The look in Long Yang’s almond-shaped eyes turned darker and the fingers on her shoulders tightened.

Li Tong’er witnessed the passionate embrace shared by the Emperor and Empress as her parents helped her move along.

Her face turned slightly pale.

It was hard to tell if it was because of her pain or if it was caused by something else.

With Lu Liangwei still in his arms, Long Yang turned around to look when he heard the footsteps coming from behind.

Li Wei forced himself to approach them. “My daughter’s foot is injured. I’ll be leaving the Palace with her now. I do apologize for leaving early, Your Majesty.”

Long Yang nodded. “Since she is hurt, it would be best to treat the injury as soon as possible.”

Li Wei felt secretly relieved as he grabbed his daughter’s hand and prepared to leave.

Madam Li, however, was not as willing. It was a rare opportunity to enter the Palace and meet His Majesty. Once they leave, they would have no idea when they could see him again.

She was about to open her mouth when her husband glared at her.

She gave a start and was about to say something, but eventually decided to swallow her words.

Li Tong’er’s gaze fell upon Long Yang. She looked like she wanted to say something too, but was too shy. Lu Liangwei frowned at this.

Lu Liangwei went into deep thought as she watched the family of three walk away.

If Madam Li and her daughter were smart, they would give up their plans after today.

However, she could tell that Madam Li was not letting this go easily.

In addition to that, Li Tong’er was always looking at His Majesty with those sad, pitiful eyes. It was really annoying.

In fairness, Li Tong’er was extremely pretty and carried the unique charm of a sickly beauty.

Unfortunately, she was not His Majesty’s type. Any other man would have been swiftly seduced by the little play she had put up today.

“There’s no need to let your imagination run wild over one person. You’re enough for my entire life.” The man’s gentle voice pulled Lu Liangwei out of her reverie.

A small smile appeared on Lu Liangwei’s lips as she said pompously, “As long as Your Majesty isn’t blind, you wouldn’t choose an older woman over a young, pretty thing like me. Not unless Your Majesty has some unique preferences.”

Li Tong’er would have thrown up blood if she heard this.

Long Yang burst out laughing. “You’re pretty confident, aren’t you?”

Lu Liangwei nodded and said shamelessly, “I’m young, pretty, and adorable. It would be strange if I didn’t have this amount of confidence.”

Long Yang laughed in delight and his fingers reached out to pinch her soft face. “I see you have pretty thick skin.”

“My thick skin is nothing compared to yours,” Lu Liangwei retorted, not giving in.

Long Yang nodded. Her words did not anger him at all. “You’re right. If my skin wasn’t thick enough, I wouldn’t have been able to marry such a young, pretty, and adorable Empress.”

“Good that you are aware, Your Majesty.” Lu Liangwei took the opportunity to assert herself without any hint of embarrassment.

Zhao Qian, Zhu Yu, and Chu Jiu, who were following behind, overheard the conversation between the Emperor and Empress, and their mouths twitched.

The Empress was probably the only person in the world who dared to speak to His Majesty that way.

His Majesty’s indulgence for her had far surpassed anyone’s expectations.

Zhao Qian thought of Li Tong’er who had just left, and felt that even the presence of ten Li Tong’ers around would not affect His Majesty’s love for Her Highness.

His Majesty was destined to love the Empress his entire life.

Lu Liangwei could not walk much today and she did not feel like moving after Long Yang helped her back to her seat.

The banquet was about to start and she sat quietly next to Long Yang, putting on a noble and dignified look.

However, unbeknownst to all the attendees, an elegant leg had propped itself across the noble Emperor’s knee while the Emperor’s fingers were massaging them with just the right amount of strength.

Lu Liangwei was fully enjoying life as she enjoyed her food while indulging in the services of a certain Emperor.

The banquet kicked off very soon.

The imperial court officials and their families who were admiring the blossoms at different corners of the garden had now returned to their seats.