Love and Crown

"Brother Xiao!" I called out as I rushed toward him, but I didn't dare reach out to touch him, my entire body stiff.

He coughed lightly, one hand supporting himself on the couch, bright red blood seeping from between the fingers he held to his mouth, staining his sleeves and robes in a stark, unsettling pattern.

"Your Majesty!" Panicked cries rose from below—whether it was Feng Wufu or the Imperial Bodyguard who hadn't yet risen, I couldn't tell.

His body trembled slightly as he lifted his head, as if trying to look in my direction, but suddenly he bent forward deeply, swayed, and began to topple outward.

My shoulder caught his chest, and before Feng Wufu and the Imperial Bodyguard could rush over, I had already embraced his body.

In my arms, his breathing was erratic and rapid, his chest heaving violently.

"It's alright... Cang Cang..." His voice was barely audible between light coughs, "Don't worry..."

Even as he coughed up blood, his only concern was that I might panic.

My throat was too choked to speak, so I shook my head desperately, holding him gently.

Leaning against my shoulder with closed eyes, he spoke softly to Feng Wufu and the Imperial Bodyguard, who stood frozen before the couch: "Just reversed blood... No need to call the imperial physician... Keep this quiet." After a light cough, he nodded. "Chengxiang, you may withdraw."

"Your Majesty..." Feng Wufu snapped out of his daze and called out anxiously.

The Imperial Bodyguard named Chengxiang remained stunned for a moment before dropping to one knee, kowtowing heavily, then rising and backing out of the room.

"Wufu... you may withdraw as well." Still with closed eyes, he spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, you..." Feng Wufu took two urgent steps forward, calling out, but finally stamped his foot and bowed. "This servant obeys your command."

Waiting until Feng Wufu had carefully closed the door, he leaned against my shoulder, bending slightly as he coughed up another mouthful of blood.

Unable to speak now, I didn't dare tighten my arms around him. In that moment, it felt like we were back in that winter when he was gravely ill—amidst the bitter cold and snow of the Tianshan Mountains, I could only watch as he coughed up blood endlessly, as if the very color of life was draining away with each crimson spill. Helpless, unable to grasp anything.

His slightly cold hand grasped my trembling one. With some effort, he lifted his head and smiled at me, his face so pale it seemed almost colorless, yet his voice remained gentle: "I was just... too rushed earlier... Once it's all coughed up... I'll be fine..."

I stared at him fixedly, refusing to respond.

He smiled again, nodding slowly before adding in a low but firm voice: "It's true..."

Still unconvinced, I tilted my head. When I spoke, my voice came out hoarse: "You're not lying to me?"

"No." Shaking his head, he smiled at me again, pressing a hand to his chest as he coughed lightly.

I immediately fixed my gaze on him, not daring to look away for even a second, afraid he might cough up more blood.

Fortunately, this time he didn't. After the coughing subsided, he closed his eyes briefly, the furrow between his brows relaxing slightly as he smiled. "Cang Cang... Bring me the white medicine bottle under that table over there..."

Carefully helping him lean back against the couch, I hurried to the small table and opened the hidden compartment beneath it. Sure enough, inside was a very small white porcelain bottle—one that could only hold five or six pills at most.

Running back, I handed him the bottle, then followed his instructions to pour out one perfectly round vermilion pill—a medicine I'd never seen before.As if sensing my confusion, he gave a light laugh and explained, "Mr. Li left this... it protects the heart and refreshes the mind... but the medicine is rather potent... best not to use it unless necessary."

Clutching the pill tighter in my hand, I stared at him. "If it's so potent, why do you still take it?"

Seemingly caught off guard by my sudden question, he paused before his smile faded slightly, brows furrowing. "Cang Cang, are you worried... that I might not have long to live?"

Though I'd turned those very words over in my mind countless times these past few days, hearing them spoken aloud by him still struck like thunder, leaving me dizzy. I blurted out, "Isn't that the case?"

His hand gently grasped mine as he looked up at me with a smile. "I'm sorry... for making you worry. I won't..." His eyes held mine. "Mr. Li said I still have ten years, but that's not enough... Ten years from now, Lian will only be eighteen, Ran and Can just ten... I need more time."

Staring blankly at him, tears suddenly spilled over. I bent down to embrace him, burying my face in his collar.

Patting my back, he murmured softly, "I'm sorry, Cang Cang..."

Realizing I'd been crying too much lately, I stifled my sobs and adopted a brusque tone. "You should be sorry! Fainting all the time, coughing up blood—you scared me half to death!"

His apologetic gaze met mine as he smiled. "I truly am sorry, Cang Cang... for making you worry these past days."

With an indignant huff, I suddenly remembered he'd wanted the medicine earlier and hurriedly offered the pill in my hand. "Brother Xiao."

He smiled but didn't take it. "Though potent... if held in the mouth without swallowing, it can strengthen vitality..."

"Mmm..." I nodded, then glared. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I placed the pill in his mouth. Only then did it occur to me. "Too lazy to take it yourself—you were just waiting for me to feed you, weren't you?"

His eyes crinkled slightly as he chuckled.

Another thought struck me. "And another thing! Last night, wearing that flowing white robe—you dressed like that on purpose to tempt me, didn't you? You were supposed to wear the crimson ceremonial robes for the banquet!"

