Cold Palace: The New Empress 17: Chapter 17
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墨書 Inktalez
Gazing out at the endless plum forest that seemed to merge with the horizon, Mei Shuang felt a sense of liberation wash over her. The feeling of regaining freedom was truly wonderful. 0
 
With such a beautiful view before her, the position of Empress, which she had once pursued at all costs, now felt like something she wouldn't even want if it were handed to her. 0
 
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Nangong Nuo had appeared beside her. His casual voice drifted into her ears, “So, Xiao Luo, have you given up?” 0
 
Given up? 0
 
Mei Shuang couldn't help but smile bitterly inside. She wanted to say that there was nothing to give up on since it had never truly begun. 0
 
However, she couldn't say that. Instead, she replied nonchalantly, “Since he doesn't like me, why should I force it?” 0
 
“Haha, true enough. When one hesitates to cut ties, it only leads to more chaos. Miss Mei Shuang, you seem determined to hit your head against the wall before you accept it.” A mocking smile played at the corners of Nangong Nuo's lips as he stepped closer, leaning in towards Mei Shuang's ear. His deep voice carried an unmistakable allure. “What about me?” 0
 
“What?” 0
 
Mei Shuang didn't catch his words at first. Reluctantly pulling her gaze away from the plum forest, she turned to face Nangong Nuo. 0
 
When she finally saw the intense heat rising in his eyes, her heart skipped a beat. Replaying his words in her mind made her pulse race. She hurriedly averted her gaze and told herself to pretend she hadn't heard him and simply ignore what he said. 0
 
After all, everything between Mei Shuang and him had long become a thing of the past. She knew very little about this mysterious and dangerous Zhao Prince. He had saved her, true enough, but that had nothing to do with romantic feelings. Despite his playful demeanor, this man was quite handsome when he wasn't grinning. 0
 
Feeling flustered under Nangong Nuo's intense gaze and unique aura that seemed to envelop her, Mei Shuang stammered, “I... I think I need to go for a walk...” 0
 
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away. Just as she did so, Nangong Nuo caught hold of her sleeve. 0
 
 
Mei Shuang struggled a few times but could not break free. Feeling both embarrassed and angry, she turned her head and said, "Let go of me—I—" 0
 
Before she could finish her sentence, everything before her blurred, and as she regained her senses, she found herself in Nangong Nuo's embrace. 0
 
"Miss Mei Shuang," Nangong Nuo's eyes were dark, completely disregarding the anger on Mei Shuang's face as he pulled her closer. His handsome face was almost touching her nose, his lips curved slightly as he spoke in a low, seductive voice, "Did you not promise me before that you would make me wait? Count for yourself how many years I have waited since the day you made that promise. You later insisted on becoming the Empress who would rule the world. Although it pained me, I allowed you to pursue your wish. Now that you can no longer become this Empress, how much longer do you intend to make me wait? Hmm?" 0
 
"......" 0
 
Gazing into Nangong Nuo's peach blossom eyes, which held a hint of sharpness, Mei Shuang's heart raced uncontrollably, and her mind went blank. 0
 
Oh no, this is a mess! 0
 
She was indeed Mei Shuang, but she was no longer the young lady of Mei Manor. How could she know about the promises made before? Even if there were any promises, what did they have to do with her? 0
 
"What... what do you mean by how long?" With a dry throat, she could only feign ignorance and ask. 0
 
"To be my princess..." Nangong Nuo's gaze was deep and warm, especially with that enchanting voice. Even if Mei Shuang had no interest, she couldn't help but feel that this man had an exceptional ability to seduce; most people would find it hard to resist. 0
 
Seeing the emotions flickering in his peach blossom eyes, Mei Shuang was taken aback and quickly pushed against Nangong Nuo's chest with both hands to create some distance between them. She glanced toward the door while forcing a smile and reminded him, "If it was possible before, now it is unrealistic—how can you marry a deposed Empress Mei Shuang? It would only make people laugh at you for having poor judgment..." 0
 
