After leaving Mount Li, Su Qing headed straight for the Women's Kingdom without a moment's delay.
With her speed, she arrived in the skies above the kingdom in no time. She hadn't been away for long, so the Women's Kingdom looked exactly the same as before, with no noticeable changes. Consequently, she didn't bother inspecting the state of the realm and simply descended from the clouds, landing within the royal palace to find Bai Yuhe.
At that moment, Bai Yuhe was holding her morning court session.
Su Qing hid quietly to one side, watching her conduct the session. She couldn't help but marvel once again at how Bai Yuhe truly had two different sides to her. Of course, she didn't mean that in a derogatory way; she was simply impressed by how the Queen could maintain the dignified aura of a monarch in front of all her civil and military officials.
The morning session didn't last long, as there didn't seem to be any major issues to address that day.
After court was dismissed, Su Qing hid in the same corner as last time, preparing to give Bai Yuhe a small surprise—or perhaps a small fright. She waited for a moment, and as Bai Yuhe walked past, Su Qing hopped out and tapped her on the shoulder.
She expected Bai Yuhe to jump in surprise. Unfortunately, the Queen didn't react quite as Su Qing had anticipated. She merely gave an instinctive flinch before immediately steadying herself. Turning to look at Su Qing, she said, "It's Sister Xiao Qing again, isn't it?"
Su Qing didn't feel too disappointed or surprised. She simply smiled and said, "That's right, it's me!"
"Honestly... Sister Xiao Qing really does love coming at this specific time," Bai Yuhe said with a slightly helpless look.
Su Qing chuckled and shook her head. "It's not that I love this specific time; it's just that I happened to arrive at this time."
"Is that so? I thought you picked this moment purely to try and scare me," Bai Yuhe said, tilting her head.
"I'm not that bored! I wouldn't pick a specific time just to startle you," Su Qing said with a beaming smile. "Anyway, since I'm here, are your royal duties all settled?"
In response to Su Qing's question, Bai Yuhe shook her head slightly. "Not entirely, but it's fine. They're just some minor matters. I can leave them to my subordinates to handle."
"I see. It looks like you're planning to train some capable assistants, Xiao He?" Su Qing nodded.
Bai Yuhe didn't deny it. "I can't stay here forever... I have to train people who can hold this country together."
"And how is that going?" Su Qing asked. "Let's talk while we walk."
"Mhm. I already have specific candidates in mind," Bai Yuhe said after a moment's thought. "As for the results... only time will tell."
"That's true; there's no other way," Su Qing agreed, not pressing further.
Bai Yuhe understood the situation here better than she did; she was the King of this nation, after all. As for Su Qing, she was the kingdom's guardian, the existence that ensured the realm remained undisturbed by external threats.
"By the way... I plan to drink the water from the Mother-Child River after the New Year!" Bai Yuhe suddenly said as they walked.
Su Qing wasn't too surprised by this; Bai Yuhe had mentioned it before. However, Su Qing was still a bit caught off guard by how quickly she had decided on a specific time.
"You've made up your mind so soon?" Su Qing asked.
Bai Yuhe nodded. "Yes, I've made up my mind. Since I've already started training capable assistants, it's naturally time to train a future successor. Although I still hope to lead this country to even greater heights, I am only one person and I have my limits... and my lifespan is also finite. Therefore, I must do what needs to be done."
Hearing this, Su Qing nodded slightly. "Since that is your plan, I naturally support you!"
Bai Yuhe smiled, not at all surprised by Su Qing's support. She simply added, "Then for the next few days, we'll have to enjoy our union properly! After all, we can't skip out on the necessary sense of ritual!"
Su Qing's lip twitched. "You make it sound like we wouldn't do those things otherwise..."
Bai Yuhe arched an eyebrow and stuck out her tongue. "I'm just saying!"
"Regardless, those things are better left for the night. Since it's broad daylight, let's go do something else."
