Chapter 073

Chapter 073

Having become so intimate, she clearly understood the implication of his words.

It was definitely more than just kissing.

But lately, he hadn’t appeared during the day and hadn’t done anything that children shouldn’t see. Why insist on it today...

“Yu’er just had his full month celebration, I should spend more time with him. Can’t Your Majesty bear it?” she protested, “Besides, I’m still in confinement.”

He didn’t respond but leaned down, grasped her chin, and kissed her fiercely.

Since Chu Yin had just given birth, he had been careful not to exert too much force, even his kisses were brief and light, cautious of touching any wounds. Honestly, he had been feeling quite pent up.

Now that he let go, he was overwhelming in his approach.

She instinctively felt danger amidst his unrestrained conquest.

Trying to push him away, her slender wrists were caught, and his kisses became even more dominating and deep.

Her head felt dizzy, her body weak, but she remembered her body wasn’t yet ready to handle more, so when he attempted to go further, she immediately struggled: “No, not yet…”

It would be too painful; she couldn’t agree to it.

He stopped and didn’t move any further, then started to gently rub her flushed lips with his fingertip, “I heard you used to cry a lot?”

He had only seen her cry in bed.

And once in a dream, which he still doesn’t know what it was about.

Chu Yin was momentarily stunned, then responded, “Did my mother tell Your Majesty? I don’t remember it myself…” In her memory, she didn’t like to cry; her tears in front of Lu Jingzhe were due to physical pain rather than emotions.

The only time was in a dream when he stripped her of her Empress title, which made her cry in frustration.

In her previous life, she cried even less. After marrying him, there were only two times – once during a miscarriage and once when facing death and separation, because she couldn’t bear to leave her two children and family behind.

Back then, she didn’t miss Lu Jingzhe; she only hoped he wouldn’t hurry to remarry.

If she could go back to that time…

Her gaze fell on the ring he was wearing, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Would she miss him now?

But in the next moment, the ring was hidden under his clothes, rubbing against her skin along with the calluses on his palm, making her almost want to throw it away.

She shivered repeatedly.

“We have to wait another month?” he whispered in her ear.

“Mhm…” It was unclear if she was answering or moaning softly.

His hands didn’t stop, but he demanded, “Kiss me properly, Ah Yin.”

Trembling slightly, she turned her head to kiss his Adam's apple, then his broad shoulder.

It was February, and the charcoal brazier had already been removed from the hall, leaving a slight chill.

Yet she felt like she had been through the heat of June, her body soaked in sweat.

Chu Yin pulled the brocade quilt over herself, casting a glance at the instigator.

He was impeccably dressed, in a striking bright yellow dragon robe, ready to head to Qianqing Palace.

Sensing his wife’s gaze, Lu Jingzhe turned around, “If you want me to help you bathe, I can.”

Chu Yin pursed her lips.

Mainly because she couldn’t get out of bed and had to be washed there, and it was still daytime…

Although the palace maids were used to such things, it was still somewhat embarrassing.

“You should go now,” she closed her eyes.

He left with a light chuckle, looking refreshed.

Having been alone with her for so long, Rendong and Lianqiao knew very well what had transpired. As soon as Lu Jingzhe left, they quickly brought in the water.

The marks on her chest were conspicuous, clearly indicating what had just happened.

They blushed as they silently wiped her down.

After a moment, Rendong couldn’t help but comment, “His Majesty really does love Madam.”

It was unclear if it was a genuine expression or to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Chu Yin thought to herself, hoping his “affection” next time would wait until after her confinement.

…………………………

Having promised to teach his son horse riding, Lu Jingzhe instructed Dong Ling during his break to prepare a pony for Lu Zhu at the Imperial Stables, leaving the specifics to the knowledgeable servants there.

But at his age, the actual riding was less important than his initial education.

Lu Jingzhe, who had attended classes for four years, knew well which teachers were good and suitable for the future Crown Prince. He immediately wrote down three names, instructing them to prepare and start teaching at Chunhui Hall in April.

As for his daughter, she would be taught by a female officer from the palace, and he planned to let Chu Yin choose who that would be.

Thinking of Chu Yin, Lu Jingzhe’s hand paused while writing.

In a month, her confinement would end. Then, unlike today or during her pregnancy when he sought release elsewhere, he would be with her. But this could risk her becoming pregnant again.

Having experienced those ten months, he did not wish to put Chu Yin through childbirth again.

Lu Jingzhe instructed Dong Ling to relay a message to Physician Liu, asking him to devise a method of contraception that wouldn’t harm her health.

