I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon-Chapter 295 - 138 Empress: Detestable little thief, I won’t talk to you anymore! Fallen Fairy! _3

Claiming to relieve the pressure on the Punishment Room, but actually just enjoying hitting people...

Lin Jingzhu had just raised the Black Stick when she suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of her eye, causing her actions to freeze abruptly. She then quickly put away the weapon and cleared her throat, saying, "You two, take him back to the government office."

?

The two Assistant Officers looked a bit puzzled.

"Boss, you’re not going to do it yourself?"

"You seemed quite excited just now, saying it’s not easy to open a case and that a legitimate chance to hit someone shouldn’t be missed..."

Lin Jingzhu glared at them, "Nonsense! When did I ever say such a thing? Just take the person away, no more pointless words!"

"...Yes."

The two were baffled but dared not ask more, and they lifted the thief from the ground.

Chen Mo dismounted and came to Lin Jingzhu’s side, "Lin Catcher, hope I’m not interrupting your case?"

"No, not at all..."

Lin Jingzhu tugged at her clothes, her cheeks flushing red.

The events at Xuanqing Pool kept swirling in her mind, making her wish she could sink into the ground every time she thought about it... such an embarrassing place had ended up directly pressed against Chen Mo’s face...

Does he think I’m too forward? Does he find it dirty?

Earlier, with my fierce demeanor, he saw it all; does he think I’m a brute?

Her heart inexplicably began to feel anxious.

"Mr. Chen, how is your health?" Lin Jingzhu finally asked.

"I’ve almost fully recovered. If you have time now, should I help you expel the Chill Toxin? It’s been delayed for quite a few days anyway." Chen Mo replied with a smile.

Mr. Chen is concerned about me?

A flicker of delight passed through Lin Jingzhu’s eyes as she said, "It’s not convenient here; Mr. Chen, come back to the residence with me. My mother has been talking about you for a few days."

"...Alright then."

Chen Mo originally considered renting a room at a nearby inn, but seeing Lin Jingzhu’s expectant eyes, he nodded.

Surely, fate wouldn’t be so cruel as to have the Empress catch him at the door every time?

Seeing Lin Jingzhu’s shy yet joyful expression, the two Assistant Officers were somewhat stunned.

However, upon recognizing Chen Mo, they immediately understood.

It seems only Mr. Chen could make the steadfast Lin Catcher show that girlish demeanor.

...

...

The Lin Residence.

Amidst the lush bamboo stood a delicate pavilion, its vermilion pillars and upturned eaves lending an elegant air. Two figures sat facing each other inside, the stone table and benches exuding a quaint charm.

Lady Jin Yun gently raised her fair arm, lifting the Purple Sand Pot to pour the amber tea into a small cup.

"Sister, have a taste, this tea is quite good."

The Empress, dressed in simple, plain clothing, sat opposite, raising the teacup to take a small sip, nodding, "Indeed, it’s not bad, seems to be from Lingnan. Slightly bitter, but with a distinctly sweet aftertaste, refreshing to drink."

Lady Jin Yun exclaimed, "Sister, you guessed right. This is Jade Dew Green Tea from Lingnan, which Chen Mo brought over last time..."

"Cough, cough!"

The Empress nearly choked on her tea.

"Sister, are you alright?"

Lady Jin Yun hurriedly stood up, only to be stopped by the Empress raising her hand, "I’m fine."

She blushed slightly and cleared her throat, "I came to see you because there’s some serious business... how could you coax Zhu’er into becoming Chen Mo’s concubine?"

Lady Jin Yun was momentarily stunned, "Is that why you came all the way here?"

"How is that a trivial matter?" The Empress frowned, "Zhu’er is the Lin Family’s legitimate daughter and considered Royal and Noble Relatives. How can she lower herself for an outside official, what about decorum?"

Lady Jin Yun frowned slightly as well, "Are you embarrassed?"

The Empress shook her head, "I don’t mind, but have you thought about the court officials’ views? With widespread rumors and accumulated criticisms, aren’t you afraid others might scorn the Lin Family?"

Lady Jin Yun poured another cup of tea, saying calmly, "Over the years, hasn’t there been enough of that?"

The Empress paused slightly, then sighed silently.

The Lin family, full of female relatives, inevitably attracted gossip. Without a strong family head, Lady Jin Yun had to hold up everything on her own, enduring much hardship over the years.

"To me, Zhu’er’s happiness matters most. If she can spend her life with a man who sincerely treats her well and whom she likes, what does it matter if she’s a concubine?"

"If we always overthink and worry, we’ll miss happiness and end up living out our days in regretful solitude!"

"Life is short, passing like a fleeting moment. Rather than being trapped by conventions, it’s better to live for ourselves."

Lady Jin Yun, usually soft-spoken, was surprisingly firm this time, her voice resonant and stirring.

The Empress was taken aback by her words.

Live for ourselves rather than be trapped by conventions?

For some reason, her heart was touched, and the image of Chen Mo’s confession came to her mind.

Realizing her words were a bit intense, Lady Jin Yun softened, saying, "I spoke impulsively, sister, please don’t mind... this is just my opinion. Zhu’er does have feelings for Chen Mo, but I can’t tell what Chen Mo thinks; whether they can end up together is still uncertain."

The Empress came back to her senses, a smile unintentionally curving her lips.

Ha, of course you can’t see through him, because the one Chen Mo likes is me...

"Sister, why are you smiling?"

"Did I smile?"

"Hmm..."

"I just thought of something happy..."

At this moment, the housekeeper hurried over, bowing, "Your Highness, Madam, the young lady has returned with Mr. Chen."

?

The Empress’s expression froze.

As it turns out, smiles do not disappear; they simply transfer to someone else’s face.

Lady Jin Yun smiled happily, "Perfect timing. I had been thinking of inviting Chen Mo over these past few days, and now with you here, you can help assess... Sister, sister?"

"..."

The Empress’s mouth twitched slightly.

That deceitful little thief! I’ll never speak to him again!

...

PS: Packing today, heading back to my hometown tomorrow, with a full day of high-speed train travel. Word count is a bit short, will make up for it later... orz