Time passed, the atmosphere in the palace maintaining a delicate balance, a balance of the majesty of an emperor handling state affairs and the warmth and harmony of a family. Xuanyuan Che finished reviewing the last memorial and gently set down his red brush with a subtle click. He slowly rose, gently walked to the bedside, and leaned over to gaze at Chen Xiaoru, his eyes filled with doting and affection. He reached out and gently brushed away the few strands of hair that had fallen from her forehead. The touch of his fingertips was delicate and warm, sending a surge of warmth through his heart.
"Xiao Ru"
Xuanyuan Che leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead. His deep voice, with a hint of hoarseness, seemed particularly gentle, "Did I wake you up?"
Chen Xiaoru slowly opened her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly, and her eyes moved with a hint of confusion from just waking up. She saw Xuanyuan Che's handsome face close to her, and a peaceful smile appeared on her face. Her voice was soft and lazy:
"Your Majesty, how long have I slept?" She turned slightly to the side, her eyes falling on Xuanyuan You in the cradle, the maternal love in her eyes rippling like spring water.
"It won't be long. Just take a good rest."
Xuanyuan Che sat down beside her, held her soft little hand, and gently stroked it on his lips, with a hint of unquestionable dominance in his tone.
"I have decided to issue an edict to disband the harem. From now on, there will only be you and You'er in this palace." A firm light flashed in his deep eyes, as if declaring his unique love for her.
Chen Xiaoru was slightly startled, a hint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes. She raised her head, looked into Xuanyuan Che's eyes, and asked softly, "Your Majesty, are you... serious?"
It’s not that she doesn’t trust Xuanyuan Che, but the affairs of the harem involve so many people, how can it be decided easily?
Xuanyuan Che raised his eyebrows slightly, with a hint of displeasure in his tone: "My words are as good as gold, how can I lie?"
He paused, his tone softened, and he explained softly, "I said I would give you and You'er the best. The turmoil in the harem will only make you upset. I don't want to see you suffer."
He raised his hand and gently stroked Chen Xiaoru's cheek, his eyes full of sincere emotion.
A warm current surged in Chen Xiaoru's heart. She snuggled in Xuanyuan Che's arms, feeling the warmth from his broad chest, and whispered:
"Your Majesty, I know you treat me well, but...will this cause dissatisfaction among the court officials?"
Although she was in the harem, she also understood the complexity of the situation in the court. Xuanyuan Che's actions would undoubtedly affect the interests of many people.
Xuanyuan Che chuckled lightly, his tone carrying a hint of disdain: "I am the emperor of Daxia. Who dares to object to my decision?"
He glanced sharply outside the hall, and a powerful imperial aura emerged from his body.
"I will let them know that no one can touch the people I want to protect!" He hugged Chen Xiaoru tightly, as if he wanted to integrate her into his own bones and blood.
In the days that followed, the Qianqing Palace was filled with laughter and joy. Xuanyuan Che had indeed kept his word. He promptly dismissed all the concubines from the harem and properly resettled them. At the same time, he also withstood the tremendous pressure from the court officials and firmly defended Chen Xiaoru and Xuanyuan You.
In the blink of an eye, Xuanyuan You was one month old.
The Qianqing Palace, both inside and out, was festooned with lights and decorations, a scene of joy and celebration. Bright red silk covered the floor, golden ribbons fluttered in the breeze, and the entire palace was immersed in a festive atmosphere. Palace attendants busily moved about, preparing for the full moon banquet, their faces beaming with smiles.
Chen Xiaoru, dressed in a gorgeous palace dress and holding Xuanyuan You, dressed in a small golden-red robe, stood at the main entrance of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, welcoming the civil and military officials who came to congratulate her. A gentle smile shone through her eyes, a motherly glow. In her arms, Xuanyuan You, with his large, dark eyes wide open, curiously surveyed his surroundings, babbling from time to time, looking incredibly adorable.
This was the first time Chen Xiaoru appeared in front of the minister.
Xuanyuan Che, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a golden crown, stood beside Chen Xiaoru. He wore a faint smile, but his eyes were sharp and majestic as he scanned everyone present. His upright figure was like a javelin, and he exuded a powerful aura that made people dare not look directly at him.
At the full moon banquet, civil and military officials came forward to present gifts to Xuanyuan You. A dazzling array of treasures filled the entire hall. Xuanyuan Che was delighted and raised his glass frequently, drinking with his ministers. The atmosphere was extremely lively.
Halfway through the banquet, Xuanyuan Che suddenly stood up, walked over to Chen Xiaoru, and said in a loud voice: "From today on, I enthrone Chen Xiaoru as the Queen, and she will be the mother of the country!"
When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked.
The previously bustling hall suddenly fell silent, a pin drop audible. Civil and military officials looked at each other in shock and disbelief. Although they had long anticipated Xuanyuan Che's extraordinary favor for Chen Xiaoru, the swift enthronement of the empress still caught everyone by surprise. The Great Xia Dynasty's harem was strictly regulated, and the enthronement of an empress was an extremely cautious process, requiring a series of complex rituals and procedures. And now, Xuanyuan Che actually announced the enthronement directly at the full moon banquet, in front of all the civil and military officials. This was a truly unprecedented move.
After a brief silence, the hall suddenly exploded.
"Your Majesty, does this matter...need further consideration?" The Minister of Rites stepped forward first, speaking with a steely voice. "Consecrating an empress is a matter of national importance. It requires offerings to heaven and earth, an announcement to the ancestral temple, and..."
“That’s enough!”
Xuanyuan Che interrupted him coldly without waiting for him to finish, with a hint of impatience in his tone.
"I have made up my mind, no need to say more! I say she is the queen, and she is the queen! Who dares to object?" His eyes were like torches, scanning everyone present. The powerful imperial pressure made everyone silent.
The Minister of Rites, intimidated by Xuanyuan Che's aura, dared not say anything more and could only retreat to the side, his face pale. The other ministers also lowered their heads, not daring to look Xuanyuan Che in the eye, their hearts filled with doubt and unease. They knew that Xuanyuan Che's move would undoubtedly upset the balance of the court and might even trigger a series of unrest.
Chen Xiaoru was also stunned. She held Xuanyuan You in her arms and stared at Xuanyuan Che, her eyes filled with emotion and surprise. She had never thought she would become the queen, and she had never thought Xuanyuan Che would be so decisive in conferring the title on her. She knew what this position meant and what responsibilities she would bear.
"Xiao Ru, are you willing?"
Xuanyuan Che walked up to Chen Xiaoru, held her hand, and asked gently.
Chen Xiaoru came back to her senses and looked at Xuanyuan Che's affectionate eyes. She nodded gently, her voice soft but firm: "I am willing."
Xuanyuan Che's face lit up with a brilliant smile. He took Chen Xiaoru's hand, walked to the center of the hall, and said loudly, "My queen, you should stand shoulder to shoulder with me, be the mother of the nation, and be respected by all the people! I believe that Xiaoru is definitely qualified for this position!"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"
Civil and military officials shouted in unison, the sound was deafening and echoed throughout the entire palace.
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