Chapter 24 The People in the Painting Seeking Summer Retreat

In the eleventh year of the Qianyuan era, in the middle of the sixth month.

The palace was sweltering, and the cicadas outside were chirping and growing hotter day by day. Just then, Consort Rong recovered from her illness, and the Emperor issued a special edict: Choose an auspicious day to depart for the Taihua Palace to escape the summer heat.

The Imperial Astronomical Bureau selected June 16th as an auspicious day for the imperial procession. At the same time, they reported to the Emperor that auspicious omens of phoenixes and dragons had appeared in the sky, indicating auspicious energy. The procession then proceeded northwards towards the Taihua Palace.

After a moment's thought, the Emperor decreed that officials accompanying him on this summer retreat may bring their female family members.

Upon hearing this, the court officials were once again stirred, feeling that the Emperor had finally compromised and was preparing to expand the harem. Many officials began to count whether they had any eligible daughters in their families, hoping to take advantage of this opportunity to enter the palace as concubines or even compete for the position of Empress.

Emperor Qianyuan was well aware of his ministers' private schemes, but he had no intention of stopping them.

All of this was done intentionally by him. His actions of marrying his wife and making her empress were already nine-tenths coerced, so he would never let his wife suffer even the slightest grievance in any other matter.

No wife should be denied any of the honors she deserves.

...

On the morning of the 16th, the Emperor's entourage arrived in the capital at 9:00 AM and headed north.

Officials followed in carriages, forming a grand procession with fluttering banners.

The carriages of the Duke of Wei's mansion were also among those traveling.

Before leaving Beijing, Meng Jingqiu invited Xie Mengjun to sit with her, asking, "Why haven't I seen your aunt?"

With a pastry in her mouth, Xie Mengjun mumbled, "The palace maids said that the Empress Dowager really likes my cousin, so she invited her to ride in the carriage with her and won't be with me."

She swung her leg and added, "The Empress Dowager really likes my cousin now!"

A few days ago, the palace eunuchs brought a lot of things to the Xie residence, saying they were gifts from Consort Rong. They almost filled the storeroom. Now everyone knows that Xie Jingxuan, the Duke of Xie, is favored by the Emperor. Although his granddaughter Wen Miao is a widow, she has risen in status because of Consort Rong's favor and has become a noble lady in the capital, envied by everyone.

Although serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, the emperor's favor is still something many people try their best to obtain.

"The Empress Dowager's carriage must be very luxurious and comfortable."

Meng Jingqiu sighed with a hint of envy, then whispered, "Mengjun, will your cousin get married again in the future?"

Before leaving the capital today, Meng Hanzhou privately met with Meng Jingqiu and asked her to inquire about Wen Miao with Xie Mengjun. Meng Jingqiu pressed for the reason, but Meng Hanzhou just shook his head and didn't say.

Meng Jingqiu couldn't figure out her brother's thoughts. In her mind, she still thought Meng Hanzhou liked Xie Mengjun, which was why she wanted to learn more about Mengjun's elders so that she could get along with them and please them in the future.

Xie Mengjun was stunned for a moment when asked the question.

Meng Jingqiu immediately grabbed Xie Mengjun's sleeve and whispered, "Do you know something?"

Xie Mengjun thought of His Majesty.

His Majesty once asked her if she liked her cousin, and Xie Mengjun said she liked her very much. Later, His Majesty asked her if she wanted a new cousin's husband, so Xie Mengjun asked, "Would a new cousin's husband treat my cousin well?"

What did His Majesty say at that time?

His Majesty said he would.

Xie Mengjun then asked His Majesty who her new cousin-in-law was, and His Majesty told her that he would be the most powerful person in the world.

The most powerful person must be His Majesty. So, did His Majesty do so many things before because he liked his cousin and wanted to marry her?

"Xie Mengjun, snap out of it!" Meng Jingqiu pinched Xie Mengjun's soft cheek and couldn't help but urge her, "You haven't answered my question yet!"

