Lin Wanwan's words, "[God of War.gif]", were like a warm ray of light, precisely dispelling the gloom that had lingered in Xiao Che's heart for many years.
He held the woman in his arms tightly, a woman who could always easily see through his vulnerability and pride, his heart filled with an unprecedented peace and contentment. As the years passed, there was no need for many words between them; a glance, a word, was enough to reach the deepest part of each other's hearts.
The night on the mountaintop was even more tranquil.
Just as the two were quietly embracing, immersed in this warm memory that transcended life and death, a series of light footsteps and suppressed laughter of children suddenly came from the path below the mountain.
"Shh! Keep your voice down! Don't let Grandpa and Grandma find out!" A clear child's voice, deliberately lowered, was still full of excitement.
"Brother, do you think Grandpa will really like the surprise we prepared?" another slightly childish voice asked.
Immediately afterwards, a gentle yet authoritative male voice rang out, with a hint of indulgent laughter: "Don't worry, as long as it's your heartfelt wish, they will definitely like it."
It's dumplings! And their grandchildren too!
Lin Wanwan and Xiao Che exchanged a glance, both seeing amusement in each other's eyes. They released each other, straightened their clothes, and sat leisurely on the bluestone, waiting to see what "surprise" the little ones had prepared.
Soon, several small figures surrounded two tall figures and appeared on the mountaintop.
Leading the group was Emperor Xiao Tuan, who had long since shed his youthful naiveté and entered middle age. He was still dressed in a light blue casual robe, but his brows now bore the composure and steadiness befitting an emperor. Beside him stood Empress Su Qiaohui, whose charm remained undiminished even in her prime.
Behind them followed several lively and adorable princes and grandsons, the oldest being no more than ten years old and the youngest still toddling.
Most eye-catching of all was the huge tray covered with a red cloth that Xiao Tuan and Su Qiaohui were carefully holding.
"Greetings, Father Emperor and Mother Empress!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Majesty!"
The family approached and bowed in greeting.
"Get up, all of you." Lin Wanwan smiled and waved, her gaze falling on the mysterious tray. "You little rascals, what are you up to now, sneaking around like this?"
The eldest grandson of the emperor, Xiao Che's eldest grandson, immediately stepped forward and, like a little adult, solemnly said, "Your Majesty, today is the auspicious day of your 50th wedding anniversary! Your grandchildren have prepared a small gift to congratulate you both!"
Golden wedding anniversary?
Lin Wanwan and Xiao Che were both taken aback. They themselves had almost forgotten about this day. Unexpectedly, the children still remembered.
"Father Emperor, Mother Empress, please look!"
As Xiao Tuan spoke, he and Su Qiaohui solemnly unveiled the red cloth on the tray.
A huge "longevity peach" cake, meticulously decorated with cream and fruit, suddenly appeared before my eyes!
The cake was exquisitely made, with pink cream piped into the shape of peaches and topped with fresh strawberries and cherries, looking incredibly delicious. On top of the cake, the words "Golden Wedding Anniversary" were written in large golden syrup.
"Wow!" Lin Wanwan's eyes lit up instantly. She has never been able to resist such novel and beautiful desserts.
Seeing his mother's delighted expression, Xiao Tuan smiled smugly. He mimicked his father's youthful arrogance and, using his own "artificial voice pack," boasted to Lin Wanwan:
"Mother, this was made for you by your son and daughter-in-law!"
Su Qiaohui, who was standing next to him, was a little embarrassed by his sudden imitation and quickly added, "Reporting to Mother, this is mainly a modified version of the recipes for the 'little cakes' that you used to love. I hope you like them."
"I love it! I love it so much!" Lin Wanwan couldn't stop smiling.
The family sat around the mountaintop and lit the candles on the cake. The flickering candlelight illuminated every happy face. The princes and grandsons surrounded Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan, chattering and singing off-key birthday songs, creating a lively atmosphere.
Surrounded by their warm family and the flickering candlelight, Lin Wanwan and Xiao Che felt as if they had returned to decades ago.
I returned to that blood-red night, the same night with flickering candlelight.
That palace coup that determined the fate of the dynasty.
At that time, there was no laughter or cheers in the hall, only the sounds of clashing weapons and piercing screams. The air was thick with the stench of blood.
She remembered that Xiao Che shielded her behind him, his long sword dripping with blood. His body was also covered in wounds, yet he remained like an unshakeable war god, creating an absolutely safe haven for her.
She also remembered that when everything settled down and the rebellion was quelled, the entire palace was littered with corpses and rivers of blood.
And he, the emperor covered in blood, knelt on one knee before her in that hellish scene, under the watchful eyes of countless surviving civil and military officials and imperial guards.
The memories of that time stand in stark contrast to the happiness and fulfillment I feel now.
One is a bloody memory filled with death and slaughter.
One is the joy of a golden wedding anniversary, filled with life and hope.
Lin Wanwan's eyes were a little moist.
Just then, a warm, dry hand covered the back of her hand.
She turned her head and met Xiao Che's deep, ocean-like eyes. He didn't say anything, but she knew that he, too, was recalling the same past event.
Looking at the woman who had been with him for fifty years, Xiao Che felt a surge of unprecedented satisfaction and emotion.
He slowly stood up.
This action instantly silenced the surrounding laughter and chatter. Xiao Tuan, Su Qiaohui, and all the princes and grandsons looked at him curiously.
Under the watchful eyes of all his children and grandchildren, the retired emperor with a full head of silver hair once again took the hand of the empress dowager beside him.
His movements were solemn and devout, just as they had been back then.
At this moment, his "artificial voice package" system became incredibly clear and expressive:
"Wanwan, on that bloody night fifty years ago, I promised you amidst the bloodshed—'the empire as my dowry.'"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over his children and grandchildren before him, over the vast, prosperous, and peaceful land that belonged to them below the mountain, and finally, it returned to her face.
His voice, tinged with the hoarseness of age, was filled with a resounding power:
"Fifty years have passed. I... will not break this promise."
I will keep this promise.
These four simple words carry immense weight.
He did it.
He not only gave her the supreme position of Empress, but also a prosperous era of peace and prosperity, with all nations paying tribute to her.
He transformed his entire empire into the grandest betrothal gift for her alone.
At this moment, Lin Wanwan's tears finally fell uncontrollably.
Looking at the man who had given his life for her and fulfilled all his promises to her, seeing his full head of silver hair and the deep affection in his eyes, she was filled with immense happiness and emotion.
She turned and grasped his hand tightly, her eyes filled with tears of happiness, her voice choked with emotion, yet she answered with unwavering clarity:
"Your Majesty... has never betrayed me."
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