the cat in emperor's arms

winter hunt

The moonlight shone faintly, casting its glow on the jade steps.

The golden palace was deep and silent, with only the occasional sound of water rippling from the pool. The palace attendants had long been dismissed outside the hall, so no one could hear.

Gentle waves stirred in the clear pool, creating ripples that layered over one another, wave after wave.

The man’s back was taut as a mountain, his eyes filled with a mix of deep emotion and tenderness. His regal and god-like features, marked with dragon and phoenix motifs, revealed a possessive desire typical of mortals.

Ming Luomeng, like a small boat, was helplessly tossed by the waves of spring. Clinging weakly to Pei Shenyu’s neck, she could only follow the ebb and flow, her waist held firmly by him as they moved in tandem.

The woman whimpered faintly, but the man gently wiped away her tears, comforting her. After a long while, her eyelids fluttered, and she curled up in his embrace.

The man, unable to resist, lovingly stroked her long black hair, as though he were soothing a small animal.

In a soft, delicate voice, she couldn't help but ask the question in her heart:

“Brother Junyu... why do you always like playing with my hair?”

Pei Shenyu seemed to have a particular fondness for her silky hair. Whenever he embraced her, he would often twist a strand in his hand. Even on regular days, he would either stroke her head or personally comb and wash her hair.

Seeing her long black hair entangle itself with the pale skin of the man, her cheeks would inexplicably flush red.

Besides that, he seemed to have a discerning eye when it came to her attire and accessories.

Whenever she was too tired to care, no one would believe it, but it was often the emperor himself who chose her clothes and helped her dress.

Hmm, how suspicious.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and a look of confusion clouded her smoky eyes.

“And it seems... you're very skilled...” she murmured softly, her voice trailing off.

Ming Luomeng, exhausted and drowsy, lay against the man’s chest. No sooner had she finished speaking than her misty eyes began to droop. Before long, she fell into a peaceful slumber in his arms, burying her face in his neck and drifting off into a cloud-like dream.

But upon hearing her question, the hand stroking her slender back paused for a moment.

Pei Shenyu’s eyes flickered with emotion. After a long silence, a shadow of complex feelings crossed his gaze, and he helplessly patted her head.

"I've only ever combed your hair."

But the girl in his arms, with her long lashes drooping, was too tired to hear.

She had no idea of the unspoken words in his eyes.

Pei Shenyu gently lifted her from the water, wrapping her in a towel and placing a light kiss on her forehead.

“Keep sleeping.”

One day, you will understand everything.

Soon, the Mid-Autumn banquet began.

The palace maids, their faces radiant with smiles, served wine and dishes. Moments later, musicians played, and dancers gracefully performed, like blooming flowers.

The officials were seated in rows.

Yet, many of them weren’t paying attention to the feast or the performances.