty. I'll be going then..."

Would Xiao Bing say that?

Obviously not.

Your Majesty was just flustered and shy because of those words, and she was speaking out of anger.

She knew this Empress very well; she was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, and she cared deeply about the people and things around her, even if she looked fierce on the surface.

So, she definitely wouldn't say it! She was still counting on getting more good food!

Back in Mingde Hall, after Xiao Bing left, Ye Qinglian clenched her fists tightly!

"Pah! Do I need you to take responsibility? You took my body and gave me a child; do you think I need you to take responsibility? In your dreams!"

"You are just the child's father, nothing more!"

She said this to herself, and her flushed face gradually calmed down.

How could she resolve the trivial troubles in her heart?

Only by handling state affairs would she not be distracted!

But as she worked, her mind kept wandering...

Xiao Bing shouldn't have said those things. She wouldn't let Xiao Bing say them again in the future!

But in truth, she was still a little happy.

At least, even though this guy had nothing, he was willing to take responsibility...

At noon.

Creeak.

Ye Qinglian had already returned to her normal self, frantically processing memorials.

Two thousand memorials a day was her baseline; she couldn't rest until they were finished. She held herself to extremely strict standards.

"Xiao Bing, is that lunch?"

"Just set it down. I'll eat in a while."

She would process another two hundred, take a moment to eat, and then continue working. She was currently in a state of mental agitation, considering how to handle the border affairs...

Clack.

The tray was placed on the table, sounding exceptionally jarring in the hall where only the sound of writing usually existed.

Ye Qinglian didn't pay it any mind, remaining fully focused.

Suddenly, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

A pair of chopsticks was placed by her mouth, holding a piece of pastry.

Ye Qinglian frowned, but she ate it anyway.

"I said I would eat in a while. There's no need for this..."

But the pastry melted in her mouth and was extremely appetizing. Having been hungry all morning, Ye Qinglian smacked her lips.

"The cook did a good job today. Reward him with some silver later. Bring me another piece."

The chopsticks came over again. After finishing one memorial, she had the mind to continue eating.

Just like that, bite after bite.

"Strange, why does the food taste exceptionally good today..."

Truly craving more, Ye Qinglian put down the memorial in her hand and suddenly stood up.

"Xiao Bing, the cook today..."

She froze abruptly, scared into taking three steps back, her eyes widening as she looked at Chu Ning before her.

And in Chu Ning's hand, he was holding a pair of chopsticks!

"Why are you here? Isn't it Xiao Bing!"

She had been eating for half an hour and hadn't even realized the person next to her was Chu Ning!

"Hehe, the food is good, right? I made it specially!"

Chu Ning looked at Ye Qinglian before him with a smile: "So, did you just praise me, Qinglian?"

Ye Qinglian's expression turned sour, and she said coldly: "I have told you several times already, you are not allowed to leave the palace you reside in. Even going to Qianqing Palace requires Xiao Bing to accompany you. Otherwise, if you were discovered, wouldn't that expose everything!"

Chu Ning was stunned upon hearing this and sighed.

"So, in your eyes, I am that presentable..."

"So much for my good intentions. Since that's the case, I won't leave the palace ever again."

After saying this, Chu Ning turned to leave.

Ye Qinglian was furious and grabbed Chu Ning!

"What I meant was that being discovered outside the palace would bring trouble upon you! Don't you know that men are not allowed in the Inner Palace!"

"I just want you to stay in your palace so you don't get into trouble. If you go out, you must have Xiao Bing with you. Besides, as my future Emperor Consort, how could you not be presentable!"

"So, Qinglian, you really don't dislike me?"

Ye Qinglian felt speechless.

"I've already brought you back to the palace; what is there to dislike!"

Chu Ning chuckled upon hearing this; it was all an act.

"It's fine, no one discovered me. I was very stealthy. I know the gravity of the situation better than you do!"

