Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 566 - 481: Sweetness

Chapter 566: Chapter 481: Sweetness

It seemed that Meng Qianqian sensed the little one’s mood. She cleared her throat awkwardly and promised to play with Treasure Piggy for the rest of the afternoon before leaving.

Treasure Piggy lay in Meng Qianqian’s arms, using its tiny feet to refuse its negligent father’s attempt to join.

Having monopolized its mother’s attention for an entire day, Treasure Piggy finally fell asleep, satisfied.

Meng Qianqian handed the little one over to the wet nurse personally selected by Emperor Liang for her.

Though chosen on the surface by Emperor Liang, the wet nurse was actually a trusted confidant from Prince Ming’s maternal family—a highly reliable person.

The wet nurse solemnly said, "Prince Changsun and Miss Yan, rest assured. I will take good care of Miss Zhao Zhao."

Reluctantly, Meng Qianqian stroked the little one’s face.

These days, they had been apart more often than together, and she missed the little one dearly.

She only hoped to end this revenge quickly, so they would never have to be separated again.

"Hmph."

Lu Yuan let out a cold snort.

Meng Qianqian quickly responded in a flattering tone, "I miss Prince Changsun too."

The wet nurse thought: ’Not my business, not listening—I’m deaf for today.’

The sun set over the horizon.

The two of them walked out of the Diligent Governance Hall, bathed in the golden glow of the sunset.

Within the Imperial Palace, Meng Qianqian felt an inexplicable sense of tranquility.

This feeling was vastly different from the anxiety she had faced when sparring with Prime Minister Xun.

They were caught in a vortex yet managed to maneuver outside the court’s intrigues.

They no longer had to worry about which official might trip them up today or submit yet another impeachment memorial.

"Having a father does make a difference, doesn’t it?"

Meng Qianqian tilted her head to glance at him.

Lu Yuan let out a nonchalant snort and said, "It’s nothing special."

Meng Qianqian’s lips curved slightly.

Still as stubborn as ever.

Dealing with the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion was no easier than confronting Prime Minister Xun, but fortunately, they were no longer fighting alone.

As she walked, Meng Qianqian glanced at him with a smile and said, "Actually, Your Majesty isn’t that bad."

Lu Yuan replied, "I’ve never blamed him."

Meng Qianqian chuckled, "Prince Changsun is truly wise."

When words fall short, flattery fills the gap.

From Emperor Liang’s perspective, Lu Qi was his grandson as well, and naturally, he loved Lu Qi.

Plus, the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion aided him in ascending the throne. To have trouble arise from them so soon would be akin to killing the donkey after the millstone was removed.

He had his stance.

Lu Yuan hadn’t been on the receiving end of compliments in a long time. Suddenly hearing one now felt strangely familiar.

Meng Qianqian caught sight of the hint of arrogance between his brows and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Well, at least he was appeased.

Meng Qianqian said, "Prince Changsun, let’s leave the palace."

Lu Yuan said indifferently, "Are you really planning to return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion?"

Meng Qianqian nodded, "Yes."

Lu Yuan didn’t quite approve and said, "You poisoned Gongsun Yanming—aren’t you worried he’ll come after you?"

Meng Qianqian smiled, "He’s already missed his best chance to kill me. Next, I’ll have Gao Meng and Gao Yao stand guard outside the courtyard day and night. If he has the skill to kill them too, it would inevitably involve the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice anyway."

Gao Meng and Gao Yao were imperial guards who wielded blades—an extraordinary status. If they were killed at the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, the Emperor would undoubtedly hold someone accountable.

Besides, she had her reasons to return to the Pavilion.

The man imprisoned in the cellar.

She needed to find out who he was.

Lu Yuan’s expression darkened, clearly unimpressed by her decision to return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion.

Meng Qianqian understood his concerns. Using her wide sleeve as cover, she gently pinched his hand and, in a soothing tone as though calming Treasure Piggy, whispered, "Don’t be angry. I’ll be careful. If there’s any danger, I’ll have Hunting Eagle notify you immediately."