Xie Mengjun snapped out of her daze and said slowly, "I'm still young, how could I possibly know about such things?"

Meng Jingqiu: "You're not young anymore. In a few more years, you should be getting married."

Xie Mengjun: "I don't want to get married. Staying at home is so much better!"

"But girls should get married when they grow up!"

...

The two girls debated whether they should get married when they grow up. As for Wen Miao, whom they had mentioned earlier, he was not in Consort Rong's carriage, but was riding in the same carriage as the current emperor.

The imperial carriage was spacious and fully furnished, but Wen Miao only sat in the seat furthest from Emperor Qian Yuan.

"Is my wife still angry with me?"

Emperor Qianyuan held a scroll in his hand, glancing at it casually, but his gaze was mainly focused on the woman opposite him, as if he could never get enough of looking at her.

Her face was like a lotus blossom, her skin as smooth as snow, her eyes filled with tears, her lips as red as crimson, and her body as full and exquisite as plump. Sometimes, Emperor Qian Yuan wondered how his wife could be so beautiful, how she could be so perfectly shaped and loved by him.

He liked the beautiful, plump, mature and gentle Wen Miao now, and he also liked the little goddess in his dreams who grew from a snowy child to a graceful young woman over the past ten years.

She only regretted that he wasn't the one who accompanied her through every stage of her life.

At this moment, upon hearing the emperor's question, Wen Miao bit her lip, not wanting to pay attention to him. She felt that the person beside her was extremely hateful no matter how she looked at him, and she must never be soft-hearted and be deceived by him again!

To tell this story, we have to go back to the night before we went to Taihua Palace—

Wen Miao originally planned to return to the Xie family residence before going to the Taihua Palace to escape the summer heat, to see her maternal grandfather, Meng Jun, and the two young girls, Shi Cui and Wan Bi. After all, she had been in the palace for several days now, and it was only right for her to go back and see her family.

However, Emperor Qianyuan seemed to have developed a taste for cohabitation and became very persistent with her.

At first, Wen Miao thought she could reason with the emperor and then wait until the next day to ride in the Xie family's carriage to accompany the emperor. In any case, she couldn't escape.

But Emperor Qian Yuan refused, coaxing and begging Wen Miao to stay with him. Wen Miao couldn't argue with him, so she turned cold and ignored him. It wasn't until late at night, when it was hot outside the palace and cicadas were chirping, that she lay on the couch unable to fall asleep. Emperor Qian Yuan happened to hear the noise.

So the shameless emperor climbed onto his wife's bed, grasped Wenmiao's calves and ankles, and knelt between her legs, earnestly begging for forgiveness.

The woman, with her hair loose, lay on the dragon bed and couldn't help but ask why—it was just a matter of meeting once and staying at the Xie residence for one night, so simple, why didn't His Majesty agree?

At that time, the emperor, kneeling between Wen Miao's legs, only carefully kissed her knees, whispering his jealousy in a hoarse voice.

envy?

Wen Miao didn't understand.

The mighty ruler of the Great Chu, who reigns supreme over the four seas and ten thousand men, would he be jealous? Jealous of what? Jealous of her maternal grandfather and Meng Jun?

At that time, Wen Miao's eyelashes were still wet with physiological tears from being kissed so hard that her knees felt hot and numb. Her eyes were red and her gaze was misty as she looked at Emperor Qian Yuan. She didn't even notice the strand of hair between her rosy lips.

The emperor carefully raised his hand to tuck a strand of hair from Wen Miao's lips behind her ear, his voice low and husky, as if he were revealing a rare glimpse of his true emotions.

"I envy that they are remembered by my wife... After the summer retreat, my wife will have plenty of time to spend with them, but she is unwilling to give me these days?"

If he weren't afraid of his wife's depressed mood, he would have loved that she only had eyes for him and in her heart.

Emperor Qianyuan knew very well that although his wife appeared weak and easily bullied, she had her own principles deep down. He dared not cross that line, so he could only pretend to be virtuous and generous, showing his love for his wife and the people she valued.

