Published: March 8, 2025
Chu Yang opened his mouth, several words turning in his mind before he finally swallowed them back and smiled, “Your majesty truly has sharp insight. I was just joking with you, and I didn't expect to be recognized by you with just one sentence.”
Tie Butian laughed, her voice trembling slightly.
Chu Yang's eyes carefully observed the changes in Tie Butian's expression.
He noticed that her eyes seemed to redden momentarily but quickly returned to normal. However, the excitement deep within her still couldn't be suppressed, although the emotions in her heart had been well hidden.
The long reign as a king, coupled with the hardships faced in her early years, had forged this wise woman with nerves of steel.
Especially when she wore the imperial robe, very few things could cause her to lose her composure! The excitement she showed just now was unprecedented.
Chu Yang smiled slightly, extending his hand to remove his mask.
Looking at the face he had seen countless times in dreams, Tie Butian felt a pang in her heart, almost wanting to rush forward and hold him tightly, telling him about her longing.
But this wild thought was immediately suppressed by her own will.
What was Chu Yang thinking now? Did he know or not? Did he come to visit a friend purely, or was it...
Tie Butian's heart was extremely complicated, and at that moment, a myriad of thoughts crossed her mind, suddenly leaving her feeling flustered and almost unable to face Chu Yang.
On the other side, Chu Yang was also forcing himself to stay calm, constantly pondering: What should I do? She doesn't intend to make things clear; moreover, she doesn't want me to know about the child...
Should I clarify things now or hint at them indirectly?
Or find another way?
If I really make her anxious, then the son... there would be no hope left.
Chu Imperial Seat also felt a mix of emotions.
For a moment, both of them seemed to freeze.
After a long while, Tie Butian subtly shifted her gaze, laughing heartily, “Chu Imperial Seat, weren’t you already transformed into a divine dragon, wandering far beyond the skies? Why did you think of visiting me, this old friend, today?”
She turned her head, a teasing glimmer in her eyes, “Hmm? Or are you just passing by? Just stopping by to see me?”
Chu Yang also laughed relaxedly, saying, “Your majesty really knows how to joke. I came to visit an old friend, of course I came specially. How could it be just a casual visit? That would be too disrespectful toward our relationship, wouldn’t it?”
Although Chu Yang spoke plainly without emphasizing anything, when Tie Butian heard the words "our relationship," her heart skipped a beat.
She blurted out, “Our relationship?”
Chu Yang shrugged, “Your majesty... You wouldn’t have forgotten your old friends after becoming emperor, would you? Have you even forgotten about the times we faced life and death together?”
Tie Butian laughed heartily, a hint of embarrassment flashing in her eyes, “Chu Imperial Seat truly knows how to joke. Haha... Do you really think that in your heart, I am someone who would forget my friends?”
Chu Yang grinned, “That phrase reminded me of a story about someone who forgot their feelings.”
Tie Butian smiled, “What story?”
Chu Yang smiled and shook his head, “Never mind. It's a bit improper, especially to say it in front of a reigning monarch. It’s quite unbecoming.”
Tie Butian laughed, “When did Chu Imperial Seat start to care about propriety in front of me? But since it was prompted by my words, how could I not listen?”
Chu Yang said, “Are you sure you want to hear?”
Tie Butian nodded firmly, “I must hear it!”
Chu Yang helplessly said, “In that case, I will tell your majesty... There was a patrol soldier in the city guard who fell for a top courtesan in a brothel; dreaming of having a taste of her beauty.”
After telling the beginning, Tie Butian's face flushed as she couldn't help but chuckle, “You, Chu Yang, after such a long time, are still this unrefined, specifically telling such lewd jokes.”