With the pill still in his mouth, he murmured something too soft to hear.

"What?" Worried he might be uncomfortable, I pressed my ear closer.

His sighing voice reached me. "I put those away long ago... such gaudy colors... did you think I'd keep wearing them?"

Before long, I helped Xiao Huan lie down to rest. He complied with a smile, offering no resistance. Once he was settled, I stroked my chin, contemplating whether to carry him to the bed across the room. After gauging the distance, I decided against it—the path wasn't far, but I might drop him halfway.

After ensuring he was comfortable, I stepped outside where Feng Wufu stood guard. The moment I emerged, his eyes fixed anxiously on my face.

Lowering my voice, I said, "Nothing serious. He's asleep."

Instead of relaxing, Feng Wufu heaved a long sigh. "Are you satisfied now that things have come to this? It seems you won't be happy until His Majesty is gravely ill!""I'm not happy at all!" I didn't mind him scolding me, but when it came to Xiao Huan, I had to speak up, "If Brother Xiao gets hurt again next time, I'll faint right along with him. How could I be happy?"

Feng Wufu shot me a glance, paused, then let out a long sigh. "How many times must this happen before you learn? Have you ever considered why His Majesty hasn't even raised his voice at you all these years?"

I had no retort, so I just smiled at him.

Frowning, Feng Wufu was still angry. "The moment I saw you rushing out of the room that day, I knew something was wrong. I hurried to the warm chamber to check, and sure enough! His Majesty's face was deathly pale, leaning against the table, unable to even speak. Yet the first thing he did when he saw me was shake his head repeatedly, signaling me to stay silent. He was afraid you'd hear the commotion and come back worried! And what did you do? You just left him there and walked away, cool as you please!"

The more he spoke, the angrier he got, his plump face turning red. "Because of General Qi's matter, His Majesty hadn't slept properly for days. Finally, that afternoon when things eased up a bit, he rushed to Phoenix Come Pavilion to find you. And what did you say to him? That he was playing mind games with you? Using his health to blackmail you?

"Thinking of you in every possible way is playing mind games? Falling ill from exhaustion and hiding it so you wouldn't worry is blackmailing you with his health? I'm not His Majesty, but even I felt my heart turn cold standing there! Your words are like daggers—even if His Majesty hadn't been sick before, your sharp tongue would have made him ill!"

I nodded repeatedly. "You're right. Anything else you want to scold me for? Get it all out now."

At this, Feng Wufu choked up, shaking his head with a sigh. "You!"

I grinned cheekily. "Eunuch Feng, you've scolded me several times now. Surely your anger's cooled?"

Feng Wufu snorted lightly. "We'll see if I remember this again in a few days."

Knowing he was just concerned about Xiao Huan, I kept smiling.

Finally, Feng Wufu sighed again, his tone grudging. "In the end, this old servant can't say much more. His Majesty is entrusted to you. If you keep regressing, throwing tantrums now and then... I'll take the little princess away!"

"If you dare take that girl, even if I don't chase after her, her father will run after you like his life depends on it..." I chuckled, then paused. "Besides, wasn't he already entrusted to me ten years ago? The first day we returned from Shanhai Pass... Eunuch Feng, didn't you already entrust Brother Xiao to me back then?"

"Hmph, you!" Feng Wufu shook his head, though a faint smile finally appeared at the corner of his lips. "Entrusted to you, and you still didn't take good care of him!"

Knowing I was in the wrong, I stuck out my tongue and giggled.

Still worried about Xiao Huan in the room, I didn't linger to chat and turned to go back.

Xiao Huan was still lying with his eyes closed on the couch. I walked over and sat beside him.

Perhaps because I'd been frightened, only by staying close to him could I feel at ease now.

He wasn't deeply asleep either. As soon as I sat down, he opened his eyes and looked at me with a faint smile.

Leaning down, I took his hand and blew a teasing breath by his ear. "Feeling a bit stronger now, my beauty? Shall we move to the bed for what comes next?"Leaning slightly into the breath I exhaled, he chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around my waist, his tone laced with laziness. "So... what's next on the agenda?"

I lowered my head and nipped lightly at the exposed skin beneath his collar, then licked my lips and looked up at him with narrowed eyes. "What's next? Sleep!" Sighing dramatically, I let my hands roam freely over him. "Ah, such a cruel fate—to have such a beauty before me, yet only allowed to look..."

"Oh? Aren't you also touching?" he replied with a faint smile.

"Touching alone isn't enough..." I continued my lament, helping him up. "A beauty like you can never be looked at or touched enough..."

His eyes brimmed with amusement as he gazed at me. "Then by all means, keep looking and touching..."

"Many thanks, my beauty. I won't hold back then." I teased lightly as I guided him slowly to the bed and sat him down.

Though he claimed to be fine, exhaustion still weighed on him. Once seated, his eyelids drooped slightly.

Kneeling before him, I rested my head on his lap and spoke softly, "Brother Xiao, do you know what I thought when you disappeared on Tianshan all those years ago?"

This was the first time in years since his return that I had brought up those days in his presence.

He paused briefly, then his cool hand settled gently atop my head, stroking slowly.

