Chapter 45 – Ancient Era: A Dance to Enchant the City—The Emperor’s Celestial Fairy (15)
“Although court is suspended for three days, the nation cannot go a single day without its ruler. Go handle your affairs, and let the Empress Consort stay behind to chat with me.”
The Empress Dowager was starting to shoo people away. Hurry along, hurry along! Don’t get in the way of my bonding time with my dear daughter-in-law.
In the past, when her son wasn’t around, the only thing that comforted her lonely heart was the little hamster she once raised.
Jiang Liangwu was mercilessly “chased away,” leaving the Empress Dowager free to finally get her hands on the little squirrel. She patted Bai Tang’s head, pinched his cheeks…
Considering that she was an elder, Bai Tang endured these “acts of aggression” with teary eyes. The sight only made the Empress Dowager even more amused.
“Tang Tang, what hobbies do you have?”
“I do! Sleeping, sunbathing, eating fruit…”
“Fruit? Do you mean this kind?” The Empress Dowager pointed at the freshly served plate of stir-fried chestnuts.
“Yes! They’re delicious. Does Mother Empress like them too?” Bai the little squirrel Tang’s eyes sparkled as he stared eagerly at the Empress Dowager.
The resemblance was uncanny—even their favorite foods were the same!
The Empress Dowager nodded and enthusiastically began discussing squirrel habits with Bai Tang. She was absolutely delighted…
By the end of their conversation, both sides were completely satisfied.
The little squirrel thought the Empress Dowager must be a good person—after all, she only served his favorite treats. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager believed there was no way a squirrel-like little creature could be scheming. He was just too adorable. Her son had truly found a treasure.
…
Night fell.
After finishing the mountain of memorials that had piled up over the past few days, Jiang Liangwu hurried to Cishou Palace. He hadn’t seen his precious treasure for two whole hours and missed him terribly.
Before he even entered, waves of laughter drifted out from inside.
This… this is what a home should feel like.
Jiang Liangwu’s cold, sharp features softened ever so slightly.
Bai Tang reluctantly bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, following Jiang Liangwu out of Cishou Palace with lingering glances, turning back every few steps.
Bai Tang had been exhausted all day, and he was barely holding on as they walked. Before they even reached their bedchamber, he covered his mouth, stifling a yawn. His eyes blinked several times, trying to stay awake, but his little head kept drooping lower and lower.
Suddenly, a large hand gently lifted his chin.
Bai Tang’s drowsy eyes fluttered open. He yawned again and mumbled in a sleepy haze, “I’m so tired… No more…”
Jiang Liangwu chuckled—was his little one a starving ghost or something?
He pulled Bai Tang into his arms, letting the small figure rest his head against the crook of his shoulder. “Sleep. I’ll take you home.”
Home.
Tiancheng Palace was no longer just a cold, empty palace. It was their warm little home.
As for Tianfeng Palace—the residence traditionally meant for the Empress—it had been abandoned for years and was in a state of disrepair. Bai Tang was better off staying in Tiancheng Palace.
…
In common folk tradition, newlyweds return to visit their family three days after marriage.
For an emperor, summoning his consort’s family to court would have been enough. But Jiang Liangwu cherished Bai Tang. He wanted to grant him the utmost respect and honor, so he personally accompanied Bai Tang, bearing gifts, to visit his family in person.
Besides… there was a mystery he needed to unravel.
…
Prime Minister Bai and his wife had dressed in their finest attire at the crack of dawn, eagerly awaiting their son’s return.
When they learned the emperor himself would be coming along, they were so shocked their jaws nearly dropped.
Still, they were deeply moved. For an emperor to show such courtesy to his consort is rare.
The title Empress Consort sounded grand, but with a harem of three thousand beauties, could the emperor’s passion for their son truly last?
With a mix of joy and unease, they anxiously awaited his arrival.
…
“Father, Mother, I’m home!”
Bai Tang dashed eagerly through the door, immediately running up to his parents and showering them with affection.
The Bai couple genuinely adored Bai Tang, and he, in turn, held them in great affection.
Jiang Liangwu felt a pang of jealousy. When will Tang Tang be this affectionate with me?!
Prime Minister Bai was about to bow in greeting, but Jiang Liangwu personally stopped him, lifting him up.
The astonished Prime Minister barely had time to react before the emperor spoke:
“Today, I am not here as an emperor. I have come as a son-in-law to pay respects to my father- and mother-in-law.”
And with that, he gracefully lifted the hem of his robe, knelt on the ground, and bowed deeply.
Author’s Note
Empress Dowager: I set up a flag… and in the next chapter, it’s going to come true! (hugs daughter-in-law Tang Tang) I’m so sorry, my dear daughter-in-law!