Chapter 212:

Time passes swiftly, and before one realizes, it’s almost the Lunar New Year again. These days, everything has settled down, and everyone has found their place. In the palace, there are only two women left. Aside from Empress Shen Layue, there’s Zhu Yuning, who has returned from the national temple. By now, everyone knows the truth about Zhu Yuning and no longer treats her as a legitimate concubine. She is merely a “tool” Emperor Jing brought back to care for the children. The emperor chose her simply for her obedience and because she is close friends with Shen Layue.

The selection of new concubines has been suspended. As Emperor Jing put it, the concubine selection will only resume when the princes come of age. The emperor himself has given up on that idea. Although the new concubine selection rules still occur every three years, the age range is now fifteen to eighteen, rather than the previous thirteen. Thirteen is ultimately too young. Yet, the emperor feels secretly relieved in his heart, grateful for having met Yue’er early on and walking hand in hand with her to this day.

When he spoke of this to her, the little girl wore a gentle smile on her face and said, “I’m also very grateful, grateful for meeting you at the most beautiful time of my life.” The emperor was deeply moved. They cherish each other, and thus today, they can attain happiness. They are grateful that neither missed the other’s feelings.

Late at night, the moonlight exudes a slight chill, and tree shadows sway gently. This winter, however, isn’t very cold. Inside the room, only a dim lamp is lit, and the soft yellow candlelight creates a warm atmosphere. The soft glow of the candle illuminates the delicate figure on the large bed. The woman lies peacefully, revealing only half of her beautiful face, with thick, long lashes gently fluttering. Her cherry-red lips wear a sweet smile, and even in her sleep, her dimples appear faintly, as if she’s having a beautiful dream.

This is the scene Emperor Jing sees upon entering the room. These days are nearing the Lunar New Year, and he has been exceptionally busy, not sleeping with Layue for several days. After finishing his work haphazardly today, he remembers that tomorrow is her birthday and hurries to Fengqi Palace. Because it’s so close to the New Year, he usually doesn’t think about celebrating her birthday, but this year he made plans early. Perhaps she doesn’t know, but he has already arranged many surprises for her. Thinking about this, the emperor smiles. Speaking of which, it’s already her birthday now, after all, it’s already the early hours of the morning. Gently kissing her cheek, the emperor murmurs, “Yue’er, happy birthday!”

A soft giggle is heard. Thinking she has awakened, the emperor quickly looks up, only to find her still asleep, smiling happily in her dreams. Seeing her like this, no longer the same as before, even in her sleep, her laughter is genuine and heartfelt. The emperor is delighted. He changes into his nightclothes, disregarding the chill on his body, and pulls her into his arms. Layue lets out a soft sound, finds a comfortable position in his arms, and continues to sleep. The emperor looks at her sweet sleeping face, feeling a wave of fatigue, and falls asleep holding her.

In the morning, Layue feels a bit weighed down and wakes up with a stretch. Seeing it’s the emperor, she uses her small hand to trace his eyebrows and eyes, plays for a while, and gradually wakes up. Then she sits up.

“Say you love me, be good, say you love me.” Layue whispers softly. Emperor Jing is in deep sleep, unaware of anything. Thinking for a moment, Layue smiles.

“We haven’t been intimate for a long time. I miss it.” Saying so, she lets her hand wander downward, but halfway through, she withdraws her hand. Shaking her head, she mutters, “No, no! If I act up, he will definitely notice. That naughty man.”

Playing with his hair, Layue speaks again, “Today is my birthday. I wonder if he knows.” Tilting her head in thought for a while, Layue pouts, “He must have forgotten. Every year, he doesn’t seem to care, which really makes me angry.”

Taking advantage of the emperor’s sleep, Layue secretly kisses his eyes.

After the kiss, she giggles, “I like your eyes the most. They’re so big and bright, as if they can speak. Hmm, and your eyelashes are so long. Why do you have longer eyelashes than girls? It’s really enviable. Hmm? Right, if you still forget my birthday this year, I’ll play a trick on you. I’ll secretly cut off your eyelashes.”

After saying this, she finds it amusing and rolls on the bed laughing.

“Ah—”

With a flip, she is suddenly pinned beneath him.