I continued, "Back then, I thought—I’ll never see him again. Never hear his voice, never hold him. That person would be gone forever. I repeated it over and over, forcing myself to remember, forcing myself to accept it. To accept that I couldn’t hope for your return, that from then on, I’d have to walk my path alone. To accept that I couldn’t cling to the fantasy that one day, I’d turn around and see you standing there again. I forced myself to remember it firmly, never letting my guard down, because otherwise... I didn’t know if I’d wake up one midnight, suddenly realizing I could never find you again, and just... break. Brother Xiao, I promised you—even if you were gone, even if I was alone, I’d keep living. I’d live long, live until my hair turned white, live to become an old woman. Since I made that promise, I had to keep it.

"I could have gone on like that—living without you. But then you came back... Sometimes I still think it’s all a dream. I swore I wouldn’t dream anymore, yet here I was, foolishly dreaming beneath the crabapple blossoms, so happy I didn’t even stop to wonder when I’d wake up."

Lifting my head, I met his gaze earnestly. "Brother Xiao, you’re the one who made me start dreaming again. You’re the one who showed me I didn’t have to struggle alone anymore. Brother Xiao, if you leave again this time... I’ll follow you." My voice was steady, deliberate. "I’ll follow you. Quickly.

"So, you have to promise me, Brother Xiao," I said, holding his eyes. "Promise that even if I’m being selfish, even if I neglect you for a moment, you’ll still take care of yourself. Because I will regret it—when I come to my senses and see you again, I’ll regret it deeply. So, Brother Xiao... don’t let me regret like that."The hand stroking my hair had long since stopped. Those dark, bright eyes, like the night sky, gazed at me quietly, as if they could no longer hold the dazzling multitude of stars. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his voice remained gentle: "I promise, Cang Cang, I will take care of myself. I won’t leave. Not this time."

Without a moment’s hesitation, I stood up and embraced him, pressing my head against his shoulder and tightening my arms willfully.

He didn’t speak, only his fingers gently patting my back remained tender as ever.

The next day, there was no court assembly. After waking up, I instructed Feng Wufu to dismiss the several key ministers who were scheduled to meet the emperor in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Unexpectedly, Feng Wufu went even further, outright refusing even the cabinet ministers who clamored to come in the afternoon.

I forced Xiao Huan to rest for the entire day, to the point where he half-laughed and said I seemed determined not to let him leave the bed. I rolled my eyes unceremoniously and retorted that it wasn’t just a seeming determination—I genuinely didn’t want him to leave the bed at all.

The following days followed the same pattern: minor court assemblies were avoided, and major ones were canceled. I also took leave from Su Qian and stopped going to Phoenix Come Pavilion. Apart from ensuring Xiao Huan rested, my only other activity was visiting the children with him. Everything else was set aside.

Whether state affairs piled up or not, I didn’t care. All I knew was that Xiao Huan’s complexion visibly improved over those few days.

That afternoon, nestled together on the daybed with a bowl of bird’s nest and lotus seed soup, I was in high spirits. Raising another spoonful, I offered it to him: "Brother Xiao, should we rest in the room today or take a stroll in Wanyuan Garden?"

Having had all his political duties unilaterally canceled by Feng Wufu and me these past few days, he wore a somewhat resigned expression. With a light sigh, he said, "Anywhere is fine, Cang Cang. You decide."

I tilted my head in thought. "Wanyuan Garden isn’t all that interesting, and it’s in the outskirts of the capital. But staying cooped up indoors can feel stifling..." After a moment of serious consideration, I suddenly snapped my fingers, nearly dropping the bowl in excitement. "Brother Xiao, let’s go boating on Taiye Lake!"

He looked surprised, then smiled. "Boating on Taiye Lake?"

"Yes!" I shoved the spoonful of soup that had been cooling for a while into his mouth, then scooped another for myself. Biting the spoon, I grinned at him. "What do you think? You’ve never been, have you? Taiye Lake is much more fun than Mirror Pond in the palace. You can row boats, play in the water, go fishing, and even float lanterns at night. Lots of people in the capital have been there."

He chuckled. "If it’s that enjoyable, then shall we go?"

"Great, great!" Thrilled by his agreement, I immediately grew excited but still remembered to raise the bowl in my hand. "I’ve eaten more of this soup than you have. You have to finish the rest!"

Nodding with a smile, he readily agreed, "Alright, alright."

Though he said "alright," prying open his mouth was harder than prying open a clam. Between finishing the food and taking his medicine, it took nearly an hour.

Next came changing into casual attire. When Feng Wufu heard we were going out, he waved his hand and had the eunuchs bring out several sets of Xiao Huan’s usual pale blue robes. I waved my hand too, sending the eunuchs back to replace them with white robes—the more flowing and ethereal, the better.

As Xiao Huan changed, a faint smile played on his lips.I looked him up and down with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow teasingly. "Don't laugh at me. Who told you to float around in white robes the other day, making me realize male concubines look best in white?"

Finally ready, we took a carriage out of the palace with only Shi Yan accompanying us. Even Feng Wufu was left behind with the excuse that too many attendants would draw unnecessary attention.

The Taiye Pond was divided into two sections. The narrow, elongated portion connected to the Forbidden Palace's moat and was off-limits to ordinary people. But beyond the Mirror Bridge with its twelve arches and sturdy iron railings lay the open lake, where anyone could enjoy the waters.

