Chapter 23 The Emperor and Empress's Deep Affection
Su Luoxue's vow to follow him through life and death was like the most intense flame, burning away the last trace of doubt and gloom in Yuwen Che's heart, leaving only a surging love and possessiveness for her. He waved his hand and lowered the heavy bed curtains, creating a private world that belonged only to them. Inside the brocade tent, candlelight flickered, and their scents mingled.
He cupped her face in his hands, their foreheads touching, his deep eyes reflecting her beautiful features. His voice was low and solemn, as if he were making the most sacred vow: "Xue'er, I swear, in this life, I will never betray you. Those women in the harem are nothing but a facade. My heart, my person, from this day forward, belongs only to you."
This time, Su Luoxue didn't shy away; instead, she met his burning gaze head-on. Overflowing with love and a resolute promise, she cast aside all reserve and passivity. She stretched out her slender arms, encircled his neck, and awkwardly yet firmly kissed his lips, responding to his vow with her actions.
Her initiative, like a spark igniting dry tinder, instantly ignited Yuwen Che's suppressed passion. He responded ardently, his large hand easily untying the ties of her jade-pink nightgown, the soft silk slipping down to reveal her radiant skin. In the candlelight, she resembled a meticulously crafted piece of jade, breathtakingly beautiful.
Su Luoxue's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with unprecedented courage and allure. She gently pushed him away slightly, feeling his rapid heartbeat.
This entirely new experience and perspective caused Yuwen Che's breathing to become heavy instantly. He looked at the dreamy eyes of his beloved, her slightly clenched red lips, and her cascading black hair that fell loose with her movements.
"Ah... what are you doing..." Su Luoxue was caught off guard
He lowered his head and gently kissed away the physiological tears at the corners of her eyes.
Yuwen Che pressed his forehead against hers, panting, and whispered in her ear in a seductive and expectant husky voice, "Xue'er...give me a child, okay? A child who looks like you and like me..."
At this moment, Su Luoxue, holding him tightly, her eyes hazy, her red lips slightly parted, followed her instincts and deepest love, softly agreeing: "Okay... A-Che... I'll have your baby..."
This response ignited the final fuse. Inside the red tent, spring was in full bloom, along with boundless anticipation for their shared future.
When Su Luoxue woke up, her cheeks were burning.
She stirred slightly and found herself tightly held in Yuwen Che's arms. His arms were strong and powerful, trapping her within his presence—a possessive and protective posture. She looked up and saw his sleeping profile.
Morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, softly illuminating his face, giving him an air of unassailable authority even in his sleep. Beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips were tightly pressed together, the corners of which seemed to hold a hint of contentment. His sleeping face had shed the coldness and ruthlessness of the day, appearing exceptionally peaceful, even possessing a childlike innocence.
Su Luoxue didn't move, afraid of waking him. She lay there quietly, letting him hold her, her gaze lingering greedily on his handsome face.
Her heart was filled with immense happiness and contentment. This was the man, the man she loved. He was the most powerful emperor in the world, ruling over a vast empire, with the power of life and death at his command. He was capable of governing the country with civil administration, ensuring the well-being of the people; he was also a powerful military strategist, conquering all sides, protecting the land with his ironclad weapons. His decisiveness instilled awe in his court officials and fear in his enemies. Under heaven, everyone looked up to him and revered him.
Yet this man, as perfect as a god, gave her all his tenderness, all his passion, all his obsession and love without reservation. He would frown because her hands were cold, he would shield her from all harm, and he would fly into a rage because she was wronged, even at the cost of overthrowing the government and causing rivers of blood to flow.
He made a promise that he would never betray her in this life; the harem was meaningless, his heart belonged only to her. He was already meticulously planning and paving the way for their distant future and for their unborn child.
How could she not love such a man who offered her all his sincerity and fervent love? How could she not love him?
Su Luoxue stretched out her fingers and traced the shape of his eyebrows with utmost care, her heart filled with indescribable love and excitement. How fortunate she was to receive such unique and profound affection from him. This love, heavy and domineering, was also something she cherished wholeheartedly and was willing to be immersed in for a lifetime.
Seemingly sensing her subtle movement, Yuwen Che's thick eyelashes trembled, and he slowly opened his eyes. His deep eyes held a hint of confusion upon waking, but when they met her focused and loving gaze, they instantly became clear and gentle.
"You're awake so early?" His voice was slightly hoarse from just waking up, making it all the more sexy. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer, and lowered his head to place a light kiss on the top of her head. "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"
Su Luoxue buried her face in his warm chest, shook her head, and said in a muffled voice with a smile, "I couldn't sleep, so I just wanted to see you."
Yuwen Che chuckled softly, his chest heaving with pleasure. He savored her dependence and affection, lowered his head to find her lips, and placed a lingering, tender good morning kiss on them.
For Su Luoxue, this morning, watching her beloved's sleeping face was the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Yuwen Che chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm to prevent her escape. He rested his chin on the top of her head and teased her in a low voice with a self-righteous air: "My Xue'er... how about we have a little prince soon, or a little princess as beautiful as you?"
His blunt words made Su Luoxue's ears burn. She was both ashamed and anxious, and pushed against his firm chest with all her might.
Like a startled rabbit, she quickly rolled over, turning her smooth back to him, burying her face in the soft pillow, and muttered in a low voice, "Ugh... I'm ignoring you!"
The tone was less one of anger and more one of shyness and coquettishness after one's thoughts had been exposed.
Seeing her acting like a little girl, Yuwen Che was filled with affection. He leaned closer and pulled her back into his broad, warm embrace, pressing her tightly against him. He lowered his head, his thin lips close to her sensitive earlobe, and in a voice only the two of them could hear, he deliberately drew out the syllables, coaxing her in a soft, intimate whisper:
"Are you really ignoring me? Hmm?" His fingers roamed restlessly over her waist. "Aren't you afraid I... will go somewhere else? Those women in the harem are longing for me, eagerly hoping I... will go to their palace..."
She whirled around, forgetting all about being shy, and glared at him with her big, watery eyes, a hint of grievance and petulance in her expression: "You dare!"
Seeing how concerned she was, Yuwen Che laughed triumphantly, his laughter deep and pleasant. He lowered his head and kissed her pouting red lips, soothingly saying, "I dare not, and I cannot bear to. With my Xue'er here, how could I possibly have room for anyone else in my eyes and heart?"
Su Luoxue was finally satisfied, but she became even more shy because of her earlier lapse in composure. She buried her face in his chest again and muttered softly, "That's more like it..."
A sweet and intimate atmosphere filled the tent. Their playful banter, like that of an ordinary married couple, softened the solemnity of the palace, allowing their affection to deepen in their close bond. For Yuwen Che, this intimate pleasure was far more enjoyable than dealing with the tedious affairs of state. And Su Luoxue, in this exclusive favor, gradually overcame her initial anxieties and truly began to enjoy the happiness and sweetness of being his beloved.
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