Chapter 25: Breaking the Rules?!

“Hiss! Are you trying to murder your own husband?!” Fang Xu jumped up at once, hurriedly rubbing the spot where Qin Suwen had just “massaged” him, grimacing as he looked at her.

“Who told you to talk nonsense?! If you dare speak nonsense again—hmph!” Qin Suwen reached out and made a mock pinching gesture, making Fang Xu grimace all over again.

“Are you feeling much better now?” Fang Xu sat back down, rubbing his waist, and, seeing Qin Suwen’s triumphant look, couldn’t help but ask with a smile.

Noticing something, Qin Suwen’s cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head, unable to meet Fang Xu’s gaze.

Seeing her like this, Fang Xu found it quite amusing. Was this really the Emperor of Great Qin?

But Fang Xu much preferred this side of Qin Suwen—at least in front of him, she could let down all her defenses. Wasn’t that the best? Living behind a mask forever—could that truly bring happiness?

“Do you think I wish to live this way? If I didn’t, I could never command the respect of the courtiers, nor the people of the world,” Qin Suwen sighed.

Hearing this, Fang Xu nodded slightly, finally understanding the source of her troubles.

“So if you only manage to subdue the southern tribes, will Great Qin finally be stable?” Fang Xu asked curiously, for he only knew bits and pieces about affairs of state.

“If only it were so simple. Most of the southern tribes are notorious for their ferocity—no less so than the northern barbarians.” That, truly, was what gave Qin Suwen a headache.

“Yes, that is a matter worth pondering. You should get some rest now—your fever has just subsided, and you must take care of yourself.” Fang Xu suddenly stood up, and gently helped Qin Suwen lie down.

Feeling the warmth of Fang Xu’s large hands, Qin Suwen gave up struggling—she knew she was no match for him, and moreover, she trusted he would never do her harm.

“Hmm? Why are you looking at your husband like that?” Fang Xu, noticing the odd look in her eyes as she lay beneath him, couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s nothing. Get off me—you’re heavy!” Qin Suwen protested, pushing at his chest, and Fang Xu found himself momentarily stunned.

After all, Qin Suwen, lying there now, looked so enticing that Fang Xu’s fingers itched with longing.

“You… don’t get any funny ideas… I’m still a patient! Yes, I’m a patient right now!” Qin Suwen clutched the bedding to her chest, her eyes wary as she looked at Fang Xu.

“What’s running through that head of yours?! Am I that sort of man? Now behave and get some proper rest!” Fang Xu pinched her cheek lightly, then stood up, coughed twice, and dusted off his sleeves as if preparing to leave the room.

Lying on the bed, Qin Suwen still maintained a vigilant posture, but turned her head to watch Fang Xu’s retreating figure with a hint of a smile.

“Hmph! Don’t think I don’t know exactly what you’re up to!” she murmured to herself, the corners of her lips curling playfully.

Meanwhile, Fang Xu, heading for the door, was in a fierce internal struggle—one that nearly tore him apart.

He was only a few steps from the wooden door, yet he could hardly move any slower. In his heart, he couldn’t help but ridicule all those romance novels he’d read in his previous life.

According to those stories, at this point, shouldn’t Qin Suwen have been moved by his gentlemanly restraint? Shouldn’t she urge him to stay, fearing the chill of the night, and invite him to share her bed out of concern he might catch cold?

Then, naturally, passion would ignite, and what ought to happen would unfold without resistance. Yet, Qin Suwen seemed completely unfazed, refusing to follow the “script” at all.

Had he read the wrong kind of romance novel? Clearly, he had gravely underestimated Qin Suwen’s intelligence!

“Ahem!” Fang Xu stopped and coughed pointedly. Surely, he couldn’t embarrass himself by turning back now—his only hope was that Qin Suwen would call out to stop him.

Suddenly, upon hearing some rustling behind him, his anticipation rose, and he coughed even more loudly, making it clear he hoped Qin Suwen would tell him to stay.

But, disappointingly, she paid him no heed, simply watching him with an amused smile, her lips quirking with mischief as he paused at the door.

“Ahem! I really am leaving now—truly!” As Qin Suwen ignored his hints, Fang Xu had no choice but to make it plain.

“Then hurry up, will you?” Qin Suwen replied with a smile. Hearing this, Fang Xu spun around, unable to believe what he was hearing, staring in disbelief at Qin Suwen, who lay on the bed gazing back at him with a tipsy, coquettish look.

“It’s freezing at night—don’t you care at all?” Fang Xu glared at her, forcing out the words through gritted teeth.

“Oh, is that so?” Qin Suwen pretended to be struck by sudden realization, and only then did Fang Xu breathe a sigh of relief and walk back toward her.

“And what are you doing now?” Qin Suwen raised a brow as Fang Xu approached.

“Aren’t you worried about your husband catching cold?” Fang Xu stopped in his tracks, looking at her with feigned curiosity.

“So that’s it! Servants! Bring two more comforters for my beloved consort, lest she catch a chill!” Qin Suwen called out toward the door.

At her words, Fang Xu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Your Majesty, where shall we put the comforters?” As soon as Qin Suwen finished, the wooden door creaked open, and two young maids entered, nodding to Fang Xu as they asked.

“My dear consort, the maids are speaking to you—why are you staring at Me instead?” Qin Suwen teased, raising her brows playfully, her amusement hidden from the maids who kept their heads respectfully lowered.

“You win!” Fang Xu flicked his sleeves and strode swiftly out of the hall, while the two maids, clutching the comforters, were left at a loss.

Eventually, they chose to follow Fang Xu out, softly closing the hall door behind them.