Chapter 44 – Ancient Era: A Dance to Enchant the City—The Emperor’s Celestial Fairy (14)
The Emperor and Empress Consort’s wedding meant three days of court recess.
Early the next morning, Bai Tang woke up and, upon opening his eyes, found himself clinging naked to Jiang Liangwu. His face flushed red in embarrassment.
“You’re awake?” The man’s voice was husky from sleep.
Jiang Liangwu rolled over, hovering above Bai Tang, his fingertips gently caressing the delicate skin of the little one’s cheek. Slowly, he leaned in… Bai Tang could feel the warmth of his breath against his face.
Then—a light, fleeting kiss, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
Jiang Liangwu pulled away and got up as if nothing had happened.
Bai Tang: ???
That… wasn’t like him at all!
Bai Tang wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Seeing Jiang Liangwu act so indifferent left him feeling empty. Did this mean he didn’t like him anymore?!
“Don’t cry, Tang Tang! Look what I’ve got!” The system proudly presented a small straw doll, its eerie grin sending chills down Bai Tang’s spine. “Once we complete the mission, I’ll get revenge for you! When the male lead’s plot armor weakens, I’ll stick needles in him!!!”
“Wait, don’t—” Bai Tang hadn’t even finished speaking before the system darted into its little black room to study its voodoo doll.
“Tang Tang…” Jiang Liangwu called softly, holding out the ceremonial robes of the Empress Consort. He personally began dressing Bai Tang.
“I-I can do it myself.” Bai Tang’s skin burned wherever Jiang Liangwu touched. His flustered hands fumbled with the buttons, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t get them right.
“I’m more than happy to ‘serve’ my Empress Consort~” Jiang Liangwu whispered playfully as he helped adjust Bai Tang’s collar. His lips grazed Bai Tang’s ear, voice laced with teasing. “When will my beloved finally make up for our missed wedding night, hmm~?”
Bai Tang was on the verge of tears. “Y-you… It’s broad daylight… don’t…” But before he could finish, his words were swallowed in a kiss.
Outside the chamber, Eunuch Li heard the unmistakable sounds of intimacy and couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. The Emperor and his Empress Consort were truly in love.
By midday, the Empress Dowager had been waiting for their visit for far too long. After sending a servant to inquire, the response she received was utterly infuriating.
So this was what they meant by “having a wife and forgetting your mother“! Look at this—it’s only the first day, and he’s already like this. Will he even bother attending court in the future?
The Empress Dowager was well aware of the influence a spouse could have over the Emperor. Her initial sympathy for Bai Tang quickly turned into caution. The Bai siblings truly had their ways. Waving her hand, she summoned her trusted aides, and several imperial decrees swiftly left the palace gates.
“No more…” Bai Tang’s voice was hoarse. After being given a cup of warm water, he pouted his rosy, glistening lips and weakly pounded his small fists against Jiang Liangwu. “It’s all your fault…”
“Yes, yes, all my fault,” Jiang Liangwu replied indulgently, completely satisfied. He picked up an inner robe and draped it over Bai Tang, covering up every mark on his body. His treasure—only he was allowed to see.
By the time Jiang Liangwu had fed Bai Tang, the sky had already darkened.
Even though it was much later than expected, they still had to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Jiang Liangwu carefully dressed Bai Tang in layer after layer of clothing, making sure not a single trace was visible. Only then did he feel at ease bringing Bai Tang out of Tiancheng Palace.
“Your son greets Mother Empress.”
Hand in hand, the Emperor and Empress Consort arrived together. Although they were late, the fact that her son still remembered her filled the Empress Dowager’s heart with comfort.
She gestured for them to rise before turning her attention to Bai Tang. She was curious to see what kind of little enchantress had bewitched her son so completely.
Bai Tang was fair-skinned, though a bit too slender. His shimmering, watery eyes carried a hint of drowsiness, making him look adorably lazy. He reminded her of a small hamster she had once raised in her younger years.
At first glance, the Empress Dowager already liked this child.
This child was nothing like his sister. He was a good child.
“Come here. May I call you Tang Tang from now on?” The Empress Dowager beckoned Bai Tang over, unable to resist reaching out to pat his head. Bai Tang instinctively leaned into her touch, revealing a contented smile.
The technique she used was exactly how she had stroked her pet hamster back then. The little creature had shown the same delighted expression.
So alike. Truly alike.
Her fondness for Bai Tang grew even deeper.
“From now on, you and the Emperor must be of one heart and mind, working together to manage the harem.” The Empress Dowager patted Bai Tang’s hand with a smile, then called for the chief eunuch to bring forth the Phoenix Seal, the symbol of the Empress Consort’s authority over the palace.
Author’s Note:
Fake drivers are in position.
Little cuties: We’re on the ride! When’s the driver going to start the engine? (^^*)
Me: We’ve already arrived at the station. (○｀ 3′○)
Little cuties: How could you end it so fast!!!
When should I post the next chapter? Hehehe~