Chapter 1213 — A Moment of Tenderness
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 3
After Ling Yuxiu had dealt with the affairs of state, she came to find him, only to see Shen Mu sitting in a pavilion in the imperial garden, staring absent-mindedly into the distance. Ling Yuxiu sat down beside him, waved the maids away, and said with a smile, "What is the Jingping Imperial Tutor thinking about? " "I am thinking of the war in the Great Void," Shen Mu said pensively.
"The Great Void is dangerous, but it can hardly stop the Heavenly Court's attack. The Heavenly Court is far too strong; taking the Great Void is only a matter of time.
Now that the Void Beasts are under the Dragon Qilin's control, should I have the Dragon Qilin lead them into the Great Void to fight? " Ling Yuxiu thought for a moment, then said, "If the Great Emperor appears in the Great Void, can the Dragon Qilin protect the mother beast?
" "That's the same problem I've been pondering. " The two of them sat in the pavilion enjoying the view, saying nothing, cherishing the rare tranquility.
Shen Mu got up, took off his shoes, sat on the edge of the pavilion, and put his bare feet in the water.
Ling Yuxiu laughed. "You still have the temper of a child. Mind your stinking feet don't kill my fish with the smell. " Shen Mu patted the empty space beside him and said, "You come and sit here too.
" Ling Yuxiu shook her head. "I am the emperor now.
What sort of dignity would that be, acting the same as you?
" "There's no one around.
" Ling Yuxiu hesitated, looked all around, then took off her boots, sat down beside him, and carefully lowered her feet into the water.
She let out a sigh. "This is so comfortable.
It's been years since I took off my shoes in front of anybody.
" Shen Mu roared with laughter.
Suddenly she leaned against his shoulder, and the two of them, four feet, splashed the water.
After a while, Ling Yuxiu fell asleep on his shoulder, and Shen Mu sat motionless, seeing how soundly she slept. When Ling Yuxiu woke, the lanterns were already lit. She jumped up in a fluster and complained, "Why didn't you wake me?
" Shen Mu smiled.
"I saw how tired you were, so I didn't disturb you.
A couple of maids did come by a moment ago, but I sent them back. " Ling Yuxiu hurriedly put on her shoes.
"They came to remind me about the Imperial Study. I haven't read through the memorials yet.
I have to go take care of them. " Shen Mu rose, put on his shoes, and said, "I'll go with you.
" Ling Yuxiu shook her head. "If those pure-minded critics see you helping me review memorials, they'll complain at court that you're meddling in government and call for your head.
" Shen Mu laughed despite himself.
"There are still pure-minded critics? " "Plenty.
" "Let me go with you.
I, the Jingping Imperial Tutor, haven't dealt with state affairs in over a decade.
Let those pure-minded critics talk. At worst, you behead them and then quietly banish them to the provinces. Do you have your little notebook? " "Of course!
I must not give up the Ling family tradition!
" The two of them reviewed memorials in the Imperial Study, and before they knew it dawn was breaking. One crested fire pheasant-dragon crowed, then the others followed, crowing toward the east. Ling Yuxiu yawned and said hastily, "I'll go wash my face and eat something first.
Court is about to begin. If I'm late, they'll be quarreling endlessly again.
" Shen Mu also stood up, and wanted to embrace her, but he saw the maids entering with washing things, so he held back and said, "Your Majesty, I have refined the divine stone and the egg fluid. It's time I went to take care of my own matters. " Ling Yuxiu washed her hands and face in the basin, then raised her head and said with a smile, "Go and busy yourself with your affairs.
Whatever happens, I am here. " Shen Mu felt a warmth in his heart and said softly, "Your Majesty, do take care of your health.