Though it was already August, the lingering warmth meant many people were still out enjoying the pond.

After disembarking from the carriage, we rented a small boat with an awning and laid out the snacks and sweet wine we'd brought on its little table. With Shi Yan at the helm, we leisurely rowed toward the center of the lake.

The weather was perfect—the water nearly rippleless, smooth as a mirror, its clear blue surface mirroring the sky. A gentle breeze carrying the scent of water brushed against us. Apart from the sound of oars, faint laughter from other boats drifted to our ears.

Leaning against the soft cushions in the cabin, I took Xiao Huan's hand and smiled. "So, Brother Xiao, never thought there was such a lovely place so close by, did you?"

He returned the smile and nodded. "I really never considered coming here for a boat ride."

"Didn't expect that, did you?" I couldn't help feeling smug. "I used to come here often with my brother when I was little. I even fell into the water once while trying to catch fish!"

"Fell in while catching fish?" He chuckled, puzzled.

"Accidentally slipped off the boat. Since my clothes were already soaked, I figured I might as well catch some fish before climbing back up..." I explained leisurely.

He laughed even harder. "Not bad, not bad. The fish were quite the unexpected bonus..."

As we chatted idly, loud cheers suddenly erupted nearby. Several small boats had clustered together, their occupants splashing water at each other in playful battle.

The people on these boats seemed to know one another, calling out names and having a grand time. Even passing boats weren't spared, gradually getting drawn into the fray until the entire area was filled with vessels enthusiastically dousing each other.

Our boat was heading straight toward them, and it was too late to change course. In the blink of an eye, we were right beside them.

Spotting a new boat approaching, someone indiscriminately scooped up a huge spray of water toward us with a laugh.

The water came too fast to dodge. Without thinking, I quickly leaned forward to shield Xiao Huan, raising my hands in surrender. "We yield! Spare us, oh mighty warriors!"

Even in their excitement, they stopped splashing at our display and burst into laughter instead.

The group of women with shoulder-length buns on a nearby boat laughed the loudest. After glancing our way and huddling together for some whispered words, they erupted into giggles. The boldest among them half-stood, cupping her hands to shout, "Sister! Your husband is so handsome!"

Amused, I laughed too, mimicking her gesture to call back, "Thank you! He's my male concubine! Quite dashing, isn't he?"

Their giggles grew even louder.At last, Shi Yan managed to steer the boat around and began rowing away. The people on the other small boats, despite being busy splashing water at each other, still found time to wave goodbye to us.

Laughing, I waved back at them before looking down at Xiao Huan, who was half-pinned beneath me on the soft cushion. "Are you alright? Did any water get on you?"

He shook his head with a smile, reaching up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Not a drop touched me."

I raised an eyebrow and grinned. "No need for thanks. Isn't it my duty to pamper a beauty like you—"

I suddenly fell silent. Amid the gentle lapping of the waves, his dark, sparkling eyes filled with mirth drew closer and closer.

"Brother Xiao," I lowered my head with a smile, my voice softening within the distance where I could feel his breath, "I'm very happy now..."

In the end, we still released the water lanterns, lighting the paper lanterns bought from a lakeside vendor and gently placing them into the water.

Holding his hand by the lakeside, watching that bright red candle drift into the distance, I looked up at him with a smile: "Brother Xiao, do you want to know what I wished for?"

The corners of his lips lifted slightly, and under the watery moonlight, his eyes held amusement: "What was your wish?"

Grabbing his sleeve, I stood on tiptoe and leaned close to his ear.

Warm breath brushed against both our skins as he slightly lowered his head, the corners of his eyes curving: "I wish the same, Cang Cang."

Resting my head on his shoulder, I laughed softly and said:

May this life always be as it is today.

In the Warm Chamber that afternoon, sunlight bathed everything in warmth, and a gentle breeze caressed our faces.

"Star! Star! Block her eye!" Bright black eyes glared at the black and white pieces on the board as half the player behind it shouted impatiently, boosting their own side's morale to the fullest.

"Even if you block, you still can't beat me!" The opponent on the other side immediately retorted without backing down, returning the fierce glare with equally gleaming, glass-like black eyes.

Ignoring the noisy quarrel between the two, the player on this side of the board pondered for a moment before picking up a white piece and placing it among the interwoven pieces.

The previously fierce player who had declared "you can't beat me" abruptly shut their cherry-red mouth, but after staring at the board for a moment, they lifted their head and called out: "Daddy, Daddy, what's the next move?"

The standing figure on the other side protested: "Little sister, why do you always ask Daddy? Is it you playing against Big Brother or Daddy playing against Big Brother?"

"You and Lian are both playing against me alone, why don't you say anything about that?" The little player snorted unapologetically, slanting their large eyes upward.

Sitting beside them watching the match, Xiao Huan and I couldn't help but laugh. Pulling his hand around my waist, I turned to smile at him: "Well? Strategist? What move will you suggest for your little princess?"

He smiled faintly, pausing briefly before answering: "Fifth line, eleventh intersection."

Clapping their hands in delight, the previously solemn little player immediately brightened, picking up a piece without hesitation and placing it down, then crowing triumphantly: "Your strategy's broken now, I told you you couldn't beat me!"

