Chapter 292 Intoxicated by Him

About two weeks later.

The last carriage, laden with luggage, slowly drove out of the heavy palace gates in the afterglow of the setting sun.

As the palace gates slammed shut, emitting a dull and long echo, the entire harem seemed to be swept away by the last clamor, falling into an unprecedented tranquility.

In the past, even at night, there were always faint sounds from the palaces, such as the sound of string and wind instruments from one palace, the light footsteps of palace servants, or the whispers of one of the concubines.

At this moment, all was quiet except for the soft whistling of the wind blowing through the eaves and the regular dripping of the water clock.

This deep palace, which once bore witness to the joys and sorrows and struggles of countless women, finally fell silent in the twilight.

Narcissus stood alone by the window of the main hall of the Reiwa Palace, gazing at the sky outside, which was gradually being stained with ink.

This is where she struggled, plotted, and climbed step by step to the pinnacle of power after her rebirth.

From a lowly maidservant who could be sacrificed at any moment, to an empress who held the imperial seal and ruled the world... countless memories flashed through her mind.

Narcissus slowly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, all the chaotic memories in her mind had returned to calm.

"Your Majesty," Shu'er entered and announced softly, "His Majesty has arrived."

Shui Xian snapped out of her thoughts, turned around, and saw Emperor Zhaoheng stepping in.

He dismissed the palace servants, walked to her side, and naturally raised his hand to interlock his fingers with hers.

The man's gaze softened: "Is everything taken care of?"

Narcissus nodded: "Yes, the last batch has already left the palace, and arrangements have been made at the temporary palace."

"Thank you for your hard work, Xian'er."

Emperor Zhaoheng grasped her hand, his slightly rough fingertips gently stroking the base of her thumb, with a soothing tone. "Dinner is ready. Come with me to the Qianqing Palace."

Narcissus was slightly taken aback.

It wasn't uncommon for her to have dinner at the Qianqing Palace, but usually it was when there were important matters to discuss, or when he was reviewing memorials late into the night and she went to keep him company.

This was the first time I'd ever been greeted so specially, with a tone as casual as a husband inviting his wife home for dinner.

She suppressed her confusion and let him lead her out of the Lihe Palace, a place that held so many of her memories.

The moment Shui Xian stepped into the Qianqing Palace, she keenly sensed the difference.

The hall was brightly lit and still solemn and majestic, but the air was no longer filled with the heavy scent of ambergris, but with the light and refreshing scent of styrax that she preferred.

The imperial desk remained in its original position, but to its side and behind, by the window, a slightly smaller but equally exquisite rosewood desk was placed, neatly arranged with the Four Treasures of the Study, as well as several books on agriculture, sericulture, and water conservancy that she had been reading recently.

Her gaze shifted again, and on the display shelf against the wall, half of the antiques and jade artifacts that were originally displayed had been moved away, and the empty space was filled with a few pots of orchids that she liked, and a set of glass chess pieces that she would occasionally play with.

Even at the entrance to the inner palace, a small and exquisite chaise lounge was added, covered with a soft silver-red brocade cushion, with her embroidery basket and unfinished needlework placed next to it.

This...this is no longer the Qianqing Palace that symbolized supreme imperial power, cold and distant.

"Mother!"

Just as Narcissus was stunned, Yongning ran out of the inner palace happily and hugged her leg.

Immediately afterwards, the wet nurse also came out carrying Qingyan and Qinghe, who had just learned to walk.

When the two little ones saw the daffodils, they immediately opened their little arms and started babbling, wanting a hug.

Yongning looked up excitedly and announced, "Mother! Father said we'll all live here from now on! Yongning has a new bed, and my brothers will live next to us! We'll be able to eat with Father and Mother every day from now on!"

Shui Xian's heart skipped a beat as she realized the meaning behind Yong Ning's words. She turned to look at Emperor Zhao Heng in astonishment.

Emperor Zhaoheng, with a gentle smile on his lips, stepped forward and took her hand.

He smiled slightly, and his voice to Shui Xian was different from his usual voice to Yong Ning.

The voice was deeper and softer at this moment, "This is our home... I don't want you to be just an empress who serves me according to the rules. I want you to be fully integrated into my life, like the most ordinary couple, sharing every moment in this palace."

He wasn't asking for her opinion; he was showing her the decision he had already made.

Emperor Zhaoheng not only wanted her, but also wanted her life to be completely intertwined with his, with no distinction between them.

Dinner was held in a warm pavilion next to the inner palace. There were no elaborate rituals or a cloud of palace servants. Only the emperor and empress and their three children were present.

Emperor Zhaoheng even dismissed the eunuchs who were serving the dishes, and personally picked up the silver chopsticks to serve Shuixian her favorite steamed fish. He also carefully removed the fish bones from Yongning's plate and fed the twins soft and sticky porridge.

Yongning chattered excitedly about the new characters she had learned that day, while Qingyan and Qinghe waved their little spoons, getting food all over their faces and giggling.

There were no undercurrents in the imperial court, no scheming in the harem, only warm lights, delicious food, and the innocent laughter of children.

