Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

"However... Your Majesty does not wish to give others cause for criticism because of me."

Nangong Xuanyu chuckled and said disdainfully, "I am the Emperor, why should I care about what those people say?"

"You just overthink things."

"Niannian's most important task right now is to take care of herself and the child. Everything else is up to me."

That night, the emperor stayed at Yongshou Palace as usual.

Layers of brocade curtains hung down.

The tent was dimly lit, and only two figures embracing could be vaguely discerned.

Shen Zhinian lay on her side, her back pressed against Nangong Xuanyu's warm chest.

He slipped one arm under her neck, letting her rest her head on it. His other arm loosely encircled her waist, his palm gently resting on her slightly protruding belly.

The emperor opened his eyes, and in the dim light, he could see the woman in his arms with her hair as black as clouds, and a faint fragrance lingered around her.

This is what he keeps thinking about.

Ah Xu's mother.

Now she is pregnant with his child.

His woman is innocent and devoted to him.

The child in her womb is the continuation of his bloodline.

Thinking of this, Nangong Xuanyu felt a surge of tenderness in his heart and gently asked Shen Zhinian to face him.

He lowered his head and placed a warm kiss on her smooth forehead.

Shen Zhinian could feel the warmth and softness of Nangong Xuanyu's lips, and her long, thick eyelashes trembled slightly.

Finally, the emperor's lips landed on her petal-like lips.

The kiss lasted a long time, as if all the affection was poured into it.

I apologize for the previous neglect and skepticism.

They felt sorry for her suffering during her pregnancy.

He is possessive and declares that she belongs to him and no one else can touch her!

Only when their skin was touching could Nangong Xuanyu truly feel that Nian Nian belonged to him, and only to him!

After the kiss ended, the emperor stepped back slightly and gazed at Shen Zhinian in the dim light.

Shen Zhinian finally opened her eyes slowly, her gaze misty with a thin layer of moisture. In the dim light of the tent, her eyes shimmered with dappled light, creating a captivating and alluring effect.

She didn't speak, but raised her hand, her fingers gently tracing Nangong Xuanyu's cheek, which was so close to hers. She traced his handsome brow bone and high, straight nose, finally stopping at the lips he had just kissed her on.

The touch of my fingertips was warm.

Nangong Xuanyu grabbed Shen Zhinian's hand, put her fingers in his mouth, and gently sucked on them.

Shen Zhinian looked at him, her eyes as gentle as water: "Your Majesty..."

The next morning.

Nangong Xuanyu got up and changed his clothes. With the respectful farewell of the palace servants, he went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to preside over the morning court session.

Inside the bed curtains, Shen Zhinian lay for a while before calling someone in to serve her.

Handan and Fuqu carried warm water, towels, salt, and other items, and quietly entered to help Shen Zhinian wash up.

After breakfast.

Han Dan hesitated for a moment, then walked to Shen Zhinian's side and reported, "Your Highness, Consort Kang is outside requesting an audience, saying she has come specifically to pay her respects to Your Highness."

Shen Zhinian's eyes darkened slightly.

Consort Kang and she were already like strangers.

When news of Shen Zhinian's pregnancy spread last time, all the concubines in the palace sent congratulatory gifts, including Consort Kang. But that was just ordinary social interaction; why is she coming to pay her respects in person now?

Shen Zhinian felt little emotional, only that it was somewhat superfluous.

What else is there to say between her and Consort Kang? It's nothing more than polite formalities.

Shen Zhinian is currently pregnant and has limited energy. She is even less inclined to deal with these old acquaintances who are now strangers and may have ulterior motives: "I am feeling a bit tired and not in good spirits. I am not fit to see guests."

"Go and tell Consort Kang that I appreciate her kindness, and that she should go back and take good care of herself. Once I feel better, I will invite her over to talk again."

Han Dan bowed and replied, "Yes, this servant will go right away."

Outside Yongshou Palace.

Consort Kang stood quietly at the bottom of the steps.

Today she wore a light green palace dress with a matching vest over it. Her face was lightly powdered, but it still couldn't hide her paleness and haggardness after her illness. She was even thinner than before, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.

Caiju stood behind Consort Kang, carrying a small wicker basket covered with a plain cotton cloth.

Upon seeing Han Dan emerge, Consort Kang's eyes flashed with anticipation, and she took a small half-step forward to greet her.

Han Dan stepped forward and curtsied respectfully: "This servant greets Consort Kang, may Your Highness be blessed with good fortune and peace!"

"Get up quickly!"

Consort Kang couldn't help but glance behind Han Dan: "Has the Imperial Noble Consort risen yet?"

"I heard that the Imperial Noble Consort is having a difficult pregnancy, so I have come to pay my respects."

Han Dan smiled politely, but her tone was distant: "Replying to Consort Kang, the Imperial Noble Consort was not feeling well this morning. The imperial physician advised that she needs to rest and is not suitable to receive guests."

"Her Majesty asked me to convey her gratitude to Consort Kang for her concern. She appreciates her kindness. She also asks Consort Kang to take good care of herself and to come over for a chat once the Imperial Noble Consort is feeling better."

Consort Kang paused, the expectation on her face slowly faded, and her eyes dimmed.

She moved her lips as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just nodded slightly.

Caiju, watching from the side, felt a pang of sympathy and couldn't help but step forward, saying, "Miss Handan, our Ladyship truly cares for the Imperial Noble Consort, and she specially..."

"Chrysanthemums!"

Consort Kang stopped her, forcing a pale smile at Han Dan: "I understand."

"Your Majesty the Imperial Noble Consort's health is of utmost importance; I was being presumptuous."

"Please tell the Imperial Noble Consort to take good care of herself during her pregnancy and not to worry about trivial matters."

"This was made by me personally, a small token of my affection for the little prince in the womb of the Imperial Noble Consort."

As soon as she finished speaking, Consort Kang took the basket from Caiju's hand and handed it to Handan.

Han Dan naturally wouldn't give anyone ammunition in public, so she took the basket respectfully and said, "This servant will definitely convey Consort Kang's words to the Imperial Noble Consort."

Consort Kang's eyes held a complex and indescribable expression, it was hard to tell whether she was more disappointed or saddened. She turned to Caiju and said, "Let's go back."

"My lady..."

Caiju wanted to say something more, but seeing Consort Kang's dejected expression, she had no choice but to swallow her words.

Han Dan pouted and turned back to report.

If Consort Kang had known this would happen, she wouldn't have acted this way in the first place.

When Shen Zhinian saw Han Dan return, she asked indifferently, "Did you leave?"

Han Dan said, "Yes, Consort Kang has already returned, and she looked somewhat disappointed."

Shen Zhinian hummed in response, neither confirming nor denying.

She knew that Consort Kang was in a difficult situation, but Shen Zhinian did not feel guilty or soft-hearted.

Everyone in the palace chooses their own path. Their circumstances are either earned or lost.

Now that we've drifted apart, it's not so easy to get back together.

Moreover, they had nothing left to say to each other.

Whether Consort Kang's so-called visit was out of genuine concern or had ulterior motives, who can say for sure?

She is currently pregnant, and she should prioritize stability in everything she does. There is really no need to create unnecessary trouble by accepting someone from the past who has already drifted away.