"Sure! Let's take a stroll through the city," Bai Yuhe said with a smile. "Even though we've walked through the city many times, there's always something new to see!"
Su Qing gave a helpless smile and nodded. "Whatever you say! But before that, you should tell your attendants that you're leaving. Otherwise, they'll just worry about you again."
Bai Yuhe didn't refuse this time and happily agreed.
Soon, Su Qing and Bai Yuhe arrived in the city. Both had changed their clothes and appearances, making it impossible for anyone to recognize their true identities. This allowed them to enjoy themselves freely.
They wandered here and there, discovering quite a few new things. They even happened upon a very talented storyteller whose tales were exceptionally interesting.
Su Qing and Bai Yuhe spent the entire day slowly walking through the city, exploring all the new sights. As evening fell, Su Qing looked at her and asked, "So? Did you have fun?"
"Mhm, it was alright! But it's not as exciting as the nighttime activities," Bai Yuhe said with a smile. "You only come to see me every once in a while, and I have to practice abstinence for so long between visits! So, since we've finally met, how could I not look forward to tonight?"
Before Su Qing could tease her, Bai Yuhe proactively explained why she was always so insatiable. It was simply because she had been holding it in for too long.
Even though the palace was full of women and she could have favored anyone she chose, she was a very devoted person. Therefore, she would never do such things. Even if the restraint was difficult, she wouldn't cross that line. This was her principle and her bottom line.
However, what Bai Yuhe didn't know was that Su Qing hadn't intended to tease her about it. She could understand Bai Yuhe's perspective, so there was no need for mockery.
Su Qing said with a smile, "Is that so? Then let's hurry back and get on with it!"
Su Qing had long since grown accustomed to such things. Besides, she was happy to accompany everyone in these activities. After all, who doesn't like doing something pleasant? It was just that she happened to do it a bit more often than most.
"Great! Let's head back now!" Bai Yuhe said with a graceful smile.
Su Qing nodded, then performed a hand seal, using a spell to bring Bai Yuhe back to the palace.
That night, the clouds and mist swirled once more. Once again, someone's limbs were left weak and limp.
Alas, who could blame them when someone would occasionally come up with new tricks? Who on earth transforms into a beautiful serpent halfway through the act! It would have been strange if that hadn't left Bai Yuhe unable to move.
Because of this, the next day, Bai Yuhe clung to Su Qing, unwilling to let her leave, seemingly wanting to start a second round. Helpless, Su Qing could only agree. It was only after the Queen was thoroughly satisfied that Su Qing was finally able to make her escape.
High in the air, Su Qing rode her Somersault Cloud. She rubbed her chin and thought, 'Hiss, did I accidentally awaken some strange tastes in that girl? Surely... not?'
Thinking about it, Su Qing couldn't help but shudder. She felt she should probably show a bit more restraint in the future. If she really did accidentally awaken some formidable proclivities, it would be a real headache.
Su Qing shook her head, tossing the messy thoughts out of her mind.
"Mhm, next... it's time to find Sister Chang'e."
Su Qing exhaled a breath of turbid Qi and murmured to herself, "Really... every time I go out, I have to make the rounds to everyone's place! Oh well, it's not important. But after I finish drinking, where should I go for fun? Oh, right, I agreed to spar with Erlang Shen before, didn't I? Or maybe it wasn't a spar. Whatever, I'll go find him when the time comes! It just so happens I'm curious to see exactly how powerful the current True Sovereign Erlang is."
As Su Qing flew, her mind wandered aimlessly. Before she knew it, she had arrived at the gates of the Moon Palace.
As always, several female generals stood guard at the entrance. When they saw Su Qing approaching, they didn't block her at all, directly opening the gates and making way. Su Qing was a regular guest here, after all. If they didn't even have that much discernment, they shouldn't be immortals.
Su Qing proceeded unhindered and found Chang'e in no time. At that moment, Chang'e was busy processing a mountain of official documents, looking as though she hadn't slept well at all.
