Chapter 231: Four Marching Before the Empress—Does She Want Me to Join In Too? (3)
"Good!"
"Wise and admirable!"
"Long live Her Majesty! Long live the Southern Dynasty!"
The soldiers erupted into cheers after a brief pause.
Having witnessed all of this, their trust in the Southern Dynasty and the Empress only deepened.
Just like the young man said—whoever has the ability gets the chance. What a beautiful era!
"What's all this noise? Get back to your quarters! Intensive targeted training tomorrow!"
Xuanxin barked the order after several seconds.
The soldiers answered in unison and began cleaning up the mess and returning to their barracks.
Judging by their faces, though, most of them wouldn't be sleeping well tonight.
"General Xuanxin, you should rest too. I won't bother you any longer."
Su Qing smiled broadly and took his leave.
With everything handled, the matter had ended perfectly.
Xuanxin watched his retreating figure and tightened her grip on the tally.
No matter what, she couldn't betray this trust.
The Empress, watching all this unfold, felt like she was watching a masterful performance.
She was thoroughly entertained, nearly clapping in approval.
Her little brother truly was someone who had grown up at her side.
Neither arrogant nor rash, always knowing when to advance or retreat—unclouded by the lure of power.
Such character would shine anywhere. She was more and more satisfied.
If she didn't feel so reluctant, she'd be sending him off to gain experience all over the realm.
Su Qing, escorted by the cheers of the soldiers, walked confidently and stepped into the carriage with ease.
As soon as he entered, several eyes turned to him.
The Empress wore a faint smile, clearly preparing to offer some praise.
But before she could speak, her confident little favorite collapsed...
Well, not physically—his spirit gave out.
Like a deflated balloon, he suddenly went completely lazy.
If those soldiers had seen this, question marks would've popped up all over their heads.
"Ugh, I'm so tired..."
Su Qing groaned as he flopped into the seat.
Honestly, tonight had been exhausting.
He hadn't just fought a crowd—he'd also delivered a full-on motivational speech.
He was truly drained, physically and mentally. No pretense.
He desperately needed rest. Ideally, he could melt into a land of softness and comfort.
The Empress was speechless for a moment but still understood.
In front of so many people, he had to maintain a proper and dignified image.
Keeping that up nonstop was indeed tiring.
Now, how should she reward him to lift his spirits?
She hadn't figured that out yet when the others made their move.
The three women, who had just been quietly minding their business, immediately came forward.
"Master, you've worked hard today."
Princess Consort stepped up naturally and knelt to help remove his shoes.
This seductive beauty had shown no aggression at all since entering, acting more like a docile little bunny.
Quiet and obedient—clearly, the Empress's presence was putting huge psychological pressure on her.
"You need to relax properly, or your whole body will be aching tomorrow."
Yun Rong moved behind him and gently massaged his shoulders with her delicate hands.
Her face carried a mix of tenderness and pride—clearly proud of her man.
"Master, ah~"
Shenyue expertly fed him freshly cut fruit.
She had done this many times back in the Su residence and was entirely used to it.
Their coordinated pampering left the Empress momentarily stunned.
Her mouth twitched slightly, an odd sense of being a third wheel creeping in.
Sure, she knew Su Qing's private life wasn't exactly pure.
But seeing it up close like this... was kind of an eyesore.
Look at these women's identities—this was practically an emperor's harem!
Honestly, more indulgent than even herself!
And the most shocking part was still to come.
"Auntie, your idea was brilliant. It completely avoided any future complications."
"Looks like bringing you along was the right call. Here's your reward."
Su Qing said as he casually stroked Princess Consort's head.
The motion was just like petting a cute puppy.
"Thank you for the reward, Master. It's my honor to serve you. I don't need praise."
"Just being able to help you is enough to make me truly happy. I have no other desires."
Princess Consort knelt on the floor, speaking in a soft, submissive voice.
Her fair cheeks were flushed red—so beautiful it was almost unreal.
Yet deep in her lowered eyes, a hidden irritation flickered.
It was one thing in private, but to be treated like this in front of everyone...
It was humiliating—so, so humiliating!
But she didn't act out.
She knew very well that only with this status could she survive in front of the Empress.
Damn it, once she turned the tables, she'd make him experience this too!
She swore it in her heart—but on the surface, nothing showed.
The Empress: "..."
She stared at the ridiculous scene, momentarily speechless.
Looking at the expression on her rebellious little brother's face, she suddenly realized something.
Originally, she wanted to praise him for his humility and composure.
But seeing how relaxed he was now—there was no need.
Because clearly, he'd never had pure intentions to begin with.
He looked humble enough, but in reality, he was just slacking off!
If he had accepted the tiger tally, he would've had to stay in the camp.
Even if not eating and sleeping with the soldiers, he'd still have to handle all sorts of matters.
And forget about being waited on by his women—being the commander meant keeping up appearances.