The Slender Waist-Chapter 797 - 567: Old Friends of the Hermitage

When Pei Jue returned, Feng Yun was sitting in a soft chair beneath the camphor tree, her eyes half-closed as she gazed at the thick, dark clouds on the horizon, lost in thought.

The breeze carried the fragrance of flowers from the courtyard, delightfully soothing.

Footsteps, barely audible, approached. A pair of hands carefully wrapped around her waist from behind, tightening gently. Breaths fell softly near her ear, accompanied by a light kiss. A mellow voice spoke at a deliberate pace.

"Azuo said you’re feeling unwell?"

Feng Yun turned to glance at him, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"I’ve just been sitting for too long. Feeling a little dizzy, nothing serious. Don’t listen to a child’s nonsense."

Pei Jue’s lips curled slightly as he let out a soft hum.

"Then don’t sit outside for too long. I’ll carry you back inside."

During this season, the courtyard at dusk when the sun dips below the horizon is at its most enchanting. Feng Yun loved sitting here, nibbling on snacks and lazily reading books.

But she didn’t object—didn’t even have time to—before Pei Jue had already scooped her up into his arms.

Fresh from the palace, Pei Jue hadn’t had time to change his clothes. The flowing sleeves of his robe swayed with his steps, exuding majestic dignity and an effortless grace.

These days, he constantly busied himself between the palace and elsewhere, his daily routines not much different from when he served as Regent Prince. Feng Yun didn’t know if the court officials had any objections, but from her perspective, it seemed rather peculiar.

How could an Emperor not reside in the palace?

She wrapped her arms around Pei Jue’s neck and smiled faintly.

"If court affairs are overwhelming, you don’t have to return every day."

Pei Jue lowered his brows. "Are you driving me away?"

Feng Yun chuckled, her gaze warm and serene as she softly replied, "Under heaven, all lands belong to the Emperor. This residence is yours too—how could I dare to drive you away?"

Pei Jue’s brows furrowed slightly.

Of late, their private interactions had remained unchanged, but he wasn’t fond of hearing Feng Yun address him as "Your Majesty." That title seemed to carve a long and unbridgeable chasm between them.

Noticing the displeasure in his eyes, Feng Yun reached over to tug at both sides of his face and spoke indignantly, "This is for your own health, yet you’re unhappy? You’re the Emperor now—why are you behaving more and more childishly?"

Pei Jue suddenly stopped, gazing down at her as his arms tightened subtly, lifting her slightly.

"Lady Yun has gained a little weight—why can’t I change as well?"

Gained weight?

Feng Yun rolled her eyes. "Nonsense!"

She wasn’t someone prone to gaining weight and refused to admit it. Amused, she gave Pei Jue’s arm a light slap, then opened her mouth to retort, only to be gently placed onto the cushioned bench by the window.

He said, "It’s not that hot yet. Don’t be greedy for cool air. Sitting here to read isn’t better than sitting outside?"

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty speaks wisely," Feng Yun replied, lazily casting him a glance. "How odd—you’re unusually free today, coming back so early to grace me with your royal attention..."

Pei Jue grasped her hand, his lips curling slightly into a faint smile. "Lady Yun, are you complaining that I’ve been neglecting you lately?"

Feng Yun fixed her eyes on him.

Sword-like brows, starry eyes, a presence like none other.

This was the New Emperor of Da Yong, standing above all others.

Power can bestow a man with everything—even enhance his appearance.

Pei Jue’s face seemed even more handsome than before, his gaze intoxicating. His innate authority radiated so intensely that one dared not look directly...

Feng Yun sighed softly.

"Pei Gou, you’re being dishonest."

Pei Jue: "?"

Feng Yun pursed her lips.

Of course, she wouldn’t admit outright that his handsomeness set her heart racing and made her soul restless. Instead, she found an excuse to tease him with a laugh.

"Your Majesty grows ever more striking these days. Surely there’s a new beauty in the deep palace of the Imperial City who has captured your favor?"

Pei Jue lowered his head, gazing at Feng Yun for a moment before silently kissing the back of her hand. His voice warm and gentle, he replied, "It seems I’ll have to spend more time in this residence keeping you company."

Hearing him speak so earnestly, Feng Yun couldn’t help but laugh. "Aren’t you afraid people will say that, upon ascending the throne, you’ve become infatuated with the pleasures of the boudoir?"

Pei Jue let out a low hum. "Whoever dares to speak so rudely...I’ll let them know."

Feng Yun noticed the odd expression on his face and couldn’t help but wonder aloud.

"Let them know what?"

Pei Jue replied, "Tell them: You’re absolutely right."

Feng Yun froze for a moment, then burst into laughter, playfully punching his shoulder. Pei Jue’s arms tightened as he leaned in to kiss her. Skillful in his teasing, Feng Yun quickly found herself short of breath and hurriedly pushed him back.

"I’m not feeling well today."

Pei Jue placed a comforting kiss at the corner of her lips before ceasing his antics. He placed a pillow behind her waist for support, then sat down to chat with her.

The New Emperor had ascended the throne, reforming governance in sweeping fashion. Affairs at the Imperial Court were shifting faster than the weather. Unless Pei Jue brought it up, Feng Yun would never actively broach such topics.

Seeing that he had come back early today, sipping tea and idly conversing, she finally shared the little concerns nestled in her heart.