Xia Ruqing grew increasingly frightened. Her tiny body curled up into a ball in his arms, trembling slightly.
Zhao Junyao looked at her with great heartache.
"Qingqing, so it turns out you were afraid of this!"
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
He was so shocked that he even forgot the formalities and started to address her directly. Xia Ruqing thought she was still dreaming.
She simply burrowed into the warmest corner of his embrace, then muttered with a hint of grievance, "What’s the use of saying it? I wouldn’t want to trouble you either!"
Zhao Junyao then laughed.
"You girl, you’re still so..." silly!
As he laughed, the corners of his eyes began to redden slightly. Afterward, his heart felt both sour and bitter.
His hands gradually began to tremble as he gently stroked her hair. He was happy, but also guilty. He was excited and full of pity.
"Qingqing, I’m sorry..."
This harem is too frightening. Even a mother isn’t truly a mother anymore. But you, you are still you! Qingqing, my Qingqing.
Zhao Junyao held her tightly in his arms, desperately breathing in her scent. Qingqing, rest assured. I will let no one harm you and our child. In this lifetime, I have pledged myself to you alone!
Perhaps because the embrace was too warm, or maybe the promise was too moving, Xia Ruqing gradually settled down in his arms.
「They had arrived at the South Garden.」
And she had fallen into a deep sleep.
Seeing her peacefully dreaming for once, Zhao Junyao truly didn’t have the heart to wake her.
He waved his hand grandly, wrapping her petite body in his thick, dark cloak with a dragon pattern. He personally held her as he stepped down from the horse-drawn carriage. He then carried her all the way to his own courtyard and settled her inside.
Li Shengan hesitated slightly. "Emperor, Consort Xian’s courtyard has been made ready. Perhaps..."
Zhao Junyao raised his hand in refusal. "There’s no need, one courtyard is sufficient!"
In the past, he often brought many concubines over. Naturally, each would stay in her own appointed place, and crossing into another’s courtyard was forbidden. But now, with only the two of them, why bother with so many formalities?!
"I’ve brought only her. It’s fine for us to stay together!"
"Yes! Your servants understand!" Li Shengan no longer tried to persuade him and left with his retainers.
Zhao Junyao looked at the person sleeping on the bed. He also took in his surroundings. The room was elegantly decorated, tea was well-prepared, the Ground Dragon warmed the room, and a fragrance filled the space.
Suddenly, his heart felt warm and full, as if something had filled it completely. The emptiness of being lonely at the top seemed to have disappeared entirely. All that was before him felt real and warm to the touch.
Zhao Junyao smiled.
It’s wonderful! Qingqing, you’re truly wonderful!
He removed his clothes and lay down beside her. Gently, he pulled her into his arms, placed a kiss on her forehead, and then closed his eyes. He had intended to sleep beside her for a while.
But then he heard a bustling noise from outside.
"It’s snowing!"
"It’s snowing, ah!"
"Such heavy snow!"
It was a group of Little Palace Maids chattering excitedly outside.
He then heard them say, "If it keeps snowing like this, we can build a big snowman early tomorrow morning!"
"Not just a snowman, we can have a snowball fight too!"
"Ah, what’s a snowball fight compared to ice sliding? I’ve even brought my shoes!"
"Really? Oh no, I forgot mine..."
"Hey hey hey, stop talking, Eunuch Li is coming, move it!"
No sooner had they spoken than Li Shengan’s somewhat stern reprimanding voice could be heard. The Little Palace Maids confessed their faults and scattered.
Zhao Junyao lost interest in listening any further.
He looked at the person in his arms, thinking. Once upon a time, she too was this innocent, carefree. Every day, she thought only of... other than eating and sleeping, in a daze and stumbling around, she wasn’t afraid at all. She was like a little fool. Just a delicious meal could make her happy for a long time. But now, how long had it been since she smiled? When tired, she still slept; when hungry, she still enjoyed good food. When he came, she would still be happy for a long time. But... what about after he left? What was her life like then? Being slandered, being bullied? Or... worrying about the children, doubting herself? Hehe, little fool! You really are foolish! How could I possibly let them bully you? From now on... no one will dare to bully you!
Not knowing how long she had slept, Xia Ruqing slowly awoke.
This sleep had been truly comfortable!
Xia Ruqing hugged the quilt and rolled over. She stretched luxuriously and lazily called out, "Zi Yue..."
"Zi Yue!"
Zi Yue quickly ran in from outside. "My lady, you’re finally awake. Your servant is here!"
Xia Ruqing didn’t open her eyes, thought for a moment, then asked, "What time is it, has Dabao eaten?"
"Is Xiao Bao still crying?"