Chapter 65: Yielding the Throne

Chapter 65: Yielding the Throne

Upon reaching Chaoyang Palace, after grooming and dressing, the palace maids escorted Song Zhao to the inner chamber.

She walked in with small steps and, upon seeing Xiao Jingzhang, curtsied, her brow slightly furrowed.

Xiao Jingzhang, noticing her discomfort, hurriedly assisted her to sit on the warm seat.

"What troubles my beloved? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

"The Emperor asks..." Song Zhao blushed, lightly patted his chest, and then glanced at the side desk.

"It's all because of what the Emperor did the night before last... Not only did my back ache, but my waist has been sore for a long time."

That night, they had transformed the desk into their battleground, cushioning it with a pillow before engaging in their most primal exploration.

They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves that night. Xiao Jingzhang particularly adored watching Song Zhao's stunning face illuminated by candlelight.

Especially her expressions during their intimate moments, which were incredibly enticing.

Hearing her playful complaint, he gently massaged her waist and whispered with a smile:

"Was it all my fault? I wonder who clung to me so tightly that my back was nearly scratched raw."

Song Zhao coyly buried her head deeper into his embrace,

"Your Majesty always says such things, making me blush."

"Hahaha~"

Emperor Xiao Jingheng laughed heartily, fondly stroking Song Zhao's forehead.

He adored this side of Song Zhao, who seemed like two different people in and out of bed, her coyness and shyness further enchanting Emperor Xiao Jingheng.

He intended to tease her with some playful remarks, but his hand froze upon touching the hairpin in her hair.

His gaze fell upon the magnolia tassels of the hairpin, naturally leading his thoughts to another person.

Seeing him silent, Song Zhao asked, "What are you thinking about, Your Majesty?"

"Do you like magnolias?"

"Yes." Song Zhao nodded obediently, "The magnolia blooms only after its leaves fall and bears fruit only after its flowers wither. My father once said, this is the only flower in the world that shows such dedication. I admire its character."

Emperor Xiao Jingheng had asked Noble Consort Chen the same question.

However, Noble Consort Chen, lacking depth, didn’t answer as profoundly as Song Zhao,

She simply said she liked the magnolia for its beauty and fragrance, and because she and Emperor Xiao Jingheng had bonded under a magnolia tree, the flower held special significance for her, making her love it even more.

While reminiscing about the past, he heard the beauty in his arms let out a muffled groan and asked, "Are you feeling very unwell?"

Song Zhao replied, "I felt a bit unwell when I woke up this morning, but I didn’t think it was serious enough to summon the physician. However, it's gotten worse tonight."

Seeing her shivering slightly in his arms, how could he bear to ‘trouble’ her any further?

He then said, "It was my fault for being inconsiderate earlier. I will personally escort you back and have the on-duty physician examine you."

On the way back to the palace, Emperor Xiao Jingheng, in consideration of Song Zhao's comfort, shared a palanquin with her.

Normally, Song Zhao would refuse such an arrangement, but perhaps their relationship had grown closer, so she didn’t say anything to dampen the mood today.

On the way back, Song Zhao nestled in Xiao Jingheng's embrace and coquettishly said, "I don't want to leave Your Majesty."

Xiao Jingheng, stroking her shoulder, replied, "What should we do then? How about I stay with you in Yaohua Palace tonight?"

Song Zhao quickly shook her head, "Only the main consort's palace can host Your Majesty overnight. I dare not overstep my bounds."

Looking through the wind-lifted curtain at the dark blue night sky dotted with star-like jewels, she joyfully suggested, "The night is clear and captivating. Would Your Majesty like to join me in admiring the night sky?"

Xiao Jingheng agreed, "Alright, as you wish."

As winter approached and the weather turned colder, standing in the breeze to admire the moon was impractical.

Thus, the two of them sat in the palanquin, enjoying the view through a small window.

The shortest route from Chaoyang Palace to Yaohua Palace usually involved long streets,

But these high-walled streets were not conducive to enjoying the scenery.

Upon learning that his master wanted to stargaze, Jiang Deshun instructed the palanquin bearers to take a slightly longer route.

Though the journey was longer, it offered a more open view, allowing his master to fully enjoy the experience.

Initially, Xiao Jingheng had Song Zhao in his arms, happily chatting and moon gazing together.

However, upon passing by Guangyang Gate, Emperor Xiao Jingheng suddenly became much more silent.

This path inevitably led past Guangyang Gate,

Where large areas of magnolias were planted on both sides of the gate.

As they passed by, with the magnolias not in bloom, the bare branches under the bright moonlight added to the solitary and desolate ambiance of the tree shadows.

Xiao Jingheng reminisced about his first encounter with Noble Consort Chen, with the magnolias shedding their blossoms in the breeze, and the graceful figure of the woman dancing amidst the floral rain.

At that time, Noble Consort Chen was about the same age as Song Zhao now,

Innocent and playful, prone to tantrums, and although jealous, she never resorted to underhanded tactics.

The same scenery, the same people,

Seemingly unchanged, yet everything was different.

The palanquin stopped outside Yaohua Palace,

Xiao Jingheng helped Song Zhao alight, advising her,

"The imperial physician will come to examine you. After taking your medicine, rest early. If you still feel unwell tomorrow morning, inform the Empress and take a couple of days off to rest."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Song Zhao, wrapping her arms around Xiao Jingheng’s neck and standing on her tiptoes, planted a gentle kiss on his cheek,

"It's late and the dew is heavy. You should return to the palace now, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xiao Jingheng smiled affectionately, playfully flicking Song Zhao’s delicate nose,

“I’ll visit you again tomorrow if I find the time.”

After watching Song Zhao return to the palace, he turned to get into his palanquin, and Jiang Deshun, waving his whisk, announced,

“The Emperor returns to the palace.”

But after just a few steps, Xiao Jingheng inside the palanquin said,

“I shall visit Noble Consort Chen.”

Jiang Deshun visibly stiffened for a moment but quickly responded solemnly,

“To Yonghe Palace!”