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

As the charcoal fire gradually grew stronger, the temperature in the bedroom gradually rose, and a warm and comfortable atmosphere began to permeate the air, dispelling the previous chill. Xie Chaochao wrapped herself tightly in the quilt, but her eyes looked through the window lattice at the unknown darkness in the distance. She felt mixed emotions in her heart, both dissatisfaction with the cold night and endless emotion about the palace life. In this magnificent cage, although she was the queen above everyone else, she often felt an indescribable loneliness and helplessness.

At this moment, the dim light of the charcoal fire shone on her face, outlining her delicate features, and her eyes flashed with complex light. She knew that although the night was cold, it was not as cold as people's hearts; although the charcoal fire was warm, it could not warm her heart that had long been worn out by court struggles. But she also understood that as a queen, she must be strong and must face all of this. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, she must go on step by step until she finds her own light and warmth.

Queen Xie Chaochao looked at the burning charcoal, the firelight reflected between her furrowed brows, and the jumping flames seemed to fluctuate with the waves in her heart. Her deep eyes were filled with both determination and hesitation, as if at this moment, the weight of the whole world was pressing on her shoulders.

She stood up suddenly, and the charcoal fire swayed with her movements, casting long shadows that twisted and changed in the empty palace, like a ghost in the dark night. The queen ordered all the maids and eunuchs to disperse, and her voice was full of unquestionable majesty, but also mixed with a subtle tremor.

Upon hearing this, the maids and eunuchs all knelt on the ground, not daring to be negligent, and quickly and orderly left the hall. Their footsteps echoed in the empty palace, and every step seemed to knock on the queen's tense nerves. As the last person left, the heavy palace door slowly closed with a dull sound, isolating the outside noise, leaving only the crackling sound of the charcoal fire and the queen's rapid breathing.

The queen sat back down again, her eyes fixed on the jumping flames, as if she wanted to see through the fire and the secrets behind it. Her fingers tapped the armrests unconsciously, and each tap was accompanied by her inner struggle and choice. The light of the charcoal fire cast mottled light and shadows on her face, making her expression even more complicated and difficult to discern.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and the charcoal fire trembled violently, sparks flew everywhere, as if telling of the coming storm. The queen's eyes became unusually firm at this moment. She stood up, slowly walked to the window, and stared at the dark night sky outside. The moonlight shone through the clouds and sprinkled on her body, covering her with a layer of silver gauze, but also reflecting the inviolable determination in her eyes.

The maids and eunuchs didn't understand why Empress Xie Chaochao suddenly dispersed them with a solemn look. Although they were full of doubts and uneasiness, they didn't dare to ask more questions. They had to bow hurriedly and leave the hall. They took every step carefully, for fear of offending some noble in this unusual atmosphere. In the hall, the candlelight flickered, reflecting on the empty ground, casting long shadows, adding a sense of weirdness.

Emperor Chu Heng, wearing a dragon robe, walked into the hall with steady steps, his brows condensed with unspeakable worry. He knew that the Queen's move must have a deep meaning. Although he had many guesses in his heart, he still maintained the calmness and composure of an emperor. The moment he stepped into the hall, Chu Heng's eyes swept through every corner sharply, as if looking for some unknown secrets.

"Chao Chao, why are you doing this?" Chu Heng's voice was deep and powerful, breaking the silence in the hall. He slowly walked towards the queen, his eyes fixed on her face, trying to read a clue from her expression. However, Xie Chao Chao just stood there quietly, with a solemn face and a look of determination and firmness in her eyes, as if she was about to make a decision that would change her fate.

The queen slowly raised her hand and gently stroked a guqin beside her. The guqin was engraved with intricate patterns, as if telling a thousand-year-old story. Her fingers gently slid across the strings, producing a low and long sound, like an ancient call that made people feel awed.

"Chu Heng, I have something to tell you. This matter concerns the safety of the country, and even more so the fate of you and me." Xie Chaochao's voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to carry a heavy weight, which made Chu Heng's heart sink. He realized that the next words would completely change the trajectory of their lives.

Deep in the magnificent palace, the afterglow of the setting sun was like fine gold, dappled on the bluestone-paved imperial road, giving this palace of power and glory a soft and mysterious glow. Emperor Chu Heng, a son of heaven wearing a dragon robe and majestic yet gentle, slowly walked into the bedroom of Empress Xie Chaochao. His steps were steady, but there was a hint of imperceptible worry and curiosity in his eyes.

In the bedroom, candlelight flickered, veils danced, and the air was filled with a faint mixture of floral and ambergris fragrance, which was refreshing. However, this place, which was usually bustling with servants shuttling back and forth, was unusually quiet at this moment. Only the occasional bird calls outside the window added a bit of unusual atmosphere. Chu Heng looked around and did not see a single servant. He could not help but feel suspicious and asked softly, "Chao Chao, why did you send all the servants away today? Is there something bothering you?"

Empress Xie Chaochao, a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a beautiful face but a hint of sadness between her brows, was sitting in front of the window, gently stroking the pot of blooming orchids in her hands, as if it was her only comfort at the moment. She looked up when she heard the voice, and her eyes met Chu Heng. A trace of complex emotions flashed in her clear eyes, and then she whispered softly: "Heng, I just want to be alone for a while, let my heart be released in this moment of tranquility. Recently, the state affairs are busy, and there are many trivial matters in the harem. I feel as if I am tightly bound by invisible ropes and I am about to suffocate."

Chu Heng heard this, and an indescribable pity welled up in his heart. He slowly approached and gently took Xie Chaochao's hand. Although her hands were still as delicate as jade, they were no longer as warm as before, as if they were carrying too much unknown weight. Chu Heng gently embraced her in his arms and whispered to comfort her: "Chaochao, I was negligent. In this palace, although you are the queen, you are also under pressure that ordinary people can hardly imagine. From now on, I will pay more attention to your feelings. Let us face everything together, okay?"