As he watched her changes, he unconsciously felt the tips of his ears gradually turn red, like ripe cherries.

"You haven't slept well these past few days. I'll be with you tonight so you can get some good sleep."

Xuan Ling lay down beside her, and Sheng Xiyan hummed nervously.

Is he still watching her?

Sheng Xiyan couldn't resist the focused attention, so she closed her eyes and gently pinched his clothes on her chest.

Xuan Ling lay on his side, looking at her gently with eyes twinkling with stars, and raised his hand to stroke her hair.

Spring comes, summer goes, autumn harvests, winter stores,

We have a long way to go.

He owns this vast territory, but he has never longed for a passionate love.

After finally meeting a woman of his dreams, he wants to take good care of her and wait patiently for the moment when she blooms.

The feeling of waiting is wonderful, and every day is full of hope and expectation.

At the age of twelve, Xuan Ling ascended the throne. After eight years of hard work, he finally regained power. This was the most fulfilling thing in his life.

Now, facing the woman in front of him, he is willing to give his true heart and longs for a love that is mutually compatible.

He held her hand, closed his eyes, and gradually fell asleep.

The next morning, when they woke up, their faces were filled with sweet smiles of understanding.

Sheng Xiyan carefully helped Xuan Ling wash and dress. The last step was to kneel down to adjust his belt and hang the jade pendant on him.

Just as she was about to bend her knees, Xuan Ling reached out and pulled her up, "Didn't you hurt your knee? There's no need to kneel."

Sheng Xiyan hung up the jade pendant, hugged his lean and strong waist, put her cheek on his broad chest, and said in a soft voice:

"Your Majesty, I slept exceptionally soundly last night. It seems that sleeping beside you nourishes my body. I immediately regained my energy."

Xuan Ling pinched her nose and said lovingly, "Oh? So Yanyan is a fairy?"

Sheng Xiyan raised her head, blinked her beautiful eyes, and said in a soft and coquettish tone, "What if it is true? Would the emperor be willing to give her some dragon energy to nourish Xiyan?"

Xuan Ling looked at her cute appearance and couldn't help but chuckle. He lowered his head, slowly approached her lips, and blew gently.

The warm breath blew across her cheek, making Sheng Xiyan tremble all over, as if an electric current passed through her body.

Xuan Ling raised his eyebrows, a smile on his lips, and asked softly, "Do you feel it?"

A blush appeared on Sheng Xiyan's face. She nodded shyly and twisted his waist coquettishly.

"Got it. I will be extra energetic today."

Xuan Ling took her hand and went out, saying gently: "Okay, I'll be free at noon, you go to the East Warm Pavilion and wait."

Xuan Ling boarded the imperial carriage, and Sheng Xiyan bowed and said shyly, "Master Xuan, see you at noon."

After hearing her words, Xuan Ling couldn't help but smile and waved goodbye.

Jingren Palace.

Today, all the palace members paid their respects to each other. Concubine Shu took a leave of absence because she was punished to kneel last night. Sheng Xiyan also took a leave of absence.

Everyone started chatting, and the topic revolved around which palace Emperor Xuanwu visited most recently.

Concubine Liang said sourly, "I heard that the Emperor went to Sheng Chongyuan's place last night. She has slept with him the most this month. She is really capable."

Concubine Jia rolled her eyes and echoed, "She's just a foxy woman, always using shameful means to seduce the emperor!"

Empress Duan smiled and said, "It's a good thing that Sheng Chongyuan is favored by the emperor. It shows that she serves the emperor wholeheartedly. As concubines in the harem, we should value harmony and not always speak harshly."

All the concubines stood up and said respectfully, "We will follow the Queen's instructions." Only Concubine Jia looked disdainful.

After the morning meeting, Queen Duan kept Concubine De.

Defei looked at the queen's belly, and a hint of envy flashed in her eyes.

He complimented her, "It's been seven months. Your Majesty's belly has grown quite a bit, and the dragon fetus is growing strong and healthy."

Empress Duan nodded and smiled, "My health is getting worse and worse, and I feel a little overwhelmed. Now, I urgently need someone who can help manage the affairs of the harem. I see that Concubine De is calm and steady, so I want to ask the emperor to let you assist in managing the six palaces."

Upon hearing this, Concubine De quickly said modestly, "I am not talented enough to take on this important task."

As he spoke, he started coughing.

Empress Duan asked for hot tea to be served. "Is Concubine De all right?"

De Fei coughed and gasped, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I also want to contribute to the harem, but my health is not good. I am unable to do so. I am afraid that I will delay the affairs of the six palaces. I think Shu Fei, Liang Fei, and Jia Fei are all very good."

Empress Duan sighed and said, "They each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Since you are not in good health, I cannot force them."

"Thank you, Queen, for your consideration."

When Concubine De left Jingren Palace and returned to Changchun Palace, the maidservant dared to ask, "Your Majesty, why don't you help manage the six palaces? It's so glorious now."

Concubine De chuckled and said, "A moment of glory is a death warrant. I won't be stupid enough to be the first to take action."

"Then your Majesty doesn't want revenge?"

De Fei said worriedly, "It's still early, Shu Fei and Liang Fei are still strong."

At noon, Sheng Xiyan arrived outside Guanju Palace.

The eunuch in front of the emperor came forward and said, "My Lady Sheng, the Emperor has specifically instructed me to take you to the East Warm Pavilion in a sedan chair."

Hua Xia helped Sheng Xiyan onto the bridal chariot and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is so kind. He thought that my lady's knee was injured and sent someone to pick you up."

Sheng Xiyan nodded and said, "Your Majesty is truly understanding."

The maidservant in the side hall immediately ran to report to Dun Shuyuan, "My lady, isn't it the concubines who can sit on the chariot? How did Lady Sheng get to sit on it?"

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