Chapter 9 – I insist on doing it by force

Chapter 9 – I insist on doing it by force

"Is it good?" Meng Qingzhou took the empty bowl and wiped Dongfang Liuli's mouth with a handkerchief.

Dongfang Liuli's mind went blank. The series of shocks made her forget her identity as the Empress and her best skill in manipulating people.

For the first time, she felt the warmth of home.

For the first time, someone helped her relieve her worries.

For the first time, someone wiped her mouth...

Feeling the warmth and comfort spreading through her body, the cold ailment in her meridians melted away with the heat of the Nine Suns Burning Heart Lotus.

When she looked at Meng Qingzhou, she suddenly realized that this man had quite a handsome appearance.

Broad shoulders, a sturdy back, a tall figure, a face like jade, and a gentle and refined temperament—everything about him was pleasing to the eye.

"It's alright," Dongfang Liuli said with a slight smile, not questioning how the Nine Suns Burning Heart Lotus ended up in the porridge.

Hearing the tremor in her voice, Meng Qingzhou felt a sense of triumph. He had won this round!

Dongfang Liuli looked at him and a thought formed in her mind. She said, "All this time, I haven't told you what the Dongfang family does. Aren't you curious?"

Meng Qingzhou replied, "I'm curious, but I won't ask. After all, we're not truly husband and wife, so there's no need to delve deeply."

In the past, Dongfang Liuli wouldn't have cared about such words.

But now, for some reason, she felt a sudden emptiness inside and forced a smile. "It doesn't matter if I tell you. The Dongfang family has been ministers of the Great Jin Dynasty for generations, and I am a female official close to the Empress. If I asked you to serve the Empress, would you be willing?"

Meng Qingzhou refused without hesitation, "No!"

The one words were firm and resolute, without a trace of hesitation.

Dongfang Liuli tilted her head, frowning in confusion. "Why? A good man should aspire to serve the Empress. Isn't that every man's dream job?"

"My personality is too free-spirited; I'm not cut out for it," Meng Qingzhou politely declined again.

No matter how eloquent you are, I won't do it!

Seeing his strong resistance, Dongfang Liuli inexplicably got angry. What! Am I a fierce beast? I won't eat you!

Fine, you don't want to do it.

I have ways to make you do it!

With that thought, Dongfang Liuli pushed the door open and left, saying, "Suit yourself, I'm leaving."

She didn't even bother to ask the question she had in mind earlier.

What nonsense about Zhao Yuhuan, today, I must be willful for once.

Meng Qingzhou scratched his head, puzzled. "What happened? Did I mess up?"

Feeling that he had failed to flirt, Meng Qingzhou threw the porcelain bowl away in frustration.

Indeed, I'm not suited for this game.

***

Su Qingqiu dragged the reluctant Meng Qingzhou out of the courtyard.

"Ah! If it's a blessing, it won't be a disaster; if it's a disaster, it can't be avoided," Meng Qingzhou muttered.

Although he couldn't see and couldn't use his divine sense, making him no different from a blind person.

But Meng Qingzhou could feel a vast, ocean-like aura standing a few meters in front of him.

Majestic and terrifying!

No need to guess, it must be the current Empress, Qin Liuli!

"Commoner Meng Qingzhou, pays respects to Your Majesty!" Meng Qingzhou prepared to kneel immediately.

A eunuch quickly stepped forward to support him, not letting him kneel.

Are you kidding? You are the Empress' husband; how can you kneel to the Empress?

Dongfang Liuli, wearing a crown with a beaded curtain, lounged lazily on the ten-meter-high imperial carriage, her jade-like red eyes looking down with a smile.

"No need for formalities, sir. I came here specifically to offer you an olive branch. Would you be willing to accept it?"

Meng Qingzhou didn't recognize the voice, as Dongfang Liuli always used a fake voice when playing her role.

At this moment, the imposing and majestic Dongfang Liuli was her true, complete self!

"My abilities are weak; I fear I cannot take on the responsibility," Meng Qingzhou said, cupping his hands.

Dongfang Liuli didn't speak but signaled to Su Qingqiu with her eyes.

Su Qingqiu understood and stepped forward to whisper in Meng Qingzhou's ear, "Master, please don't refuse! The Empress is determined to take you with her this time!

Miss has also gone to the capital and won't be back for a while. Don't you want to see her again?

Besides, the Empress is ruthless. If you refuse again, you might anger her and lose your head!"

Meng Qingzhou pondered for a long time, then sighed deeply, his expression heavy and solemn.

"I... can follow the Empress to the capital and take up a post, but I only wish to hold an idle position. If the Empress doesn't agree, I'd rather die!"

Refusing again would be impolite, and then he would be disliked by both the overpowered protagonist and the Empress, making things even more troublesome.

Moreover, the plotline was already starting to fall apart. Joining the Empress might not be a big deal.

At worst, he could just keep a low profile and try to be invisible. The Empress had many capable ministers and generals; not everyone was the protagonist's enemy.

Dongfang Liuli, on the imperial carriage, couldn't suppress her smile upon hearing his answer and said:"Very well, I agree.

Minister Meng, pack your things. We will return to the capital together."

She didn't expect Meng Qingzhou to do much. Serving the Empress was just a way to bring them closer and pave the way for revealing her identity later.

Little rascal.

You think you can hide your true self from me?

Today, I will force you to comply. The more you resist, the more excited I get!