Reborn to marry, she no longer wants to be the young master's mother

Inside the imperial city, the lights were dim, and only in a corner of the imperial garden was a faint but firm light still on. That was Xie Chaochao, a heroic woman who cared about the world. She was sitting alone on the cold stone steps, her brows furrowed, her eyes penetrating the darkness, as if trying to see into the unpredictable future.

In her heart, the burden of the country was like a huge stone, which made her breathless. The war on the border, the undercurrent in the court, the suffering of the people... Each of them was like a sharp blade, leaving deep marks in her heart. The night wind, with a bit of coolness, quietly brushed through the ends of her hair, and seemed to want to take away the worries in her heart, but it was in vain.

At this moment, a gentle sound of footsteps broke the silence of the night. Chu Heng, the man who always appeared when she needed him most, came to her side quietly. He was dressed in a simple and elegant brocade robe, and his steps were steady and gentle. The moonlight shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on his body, coating him with a layer of silver light, making him look even more extraordinary.

He said nothing, but silently took off his cloak, which seemed to still retain the warmth of his body temperature, and gently draped it over Xie Chaochao's shoulders. That warmth, like a ray of sunshine in spring, instantly dispelled the coldness around them and warmed her heart, which was cold due to worry.

Then, he slowly squatted down and looked at Xie Chaochao at eye level, his deep eyes full of tenderness and determination. He stretched out his arms and gently embraced her in his arms, which were solid and warm, as if they could protect her from all the wind and rain in the world. At this moment, all the worries, fatigue, and fear disappeared with this embrace, leaving only two hearts tightly attached to each other, guarding the land they loved deeply together in this quiet night.

"Chao Chao, you don't have to work so hard because I'm here." Chu Heng's voice was deep and magnetic, and every word was like a spring breeze, moistening Xie Chao Chao's dry heart. She snuggled in his arms, feeling the rare peace and warmth, with a firm look in her eyes: "For this country, for the people of the world, I am willing to endure the hardships. But with you by my side, it's all worth it."

The morning light of the next day quietly climbed up the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, and the sky was faintly pale, indicating that a new day was about to begin. However, deep in this solemn and heavy palace, Xie Chaochao's room was filled with an unusual atmosphere. She sat in front of the bronze mirror, and her face reflected in the mirror was as pale as paper, with unspeakable fatigue and tenacity locked between her brows. The night did not seem to give her the comfort she deserved, but instead increased her burden, making her eyes, which should have been shining, lose their former spirit.

Chu Heng, a royal relative who was always known for his calmness and self-control, quietly stepped into the room, and his eyes immediately fell on Xie Chaochao's frail figure. His heart suddenly tightened, as if being tightly strangled by an invisible rope, painful and helpless. He walked forward slowly, speaking softly, as if afraid of disturbing this fragile tranquility: "Chaochao, look at your face, it's even paler than the frost and snow outside the window. Why don't you ask His Majesty for a leave of absence today and have a good rest for a day."

Hearing this, Xie Chaochao slowly turned around, with a gentle but firm light flashing in her eyes. She shook her head gently, and a forced smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. That smile hid too much unknown persistence and sacrifice. "Brother Heng, I know you care about me, but as a minister, how can I miss the national affairs because of my own selfishness? There may be important matters that need my decision in the court today, and I cannot be absent." Although her voice was soft, every word was sonorous, revealing her unquestionable determination.

Chu Heng looked at her, feeling mixed emotions. He knew Xie Chaochao's temper very well. Once she made up her mind, she would not change it even if she was beaten to death. So, he said no more, but walked to her side silently and put a thick fox fur cape on her, his movements gentle and careful. "Okay, since you have made up your mind, I will go with you. If you feel uncomfortable on the way, you must tell me immediately."

Chu Heng stood quietly under the magnificent palace. The sunlight shone through the intricately carved window lattices onto his resolute face, casting a faint golden glow on his deep eyes. Inside the palace, all the ministers stood in awe. The atmosphere was heavy and solemn, as if even the air was trembling slightly because of the upcoming court meeting.

As the eunuch's shrill voice broke through the silence, the court meeting officially began. As an important official in the court, Chu Heng stood at the head of the officials, his eyes were sharp, and he listened attentively to the reports of each official. Their voices were either passionate and generous, or calm and restrained, but they all revolved around the rise and fall of the country and the welfare of the people.

At the pinnacle of power sat an unusual monarch—Xie Chaochao. Although she was a woman, she single-handedly rose to the supreme throne against all odds. Her delicate face was majestic without anger, and her brows revealed wisdom and courage beyond her gender. When listening to the ministers' reports, her eyes were sometimes as sharp as an eagle, perceiving the slightest detail; sometimes as gentle as water, sympathetic to the people. Whenever there were difficulties, she could always point out the direction for the ministers with her unique insights and far-reaching considerations, as if she was holding not only a scepter, but also a beacon to lead the country forward.

After the court meeting, the ministers left one after another, and the palace gradually returned to peace. Xie Chaochao slowly stood up, her sleeves fluttering, as if she was a fairy walking out of a painting, with a majesty and elegance that could not be ignored. She looked at Chu Heng, a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes, and she said softly: "Mr. Chu, come back to the palace with me."

Chu Heng felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this. He knew that between him and the empress, in addition to the friendship between the monarch and his subjects, there was also an indescribable tacit understanding and trust. He nodded slightly and followed closely. The two walked side by side, passing through the winding corridor and entering the deep palace.

Along the way, the maids saluted one after another, their eyes full of awe and curiosity. They might have discussed it privately, but in front of the monarch and his minister, they all remained respectful and silent. There was no need for Chu Heng and Xie Chaochao to say much. With just a glance and a gesture, they could understand each other. This tacit understanding became a good story in the palace, and made people admire the ability and wisdom of the empress even more.

Looking at Xie Chaochao’s pale face, Chu Heng felt distressed.

I couldn't help but walk over and hold her hand.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have let you get pregnant at this time. It's my fault."

Xie Chaochao shook her head and said, "Isn't this normal? Continuing the family line, getting pregnant and having children are all normal. You don't have to blame yourself."