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

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar all around, and people cast their expectant eyes, as if they saw a wonderful battle of wits about to be staged. And this contest of trust and betrayal, truth and lies, officially kicked off its thrilling prelude, shaking the entire imperial city, and making everyone present feel the unprecedented tension and excitement.

After the prime minister left, the night was as dark as ink. In the deep and silent palace, only the occasional sound of the night watch drum broke the oppressive tranquility. Xie Chaochao stood alone in front of the empty palace, her figure elongated by the dim candlelight, looking particularly lonely. Her eyes, which usually sparkled with a lively light, were now deep and unfathomable, as if hiding endless thoughts and doubts.

A gust of night wind blew by, causing her clothes to flutter and seemed to take away some of her hesitation. Finally, she took a step forward, and each step seemed unusually firm, as if telling herself that no matter what was waiting for her ahead, she had to face it.

Returning to the magnificent yet cold palace, Xie Chaochao walked straight to the emperor's bedroom without stopping for a moment. The guards along the way bowed their heads and saluted when they saw her, and no one dared to stop her. Her footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, and every step she took was on the dust of history, and also on the turning point of her own destiny.

When the door of the palace was opened, a strong smell of ambergris hit me in the face, which formed a sharp contrast with the cold outside. Chu Heng, the emperor sitting on the dragon throne, was thinking with his head down, frowning, as if he was troubled by something important. When he saw Xie Chaochao, his eyes flashed a little panic, and then he returned to his usual calmness.

"Your Majesty," Xie Chaochao's voice was cold and firm, breaking the silence in the room, "The Prime Minister just left in a hurry. What did he say to you? Why do I always feel that the atmosphere in the palace is weird these days, as if something big is happening?"

Chu Heng's hesitation worsened when he heard this. His fingers unconsciously stroked the carved dragon on the dragon throne, his eyes flickering. He knew very well that Xie Chaochao was not an ordinary person. His wisdom and sharpness could often see into the deepest secrets of people's hearts. However, this secret concerned the safety of the country. If he was not careful, it might cause an unprecedented storm.

"Chao Chao," Chu Heng finally spoke, his voice low and complex, "this matter is of great importance, it concerns the rise and fall of our dynasty. The prime minister reported an urgent report from the border, a powerful foreign enemy is ready to move, intending to invade our territory. And there are also disloyal people in the court who want to take this opportunity to cause chaos, I am worried about this matter."

As Chu Heng finished speaking, the entire palace seemed to be enveloped by an invisible pressure. Xie Chaochao's eyes became extremely sharp. She knew that this was not only a test for the country, but also a test of the emotions and trust between her and Chu Heng. At this moment, she seemed to see the torrent of history rolling in, and how would she protect everything she cherished in this torrent?

In the magnificent and majestic Forbidden City, the afterglow of the setting sun shines through the carved window lattices and dapples on the dragon throne, giving this symbol of power and glory a soft and mysterious glow. Emperor Chu Heng, a young emperor with a stern face and deep eyes, sits on the dragon throne, revealing an unquestionable majesty between his brows. Inside the hall, there is silence, with only the occasional sound of the wind and the whispers of the palace maids in the distance, as if even the air has frozen, waiting for the unveiling of some important decision.

Empress Xie Chaochao, a gentle and dignified woman with a graceful temperament like orchid, dressed in a gorgeous phoenix robe and a nine-phoenix pearl crown, stood quietly beside Chu Heng, her eyes flashing with complex light, showing both deep affection for her husband and unspeakable worries. Her voice was soft and firm, like the drizzle in spring that moistens all things, and it slowly sounded in this tense atmosphere: "Your Majesty Chu Heng, it seems that there is nothing else to discuss today. I also think that state affairs are more important, but the private affairs of the emperor cannot be ignored. Since the emperor has made up his mind and wants to select a concubine, although I am reluctant, I am willing to support him silently for the sake of the overall situation."

As soon as these words came out, a subtle ripple suddenly appeared in the hall, and the palace maids exchanged subtle glances, as if they were all speculating on the deep meaning behind this imperial concubine selection storm. Although the words of Queen Xie Chaochao seemed calm, they actually contained deep emotions and wisdom. With an almost sacrificial attitude, she showed her generosity and tolerance as a queen, and at the same time, she subtly reminded everyone present that even at the pinnacle of power, emotions and responsibilities are a heavy burden that is difficult to reconcile.

Chu Heng's gaze stayed on the queen for a moment, with both gratitude and guilt in his eyes. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "I will keep the queen's words in mind. The selection of concubines is indeed necessary for the prosperity of the empire and the foundation of national stability. However, I also know in my heart that the queen is virtuous and kind, and no one can match her. Although this trip is to select a concubine, my heart is only for the queen."

These words, like the sound of spring thunder, not only shocked everyone in the hall, but also stirred up waves in the heart of Empress Xie Chaochao. She bowed slightly, her eyes slightly red, but she still maintained her nobility and dignity, and responded softly: "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your grace. I only hope that this selection of concubines can add new blood to the royal family and bring prosperity to Da Chu. I will do my best to assist the emperor and build a prosperous era together."

Emperor Chu Heng, sitting on the magnificent dragon throne, frowned, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. The queen was wearing a phoenix robe, dignified and elegant. Her voice was soft but with a firmness that could not be ignored, slowly echoing in the empty hall: "Your Majesty, for the continuation of the royal bloodline, for the prosperity and stability of the country, I dare to propose that it is time to select a concubine." Chu Heng heard this, and his heart was mixed. He knew very well that this was not only the queen's proposal, but also the consensus of the ministers in the court, which was needed for the overall situation. Although he had deep feelings for the queen in his heart, as an emperor, he had his responsibilities and helplessness, and finally could only nod slowly, tacitly agreeing to the queen's proposal.

On the day of the imperial concubine selection, the sun was shining brightly, the breeze was not dry, and the palace was full of joy. The red carpet was spread, flowers were everywhere, and the entire imperial city seemed to be dyed with a festive color. However, in this festive atmosphere, there was an unusual figure standing quietly outside the palace gate. That was Xie Chaochao, a woman who was once deeply loved by Chu Heng, but now she had two children, her eyes were full of determination and reluctance.