Li Qingmu staggered slightly, doubting his own senses.

Actually, when he returned from a horseback ride that afternoon, he saw that familiar silhouette and was thinking about something. So, the moment he looked into Long Yue’s eyes, he instinctively wanted to let go.

However, he felt it was unreal, wondering if he missed her so much that he was imagining things.

And if it really was an illusion, then he might be in danger.

After observing carefully for a while, he was sure that this woman was his... Yue’er!

Back in Dazhou, Long Yue had played with human skin masks; he knew such things existed, so he immediately checked if the woman’s face was wearing one.

But, there wasn’t!

No trace at all!

Why was this the case?

He narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing at the petite figure in his arms.

She was thinner than before. She must have been through tough times recently?

A trace of tenderness appeared in Li Qingmu’s eyes as he gently embraced her, resting his chin on her forehead, feeling her warmth.

A little cool, because of the Cold Jade.

"Splash, splash..."

The mist in the hot spring pool continuously steamed and spread, covering the area like smoke and clouds. Li Qingmu wore only a thin inner garment, the warm water soaking it and outlining his muscular body.

He slowly leaned down, his thin lips pressed against hers.

The rippling water unfolded a scene of springtime...

...

"Mm..."

Long Yue let out a soft moan, gradually waking up.

Her body was no longer cold, even a bit warm.

But somehow, she felt a bit uncomfortable?

She felt numb... her body ached, what was going on?

With a bewildered face, she tried to open her eyes, seeing a huge dome of stars above, only a bit off-center.

When she breathed, the air felt a bit damp, but this moisture was pleasant, carrying a faint, refreshing floral scent.

All around, it was warm, with a slight chill.

Am I lying on the ground?

Long Yue was puzzled, trying hard to open her eyes. A shadow blocked her sight.

It was a tall and slender figure, imposing and majestic. Perhaps because she was lying down, the figure looked like a Mount Tai, pressing so heavily that she couldn’t breathe.

He wore a dignified black Dragon Robe, golden silk and silver thread embroidered into dragon patterns and clouds, appearing so regal, with a gold crown holding up his dark hair, simple yet noble.

He stood there with his hands behind his back. Seeing her awake, he turned slightly, and in a magnetic voice that drifted over, distant and leisurely.

"You’re awake?"

Long Yue was taken aback, nodding instinctively.

"Who are you? Why are you in My Huajing Pool?"

The man’s voice was clear and cold, carrying a no-nonsense aura.

Once again, Long Yue was startled. Did this man... not recognize her?

She abruptly flipped over to get up, but her body went soft, falling to the ground again.

Damn it, her waist was sore and her back hurt. Why did she feel something was off? So this man had just...

Long Yue glared at him angrily!

Li Qingmu, are you a pig now? You see a woman, and you can sleep with her?

Long Yue was about to explode with anger!

Being his wife for so many years, still couldn’t understand him? The man had a mental cleanliness obsession!

Now, without even recognizing her, he had slept with her?

Are you kidding me?

At this moment, she really wanted to rush over and kick this bastard into the hot spring pool!

Long Yue was so angry she couldn’t speak, and yet, this person slowly turned around.

Still, that unmatched handsome face, still, those deep starry eyes, but his expression was very cold!

"You’re not a virgin, you’ve even been pregnant and had a child. You say, a woman like you coming to My side claiming to seduce Me, who would believe that?"

As he spoke, he knelt down, looking directly at Long Yue.

Was this an attack on the heart?

Long Yue laughed in extreme anger: "Since Your Majesty knows everything, why could you still sleep with me so calmly?"

Li Qingmu chuckled lowly, slowly standing up, "Just a game, sleep with anyone, it’s like a trip to the brothel!"

"You..."

Long Yue was so angry she wanted to kill!

This man could actually say such shameless words?

Li Qingmu ignored Long Yue’s fury, he knelt again, reached out to lift her delicate chin, his eyes flashing with a teasing and contemptuous smile.

"Are you an assassin? An enemy spy? Or something else? I’m too lazy to deal with these. You should’ve been killed, but considering the night we spent, I’ll spare your life! Come!"

"Bang!"

The door swung open, and a blinding light streamed in.

Was it morning already?

A few soldiers in iron armor rushed in, one of them cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty?"

Li Qingmu pointed to the disheveled Long Yue on the ground and said indifferently, "This woman sneaked into Huajing Pool last night trying to seduce Me, but unfortunately, her looks are too lacking for Me to enjoy. Send her out!"

What the hell, her looks too lacking?

That leader glanced at the alluring Long Yue and couldn’t help but complain internally.

Such a beautiful and mesmerizing woman, and Your Majesty doesn’t like her, what’s your upper limit after all?

The leader felt bleak and melancholic, Your Majesty, if you don’t want her, can you give her to me?

How could Li Qingmu not be perceptive? Seeing through his petty thoughts, his face immediately turned cold: "Aren’t you going yet?"

"Oh, Your Majesty, should this woman be dealt with?"

"No need, she’s probably a concubine brought by a Minister. Let them take her back and discipline her properly!"

"As Your Majesty commands!"

Two soldiers came forward to drag Long Yue, lifting her up and taking her out towards the palace gate.

Long Yue turned back to look at Li Qingmu, her moist eyes filled with anger and resentment. She opened her small mouth, silently saying a word across the space.

She didn’t make a sound, the soldiers didn’t hear, but Li Qingmu understood. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

It was lip reading, and she said...

You complete scum!

Li Qingmu remained expressionless, watching her being dragged out of Huajiang Palace. Only after her figure completely disappeared did he slowly turn around.

He staggered, leaning on a white jade pillar beside him to avoid falling.

His heart hurt so much!

The pain was unbearable!

Pain through the heart!

Seeing the woman he loved most right by his side, yet unable to recognize each other, this kind of agony, was truly a hellish torture!

"Yue’er..." he murmured softly, shaking his head lightly, "You shouldn’t have come...you really shouldn’t have come! Why are you so stubborn?"

Da Liang Palace is a pit of fire!

A complete fire pit!

The slightest carelessness, and you will be burned to ashes!

He didn’t even know what his future held, what did she come for?

Li Qingmu forcefully suppressed his turbulent emotions, shakily standing up.

"Your Majesty, it’s getting late, it’s time to go hunting!"

Zhi Jin, dressed in a smart outfit, saluted gracefully, it seemed like she was also going hunting today?

Li Qingmu said indifferently, "Understood."

"Your Majesty, about that woman just now..."

Zhi Jin said, lightly biting her thin lip, looking at the magnificent man across from her.

Was this a test?

Li Qingmu smiled faintly, "Mediocre, I’m not interested!"