The morning light, dim and shimmering through the delicately carved window lattices, cast dappled shadows on the floor. The gauze curtains hung low, revealing the dishevelled quilt on the bed. The air still lingered with the lingering scent of last night's lovemaking. Chen Xiaoru, supporting her aching waist, sat up, her jet-black hair cascading down like a waterfall, covering her fair shoulders and delicate collarbone. She frowned slightly, exhausted from last night's frenzy, her entire body feeling as if it had been torn apart and reassembled.

She lifted the brocade quilt and stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet. The contact of her skin with the cool ground made her shiver slightly. She looked around. The magnificent chamber was completely silent, with only the occasional chirping of birds outside the window. She walked to the dressing table, picked up the sandalwood comb on the table, and combed through her long hair. The woman in the mirror had a flushed face, and the corners of her eyes and eyebrows still carried the lingering youthful spirit, but her clear eyes were filled with a hint of resentment and helplessness.

"System," she called softly, her voice a little hoarse, "Give me the Multi-Fetus Pill... Alas, if Xuanyuan Che indulges himself in revelry every night, I'm afraid I'll be the first woman to die of exhaustion in her bed."

"Okay, host." The mechanical voice of the system sounded in her mind without any ripples. Immediately afterwards, a warm current flowed into Chen Xiaoru's body, instantly restoring some vitality to her originally tired body.

At that moment, the palace door was gently pushed open, and Xuanyuan Che's tall figure appeared in the doorway. He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, his dark hair tied up, revealing a smooth, full forehead and handsome features. He held the still-sleeping An An in his arms, a gentle smile on his face, as if the ice and snow had melted and spring had returned to the earth.

"Xiao Ru, you're awake." Xuanyuan Che slowly walked to the bedside and carefully placed An An beside her. He leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead, his movements gentle and affectionate.

Chen Xiaoru looked at An An sleeping soundly, a glint of maternal love in her eyes. She wanted to reach out and hug him, but her waist and back felt so weak that she had to give up. She looked up at Xuanyuan Che, forcing a smile, her tone tinged with resentment, "Your Majesty...you really were..." She hesitated, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

Xuanyuan Che raised his eyebrows, a hint of teasing flashing in his deep eyes. He stretched out his slender fingers, gently lifted her chin, and said in a low voice with a hint of hoarseness: "Why, my beloved concubine is not satisfied?"

Chen Xiaoru rolled her eyes at him, gently slapped his hand away, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, please stop making fun of me. My body can't stand your torment every night."

Xuanyuan Che laughed out loud, seeming to be in a good mood. He sat down on the bed, took Chen Xiaoru into his arms, and said softly, "It's my fault. I was too excited last night and forgot to pity you. I will pay attention in the future." As he spoke, he tucked in the corner of the quilt for her, his movements gentle and considerate.

Chen Xiaoru snuggled in his arms, feeling his warm embrace and strong heartbeat, and a warm current surged in her heart. She knew that although this man was domineering and strong, he had a rare tenderness and compassion for her.

"Your Majesty, don't you have to attend the morning court today?" Chen Xiaoru asked softly.

Xuanyuan Che shook his head, rubbed the top of her head, and whispered, "I have nothing to do today. I want to spend more time with you and An An."

Chen Xiaoru smiled slightly and said nothing more. She closed her eyes and quietly enjoyed this moment of peace and warmth.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

In the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, its golden rays filtering through the window lattices and illuminating the palace with a brilliant display. Chen Xiaoru was strolling in the Imperial Gardens, holding An An in her arms, admiring the vibrant blossoms. A gentle breeze carried wafts of floral fragrance, refreshing the heart.

At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps shattered the garden's tranquility. Several ministers hurried over, anxious expressions on their faces. Leading the way was the then Prime Minister, Lord Zhang. He was over fifty years old, his hair and beard white, yet he remained energetic.

"Your Majesty, we have something important to report!" Lord Zhang walked up to Xuanyuan Che, bowed, and spoke in a serious tone.

Xuanyuan Che frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand, signaling the maid to take An An away, then looked at Master Zhang and said in a deep voice, "Why are you so flustered?"

Lord Zhang raised his head and glanced at Chen Xiaoru who was standing next to Xuanyuan Che, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

Xuanyuan Che noticed his hesitation and said calmly, "Just say it."

Lord Zhang finally spoke, his tone heavy, "Your Majesty, since Concubine Chen entered the palace, there have been no newcomers to the harem. Now that Concubine Chen has given birth to a prince, the six palaces are practically useless. If this continues, it will be detrimental to the expansion of the royal family and the foundation of our ancestors!"

Several other ministers also echoed: "Your Majesty, please put the country first and fill your harem as soon as possible!"

Chen Xiaoru stood quietly by the side, her face calm, showing no emotion. She had long expected this day to come. The harem had never been a place where love was the only thing.

Xuanyuan Che's face darkened as he glanced at the ministers. A sense of oppression hung in the air. He snorted coldly, his tone icy as he said, "It's not your turn to dictate what happens in my harem!"

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhang and the others' expressions changed. They all knelt on the ground, shouting, "Your Majesty, please calm down! We are also concerned about the well-being of the Great Xia Empire!"

Xuanyuan Che stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes deep, his emotions unrecognizable. He was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice low and commanding: "I know your loyalty, but I know my own limits when it comes to my family affairs. There's no need to discuss this further!"

Zhang Da Ren and the others wanted to persuade them again, but Xuanyuan Che stopped them with a cold look. They had no choice but to kowtow and retreat.

After the ministers left, the Imperial Garden returned to peace. Xuanyuan Che turned around and looked at Chen Xiaoru with a hint of apology in his eyes. He reached out and gently held her hand, saying softly, "Xiaoru, I'm sorry for putting you in such a difficult position."

Chen Xiaoru smiled slightly, shook her head, and said calmly, "I am not wronged. I know that the emperor is a wise ruler and will not be swayed by these rumors."

Xuanyuan Che held her in his arms and whispered in her ear: "Xiaoru, I promise you, in my heart, there are only you and An An."

Chen Xiaoru snuggled in his arms, feeling his warmth and determination, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that this man was worth everything she had to give.

As the sun set, its golden afterglow cast a warm glow over the Imperial Garden. Xuanyuan Che and Chen Xiaoru walked side by side along the path among the flowers, followed by a group of palace maids and eunuchs.

Chen Xiaoru teased An An in her arms, a happy smile on her face. Xuanyuan Che would occasionally turn his head to look at her, his eyes full of doting and tenderness.