That night, the Emperor stayed at the Moon Viewing Pavilion.
In the middle of the night, Hua Qingqing was suddenly startled awake.
She threw herself into the Emperor's arms, crying, and sobbed out a plea.
"Your Majesty, save me!"
The Emperor quickly sat up, holding her as he asked.
"What's wrong?"
The palace maid and eunuch on night watch heard the commotion and hurried in, lighting the candles in the bedroom one by one.
Hua Qingqing looked up, her tear-filled eyes gazing at the Emperor.
"I just dreamed a dog was biting me—the same dog that bit me in the Plum Garden today. It kept chasing me, and no matter where I ran, I couldn't shake it off. I was so scared... *sob*..."
The Emperor soothed her. "Don't be afraid. It was just a dream. Nothing in a dream is real."
At that moment, Hua Qingqing was lying in the Emperor's arms, her own arms wrapped around his neck. Her delicate, soft body trembled unceasingly; she truly looked terrified.
