the cat in emperor's arms

flower garland

The little beauty, lying drunk amidst the flower beds, had snow-like skin and vermilion lips. Surrounded by the fragrance of the flowers, she looked like a figure from a painting. Yet, the little cat was both delicate and tired, her face slightly flushed. Her thick black lashes trembled slightly, but she remained unresponsive.

The man's brow furrowed slightly, showing a hint of concern:

"Meimei? Wake up."

A few hours earlier.

The emperor had received a report from a female guard, who mentioned that Lady Ming had attended the *Haitang* Banquet in the Orchid Courtyard, invited by several ladies of the Cui family. Afterward, she hurriedly changed into plain clothes and left the palace in a carriage.

At banquets in the capital, there was never a lack of wine. However, his little cat always got drunk easily whenever she drank.

Moreover, with her striking beauty, she was sure to attract some unwanted attention or possibly be subjected to intentional difficulties.

Though female guards were secretly protecting her, Pei Shenyu still couldn't feel at ease.

He had meticulously planned, all for her safety.

Even though he knew Meimei was a clever and cunning little cat, his love for her brought a sense of fear — even the slightest mishap would be more than he could bear.

Glass is fragile, and clouds are hard to hold onto.

The little cat was the most precious treasure he had regained.

Sure enough, even though Ming Luomeng had successfully escaped the tricky drinking game at the banquet, she had wandered into the flower garden, drunk and confused.

His little cat had fallen asleep here, in a soft daze.

Still as bad with directions as ever.

Pei Shenyu let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

He bent down, intending to lift her, but as if sensing the familiar scent of cedarwood, she murmured.

Her silky hair brushed against his hand.

Ming Luomeng’s long, delicate lashes trembled slightly as she slowly opened her clear, light-colored eyes. Her gaze was dreamy, like a reflection in a water mirror, and all she saw was the man's sharply defined face.

"Juny… gege Yu?"

The little cat's soft, murmuring voice was as delicate as a flower bud blown in the wind, filled with fragility.

At this moment, she was completely defenseless, as if the person in front of her was the one she relied on the most.

Pei Shenyu halted his movements. Their faces were so close, their noses nearly touched.

In her pupils, only his figure was reflected.

"Little one?"

Pei Shenyu’s voice was slightly hoarse.

Ming Luomeng’s eyes remained hazy with sleep, but a faint smile curved her lips. Mistaking him for someone from her dream, she whispered:

"I dreamt of a little cat..."

Pei Shenyu's heart tightened painfully. His voice trembled as he coaxed her:

"What kind of little cat?"

"Mmm, just a silly little cat..." Ming Luomeng's eyelids drooped, her slender fingers aimlessly waving before they fell weakly onto his shoulder.

It was as if she was asking to be held.