Chapter 12: A Tight Leather-Clad Bodyguard? Too Cool!

"But... Your Majesty, before that, I need a bodyguard. It's really dangerous for me to be alone!"

"If I hadn't been clever last night, Your Majesty might not have been able to see me again!"

Su Qing suddenly changed his tone, his voice carrying a hint of a sob.

Without any hesitation, he hugged the Empress's thigh, pressing his face against it.

Yes, he was really hugging it.

That thigh was soft yet firm in just the right way—it felt amazing.

But if anyone else tried to do this, they’d have to consider the sheer power contained in those long legs.

The boy's thoughts were simple: with a big boss as his backer, how could he not have some muscle around him?

There was no way he could handle everything himself. Learning to delegate was the key to true growth.

"Hmm... Shenyue, come out."

The stunning Empress thought for a moment, then found the reasoning quite sound. She called out to a corner of the room.

That spot was shrouded in shadows, hidden from the light.

The moment the Empress called out, the shadow wavered, and a figure emerged from it.

A tall, statuesque woman stepped forward.

And that skin-tight, jet-black leather bodysuit made her all the more striking!

No wonder the game was famous for its character design—this was top-tier!

The woman wore a mask, obscuring her face.

Though fully wrapped in the tight bodysuit, her perfect curves left no room for doubt about the explosive power she carried within.

Darkness seemed to cling to her form, exuding an icy, dangerous aura.

The woman, called Shenyue, simply stood there in silence after appearing.

A mysterious entrance, a silent stance, and that tight suit hugging a generous chest…

No matter how one looked at it, this was clearly a mature and reliable person.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Yep, Su Qing could tell at a glance—she was dependable.

"Shenyue, an orphan of the Shadow lineage, able to blend into the darkness."

"She can kill without a trace and protect you with ease."

The Empress glanced at her favorite minister’s expression and smirked.

If only there were male attendants in the palace, she would have assigned him a bodyguard built like a massive black bear.

Not for any particular reason—just to see the look on this traitor’s face.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Su Qing immediately declared.

A tight-leather-clad bodyguard? That was way too cool!

"Shenyue, from now on, you belong to him. Swear to protect your master with your life!"

The Empress turned, her expression unreadable as she looked at Shenyue.

Her commanding tone was laced with dominance—this was her true nature.

Shenyue said nothing, merely nodding.

Her figure seemed to melt into the shadows, vanishing completely behind Su Qing.

Su Qing turned to look, his eyes filled with wonder.

Even though he had mentally prepared himself, seeing it firsthand was a different experience.

"She will guard you closely from now on. If you need anything, just give the order—she’ll appear instantly."

The Empress spoke indifferently.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will—"

Su Qing was about to launch into a long-winded speech about loyalty and patriotism.

"Enough, show results before you talk big!"

The Empress waved him off impatiently, clearly dismissing him.

Su Qing nodded and left without hesitation, looking highly motivated.

As the door closed, the Empress was left alone in her chambers.

She let out a long sigh.

In truth, she did not want this treacherous minister getting involved in the conflict between the royal family and the sects.

But…

A new voice echoed in her ears, signaling another reward.

[A competent Empress must learn to let go. Cultivating capable ministers is essential!]

[Congratulations, Host! You have gained 50 Favor Points!]

Hearing the system prompt, the Empress had decided to assign Su Qing a task.

After all, he now had a powerful bodyguard, so he should be safe.

Still, was this system playing tricks on her?

Her Favor Points had already increased earlier, and in a completely inexplicable way.

Just from letting him massage her foot? That was enough to raise it?

And the amount was the same as last night—this was hard to understand.

The Empress opened her system panel and browsed through the shop.

Although it was filled with all sorts of items, most were beneath her notice as an Empress.

The truly valuable things were expensive and essential, far beyond her current means.

Closing the system panel, the Empress fell into deep thought.

Her black-stocking-clad legs crossed as her gaze unconsciously drifted to her own feet.

To secure her future, should she increase her efforts to raise her Favor Points?

If she put in more effort, she should be able to earn even more, right?

Meanwhile, at the Ye Residence…

"You're just a live-in son-in-law. Being allowed to stay in the Ye family estate is already a blessing. Don't be picky!"

A servant scolded Gu Qingzhou impatiently.

"But there really are rats in that room!"

Gu Qingzhou looked at the arrogant servant, feeling utterly frustrated.

"Then chase them out yourself! A grown man afraid of rats—how pathetic!"

The servant sneered.

"You—!"

Gu Qingzhou's face flushed with anger.

He knew he was being humiliated by a mere servant.

Was it really so difficult to ask for a proper room? Was he truly so unwanted here?

The passing servants and maids watched the scene, snickering.

They had no intention of interfering, nor did they plan to help.

To them, this was just an amusing spectacle.

After all, a live-in son-in-law held the lowest status in the household.

Most importantly, Ye Xueyi did not live with Gu Qingzhou.

That fact alone said everything.

If the eldest miss valued him, no servant would dare mock him like this.

"You're so weak, no wonder the eldest miss—"

The servant cut himself off, but his ridicule was obvious.

Gu Qingzhou nearly slapped the man in fury.

But he clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, suppressing his rage.

He reminded himself that he was living under someone else's roof—he had to endure.

The servant, emboldened by the audience, continued mocking him relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingzhou’s face burned with humiliation, yet he remained silent.

This was a classic scene from a live-in son-in-law tale—the setup before a dramatic reversal.

When the time came, the mistreated son-in-law would rise, and those who mocked him would be terrified.

Just as Gu Qingzhou was about to walk away, the servant was suddenly sent flying by a powerful slap.

"Ow! Who the hell—"

Before the servant could finish, he saw who had hit him and swallowed his words instantly.

He and the other servants scattered like frightened mice, as if avoiding the plague.

Some people, once seen, could never be forgotten. And they were definitely not to be trifled with.

"Are you alright?"

A warm voice, like a gentle breeze, dispelled the darkness.

Gu Qingzhou looked up, stunned, at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere.

That gentle smile and outstretched hand…

At this moment, the handsome youth before him was like a long-lost ray of light shining into his life.

Instinctively, he reached out to take that hand.