Looking up, she sees the emperor watching her with a smile in his eyes, which show no trace of sleepiness.

“You, you, you’re awake?” The question sounds silly.

The emperor’s eyes are filled with laughter.

He smirks slightly, teasing, “Yes, don’t tell me my Yue’er doesn’t want me to wake up?”

“Of course not!” Layue blushes, her eyes darting around, looking very guilty.

The emperor continues to smile, “Oh! Right, someone asked if I love her.”

Hearing this, Layue immediately understands. This rascal was awake all along.

Thinking he was awake but pretending to sleep, listening to all her ramblings, she keeps waving her small hands.

“You’re teasing me. How can you be so mean? You were clearly awake and still pretended to be asleep.” She is furious, what had she just said? Oh no! How could she have done that!

The emperor smiles, his expression very enigmatic.

“If I weren’t awake, how would I know someone missed me? If I weren’t awake, how would I know someone likes my eyes the most? Oh, and if I weren’t awake, how would I know someone wants to take revenge and cut off my eyelashes?”

With each word he says, Layue’s face turns redder. Finally, she is so embarrassed that she buries her head in the pillow and refuses to come out.

Seeing her like this, the emperor laughs even harder, showering kisses on her neck, “I have to go to court now. When I come back, I will definitely fulfill a few wishes for you. Since you’ve been thinking about it, how can I not satisfy you?”

“Hurry up and go!” Layue refuses to come out from the pillow, only calling out playfully.

The emperor laughs heartily but doesn’t call for Xiren to come in, instead dressing himself.

Layue still refuses to come out, indeed acting like a child.

The emperor forcibly pulls her out and directly kisses her lips, and the two begin a passionate kiss.

After a long while, the emperor releases her.

Gasping for breath, he says, “My darling, wait for me to come back.”

Layue pouts and lightly punches him.

After the emperor leaves, Layue naturally has no intention of sleeping anymore and calls Jin Xin to help her dress and groom.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she smiles.

She knows very well what the emperor has been preparing these days, but she pretends not to know. Even though they love each other, they still have their little calculations, not schemes, just things that make their relationship more harmonious.

Just like when the emperor was injured. Actually, later on, Layue thought about it and figured out the truth. According to the emperor’s character, how could he let Fu Jinyao in without any precautions?

But none of that matters anymore. Thinking that everything he did was for her, hoping she would love him.

Layue feels that nothing else matters.

In front of true love, what difference do a few small calculations make?

Calculations aren’t scary. What’s scary is when those calculations are mixed with genuine feelings. How could she ever escape from that?

She knows how much the emperor has done for her. Just taking the example of disbanding the harem, something that had never happened before and might never happen again.

Perhaps, the matchmaker had tied an unbreakable red thread around their little fingers a long time ago.

Layue is a content person. Since heaven has been so kind to her, she will cherish it and do her best to maintain this genuine love.

Smiling slightly, she says,

“Your Majesty, this morning, Xi Xi secretly told me that today the emperor has prepared many activities for you!” Jin Xin says while helping Layue groom herself.

Layue naturally knows about the emperor’s plans, but she chooses not to ask, keeping silent to preserve the surprise.

Smiling, Layue replies, “Are you sure it’s not someone who instructed him to say that? He never properly celebrated my birthday before, so I doubt this year will be any different.”

Seeing her like this, Jin Xin uses the small handkerchief in her hand to cover her mouth and giggles, “In my opinion, my lady’s words don’t match her heart. We all see how much you’ve been looking forward to it these days.”

Then she laughs even more, more boldly.

Layue glares at her but soon starts laughing herself, realizing that’s exactly how it is.

“You, if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll have you punished by making you feed the horses in the stable,” Layue teases Jin Xin.

“Would you really?” The emperor walks in, hearing Layue’s playful voice. He naturally doesn’t believe her teasing words.

Seeing the emperor return, Layue joyfully runs to his side.

“Your Majesty doesn’t miss you, but you don’t miss her?” She glances at Jin Xin with a sidelong look.

Jin Xin smiles and steps aside.

The emperor is obviously pleased with Layue’s words, stroking her head and picking her up in his arms.

Layue lets out a startled cry, her little fists pounding his shoulder.

