nycdaug Chapter 358 (93 words added)
Chapter 358 (93 words added)
Xue Ruanruan looked at the Regent, her heart filled with mixed emotions. This man held immense power, manipulating events in the court, and was seen as a ruthless figure by many. Yet now, he stood before her, his deep-set eyes exuding an unfathomable mystery.
The Regent seemed to notice her gaze, slowly turning his head to meet her eyes. Xue Ruanruan's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Why are you so nervous in front of me?" The Regent's lips curled into a slight, mocking smile. Xue Ruanruan bit her lower lip, mustered her courage, and raised her head. "Your Majesty, I've only heard so much about you, and I was momentarily flustered." The Regent chuckled, took two steps forward, and stood before her, his tall figure looming over her. "Have heard so much about you? I'm curious, what kind of person do you think I am?" Xue Ruanruan's heart pounded; she could clearly feel the powerful aura emanating from the Regent. "Everyone says that Your Majesty is wise and powerful, possessing extraordinary talent." She carefully chose her words. The Regent looked at her with interest. "Is this your opinion of me?" Before Xue Ruanruan could answer, a commotion suddenly erupted in the distance. A young eunuch rushed in, flustered. "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! There's an assassin in the palace trying to kill the Emperor!" The Regent's face instantly darkened, a cold glint flashing in his sharp eyes. "Come, follow me back to the palace!" He grabbed Xue Ruanruan's wrist and led her swiftly towards the palace. Xue Ruanruan, pulled along, felt both nervous and strangely expectant, unsure where this turn of events would lead their fates. He stepped forward, standing before her, looking down at her. "I've long admired your name? Then tell me, what kind of person am I in your eyes?" Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened; this was a difficult question to answer. To praise him would be seen as flattery; to criticize him would be a matter of life and death. Her eyes darted around, and she said, "In my heart, Your Majesty is exceptionally capable, has the world at heart, and is the pillar of our Great Jin." A hint of appreciation flashed in the Regent's eyes. "You certainly have a sweet tongue." Just then, a servant rushed over and whispered a few words in the Regent's ear. The Regent's expression changed slightly, then he said to Xue Ruanruan, "That's enough for today. We'll talk in detail another day." With that, he strode away. Xue Ruanruan watched his departing figure, a ripple of emotion stirring within her. She had thought she could finally escape, but unexpectedly, she was stopped by the servant just as she was about to leave. "Miss Xue, please wait. His Highness has ordered you to wait here for a moment." Xue Ruanruan inwardly groaned, but dared not disobey. Time ticked by, and Xue Ruanruan grew impatient. Just as she was about to sneak away, the Regent returned. This time, his face was grim, and he radiated a chilling aura. "Come with me to the palace," he said coldly. Xue Ruanruan was startled, unsure what had happened, but could only obediently follow. The Regent remained silent the entire way, and Xue Ruanruan dared not ask any questions. Upon arriving at the palace, the Regent led her directly to his study. After closing the door, he suddenly turned, his eyes sharp as he looked at her. "Someone intends to harm you. I will protect you, but you must serve me." Xue Ruanruan's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected things to be so complicated. But faced with the Regent's request, how could she dare refuse? She could only grit her teeth and nod in agreement. "Yi, I wonder what will happen when we meet again another day," she thought with a hint of amusement.
Xue Ruanruan bit her lip, mustered her courage, raised her head, and said, "The Regent's reputation is so great that I am naturally a little nervous."
The Regent chuckled, took two steps forward, stood in front of her, and looked down at her: "Just a little girl, but she's quite interesting."
Xue Ruanruan wondered to herself what the Regent was up to. Just then, a commotion arose outside, and a guard rushed in, whispering a few words in the Regent's ear. The Regent's expression changed, and he strode out. Watching his departing figure, Xue Ruanruan had a feeling that a storm was about to break out in the peaceful palace.