Because of his pregnancy, even if Xue Shen lost control, he didn't dare to do anything.
But Shen Youying was just too delicious tonight, and he couldn't resist taking another bite. At first, Shen Youying was able to do it herself, but in the end, he took the initiative again, and she cried until her eyes were red, her toes curled up in shame, and her whole body turned pink.
Xue Shen kissed her again and again, and when he finally kissed her chapped lips, he licked them with a touch of heartache: "They're all chapped. I told you not to force yourself."
Shen Youying subconsciously licked the corner of her lips, suppressing her embarrassment as she said, "I didn't expect it to be like this either."
She dared not look at Xue Shen; her eyelashes drooped and trembled incessantly, like a lamb offering itself as a sacrifice.
Xue Shen couldn't resist kissing her again. When his kisses reached her lower abdomen, he paused, gently rubbing it with his hand. Remembering what had just happened, he frowned slightly and asked, "Does your stomach feel uncomfortable? Should we ask Master Huodong to take a look?"
Shen Youying was startled and rushed over to hug him tightly, her voice trembling with anxiety: "No."
She hadn't actually intended to swallow it, but being inexperienced the first time, she choked and instinctively swallowed.
If she were to invite Master Huodong because of this, she would never be able to face anyone again in her life.
Hearing that she was almost in tears, Xue Shen had no choice but to give up and coaxed her, "If you feel unwell, tell me immediately?"
Shen Youying gave a muffled "hmm," feeling as if her whole body was about to burst into flames.
Seeing that she was clinging to him and wouldn't let go, Xue Shen figured she was afraid he would have to go find Master Huodong again, so he adjusted his position to make it easier and more comfortable for her to hold him.
Shen Youying instinctively curled up in his arms, her nose filled with the faint sandalwood scent emanating from him. She comfortably pressed her face against him, rubbing against him with a tender and contented lingering affection.
Xue Shen ran his fingers through her hair, combing her long, black locks. This feeling of physical intimacy and spiritual connection dispelled the previous gloom, calming all the turmoil of worldly affairs that had been churning in his heart.
Just as Shen Youying depended on him, he also cherished Shen Youying.
Only when he held her in his arms could Xue Shen feel a long-lost sense of peace and contentment.
*
Three days later, the "alignment of the five planets" that Master Huodong had predicted based on celestial changes indeed occurred.
That night, the weather was clear and the stars were bright, a welcome change from the past.
Shen Youying, Xue Shen, and Master Huodong gathered on the mountaintop, watching as Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars aligned as a single line against the dark night sky.
In fact, the so-called "alignment of five planets" is just a special celestial phenomenon. It is only because it rarely occurs that it has been described as something mystical by our ancestors.
But now, as Shen Youying stood under the dome, looking up at the stars in the sky, she did not find it particularly wondrous.
Instead, it was the impending events that worried her more.
The alignment of five planets is an extremely auspicious sign, occurring only once in a century, and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau naturally observed it as well.
The following day, news spread from the palace that the Emperor was overjoyed and not only granted a general amnesty but also planned to personally lead a large-scale sacrificial ceremony at Mount Tai.
Upon receiving the news, Xue Shen chuckled and instructed Wang Deshun, "Go to the palace to deliver the message and express your gratitude, so that His Majesty may be even more delighted."
Wang Deshun exclaimed "Hey!" and hurriedly headed towards the capital with his hands tucked in his pockets.
Shen Youying asked, "Should we return to the capital first?"
Xue Shen nodded: "It's time to go back." He squeezed Shen Youying's hand: "This time when we go back, there will definitely be a lot of trouble. Are you afraid?"
Shen Youying shook her head: "No matter how great the storm, we will be together."
Xue Shen's expression softened as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and solemnly replied, "Okay."
*
The palace was in a frenzy over the preparations for the sacrificial ceremony at Mount Tai.
However, thanks to the auspicious omen of the "five planets aligning," Emperor Cheng'an's long-dormant spirits were lifted. He even felt that his heavy body was lighter than usual, and he had the energy to receive court officials.
He was discussing the trip to Mount Tai with the Crown Prince and two prime ministers when a palace servant came to report: "Your Majesty, the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Qin's residence requests an audience."
The Prince of Qin possessed a token for entering and leaving the palace. Wang Deshun, as the chief secretary of the Prince of Qin's residence, was in charge of all affairs of the residence. In order to show his care and love for his nephew, Emperor Cheng'an once issued an order that if the Prince of Qin had any business, the chief secretary of the Prince of Qin's residence could be granted an audience with the emperor.
However, the King of Qin was quite sensible. He usually entered the palace himself and had never allowed the Chief Secretary to enter the palace without being granted special permission.
Emperor Cheng'an felt uncomfortable upon hearing the name "Prince of Qin," and the smile on his face faded. He propped himself up on his knees and asked, "What business do you have requesting an audience?"
The young eunuch who delivered the message shook his head: "The Chief Secretary of the King of Qin didn't say anything, but judging from his expression, it seems like a happy occasion."
Emperor Cheng'an frowned unhappily, wondering what joyous occasion the Prince of Qin could possibly have.
Even if there is good news, there is no need to send someone to the palace to tell him.
Hearing that it was not an urgent matter, he was not in a hurry to summon them, saying, "Since it is not an urgent matter, please wait a while, and I will discuss matters with the two prime ministers."
The young eunuch withdrew, while Emperor Cheng'an continued his discussion with the Crown Prince, Wang Yuanguang, and Xie Lianhong.
Emperor Cheng'an was enthusiastically planning his trip to Mount Tai, while Xue Heng was somewhat lost in thought, wondering what might be going on. He then ordered Xue Shen to send Wang Deshun to the palace.
As he was pondering, Emperor Cheng'an called him. He quickly snapped out of his thoughts and heard Emperor Cheng'an bring up the matter of choosing a crown princess again: "You are not young anymore. I know you are grieving the loss of your wife, but you are the crown prince. Your offspring are related to the fate of the country, so you cannot act recklessly. When I go to Mount Tai this time, you will be in charge of the court. After I return, you should also establish a crown princess."
Xue Heng lowered his eyes and bowed deeply: "Father, may your reign last a thousand years; there is no need to rush to have offspring."
No matter what Emperor Cheng'an or the senior officials in the court said, he remained unmoved.
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