Chapter 489 Extra Chapter 8: Zhao Zhao's Thoughts
In the end, Empress Chenzhao did not stay overnight and even pushed her husband away.
Ever since Xiu Ningchuan called her by her childhood name, the Empress has been acting strangely and has started avoiding him.
Xiu Ningchuan initially thought that the Empress was too busy with state affairs to see him, after all, there had been such times in the past.
But this time, things are very different.
After nightfall, Empress Chenzhao would summon different ministers to her bedchamber to discuss important matters, starting with Wang Wanbai and Wei Tongyou.
Both of them were women, so when the news reached Xiu Ningchuan, he didn't think much of it.
Afterwards, Empress Chenzhao summoned her cousins one after another.
Xiu Ningchuan began to lose his composure, even becoming distracted when playing chess alone.
When Empress Chenzhao was choosing her consort, she made a promise that she would follow the wishes of the retired emperor and would only have one consort, and no other consorts.
Xiu Ningchuan initially thought she was just saying it casually, after all, this empress had a reputation for being a womanizer, but four years later, she actually did it.
The Xiu family moved into the capital three years before Emperor Wusu abdicated. After learning that the Empress was to choose a husband, Xiu Ningchuan stayed at home, claiming to be ill.
The eldest brother of the Xiu family had already married, and the third and fourth brothers were still young. Therefore, the only one the Xiu family could present as the portrait for selection was him.
When the painter came to his residence, he deliberately contracted a rash, causing his face to break out in bumps. However, the title of Imperial Consort still fell to him.
Xiu Ningchuan understood after a moment's thought that it was because the Empress needed a husband like him.
Although she had relatives and friends like Grand Marshal Lu, Chancellor Li, and Grand Tutor Li in the court to help her, Xiu Ningchuan could see clearly that since ancient times, imperial power and the power of the prime minister had been in conflict, as had the power of civil and military officials.
When one's own interests are at stake, there are no permanent allies, and even kinship can fade.
Even the power of the emperor's consort was opposed to that of the empress.
The Xiu family has some foundation, but it doesn't have the prestige of those centuries-old families in Lin'an. However, it has the advantage of a clean family background, so it won't threaten or control her.
He had been in the palace for so many years, and now the two of them had a lovely child to tie them together. He had thought that they could live out their lives in mutual respect and courtesy.
But now it seems that it was his mind that was thrown into turmoil first.
Looking back now, Xiu Ningchuan realized that it was probably because of that one wrong step on their wedding night.
There were rumors circulating that the Empress controlled her subordinates through sexual favors.
Xiu Ningchuan understood this statement after meeting Empress Chenzhao once. In terms of appearance alone, he had never seen anyone more outstanding than the Empress.
She inherited the best qualities of her parents, coupled with the noble demeanor bestowed upon her by power, so it's no wonder that many men were willing to kneel at her feet.
Recalling their wedding night four years ago, Empress Chenzhao showed no shyness. Her fingers sleekly undid his clothes and deftly slipped inside. Xiu Ningchuan felt uncomfortable, as if he were a courtesan.
But after undressing him, the empress rolled to the inside of the bed, took off her outer robe and threw it off the bed before going to sleep.
Xiu Ningchuan was stunned.
Empress Chenzhao drank quite a bit of alcohol while feasting with everyone. After taking off her clothes, she picked up an old piece of cloth from under her pillow, held it in her hand, and fell asleep as soon as it touched the pillow.
She was half asleep when she realized someone was biting her. Just like when she was a child, she buried her face in dissatisfaction and arched her backside.
It was cute to do this when you were a child, but nowadays...
The person in front of me formed a graceful arc.
It looks very tempting.
Xiu Ningchuan couldn't take his eyes off it. Once he entered the palace, he no longer harbored those childish ideas of being aloof and arrogant.
I just don't know if she'd be willing.
Xiu Ningchuan suddenly remembered those rumors and frowned. No matter how many lovers she had had, now that they were married, what was rightfully his should be his, and he couldn't give up half of it.
After the night passed, Xiu Ningchuan realized that he had misunderstood her quite a bit, and he regretted not being more patient and considerate with her the night before.
But the next day, the empress did not appear until late at night.
Xiu Ningchuan sent someone to inquire, and the imperial messenger replied that the young prince of Yongwang Mansion, the eldest son of Prime Minister Lu, and General Yuchi were drinking with the Empress, and the Empress would not be coming.
As soon as one of the young couple's misunderstandings was resolved, another one was soon added to their list.
Xiu Ningchuan nodded, and sleeping alone, he slept soundly through the night.
But now, Xiu Ningchuan can no longer sleep soundly.
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