Chapter 67 Heartache Resolved, Sweetness Arises
Chapter Sixty-Seven: Heartache Resolved, Sweetness Arises
Ever since Su Su woke up crying from a nightmare that night, Li Qianche had harbored a doubt in his heart. He vaguely felt that her grief that night was not entirely a random nightmare, but perhaps... related to her "previous life".
However, seeing her crying so sadly, he ultimately didn't dare to ask any questions, for fear of touching on his own painful memories. Instead, he turned his doubts and heartache into more tender comfort.
As for Su Su, after she glimpsed the final truth of her past life in her dream that night, and learned that her rebirth was actually obtained by Li Qianche by defying the heavens by sacrificing nearly half of his lifespan, the ice that was frozen deep in her heart, called "fear" and "distrust," finally shattered and melted away, turning into a warm spring.
She no longer worried about repeating her mistakes, nor was she afraid of that fabricated poison. All misunderstandings and resentments vanished in the face of the truth. Only clarity and steadfastness remained in her heart: to cherish those before her.
With a clear mind, her behavior changed accordingly. She no longer confined herself to the small world of Yongshou Palace, but began to actively approach him with a sense of relief and love.
That day, she personally oversaw the preparation of a nourishing medicinal soup in the small kitchen. This was the first time since her rebirth that she had actively sought to see him in the Imperial Study. Carrying the food box, she walked along the palace path, her heart filled with an unprecedented lightness and anticipation.
Outside the Imperial Study, Shen Gaoyi saw the Imperial Concubine gracefully approaching, carrying a food box. His face immediately lit up with a smile, and he hurriedly went forward to greet her, bowing respectfully. His voice was filled with joy: "Greetings, Imperial Concubine! You've finally arrived! The Emperor is inside. Please come in!" He was secretly delighted, hoping that the Concubine would go in quickly, as the Emperor would surely be very pleased to see her.
Su Su smiled slightly at him, nodded, and went inside.
Li Qianche was engrossed in reviewing the first batch of memorials when he heard footsteps. Thinking it was Shen Gaoyi, he didn't look up. It wasn't until a familiar, light, sweet fragrance wafted into his nostrils that he suddenly looked up and saw Su Su standing gracefully in the hall, carrying an exquisite food box. He was stunned. This seemed to be the first time in many days that she had come to his study so proactively.
"Your Majesty," Su Su curtsied, her voice gentle, "I have prepared a medicinal soup for you. You have worked hard reviewing the memorials; please drink some to warm your stomach."
Li Qian snapped out of his daze, his eyes instantly filled with undisguised joy, and a gentle smile curved his lips as he reached out his hand to her: "My beloved consort is so thoughtful. Come here."
Su Su stepped forward as instructed, but he pulled her down onto his firm lap with a gentle pull. He rested his chin on her neck and took a deep breath of her unique, calming fragrance.
"Your Majesty!" Su Su's cheeks flushed slightly, and she instinctively struggled for a moment, "It's...it's not good for others to see this..."
Li Qianche chuckled softly, quickly planting a kiss on her delicate cheek. He glanced around the empty imperial study, his tone laced with a hint of mockery and self-righteousness: "Where is anyone here?" That old fox Shen Gaoyi had already slipped out silently the moment Su Su entered, thoughtfully closing the palace door behind him.
Su Su then noticed that only the two of them were left in the hall. Her face flushed even more, and she gently nudged him, saying, "Your Majesty, have some soup first, it's getting cold."
Seeing her struggle, Li Qianche reluctantly let go. Su Su got up, took out the soup bowl from the food box, and carefully placed it in front of him. Li Qianche took the soup spoon she handed him, scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth. The soup was warm and smooth, and the aroma of herbs and the freshness of the ingredients were perfectly blended.
"How is it? Is it good?" Su Su asked, standing to the side with a hint of nervousness and anticipation.
"It's delicious." Li Qianche looked up at her, his eyes filled with unreserved praise and satisfaction.
Upon hearing this, Su Su pouted slightly, with a hint of coquettishness as if she were bringing up an old grudge: "Your Majesty didn't say that before. Whether I was making soup or desserts, Your Majesty would only say 'acceptable'."
Li Qianche put down the soup spoon, reached out and pulled her into his arms again, letting her sit on his lap. His tone was gentle and sincere, as if he were apologizing: "Yes, it's all my fault. I didn't dare to express my preference for the things I like. I won't do it again, Susu, don't be angry."
He gently shook her, "I promise, from now on, I will tell the truth about everything Su Su makes."
Hearing his candor, the little bit of resentment Su Su had felt before disappeared. Leaning against him, feeling the steady heartbeat from his chest, she felt incredibly at ease.
