277: Warmth after a long separation...

The palace doors opened, and Li Shengyuan stepped in, dressed in dark everyday clothes, his posture as tall and straight as a pine tree.

He walked to the center of the hall and bowed respectfully: "Your subject, Li Shengyuan, greets Your Majesty. The matters in Jiangnan and overseas have been concluded, and I have come to report."

His voice was steady, but his gaze involuntarily fell upon the longed-for figure behind the imperial desk.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning sat still, maintaining the dignity of an Empress, and softly hummed.

She tried to suppress the rising curve of her lips and said calmly: "Junior Brother has worked hard. I already generally know the details of this trip; you did very well."

She waved her hand and instructed the palace maids standing by her side:

"You may all withdraw. I have words to speak with Junior Brother. Without my summons, you are not to enter."

"Yes."

The palace maids bowed in agreement, exited in a line, and gently closed the heavy palace doors.

They naturally knew the relationship between His Majesty and Lord Li, and staying there had already made them restless.

Although they wanted to see His Majesty and Lord Li being intimate, it was only a thought.

Finally able to leave, they let out a sigh of relief... As the last bit of outside light was blocked out, and only the two of them remained in the bedchamber, the deliberately maintained decorum and sense of distance instantly melted away like ice and snow.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning almost immediately rose from the dragon throne, lifted her skirt, and quickly walked down the steps, like a swallow returning to its nest, bringing a waft of fragrance, and directly threw herself into Li Shengyuan's arms.

Li Shengyuan opened his arms and tightly embraced the warm, soft jade, feeling the slight trembling of the person in his arms and her undisguised dependence.

"Senior Sister."

He whispered, his voice carrying a subtle hoarseness.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning looked up, carefully examining his face, her jade hand gently caressing his eyebrows, eyes, and cheeks... After confirming there were no injuries, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She rested her cheek on his firm chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and murmured:

"It's good that you're back... Did you encounter any dangers along the way?"

"Everything went smoothly; thank you for your concern, Senior Sister."

Li Shengyuan lowered his head, looking at her delicate face so close to him. His reflection was in her watery beautiful eyes, shimmering with ripples. Her delicate red lips slightly parted and closed, exhaling a fragrance like orchids.

His longing surged like a tide. He no longer restrained himself, lowered his head slightly, and precisely captured her soft, sweet lips.

"Mmm..."

A soft moan escaped Female Emperor Mu Qingning's throat. She stiffened slightly at first, then gently closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and responded with an unpracticed yet passionate fervor.

Days of separation and worry all melted into this lingering kiss.

A short separation makes the reunion sweeter than a new marriage; meeting again after parting is the best aphrodisiac!

The two embraced, their steps stumbling yet moving with unspoken understanding. Unknowingly, they arrived before the dragon throne, a symbol of ultimate power.

Li Shengyuan sat down, and Female Emperor Mu Qingning, with his arm around her waist, lightly sat sideways on his lap, still immersed in the mingling of their lips and teeth, not yet separating.

The bedchamber was silent, only their gradually quickening breaths and the subtle sounds of their lips intertwining, the air filled with ambiguity and deep affection.

After an unknown amount of time, until both were slightly out of breath, they reluctantly parted.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning's cheeks were flushed, her eyes hazy. She leaned against Li Shengyuan's shoulder, softly panting, her jade fingers unconsciously twirling his lapel.

Li Shengyuan held her slender waist with one hand, while the other began to wander mischievously. Senior Sister's waist sash quietly loosened, and then, with practiced ease, his hand delved inside, firmly grasping the flawless Empress Peak!

Female Emperor Mu Qingning let out a long-missed delicate moan. Not only did she feel no repulsion, but she was rather anticipating it... Li Shengyuan rested his chin on her forehead, enjoying this rare moment of tenderness.

"Is everything well in the capital?" Li Shengyuan asked softly.

"All is well, it's just... I missed you." Female Emperor Mu Qingning's voice carried a hint of a spoiled nasal tone, completely devoid of her usual imperial majesty.

"Without you, this imperial palace feels much colder."

"I missed you too."

Li Shengyuan tightened his embrace and kissed her hair, "From now on, unless absolutely necessary, I will try not to leave the capital."

The two whispered sweet nothings, as if they had endless longing to pour out.

However, this quiet tenderness did not last long.

Outside the hall, the slightly urgent voice of a female official suddenly announced:

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager has arrived and is waiting outside the hall!"

The two, immersed in their tender affection, both froze simultaneously.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning instantly straightened up from Li Shengyuan's embrace. The blush on her face had not faded, but she quickly tidied her clothes and adopted a dignified expression, though a hint of annoyance and panic from being interrupted still lingered in her eyes.

It was a rare moment of intimacy with her beloved Junior Brother, only to be interrupted by her Imperial Mother. Even Female Emperor Mu Qingning harbored a slight complaint:

"Didn't Princess Pingyang also return? Why isn't Imperial Mother with her? What is she doing here at this time?"

"Perhaps she has important matters to discuss with you!"

Li Shengyuan smiled slightly, also releasing his hand and gently helping her up. He then tidied his slightly disheveled robes and stood up.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning took a deep breath, calming her heartbeat and breathing. The flush on her face receded significantly before she raised her voice:

"Please invite Imperial Mother in."

As she spoke, she exchanged a glance with Li Shengyuan. Both saw the helplessness and a hint of solemnity in each other's eyes.

Empress Dowager's sudden arrival at this time, what could it be for?