Qin Shu noticed Xuan Yuan Che staring intently at her. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. At this hour, you should be reviewing memorials in the Imperial Study. How do you have time to come here?”
Xuan Yuan Che’s gaze remained fixed on Qin Shu as he replied gently, “After all the words we exchanged last night… today I just wanted to come see you.”
Instead of avoiding the topic Xuan Yuan Che wished to discuss, Qin Shu addressed it directly: “Your Majesty wants to see what thoughts I’ve developed overnight regarding the honest words you shared with me.”
Xuan Yuan Che’s eyes filled with anticipation as he stared intently at Qin Shu. “Then… what have you been thinking? I promise you, every word I said to you was completely truthful.”
Qin Shu observed Xuan Yuan Che, who resembled a pure and inexperienced young man in his first romance, facing the girl he admired.
With tender affection in his eyes, Xuan Yuan Che said to Qin Shu, “Could you try… to accept me?”
Qin Shu was startled by Xuan Yuan Che’s words. After a moment of composure, she responded, “I am currently Your Majesty’s consort, truly belonging to you. Why would you say such a thing?”
Xuan Yuan Che set down his teacup and looked at Qin Shu. “It’s different. What I mean is… the kind that connects hearts, where no one can replace each other.”
After a moment of contemplation, Qin Shu slowly asked the question she most wanted answered: “Your Majesty, why me?”
After a thoughtful pause, Xuan Yuan Che spoke the words he had prepared with sincerity: “Back then, my mother was merely an insignificant talent by Father Emperor’s side. It wasn’t until she gave birth to me, and on my tenth birthday, that she was promoted to one of the nine concubines. But my mother’s family wasn’t prominent, so she remained inconspicuous in the Imperial Harem, and so was I.”
“However, I met a young girl who told me that if I wanted something, I should strive for it and not belittle myself because of my background. She was the first person who didn’t mind my mother’s and my status. She was exceptional – from childhood till now, she’s the most intelligent woman I’ve ever seen in this world. From that moment, I was absolutely certain in my heart that when I grew up, I must marry her. And she… is you.”
Qin Shu noticed the unwavering determination in Xuan Yuan Che’s gaze as he looked at her. Following his words, she searched her memories.
Well, it seemed there had indeed been such an episode between her and Xuan Yuan Che, but that was ten years ago. They were just children back then – she had entered the palace with her mother and encountered Xuan Yuan Che sitting alone, depressed and sullen. She had simply spoken with him to cheer him up.
Good heavens, so Xuan Yuan Che had been eyeing her since childhood?!
Just then, Xuan Yuan Che’s voice reached her ears again.
“In the political games of court, although I’ve ascended the throne, the entanglements are numerous. I originally intended to settle all matters concerning the imperial court and Imperial Harem before marrying you and making you my empress. But resolving everything cannot be accomplished in a short time.”
Xuan Yuan Che’s voice lowered a few degrees, tinged with apology, as he continued, “I was afraid that when you reached marriageable age, the Duke of Dingguo and his wife would seek a husband for you. I didn’t want that, so the only way was to have you enter the palace and appoint you as my consort. I know you’ve said you dislike men having multiple wives and concubines, that you wish for a devoted partner. I will not fail you. In my heart, there is only you—this was true in the past, and it will remain so in the future.”
Qin Shu was utterly stunned by Xuan Yuan Che’s words, falling into complete silence. Last night, she had thought he knew about her feigned illness and delicate act, but now it seemed his understanding of her went far beyond what she had imagined.
Seeing Qin Shu remain silent, Xuan Yuan Che tentatively asked, “Would you be willing to try…”
Qin Shu sensed the heaviness in Xuan Yuan Che’s voice as he spoke near her ear, to the point where he ultimately left the sentence unfinished. At this moment, if she gave a negative answer, it would likely plunge him straight into the depths of disappointment. After thinking it over all last night regarding her relationship with Xuan Yuan Che, she had already formed a plan in her heart.
A peerlessly handsome man who perfectly suited her tastes, an emperor with a harem of three thousand yet drinking from only one gourd—this feeling seemed quite appealing.
She met Xuan Yuan Che’s gaze and said, “Setting aside all else, speaking purely personally, I cannot deny that Your Majesty truly embodies the ideal partner I had envisioned.”
“Really?” Xuan Yuan Che immediately followed up, “Then, does that mean you agree?”
Qin Shu could visibly see Xuan Yuan Che’s emotions surge upward. She nodded and said, “Yes.”
The smile on Xuan Yuan Che’s face was utterly unconcealable. “Rest assured, I will keep my word and never break my promise to you.”
Qin Shu took in Xuan Yuan Che’s joy—whether it was genuine or feigned, she could tell. What he was showing her now could not be more real.
Noticing her fixed gaze, Xuan Yuan Che couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”
Qin Shu casually replied, “Nothing. I was just thinking about what Your Majesty said—that you’ve never favored the consorts in the Imperial Harem, yet the harem shows no signs of disturbance. I’m somewhat curious.”
Xuan Yuan Che: “This matter cannot be fully explained in words. When you go to the Sacred Sun Palace, you will understand.”
Qin Shu smiled faintly and said, “Go to the Sacred Sun Palace? The Sacred Sun Palace is Your Majesty’s bedchamber. Consorts cannot enter without being summoned for attendance. Is Your Majesty implying you wish to summon me for the night?”
Xuan Yuan Che quickly explained, “No, I know you have no such intention now. In this matter, I will respect your feelings and would never force you when you’re unwilling. I merely want you to see for yourself—then you will understand the mysteries within the Sacred Sun Palace regarding these affairs. Moreover, if you wish to go to the Sacred Sun Palace, you may do so anytime, regardless of whether it involves attending the bedchamber or not.”
Qin Shu gave a soft “Mm” and then said, “Then, does Your Majesty have any other instructions for me? I am aware that Your Majesty knows much about me. Or perhaps, is there anything you wish to ask me?”
Xuan Yuan Che said, “There’s no need for instructions toward you. As for questions, we can discuss them when you truly feel ready to speak.”
Qin Shu: “Very well.”
After these words, both suddenly fell silent. The hall became exceptionally quiet as they simply gazed at each other.
A long while later, it was only because Xuan Yuan Che had government affairs to attend to and needed to return to the Imperial Study that he had no choice but to leave, thus breaking the tranquil atmosphere.
Qin Shu observed Xuan Yuan Che’s posture and couldn’t shake the feeling that he was staring at her. If uninterrupted, he seemed capable of continuing indefinitely.
Shortly after, when Xuan Yuan Che rose to his feet, Qin Shu also stood up and bowed, saying, “Your humble consort bids farewell to Your Majesty.”
Xuan Yuan Che turned around, helping Qin Shu up as he spoke, “There is one request.”
Puzzled, Qin Shu replied, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”
Xuan Yuan Che said, “Since there are no outsiders here, could you refrain from calling me ‘Your Majesty’ and avoid referring to yourself as ‘your humble consort’ when it’s just the two of us?”
Qin Shu agreed.
Xuan Yuan Che held onto Qin Shu’s arm without letting go. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Before I leave, may I have a hug? If not…”
“…” Qin Shu was taken aback. Seeing that Xuan Yuan Che was about to release her arm and give up, she took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. Looking up at him, she asked, “Is this alright?”
“Yes!” Xuan Yuan Che answered with a face full of joy. His hands, which had been hovering in the air, immediately embraced the person in his arms tightly.