But how could anyone else compare to a single strand of Wen Miao's hair?

Perhaps it was the heat of the summer night that made her restless; or perhaps Wen Miao had clearly seen the emperor's inferiority complex. In any case, she couldn't help but soften her heart, so she raised her hand to stroke Emperor Qian Yuan's hair, and then gently hugged his head to comfort him.

This posture was purely comforting to Wen Miao—just like when they were at the Xie residence, Xie Mengjun would occasionally come over and act coquettishly, burying her head in Wen Miao's arms, and she would gently stroke the back of the other's head with her palm.

Xie Mengjun said that her aunt always had a scent that made people happy.

But at that moment, Wen Miao forgot that she was not facing a teenage girl, but a dangerous, mature man who coveted her deeply.

On her nightgown, his hot breath landed right on Wenmiao's soft belly.

The man, whose head was gently held in her arms, knelt down and remained stunned in her embrace for a long time, as if savoring the moment, consciously letting himself sink into depravity.

Wen Miao's soft heart and tolerance were to Emperor Qian Yuan no less than the strongest and finest wine in the world, enough to intoxicate him with just one sip.

Soon, Wen Miao, who was lying on the couch, noticed the change in the emperor's emotions—

A burning hot body, rapid breathing, taut muscles, and hands trembling slightly with excitement...

Realizing the danger too late, Wen Miao couldn't help but back away, but Emperor Qian Yuan held her waist firmly and couldn't let go even a little bit. He kissed her again and again through her thin nightgown.

He was so entangled in the moment that he mumbled things like "My lady smells so good" and "My lady is so soft," which made Wen Miao blush and feel a chill run down her spine. She just wanted to grab his ear and push his head out of his arms.

That night, Emperor Qianyuan pressed his nose against Wen Miao's lower abdomen and asked in a hoarse voice if his wife could sleep.

Wen Miao blushed and trembled with embarrassment, as if her whole body was itchy, but she stubbornly insisted that she could fall asleep.

But the man kneeling before her chuckled hoarsely, “It was my abruptness that aroused your interest, Madam. In that case… I should apologize to you.”

What crime should be compensated for?

How to apologize?

Although Emperor Qianyuan did not go all the way, he kissed his beloved wife from head to toe, inside and out.

Sure enough, he received another trembling slap from his wife. It wasn't very strong, and it was covered in damp, warm, fragrant sweat. He had to lick it like a dog, feeling full but never satisfied.

Wen Miao sometimes really felt that the emperor who was lying on top of her was a completely uncivilized beast!

Taming beasts...can she even tame them? She'd probably be devoured by those wild beasts who take the "reward" without asking before she even begins.

"What are you thinking about, Madam?"

Emperor Qianyuan's voice jolted Wen Miao, who was sitting in the carriage, back to reality from the previous night's memories. Her heart skipped a beat, fearing that the other party would discover her thoughts.

Wen Miao: "It's nothing."

The emperor stroked the spine of the book in his hand, "This is the first thing my wife has said to me today."

Wen Miao pursed her lips: "If Your Majesty hadn't done those things, I wouldn't be in this situation."

"...I couldn't help it."

As he spoke, Emperor Qianyuan put down the book in his hand, wiped his hands with a damp cloth beside him, picked up a ripe red lychee from the small table, and slowly peeled it.

After peeling it, he raised his hand and brought it to Wen Miao's lips.

Wen Miao intended to catch it with her hand, but the emperor raised his hand slightly forward, and the glistening, translucent fruit touched her lips.

Emperor Qianyuan: "Shall I feed my lady?"

We've come this far, what's the big deal now?

Wen Miao pursed her lips and slightly opened her mouth to comply with the other party's wish.

She realized that Emperor Qian Yuan was usually very easy to talk to when he was with her. He was considerate, meticulous, and had a good temper. However, there was one thing to note: his extremely possessive and controlling nature was usually manifested in his care for Wen Miao. No matter how much Wen Miao refused, he always managed to achieve his goal.

