Chapter 477

After finishing his day's work, Li Chen came to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the flowers with Li Meng.

Seeing Li Chen's figure appear at the entrance of the Imperial Garden, Li Meng immediately ran over like a happy little deer and threw herself directly into Li Chen's arms.

She looked up with her little face, her eyes sparkling: "Your Majesty!"

Li Chen dotingly ruffled her hair: "How is it? Do you like these flowers?"

"I like them!"

Li Meng nodded vigorously, pointing to a patch of blooming peonies not far away: "Especially those, they are so big and beautiful!"

Jiang Rong stood to the side, watching their intimate appearance, the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifting into a gentle arc.

She said softly: "Your Majesty, Sister Li is very interested in the flowers and plants of the Imperial Garden. I have already ordered people to transplant some of various rare varieties here."

Li Chen looked at Jiang Rong with approval: "It has been hard on you."

Li Meng hurriedly added: "Thank you, Little Guo... ah, no, thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. It is also thanks to Sister Rong's help that my bedchamber has been tidied up."

She stuck out her tongue in embarrassment, almost calling out the nickname she used for Li Chen in private again.

Jiang Rong covered her mouth and chuckled: "Sister Li is innocent and lively; I like her very much."

Li Chen took Li Meng's little hand: "Let's go, I will take you to see the Empress Dowager."

"The Empress Dowager?" Li Meng suddenly became nervous, her little hand unconsciously gripping Li Chen's sleeve tightly.

Seeing this, Jiang Rong comforted her softly: "The Empress Dowager is the most kind-hearted; Sister Li need not worry."

The group arrived at the Empress Dowager's bedchamber.

The Empress Dowager was pruning flower branches in the courtyard, and she was quite surprised to hear that the Emperor had come in person.

One must know that Li Chen was busy with state affairs on weekdays and rarely brought concubines to pay respects in person.

"The Empress Dowager has such elegant interests." Li Chen still appeared very casual.

Li Meng did not dare to be; she knelt down directly: "This concubine pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager put down the golden shears in her hand and carefully examined the petite girl before her.

She saw that she was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with skin whiter than snow, almond eyes, and cherry lips; although she was not a peerless beauty, she possessed a natural, lively temperament.

"Rise," the Empress Dowager said gently. "Is this the new concubine you have taken?"

Li Chen nodded: "Her name is Li Meng, and she comes from the southern border. I thought that since she is new to the palace, she might not understand the rules, so I specially brought her to pay respects to the Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager smiled knowingly, thinking that Li Chen was indeed meticulous; he was afraid that the little concubine would offend her.

It seems that this girl carries significant weight in the Emperor's heart.

"Come, walk closer and let me see," the Empress Dowager beckoned.

Li Meng walked forward timidly for a few steps.

When she saw the Empress Dowager's appearance clearly, she suddenly froze.

The Empress Dowager before her looked to be just over thirty, with skin as delicate as mutton-fat jade, eyebrows like paintings, and a pair of phoenix eyes that contained both majesty and gentleness.

What was most astonishing was her proud figure; her full breasts supported the phoenix robe in a beautiful arc, and beneath her slender waist were plump hips, the whole person exuding the unique charm of a mature woman.

Li Meng exclaimed in her heart: This... this is the Empress Dowager? She is too beautiful!

She had originally thought that Jiang Rong was already a rare beauty in the world, but she did not expect the Empress Dowager to be even more peerless.

That graceful and luxurious temperament, paired with her stunning face and proud figure, simply made it impossible for people to look away.

Li Chen tapped her shoulder lightly: "Li Meng? What are you staring at?"

Only then did Li Meng wake up from her dream and hurriedly bow: "This concubine has been rude! The Empress Dowager is truly... too beautiful; this concubine was momentarily stunned..."

The Empress Dowager was amused by this straightforward praise: "What an honest child."

Which woman does not like to be praised by others? Especially this kind of sincere praise, which makes a person's smile overflow from their expression.

Li Chen could not help but laugh: "Empress Dowager, do not take offense; she grew up on the border since she was a child, so her nature is a bit straightforward."

The more the Empress Dowager looked at Li Meng, the more she liked her: "It is fine. I actually think this is quite good; it is much better than those who have complicated thoughts." The Empress Dowager has a principle, which is that whatever Li Chen likes, she likes too.

Thus, this inner palace is very harmonious.

She signaled for a palace maid to bring over a brocade box: "This is a gift from me to you."

Li Meng opened it and saw a pair of crystal-clear jade bracelets.

Although she did not understand jewelry, she knew that things given by the Empress Dowager must be worth a fortune, so she hurriedly thanked her.

Li Meng had already been seen, and the Empress Dowager indicated: "Since you are here, Your Majesty, I happen to have something to discuss with you."

Speaking of this, she glanced at Li Meng, and the meaning was very clear.

After Li Meng obediently took her leave, the Empress Dowager signaled for the maids on the left and right to also withdraw.

The bedchamber was suddenly left with only the two of them.

The Empress Dowager looked at Li Chen with a gentle gaze: "Your Majesty has been working hard on state affairs these days, yet your posture has become even more upright."

She reached out to gently adjust Li Chen's collar, her movements natural and carrying a bit of intimacy.

Li Chen smiled slightly: "The Empress Dowager is too kind."

The Empress Dowager turned and took a brocade bundle from the carved sandalwood cabinet: "I have made some new clothes for you; they are all undergarments. Try them on to see if they fit."

She carefully unfolded the bundle, which contained several exquisitely crafted sleeping robes and inner shirts.

The fabric used was the finest celestial silk, cool to the touch, shimmering with a pearl-like luster under the candlelight.

Li Chen picked up a sleeping robe to examine it closely and found that the cuffs were embroidered with delicate dragon patterns, the stitches fine and even.

"I had nothing to do, so I thought I would make a few for you. Your Majesty wears court robes all day; you should be more comfortable when you return to your bedchamber." The Empress Dowager's eyes carried expectation.

Li Chen felt a warmth in his heart; ever since he ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager had always been very caring toward him.

He said softly: "I am naturally assured of the Empress Dowager's craftsmanship."

The Empress Dowager picked up a moon-white sleeping robe: "Then try it on now? If there is anything that doesn't fit, I can change it on the spot."

Li Chen nodded and began to take off his outer robe.

As the clothes were removed one by one, his strong, sturdy figure was gradually revealed.

Broad shoulders, solid chest muscles, and those well-defined eight-pack abs—every part of him exuded masculine charm.

The Empress Dowager's gaze was unconsciously attracted.

Although this was not the first time she had seen it, every time she was amazed by this body full of a sense of power.

She tried to remain calm and handed over the sleeping robe: "Come, try this one first."

Li Chen took the sleeping robe and put it on, and the Empress Dowager went behind him to tie the belt for him.

Her fingers inadvertently touched Li Chen's lower back, and she immediately felt a wave of scorching heat.

That sensation made her heartbeat accelerate, and she hurriedly withdrew her hand.

"How is it?" Li Chen turned around and asked.

The Empress Dowager steadied herself and examined him carefully: "The shoulders seem a bit tight here."

She reached out to adjust the collar, but this time she accidentally touched Li Chen's abs.

That firm and elastic sensation made the Empress Dowager's fingertips tremble, and a wave of heat instantly rushed to her cheeks.

She hurriedly took half a step back: "No... did I hurt you?"

Li Chen did not mind: "It is fine. Where does the Empress Dowager think it needs to be changed?"

Just as the Empress Dowager was about to answer, light footsteps came from outside.

(End of this chapter)