As Shui Xian sat there, watching Emperor Zhao Heng patiently deal with the children, she felt a pure warmth she had never experienced before or since her rebirth. The cold corner in her heart seemed to be completely soaked by this warmth.

This is a real sense of belonging.

The corner in his heart that had been dimmed by the departure of the concubines was finally brightened by Emperor Zhaoheng's actions.

A slight smile appeared on Narcissus's lips, and her heart felt warm, like the approaching summer season.

After dinner, the children were taken to bed by their wet nurses.

Emperor Zhaoheng did not immediately go to review the memorials as usual, but instead took Shuixian's hand and said softly, "Come with me somewhere."

He led her through layers of palaces, along a spiral staircase that Narcissus had never walked before, to an open-air platform at the highest point of the Qianqing Palace.

The platform is spacious, and the white marble railings are exquisitely carved.

Standing here, you can overlook most of the imperial city.

The layers of palace roofs gleamed with a cool luster under the moonlight, like a lurking beast, firmly sealing and guarding this world.

But when you look up, you see an unobstructed, vast, and boundless galaxy.

The stars were numerous, and the Milky Way was clearly visible, as if it could be reached out and touched.

The night breeze was cool, carrying the fresh scent of spring and summer plants.

Emperor Zhaoheng took off his cloak and carefully draped it over Shuixian's shoulders. Then he embraced her from behind, his arms slowly tightening around her slender waist. His gaze reflected not only her figure but also the starry sky.

"Xian'er".

Emperor Zhaoheng called her name, his voice particularly deep and gentle under the silent night sky, as if afraid of disturbing the starlight.

"I know that in the eyes of the world, disbanding the harem is an extraordinary sacrifice I have made for you."

He tilted his head slightly, his cheek brushing against her soft, dark hair, and continued, "But I want to tell you today that this is not only for you, but also for myself."

“I sit on this throne of supreme power, seemingly possessing the world, but in reality, I am surrounded by ministers, scheming, and power struggles... I am tired of that kind of life.”

Emperor Zhaoheng grasped Shuixian's shoulders and looked into her utterly gentle eyes.

She was always like that, like the most stable and warm harbor, sheltering him when he was physically and mentally exhausted.

Emperor Zhaoheng's voice was slightly hoarse as he raised his hand and tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear.

"I only want to be here, to be your husband alone, and to be the father of Yongning, Qingyan, and Qinghe."

"This world is my responsibility, but you... only you are the place I am willing to return to."

The Milky Way shines brightly, and the night breeze is gentle.

Narcissus did not answer; any words seemed pale and powerless at this moment.

She simply raised her head slowly, and under Emperor Zhaoheng's deep and affectionate gaze, she took the initiative to tiptoe and pressed her lips to his cool yet soft thin lips.

Narcissus thought that what was outside the palace was ultimately none of her concern.

She has always been a content person. In this second life, she can give birth to several lovely children, use her abilities to protect those she wants to protect, and even contribute to the lives of the people she cares about...

That's enough.

Is that enough?

She slowly closed her eyes, trying to ignore the other sounds that seemed to be echoing in her mind.

She always focused only on things that could be changed.

In this second life, she gradually made her way to this place.

Her breathing became rapid, and at that moment, Narcissus's emotions surged.

As spring transitions into summer, the night breeze is warm and gentle.

Emperor Zhaoheng draped his cloak over the ground and leaned down to press it down.

Narcissus, bewildered, used her hand to shield herself from the broken sounds, feeling his kisses brushing downwards.

Before her lay a dazzling starry sky; from her vantage point, she could see neither the imperial city nor its high walls.

What met her eyes was only the vast, boundless starry sky.

Emperor Zhaoheng reached forward, groped and grasped her hand, interlocking their fingers.

The man's knuckles were prominent, and his fingertips were rough, which seemed incongruous with her delicate skin, as he caressed and teased her fingertips.

Narcissus gently closed her eyes, her whole body seemingly tinged with the crimson of yesterday's fiery sunset.

I vaguely heard something.

Besides those subtle, inconspicuous sounds, what else...?

Bang--!

Fireworks exploded, their brilliance surpassing even the stars, reflected in the night sky and in her eyes.

"Xian'er..."

Emperor Zhaoheng cupped her face in his hands, saw the confusion in her eyes, and softly called her name.

Do you like it?

Narcissus hummed in agreement, and Emperor Zhaoheng gently curved his thin lips into a smile before leaning down to kiss her.

He leaned against his bright yellow dragon-patterned cloak, making the fireworks even more dazzling. Narcissus couldn't resist climbing onto his strong, broad shoulders, her fingertips digging into his powerful back muscles.

"Yiheng!"

Narcissus called out his name with deep emotion.

A hint of crimson seemed to flash in Emperor Zhaoheng's eyes as he kissed away her breath.

"Xian'er... Xian'er..."

He responded to her with fascination, kissing away the sweat on her forehead, his wild manner as if he wanted to devour her whole to satisfy his craving.

Fireworks burst forth against the canvas-like sky.

All night long, without stopping...