Chapter 443 Taking a Bath

At this moment, the inner hall of Weiyang Palace is warm and cozy, with gentle candlelight.

Jiang Huan was resting against the soft pillows, her gaze gently falling on the two little ones.

They had just eaten and drunk their fill, and were in high spirits.

Huo Yue was exceptionally lively, her big, dark eyes darting around curiously, waving her little hands and kicking her swaddling clothes restlessly, trying to catch the swaying light and shadows in front of her.

Huo Chen was much quieter, simply gazing at the tassels of the canopy above his head, his small mouth occasionally moving slightly, appearing quite composed.

"You two siblings are quite different, one quiet and the other active."

Jiang Huan lay on her side, her fingertips brushing against her daughter's waving little fist, and then she was amused by her son's mature and composed appearance.

"One looks like he's about to lift the roof and fly to the sky at any moment, while the other looks like he's here to inspect work on earth, so calm and composed that he doesn't seem like a baby."

Just then, the wet nurse came in carrying a small basin filled with warm water and a soft cloth.

"Your Majesty, it's almost time. It's time to wipe the little prince and princess down."

Jiang Huan nodded slightly and instructed, "Be careful, have you tested the water temperature?"

"We've tried everything, Your Majesty, please don't worry," the wet nurse replied, carefully stepping forward.

The moment the swaddling clothes were removed, Huo Yue seemed to regain her freedom, her little hands and feet waving even more joyfully. When she was placed in warm water, she was not afraid at all, but rather seemed to have found paradise.

She waved her little hands, splashing the water's surface with a pattering sound, giggling and radiating energy.

As for Huo Chen, when he was put into the water, he only moved slightly. He was neither excited like his sister nor afraid at all. He kept his clear black and white eyes open and quietly watched the wet nurse's movements, looking like he was enjoying himself.

After finishing his official duties, Huo Lin quietly entered the room, walked straight to Jiang Huan and sat down next to her, his gaze falling on the two children.

He maintained his usual calm and aloof demeanor, but upon closer inspection, one could see that his gaze towards the children was so tender it could melt hearts.

[Yue'er's energy is just like her mother's; she's full of energy, like she's going into battle after a bath.]

[Is the splash too big? Don't let her choke, wet nurse, keep your hand steady.]

[Chen'er is quite composed; he's so young yet already possesses such tranquility, just like me.]

[But why is this kid staring at the roof beams? What's so interesting about that?]

Huo Lin remained outwardly calm, but his heart was pounding with anxiety as his daughter splashed around in the water. He unconsciously leaned forward slightly, as if he wanted to personally protect her, afraid that something might go wrong.

Jiang Huan noticed his subtle movements and chuckled inwardly.

Tsk tsk, he's practically burning with anxiety inside, but he's keeping a straight face.

All fathers are the same; no matter how aloof they are, they can't escape getting nervous and anxious when their precious daughter splashes water.

"Don't worry, the wet nurse is more experienced than you," Jiang Huan couldn't help but tease him softly, reaching out to gently tug at his sleeve. "Look how nervous you are, anyone who didn't know better would think there was some kind of ferocious beast in the water."

Huo Lin felt a slight heat in his ears after she pointed it out, but he forced himself to remain calm and grabbed her mischievous fingers with his other hand.

"When did I become nervous? I was just... worried that she would catch a cold."

Jiang Huan smiled secretly, not exposing his lie.

After finally finishing her bath, the wet nurse wrapped the two fragrant little bundles in soft, dry cloths and dressed them in comfortable little clothes. Then, she respectfully retreated to the outer room to wait, leaving the inner room to the two of them.

As soon as the palace doors closed, Huo Lin's aloof exterior seemed to melt away instantly.

He leaned closer to the crib, extended his index finger, and touched his daughter's increasingly rosy cheeks.

"Yue'er, did you have fun playing in the water today?" His voice was gentler than ever before, with a hint of coaxing.

Huo Yue opened her big, dark eyes and looked at her father's face, which was so close to hers. She seemed to find it amusing, so she reached out her little hand and grabbed a strand of Huo Lin's hair that was hanging down, and giggled.

【Oh dear, my darling, be gentle, be gentle, it's my hair.】

[Fine, as long as she's happy. Let her talk. I have plenty of hair anyway.]

Huo Lin muttered to himself, but his face was full of indulgent smiles. Instead of struggling, he adjusted his position to make it easier for his daughter to hold on.

He turned to look at his son, Huo Chen. The little guy was probably tired from taking a bath and was already drowsy. His long eyelashes covered his eyelids, his little mouth was slightly open, and his breathing was even and long.

Huo Lin gently brushed his son's soft forehead with his fingertips, smoothing out his slightly furrowed brows.

"You brat, all you do is sleep," he chuckled softly, his tone full of affection.

[Sleeping so soundly, how will he protect his younger sister in the future?]

Well, they're still young. They need to eat and sleep a lot to grow strong.

Jiang Huan leaned back on the couch, watching this heartwarming scene before her, and couldn't help but smile slightly, outlining a happy arc.

Although her face was slightly pale, her always bright and smiling eyes appeared even clearer in the warm candlelight.

A few strands of black hair hung loosely beside her cheeks, adding to her languid and serene charm.

Huo Lin seemed to sense something, raised his head, and met Jiang Huan's smiling gaze.

His gaze was gentle and focused, filled with undisguised love and admiration.

Their eyes met, and Huo Lin's heart skipped a beat, a faint blush creeping up his ears.

[She's looking at me like that again. We're an old married couple, we have two kids, why is she still like this...]

No, it must be too hot inside the hall.

He coughed lightly, feeling a little awkward, and tried to look away, but couldn't help glancing at her quickly, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

Inside the hall, candles burned quietly, casting a warm and tranquil light that projected the shadows of the family of four onto the wall.

The two children gradually drifted off to sleep, their breathing soft, even, and long.

Jiang Huan also felt drowsy. She leaned against the soft pillow, and her eyelids began to droop.

Huo Lin carefully untied his daughter's hand from his hair, tucked her in, checked his son, and then turned to Jiang Huan.

He helped Jiang Huan lie down slowly, covered her with a brocade quilt, and moved as gently as if she were a fragile treasure.

“Go to sleep,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Jiang Huan’s hand, which was outside the blanket. “I’m here.”

Feeling the warmth from his palm, Jiang Huan softly hummed in agreement, obediently closed her eyes, and quickly drifted off to sleep.

After confirming that she and the children were sound asleep, Huo Lin slowly withdrew his hand.

He bent down and kissed Jiang Huan and the two children on the forehead before turning around and quietly walking out.

The palace doors closed silently behind him, shutting out the warmth and tranquility of the inner chamber.

All warmth vanished from Huo Lin's face, replaced by a renewed sharpness and majesty befitting an emperor, his eyes now cold and profound.

It's time to thoroughly clean up some of the unsightly dust.