Lychees are juicy and sweet, but they shouldn't be eaten in excess. Wen Miao ate four and then shook his head. Seeing this, Emperor Qian Yuan gave up, and a clear look of regret flashed across his face—he hadn't fed them enough yet.

It took half a day to get from the capital to the Taihua Palace. Only the emperor's carriage was spacious and comfortable enough that Wen Miao did not feel uncomfortable sitting in it. If it were an ordinary family's carriage, her back and legs would probably be sore from the journey.

The Taihua Imperial Palace, located in the far suburbs, is nestled among verdant, layered mountains.

The vermilion palace walls, like a dragon, meander along the lush mountainside, while sunlight falls on the blue glazed tiles, reflecting a flowing, water-like ripple of light.

The Taihua Palace can be traced back to the founding emperor of the Great Chu Dynasty, more than a hundred years ago. As it served as a summer palace for emperors of successive dynasties, it was renovated almost every three to five years to ensure that the emperors could stay there comfortably.

Below the palace lies a vast hunting ground, surrounded by mountains and forests. In the center, a large open grassland has been cleared out, which was used by the emperor and his ministers for summer hunting.

When the imperial carriage arrived at Taihua Palace, it was already afternoon, and the sun was beginning to set. Servants hurried through the palace, which had been quiet all year, to arrange accommodations for the accompanying officials and their female relatives.

While everyone was still waiting to enter the palace, Emperor Qian Yuan had already led Wen Miao in through a side gate and walked along the forest path.

Outside the forest, the sun blazed fiercely, while beneath the dense canopy, a cool and refreshing shade pervaded the air.

This path, with its rough and uneven stone steps, leads up a long way, taking at least the time it takes to burn an incense stick. Normally, one could be carried up this path in a sedan chair, but Emperor Qianyuan did not want so many people following him, so he dismissed the palace servants and left Xu Sheng and Zhang Ji far away.

On the stone steps, Emperor Qian Yuan took a step forward, his sleeves drooping, and took Wen Miao's hand.

Of course, Wen Miao was unwilling at first, but she couldn't resist the emperor's persistent nagging, and the stone steps in the mountains were indeed difficult to walk on, so she let him hold her hand.

As she walked, Wenmiao's breath hitched slightly, her jade-like face flushed with a faint blush, and a few beads of sweat glistened on the tip of her nose, giving her a moist and radiant beauty.

After the serious illness last year that left her in a daze and causing her to lose her memory, Wen Miao's body had actually recovered quite well. Apart from occasional unavoidable headaches and menstrual problems caused by cold, there was nothing else wrong.

Even so, her stamina hadn't caught up yet, and her legs were already starting to feel weak after walking for only a short while.

Emperor Qianyuan noticed the change in the breathing rate of the person behind him. He stopped and turned to look at Wen Miao, who was blushing and panting.

"Madam's physical strength is still somewhat lacking."

He chose this path because he wanted to take his wife for walks more often.

Whether it's the current Wen Miao or the goddess who lived in his dream in the past, both have mediocre physical strength.

However, a few days ago, when Physician Fang took Wen Miao's pulse, he mentioned this issue. Wen Miao didn't care, but Emperor Qian Yuan couldn't.

Emperor Qianyuan knew best that his wife was not fond of moving around, which made her naturally delicate and fragile. A light touch could leave a mark, and if she moved too vigorously, her breathing would become disordered, and she could not hold on for long.

The emperor then said, "Let me carry the lady on my back."

Wen Miao pursed her lips. She also realized that her strength was not keeping up, but seeing the faint smile on Emperor Qian Yuan's lips, as if he had expected this scene, she was unwilling. She shook her head and said breathlessly, "No, I can continue."

This time, the emperor simply said, "Then, my lady, take my hand, and I will accompany you."

