Chapter 319: Only Tangtang Understands My Heart

Bai Li's face was full of astonishment.

She could never have imagined that the Emperor would actually refuse her invitation?

I was still standing there, when I heard Chu Yunzheng gently coax, "The Empress's health is poor; she should not be overworked."

"Pear, you first go check Changchun Palace; if it's unsatisfactory, you can change it."

Although every word was gentle, that hint of aloofness was not hard to detect.

Bai Li was somewhat bewildered.

In the afternoon, the Emperor had, for her, even set aside state affairs.

Why?

The moment he saw Wan Tang, he changed!

She was clearly there, she clearly didn't hear anything the whole time—how could that be a threat to him?

Wan Tang gave Chu Yunzheng a deep glance, took his hand and sat beside him, offering a cup of tea: "Fresh Morning Dew Bamboo Leaf Tea from this morning."

"Emperor, please soothe your heart first; I will now go see to the Pear Concubine."

Chu Yunzheng seemed to fall into Wan Tang's eyes, lifted his tea cup: "Empress, you have worked hard."

He feared Wan Tang's influence from the Former Dynasty, and likewise coveted her ability to empathize with everything about him.

Wan Tang stepped forward a few paces and smiled at Bai Li: "Pear Concubine, come this way; I will escort you."

Bai Li stared blankly at Chu Yunzheng; he was as if he had fallen into the tea, showing no reaction at all.

Astonished, she could only grit her teeth and leave.

The dishes had long been prepared; with a glance, Xiao Luzi set about handling them.

Chu Yunzheng looked at the table laden with food, then took Wan Tang's hand and let her sit on his lap.

Wan Tang's face flushed, she fidgeted, trying to refuse: "How indecent!"

"What are you afraid of?" Chu Yunzheng pressed his hand, not allowing Wan Tang to pull away.

He wearily rested his head against her shoulder hollow: "You were once just a minor concubine, yet back then you would never be so rigid; you always clung to me like a child."

"Now the phoenix crown feels like a shackle, binding you, making me afraid to get close."

Wan Tang couldn't help but feel moved.

In the past, she could only play dumb and act cute to survive in this cannibalistic harem.

Now she bears not only the phoenix crown, but also the Mo Family faction, and her own merchant guild power…

Wan Tang once had no one behind her.

Now, behind her, hundreds of thousands rely on her, support her, and likewise imprison her.

Wan Tang lowered her head, her voice echoing ages: "The phoenix crown is too heavy; I dare not bow my head."

Chu Yunzheng felt a weight in his heart, holding Wan Tang tighter: "Now that Bai Li has returned, do you blame me?"

"No," Wan Tang replied without hesitation: "She comes, and the Emperor's empty heart can finally be filled."

"But…" Chu Yunzheng's voice was full of loss: "She seems to have forgotten Cuivei Palace."

"That is the place where I endured hardship; it is there that her appearance let me see the light."

"That pear tree was planted by me and her together. She said, when the pear blossoms are in full bloom, we will grow old together in white hair."

Chu Yunzheng's voice trembled with an unusual quiver.

Like a wronged child, he buried his face deep into Wan Tang's neck hollow: "Tangtang, you carefully protect the faint light in my heart."

"Even with wax, the pear tree must bloom."

"But the one who gives light, yet…"

She finally forgot!

Wan Tang's heart was very calm, and her expression was equally subdued.

Even if the emperor sheds tears, she can no longer be as she once was; her heart will not soften or ache.

At this moment she only feels more hatred; you are still being pretentious here, Xiao Chuan?

Wan Tang gently extended her hand, placed it on Chu Yunzheng's back, and whispered: "Emperor, you cannot be wrong."

"It's just that she's afraid you recalling the past would make her sad!"

Chu Yunzheng seemed to finally find a reason, nodding: "Indeed!"

"Pear, it is ultimately for me."

Even so, his steps did not move a inch.

Compared to the passionate bedroom delights that could set his blood boiling, he coveted more the sincere mutual appreciation with Wan Tang.

A person who truly understands you, when together, can completely set aside fatigue and let the soul catch a brief respite.

After the meal, Chu Yunzheng leaned on the soft couch and fell asleep.

Xiao Dongzi, seeing this, couldn't help but sigh: "The Emperor hasn't had a good night's sleep for several days."

"Only by the Empress's side can the Emperor sleep so peacefully."

Wan Tang lifted the corner of her lip, merely reminding: "Lord, I cannot be by the Emperor's side at all times; I hope you will continue to take care of the Emperor."

Xiao Luzi smiled and stepped forward.

He thrust an Eastern Pearl into Xiao Dongzi's hand.

