Tao Rong examined Emperor Mingyang's injuries, then whispered, "I...I'll escort my nephew down the mountain; his parents will take him back."

Emperor Mingyang responded and then asked, "And what is your answer?"

Tao Rong got up to look for herbs, but Emperor Mingyang grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

He lowered his head and stared at Tao Rong, "Don't you know my feelings?"

Tao Rong blushed and stammered, "But...but I'm still in mourning. I can't get married for three years."

Da'an reveres filial piety, which is indeed a troublesome matter.

However, it's not unsolvable; the time required for the emperor's marriage can be significantly shortened.

"Moreover, those who are worthy of His Majesty should all be noble ladies from noble families. I am just an ordinary village girl."

Emperor Mingyang took her hand and embraced her. "No, you are not an ordinary village girl. You are intelligent, kind, and resilient. I have never seen a woman like you before. To be honest, I was attracted to you the moment I saw you."

"I just didn't want to be too forward with you."

Tao Rong was stunned, utterly astonished. "Your Majesty, is this true?"

"Yes, I never lie."

Tao Rong nestled gently in Emperor Mingyang's arms and whispered, "Me too. It's just that Your Majesty is so high and mighty, I'm afraid, I'm afraid I'm not good enough for Your Majesty."

In the cave where only the two of them were, they poured out their hearts to each other, completely opening up to each other at that moment.

"Come back to the palace with me. I promise you will be the only one in my heart."

Tao Rong blushed and agreed, "But what if I'm still in mourning?"

"And the culprit who hurt my parents hasn't been caught yet." She looked very disappointed as she spoke.

"Prince Chen is already handling your parents' affairs. As for the mourning period, the emperor's wedding can shorten it."

Tao Rong agreed. She struggled out of Emperor Mingyang's embrace and said with a blush, "I will bandage Your Majesty's wound first. If it is not treated, it may worsen."

Emperor Mingyang naturally yielded to her, and by the firelight, he gazed intently at the young girl before him. For the first time, he felt his heart pounding so fast. Before, when facing Qin Su, he had only admired her, thought her outstanding, and wanted to possess her.

The feeling was completely different when I was with her.

His heart pounded wildly for the person before him.

He maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and did not rudely approach the beautiful woman.

"I should repay your life with my body," he said with a smile.

Tao Rong blushed again, much to her chagrin.

"It is my blessing to be able to save His Majesty."

She carefully bandaged the wound.

They didn't know how fast or slow time passed inside the cave, or exactly how much time had gone by, until the sound of rain outside gradually subsided, and they could gradually hear Deng Quan and the others calling out.

Their time alone together is almost over.

Tao Rong helped Emperor Mingyang up and said to him, "Your Majesty, I need to go back and pack my things. Can Your Majesty wait for me?"

Emperor Mingyang nodded. He was willing to extend the time, so what was this?

She handed the person over to Deng Quan, then returned to the cave to get a basket, extinguished the fire, and then came out.

Emperor Mingyang had her sent back, and it seemed that their affair had finally come to a conclusion.