While the seated player on the other side could still rest their chin thoughtfully, the standing one wasn't having it, pouting as they whined to Xiao Huan: "Daddy, you always help little sister, we can never win a single game!"

"Can't be helped, your daddy plays favorites..." Glancing at Lian and Xiao Xie sitting on either side of the board, and Yan standing behind Lian with eyes blazing even more intensely than if he were playing himself, I seized the moment to sigh dramatically, "Even your mom doesn't dare compete with your little sister, so you two should just give up..."

"But little sister always asks Daddy, it's so unfair!" Still somewhat dissatisfied, Yan widened his gleaming black eyes.

Already quite smug, Xiao Xie—likely sensing their advantageous position—unexpectedly waved a hand magnanimously: "It's just asking Daddy for a few moves, Lian and Yan, you two are so petty! Fine! No more asking! Save you from saying my victory's unearned!"Leisurely observing the chessboard, Lian, who had remained silent until now, spoke languidly: "What's the fun in playing just with you? You might as well ask Dad for help, so I don't win too easily." His demeanor was elegant, yet his attitude was downright arrogant.

Xiao Xie couldn't stand such provocation and immediately jumped up. The three of them erupted into a noisy squabble, nearly tumbling into a physical fight.

As expected, these three little troublemakers could never stay peaceful together. Laughing, I called out to them, "Hey, hey, are you here to play chess or to argue?"

Just then, Feng Wufu walked in with a beaming smile. "Your Majesties and Your Highnesses, would you like to take a break? There's rose and lotus seed tea today, along with plum candies and almond cakes."

Before he even finished speaking, the quarreling children had already cheered and dashed over.

Watching them, I smiled and took Xiao Huan's hand, giving him a sidelong glance. "Your children, huh…"

He chuckled in response. "Likewise, likewise…"

As we spoke, Feng Wufu hesitantly approached. "Your Majesty, Minister Zhang requests an audience at the hour of Shen today."

His health had improved these past few days, so I wasn't keeping as close a watch on him as before, and he had begun handling the backlog of government affairs. Nodding at Feng Wufu, he replied, "Understood."

Unable to help myself, I tightened my grip on his hand and tugged at his sleeve. "Brother Xiao…"

Turning back, he gave me a reassuring smile, his tone teasing. "It's fine. Zhuduan isn't that frightening."

"Zhuduan? You call him so affectionately… I just can't stand him!" I huffed lightly, then added under my breath, "Might as well keep you hidden at home as my male concubine forever."

I wasn’t sure if he heard that last part, but he glanced at me with amusement and squeezed my hand. "Shall we go for tea?"

I stuck out my tongue discreetly and nodded, walking with him. The children were already making a ruckus at the table, and as we approached, they swarmed us, pulling us to sit down.

After tea, the three little troublemakers were sent off to their calligraphy lessons, while Xiao Huan went to meet Zhang Zhuduan and a few other ministers. Realizing I hadn’t visited Phoenix Come Pavilion in many days, I changed clothes and left the palace.

When I arrived, Mu Yan happened to be out, leaving Su Qian alone behind a towering pile of Records. The moment she saw me, her face turned frosty, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Has the Pavilion Master finally deigned to emerge from her nest of tenderness? Does she still remember this subordinate’s name?"

She made me sound like some pleasure-addled tyrant. I quickly cleared my throat. "Of course I remember. Hall Master Su, you’ve worked hard…"

And just like that, Su Qian dragged me into helping her manage the pavilion’s affairs. Before I knew it, when I rubbed my stiff neck and looked up, dusk had already fallen. I hastily jumped up from my chair. "Su Qian, I’m sorry—I have to hurry back."

Glancing up at me, Su Qian, for once, didn’t scold me for slacking off. "Then go quickly. Don’t keep the White Pavilion Master waiting."

Since she said so, I didn’t stand on ceremony. After a few more apologies, I rushed back to the palace.

By the time I reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation, it was nearly pitch dark outside. Worried I’d kept Xiao Huan waiting too long, I hurried inside—only to nearly collide with someone the moment I rounded the screen wall. I barely managed to stop myself before the other person bowed deeply. "This humble official greets Her Majesty the Empress." The clear voice was slightly subdued—it was Zhang Zhuduan.

Taking a step back to see him clearly, I smiled faintly. "Minister Zhang, there’s no need for formalities." Then I raised an eyebrow. "It’s been days. Tell me, does your household still have enough cabbage to eat?"I suddenly asked such a question, but Zhang Zhuduan didn’t seem surprised. He lowered his head and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. These past few days, the price of cabbage has dropped from one wen for three catties to two wen for seven catties. Therefore, my humble household has purchased quite a bit, and we still have enough to eat.”

I smiled faintly. “Two wen for seven catties—that’s truly cheap. So, Minister Zhang is considerate of the people’s hardships and really cares about the price of cabbage.”

“I dare not claim such merit. Ever since Your Majesty mentioned it at my residence that day, I specifically summoned my servants to inquire about the market price of cabbage, in case Your Majesty should ask again.” His tone remained neither humble nor arrogant, and Zhang Zhuduan’s expression was solemn, as if we weren’t discussing cabbage but some matter of national importance.