"In a few days, it will be the wedding day of your brother Su Jizhi and Miss Pei." Li Qianche stroked her hair and suddenly said, "Would you like to leave the palace and see it for yourself?"
"Really?" Su Su suddenly raised her head, her eyes shining with surprise. "Your Majesty... can I really leave the palace to go see it?" Concubines were not allowed to leave the palace at will, let alone attend wedding banquets outside the palace.
Li Qianche looked into her bright eyes and nodded with a smile, "I'll take you with me. Are you happy?"
"I'm so happy!" Su Su immediately beamed and leaned forward to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Li Qianche was pleased by her sudden initiative and deepened the kiss until they were both a little breathless before they finally let go.
"Your Majesty, please drink your soup, it's getting cold." Su Su blushed as she slipped out of his arms and urged him.
Li Qianche was in a great mood and obediently finished the rest of the soup. After putting down the soup bowl, he took her hand and said, "When you have time in the future, how about you come to the Imperial Study to keep me company? I am quite bored here all by myself."
Su Su raised an eyebrow, and asked playfully, "Isn't Your Majesty afraid that I might see some important state secrets that I shouldn't have seen while I'm here?"
Li Qianche didn't care at all, he wrapped her slightly cool little hand in his palm, his tone full of doting and trust: "Don't be afraid. My Susu can see whatever she wants. There is nothing in this world that you can't know."
Su Su felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She smiled and said, "Then Your Majesty, please attend to your affairs of state. I will stay here and read a book casually, without disturbing Your Majesty."
Li Qianche smiled and agreed, picked up his vermilion brush again, and looked back at the memorial. Su Su, meanwhile, strolled leisurely around the imperial study.
She walked to the huge bookshelf against the wall, hoping to find a travelogue or a collection of essays to pass the time. As her gaze swept over the rows of book spines and she leaned down slightly to search, her toe inadvertently kicked an inconspicuous rosewood box on the very bottom shelf.
She crouched down and curiously dragged the box out. The box wasn't locked, and she gently opened it—inside were not books or memorials, but stacks of neatly arranged scrolls.
She casually picked up the top painting, unfolded it, and her cheeks flushed instantly. The person in the painting was none other than herself! Moreover... she was completely naked, only vaguely covered by a light veil, languidly reclining on a chaise longue! The brushstrokes were delicate, perfectly outlining the curves of her body, her expression alluring and seductive, vividly portraying her.
Her heart suddenly raced, and she hurriedly flipped through the paintings below. Each one depicted her! Some were fifteen years old, just blossoming into womanhood, their youthful innocence already hinting at allure; others were of her newlywed, wearing a bright red bodice in the Hall of Joy, shy and bashful; still others were of her in the Imperial Study, resting at his desk while he secretly sketched her; and even others were of her in the bath, her figure partially obscured by the steam… Whether lying down, sitting, standing, or leaning, without exception, they were all completely naked, displaying the utmost in sensuality and explicitness!
Su Su's face turned so red it was almost bleeding. She was both ashamed and angry. She picked up the box of "evidence" and stormed to the imperial desk. She slammed the box of paintings down in front of Li Qianche.
"Your Majesty! How could you draw these in private... these..." She was too ashamed to speak. "If others see these, how can I face anyone?" As she spoke, she grabbed the top few sheets and pretended to tear them up.
"No!" Li Qianche reacted quickly, snatching the painting back and protecting it in his arms like a precious treasure. His face even showed a mixture of heartache and righteous indignation. "These are my treasures! Who dares to enter the Imperial Study and look at them without my permission?"
"You... Your Majesty is lewd!" Su Su stomped her foot in anger, her cheeks flushed red, like ripe cherries.
Li Qianche put the drawing back into the box and closed it. He stood up, walked to her, and reached out to take her hand, but she dodged him. He chuckled, his voice magnetic and seductive: "Su Su, in this life, I have only ever been 'vulgar' to you."
These words only added fuel to the fire. Su Su was filled with shame and indignation. She glared at him fiercely, turned around and ran out of the imperial study, forgetting even to take the food box.
That night, for the first time ever, the gates of Yongshou Palace were left open for the Emperor.
No matter how Shen Gaoyi relayed the message outside, only Chunlan's trembling yet incredibly firm reply came from inside: "Your Majesty... Her Majesty said she is not feeling well and has already rested. Please ask the Emperor... to come another day."
Standing outside the palace gates, the emperor, having been turned away, touched his nose. Far from being angry, a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
Finally, as the moon hung high in the sky and all was silent, a lithe figure in bright yellow, with practiced ease, scaled the wall of Yongshou Palace and silently slipped into the Imperial Concubine's bedchamber, precisely reaching the familiar rosewood canopy bed...
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