His voice was cold and hard as iron: "Where have you been all this time? Whose side are you really on?"
Xu Yuehuai's heart was like a lake rippling in the wind, its surface turbulent. Her eyes flickered, unable to meet Wu Hanqing's gaze. Her lips moved slightly, as if searching for the right words, but she had already decided on her answer.
"I..." Xu Yuehuai's voice was like a ghostly whisper. She took a deep breath and began to weave her lie, "I was kidnapped by an assassin."
She spoke resolutely, trying to make her words sound more convincing. "I was passing by the ancestral hall when I saw the fire and went over to investigate," Xu Yuehuai said, her voice trembling slightly. "I never expected the assassins to kidnap me and take me away from the palace."
Wu Hanqing frowned, clearly doubting her answer. He remained silent for a moment, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes that made Xu Yuehuai's heart tighten.
He asked coldly, "Are you serious?"
Xu Yuehuai felt her heart pounding; she knew her fate hung by a thread. She gritted her teeth, trying to remain calm.
She looked up and stared directly into Wu Hanqing's eyes, saying firmly, "It's true."
She knew this answer might be her last lifeline. If Wu Hanqing didn't believe her, her fate would be unimaginable.
Wu Hanqing looked at her, a hint of barely perceptible doubt in his eyes. He was silent for a moment, then said, "Come to my side!"
Xu Yuehuai could only walk towards him, her steps as heavy as lead as she climbed the steps.
As she walked up the steps, Xu Yuehuai felt her foot slip. She cried out in surprise and lost her balance.
However, just as she was about to fall, a hand steadily supported her shoulder. She looked up and saw Wu Hanqing. A fleeting, almost imperceptible concern flashed in his eyes, but it quickly returned to its coldness.
"Be careful." Wu Hanqing's voice was cold, but his hand remained on Xu Yuehuai's shoulder until she regained her footing.
At this moment, Xu Yuehuai felt a strange mix of emotions. Although Wu Hanqing's words and actions were always so cold and ruthless, he had extended a helping hand at a crucial moment.
This gave her a complex feeling towards Wu Hanqing, a mixture of fear and gratitude.
In the deep night, the palace lights were soft and mysterious. Wu Hanqing sat on his throne, looking weary, his gaze fixed on Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai's eyes held a hint of unease and doubt. Standing in front of Wu Hanqing, she felt his deep gaze and couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
“Come here,” Wu Hanqing’s voice was deep and authoritative.
Xu Yuehuai reluctantly moved her feet and walked to Wu Hanqing's side. She lowered her eyes, not daring to look directly at this majestic king.
"Give me a head massage," Wu Hanqing said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Xu Yuehuai was slightly taken aback, but still obediently began to massage him. Her fingers gently slid across his dark temples, feeling the tension and fatigue in his muscles.
She wondered if Wu Hanqing's urgency in bringing her back was simply to get her to massage him. Did Wu Hanqing really have some hidden illness? Perhaps a secret ailment like headaches?
Under Xu Yuehuai's massage, Wu Hanqing gradually relaxed and soon fell asleep.
Looking at his peaceful sleeping face, Xu Yuehuai's doubts deepened. She carefully lifted the hem of her skirt, intending to quietly leave the palace.
However, she had only taken a few steps when Wu Hanqing's cold voice rang out behind her.
"Where do you want to go this time?" His voice carried a hint of displeasure.
Xu Yuehuai's heart skipped a beat. She turned around to face Wu Hanqing. His gaze was cold and deep, making her feel a little uneasy.
"Stay by my side!"
Xu Yuehuai could only nod helplessly; she knew the situation left her no room for hesitation. She strode forward and continued to Wu Hanqing's side.
Wu Hanqing remained asleep peacefully on the dragon throne, his eyes still closed. His face was serene, as if all the turmoil was irrelevant to him.
Xu Yuehuai looked at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She recalled what he had just said, and a bitter feeling welled up inside her.
She knew she couldn't leave now. In this unfamiliar palace, she could only rely on herself. Exhausted, she slumped beside the dragon throne, closed her eyes, and tried to rest for a while.
A faint fragrance permeated the palace, a unique scent that brought a sense of tranquility and comfort.
Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath, as if trying to etch the fragrance into her heart. Her mood gradually calmed down, and before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep.
When Xu Yuehuai woke up, it was already midnight. She felt someone touching her skin, a sensation that instantly woke her up.
She suddenly opened her eyes and saw Wu Hanqing staring at her with his hand near her face. Xu Yuehuai's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped back.
However, because she had been in one position for a long time, her legs had gone numb, and she lost her balance and fell to the ground.
Looking at Xu Yuehuai's appearance, Wu Hanqing suddenly burst into laughter. His laughter echoed in the empty palace, carrying an indescribable eeriness.
Xu Yuehuai looked at him, her fear intensifying.
"You've got some nerve," Wu Hanqing said, looking at Xu Yuehuai with a smirk. "You actually dared to sleep right under my nose."
Xu Yuehua bit her lower lip, remaining silent. She was filled with vigilance, unsure of Wu Hanqing's next move.
Wu Hanqing's hand remained by Xu Yuehuai's face, his fingers gently tracing her skin, bringing a tingling sensation.
A blush crept across Xu Yuehuai's face; she didn't know how to handle the situation.
“Do you know?” Wu Hanqing’s voice was deep and magnetic, “I have never seen a woman as special as you.”
Xu Yuehuai frowned slightly. She felt Wu Hanqing's presence getting closer and closer, so close that she could almost feel the warmth of his breath on her face.
Her unease grew, a feeling that made her extremely uncomfortable. But just then, the palace doors were suddenly pushed open.
A gust of cold wind blew in, causing Xu Yuehuai to shiver involuntarily.
Wu Hanqing stopped what he was doing and turned to look towards the door. A figure appeared in the doorway; it was a man Xu Yuehuai had never seen before.
He wore a long black robe, his face was cold and stern, and his eyes shone with a sharp light. His appearance made the entire palace feel oppressive.
"Why are you here?" Wu Hanqing looked at the man, his tone tinged with displeasure. "Don't you know this is where I rest?"
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