From her touch came a tender sensation, and his ears tingled. Suddenly, Lu Yuan grasped her hand, pulling her into the crevice between two artificial mountains.

He shielded her with his broad figure, placing one hand behind her back to prevent her from hitting the hard rocks, while the other hand tilted her head, pressing his lips heavily against hers.

In the enclosed space, amidst the busy crowds of the Imperial Garden.

Meng Qianqian’s heart leapt into her throat.

Breath came faster than ever before, and it felt as though the entire world had fallen into silence, leaving only their heartbeats and the soul-stealing rhythm of their breaths.

Meng Qianqian’s legs went weak.

Lu Yuan’s strong arms caught her just in time.

Meng Qianqian’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes tainted with red, her lips a vivid, alluring shade.

Lu Yuan suddenly lifted her into his arms.

His powerful masculine presence enveloped her, leaving her like a rabbit entrapped in a tiger’s maw—utterly helpless.

Though his collar was tightly fastened, exuding discipline and restraint, his gaze burned brightly, leaving one breathless.

Both their chests heaved wildly.

The scenes of past intimacy and closeness flashed by like a spinning carousel, tempting one to sink deeper.

In the end, he resisted. Taking a deep breath, he said slowly, "I’ll take you back."

Meng Qianqian fiddled with her burning earlobe, "Okay."

Dressed impeccably, the two stepped out from behind the rocks as if nothing had happened, continuing their path with poise.

"Ahem!"

From the nearby path came a deliberate cough.

The two tacitly pretended not to hear, walking out of the Imperial Garden with unwavering gazes.

Consort Hu was livid, clutching her handkerchief as she pointed at their backs, "Are they deaf or blind? How dare they ignore me completely!"

The palace attendants accompanying her remained silent.

Consort Hu had recently been humiliated by Consort Jiang, leaving not only her but the entire Changchun Palace staff with their tails between their legs.

Consort Hu narrowed her eyes, "Do they believe pulling out the Green Simurgh Sword makes them the true Phoenix Girl? Without the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, even stealing the Phoenix Girl identity will only leave them a laughingstock! Trying to imitate Qi’er and marry the Phoenix Girl—don’t they realize that fake is always fake? A false Qilin paired with a false Phoenix Girl truly makes for a match made in heaven! Just watch, my Qi’er is the true one chosen by destiny!"

Meng Qianqian climbed into the carriage.

The coachman was none other than Gao Meng and Gao Yao.

Lu Yuan rode alongside on horseback, escorting her the entire way.

Everyone in the Imperial City knew the story of the two Imperial Grandsons. They had seen Lu Qi before, but Lu Yuan was revealing himself publicly for the first time.

With god-like looks, he drew countless onlookers.

From within the carriage, Meng Qianqian asked, "Aren’t you worried tomorrow the city will be abuzz with gossip claiming you’re pursuing me?"

Lu Yuan held the reins, his expression unwavering, and replied, "It isn’t gossip."

Meng Qianqian was about to discuss how to act when Lu Yuan spoke again, "Yan Xiaojiu, listen carefully—forget everything about before. From today onward, I officially pursue you."

Meng Qianqian froze, "Hmm?"

She wondered if she had misheard—this wasn’t in their previously discussed plan.

She lifted the curtain and snuck a peek at him through the gap.

He rode his tall steed, statuesque and commanding, exuding natural nobility.

She took note of his chiseled features and the seriousness in his tone.

To Gao Meng and Gao Yao, his words were merely "the gentleman admires the lady."

Only Meng Qianqian caught the hidden meaning in "forget everything about before."

Among their "before" was the forced marriage deal that tied them together.

She blinked and tentatively asked, "Is it what I think it means?"

"Yes."

Lu Yuan nodded lightly.

Meng Qianqian lowered her gaze, "Oh."

Lu Yuan furrowed his brows, thinking she might have rejected him, but then he heard her mutter softly, "Then you’d better pursue me properly."