Fortunately, Si Yuting was busy with official duties, and after greeting her, he returned to his study.
Leaving Qu Tong to face the enthusiastic Empress and butler.
The Empress held Qu Tong's hand, repeatedly stroking it gently.
Qu Tong's back was rigid, and goosebumps were about to form on her body; she desperately wanted to pull her hand back.
She really wasn't accustomed to such intimate contact with others.
Thankfully, Butler Chi served some coffee just in time, which allowed Qu Tong to finally free her hand.
"Tong Tong, we have to go to the Star Beast Zone in a couple of days. The conditions there are not good. Do you want to stay in the palace with Yuting for the next two days?" the Empress asked softly.
Qu Tong took a sip of coffee, neither agreeing nor refusing, but deferred the decision to Si Yuting, "I'll follow His Highness's wishes."
"Yuting's opinion is not important; he should listen to you," the Empress corrected.
