His sudden stare made Ji Qingwu's heart skip a beat.
She immediately stood up straight and changed her expression, plastering a fawning smile on her face.
In a delicate, soft tone, she said, "Your Majesty, you're awake."
Emperor Wu Su's voice was a bit hoarse, tinged with a faint, almost imperceptible exhaustion.
"What took you so long? Were you unwilling to come?"
'He's guessed it exactly.'
Hearing this, Ji Qingwu trembled slightly.
She then replied in a soft, quiet voice, "How would I dare disobey Your Majesty's decree? It is simply that this hall is quite a distance from Cining Palace, and I walk slowly. I have kept Your Majesty waiting. I beg for your forgiveness."
"You wouldn't dare?"
Emperor Wu Su's words were laced with a mix of mockery and scrutiny. "From what I've seen, you dare to do anything. You're quite bold."
Ji Qingwu fell silent, guiltily lowering her head to stare at the tips of her toes, affecting an obedient and well-behaved demeanor.