Nangong Nuo seemed unconvinced, his expression a mix of amusement and seriousness. "Miss Mei Shuang, how is it that after just a few months apart, you've become so self-deprecating? Besides, what constraints are there between us that you are so nervous? Our relationship is far more intimate than this..." 0
 
Before Mei Shuang could react, his face suddenly loomed closer, and his cherry lips were abruptly pressed against hers. 0
 
 
This feeling was truly the first of its kind in Mei Shuang's more than twenty years of life. The cool sensation on her lips sent a shiver through her body, and the clear, intricate sensations that followed left her mind blank as if struck by lightning. By the time she regained her senses, the man had already pressed forward, his tongue skillfully prying open her lips... 0
 
Was this how her first kiss was lost? 0
 
Mei Shuang was instantly filled with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She pushed the man in front of her away and exclaimed, "I think I need to clarify something. I am not Mei Shuang..." 0
 
"Oh?" Nangong Nuo seemed completely unfazed by her reaction. He chuckled, "Miss Mei Shuang, you've been quite strange these days. If you're not Mei Shuang, then who are you? According to the laws of the Great Qin Empire, impersonators face severe consequences..." 0
 
"......" 0
 
Mei Shuang glared at Nangong Nuo and suddenly realized that in front of this man, she would never have the upper hand. She could only respond vaguely once more, "Since waking up, I can't remember many things from before, and whenever I think about them, I get a headache. Even if what you say is true, you'll have to give me some time to think..." 0
 
Nangong Nuo nodded seriously and said, "Miss Mei Shuang, that sounds reasonable. It's fortunate that this ordeal hasn't cost you your life. As long as you didn't intentionally break your promise to toy with me, I can help you recall things slowly... I believe there will come a day when you remember... wouldn't you agree, Miss Mei Shuang?" 0
 
"Uh, yes, yes..." 0
 
"How many days do you need to consider?" 0
 
"......You know some things can't be rushed..." Mei Shuang replied evasively. 0
 
"What about three days?" 0
 
"......Three days?" Mei Shuang shook her head repeatedly. "This is a matter of marriage; one must heed their parents' words... Moreover, my current identity is special; how can I appear in public? Once I become your princess, everyone will know. Wouldn't that be openly defying the Empress Dowager's wishes? Would I even survive that?" 0
 
 
Nangong Nuo's eyes were as dark as night as he stared at Mei Shuang for a long moment before finally saying, "Who said that being my princess means you must appear in the public eye?" 0
 
He reached out, gently caressing Mei Shuang's delicate face, his gaze filled with an intoxicating admiration. "It is no one else's business if I marry a princess. If you agree, I will take you away from the capital and travel the world. The mountains are high and the emperor far away; no one will recognize you. You can rest assured..." 0
 
Mei Shuang was completely stunned. 0
 
It must be said that Nangong Nuo's last words had truly touched her heart. Of course, if it weren't for the conditions attached to Nangong Nuo, it would be simply perfect. 0
 
After all, her greatest passion in this life was traveling, and her biggest wish was to see the world; otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up in such a predicament. 0
 
However, the price of this exchange was to offer herself to a stranger and spend her life with him, which felt like a steep cost. 0
 
Mei Shuang furrowed her brows slightly, her uncertain expression caught Nangong Nuo's attention. He found it somewhat amusing and decided to add a bit more pressure. 0
 
"Of course, you can also consider not agreeing. But let me make it clear: without my protection, your fate would not be much different from that in the Cold Palace. Given your previous actions, those who enjoy watching your downfall are not few. Plus, with Chancellor Mei and the Right Chancellor at odds politically, there are many who would want your life. So, what do you think?" 0
 
 
 
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  • Amy
  • Mary
  • John
  • Smith
  • Edward
Cold Palace: The New Empress

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  • Amy
  • Mary
  • John
  • Smith
  • Edward