I laughed. “It’s good that Minister Zhang is so thoughtful.” Then I abruptly changed the subject. “His Majesty hasn’t attended court these past few days due to illness, yet Minister Zhang has submitted numerous memorials urging him to return.”

Zhang Zhuduan’s expression didn’t waver. “Encouraging the ruler to be diligent in governance is also a minister’s duty.”

Crossing my arms with a cold laugh, I narrowed my eyes. “Only today did I learn that His Majesty isn’t diligent enough in governance.”

“I dare not presume.” Still deferential, Zhang Zhuduan bowed his head.

“Minister Zhang, don’t say you ‘dare not.’ Memorials submitted every day, and you wait outside the hall every day seeking an audience. Rest assured, with a master like you in charge, no one would dare neglect their duties.” With a cold laugh, I stepped past him and walked inside.

Zhang Zhuduan bowed behind me. “I respectfully see off Your Majesty.”

I walked straight ahead without looking back.

Entering the room, I saw that although the officials had left, Xiao Huan was still bent over the desk reviewing memorials. I snatched them from his hands, my anger making my eyes blaze. “Stop reading! Even if you work yourself to death, no one will say a word of praise!”

After a brief pause, Xiao Huan seemed to understand and smiled faintly. “Cang Cang, did you run into Zhuduan?”

Sitting beside him and wrapping my arms around his waist, I huffed. “Zhuduan, Zhuduan—you call him so affectionately. Maybe you should go live with him instead!”

He immediately fell silent, his face a picture of suppressed laughter.

Busy every day, rushing from the palace to Phoenix Come Pavilion and back again, several more days passed in a blur. The children remained as rowdy as ever, and the weather stayed neither too cold nor too hot.

On a rare occasion when I was free early, I hurried back from Phoenix Come Pavilion to the palace. Just as I entered the rear hall, Jiao Yan darted out from the side, her expression flustered when she saw me. “Your Majesty, you’re back? This servant missed you terribly.”

She had never been this enthusiastic toward me before. Suspicious, I eyed her. “Jiao Yan, do you have a fever?”

“No,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing red as she shook her head. “Your Majesty, could you go check on the young masters first?”

“Aren’t they in Jingyang Palace for lessons? Why should I go there?” I grew even more puzzled.

“Well, um…” Jiao Yan fidgeted, her face reddening further. “It’s just that…”

As she stumbled over her words, Feng Wufu’s head popped out from behind her, his smile so wide his eyes nearly disappeared. “Ah, Your Majesty has returned! This servant has been eagerly awaiting your return.”

I stared at him for a moment before shaking my head. “Eunuch Wufu, that’s too fake…”Feng Wufu's facial features seemed to collapse all at once, his smile shifting faster than a face-changing performance. He first turned to glare at Jiao Yan: "Can't even lie properly!" Then he looked at me with a woeful expression: "Your Majesty the Empress, could you perhaps go have some tea first before seeing His Majesty?"

Still staring at him, I crossed my arms: "Stop beating around the bush. Tell me, who's meeting with Brother Xiao inside?"

Feng Wufu's face scrunched up like a wrinkled cloth: "Miss Duan..."

Jiao Yan quickly peeked out from behind him: "Your Majesty the Empress, please don't be angry! His Majesty doesn't like that Miss Duan at all, not one bit!"

Looking at their nervous expressions, you'd think I was about to charge in and tear the roof off the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

I rolled my eyes helplessly: "Alright, I'll keep my jealousy in check and promise not to make a scene, okay? Now will you two move aside?"

Jiao Yan mumbled: "I didn't mean to imply Your Majesty would make a scene, I just didn't want you to get angry..."

Amused, I glanced at her and waved my hand: "Fine, I'm not blaming you," then patted her shoulder, "Now move aside. I'm not going to chop His Majesty into pieces..."

Pouting and blushing, Jiao Yan stepped aside, while Feng Wufu shifted his plump body out of the way.

What a predicament—the path to the rear hall was already narrow, and with them blocking both sides earlier, it had been completely impassable. I couldn't have forced my way through even if I wanted to.

Giving them another amused look, I walked past, still feeling their intense gazes boring into my back.

I couldn't help sighing inwardly: these two really think I'm some jealous shrew.

Emerging from the hidden door, I saw the scene in the rear hall.

Under the flower-laden corridor, a young woman in pink giggled, spreading rose petals in her palm to show the man in blue seated before her.

In the gentle breeze, he lifted his head and smiled at her.

A perfect moment, beautiful scenery, a lovely companion—it looked like something out of a painting.

I walked over slowly, stopping with a smile: "Miss Duan."

Turning abruptly, Duan Jingxue's smile stiffened slightly: "Your Majesty the Empress..."

Passing by her, I went to Xiao Huan's side, bent down to kiss his cheek, then straightened with a smile: "Did you take your medicine? And now you're out here catching a chill?"

Looking up at me with a smile, his eyes warm, he replied: "With Feng Wufu watching me so closely on your orders, how could I dare not drink it?"

"I was afraid you'd refuse stubbornly and Feng Wufu would slack off." After squeezing his hand to confirm his temperature wasn't too cold, I rested my hand on his shoulder and smiled at Duan Jingxue: "It's good that Miss Duan occasionally visits to keep His Majesty company, but His Majesty's health is delicate. In the future, please be mindful of the weather so he doesn't catch cold, and don't talk for too long and tire him out."

