Wen Ning already had one foot over the threshold. With Lu Ming in tow, half of the latter's body was outside too; he was practically about to tumble out.
But right then, Wen Ning remembered something. Everything that had happened had driven his original purpose clean out of his mind.
So Wen Ning stopped.
Lu Ming failed to stop in time and nearly slammed into his back. He looked up at him in bewilderment, like a complete idiot.
Wen Ning turned around and looked back at Qin Shi Huang on the raised dais.
Qin Shi Huang was still standing in the same place, without even changing his pose. Didn't he get tired of keeping up that dignified front?
Wen Ning began asking the questions on his mind.
"Oh, right, Your Majesty."
Qin Shi Huang gave Wen Ning a curious look and waited for him to continue.
"Do you still remember Tu Shan Qingqing?"
At the mention of that name, Qin Shi Huang's brows furrowed.
Beside Wen Ning, Lu Ming hardly dared to breathe.
Qin Shi Huang did not answer immediately. He simply looked at Wen Ning, with no telling what was going through his head.
After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice betraying no emotion.
"I remember."
Wen Ning stared at him and pressed on.
"Back then, you said that once you'd unified the realm, you would stay by her side."
He paused there.
"Do you still remember saying that?"
Qin Shi Huang did not avert his gaze. Still looking every bit the aloof, handsome figure, he answered slowly.
"I remember."
Wen Ning drew a breath and continued.
"Then were you lying to her?"
Qin Shi Huang did not answer that question immediately.
He remained silent for a long time.
Long enough that Lu Ming quietly tugged Wen Ning's