My subjects are too rebellious!

After dinner, the lights in the palace became softer. Qin Chuan waved his hand gently, signaling all the palace maids and eunuchs to leave, leaving only him and Liu Rushi in the quiet Xuerou Palace.

They moved to the couch and sat down side by side. A set of exquisite tea sets had been prepared on the table. Steam was rising from the tea, complementing the warm atmosphere in the room.

Qin Chuan personally held the kettle and poured a cup of tea for Liu Rushi. The fragrance of the tea instantly spread, fresh and elegant, as if it could wash away the dust in people's hearts.

He took a sip, feeling the fragrance of tea flowing between his lips and teeth, then turned to look at Liu Rushi, his eyes full of tenderness.

“So, although the moon is not full tonight, our hearts are as perfect as the full moon.”

Qin Chuan spoke softly, breaking the silence in the room: "This scene makes me feel like writing a poem, and I would like to give this poem to you."

After that, he pondered for a moment and then chanted slowly:

"It's still late in the Xuerou Palace, and we can talk about our true feelings over a cup of tea."

"The moonlight is like water reflecting the beauty, and her delicate jade fingers are playing with the fragrance of tea."

"Flowers are as eloquent as flowers, and love is endless; time flows like flowing water, and its meaning lasts longer."

"I wish we could always be together in this life, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the world together."

When Liu Rushi heard this, her eyes sparkled with surprise and emotion.

She took the teacup handed to her by Qin Chuan and took a sip. It seemed that the charm of the poem was blended into the tea, making it sweeter and more delicious.

She whispered softly, "Your Majesty is extremely talented. I am so lucky to receive this poem as a gift from you. I also wish to be with Your Majesty for the rest of my life, to go through wind and rain together, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery together."

The two smiled at each other. There was no need for words, their feelings for each other were already clear.

They continued to sip tea, chat, and enjoy this rare tranquility and warmth.

In the Xuerou Palace, time seemed to stand still, leaving only their two figures and laughter, echoing in the long night.

...........

It was late at night and there was silence in Xueruo Palace. Only the occasional chirping of insects outside the window broke the silence.

Liu Rushi helped Qin Chuan change his clothes and go to bed. Her movements were gentle and meticulous, and every detail revealed her attentiveness and thoughtfulness.

When the two of them finally lay side by side on the bed, Qin Chuan gently held Liu Rushi's hand and looked at her tenderly.

He understood that his previous protection and alienation from Liu Rushi might have caused her some misunderstandings and uneasiness.

So he decided to explain his feelings to her again.

"If so, I know you may sometimes wonder why I cherish you so much, but I have been reluctant to have sex with you."

Qin Chuan's voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of unquestionable sincerity.

"That's because I know that you are still young and your body has not yet fully matured. I am worried that if I let you bear the burden of childbirth at this time, it may cause irreversible damage to your body and leave sequelae."

At this point, Qin Chuan sighed softly and continued, "My love for you is not because I don't love you, but because I love you too much. That's why I hope you can live your life in health and peace. I am willing to wait until you grow up enough to bear all this, and then share the best moment of your life with you."

As Liu Rushi listened to Qin Chuan's explanation, her eyes became slightly red.

She held Qin Chuan's hand tightly and said in a choked voice: "Your Majesty, I understand. I am grateful for your deep affection and careful care for me. I am willing to wait for that day to come. No matter how long it takes, I will always be by your side and never leave you."

The two of them clung to each other like this, and their hearts were closer to each other at this moment.

only....

perhaps....

Maybe use it somewhere else.

Maybe...

...........

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and fell on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, Qin Chuan had changed into casual clothes, with Zhang Rang following him.

They quietly left the palace and went to Huangjue Temple outside the city.

He made this trip to pray for his children and concubines, hoping that the Buddha would bless them with safety and health. In fact, his belief in Buddhism was not deep in his heart.

Walking on the bluestone road leading to Huangjue Temple, Qin Chuan's steps seemed relaxed and casual, as if he had temporarily put down the burden of the emperor and returned to the identity of an ordinary person.

He looked around and saw morning mist and towering ancient trees. The outline of Huangjue Temple was looming in the mist, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity.

As you step into the temple, a faint scent of sandalwood hits your nose, accompanied by the low chanting of monks, which makes people calm down involuntarily.

Following the temple rules, Qin Chuan first lit a stick of incense in front of the main hall, closed his eyes and silently recited, although he had no real faith in his heart.

Because he only believed in that touch of red.

When Qin Chuan strolled in Huangjue Temple, he remained low-key and indifferent to the devout pilgrims around him. His eyes did not reveal too much emotion, as if he was just an ordinary tourist looking for a moment of tranquility in this ancient temple.

The abbot is a monk who is old but in good spirits.

He recognized this seemingly ordinary visitor as the current emperor, Qin Chuan.

Without any hesitation or neglect, the master host immediately told his disciples to get ready, and he walked quickly to the guest hall to personally receive the distinguished guest.

The living room had already been decorated in an elegant and refined manner, with the smoke from incense burners and the fragrance of tea filling the air. Everything seemed so solemn.

Soon, Qin Chuan was invited to the guest hall accompanied by Zhang Rang.

As soon as he entered the door, he felt an atmosphere different from other places in the temple.

The host master smiled, put his palms together and bowed, and said in his calm and deep voice: "I am blind and did not know that Your Majesty was here in person. I failed to welcome you. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Qin Chuan saw this and said with a smile: "Master, you are too kind. I am here to visit incognito and I don't want to disturb the tranquility of the temple, let alone cause trouble to you. But you have a good eye for talent, which makes me deeply admire you."

After some greetings, Qin Chuan and the host sat down in the living room.

Although I don't believe it, as the old saying goes, don't hit someone who smiles at you.

........

The abbot of Huangjue Temple originally had expectations for Qin Chuan as a devout believer. After all, those who can come to this quiet place to pray in person are often people who have a deep faith in Buddhism.

However, after he had an in-depth conversation with Qin Chuan, he found that the emperor's mind was not completely immersed in the ocean of Buddhism.

After discovering that Qin Chuan was not a devout Buddhist, the abbot of Huangjue Temple did not feel disappointed or embarrassed. Instead, he began to try to explain the essence of Buddhism to Qin Chuan with a more tolerant and wise attitude.

"Your Majesty, although you are not a believer, I see that you have a kind face and your behavior reveals your compassion for all things in the world. This is a sign of a connection with Buddha."