My mind buzzed. What does it mean to come and see me? A man and a woman were alone in the same room, and they were caught by Li Heng. Isn't this something that can't be washed away even if you jump into the Yellow River?

I quickly struggled out of Li Rui's arms, lowered my head, and didn't dare to look Li Heng in the eye because I felt guilty.

"Your Majesty..." I stammered, not knowing what to say.

Li Heng's face turned livid, and he said nothing. He just stared at us coldly, as if he wanted to eat us alive.

The atmosphere was extremely awkward and I felt cold sweat breaking out on my back.

Li Rui was calm and composed. He took a step forward, bowed to Li Heng, and said with a smile: "Brother, I heard that Miss Lin was not feeling well, so I came to see her. I didn't expect to disturb your pleasure. Please forgive me."

Li Heng sneered, his smile full of sarcasm and warning, "My royal brother is really considerate, but unfortunately, I feel that your concern for Miss Lin seems a little too much."

The smile on Li Rui's face froze for a moment, but soon returned to normal. He said calmly, "Your Majesty, you are joking. I only care about Miss Lin as a friend. Your Majesty, please don't think too much about it."

"Friend?" Li Heng raised his eyebrows, his tone meaningful, "I heard that your brother has a special affection for Miss Lin?"

I was shocked. What was Li Heng trying to do? Did he know the relationship between me and Li Rui?

I secretly glanced at Li Rui and saw that his face was calm, without any trace of panic, which made me feel a little relieved.

Seeing that we were silent, Li Heng continued, "I originally thought that my brother had no interest in the affairs of the court and only wanted to be a leisurely prince. I didn't expect that my brother would be so concerned about my subjects?"

Every time he spoke, his tone became colder, and by the end, it seemed as if his voice was being squeezed out from between his teeth.

I felt like I was being roasted on a fire, feeling uncomfortable all over, but I didn't dare to move.

"Your Majesty, you have misunderstood me. I just..." Li Rui wanted to explain but was interrupted by Li Heng.

"Enough!" Li Heng shouted angrily, frightening me so much that I trembled all over. "I don't want to hear your explanation. You'd better remember your identity and don't do anything out of line. Otherwise, don't blame me for not thinking of our brotherhood!"

Li Rui's face darkened, but in the end he said nothing and just lowered his head silently.

Li Heng looked at us coldly, then walked away with his sleeves turned away. His back was filled with anger and murderous intent.

As soon as he left, I felt as if all the air in my body was sucked out. I sat down on the bed, gasping for breath.

"Are you okay?" Li Rui walked up to me and asked concernedly.

I shook my head, trying to suppress the fear in my heart, and asked, "Prince, what does the Emperor...doesn't he know?"

Li Rui was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "He should be suspicious of us."

"Then...what should I do?" I was immediately panicked, "Will the Emperor..."

I didn't dare to say any more, but I believed Li Rui understood what I meant.

Who is Li Heng? He is a ruthless emperor. If he knew about the relationship between me and Li Rui, I'm afraid...

I didn’t dare to imagine further, and I just felt my eyes go dark.

Li Rui reached out his hand to help me up, and said softly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here, nothing will happen."

His voice was soft but full of power, which gradually calmed my originally flustered heart.

"Qingya, do you believe me?" He looked into my eyes and asked seriously.

I nodded without hesitation, "I believe you."

He smiled slightly, and that smile seemed to dispel all the haze, "Okay then, don't worry, I will protect you."

His words flowed into my heart like a warm current, making me feel extremely safe and warm.

At this moment, there was a sudden noise outside the palace, and then a eunuch ran in in a panic, knelt down, and said in fear: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Something bad has happened..."

My heart tightened, and a sense of foreboding came over me...