Chapter 105 Pressing the Emperor Against the Rockery and Kissing Him!
But the Empress couldn't remember at all...
When was the last time I walked side by side with the emperor like this?
Memories are like ink stains soaked in water, a blurred mess.
No matter how hard she tried to depict and sketch, she couldn't piece together a clear picture.
Since she took over as empress.
The Emperor never accompanied her to stroll in the Imperial Garden, nor did he ever spend time alone with her outside of the Empress's palace.
We rarely see each other.
Except in public occasions such as royal banquets or sacrificial ceremonies.
Or perhaps they met in another concubine's palace.
Now the Emperor is willing to accompany her on a stroll.
It turns out that vying for favor is effective.
At that moment, the Empress understood why so many women in the harem liked to compete for the Emperor's favor.
Regardless of whether the emperor is sincere towards you or not.
The benefits you receive are real and tangible...
In the past,
She stood high above, watching the concubines pull out all the stops to win the emperor's favor for a single night.
In order to defeat other concubines, she even went so far as to orchestrate her own miscarriage.
At that time, the Empress felt that they were both pitiful and despicable!
She put herself in such a predicament just because a man favored her.
now.
She experienced it firsthand before she truly understood.
Within this deep palace.
The emperor's favor was more than just emotional comfort.
It is more of a symbol of power, a means of survival, and the most direct and effective weapon to protect oneself and one's children.
Just like now.
The queen didn't need to do anything at all.
As long as the Emperor walks beside her, it sends a signal that is favorable to the Crown Prince.
This harem.
This is a huge arena of fame and fortune; love is just an embellishment, a means, while survival and power are the eternal themes.
The crown prince's position is unstable.
Not only was the previous dynasty thrown into turmoil, but the imperial harem was also unusually lively...
The Emperor had just said he would accompany the Empress to stroll in the Imperial Garden.
Soon after, Consort Yan and Consort Shu received the news and both came to the palace to meet the Emperor.
It's really just about mentioning your own prince and saying a few good words for him in front of the emperor!
Their arrival was so "perfectly timed" and so "obvious in their intentions".
"Your Majesty and Empress, I pay my respects." Consort Shu bowed gracefully with her maids, her voice so gentle it could melt water.
Today, she specially wore a moon-white brocade palace dress, with only a plain silver hairpin in her hair, making her look exceptionally elegant and refined.
The emperor raised his hand, gesturing for her to rise: "My beloved concubine, what brings you here?"
"Spring has arrived, and the garden has a fresh look. I wish to share in the joy," Consort Shu said, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the Emperor as she raised her eyes. "It just so happens that the Ninth Prince has just been engaged..."
Before he could finish speaking...
Another cheerful laugh rang out: "Oh, it's so lively here?"
Consort Yan, supported by a palace maid, walked gracefully towards them. She wore a scarlet palace dress embroidered with large peonies, and her golden hairpins shone brightly in the sunlight.
She first bowed respectfully, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is in high spirits today."
Originally a two-person trip.
It quickly turned into a group of four!
When Consort Shu mentioned the Ninth Prince's intelligence, Consort Yan spoke of the Third Prince's horsemanship and archery.
The Empress stood quietly, watching the two concubines compete openly and subtly.
Their eagerness was evident.
Isn't it just that everyone thinks their prince has a chance to replace the crown prince?
Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the emperor's face.
The Empress watched the Emperor and his two favorite concubines enjoying a harmonious time together.
I feel a little down!
This charade cannot continue.
The Empress clearly realized that if they were allowed to continue, the Crown Prince's position would only become more and more unstable...
Just as Consort Shu was about to speak again to further emphasize the Ninth Prince's intelligence,
The Empress suddenly moved.
She took two quick steps toward the emperor and naturally took his arm.
This gesture carried a hint of undeniable intimacy, quite different from her usual dignified and self-possessed image.
immediately.
She raised her eyes and looked at the emperor, her voice soft, almost a coquettish complaint: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty promised to accompany me today, how could you go back on your word?"
These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky.
The emperor was taken aback and subconsciously turned his head to look at his wife beside him.
The empress he knew was always graceful, fair, and never jealous.
The Emperor had never seen her in this state before!
Even the usually talkative Consort Yan and Consort Shu looked at the Empress several times in disbelief, their faces filled with shock.
They could hardly believe their ears.
After all, the Empress has always been dignified and virtuous, and would never "lose her composure" like this in front of the Emperor.
But today... did the sun rise in the west?
After the emperor's initial astonishment...
He was actually pleased by the Empress's unusually possessive words.
This reminded him of many years ago, when she was still the Crown Princess, and she would occasionally act coquettishly towards him in private.
A long-lost sense of satisfaction, belonging to a husband rather than an emperor, welled up in his heart.
His expression suddenly changed, his previously kind and gentle demeanor towards Consorts Yan and Shu turning grim: "Did you hear what the Empress said? Why aren't you leaving?"
The smiles that Consort Yan and Consort Shu had been carefully maintaining instantly froze on their faces.
They opened their mouths, but dared not argue. They could only reluctantly curtsy and say in a dry voice, "Your Majesty... take your leave."
As he turned to leave, his back view exuded a suppressed resentment and dishevelment.
After the two concubines left, the Imperial Garden seemed to instantly return to tranquility.
The emperor was in a good mood, and with a hint of playfulness, he looked down at the empress, who was still holding his arm, and teased, "I only realized today that the empress also has this girlish side. How come you've learned to be jealous of me now?"
The empress did not answer.
She let go of his hand and walked straight along the path.
His steps were neither hurried nor slow, yet they carried a strange resoluteness.
The emperor raised an eyebrow, feeling that his wife was indeed quite unusual today, and then he followed her.
Soon, they left the flower-filled central garden and arrived at an area of rugged artificial hills.
Here, strange rocks stand tall, and caves are deep and secluded, making it much quieter than outside.
The Empress, however, continued walking deeper into the artificial hill.
The emperor gestured for the eunuchs and palace maids following closely behind them to stop and wait.
After all, the artificial hill has a complex path and a cramped space, making it unsuitable for large groups of people to enter together.
He just wanted to see what the Empress intended to do today.
I just didn't expect it.
He followed the Empress into the artificial hill, and after walking a short distance, they had just rounded a huge Taihu stone and entered a relatively hidden grotto.
The empress, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped and turned around abruptly.
Before the emperor could react...
She suddenly reached out her hands and forcefully pushed him against the cold, rough artificial rock wall!
The emperor was caught off guard.
His eyes instantly flashed with astonishment and a hint of barely perceptible sharpness.
What shocked him even more was yet to come.
The empress stood on tiptoe.
One hand was still pressed against his chest, while the other hand was hooked around his neck.
Immediately afterwards.
Her soft, slightly cool lips pressed heavily against mine...
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