Staring at me blankly, Duan Jingxue suddenly snapped to attention and hurriedly bowed: "This humble one will remember Your Majesty's instructions."

"Good." I smiled, glancing at the rose petals in her hands. "What are these? Where did you pick them?"

As if surprised I'd ask, Duan Jingxue hesitated before answering: "Your Majesty, these are from the roses in my family's garden. They're called 'Glazed Gold'—each bloom is twice the size of ordinary roses, with translucent golden hues at the base of the petals. Though they're red roses, they're named for that golden quality."Examining the scattered petals and the half-bloomed flower in her hand, I nodded. "It's truly large and beautiful, much more so than the roses planted in the palace." Smiling at Xiao Huan, I added, "No wonder Brother Xiao was so delighted. The fragrance seems richer than ordinary flowers too—I can smell it without even bringing my nose close."

"Indeed," Xiao Huan replied with a smile. "This plant was grafted and cultivated by Jingxue after transplanting it from Jianghuai. There's only one like it in the entire capital."

"Oh?" I turned to Duan Jingxue with a smile. "So Miss Duan is skilled in horticulture too. Next time, you must bring more rare specimens to broaden His Majesty's and my horizons."

"Just a trivial skill. I’m honored if it pleases Your Majesties," Duan Jingxue replied with a bow. She then curtsied again. "May Your Majesties enjoy boundless happiness. I’ve lingered in the palace long enough and beg to take my leave."

"Very well," Xiao Huan said with a nod. "You may go, Jingxue."

After another deep curtsy, Duan Jingxue withdrew.

Watching her figure disappear down the ornate corridor, I smiled and crouched down, taking Xiao Huan's hand. "Brother Xiao, earlier, Wufu and Jiao Yan were afraid I’d come and lose my temper with you."

He gazed at me with a smile but said nothing.

"Truthfully, I was a little annoyed—my teeth were even starting to ache," I continued, grinning at him. "But why should I be angry with you? It’s not her you like..."

Resting my chin on his knee, I looked up with a playful smile. "Beautiful one, could you tell this lord who it is you fancy?"

Still smiling, he furrowed his brows slightly. "Hmm... let me think..."

"You need to think?" I widened my eyes and jumped up, pretending to strangle him. "You actually need to think about this?"

Laughing, he dodged, but I wasn’t about to let him off so easily. I leaned down and bit his neck, leaving two rows of red teeth marks.

Perhaps it stung a little, as he inhaled softly and caught my hand, amusement in his voice. "Cang Cang."

I cleared my throat and stopped teasing him, resting my head lightly on his knee. After a pause, I spoke again. "Brother Xiao, you feel a little guilty toward Duan Jingxue, don’t you? That’s why you’re especially indulgent with her."

Gently stroking my hair, he smiled. "Her elder sister... I never spoke a single word to her, even after she was sent away from the palace."

With my chin still on his leg, I said, "A few days ago, Duan Jingxue told me about her sister. At the time, I said, 'Her sister came to steal my husband—why should I feel guilty for winning him?' That’s what I said, but in the end, I still feel a little sad... After all, those women wasted their youth before my eyes, meeting tragic ends, and I could only watch."

"But," I continued after a pause, meeting his gaze, "Brother Xiao, I’ve never once felt that the happiness we have today is undeserved."

His arm wrapped around my shoulders as he gently caressed my head, remaining silent for a long while.

Just as I thought he wouldn’t speak again, he said quietly, "Thank you, Cang Cang."

"Huh? What are you thanking me for?" Suddenly embarrassed, I laughed. "Is it for my tenderness and understanding, or for my magnanimity in not minding that my Male Concubine chats and laughs with other women?"

He laughed too, pretending to ponder. "Well... a bit of both?"Playfulness suddenly surged again, and I refused to relent. Climbing up, I lightly nibbled his neck a few more times: "Punishing you for saying one thing and meaning another!" Then I aimed for the collarbone beneath his collar and bit again.

"Cang Cang..." He took a deep breath, his voice suddenly tinged with hoarseness, "Don't tease... not now..."

His voice brought back the last shred of my rationality. Unaware of when, a blush had already spread across my face. If I kept playing around, I might really push him too far.

I desperately tried to steady my increasingly heavy breathing and quickly tilted my head back before that last thread of restraint snapped.

Surprisingly, even his face was flushed with a faint blush. Since his illness, we had both been abstinent for so long it felt like we were on the verge of becoming immortals. Who would have thought we’d nearly broken that restraint just now? Unable to hold back, I let out a soft laugh and asked him, "Can we?"

The faint blush still lingering on his face, he glanced at me with a smile. "It's fine... I can manage."

All the boldness I’d mustered to tease him earlier had now turned into heat on my face—hot enough to half-cook an egg. Gritting my teeth, I said, "Fine, tonight!"

Never had dinner felt so interminable. I quickly fed the children and sent them back to their rooms, then undressed and bathed faster than ever before.

My hair cascaded over my shoulders, the bathrobe loosely tied with a silk ribbon. I walked to the soft couch in the room, draping my arm over the shoulder of Xiao Huan, who was also freshly bathed and dressed in white. With a playful whistle, I teased, "Beautiful one, your lord has come for you."

