The Princess’ Shadow Guard Cannot Be Too Clever

Murong Yan, who had been tensing up, gradually relaxed and sank into the pillow as she felt the warmth spreading through her legs.

Ming Qin continued to massage for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, until she heard Murong Yan’s breathing become steady and regular.

She then removed her hand and carefully lowered Murong Yan’s skirt, tucking her in with the quilt.
“Sleep well,” she whispered, adding more charcoal to the fire.

She gazed at Murong Yan’s peaceful face for a moment before murmuring, “Sweet dreams.”

Ming Qin sat quietly on the roof tiles of the Emperor’s bedchamber, rubbing her eyes out of boredom.

She wanted to eat melon seeds.

It was just past three o’clock, and the surroundings were quiet, with only the soldiers carrying lanterns patrolling outside the palace walls, their silhouettes wandering in the distance.

After a prolonged silence, a layer of snow had accumulated on Ming Qin’s shoulders.
As the chilly gusts of wind swept by, she had to restrain herself from sneezing.

Twitching her ears, she jumped from the roof with anxiety and entered the chamber through the window.

’

An elderly man, clad in a single coat and with half-white hair, looked at her and signaled for her to keep quiet.
He didn’t call for the palace servants to retrieve the overturned candlestick.

Ming Qin quietly stepped forward to offer her help and then gestured respectfully to the old man to indicate her intention to leave.

However, the old man interrupted her with a slightly wheezy voice, causing her to freeze in place.

She bent down in reverence and kept her gaze lowered, avoiding looking at the tempting snacks in the food box on the nearby table.

The Emperor sat down slowly and asked Ming Qin, “I have heard that you know Princess Chongwen?” 　　

Ming Qin obediently replied, “Yes Your Majesty, this humble servant and the County Princess are friends.”

The Emperor appeared to find this somewhat unbelievable and nodded after contemplating, “I see.” He then asked hesitantly, “And the County Princess, is she… alright?”

Ming Qin pondered the recent events and replied truthfully, “The County Princess is not in good health, Your Majesty.” 　　

The Emperor shook his head and let out a sigh, “Indeed, how could she be after what I have done to her and Prince Yu.” 　　

Ming Qin couldn’t help but feel a bit unhappy upon hearing this.

She turned towards the Emperor with a hint of stubbornness in her voice and declared, “The County Princess will recover.”

Despite not being in the best condition and almost having vomited blood due to her anger, the County Princess was cheerful when she spent time with Ming Qin a few days ago.

’

“She will improve!”

Upon hearing the shadow guard’s blunt words, the Emperor paused briefly, but instead of getting upset, he gestured for Ming Qin to sit on the wooden chair opposite to him.

With a smile on his lips, he spoke, “I have heard from your master that you are a good and simple child, and today I see that this is indeed the case.”

Ming Qin was surprised to learn that the Emperor, who was so powerful and influential, had heard of her from her master.

The Emperor’s gentle but firm tone made it difficult for Ming Qin to refuse as he opened the food box and pushed it towards her, saying, “Good child, can you help me with one thing?” She nodded quickly in response.

“If something were to happen to me, would you be willing to protect the County Princess and bring her back to the North safely?” the Emperor asked hesitantly.

Ming Qin felt relieved upon hearing these words.

“Absolutely! I will protect the County Princess and won’t let any harm come her way,” Ming Qin declared with conviction, clenching her right hand.

After her statement, Ming Qin suddenly remembered the palace rules her master had taught her and spoke stiffly, “But Your Majesty, please do not speak such words of ill omen.
Your dragon body is meant to enjoy a long and healthy life.
How could you be absent for even a day?”

The Emperor chuckled at Ming Qin’s flustered state and gestured dismissively, “That’s enough, don’t tease me like that, it’s not suitable.”

Ming Qin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the Emperor’s response and picked up the food box, swallowing her saliva before taking a bite.