Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 400 - As Expected, You Still Like It Just Like Before.

Xu Ming immediately turned around.

He wanted to make a break for the door, but... the Dragon Empress was in the middle of changing, and she hadn’t dismissed him.

If he left now, it would technically be disobeying an imperial decree.

But then again—I serve the Wu Kingdom, not the Dragon Palace.

Calling himself “this humble subject” was merely a courtesy—technically, she had no authority over him.

But if he stayed...

And the Dragon Empress changed clothes behind him...

Then he was completely screwed.

He had been planning to explain to the Dragon Empress that he wasn’t her old lover’s reincarnation.

But after this?

How the hell was he supposed to explain anything?

Because let’s be real—the only reason he was getting this kind of “privilege” was because she thought he was her past lover.

Now, let’s say she realized she’d been mistaken all along.

Then what would happen to him?

A man who had seen most of her bare skin, who had stood in the same room while she was completely unclothed?

Even if he managed to make it back to the Wu Capital, he was still doomed.

With the Dragon Empress’ personality—she had killed her own relative’s son without hesitation—there was no way she’d let him off.

And if she wanted him dead, Emperor Wu wouldn’t protect him.

Sure, Emperor Wu treated him well.

But if it came down to national interests, he’d sell Xu Ming out in a heartbeat.

He wouldn’t even need the Dragon Empress to personally come after him—Emperor Wu himself would tie him up and ship him off to the Northern Seas.

“I can’t stay here!”

Xu Ming made up his mind—he had to get out!

But just as he prepared to disobey orders and leave the chamber—

He realized...

He couldn’t move.

Xu Ming looked down.

A faint blue glow had wrapped around his feet, pinning him in place.

“F**k!!”

Xu Ming cursed internally.

She really insists on changing clothes right behind me?!

What kind of hobby is this?!

Xu Ming wanted to scream—”I’M REALLY NOT YOUR OLD LOVER!!!”—

But behind him, he could hear the soft rustling of silk.

The Dragon Empress had already removed everything and was slipping into her undergarments.

At this point, it was too late for anything.

If he wanted to survive, then even if he wasn’t her past lover—

He had to pretend he was.

“Does this count as me cuckolding her old lover?”

Xu Ming, now resigned to his fate, let go of any lingering resistance and started thinking about random nonsense instead.

He figured... it probably did count.

But it wasn’t his fault—he had been forced into the role!

Her old lover had better not blame him!

“You may turn around now, Young Master Xu,” the Dragon Empress said.

The blue glow beneath Xu Ming’s feet faded.

He didn’t bother trying to leave anymore.

Xu Ming turned around.

The undergarment the Dragon Empress wore was designed as a single piece with her innerwear, so at the very least, Xu Ming couldn’t see anything he wasn’t supposed to.

“Young Master Xu, continue choosing,” the Dragon Empress said with a wave of her hand. More palace maids stepped forward, presenting a new selection.

This time, it was the outer gown—the most formal and significant piece.

The ocean-blue gown was stunning—noble and elegant, adorned with carefully placed pearls that added just the right touch of refinement. It wasn’t excessive but instead enhanced the robe’s majestic aura.

The golden gown exuded an imperial presence, befitting a ruler. If the Dragon Empress wore it, her empress-like dominance would surely surge to another level.

But Xu Ming’s gaze was drawn to a black-and-gold gown.

Everything about it—the stitching, the intricate patterns—gave him an inexplicable sense of harmony.

He had no doubt that if the Dragon Empress wore this gown, she would look breathtaking.

“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold... I believe this gown would suit you best,” Xu Ming said.

The Dragon Empress glanced at the black-and-gold gown, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. “Very well, I shall wear this one. As for the jewelry... Young Master Xu, you may help me choose those as well.”

At her words, the remaining palace maids divided into groups, taking turns to present different pieces of jewelry before Xu Ming.

Xu Ming carefully selected a hairpin and various accessories.

Although he had no expertise in jewelry, just by looking at these finely crafted pieces, he could tell each one was priceless.

Once he was done, the palace maids took the gown and accessories and began dressing the Dragon Empress.

A single incense stick’s time passed.

When the maids finally stepped aside, revealing the Dragon Empress in her black-and-gold ensemble, Xu Ming’s eyes lit up instantly.

The way the gown draped over her—it radiated authority.

The long trailing hem was held by palace maids, and a black-gold sash cinched her slender waist.

Her hair was adorned only with a single black-and-gold hairpin, leaving out any other jewelry.

The minimalistic elegance paired with the regal gown created an inexplicable harmony.

Xu Ming stared at her, unable to look away.

She was beautiful.

Beyond beautiful.

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In fact, at this moment, Xu Ming had a sudden, absurd thought—

That this woman before him was the true number one beauty in the world.

Even if the heavens themselves disagreed, too bad—they’d have to deal with it.

The Dragon Empress noticed his gaze and felt pleased.

“This is what I’ll wear to the Four Seas Grand Ceremony,” she declared. “I appreciate your effort today, Young Master Xu.”

“Your Majesty overpraises me,” Xu Ming replied, offering a respectful bow. “It is my honor to be of service. If Your Majesty has no further requests, I shall take my leave.”

The Dragon Empress nodded and did not stop him this time.

When Xu Ming had completely disappeared from view—

She looked down at her gown, her gaze softening slightly.

“So... you still prefer this one, just like before.”