Dong Ling received the order.

In her past life, Chu Yin’s daughter was also taught by female officers. Chu Yin recalled it was Liu Shangyi and Zhang Nvshi, and after they left the palace, another female officer took over.

However, when Lu Jingzhe asked her to choose, she felt unsure and said, “I’m not clear on whom to choose. Let Chen Momo make a recommendation.”

Previously, as the Crown Princess, she hadn’t managed the inner palace. After her father-in-law's death, her mother-in-law became the Empress Dowager, and Consort Shu became the Imperial Consort. It was supposed to be her responsibility, but then she became pregnant and never managed it. How could she choose a female officer now?

Fortunately, Chen Momo, just like in her memories, recommended Liu Shangyi and Zhang Nvshi.

In this life, her daughter would start lessons before her son.

Chu Yin understood that Lu Jingzhe was waiting to officially declare Lu Zhu as the Crown Prince before sending him to Chunhui Hall.

That was just over a month away.

Lu Zhu still played in the courtyard every day, watching Xiao Dou perform tricks, playing hide-and-seek with the servants, spinning tops, and eating more to grow taller.

Sometimes, seeing his sister studying in the hall, he mischievously made faces at the window to distract her.

Lu Zhen would then complain to her mother.

Chu Yin said, “Your brother will settle down by April.” By then, he would likely envy his little sister.

Lu Zhen didn’t quite understand but looked forward to April.

Unnoticed, Lu Yu grew a bit more, his eyes dark and bright. He often gazed at people and occasionally let out “giggles,” waving his little hands charmingly.

Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen would often visit to see him, trying to teach him to say “brother” and “sister,” hoping to encourage his speech development.

Chu Yin could now walk around, and on sunny days, she liked to take Lu Yu for strolls in the courtyard.

However, Lu Jingzhe became exceptionally busy. She wanted to share amusing stories about the children with him but often waited in vain until late at night.

As she was about to fall asleep, she felt him lie down beside her.

Turning towards him, her hand resting on his waist, she asked, “Is there some serious issue at court?”

He had recently promoted Yi Jian to the post of Prefect of Chengzhou. Although Chu Yin had once suggested the title of 'Buzhengshi' which displeased him, he had indeed entertained the idea himself. Yi Jian was unique in agricultural affairs but inexperienced in governance, so he wanted him to gain experience as a Prefect. Along with Yi Jian, he promoted several other upright officials. However, last year's inspection of external officials had alarmed him.

In recent years, with the nation at peace, some military officials at the border had become uncontrollably corrupt, bullying soldiers, encroaching on military farms, and embezzling provisions, causing widespread resentment among the troops and significantly weakening the army’s combat effectiveness. In his fury, he had dismissed two commanding generals.

But he did not want to worry Chu Yin with these matters.

“Nothing much, just issues with corrupt officials,” he downplayed.

It was late, and Chu Yin, feeling sleepy, didn’t ask further and fell asleep in his embrace.

Waking up the next day, she recalled the previous night’s conversation and suddenly realized it might be related to a war that broke out in Tai Xi's first year.

In her past life, when her father-in-law fell ill and Lu Jingzhe was the regent, he discovered vulnerabilities at the border. He wanted to personally inspect the North and fortify defenses, especially since the concerned cities were only a month’s travel from the capital. But her father-in-law had disagreed.

She, too, had feared his absence during the regency, especially if her father-in-law passed away and the situation changed, potentially jeopardizing his position as the heir. So, she opposed the idea too, but didn’t have to express it as her father-in-law had already done so.

The following year, a war indeed broke out.

Although Lu Jingzhe, by then the Emperor, quickly dispatched troops and quelled the enemy, thousands of soldiers died.

This year, he wouldn’t be planning a Northern inspection, would he?

Chu Yin felt conflicted.

She wanted to talk to Lu Jingzhe about it but was unsure how to approach the subject.

A Northern inspection could prevent war, but what might happen during the journey was unpredictable.

Amidst such concerns, she approached the ceremony of becoming the Empress.

In Tai Xi's first year, on March 26, the maids and eunuchs of the Eastern Palace were busier than ever, yet filled with unprecedented joy because their master was about to become the Empress and move to the Kunning Palace.

Chu Yin, having experienced such events before, remained calm.

She instructed the gardeners to transplant the fruit trees planted last year to her new residence.

Lu Zhen eagerly awaited the trees' growth to enjoy the fruits.

Rendong and Lianqiao dressed her hair, while Manqing and other maids held the Nine Dragons and Four Phoenixes crown and a dark blue phoenix-patterned robe, ready for her to wear.

Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen, aware that their mother was to become the Empress, though not fully grasping its significance, respectfully congratulated her as taught by the female officers: “We wish Mother, the Empress, good health, prosperity, and longevity.”

Chu Yin smiled.

Was it so obvious that she cared about her health? Even the female officers had taught her children these blessings.

Nevertheless, she genuinely wished for longevity.

After the ceremony, Lu Zhen admired the phoenix crown and robe: “They are so beautiful, Mother, please put them on quickly!”

The regalia were indeed beautiful, but also heavy. Once fully dressed, Chu Yin felt as if she were wearing armor.

Standing straight, she unfolded her magnificent sleeves and slowly twirled before her children: “How do I look?”

“Radiant as a national beauty!” Lu Zhen quickly used a newly learned phrase.

Lu Zhu, unable to find words to compete with his sister, scratched his head and said, “Mother is the most beautiful person in the world, no one can surpass her.”

Chu Yin chuckled.

Lu Zhu's face turned red, “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, you’re absolutely right,” Chu Yin reassured, ruffling his hair affectionately, “I love it.”

Lu Zhu beamed with happiness.

Lu Zhen, knowing her brother’s intentions, chuckled secretly.

Feng Nian was already waiting at the door. Chu Yin, holding her children's hands, went out: "Let's go and pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager Jiang, seeing her daughter-in-law dressed up, praised her lavishly, then said: "Now that you are out of confinement, you'll take charge of the inner palace... With you in charge, both Jingzhao and I will feel more at ease."

Chu Yin nodded: "I will not disappoint you, Mother."

Empress Dowager Jiang smiled: "No need for such formalities; it sounds so distant," she urged, "Go to the Taihe Hall now, Jingzhao is waiting for you there."

Chu Yin nodded, bowed, and excused herself.

As she approached the Taihe Hall, the court ladies came to greet her, surrounding her like stars around the moon.

The official in charge of the ceremony struck the bell and drum, signaling the entrance of the Emperor, clad in his ceremonial robes, and his ministers into the Taihe Hall.

The music began, solemn and majestic.

The Minister of Rites commenced the ceremony after consulting with Lu Jingzhao, officially starting the coronation of the Empress.

Chu Yin performed the intricate rituals methodically, replicating everything she had done in her past life. The only difference was that when she was granted the Empress's decree and seal and approached Lu Jingzhao inside the hall, he was smiling slightly, radiating genuine joy, unlike his expressionless demeanor in her previous life.

She smiled too.

Together, they sat side by side on the imperial throne.

The officials knelt in unison, paying homage to the Empress of Dayue, chanting her longevity.

Her father and brother, lost among these officials, were out of sight, but she knew they must be very proud.

After the ceremony, Lu Jingzhao led her back to the Kunning Palace.

Seated in the imperial carriage, the Emperor simply held her hand, making no other gesture, which surprised Chu Yin; she had thought at least he would kiss her.

Perhaps the heavy attire made it inconvenient.

By the time they reached Kunning Palace, her neck was sore, and her first action was to remove the phoenix crown.

As the palace maids placed the crown on the table, Chu Yin suddenly noticed a piece of calligraphy already laid out there.

It was Liu Xu's "Qiu Zhen Lu."

Chu Yin's eyes widened slightly.

She had thought Lu Jingzhao might gift it to her, but she hadn't expected it today.

Unable to hide her smile, she turned to Lu Jingzhao and asked, "Why would Your Majesty gift me this calligraphy?"

"You gave birth to Yu'er for me; of course, I should show my appreciation... Do you like it?"

She had been waiting for it; how could she not like it?

Wrapping her arms around the man's neck, Chu Yin tiptoed to kiss his lips: "Thank you, Your Majesty, I love it immensely!"

His face, radiant with desire, matched the allure of his lips. His eyes deepened in intensity as he leaned forward, pinning her against the desk, then gripping her waist to lift her onto it.

The deep blue of her robe intertwined with the splendor of his imperial gown, shimmering with brilliance.

He had been so formal in the imperial carriage, harboring different intentions all along.

Chu Yin encircled his neck: "I've only been in Kunning Palace for a short while, does Your Majesty wish to proceed this way?"

"I allowed you several days of rest," he began to undo her garment, "aren't you grateful to me?"

Those days he had abstained from touching her, all for today.

All for this day, the one he had most eagerly awaited, when she became his Empress.

Lowering his head, he tenderly pressed his lips to hers, starting gently then deepening the kiss.