Remembering that his injury hasn’t fully healed yet, she quickly changes her tone, “Your Majesty, please put me down. Your arm isn’t fully recovered yet. Be careful not to get hurt again.”

The emperor doesn’t care, “How heavy can you be? How could I get hurt? Don’t worry. I’m already fine. You already know about my condition. I would be careful with my own body.”

Layue recalls his reckless behavior during his recovery period, glares at him, and playfully scolds, “Your injury is in your arm, not somewhere else. How can you say you’re fine? And you talk about being careful. If you were really careful, how could you have gotten injured?”

The emperor places her on the bed and quickly pins her beneath him.

“Oh, that place? Which place?” He raises his eyebrows as he speaks.

Layue blushes.

But she refuses to back down, “That place, you know exactly which one I’m talking about!”

“Oh? But I don’t know! Can you tell me, Yue’er?” He leans close to her ear, whispering. That “oh” makes Layue feel a tingling sensation deep in her bones.

Look at him, always pretending to be clueless on purpose, just to tease her. Layue has been with him for a long time, and after this New Year, it will be their sixth year together. She thinks to herself that they are practically “old married couple,” so she can’t let him always have the upper hand.

Thinking this, she wraps her arms around his neck and blows softly.

“Since Your Majesty doesn’t know, may I tell you?” As she speaks, her small hand reaches for his □.

The emperor lets out a low groan and bites her neck.

But his lower body begins to move, clearly excited.

“You little minx, always trying to tempt me. Come, let me properly attend to you…”

(Note: “朕” is an imperial first-person pronoun used exclusively by Chinese emperors. In English, it’s appropriately translated as “me” or “I” depending on context, as there’s no direct equivalent for this royal self-reference in English. The tone conveys playful dominance.)

Who is actually attending to whom?

Layue thinks to herself, but she is soon overwhelmed by his passionate actions, gasping and unable to control herself.

The emperor sees that there is still time and remembers what he said earlier about properly “attending” to her.

Without hesitation, he tears off their clothes.

Seeing her snow-white skin, he immediately covers her and begins to kiss and suck.

Not long after, the room is filled with passionate sounds…

After their passionate moment ends.

Layue playfully complains, “It’s all your fault. I dressed up so nicely this morning, and you messed it all up before I even had a chance to go out.”

The emperor doesn’t care about that.

He comforts her, “You like that dress, so I will have the Bureau of Apparel make you a few more identical ones.”

Look at that, such flattery.

Layue isn’t satisfied and pinches him, “Your Majesty, what are you joking about? Why would I want to wear the same dress again?”

“Don’t you like it?”

“I like it, but I still don’t want it.”

The two continue to play around for a while.

The emperor pulls Layue up.

“Today, I have invited your Shen family to celebrate your birthday with you. We shouldn’t keep them waiting too long, right?” At this moment, he speaks with solemnity and righteousness.

Layue pouts, “It’s all your fault.”

The emperor isn’t annoyed, smiling as he pulls her up, “Alright, alright, it’s my fault. Whatever you say is right. It’s my fault!”

Seeing him like this, Layue smiles.

He looks like he’s afraid of her, but in reality, he isn’t at all!

After so many years, finally being able to celebrate a birthday with her family makes Layue feel deeply moved.

Sometimes, happiness doesn’t come from luxurious clothes and food, but rather from family harmony and a fulfilling life.

This is exactly how Layue feels at this moment.

After they both get dressed properly, they indeed see the Shen family has already arrived at the palace, though she was unaware. The Shen family is watching a play at the theater.

The emperor has prepared a variety of entertainment activities for everyone.

Looking at these relatives, Layue holds the emperor’s hand and says, “Your Majesty, I feel so grounded. After such a long time, I finally feel like I’m not floating in the air anymore, but have landed firmly on the ground. This feeling of being grounded is something you have given me. It’s so good. Your Majesty, you’re so good!”

Seeing her like this, the emperor smiles.

He never imagined that he would fall in love with someone, even deeply in love.

But that’s exactly what happened. When love comes, it cannot be stopped. There are many threads of fate between them, countless moments of life and death together. Perhaps life is like this. He has seen too many betrayals from the women in the palace, but he has gained Layue’s unique and unparalleled love.

