As Yelü Hongji sized her up, Shen Biqun took the opportunity to study him as well. The man before her wore a dragon robe, his cheeks covered in thick whiskers, his bearing imposing. Yet as a noble young lady raised in the south, her tastes had always favored refined, jade-like gentlemen. Even Xiao Shiyilang's bold and uninhibited style appealed to her. But this bearded appearance was far beyond what she could bear.
When she saw him dismiss the eunuchs and palace maids, Shen Biqun's heart skipped a beat. Though she had already resolved to enter the palace, when the moment truly came, she realized she was not ready at all.
Yelü Hongji sat directly on the edge of the bed and patted the space beside him. "Come here!"
Shen Biqun's expression changed at once. She had imagined countless scenarios of being with the emperor, but she had not expected him to be so direct. It looked as though he intended to take her right now.
"Hm?" Seeing her stand there blankly, Yelü Hongji shot her a displeased glance.
Shen Biqun opened her mouth, but her throat was dry and she could not utter a word. She could not help regretting it inwardly. She normally prided herself on her intelligence and literary talent, yet at this critical moment, her mind was utterly blank.
Yelü Hongji had already been full of rage over Xiao Feng's affairs. Seeing her hesitate so timidly only made him more displeased. Fortunately, Shen Biqun was beautiful enough; otherwise, he would have erupted long ago.
When she still did not move, Yelü Hongji naturally assumed it was a maiden's shyness. He could not be bothered to wait any longer. Rising to his feet, he strode over and reached for her.
"Your... Your Majesty." Shen Biqun was so flustered