Xiao Dongzi's hand trembled: "Oh dear, I dare not accept this. It's such a small amount, all recorded in the register."

"It's fine, this one isn't listed in the Imperial Household Department's records," Xiao Luzi whispered.

Greed filled Xiao Dongzi's eyes as he slipped the Eastern Pearl into his sleeve, lowering his voice: "The Empress already gives enough daily."

"Moreover, I am now a favored person by the Emperor; the Empress is also indispensable for that."

He stopped there.

Xiao Dongzi quietly watched the Emperor, saw that he was indeed asleep, and then spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Madam, rumors are terrifying!"

"The Grand Council, though it has the desire to protect the Madam, inevitably gets twisted by people."

"Even now, Pear Concubine still doesn't know these rumors…"

Xiao Dongzi finished speaking there.

Wan Tang also understood completely.

Bai Li had just arrived, carrying the aura of a white moonlight, and could sit on the throne.

Given enough time, they will notice.

"Thank you."

Wan Tang smiled and nodded, then turned and instructed Xiao Luzi: "The Emperor has been overworking lately; tonight light the Calming Incense so the Emperor can have a good sleep."

"Madam, the Emperor hasn't rested in Kunning Palace for several days," Xiao Luzi said boldly.

He's asleep; where did the Imperial Heir come from?

Wan Tang's gaze was icy.

Xiao Luzi dared not speak any more and went to handle it.

One night passed.

The horizon turned a pale fish‑belly white.

A thin voice from Xiao Dongzi came.

Chu Yunzheng frowned, yet still rose.

Wan Tang had already prepared everything, lighting candles to make the room appear brighter.

"Tangtang, I haven't slept this soundly in a long time," Chu Yunzheng said, his voice full of guilt.

They've come, yet have no proper business.

Wan Tang showed no hint of resentment in her eyes, caring attentively, and gently said, "I, your humble servant, feel sorry for the Emperor; nothing matters more than the Emperor's health."

"I am only worried that if the Emperor continues to overwork, his body won't be able to endure it."

Chu Yunzheng wrapped his arms around Wan Tang's waist, lowered his head, and placed a kiss on her forehead.

His breath brushed Wan Tang's ear: "Tonight, I will properly repay you."

"You should know, after conserving my essence, how mighty I am."

Wan Tang's eyes flashed with panic, she forced herself to endure the discomfort, leaning against Chu Yunzheng's chest: "Emperor, you are detestable…"

"You are the annoying little imp who always knows what I think."

Outside, they were urging again.

The time for court had arrived; reluctantly, he released Wan Tang and walked out.

As Chu Yunzheng's foot left, Wan Tang's expression froze completely, leaving only indifference.

Xiao Luzi hurriedly fetched water, gently wiping the skin that Chu Yunzheng had touched.

Qiu Niang rushed to the corner, cleaned the incense burner, and replaced it with incense of the same scent.

"The Emperor will come to Kunning Palace tonight; inform everyone, and everyone should be high‑profile."

"After all, the Emperor is coming; everything must be well prepared."

Changchun Palace.

There are many palace maids, yet everyone treats Bai Li indifferently.

The sun had been shining for three rods, and a few old maids were still cracking sunflower seeds; the palace maids and eunuchs were also working, chatting and laughing.

"The Emperor rested in Kunning Palace yesterday; this morning, he lingered, and the morning court started a moment later than usual."

"Of course, our Empress and the Emperor are true love, having gone through life and death; no one can compare."

"Today Kunning Palace will be busy; the Emperor will come tonight, and all departments must prepare, especially the Imperial Kitchen, where the ingredients must be the freshest."

"Speaking of it, we are truly pitiful; we thought we could have it good in Changchun Palace, but ended up with this master. A small sedan chair was delivered, and what then? The Emperor spends every night in Kunning Palace, sigh!"

"We still need to think of a way to get to Kunning Palace. You don't know how lavish the Empress is; the people of Kunning Palace all wear gold and silver, fat to the point of oozing oil."

"Our master, from yesterday until now, has what? Not a single hair!"

"One shouldn't say it like that; after all, she's a widowed copycat, terribly poor…"

Chun Xing had just helped Bai Li out the door when she heard these words.

Rage was uncontrollable.

She was about to lose her temper, but Bai Li stopped her.

Bai Li's gaze turned fierce: "Kunning Palace wants to keep people every night? Dream on!"

"Before, she was favored because I hadn't come."

"Now that I have arrived, she is nothing."

Speaking, Bai Li brushed the hair at the side of her temples and said slowly, "I've heard there are many rumors outside."

"Shouldn't we go and talk properly with the Emperor?"

"After all, the Empress knows this matter best."

Bai Li's gaze suddenly turned frighteningly cold.