The night is getting darker.
A thin mist rose over Xingyue Lake, adding to the ethereal beauty of the "Nine Heavens Embracing the Moon Palace" suspended in the heart of the lake.
Lin Feng dismissed everyone and stood alone on the terrace, gazing into the distance.
His face was devoid of the joy and warmth of the daytime; instead, it was filled with a deep, still calm.
Was he really as happy as he appeared?
Not entirely.
Su Wanqing's pregnancy did indeed bring him the joy of becoming a father for the first time.
But as an emperor, he was more concerned with the profound impact of this event on the entire power structure of the empire.
The emergence of an heir will ignite the ambitions of countless people.
In the imperial court, the civil officials who rely on the power of Su Wanqing's family will inevitably become more united, and their power will further expand.
Within the imperial harem, the war surrounding the "dragon seed" has already quietly begun.
He deliberately uttered the words "prince" during the day to ignite this fire.
He needs competition.
Whether in the imperial court or in the harem.
Only competition can maintain vitality. Only competition can prevent one company from becoming dominant.
The art of rulership lies in maintaining balance.
Today, he bestowed upon Su Wanqing the highest honor, placing her on the throne of "Queen".
Tomorrow, he can go and favor the other concubines, giving them hope.
He wants all the pieces to revolve around him, the player.
He wanted everyone to understand that everything they received was a gift from him. He could give, and he could take it away at any time.
"His Majesty."
Longte's figure reappeared behind him like a ghost.
"explain."
"Consort Qian has sent someone with a 'Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup' that she personally prepared, saying that you are busy with many affairs of state and need to nourish your body. She herself is currently in the 'Cheng'en Hall,' burning incense and bathing, awaiting your summons."
A mocking smile curled at the corner of Lin Feng's mouth.
This is a small sum of money, but the action is swift. So quick, they couldn't wait any longer.
"Pour out the soup," Lin Feng said calmly. "Tell her I'm tired tonight and to rest early."
“Yes.” Lonte showed no surprise, as if he had expected this outcome.
He was about to leave.
"Wait a minute," Lin Feng called out to him again.
"Any movement from Qin Lan's side?"
"Your Majesty, General Qin practiced spear fighting for two hours at the training ground. Afterwards, she returned to the palace to bathe and change. According to my observation, she changed into the black palace dress that you bestowed upon her last time."
"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. "Is she planning to come looking for me?"
"This servant dares not presume to speak."
Lin Feng smiled.
He knew Qin Lan's personality all too well. This woman was proud, strong-willed, and never admitted defeat. Su Wanqing's pregnancy was probably the biggest shock to her.
He was eager to see how this female warrior would "declare war" on him.
"Let her come over," Lin Feng said. "Tell her that I want to discuss with her the issue of troop deployment for the 'Northern Border Defense Line'."
"Yes, sir." Longte withdrew.
Lin Feng turned around and walked back into the hall.
Instead of going to the study, he went into a "star-gazing pavilion" with a dome made of a single piece of transparent crystal, which was used specifically for stargazing.
He knew that tonight, he would not be facing any major military or national affairs.
Rather, it is a most primal and interesting contest between men and women.
...
Half an hour later.
Qin Lan entered the "Star Gazing Pavilion".
She did indeed change into that black palace dress.
This palace dress was personally designed for her by Lin Feng. The fabric was the finest silk with subtle patterns, tightly wrapping around her powerful yet curvaceous body.
The high slit revealed her incredibly long and shapely legs, honed by years of horseback riding.
Instead of tying her hair up high as usual, she let it fall loosely over her shoulders. She also wore light makeup.
She was like a thorny black rose blooming on the battlefield.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." She bowed slightly, performing a gesture somewhere between that of a general and a concubine.
"No need for formalities." Lin Feng sat in the center of the observatory and gestured to the seat next to him. "Sit."
Qin Lan did not sit down, but walked up to Lin Feng and looked at him intently.
"Your Majesty, did you really summon me here to discuss military affairs?" Her voice was slightly hoarse, yet full of magnetism.
"Otherwise what?" Lin Feng picked up the wine glass on the table, gently swirling the ruby-like liquid inside. "General Qin, is there something else going on?"
A resolute glint flashed in Qin Lan's eyes.
Suddenly, she knelt down on one knee.
But this time, she didn't perform a military salute, nor a palace salute.
Rather, it is a woman's most complete act of submission to a man.
She reached out her hands and untied the sash of her palace dress.
Silky clothes slid down her smooth, bronze skin.
It revealed the lingerie underneath, which was also made of black lace.
And that perfect physique, brimming with healthy and wild beauty, that every man in the kingdom dreamed of.
There wasn't an ounce of excess fat on her body. Every inch of her skin was taut and elastic. On her flat stomach, you could even see the faint outline of her abs.
This is the body of a female war goddess.
It is full of power, and also full of the most primal temptation.
"His Majesty."
Qin Lan raised her head, her eyes both dreamy and resolute.
"Empress Su, I wish to bear you children and strengthen the empire's civil administration. I also wish to give birth to an heir who can inherit your unparalleled military achievements."
"Your Majesty, please grant permission!"
Her voice was firm and resounding.
For a moment, Lin Feng's breathing became rapid.
He had to admit that the scene before him was deadly to any man.
Especially when that woman is Qin Lan.
This sense of conquest made his blood boil.
He stood up, walked to Qin Lan, reached out, and gently pinched her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
"Do you know what you're doing?" His voice was low and dangerous.
"Your Majesty, I know." There was no hesitation in Qin Lan's eyes. "Your Majesty, I am willing."
"good."
Lin Feng smiled.
He scooped Qin Lan up from the ground in one arm.
"Since General Qin is so determined..."
"Then, tonight I will personally inspect whether my empire's sharpest spear is still as unstoppable as ever."
He carried her in his arms and strode towards the Star Gazing Pavilion, to the huge, soft starry sky bed that was specially used for resting.
Outside the window, the stars shone brightly.
Inside the window, the room was enchanting.
This night was destined to be a sleepless one.
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