Wen Miao paused, her fingertips still curled in the other's palm, warm to the touch. She glanced at Emperor Qian Yuan, pursed her lips, and continued staring at the stone steps beneath her feet as she ascended.

The main area on both sides of the stone steps is mountain forest. Through the mountain, one can see officials and women waiting below the Taihua Palace. It is a lively scene in the distance, but Emperor Qianyuan and Wen Miao, who are in the forest, enjoy a quiet and peaceful time.

After walking halfway, Wen Miao's strength was completely exhausted.

Emperor Qian Yuan, who always listened to her breathing rhythm, didn't ask any questions this time. Instead, he took the initiative to squat down and gently tugged at the shawl on Wen Miao's sleeve.

— He practically pulled the person directly to his side.

"Let me carry my wife on my back."

Xu Sheng, who was following far behind, widened his eyes once again. He felt that ever since the Empress appeared, His Majesty seemed to have become a different person—

His Majesty used to be a cold-blooded and ruthless emperor, with nothing on his mind but the state and politics; now His Majesty has become gentle and tender because of His Majesty the Empress, and to put it bluntly, Xu Sheng always felt that His Majesty was somewhat like the mastiff in the palace's animal park...

Snap!

Xu Sheng hurriedly slapped himself lightly.

No, no, this kind of thinking is unacceptable!

Zhang Ji glanced at Xu Sheng, his face full of doubt: "Are there mosquitoes?"

Xu Sheng rolled his eyes, indicating that he didn't want to talk to this brute!

At the front of the stone steps, Wen Miao lay on the emperor's back.

When he was a child, he was neglected in the cold palace and was thin and small for a long time, looking much smaller than his peers. It was only later, when he went on military trips and underwent high-intensity training every day, that he gradually grew into the tall, upright, broad-shouldered, and narrow-waisted figure he is today.

Compared to him, Wen Miao, whose figure was considered normal and plump for a woman, appeared much smaller and more delicate, as if she could be easily lifted up by Emperor Qian Yuan with one arm.

Wen Miao placed her hand on the emperor's shoulder, feeling an astonishing heat from the thigh supported by his palm. Despite carrying such a "heavy" object on his back, Emperor Qian Yuan not only didn't pant, but also moved with the ease of flying.

...gives people a strong sense of security.

Inside the Taihua Palace halfway up the mountain, everything had already been arranged by the palace servants who had been instructed in advance. Clumps of bamboo grew inside, and the high-roofed palaces were not fitted with wooden doors, but were covered with light gauze. The entire palace was covered in soft white, and a cool mountain breeze, carrying the fragrance of grass and flowers, passed through the halls, refreshing the mind and body.

During this summer retreat, Emperor Qianyuan did not share a palace with Wen Miao again, but the two still stayed next to each other, only a hundred or so steps apart; as for Consort Rong, the emperor arranged for her to stay in the furthest place, but it was rumored that Wen Miao was still favored and stayed with Consort Rong.

Because Wen Miao was there, Shi Cui and Wan Bi were also specially summoned to come up the mountain to serve their master.

When the emperor went to escape the summer heat, his officials accompanied him. Emperor Qian Yuan had important matters to attend to, so Wen Miao went inside the palace to change her clothes first.

Although it was cool in the mountains, Wen Miao had still sweated quite a bit from walking up the stone steps. She simply cleaned herself with a wet wipe behind the screen, but her skin still felt sticky, as if it were covered with a layer of velvety heat.

Just then, Shi Cui spoke up: "There's a hot spring behind this hall, why don't you soak in it, Madam?"

Wen Miao also felt unwell; her calves were sore and tired after walking halfway up the stone steps, so she nodded in response.

The warm spring at the back is directly connected to the palace. There are no doors or windows in between; the entire area is separated by screens, and through the shadows, one can still glimpse the mountains, forests, wildflowers, birds, and butterflies outside.

Wen Miao liked the environment here. She carefully walked down the water with Shi Cui and Wan Bi by the hand, her clothes piled up to the side. Only when her body was completely immersed in the water did she let out a soft and comfortable sigh.

