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

Shen Wangxi suddenly stood up, his tone calm: "I just remembered that I still have some memorials to review, so I'll return to the Taiji Hall first."

After saying this, without waiting for Wulan Yun's response, he strode away from Jiaofang Palace.

As Wulan Yun watched his hurried departure, she became even more certain of her guess.

His Majesty must be unwell, but is unwilling to say so out of consideration for his reputation.

She frowned worriedly, pondering how to nourish him more subtly next.

As Shen Wangxi walked briskly along the palace path, feeling the surge of desire within her, her face grew increasingly grim. This damned deer blood.

All he wants now is to find a place to calm down, or go to the girl he feels pity for.

Inside Qingyi Palace, Shen Qingruo had just gotten up.

Granny Yan and the palace maids helped her wash and dress. She changed into a cherry-colored, waist-cinching long dress. Her eyes were full of spring-like desire, and her whole person exuded a charming and languid allure.

If the Empress and Granny Su were here, they would have seen at a glance that she had been aroused by a man.

Shen Qingruo ate a light lunch in small bites, then sat on the soft couch by the window, holding a storybook.

But she couldn't concentrate on reading a single word; the aching sensation deep within her body constantly reminded her of Shen Wangxi's strength.

Just then, a greeting came from outside the hall, and then a tall and upright figure walked in.

Shen Wangxi dismissed the palace servants and his gaze fell on the couch.

"Your Majesty?" Shen Qingruo was somewhat surprised to see him arrive suddenly. She put down her storybook, stood up, and obediently bowed to greet him.

Shen Wangxi walked up to her in a few steps, reached out, and pulled her directly into his arms.

"Mmm..." She couldn't help but let out a soft moan as he held her tightly, her small hands pressed against his chest. "What's wrong?"

Shen Wangxi buried his face in the crook of her neck and took a deep breath of her sweet fragrance. The restlessness seemed to subside for a moment, but then rebounded even more fiercely.

His voice was low and hoarse, tinged with suppressed emotion: "It hurts."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingruo immediately became anxious, tilting her head up to look at him with worried eyes: "Where do you feel unwell? Should we summon the imperial physician?"

Seeing her innocent appearance, Shen Wangxi chuckled and coaxed, "No need for the imperial physician, seeing A-Ruo makes you feel much better."

Shen Qingruo blushed slightly at his words, gave him a reproachful look, and said softly, "You're just trying to coax me again."

"I won't coax you." Shen Wangxi stared at her small mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing. "If Aru kisses me, I won't feel bad anymore."

He had meant it somewhat teasingly, wanting to see her blush.

To everyone's surprise, the little girl blinked her clear eyes and looked at him for a moment, then actually stood on tiptoe and kissed his thin lips, even imitating what he had done the night before, giving him a few awkward kisses.

Shen Wangxi tightened his arms, turning the tables and taking control of the situation.

"Ugh, Your Majesty..." He was a bit too fierce, and Shen Qingruo felt uncomfortable from his kisses, pushing his shoulders away with her small hands.

Shen Wangxi didn't care about anything else. He picked her up and carried her back to the soft couch, then leaned over and covered her with his body.

Shen Qingruo was both panicked and frightened. Memories of the wanton affection from the previous night flooded her mind, and her body instinctively shrank back. "No, Your Majesty, you were too harsh last night, I'm still in pain..."

Shen Wangxi paused slightly, looking at her pitiful appearance, a mix of pity and desire raging in his heart, his voice suppressed to the extreme:

"My dear Aruo, the Empress gave me deer blood to drink, and I feel unwell. I don't want to touch anyone else. Please have some pity on me this once, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingruo blinked at him but didn't say anything.

Shen Wangxi couldn't wait for her to nod, so he kissed her while quietly untying her belt.

The poor girl had just endured the emperor's thunderous favor last night and had barely recovered her strength this morning when she was pressed down on the soft couch by the man and had been pleasured twice.