At this moment, he no longer had any desire for others. He could no longer endure the pain of losing Layue. Therefore, he was willing to do all of this for her, including bestowing exclusive favor upon her in the palace, and disbanding the entire harem.

Initially, he thought these things would be difficult, but after doing them, he realized that when you truly care for someone, everything becomes simple. Nothing is as complicated as one imagines. Since they had fallen in love, they would spend their entire lives together. They would have more children and create more happy memories. They would grow old hand in hand, and even have their child ascend to the throne. He would ensure his child would never endure what he himself had experienced. He would hand over a prosperous and powerful nation of Nanqin to their son.

“Your Majesty, please go inside quickly; they must be anxious waiting,” Layue cheerfully pulled the distracted Emperor Jing into the room.

The Shen family hurriedly bowed: “Your Majesty, long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!”

“Please rise.”

No one could have imagined how Layue’s fate had turned out this way, nor how far the Shen family would rise. With everyone she cherished present, this birthday turned out to be the happiest she had ever experienced. The Emperor was indifferent toward the Shen family, but even so, it was enough to make Layue excited.

The Emperor stayed by Layue’s side throughout, whether dining or watching performances. Seeing her joyful smile, the Emperor felt that everything was worthwhile.

Perhaps having had a little too much wine, she was slightly tipsy, leaning her head to gaze at the Emperor’s profile, mesmerized, finding it endlessly fascinating.

“So handsome! If all men in the world were as handsome as Your Majesty, women would surely flock to them, and it would be the women proposing marriage in the future!” She then found this thought amusing and giggled.

Everyone was watching the performance, not very far away. When they heard Layue say this, they were startled, fearing the Emperor might be displeased.

This girl, how could she get so drunk!

Such nonsense coming from her mouth.

Naturally, the Emperor noticed that everyone’s attention had shifted from the performance to the two of them. He coughed slightly, and everyone quickly pretended to focus on the performance, though their ears were unavoidably perked up.

“You already knew I was handsome, didn’t you? This morning you even said—,” the Emperor started, but his words were cut off by a small hand covering his mouth.

She was only slightly tipsy, not truly drunk.

She couldn’t let him speak recklessly. This man was indeed shameless.

Seeing her wide eyes staring at him, the Emperor smiled and kissed her palm gently.

Layue felt a tingling tickle and quickly pulled her hand back. She recalled their passionate moments earlier in the inner chamber, and her face couldn’t help but turn red.

Seeing her expression, the Emperor naturally thought of the same moment.

He curled his lips, clearly in a very good mood.

Though no one saw their small gestures, everyone could sense the change in the atmosphere between them.

However, this strange atmosphere was soon interrupted.

“My Lady—” Xiao Si grabbed a piece of cake from the table and threw it directly at Shen Yiyi.

Then he laughed heartily, showing no sign of embarrassment for causing trouble.

Shen Yiyi, having been attacked by her little nephew, looked at everyone in confusion.

Muttering: “Why did he hit me? What did I do to him…?”

Seeing Shen Yiyi’s bewildered expression, Xiao Si clapped his hands joyfully.

Perhaps Xiao Si was too happy, everyone was stunned and hadn’t spoken yet when Xiao Wu also picked up a piece of cake. Everyone thought he would imitate his brother, but instead, he directly handed it to his older brother.

“Here.”

Xiao Si was delighted: “Good boy!”

The cake flew again, this time heading toward Shen Yiyi. This time, Shen Yiyi was prepared, dodged, and the cake ended up hitting Shen Shu’an.

Actually, Shen Shu’an wasn’t much older than the children.

He wasn’t angry about being hit; instead, he relaxed.

Earlier, when entering the palace, his mother had repeatedly warned him about various taboos, making him fearful and too nervous to approach the children.

Now that he had been hit, he grinned.

In fact, it wasn’t as scary as his mother had described. They were even younger and less knowledgeable than him!

“You won’t hit me again if I try.”

“Pu!” Layue couldn’t help but laugh.

The Emperor also showed a smile on his face.

Madam Lin wanted to stop them, but Madam Min pulled her slightly, smiling and shaking her head.

Madam Lin had always been satisfied with Madam Min as her daughter-in-law, so she stopped moving after seeing her pull.