Ye Qinglian seemed to be amused by her own anger and looked at Chu Ning with a sneer: "No one discovered you? Do you think I would believe that?"

"How about we make a bet? If truly no one discovered me, will you agree to one condition?"

"Fine!"

Ye Qinglian immediately issued an order!

"Dark Guards, appear before me at once!"

The palace complex from the main hall to Mingde Hall was monitored by Dark Guards—beings with strength even greater than the Dragon Guards and far more stealthy!

In the entire dynasty, only she and Xiao Bing knew of their existence!

Ye Qinglian cast a Barrier Spell with a wave of her hand to conceal Chu Ning's figure, and a woman in black instantly appeared in the hall.

Chu Ning was stunned when he saw this. There were hidden eyes and ears here?

He hadn't noticed...

"Greetings, Your Majesty! May I ask why you have summoned us?"

Ye Qinglian sneered and said: "Who has come to Mingde Hall today, besides Xiao Bing!"

The woman immediately reported: "Apart from her, there is no one else!"

Ye Qinglian instantly drew her sword!

"Nonsense! Do you mean to tell me someone could slip in right under your noses!"

What a joke. Chu Ning was standing right there; he was only hidden by her spell.

He couldn't have come from anywhere else but the main hall, and Mingde Hall was watched like a hawk by the Dark Guards' eyes!

The woman was instantly panicked and hurriedly knelt: "Your Majesty, we truly did not discover anyone entering. We have been diligent in our duties; not even a fly could have flown in. If Your Majesty does not believe us, you may summon the other Dark Guards. We would never dare to deceive you!"

At this moment, Ye Qinglian was stunned.

They didn't discover Chu Ning's tracks?

Did Chu Ning fly over? Even if he had flown over, they should have discovered him!

Moreover, he had walked through the front door!

At this moment, the corners of Chu Ning's mouth curled into a smile.

As he said before.

You see me like a frog at the bottom of a well looking up at the moon. If I hide my presence, could you possibly discover me?

Ye Qinglian looked at Chu Ning and happened to see his smug expression!

The Dark Guards were absolutely loyal to her and could not be bribed.

So, how exactly did this guy get in?

"Enough, withdraw. Let this be the only time!"

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

The woman immediately retreated, and at this moment, Chu Ning gave a light cough.

"So, Your Majesty, a sovereign's word is law..."

"You have to fulfill what you promised me, right?"

Ye Qinglian instantly became vigilant!

This man was deliberately setting a trap for her!

She slowly raised the sword and pointed it at Chu Ning, sneering.

"Oh? What sovereign's word? Did I say anything?"

Chu Ning looked aggrieved!

"Qinglian, you can't be like this. I even called you 'Your Majesty'; surely you wouldn't go back on your word!"

Ye Qinglian calmly sheathed her long sword, her face expressionless.

"Shouldn't you call me that?"

"But I am your future husband. If I call you 'Your Majesty', what will the child think if they find it strange later?"

Chu Ning chuckled and pulled Ye Qinglian to sit down.

"No matter how busy you are, you must eat first. We can continue working after you finish. I'll clean up later."

"Tch..."

"Don't touch me. I can walk myself."

"What's the big deal? We'll be sleeping in the same bed in the future anyway. Isn't it good to get used to it early?"

Ye Qinglian glared at him instantly, her face flushing red!

"Vulgar! This is the Imperial Palace, and I am the Emperor of the Great Gan Dynasty!"

Chu Ning looked puzzled.

"Isn't that also my future wife?"

Ye Qinglian froze abruptly.

Besides, this guy had no sense of shame at all and no regard for the status of the imperial chambers.

Just ignore him!

He wanted to sleep in the same bed? Dream on!

The moment she sat down, Chu Ning handed over his Dragon Marrow Jade Precious Soup.

"Your Majesty, please eat!"

Seeing this, Ye Qinglian's expression eased slightly.

"If you haven't eaten, then sit down and eat with me."

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