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

Finally, he decided to take the most direct and sincere way - to coax her in person. Chu Heng moved lightly to the bedside, carefully stretched out his hand, and gently touched Xie Chaochao's soft hair with his fingertips. The touch was like the gentlest spring breeze, trying to blow away the haze in her heart.

"Chao Chao," his voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of imperceptible apology and tenderness, "I know you are angry, but please believe that everything I do is for this country and for our common future. Every expression of yours touches my heart, how can I let you bear the darkness of this night alone?"

Queen Xie Chaochao's body trembled slightly. Although she did not turn around, her stubborn attitude had quietly softened. Seeing this, Chu Heng felt relieved and continued, "I wish to become the brightest star in the night sky to illuminate your way forward. I also wish to be your most solid support, and never leave you no matter when or where."

As he spoke, Chu Heng slowly stretched out his arm and gently wrapped it around Xie Chaochao's shoulders. At that moment, it seemed as if even time had stopped. The queen finally turned around, her eyes slightly red, but with a hint of relief and tenderness. The two smiled at each other, and all the misunderstandings and unhappiness disappeared at this moment.

Deep in the magnificent palace with carved beams and painted buildings, Empress Xie Chaochao gently raised her eyes, which were as clear as autumn water and full of affection, and looked at the majestic emperor who was sitting on the dragon throne, wearing a dragon robe. The emperor's eyes were like torches, with unquestionable firmness, as if he could see through the deepest secrets of people's hearts. Xie Chaochao's heart was full of mixed feelings, with a desire for freedom, awe of imperial power, and helplessness about the complicated situation in the palace. Finally, she opened her red lips lightly, and her voice, although as thin as a mosquito, was clearly transmitted to the emperor's ears: "Your concubine, obey your order."

The emperor heard this and a barely perceptible arc appeared on his lips. It was a smile of victory and also an acknowledgement of Xie Chaochao's compromise. He knew very well that this gentle and virtuous yet tenacious queen was a force that could not be underestimated in the palace. In order to consolidate the imperial power and for the supreme throne, he had to ensure that the people around him were loyal and of impeccable character.

Therefore, the emperor immediately ordered a stricter moral examination of all servants in the palace. This decision was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, instantly causing an uproar in the palace. Everyone in the palaces and halls was in danger, fearing that they or the people around them would become victims of the emperor's strict investigation. For a time, the atmosphere in the palace became tense and depressing, as if even the air had solidified.

The emperor's confidants acted quickly, either secretly investigating or observing carefully, trying to find out those who had bad intentions and low moral character. And those servants who seemed to be honest and dutiful on weekdays also began to make their own calculations at this moment, some secretly thanked themselves for their usual cautious behavior, while others worried that their past mistakes would be exposed and could not sleep at night.

In this sudden storm, although Xie Chaochao appears calm on the surface, her heart is turbulent. She knows that the emperor's move is not only a test for the servants, but also an indirect test for her as the queen. She must act more cautiously, not only to maintain her dignity and status, but also to find her own way to survive in this treacherous palace.

As night fell, the palace was gently enveloped by moonlight, but the undercurrents in the palace did not subside. Xie Chaochao stood alone in front of the window, gazing at the quiet and deep night sky outside the window, praying in his heart that the storm would pass soon and the palace would return to its former tranquility and harmony. Within the palace walls, every stone slab seemed to carry a thousand-year-old secret, and every gust of wind was mixed with an unspeakable atmosphere of tension.

At this moment, a silent contest was taking place in a corner of the palace. A group of servants lowered their heads, their knees trembling slightly, as if they were carrying a heavy burden. Their heartbeats were particularly clear in the silence, and every beat seemed to tell of their inner fear and anxiety. These people might have their own duties in the palace on weekdays, but today, they were summoned here and faced an unprecedented test - the emperor's personal selection.

The emperor, the supreme and majestic monarch, was wearing a dragon robe and a crown, exuding an inviolable aura of a king. He walked slowly into the hall, and every step seemed so steady and powerful, as if every step was stepping on everyone's heart, making people hold their breath and concentrate. His sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, scanned everyone present, as if they could see into the deepest secrets of people's hearts.

"Raise your head." The emperor's voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to come from his chest, with unquestionable authority. The servants trembled and obeyed the order, and the pale and nervous faces were gradually exposed to the emperor's sight. The emperor examined them one by one, and his eyes were like two sharp swords, which could penetrate disguises and look directly into people's hearts.

After careful consideration, the emperor finally selected more than a dozen servants who seemed calm and determined. Although these lucky ones were secretly happy, they were more worried because they knew that being selected by the emperor meant taking on more important responsibilities, but also meant bearing greater pressure and risks.

"You," the emperor's voice sounded again, with a barely perceptible chill, "from now on, you will be my closest people. But remember, loyalty and silence are your mottos. Those who talk too much will suffer disastrous consequences. My palace will not tolerate any betrayal or leaks."

After saying this, the emperor waved his sleeves and left, leaving the servants standing there with mixed feelings. They knew that they had been involved in a game of power, in which they would be crushed to pieces if they were not careful. The night in the palace was still so deep, as if it was telling them endless secrets and unknown challenges, waiting for them to uncover and face.

This night was destined to be a sleepless night for these people. They began to realize that their lives would no longer be ordinary, but full of excitement and unknowns, and they had to be cautious and tread carefully at every step.

Empress Xie Chaochao lay quietly on the carved pearwood bed. The brocade quilts and embroidered pillows around her were extremely luxurious, but they could not soothe her panic and physical discomfort. The moonlight outside the window was dim, and the silver light shone on her face, reflecting a barely noticeable paleness. Her hands gently rested on her bulging belly, where the future of the royal family was being nurtured, but at this moment, it was as if she was being crushed by millions of people.