bestfiction Chapter 147 Jia Xiaoyan's Palace Life
Chapter 147 Jia Xiaoyan's Palace Life
As dawn broke, soft light filtered through the carved window lattices, quietly illuminating the bedroom of Emperor Jiang Liushen and Empress Jia Xiaoyan of the Western Jing Kingdom.
Jia Xiaoyan slowly woke up. Jiang Liushen was still fast asleep beside her. His face looked even more gentle in the morning light.
Jia Xiaoyan's lips unconsciously curled up, her eyes filled with love. She gently reached out, wanting to touch Jiang Liushen's cheek, but her fingertips brushed against his hair, making a soft sound.
Jiang Liushen was awakened by the subtle movement. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Jia Xiaoyan's smiling face. He also smiled indulgently and said in a voice that was still hoarse from just waking up, but full of tenderness: "You're awake. Why didn't you sleep a little longer?" These simple words were like the warm sun in spring, making Jia Xiaoyan feel warm inside.
"I can't sleep. I'm thinking about what I need to do today," Jia Xiaoyan replied, sitting up and tidying her slightly messy hair.
Jiang Liushen sat up as well, stretched, and then gently hugged Jia Xiaoyan from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He said softly, "I've been busy with official duties and haven't had a chance to relax with you in a long time. Now that we have some free time, why don't we take a walk in the Imperial Garden?"
Jia Xiaoyan's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Great! I've been wanting to see the new flowers planted in the garden. I heard that the flowers brought in from the south this time are of very rare varieties, and I've been wanting to see them for a long time."
The two got up and washed up with the help of palace maids.
Jiang Liushen changed into a bright yellow dragon robe, with a jade pendant symbolizing imperial power tied at his waist, exuding majesty and nobility; Jia Xiaoyan wore a magnificent phoenix robe and a phoenix crown, looking elegant and graceful. Despite their solemn attire, the love in their eyes remained burning.
They strolled hand in hand through the Imperial Garden, where flowers bloomed in profusion, their vibrant colors vying for attention, and a gentle breeze carried their fragrance throughout the air.
Attracted by the beautiful scenery before her, Jia Xiaoyan couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Majesty, look at all these flowers in the garden! They're as red as fire, as pink as the sunset, and as white as snow. It's truly breathtaking!"
As she spoke, she walked quickly to a cluster of blooming peonies and gently stroked the delicate petals. "This peony truly deserves to be called the king of flowers. It is so elegant and luxurious, and it really complements this imperial garden."
Jiang Liushen followed behind her, smiling as he said, "No matter how beautiful the flowers are, in my eyes they cannot compare to the Queen. You see, although these flowers are beautiful, they will eventually wither, but the Queen's beauty and gentleness will remain eternal in my heart."
Upon hearing this, Jia Xiaoyan blushed. She plucked a peony, playfully tucked it into her hair, and asked Jiang Liushen with a smile, "Your Majesty, do you think it's pretty?"
Jiang Liushen looked at her with eyes full of love, nodding repeatedly and praising, "Your Majesty, dressed like this, you are even more beautiful. Although the peony is gorgeous, it serves as a foil for your beauty."
Arriving at a secluded pavilion, the two sat down to rest. Jia Xiaoyan looked at the beautiful scenery outside the pavilion and sighed, "It's truly wonderful to be here with His Majesty. Sometimes, I really wish time could stand still at this moment, just the two of us, far away from the strife of the court and the trivialities of the harem."
Jiang Liushen held her hand and said earnestly, "I often think so too. With you by my side, this harem is full of warmth, and this country is even more worth protecting. When the country is stable in the future, I will definitely spend more time with you and take you outside the palace to see the beautiful landscape of this world."
With anticipation in her eyes, Jia Xiaoyan said, "Really? Your Majesty, I really want to see the world outside the palace. I've heard that the markets in the countryside are bustling with all sorts of trinkets and delicious food."
"Of course it's true. When the opportunity arises, I will take you out of the palace incognito to experience the everyday life of the city." Jiang Liushen looked at her tenderly, his eyes full of promise.
Just then, a eunuch hurried over, looking slightly anxious. He knelt down outside the pavilion and reported, "Your Majesty, there is an urgent matter in the court, and several ministers request an audience."
Jiang Liushen frowned slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and turned to look at Jia Xiaoyan. Jia Xiaoyan said gently, "Your Majesty, matters of state are of utmost importance. You should go and handle them first. I will return to my palace and wait for you." Jiang Liushen gently squeezed her hand to show his gratitude, then got up and quickly left.
Back in her palace, Jia Xiaoyan felt somewhat disappointed, but she knew the emperor's responsibilities.
She sat before her dressing table, ordering the palace maids to remove her phoenix crown and comb her long hair. During this time, she would frequently glance towards the palace gates, hoping for Jiang Liushen's return.
As evening fell, Jiang Liushen finally finished his official duties and hurriedly returned to his palace. Jia Xiaoyan had already ordered someone to prepare dinner. Seeing him return, she quickly went to greet him and asked with concern, "Your Majesty, are you exhausted?"
Jiang Liushen shook his head and said with a smile, "As long as I can see you when I come back, I don't feel tired."
The two sat facing each other and shared dinner. After dinner, they sat in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky. Jiang Liushen gently put his arm around Jia Xiaoyan's shoulder, and Jia Xiaoyan leaned against him, enjoying this moment of peace and sweetness.
Despite being emperor and empress, their lives were filled with courtly formalities and the pressures of politics, but they always understood and supported each other, protecting their love within the deep palace.
"Has the baby been fussing?" Jiang Liushen gently stroked Jia Xiaoyan's belly, his movements as tender as if he were touching a rare treasure. He leaned down slightly, pressing his ear close to Jia Xiaoyan's abdomen, as if trying to catch even the slightest movement from the baby.
Jia Xiaoyan smiled gently, her face radiant with happiness. She reached out and gently stroked Jiang Liushen's hair, saying, "The little guy is so good. He's been quiet these past few days. Perhaps he knows that his father and mother are hoping for his safety."
Jiang Liushen straightened up, his eyes full of tenderness and expectation. He gently took Jia Xiaoyan's hand and placed it in his palm: "I often wonder whether this child will be a gentle and kind little princess like you, or a brave and resolute little prince like me."
Jia Xiaoyan leaned against Jiang Liushen's chest, her eyes sparkling with longing: "Whether it's a boy or a girl, I hope he can grow up healthy and happy. I'm thinking that after the child is born, I will personally teach him to read and write, and introduce him to the beauty of this world."
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly, a happy smile spreading across his face: "When the child is older, I will teach him to ride horses and shoot arrows, so that he can become a responsible person. I will also take him to see this land and tell him that he needs to protect it all."
As the two were talking, Jia Xiaoyan suddenly felt a slight movement in her belly. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly grabbed Jiang Liushen's hand and placed it on her belly: "Your Majesty, feel it, the baby is moving!"