At this time, Xiao Jiaojiao had already recovered. Seeing this fellow provoking her younger brother.

She also handed a piece of cake from the table to Xiao Si: “Hit him!”

Xiao Si was extremely delighted, directly threw it again.

But Shen Shu’an was already five years old, dodged, and it didn’t hit him, then he giggled.

The three little kids were annoyed, and Xiao Jiaojiao unhesitatingly grabbed something from the table at random and threw it again.

Seeing how cute and funny the little kids were, Layue couldn’t help but laugh and fall into the Emperor’s arms.

The Emperor also had a smile on his lips.

However, he still whispered in Layue’s ear: “I bet that within three times, they will definitely hit Shen Er’gongzi.”

Layue didn’t believe it. After all, the three little ones were just children.

An’er is already five years old. No way, no way.

“I don’t believe you.”

“What should we bet on? It’s more fun with a stake,” the Emperor tempted.

Layue glanced at him, observing his confidence, and retorted defiantly: “I can take the bet, but since I already belong to Your Majesty, what else do I have to wager?”

The Emperor’s expression remained calm, but he whispered something in Layue’s ear.

Layue’s face turned red instantly, playfully glaring at him.

Still, she agreed: “It’s a deal.”

The Emperor smiled and nodded.

Their attention turned back to the children.

Xiao Si had missed a few times and was resting.

Xiao Wu was leisurely pointing at the cake with his little finger, already somewhat resembling the Emperor’s manner.

Layue glanced at the Emperor.

Meaning, look at your habit, spreading everywhere, your son has already learned from you at such a young age.

The Emperor just smiled.

Xiao Wu looked at Shen Shu’an across the way, who was still smugly laughing, then looked at his older siblings.

The three children exchanged glances without saying anything.

After a while, Xiao Si picked up a cake, and Xiao Jiaojiao did the same.

Only Xiao Wu didn’t move.

It looked like they were going to throw together.

Sure enough, Xiao Si and Xiao Jiaojiao attacked at the same time, but children are still children. Shen Shu’an dodged again, but before he could continue laughing, he felt a piece of cake heading straight for his shoulder.

He tried to dodge again, but it was too late.

It hit him.

Layue was astonished at what had just happened, then saw the three little kids smiling proudly.

She knew it must have been their plan.

Looking at the Emperor again, he looked proud and delighted, as if his face said, “My son is the best.”

It was truly unbearable to watch.

The Emperor chuckled softly: “My dear Yue, you must keep your promise.”

Layue blushed again. She suspected that her face might catch fire today.

“I will keep my promise.”

However, whether her face would catch fire or not was unknown. The Emperor had arranged fireworks for when it got dark.

Everyone came to the open area in front of Xuanning Hall.

There were many different kinds of fireworks set up, and the little eunuchs were all in position, just waiting for the order to light them.

The Emperor, of course, had his own considerations, and everyone was standing very far away.

With a wave of his hand, the fireworks were set off with a bang!

Looking at the fireworks continuously flying into the sky and blooming into beautiful flowers, all the children were jumping up and down with joy!

The fireworks soared high into the sky, lighting up the entire area with dazzling brilliance.

Standing beside the Emperor, watching the beautiful fireworks, surrounded by her trusted family, and seeing her children jumping around joyfully, Layue was filled with overflowing happiness.

This feeling of happiness was almost enough to fill her heart to the brim.

Sensing Layue’s emotion and looking at the dazzling fireworks in the sky,

The Emperor embraced Layue.

Layue looked up at him.

Their eyes were filled with deep affection.

The Emperor slightly curled his lips, seemingly saying something.

Although the fireworks made a lot of noise and she couldn’t hear what he said, at that moment, Layue couldn’t help but shed tears.

Even though she couldn’t hear clearly, she still knew what he was saying.

That was: I love you.

Layue felt as if she was floating again, but this time was different from before.

This was the feeling of happiness.

“I love you too! Deeply!”

Layue tightly hugged the Emperor’s waist and declared earnestly.

The Emperor seemed deeply moved.

He gazed at her deeply.

For a long time.

He lowered his head and kissed her lips, not caring about the crowd around them.

When they parted lips, they both saw deep affection in each other’s eyes.

They smiled at each other, a timeless and enduring smile!

The End