Empress Qingxuan smiled softly.
That smile was no longer lazy or casual, but carried a sense of frankness.
"Indeed, never."
She stood up and walked to the window, the moonlight spilling over her purple nightgown, outlining breathtaking curves.
She raised her left hand; the Profound Heart Bracelet on her wrist shimmered with a warm luster under the moonlight.
"This bracelet has followed me for over thirty thousand years."
"It has accompanied me through countless storms and is one of my most cherished possessions."
Her voice was soft, as if telling an ancient story.
"I once thought it would stay on my wrist until the day my life ended."
"Until..."
Empress Qingxuan paused and turned to Luo Shui, her eyes sparkling with a light Luo Shui had never seen before.
That light was gentle, firm, and even carried a hint of almost pure heat.
"Until I met her."
Luo Shui's heart trembled slightly.
She had never seen her Master show such a bright look in her eyes.
"Gu Han..."
Empress Qingxuan softly uttered the name, a smile unconsciously rising to her lips.
"She is different from everyone I have ever met."
"She is powerful but doesn't bully the weak; she is cold but gentle and tolerant toward her Disciples; she seems indifferent to everything, but in reality, she values relationships and loyalty more than anyone."
"She is like a moon hanging high in the Nine Heavens; seemingly out of reach, but in truth, her brilliance spreads everywhere, softening the entire night sky."
Empress Qingxuan's voice carried undisguised admiration.
"I have lived for nearly fifty thousand years and seen countless prodigies and talents."
"But no one has ever been like her, making me feel..."
She paused, seemingly looking for the most appropriate words.
"Making me feel intrigued, feel my heart stir, feel like I want to get closer, want to understand, want to..."
Empress Qingxuan didn't finish, but Luo Shui already understood.
"So,"
Luo Shui's voice was a bit dry; looking at the undisguised light in her Master's eyes, a surge of complex emotions rose in her heart.
There was shock, sudden realization, and a trace of worry she couldn't even explain to herself.
"Master truly has... those kinds of feelings for Palace Master Gu?"
Empress Qingxuan did not evade; she frankly met Luo Shui's gaze, the smile on her lips deepening, the light in her eyes burning bright.
"Yes."
One word: clear, firm, and without hesitation.
"I like her."
Empress Qingxuan's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.
"It's not appreciation for a junior, nor recognition of a peer, but the purest attraction between two women."
She walked up to Luo Shui and reached out to pat her Disciple's shoulder, her tone gentle but firm.
"My feelings for Gu Han are exactly that kind."
"I want to be near her, want to know her, want to be with her, and I want to possess her."
"Seeing others get close to her makes this Empress unhappy; seeing her in a difficult position makes this Empress's heart ache; seeing her show her brilliance makes this Empress proud."
A hint of cunning and determination flashed in Empress Qingxuan's eyes.
"That woman Ling Shuang also has feelings for her; I can tell. But so what?"
"I have lived for so many years, and it's rare to meet someone who truly makes this Empress's heart stir."
"Since I've met her now, I won't let go!"
Luo Shui stared blankly at her Master, for a moment not knowing what to say.
She had never imagined that her Master, who was always lazy, casual, and seemingly had everything under control...
...could also have such a direct, passionate, and almost innocent side.
"Master..."
Luo Shui opened her mouth and finally only asked one thing.
"Aren't you afraid Palace Master Gu will refuse?"
Empress Qingxuan smiled softly upon hearing this.
That laughter carried confidence, composure, and a hint of unquestionable dominance.
"Refuse?"
"How could someone this Empress has set her sights on refuse?"
She paused, her eyes flickering as her tone softened.
"Besides, I can feel that she isn't entirely without feelings for me."
"She just doesn't understand yet, or perhaps she's unwilling to admit it."
Empress Qingxuan turned to Luo Shui, her eyes carrying an admonition.
"It's enough that only you know of this; it must not be leaked."
Luo Shui hurriedly bowed.
"Disciple understands and will not reveal a single word."
Empress Qingxuan nodded in satisfaction, walked back to the window, and looked at the bright moon in the night sky, whispering to herself.
"In this Empress's life, I have never failed to obtain what I want."
"You will be no exception."
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