Laughing softly, he didn’t even put down the memorial in his hand. "Oh? Please have a seat, my lord."

Without hesitation, I sat down, grabbed his arm, then climbed onto his shoulders, blowing softly into his ear. "Beautiful one, your lord is growing impatient."

Our clothes and hair were still slightly damp, the fresh scent of soap mingling with the fragrance of water, drifting into my nostrils in delicate wisps. I lowered my head, following the same method as earlier, gently nipping at his neck.

A trail of faint red marks followed the path of my lips until I paused just above his collarbone. Tilting my head, I flicked my tongue over his skin. "Beautiful one... your lord is getting a little impatient. Are you as eager as I am?"

His neck arched slightly under my tongue, his voice low and laced with amusement. "Perhaps... a little..."

"Perhaps..." My fingers slowly untied the sash at his waist, slipping beneath to touch his cool skin. I looked up at him through half-lidded eyes. "Just perhaps... Brother Xiao?" My fingers traced slow circles from his chest down to his abdomen.

He took a deep breath, his hand closing over mine as he turned to me with a sigh, his eyes brimming with deep amusement. "Cang Cang... going too far isn’t good..."

"Hmm?" I slowly ran my tongue over my lips. "Going too far... what do you mean?"

Without a word, he smiled and lowered his head.

His cool lips covered mine, our breaths tangling.

My arms instinctively tightened around his waist as my body was gently laid back in waves of dizziness.

His voice, laced with laughter and the faintest tremor, whispered by my ear. "Here?"

Our necks arched, brushing against each other as my kisses trailed over the strands of our intertwined hair and his broad chest. My fingers interlaced with his long, slender ones, gliding over each other’s skin like ripples across a spring pond, exploring with slow, deliberate touches.

Our tongues teased languidly, beads of sweat gathering like pearls before slipping away, scattering like a fleeting spring dream.I chuckled softly, "Brother Xiao..."

My arm reached out, fingers lightly brushing past. The wisp of flame flickered like a firefly for a brief moment before extinguishing in midair.

Darkness lingered in my eyes for only an instant. Then rows upon rows of glowing orbs seemed to explode from the depths of my skull, scattering like Signal Flares—shattering endlessly, relentlessly.

His scent, his fingers, the warmth of his embrace—in that dazed moment, everything became startlingly clear.

My body floated as if submerged in the river's depths, with only fragmented consciousness bobbing to the surface intermittently.

"Brother Xiao..." The sound I made was barely audible even to myself, leaving only a sigh-like breath.

My fingers tangled in his hair, the dark strands flowing like cold spring water through my fingers as my light kisses traced the contours of his brow.

As if in response, his lips brushed against the corners of my eyes and the edges of my mouth, each touch warm as sunlight, tender as rain.

My palm slid to his waist, grazing the smooth, supple skin there, rubbing gently yet firmly.

Our lips met again, cool and soft, mingling with the faint herbal sweetness between us, threads of connection weaving between our tongues.

Heat burned in the smallest corners of my being, my fingers tightening as I tore away the last barrier on him—ripped brocade fluttering to the ground like white butterflies.

A faint tremor ran from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes, my eyes closing involuntarily.

"Brother Xiao..." The third whisper dissolved between our lips before clarity faded entirely.

Sunlight fell on my eyelids. When I opened my eyes, the man beside me still had his closed, close enough that I could see the faint shadows beneath his long lashes.

I tilted my head, admiring the golden hue his skin took under the sunlight.

His chest, bared last night when his robes were torn, was lightly covered by the brocade quilt, revealing collarbones and faint red marks along his neck.

Hmm... I might have bitten a little too hard...

Perhaps sensing my gaze, his lashes fluttered slightly before those bright, deep eyes opened. His low, lazy voice carried a hint of amusement. "Cang Cang."

Propping myself up on an elbow, I spoke solemnly, "Brother Xiao, I just thought of two lines of poetry..."

Without waiting for him to ask, I sighed dramatically and recited with exaggerated cadence:

"The night of spring is short, the sun rises high—

Henceforth, the king no longer holds morning court."

Unsurprisingly, the amusement in his eyes deepened as he chuckled. "Such a scandalous verse."

"Not as scandalous as the beauty before me..." I teased, attempting to lift his chin with a flirtatious finger. But already perched precariously on the edge of the couch, my arm slipped, nearly sending me tumbling backward. Thankfully, he swiftly caught my shoulder, pulling me safely back onto the cushions.

My failed flirtation ending in clumsiness, I glanced up at him, and we both burst into laughter at the same time.

Just then, a few deliberate coughs sounded outside the door, followed by Feng Wufu's exaggerated announcement: "Your Majesties, it is already past mid-morning. Time for breakfast."

Jiao Yan's chiding voice followed, "Master Wufu, must you interrupt? They’ll rise when they’re ready. Honestly, have you no sense of romance?"

Feng Wufu huffed indignantly, "Romance? What does a little girl like you know about it?"

"More than you!" Jiao Yan shot back.

Their bickering, completely unguarded, made Xiao Huan and me exchange a glance before we dissolved into laughter again.

The silent passage of time flowed before us like a tranquil painting—his gentle smile, the children's playful voices, the bustling of those around us—day after day, peaceful as still water.