Xiao Che's domineering move of "writing a book for his wife" was like cutting off the fuel supply, completely quelling the escalating "gender dispute" both inside and outside the court.
When "learning from the empress's example" became the new political correctness, even the most pedantic ministers dared not openly question the possibility that the "princess" would inherit her mother's talents and virtues.
The jubilation among the people gradually subsided, replaced by anticipation for the "Empress's Code of Internal Governance," soon to be compiled by the National History Museum. Meanwhile, the imperial court finally returned to normalcy, with everyone tacitly agreeing to no longer discuss the sensitive topic of the "gender of the imperial heir."
The uproar that began with a fetal movement and swept across the country has now come to an end.
...
Night has fallen.
Inside the Kunning Palace's sleeping quarters, candlelight flickered, and all was quiet.
Lin Wanwan leaned against the headboard, her legs stretched out, a soft pillow under her calves. As her pregnancy progressed, her legs began to swell, and she often felt soreness and discomfort.
Xiao Che sat on the edge of the bed, carefully massaging her swollen calves with his hands that had once wielded swords to pacify the world.
His movements were not professional, even somewhat clumsy, but he controlled the force perfectly, each movement carrying a reassuring focus.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
"Mmm, much more comfortable." Lin Wanwan lazily responded, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.
The two sat quietly together, listening to the occasional sound of snow falling outside the window, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
"Today, you've put me in the spotlight again," Lin Wanwan suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. She was referring to what happened in the Imperial Study during the day.
Xiao Che paused in his massage, looked up at her, and said confidently, "That's not a sensitive issue, it's me giving my empress the recognition she deserves."
"You're compiling books and including them in royal textbooks," Lin Wanwan shook her head with a laugh. "Isn't Your Majesty afraid that future historians will write about you as a foolish ruler who 'loved beauty more than his country'?"
"A tyrant?" Xiao Che raised an eyebrow, a domineering smile curving his lips. "My empire, my empress, I am content with what I have, who dares to object? Besides," he lowered his head, continuing his work, a hint of barely perceptible pride in his voice, "to be able to cultivate a 'wise and capable wife' like you for my Great Liang, that in itself is my greatest contribution to the country."
He spoke these words of love with utmost seriousness, yet they moved Lin Wanwan more than any sweet words could ever utter.
She gazed at his focused profile. In the candlelight, his long eyelashes cast a silhouette, stripping away the imperial majesty of the day and revealing only the tenderness of a husband.
A thought suddenly and uncontrollably popped into Lin Wanwan's mind.
She suddenly became very curious.
Putting aside the political games played in the court and the shackles of responsibility for "the foundation of the nation," deep in his heart, when he was just Xiao Che and not the Emperor of Liang, did he really want a prince or a princess more?
“Xiao Che,” she whispered his name.
"Hmm?" Xiao Che responded without looking up.
“I have a question for you,” Lin Wanwan looked at him, “and you should answer me honestly.”
"When have I ever been dishonest with you?" he retorted, but his hands became even gentler.
“Alright,” Lin Wanwan smiled and asked, “Leaving aside all political factors, not talking about the foundation of the nation, not talking about succession… just your own heart, do you really want a son or a daughter more?”
This is purely a question about the identity of "father".
Xiao Che's massage movements slowly came to a stop.
He did not answer immediately.
Silence fell once more in the bedchamber. Only the candlelight flickered, occasionally emitting a soft crackling sound.
He slowly lowered his hand, raised his head, and looked intently into her eyes.
His eyes were clearer and more honest than ever before. In those deep eyes, there was no longer the scheming of an emperor, nor the majesty he held when facing his courtiers; only the purest emotions belonging to a man remained.
He looked at her, remained silent for a long time, and then slowly spoke in an unprecedentedly gentle tone, tinged with a hint of confusion.
“Before…” he said, “before you came into my life, I wanted a prince.”
His voice was very soft, as if he were telling a distant story.
"Because that was my responsibility. As an emperor, to continue the bloodline of this dynasty and to cultivate a qualified successor was the only mission I was born with. At that time, I never thought about what I 'wanted', I only knew what I 'should' do."
Lin Wanwan listened quietly, a slight pang in her heart. She could imagine how lonely and burdened his life must have been before he met her.
"And... now?" she asked softly.
Xiao Che looked at her, his gaze softening, yet also growing more confused. He shook his head and said softly, "Right now... I don't know."
This answer surprised Lin Wanwan.
He continued, "After meeting you, I realized that life is not just about 'shoulds.' I realized that the heart can beat, can feel pain, and can feel contentment from someone's smile. My world is no longer just that cold dragon throne and mountains of memorials; it has warmth and color."
He slowly reached out and took her hand.
His palms were warm and dry, and full of strength.
He gently placed her hand on his left chest.
Through his bright yellow nightgown, Lin Wanwan could clearly feel his strong and powerful heart beating steadily for her.
"I don't know whether I want a prince or a princess more." Xiao Che looked into her eyes and said, word by word, with utmost seriousness, "Because right now, I only know one thing."
He held her hand, tightening his grip slightly, his voice filled with an unprecedented, heart-stirring affection.
"All I know is that as long as it's our child, it's your child, the child you bore for me..."
His gaze was so gentle it could melt ice.
"Regardless of gender, they are the best gifts I, Xiao Che, have ever received in my life."
There is no other.
...
Lin Wanwan was deeply moved by his words.
In an instant, her eyes welled up with tears.
The most beautiful words in this world are not "I love you," nor are they vows of eternal love.
Rather, it's about setting aside all identities, responsibilities, and interests, and saying the purest thing: as long as it's you, that's enough.
She looked at the man before her, the emperor who had defied the heavens for her, devoted the nation's resources to her, and shaken the court for her. At this moment, he had shed all his armor, revealing his softest and most sincere side to her without reservation.
She could no longer resist and reached out her other hand to gently stroke his cheek.
“Xiao Che…” Her voice was hoarse, with a hint of sob in it.
He didn't speak, but gently rubbed his cheek against her palm, like a large feline seeking comfort.
Lin Wanwan smiled through her tears.
She habitually looked up at the familiar area above his head, wanting to see what "silly things" he was thinking at that moment.
However, what she saw this time stunned her instantly.
There, the question mark that had been agonizing over "prince or princess" was gone, along with any quirky or scheming patterns.
Instead, a scene of unparalleled warmth and happiness unfolded.
A chibi-style cartoon emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, wears a gentle and contented silly smile. In his left hand, he holds the hand of a cool little prince, also chibi-style and dressed in a small dragon robe; in his right hand, he cradles a sweet little princess in a pink princess dress.
The family of four walked hand in hand on a grassy field full of flowers, with warm sunshine and a bright rainbow in the background.
At the very top of that image, two enormous characters for "happiness," composed of countless twinkling hearts, slowly emerged.
[Happiness.gif]
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