Chapter 51 – Ancient Era: A Dance to Enchant the City—The Emperor’s Celestial Fairy (21)
Wu Fanghao noticed Bai Tang’s lack of a smile and suddenly chuckled. She said, “Greetings, Your Majesty. I would like to propose a deal—what do you think?”
…
Jiang Liangwu strode quickly down the palace corridor, listening as Eunuch Li delivered the latest news.
The Empress had personally gone to Cishou Palace to request an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager—specifically naming Wu Fanghao, the granddaughter of General Wu, to enter the palace and be granted the position of chief among the four consorts.
“Tang Tang, did Mother say something to you?”
Bai Tang was happy to see Jiang Liangwu during the day, but the question immediately reminded him of the situation, extinguishing his cheerful mood.
“No, it’s just… I think Mother is right. The royal family should flourish with more heirs. I can’t give you children, so I thought it would be best to find some sisters to accompany you.”
Only the system knew how much Bai Tang was hurting as he said those words, his heart bleeding with every syllable.
Jiang Liangwu froze mid-step, his gaze becoming unreadable. “Is that truly what you think?”
Bai Tang turned his face away, avoiding Jiang Liangwu’s expression. He was afraid that if he looked, he wouldn’t be able to hold back his tears. “Yes. Don’t worry. Since I am your Empress, I will take care of the harem for you.”
These words, of course, were scripted by the system. Bai Tang merely repeated them.
Jiang Liangwu took a deep breath. “Are you speaking from your heart?”
Bai Tang bit his lip hard, struggling to hold back his tears. “When have I ever lied to you?”
“Pushing me toward another woman… My Empress is truly virtuous and selfless.” Jiang Liangwu’s voice was laced with sarcasm. “Very well, as per your wishes, I will grant Wu Fanghao the title of ‘Virtuous Consort.’”
The sound of the door slamming shut echoed behind him.
Finally unable to hold back any longer, Bai Tang collapsed onto the table, sobbing uncontrollably. Tears fell, one after another, onto the wooden surface.
He didn’t want Wu Fanghao to enter the palace. But if she didn’t… Jiang Liangwu would die. He would die.
“Fool. If you don’t want to lose me, then why push me away?”
At some point, Jiang Liangwu had silently returned. He pulled the still-crying Bai Tang into his embrace, his voice filled with warmth and tenderness.
“Do you really think that without General Wu, Yi would be unable to defend itself against the Xiongnu?”
For days, Jiang Liangwu had been troubled by the growing threat of the Xiongnu. The foreign tribe had been stirring, seemingly preparing to launch an attack against Yi. But after years of reckless extravagance under the late emperor, the national treasury was nearly empty. The people, displaced and suffering, had lost faith in the royal family, with many refusing to pledge loyalty to the court.
The Grand General of the Nation, Wu Fanghao’s grandfather, was one such person. If war were to break out now, it could spell the end of the Yi dynasty.
That day, Wu Fanghao had told Bai Tang that if he made her a consort, she would convince her grandfather to lead the army once more for Yi.
It was well known that the Grand General of the Nation had battled the Xiongnu for years and was deeply familiar with their tactics. He knew their habits, their weaknesses in military formations—if he led the campaign, victory was almost certain.
“I don’t want you to die…” Bai Tang shook his head, golden tears rolling down his cheeks. “But I also don’t want to give you to someone else.”
Was this… a declaration of dominance?!
Jiang Liangwu was delighted. At last, he was certain—it wasn’t just him loving one-sidedly anymore. His precious one cared for him, wanted him. After all, love is possessive.
“Hahaha…” His chest shook as he laughed.
Bai Tang looked up in confusion, only to see Jiang Liangwu cupping his small face.
“Tang Tang, why don’t you want Wu Fanghao in the palace? Why did you cry?”
“Because… I like Liangwu~” A soft, milky voice escaped Bai Tang’s lips.
The answer matched what was in Jiang Liangwu’s heart.
In an instant, he lowered his head, capturing those delicate, trembling lips. He kissed him slowly, savoring the taste—dominant yet gentle, as if indulging in the most exquisite delicacy the world had to offer.
Author’s Note:
I swore today would be all about sweetness… but somehow… 😅 Still, there was a bit of sugar at the end, right?
Ahh~ Tomorrow, I promise it’ll be pure fluff—I swear!!!
If I don’t deliver, may I never get to eat Three Squirrels snacks again! (*≧▽≦)ツ┏━┓