Although Lu Chen bore the title of prince, he had grown up alongside Bai Qingqing. Coupled with the soul of a time traveler, he rarely ever used his princely identity to assert dominance in front of her. Between them, the bond formed through childhood camaraderie had always overshadowed royal formality.
Back when they were children, Lu Chen delighted in teasing Bai Qingqing with his words—just to see whether he could elicit even a flicker of panic or embarrassment from her otherwise unreadable face. But no matter how hard he tried over the years, he never succeeded. Her calm remained unshaken, her expression as still and cold as a frozen lake.
Even now, upon hearing Lu Chen's playful words, Bai Qingqing remained indifferent. Her features were tranquil, untouched by sentiment. There was no trace of awkwardness, nor the faintest ripple of emotion. She hadn't changed.
Lu Chen silently sighed in his heart. Truly an icy woman.
Yet despite this, Bai Qingqing took the initiative to offer a formal bow and greeted him with composure, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Although Lu Chen rarely acted like a prince before her, his identity as the Northern King remained. Etiquette demanded respect, and Bai Qingqing, ever disciplined, upheld protocol.
Lu Chen immediately reached out to stop her salute, gently grabbing her arm. His smile was warm as he met her eyes. "Xiaobai, you've become so distant. Why are you bowing to me like a stranger?"
His gaze lingered on her longer than it should have.
Watching from the side, Chu Yuqin felt a strange sensation stir within her. A subtle discomfort she couldn't quite place. Her eyes unconsciously narrowed as she stared at Lu Chen. Could it be… Chen'er harbors those kinds of feelings for Xiaobai?
The thought flickered unbidden, and she quickly shook it from her mind. No, no… what am I thinking? Today, she seemed to be unusually sensitive. Just seeing Lu Chen talk to another woman gave rise to inexplicable sourness in her heart—as if he were straying away from her.
Even if Chen'er liked someone, it wouldn't be strange, she tried to console herself. I'm overthinking things.
Meanwhile, Lu Chen gently pulled Bai Qingqing forward and smiled. "Xiaobai, come in quickly. I want to hear everything—where you've been, what you've experienced these past years."
Without hesitation, he took her hand in his and led her toward the palace hall. Bai Qingqing did not resist. She didn't even think of pulling away.
After all, they had grown up together, often hugging or even sleeping beside one another as children. Such close contact was routine to her. She had long since become used to Lu Chen's touch.
Before long, they arrived at the main courtyard. Lu Chen waved to a maid and ordered, "Prepare a pot of Dragon and Phoenix Tea." Once the tea was brewed and brought in, he personally poured a cup for Bai Qingqing.
According to the system's introduction, Dragon and Phoenix Tea was crucial for restoring Bai Qingqing's emotions. Although the exact outcome of awakening those emotions remained uncertain, its primary function was clear—it increased a woman's affection and created emotional dependency.
In other words, even if her emotions resurfaced, there shouldn't be any negative repercussions. If anything, it would bring her closer to him.
As he poured the fragrant tea, Lu Chen took her hand again and said with a gentle smile, "Xiaobai, this tea is unique to my palace. It's very refreshing. Try it and see."
Bai Qingqing didn't say anything. She quietly picked up the teacup and took a gentle sip.
The moment the tea entered her mouth, she felt a slight awakening sensation. It was indeed mentally refreshing, yet because she lacked emotions, she showed no change in her expression.
Calm as always, she set the teacup down and replied expressionlessly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the tea."
Lu Chen's lips curved into a smile. "Where did you go after you left the capital to cultivate? Why didn't you ever come back to see me?"
"I went to train in the depths of a mountain. I don't know where it is exactly," Bai Qingqing replied with a steady tone.
Her lie flowed smoothly, without so much as a heartbeat's pause. There wasn't the slightest change in her expression. Even to the most discerning observer, she seemed completely sincere. Had Lu Chen not possessed the system, even he would have believed her.
Lu Chen continued, "And now? Do you still want to go back?"
"No," Bai Qingqing said coolly. "I've already completed my apprenticeship."
Before Lu Chen could respond, Chu Yuqin chimed in with a smile, "Since you've already finished your apprenticeship, why not stay in the Northern Palace? Live here with us."
Bai Qingqing nodded without hesitation. "Alright."
Her main mission this time was to monitor the Northern King. Now that she had received an invitation to stay, it would be far more convenient to observe his every move up close.
Seeing her agree so quickly, Chu Yuqin was genuinely delighted.
Lu Chen, however, showed no surprise. He had expected Bai Qingqing to remain in the Northern Palace all along. What concerned him more now was the timing of her arrival. The barbarians were preparing to move south, and many secrets of the Northern Palace would inevitably be exposed to her.
The Jinyiwei, for instance. Or the howitzers he was preparing to reveal to the soldiers.
If Bai Qingqing reported these matters to his father, it could become troublesome.
The best solution? Make Bai Qingqing his, in every sense. Only by binding her heart and loyalty to himself could he ensure his secrets stayed buried.
Smiling, Lu Chen lifted the teapot again and poured more tea into her cup. "Xiaobai, this tea also aids in improving one's cultivation. Drink a bit more."
To prove his sincerity, Lu Chen poured himself a cup and drank it in one smooth gulp.
Upon hearing that the tea could also assist in cultivation, Bai Qingqing's eyes flashed with faint interest. She had initially assumed it was only for mental clarity. She hadn't expected additional benefits.
"I see," she responded lightly.
She lifted the cup once more and took another sip. This time, she clearly felt the tea working—her internal energy circulated more smoothly, and her meridians felt more open.
Sensing its value, she asked calmly, "Your Majesty, do you have more of this tea?"
"There are tea trees planted in the manor," Lu Chen replied readily. "If you'd like to drink it, you can pick some leaves and brew it anytime."
This information immediately entered Bai Qingqing's mind. A tea that can enhance cultivation... this must be reported.
As the deputy commander of the Shadow Guard, it was her duty to relay anything of importance to Emperor Xia.
But for now, she needed more information.
"Your Highness," she began, "I saw a woman in the city earlier. She had a plum blossom mark on her forehead. Have you seen her before?"
Lu Chen raised a brow. "Miss Chen, you mean? She's in the palace right now. Do you want to see her? I can summon her."
Bai Qingqing's heart stirred. So she was right—the woman with the plum blossom mark was indeed the rumored master hidden in the Northern Palace.
Her mission just became simpler.
She now had a clear target. All that remained was to uncover the woman's background and purpose.
Just as she was planning her next steps, a sudden pain tore through her mind.
Her thoughts ground to a halt. Sharp pain surged like lightning through her skull, and she instinctively raised her hands to clutch her head. Her body wavered unsteadily.
Countless images—some foreign, some familiar—flashed across her mind. Fragments of forgotten emotions and buried memories surged forth like a tidal wave hitting relentlessly, flooding her consciousness.
Her breathing quickened.
Her body trembled.
"Xiaobai? Xiaobai!" Lu Chen's voice was filled with urgency as he rushed to support her. He grabbed her shoulders, worry written across his face. "What's wrong? Talk to me!"
But Bai Qingqing's eyes were unfocused. Her mind—her very soul—was drowning in an uncontrollable tide.
Memories not her own, feelings she had long since lost… were awakening.
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