The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

"Sigh." Shen Wangxi sighed. Even though he could favor her, he couldn't let her be too unconventional on the surface, lest she attract criticism and become the subject of gossip.

The sigh was very soft, but Shen Qingruo still heard it.

She tilted her head back, blinked her clear eyes, and asked curiously, "Why is Your Majesty sighing? Is there something troubling you about state affairs?"

Shen Wangxi looked down at her and saw her innocent expression, as if she didn't understand why he was troubled. He felt even more frustrated and had nowhere to vent his frustration.

He flicked her forehead lightly with his finger.

"You heartless brat," he muttered, his tone tinged with helplessness.

Shen Qingruo covered her forehead, pouting aggrievedly, "How could A-Ruo be so heartless?"

"I wanted to spend more time with you in the desert, but you're in such a hurry to go back to the palace." He stared at her, trying to find some reluctance on her face.

Shen Qingruo's eyes flickered for a moment, then she lowered her eyelashes and said softly, "Aruo also wants to stay in the desert with His Majesty forever."

"But as long as my mother's remains are not moved, Aruo will not have peace of mind. Didn't His Majesty promise Aruo that he would send my mother back to the Yun family in a grand and glorious manner?"

Her words were reasonable and her eyes were sincere, leaving no room for criticism.

Shen Wangxi was cornered again, and seeing her obedient and sensible appearance, she felt even more angry but couldn't vent her anger.

Could he possibly say that he didn't want to return to the palace so early because he didn't want her to bow to other women? He couldn't bring himself to say that.

Shen Wangxi turned her face away, her brows still furrowed, her thoughts drifting.

What if the Empress makes things difficult for her again?

She's so weak, she'll only cry secretly when she's wronged, and she might even fight back against him.

How can he treat everyone equally? He'll inevitably favor her, and then the other side will definitely start making a fuss.

Shen Qingruo secretly glanced at his tense profile and chuckled to herself. Of course, she knew what he was worried about.

So what if I have to go back and face the Empress, and can't dote on her as freely as I did in the desert?

However, her thoughts were completely opposite to his.

What kind of behavior is it for him to secretly dote on her outside like this?

What she wanted was open and aboveboard favoritism, to have the historical record written down in front of Wulan Yun, so that she would clearly know who Shen Wangxi truly loved.

The purpose of this trip to the desert has been achieved. They have reconciled and he has even promised her the future position of crown prince. It's time to go back.

Seeing that he was still frowning, Shen Qingruo's heart stirred slightly.

She propped herself up, and her soft lips suddenly approached, gently pressing a kiss to his slightly furrowed brow.

Shen Wangxi stiffened slightly and turned to look at her.

Shen Qingruo knelt before him, her watery eyes gazing at him, her voice soft and sweet:

"Your Majesty, please don't be upset. Aruo knows there are many rules in the palace, and it's not as free as the desert."

She paused, then reached out her small hand to smooth his brow, her tone innocent:

"But as long as Aruo's beloved man is in the palace, as long as she can see His Majesty in the palace, Aruo's heart is full of joy, and she doesn't feel bored in the palace at all."

These words calmed Shen Wangxi's agitation.

He looked into her eyes, which were full of sincere love, and his image was clearly reflected in them.

At this moment, all rules, criticisms, and the empress seemed to be unimportant.

Shen Wangxi stretched out his arm and pulled the delicate woman in front of him into his arms.

"You're just saying nice things to coax me." He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her fragrance, his voice muffled but filled with undisguised pleasure.

Shen Qingruo obediently leaned against his chest, her small hands wrapped around his strong waist, and a triumphant smile secretly curved her lips where he couldn't see.

"Aruo is telling the truth," she softly assured him, completely captivating the most distinguished man in the world.