Exile Queen is Beloved
Chapter 54 - Painting

Qing Er stepped her feet first when the room where General Ye was in was opened by the guards, the woman walked firmly while looking to the left right. Yuan Shi stepped exactly some distance away from Qing Er at the back, as the two entered the room, the door was closed.

They were welcome to sit down while waiting for General Ye to come see them, not long after the middle-aged man with a thick beard and the charming general's clothes entered where Yuan Shi and Qing'Er were.

His eyes rounded then instantly plopped down in front of Yuan Shi. "O emperor, thank goodness you survived!" General Ye appeared to be stroking his own chest while Yuan Shi extended his hand ordering General Ye to stand up.

"How's the palace?" Yuan Shi clenched his hands resting on the arm of the chair.

"Suri's mother has gone too far, they announce your sudden death and will punish anyone who doesn't believe the news. The queen mother also asked the servant to return to duty within the palace." It was clearly General Ye who was still rested in front of Yuan Shi and also Qing Er.

"We must continue our journey to the Western Exile, after which I and the empress will return with the Prime Minister and his army." Yuan Shi downed the drink that General Ye's servants had provided.

"Let the servant come with the emperor, the servant army is ready to help and guard the emperor until he returns to the palace. Four more days is the coronation day of Consort Wu Zetian as the new ruler, if with us, the emperor's journey will be faster and easier." General Ye lowered his head and clenched his hands on his forehead while waiting for the emperor's reply.

Yuan Shi turned his head towards Qing Er who was still busy looking at her charming fingernails. "Emer, what do you think?" ask the man to the Queen.

Qing Er lowered her hand then smiled faintly towards Yuan Shi. "I agree with General Ye's proposal, our journey will be easier and our security will be assured."

"Thank you for the Queen's Majesty's concern, I will protect you to the fullest extent even with my own life!" General Ye then moved up and bowed in salute to his queen and emperor. "Now, it's time for you to have dinner. My servant, has prepared a lot of food for the emperor and the queen please not to refuse" the man continued.

Yuan Shi stood up then extended his hand to Qing Er, they all turned to another room to dine on the dishes that General Ye had provided. The smell of the food was so delicious, it made Qing Er's eyes slightly open wide, the roasted chicken still billowing its smoke, as well as some stir-fries and fresh fruits.

General Ye allowed the two to sit down, the complete banquet was conditioned suddenly showing how much General Ye appreciated the emperor.

"Qing 'Er seems hungry, eat two servings for the baby inside your stomach" Yuan Shi said as he let out a faint smile.

"Just relax, I won't waste the delicious food the general has prepared so hard." Qing Er chuckled, then greeted another laugh from General Ye.

"After a long time not meeting Her Majesty the Queen, now it looks very cheerful and more excited." General Ye ate the food first while smiling warmly at Qing Er.

There was no other answer but a faint smile from Qing Er who had now focused on her fine dining. Yuan Shi was also so, he devoured some main meals before finally finishing them quickly as there were still many things he wanted to talk about with the general.

After the dinner was over, Qing Er was escorted to the room to rest. Accompanied by Nemo, the woman was quite bored because Yuan Shi was having a private conversation with General Ye. "Can you make yourself visible? At least I don't have to talk to myself like crazy when seen by others" Qing Er complained.

"At least I'll keep you like my pet, how?" qing Er's eyes sparkled hoping that Nemo would agree to her request.

With a heavy heart and a rough gasp, Nemo agreed to Qing Er's request. "Well, only you can understand my language. While others only heard it as the ravings of an ordinary beast."

Qing Er stood up and held Nemo in joy, twisting her body and dancing cheerfully. "Thank you, I love you Nemo."

The door opened, and Yuan Shi, who had just finished talking with the general, looked at Qing Er with a subtle smile on his face. "Where did the beast come from?" asked oria was curious.

"So the little guy climbed into the window and went into the room. May I take care of him, Your Majesty?" Qing Er was still holding Nemo in her arms while Yuan Shi walked slowly closer towards the queen.

The Emperor stroked Qing Er's cheeks with affection and tenderness. "Of course, whatever makes you happy. I'll let it go, except for leaving me." The man's gaze became extremely serious and threatening which was then replaced with a warm hug that pinned Nemo between Yuan Shi's chest and also Qing'Er's.

"Can you let me go before making out?" furious Nemo.

Hearing Nemo's babble which he considered to be the language of ordinary animals, Yuan Shi laughed then took off his embrace from Qing Er and turned to stroking Nemo's soft fur. "Seeing from the look on his face, it looks like he's protesting loudly!"

"Emperor is right, this beast is indeed sometimes harsh. We better leave it outside the room first." Qing Er walked over while taking Nemo out of the room and leaving him there.

"Miss Su, you are outrageous!" Nemo gave a sneering chuckle from Qing Er before he finally returned to the room to meet Yuan Shi.

Yuan Shi stood in front of the window, gazing towards the star-filled night sky. Qing Er who was walking towards him, directly attached her hand to the emperor's body from behind. Yuan Shi immediately turned around and returned Qing Er's embrace, looking at her fixedly.

"I want to give you something" said the emperor, taking out a scroll from his clothes.

Qing Er smiled wordlessly, then opened the scroll slowly. His eyes widened when he saw a portrait of the painting on the piece of paper. "No way," he murmured.

"I've seen you for a long time as Su Mian," Yuan Shi touched Qing Er's chin and turned the woman's face up. Slowly, he leaned closer to Qing'Er and gently kissed her lips.

Qing Er accepted it willingly then wrapped her hands around the emperor's neck while grasping the previous painting. Kiss after kiss they continue to give to warm the hearts of those who are almost frozen.