the cat in emperor's arms

confession

After spending the night together, now merely holding hands with him, Ming Luomeng felt somewhat numb, unsure how to struggle anymore.

In comparison, his words stirred her more deeply.

The thin calluses on the man's fingertips brushed against her palm, yet it felt as though they were also caressing her heart, making her heart tremble with sensitivity.

Pei Shenyu's voice carried a hint of coaxing.

"Meimei, is that okay?"

Ming Luomeng's mind was hazy, as if she were floating in the clouds, not quite grounded.

Why would he willingly go to such lengths?

The little cat's brow furrowed slightly, as if caught in a dilemma.

"But it was just an accident, you really don't have to do this..."

"I am not bound by worldly conventions."

She could see that the Pei household and the royal palace were not far apart, indicating a high-status family. Coldly luxurious, yet free. She hadn't seen any of his elders, and even the servants were very few.

And he was exceptionally handsome-under such conditions, many young maidens would be willing to marry him.

But for some reason, the more she thought about this, the more uncomfortable she felt.

It was like biting into a green plum-sour and astringent.

Yet his voice rang out again, clear and resonant. Pei Shenyu tightened his grip on her hand, his brows soft with tenderness, as resolute as ever.

"What if I told you, it's more than that?"

The sun filtered through the clouds, casting dappled light from the eaves onto the courtyard, painting a picture of the two of them together, even their shadows intimately close.

The young maiden in front of the corridor stood silently with her head down, while the man gazed up at her, holding her hand, as if in prayer, willing to wait patiently for her answer.

The cool breeze rustled her long sleeves, stirring her heart ever so slightly.

Pei Shenyu's eyes reflected her, vulnerable as a small animal, his voice softening, as if afraid to frighten her.

"Not just because of last night... but because it's you."

"Meimei, I have deep feelings for you."

His eyes were clear, filled with devotion and tenderness.

In that instant, it was as if a thousand peach blossoms bloomed in her heart, and Ming Luomeng could almost hear the sound of flowers blossoming.

It seemed as though there was no longer any reason to refuse.

Her breath quickened, and her ears turned crimson. After hesitating for a long while, her voice softened a bit.

Yet she still held on to a small bit of stubbornness.

"But I still need to think about it."

She hadn't fully agreed, but to Pei Shenyu, her words were like music to his ears.

His brows were filled with hope and joy.

"Alright, I'll wait for you."

In the teahouse.

A man stood behind Pei Fengjiu, holding a blade in one hand, his expression cold, like a stone statue. Since Ming Luomeng entered the tea room, he hadn't spared her a single glance.