Standing beside her was a Bodhisattva Su Qing recognized—it was none other than Moonlight Bodhisattva. Although Su Qing had only met her a few times and hadn't had much deep conversation, they were at least acquainted. After all, Su Qing had lived in the Moon Palace for quite a while; it would be a bit ridiculous if she didn't even know the residents.
However, Su Qing found it a bit strange. Why was Moonlight Bodhisattva standing beside Chang'e, supervising her as she worked on the documents?
As Su Qing looked at Moonlight Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva naturally noticed her as well. She gave Su Qing a slight smile and said, "Is that not the Sovereign? It has indeed been a long time! How have you been lately, Sovereign?"
Faced with a friendly greeting, Su Qing naturally couldn't respond coldly. She smiled and said, "I've been quite well lately. Thank you for your concern, Senior."
Moonlight Bodhisattva shook her head and said, "Amitabha. This poor monk cannot be called a senior. The Sovereign's strength is already above mine."
Moonlight Bodhisattva was quite humble. Su Qing simply smiled and didn't say much more, as she didn't intend to continue with meaningless small talk. Instead, she said, "A senior is a senior; there's no need for such modesty. But more than that, I'm curious—why is the Bodhisattva here watching Sister Chang'e?"
Hearing this, Moonlight Bodhisattva pressed her palms together and said, "Amitabha. This is a commission from the Lunar Deity. This poor monk is here to watch over the Palace Mistress to ensure she does not slack off and leave the remaining documents unfinished, or try to dump them on the Jade Rabbit in the mortal world."
The Lunar Deity was perfectly aware of Chang'e's usual temperament. She knew exactly how much the girl would slack off once she was gone. Perhaps she would be sad at first, but sadness was one thing; slacking off was another. That was simply her nature. Therefore, the Lunar Deity had asked Moonlight Bodhisattva to keep an eye on this troublesome girl while she was away and make sure she worked properly.
She didn't want her to pile up a massive amount of work due to laziness. And Moonlight Bodhisattva was indeed very effective; when she said she was watching, she watched with absolute focus, without the slightest relaxation. Whether one called it being rigid or inflexible, she was forcing Chang'e to finish a great deal of work.
Hearing Moonlight Bodhisattva's answer, Su Qing was momentarily stunned. She looked at Chang'e with a bit of pity and said, "I see... I didn't expect it to be a commission from the Lunar Deity. Well, since it's her request, I naturally have nothing to say. I can only say it must be hard work for the Bodhisattva to watch over her."
"It is no trouble. The Lunar Deity has helped me much; I am very happy to be able to assist her now," Moonlight Bodhisattva replied peacefully with a shake of her head.
Su Qing nodded and said, "The Bodhisattva is very considerate. But this is good; it'll make this lazybones work hard for once. The Bodhisattva has managed to do what the Lunar Deity couldn't even achieve on a normal day!"
At that point, Chang'e looked up at Su Qing and said, "I say, Sister Xiao Qing... since you're here, why don't you save me first? I haven't rested for an entire day! Please, stop making snide comments!"
Hearing Chang'e's plea, Su Qing smiled and said, "How can I save you? Why don't you finish what's in your hands first?"
"I can't finish it! I'll never finish it!" Chang'e pouted and said, "I accidentally let too much work pile up... there's no way to finish it all, at least not today."
"No one is asking you to finish everything at once; you just need to resolve one stage of it!" Su Qing rolled her eyes helplessly. "It's obviously impossible to finish it all in one go..."
Chang'e sighed, then glanced at the Bodhisattva before turning back to Su Qing. "Then can you persuade her?"
As soon as Chang'e finished speaking, the Bodhisattva beside her spoke up. "Amitabha. This poor monk feels the Sovereign's idea is good. Let us proceed according to the Sovereign's suggestion."
"......" Chang'e was speechless.
Rate on N.U.
