Chapter 100
She looked at Song Xuan and pointed to her protruding belly, saying happily, "The baby moved just now, and he really likes the wontons you made!"
Although she used the child in her womb as a tool, she couldn't help but develop some affection for the child during the months she was pregnant.
When Song Xuan heard her mention "baby," he gently stroked her protruding belly, his movements careful not to hurt her.
The moment his large hand touched Shen Qingnian's lower abdomen, the baby in her belly moved, as if kicking with its little feet, causing Song Xuan's eyes to widen slightly and his gentle face to show a hint of surprise.
“Baby, baby kicked me…” Song Xuan’s expression was a mixture of surprise and joy.
He had heard of fetal movement, and many times he had gently stroked Qing Nian's belly, hoping that the baby inside would move. However, the baby seemed to be playing tricks on him, and never moved when he touched Qing Nian's lower abdomen.
Seeing Song Xuan's surprised expression, which even changed her expression, Shen Qingnian couldn't help but smile and say, "Baby really liked the wontons after eating them."
"Eat as much as you like," Song Xuan said, his dark eyes shining with excitement.
He continued to feed Shen Qingnian wontons bite by bite. The baby in her belly remained active, as if it really liked the wontons, which made Song Xuan touch it again and again.
Soon, Shen Qingnian couldn't eat anymore. She only ate more than half of the small bowl of wontons, but she ate more of the cucumber salad and mutton. Song Xuan was very happy that she ate more tonight than usual.
After eating the wontons, Shen Qingnian felt drowsy. Knowing that she hadn't been sleeping well lately, Song Xuan personally washed and dressed her before carrying her to the bed.
The palace lanterns inside were dim, with only two lit. The elegant scent of jasmine mixed with green bamboo filled the bedchamber. The floor heating was warm, and the two windows were open, letting in the cool night breeze, which carried the fragrance throughout the room.
On the bed, Shen Qingnian's eyes were slightly closed. She had fallen asleep a little while washing up earlier. Song Xuan was sleeping next to her, and his gentle voice sounded in her ear: "Qingnian, Father has been unwell lately. Today he told me that he wants to abdicate in the next two years."
My father's health has been poor lately, and he himself has been considering abdicating.
Upon hearing Song Xuan's words, Shen Qingnian's long, raven-feather-like eyelashes trembled, and her heart pounded wildly.
She turned to the gentle man beside her: "Why does Your Majesty suddenly want to abdicate?"
When she was newly married to the man, His Majesty mentioned abdication. She thought he was just testing her, but she never expected that he really had this intention.
Song Xuan stretched out his long arm and pulled her into his arms. The man gently rubbed his head against her neck and explained in a soft voice, "Father only has me as his son, and he has put a lot of effort into cultivating me. The Song family's empire has been passed down through three generations of single heirs. Father was about my age when he ascended the throne."
My father now intends for me to succeed to the throne. Although he has stepped down as Emperor Emeritus, he will not remain in seclusion; he will still frequently attend court to assist me.
In a royal family with many princes, a struggle for the throne would ensue, and the most outstanding individuals would inevitably emerge. However, Emperor Song only had one son, Song Xuan, and they were very close. The emperor abdicated early and recommended Song Xuan to the throne, which was a good way to cultivate him.
It can teach Song Xuan how to handle political and factional matters, and can also prevent the new emperor from being manipulated by scheming officials after the emperor truly abdicates.
Shen Qingnian nodded in agreement. No wonder Song Xuan had been so busy these days; he must be preparing for his succession.
Her eyes flickered, and a plan suddenly came to mind—a plan that would allow her to leave quietly.
However, this plan can only be devised after Doctor Xu enters the palace.
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