Meanwhile, at the foot of Mount Taihua, the young men in the procession were allowed to go hunting in the mountains first, while the women could rest in the outer hall of the palace, and the accompanying officials had to discuss matters with the emperor first.

Xie Mengjun and Meng Jingqiu were both a little tired after riding in the carriage all the way, so they went to the outer hall to rest together.

Meng Hanzhou mounted his horse and followed the other young men of similar age toward the hunting grounds, somewhat absentmindedly, occasionally reaching up to touch his clothes as if he were hiding something.

Just as they entered the woods, Lin Su, the son of the Minister of Revenue, caught up with them.

He pulled on his horse, controlling the force to ram his friend. Just as he was about to greet him loudly, he saw Meng Hanzhou looking flustered and trying to grab something.

"Eh—"

Lin Su chuckled and, using his horse to move forward, managed to grab the other's item before Meng Hanzhou could.

It was a rolled-up scroll. The knots used to secure it had come loose, and when Lin Su lifted it up, the scroll naturally drooped down, revealing the painting hidden inside.

"I'd like to see what you've hidden—"

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Su stared at the scroll painting for several breaths in a daze.

Meng Hanzhou reacted quickly, snatched it away, hurriedly rolled it up and stuffed it into his arms, his ears turning completely red.

Lin Su unconsciously raised his hand to rub his nose and whispered, "Meng Hanzhou, who is that painting of of you...?"

Meng Hanzhou paused for a moment, then said somewhat awkwardly, "Nobody."

"No one else could draw so meticulously? Could it be the young lady you admire?"

Everyone in the capital who is close to Meng Hanzhou knows that this young master may look like someone who is good at wielding swords and spears, but in reality he is a master painter. He is a disciple of Xiao Wei Xiao Gong and his brush paintings of ladies are so lifelike that they have been praised by famous artists!

Lin Su narrowed his eyes, recalling the mature and alluring appearance of the woman in the painting, but he couldn't match her with the noble lady from the capital.

"The person in the painting seems a bit older than I am... Meng Hanzhou, you wouldn't happen to have fallen for a married woman, would you!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Meng Hanzhou's voice was slightly stern. He glanced around cautiously and, seeing that the others were far away and unaware of their movements, breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Keep your mouth shut and don't tarnish Madam's reputation!"

"Madam?" Lin Su raised an eyebrow. "So the person you admire has really already married..."

"Her husband died long ago!"

Lin Su blinked and rode closer. "Tell me, what exactly happened? If you really can't figure it out, I'll give you some advice."

Meng Hanzhou hesitated for a moment. This matter had been weighing on his mind and he was really feeling uncomfortable. Seeing that Lin Su was indeed very concerned, he opened his mouth and spoke his mind. However, he vaguely mentioned the identity of the lady and did not let Lin Su guess that she was a female member of the Xie family.

Lin Su listened and nodded. "You mean that on the Dragon Boat Festival, the lady fell in love at first sight with him, and afterwards, she tried to express her feelings to someone through a gauze curtain, but instead saw the fabric on the man's clothes behind the curtain? Are you sure?"

Meng Hanzhou nodded.

"I'm sure. I sent someone to the cloth shop to inquire afterwards, and it turns out that those kinds of patterns and designs have always been used only by men."

"Moreover, I asked people to inquire at all the major cloth shops in the capital, but I couldn't find a single one that had similar fabric... So I suspect that person's identity is not simple."

"I just don't know what he means by treating Madam? He actually hides behind the veil, afraid to show his face. Even when I confessed my feelings to Madam, he acted like a coward. I think he's a spineless coward with no sense of responsibility! Even if such a guy has power and influence, how can he be worthy of Madam? He must be using sweet words to deceive Madam's kind heart and trying to coax her into becoming his mistress!"

Otherwise, the lady wouldn't have refused him!

