Chapter 90 Crying Like a Little Kitten
Yuwen Che's heart tightened at her abrupt question. He wrapped his arms around her more gently yet firmly, patting her back softly, and asked in a low, gentle voice, "What's wrong? Why are you asking this all of a sudden? Did someone say something to you?"
Su Luoxue just shook her head vigorously in his arms, her hair brushing against his chin, and asked persistently with a sob in her voice, "You...you don't know how..."
Hearing her question, tinged with grievance and unease, Yuwen Che's mind cleared instantly. He vaguely guessed the source of her emotions; it must be related to the changes in her body he had seen while she was changing clothes. His Xue'er was afraid—afraid that the changes in her appearance due to bearing their child would make him disgusted with her.
This realization made his heart ache and soften, and filled him with endless pity.
He stepped back slightly, cupped her tear-streaked face, and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips. His gaze, deep and focused, entered her moist eyes, and he spoke clearly and solemnly, word by word:
"Won't."
He paused, as if trying to etch each word into her heart:
"My love for you is Xue'er. It's a love etched into my bones and flowing in my blood."
“No matter what the future holds, no matter what happens, no matter what you become,” he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, his tone more serious and certain than ever before, “no matter how the outside world judges you, to me, you are simply Su Luoxue.”
He leaned down, his forehead gently touching hers, their breaths mingling, and he made the most important promise of his life:
"I will only love you in this life."
Su Luoxue stared blankly into his eyes, which were so close to hers. They reflected her somewhat disheveled appearance, yet were brimming with deep affection and absolute sincerity. The power in his words dispelled all the unease and gloom in her heart.
Her nose tingled, and the tears she had just stopped welled up again, but this time it wasn't from hurt or fear, but from immense relief and gratitude. She buried her face in his warm neck again, hugging him tightly, and softly called his name, her voice thick with emotion, "A-Che..."
"Yes, I'm here." Yuwen Che held her firmly, as if she were a priceless treasure. "I'll always be here."
Hearing his solemn promise, Su Luoxue finally relaxed. Leaning against him, she sobbed and finally voiced her grievances: "I...I think I've become ugly...I have...red stretch marks on my stomach..."
The more she spoke, the sadder she became, and tears streamed down her face: "So many...so many...they look so ugly...sob..."
Yuwen Che felt extremely distressed, as if he were burned by her tears. He stopped squatting and got up to sit on the edge of the bed, carefully pulling her into his arms and letting her lean against his chest.
He listened to her tearful complaints, gently stroking her back with his large hand, and coaxed her softly, "Silly Xue'er..."
He lowered his head and kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes, his voice so gentle it could melt water: "Do you know, you will always be the most beautiful, the most beautiful!"
Su Luoxue looked up at him with teary eyes.
Yuwen Che cupped her face in his hands, his gaze focused, his tone utterly serious: "You are carrying our child in your belly now."
“These lines,” he said, his palm gently resting on her pregnant belly through her clothes, with boundless affection, “are the marks that I and our child have left on you, medals that prove you are bearing life for me.”
He gazed into her eyes and said clearly, word by word, "In my eyes, you have not become ugly, but more beautiful than ever. This is the radiance of motherhood, the power of life. Xue'er, you will always be the most beautiful."
Su Luoxue stared at him, stunned by the sincerity in his words and his unique perspective. Those lines that made her feel inferior were, in his words,... badges of honor?
Isn't it said that emperors are all lustful?
The grievances and sadness in her heart seemed to be mostly blown away by a warm spring breeze.
"Really...really?" she asked softly, with a hint of uncertainty.
"A king's word is law." Yuwen Che lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead. "My Xue'er, no matter what, is the most beautiful woman in the world."
Su Luoxue finally stopped crying and smiled, burying her face in his arms and hugging him tightly.
Her earlier grievances vanished, replaced by a feeling of embarrassment. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, deliberately wiping her still-wet tears onto his dragon robe.
Yuwen Che felt the dampness on her neck and her deliberate act. Instead of being annoyed, he chuckled softly, his laughter filled with doting affection and helplessness. He gently patted her back, his tone indulgent: "Naughty."
Su Luoxue raised her head in his arms, her eyes still red, but with a hint of charming smugness, and whispered back, "Just being naughty."
“Alright, be naughty it is.” Yuwen Che readily complied, his eyes gleaming with gentle light. He looked up at Fuling, who was waiting beside him, and said, “Bring me a warm handkerchief.”
Fu Ling quickly handed over a wrung-out warm cloth.
Yuwen Che took it and gently wiped away the undried tears from Su Luoxue's face, carefully wiping her hands as well.
Seeing her face regain its clean and clear appearance, Yuwen Che finally put down the handkerchief with satisfaction, gently tapped the tip of her nose with his fingertip, and said in a coaxing tone, "Look, you've cried like a little kitten."
Su Luoxue smiled shyly, pursing her lips. "You're the cat."
"Very well...I am..."
Yuwen Che helped her lie down on the bed, carefully tucking the blankets around her. He then sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand, and softly said, "Xue'er, it's getting late, and you must be tired today. Why don't you go to sleep?"
His voice was deep and pleasant, with a reassuring magic.
Su Luoxue did feel a little tired, especially after crying. Looking into his gentle eyes, she nodded obediently, but still held onto his finger: "And you?"
"I'll watch you sleep." Yuwen Che gently covered her eyes with his free hand. "Close your eyes."
Su Luoxue obediently closed her eyes, feeling the warmth from his palm and the reassuring aura around her. Her tense body and mind, which had been tense all night, completely relaxed, and her breathing gradually became even and long.
Yuwen Che waited until she was completely asleep before gently withdrawing his hand. He gazed at her quietly for a moment before blowing out most of the candles, leaving only a small lamp in the distance for night watch, and then quietly got up and left.
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