TSFLIP Chapter 248

“Flirtatious? You haven’t seen what flirtatious truly looks like.” Feng Guang chuckled softly, reaching out to grip the man’s chin. Since he was restrained, he could do nothing to resist. Seeing the defiance and anger in his eyes only piqued her interest further. With a quick tug, she pulled down the black cloth covering his face. Clicking her tongue in amusement, she remarked, “Not bad-looking at all.”

The man’s sharp, chiseled features were revealed, his fair complexion and cold, steely gaze contrasting with the fury in his expression. Her tone, as if appraising an object, only deepened his scowl.

From the corner of her eye, Feng Guang noticed Xia Fengya’s eyes lighting up at the sight of his face. Indeed, the man was quite handsome.

Feng Guang released his chin and raised her hand. A maid stepped forward and handed her a handkerchief, which she used to leisurely wipe the hand that had touched him. “Let me guess—breaking through the heavily guarded palace just to see me. Could it be… you secretly admire me?”

“You’re spouting nonsense!” His anger flared, clearly unaccustomed to dealing with someone so shameless. “Dongyang City has been plagued by floods for months. The people are displaced and suffering. Yet here you are, living in luxury, indulging yourself. You are unfit to be the ruler of this nation!”

“How dare you!” Qian Qiu bellowed.

Feng Guang waved him off, realizing the assassin was nothing more than a passionate idealist. In a tolerant tone, she asked, “Then tell me, what should I do?”

“Open the treasury to help the people rebuild their homes. Open the granaries to prevent famine and disease!”

“Hmm…” Feng Guang rubbed her chin, appearing thoughtful. “You do make a valid point. But have you considered how much of that money and food would reach the people by the time it traveled from the capital to Dongyang City?”

“What?”

“Surely you know that in any government, there are good officials and bad ones. I can’t even say I fully trust the court officials, let alone you.”

The man fell silent, realizing he hadn’t thought that far.

“I see you tried to kill me to fight for the people,” Feng Guang continued, her tone almost teasing. “But how could you be so cruel as to attempt to kill a fifteen-year-old girl? Tell me, what should I do with you?”

“You—”

“You what?” Feng Guang suddenly slapped him across the face. “Call me ‘Your Majesty.’”

The unexpected slap left the man stunned.

Qian Qiu, accustomed to the empress’s unpredictable behavior, wasn’t surprised. “He attempted to assassinate Your Majesty, a crime punishable by death. He should be taken to the noon gate and executed.”

“Elder Sister!” Xia Fengya, who had remained silent until now, interjected, “I don’t think we need to kill him so hastily. Maybe we should interrogate him first to see if he has any accomplices?”

Still reeling from the slap, the man blurted out, “I acted alone. I have no accomplices.”

Xia Fengya glared at him. Wasn’t it obvious she was trying to save him? How could he be so dense?

“There’s no need to rush his execution.” Feng Guang smiled. “Since it was your idea to help the disaster victims, I’ll let you handle it.”

Her words shocked everyone present.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to save the people?” Feng Guang continued. “Very well, I’ll grant your wish. Hear me now—I appoint you as the imperial envoy, tasked with delivering funds and grain to Dongyang City.”

Qian Qiu immediately protested, “Your Majesty, this is highly inappropriate!”

“Appropriate or not, I decide.” Feng Guang’s tone shifted as her eyes narrowed. The lazy demeanor she often carried disappeared, replaced by an aura of regal authority that commanded respect and fear.

Qian Qiu was struck by the transformation. For a moment, he thought he was seeing the late emperor himself. Afraid to speak further, he lowered his head in submission.