In Meng Hanzhou's opinion, he was the one worthy of the lady! As long as the lady married him, she would be the future Duchess of the State, and he would go to the battlefield to earn her an imperial title!

Lin Su stroked his chin, still feeling the amazement he had felt at the woman in the painting. Although he was curious about her true identity, he also wanted to offer advice to his friend. "Has the person you admired come to the palace today?"

Meng Hanzhou nodded.

Lin Su: "In that case, why don't we go and find out what's going on?"

Meng Hanzhou was taken aback.

Lin Su: "This is an opportunity. According to your analysis, that spineless coward is not of low status, and he might even be among those who have come to escape the summer heat. If he were so interested, why wouldn't he have gone to see the woman in the painting these past few days? If you keep watch in advance, once he shows up, you'll know his identity. Then you can expose him in front of the woman you admire. Why worry about not having an opportunity? Maybe that lady will even thank you for saving her from this hellhole!"

Upon hearing this, Meng Hanzhou felt a surge of heat rising in his chest, urging him to do something.

Just thinking about his wife smiling and thanking him made Meng Hanzhou feel hot all over and his mouth dry.

Lin Su: "How about it? Do you want me to go with you?"

A breeze rustled through the trees, and Meng Hanzhou said in a hoarse voice, "Go, we must go!"

He knew that his wife had been invited by Consort Rong and must be in the depths of the Taihua Palace, which belonged to the royal family. But when his feelings for her overflowed, how could reason possibly stop them?

Even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, Meng Hanzhou will explore it today!

-----------------------

Author's Note: I'm going to be on the new book chart tomorrow, so tomorrow's update will be moved to after 11:30 PM. Thank you for your support!

I recommend a similar pre-order: "My Deceased Ex-Husband Was the Emperor".

"My lady, who makes you more comfortable, me or him?"

[Self-conquest/Self-jealousy/His beloved emperor × A voluptuous and beautiful/temperamental widowed mistress]

Chu Qingyi lived in Jinling for a long time and married a hunter.

After their marriage, the hunter treated her very well, always putting her first, and they lived a peaceful and prosperous life.

Chu Qingyi thought it would always be like this.

Who would have thought that in the second year of their marriage, her husband fell into the deep mountains and was never seen again, neither alive nor dead.

Three years after her husband's death, Chu Qingyi was approached by a nobleman from the capital and learned that she was actually a descendant of the Duke's family who had been left outside the capital.

She was brought back to the capital as a widow, a situation she found awkward. She only intended to stay away from the turmoil and live a low-key life.

Unexpectedly, at a palace banquet, Chu Qingyi saw her "dead" ex-husband wearing a dragon robe, his crown tassels swaying gently—it was none other than the current Emperor Chenyuan.

*

Emperor Chenyuan often had a dream in which a woman smiled sweetly and kissed his lips, acted coquettishly in his arms, pinched his ear and scolded him as a "lecher," and called him "husband" with teary eyes, begging him to be gentle and slow.

Every time he woke up from his dream, Emperor Chenyuan felt that the woman was reckless and frivolous, and wondered why he couldn't forget her.

Until that day at the palace banquet, he saw the beautiful widow who had just been brought back to the Duke's mansion.

She was exactly the same as the woman who bit his lip in his dream.

The emperor, who ruled over the entire country, thought that once he tasted it, he might never forget it.

*

later--

In the dimly lit imperial study, Chu Qingyi's wrists were bound, rendering her unable to move.

The emperor slowly removed her hairpin, letting her black hair fall loose, and kissed her raised, snowy neck.

He listened to the trembling sobs of the beautiful woman in his arms and asked in a hoarse, low voice:

"Madam, did your late husband ever kiss these places?"

Notice:

① Both are virgins, the female lead is a time-traveler, and the male lead is an emperor.

②It's a cliché amnesia trope, but the male lead absolutely loves it.

③The female lead is a beautiful and voluptuous older sister, while the male lead is a secretly crazy younger man.

Thank you for your support.