Two months passed in a flash.
In the early morning hours of the Qianqing Palace, the gauze curtains hung low, blocking out the faint light from the windows. Chen Xiaoru, wrapped in a brocade quilt, was sound asleep, her breath carrying a languid sweetness. Suddenly, she felt an itch on her face, as if a feather were tickling her. She drowsily opened her eyes, only to see a hazy blur. Thinking it was a dream, she coquettishly muttered, "What's that?"
"Your Majesty, please stop making trouble."
After saying that, she turned over and fell into a deep sleep again.
Xuanyuan Che felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he watched her defenseless appearance. He simply found her adorable. The corners of his lips curled slightly, a teasing thought forming in his mind. He leaned down, his warm lips gently touching her delicate earlobe, rubbing it gently before moving down to pepper her fair neck with delicate, dense kisses.
Chen Xiaoru was still lost in sleep until she felt a tingling sensation on her neck, jolting her awake. Her body instinctively shuddered. She snapped her eyes open and quickly turned over, only to be greeted by Xuanyuan Che's handsome, smiling face.
She was stunned at first, then a surprised smile blossomed on her face, and her voice carried a hint of the sweetness of someone who had just woken up:
"Your Majesty? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in the front hall holding court at this hour?"
As she spoke, she raised her hand and rubbed her sleepy eyes. Her dark pupils sparkled with crystal light, like dewdrops filled with the morning light.
Xuanyuan Che looked at her lovingly, stretched out his slender fingers, gently touched the tip of her small nose, and said softly:
"I want to accompany you today. I have been busy with government affairs recently and have neglected you." There was an apology in his tone, but his eyes were as gentle as water, as if they could melt people.
"Your Majesty, you are so kind."
Chen Xiaoru snuggled in Xuanyuan Che's arms, her voice soft and with a hint of coquettishness.
Xuanyuan Che chuckled softly, entwining a strand of her hair with his fingertips, and asked softly, "Why, don't you blame me for ignoring you during this period of time?"
Chen Xiaoru raised her head and met his deep eyes, her eyes moving with a sly smile. She didn't want to hear those explanations, so she stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.
Xuanyuan Che was startled for a moment, then a smile welled up in his eyes. He took the initiative and deepened the kiss. He put one hand around her slender waist and the other around the back of her head, holding her close to him. As their lips and teeth intertwined, their breath blended, and the temperature in the room gradually rose.
When Xuanyuan Che's emotions became unbearable and his breathing became heavy, he stepped back a little and asked in a hoarse voice, "Xiao Ru, is this okay?"
His voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of hidden desire.
Chen Xiaoru's cheeks flushed, her eyes blurred. She bit her lower lip and hesitated, "Your Majesty, it's not good to indulge in lust in broad daylight."
Xuanyuan Che didn't care about that anymore. He kissed her lips again, domineering and passionate, not allowing her to refuse. While kissing her, he whispered again: "Xiao Ru, is it okay?"
This time, his voice was even hoarser and carried an unquestionable firmness.
Chen Xiaoru was dizzy from his kiss, and her rationality gradually collapsed. She whispered softly: "Your Majesty...be gentle..."
Receiving a positive response, the fire in Xuanyuan Che's eyes burned brightly. As they moved, the gauze curtains swayed gently, blocking the sunlight from the window, dimming the room. Clothes slipped away, revealing the woman's jade-like skin, intertwined with the man's bronze chest. The scent of ambergris filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of sweat from both of them, adding a touch of allure. The bed creaked softly, a sound that was particularly clear in the silent palace.
Xuanyuan Che restrained himself and only tried a little, after all, Chen Xiaoru was still pregnant. He got out of bed, called the palace maid to prepare hot water, and helped Chen Xiaoru wash and dress.
After everything was tidied up, Xuanyuan Che returned to the bedside, took Chen Xiaoru into his arms, and asked in a gentle voice, "Xiaoru, are you feeling unwell?"
Chen Xiaoru nestled in his arms, her cheeks still slightly flushed, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, you only know how to bully me."
Xuanyuan Che chuckled softly and whispered in her ear, "Does this count as bullying? You haven't seen anything worse."
Chen Xiaoru buried her face in his arms in shame, her cheeks burning hot as if they could boil eggs. After a while, she remembered something else and whispered, "Your Majesty, I want to go for a walk in the Imperial Garden. Is that okay? I've been in the palace for so long, but I haven't had a proper stroll in the Imperial Garden yet."
Xuanyuan Che stared at Chen Xiaoru. Her sparkling eyes were filled with anticipation, and he felt an immense tenderness in his heart. He gently stroked her cheek, feeling the delicate and smooth touch from his fingertips, and said softly:
"Okay, I'll go with you. But we have to have breakfast first. I'll be with you all day today."
When Chen Xiaoru heard this, she was as happy as a little bird. She put her arms around his neck and pecked him lightly on the cheek. Her clear voice was full of joy: "Your Majesty, let's get up quickly!"
Xuanyuan Che's smile deepened as he looked at her dotingly, his gaze so gentle it could almost drip with water. He stood up, walked to the clothes rack, picked up the clothes one by one, and carefully dressed her. From the inner garment to the outer robe, every movement was gentle and considerate, as if he were treating a precious treasure.
Chen Xiaoru stood there obediently, letting him change her clothes, with a happy smile on her face, as if she was bathing in the warm spring sun.
By the time the two finished washing and dressing and arrived at the side hall, the palace attendants had already laid out the breakfast. They had retreated to the side in a well-trained manner, standing silently with their heads bowed. Sunlight streamed in through the window lattices, illuminating the dazzling array of dishes with an alluring luster. The air was filled with the aroma of food, tinged with a sweet floral fragrance, which whetted their appetites.
Chen Xiaoru's eyes swept over the table full of delicious dishes, including all kinds of delicacies from land and sea, with colors, aromas and flavors that made her mouth water.
Xuanyuan Che considerately poured her a bowl of porridge, handed it to her, and said softly, "Try it. This is the eight-treasure porridge newly developed by the imperial kitchen. It tastes very good."
Chen Xiaoru took the bowl of porridge, scooped a spoonful and put it into her mouth. The porridge was at the right temperature and melted in her mouth. It was sweet and soft, leaving a lingering fragrance on her lips and teeth.
"How is it? Is it delicious?" Xuanyuan Che looked at her with anticipation in his eyes.
"Hmm, delicious!" Chen Xiaoru nodded, her eyes and eyebrows curved, like a kitten that had eaten honey.
Xuanyuan Che looked at her satisfied expression, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise slightly.
The two of them ate and chatted, the atmosphere was warm and sweet.
"Your Majesty, I heard that the flowers in the imperial garden are in full bloom and it is so beautiful. Is it true?" Chen Xiaoru put down the silver spoon in her hand and asked curiously.
"Of course it's true. The flowers in the Imperial Garden are carefully selected from all over the world, and there are different scenery in each season."
Xuanyuan Che patiently explained to her, "After breakfast, I will take you to enjoy it."
"Uh-huh!"
Chen Xiaoru nodded excitedly, looking forward to the upcoming garden tour.
After breakfast, Xuanyuan Che took Chen Xiaoru’s hand and walked out of the Palace of Heavenly Purity and headed towards the Imperial Garden.
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