When the chaotic arrangements for the Queen’s establishment settled down, the ministers were still baffled about what had happened. Some cunning old foxes among them could guess the reasons behind it all, though it was shocking and scandalous. As for the matter itself, well, it was hard to say. Some even began to suspect that the previous rebellion rumors from Prince Lu were all paving the way for this day’s succession.
But who would have thought His Majesty would have such deep feelings for Prince Lu? It’s truly touching.
Others, slower to catch on, were still dazed, understanding only that the Emperor intended to appoint a queen, but they had no clue who it might be. The court merely sought Prince Lu’s opinion. What connection did the Emperor’s choosing a queen have with Prince Lu anyway?
Of course, this confusion was fleeting because soon a decree came from the palace: the Emperor was to marry and had chosen Lu Bohuan as his queen. This news caused quite a stir!
Qin Yuanxi paid little heed to all this. Only when the decree was issued did he finally breathe a sigh of relief, straightening his attire, intending to go cheer up Zhao Tuo.
Since the morning court session, Zhao Tuo had been sulking all day, barely replying to Qin Yuanxi. After court, he just took Xiao Bao and left, completely reneging on their plan to have a meal together. Once Qin Yuanxi finished his work, he hurried over to cheer Zhao Tuo up.
Their little prince was about to turn one, already wobbling around and able to stand. When Qin Yuanxi arrived, Xiao Bao was clinging to Zhao Tuo’s arm, interacting closely with his father. It was a heartwarming scene, the three of them together.
As Qin Yuanxi watched, he couldn’t help but smile, his expression softening.
Life as a simple family of three was actually quite satisfying. Qin Yuanxi had never imagined having a family or a child before. Now, the simplicity of their trio brought him great contentment. Despite some hardships, like Zhao Tuo’s lingering illness or their inability to go on a honeymoon, and the challenges of being an emperor, there was still happiness amidst the difficulties.
As Qin Yuanxi approached, Xiao Bao must have spotted him, waving excitedly and grinning. Qin Yuanxi smiled back. The child, perhaps a bit too eager, let go of Zhao Tuo’s hand and took tiny steps toward Qin Yuanxi.
Qin Yuanxi was beyond excited. Xiao Bao could walk now?
Trying not to get too carried away, he stopped a few steps away from Xiao Bao, squatting down with arms outstretched, eager to see if Xiao Bao could make it over. Clever as he was, Xiao Bao seemed to understand, waving his hands and babbling as he wobbled towards Qin Yuanxi.
His tiny steps were unsteady, but he made it.
Qin Yuanxi watched breathlessly as Xiao Bao approached, almost within reach, when suddenly the little body swayed, losing balance. Qin Yuanxi’s heart leapt, and without thinking, he reached out to scoop Xiao Bao up, afraid the child might fall.
Just as he reached for Xiao Bao, catching him, Qin Yuanxi stumbled backward, instinctively protecting the child with his body, falling into Zhao Tuo, who supported them both.
The three of them ended up on the ground, Xiao Bao oblivious, thinking his two dads were playing with him. He babbled happily. This mishap didn’t dampen his spirits at all. But Qin Yuanxi noticed Zhao Tuo’s awkward expression.
“Get up,” Zhao Tuo urged, pushing Qin Yuanxi. “What are we doing lying on the ground like this?”
Ignoring him, Qin Yuanxi handed Xiao Bao over and, before Zhao Tuo could react, leaned in for a quick kiss, like tasting a delightful treat. Afterward, he smacked his lips, feeling as if he had just savored a delicious meal. Finally standing up and taking Xiao Bao back, he extended a hand to Zhao Tuo.
Seeing Zhao Tuo hesitate, Qin Yuanxi moved closer, almost breathing down Zhao Tuo’s face. “Still mad? Why so petty?”
Then Qin Yuanxi took the initiative to pull Zhao Tuo up, using a bit of strength to lift him.
Raising Xiao Bao’s hand towards Zhao Tuo, he said, “Xiao Bao, Xiao Bao, talk to your Dad and tell him not to be mad. It’s such a small matter; forgive Daddy, okay? Xiao Bao, help Daddy out.”
Xiao Bao, following Qin Yuanxi’s lead, started babbling “Baba, Baba,” reaching out as if to be held by either Qin Yuanxi or Zhao Tuo.
“You hear that? Xiao Bao called me ‘Daddy.’ He said ‘Daddy.'” Qin Yuanxi beamed with joy, his face almost overflowing with delight.
“Say it again, come on, say it again so Daddy can hear.”
Xiao Bao, a smart and obedient child, continued calling ‘Daddy’ without pause, melting Qin Yuanxi’s heart. He glanced up at Zhao Tuo, squeezing Xiao Bao’s hand, and deliberately said to Zhao Tuo, “Why is it so difficult for you to accept that I want to be with you? Our child is calling me ‘Daddy,’ and you’re still upset. As a man, can’t you be more open-minded?”
Zhao Tuo opened his mouth, initially reluctant to discuss this, feeling awkward, but he couldn’t bear the resentment.
“So the selection of the consort was all a lie?”
“No,” Qin Yuanxi looked innocent. “There was a plan initially to lead up to the queen’s issue. I thought you knew.”
He smiled mischievously. “You didn’t actually believe I was going to choose a consort, did you? How could you? That would be absurd.”
Zhao Tuo turned away without saying a word.
He had believed it, which was why he had lost control.
“Hey, do you regret it?” Qin Yuanxi pretended to be serious. “Regret agreeing to be Empress in court?”
Deep down, Qin Yuanxi knew that such a thing would never happen. He understood Zhao Tuo’s feelings very well, and besides, Zhao Tuo was still unwell. He wouldn’t stoop to quarrel with an ill person, but after all his coaxing, Zhao Tuo remained stubborn, frustrating Qin Yuanxi to no end.
I feel like losing my temper.
“If you regret it, I’ll have them revoke the edict. If you don’t want to be Empress, fine, there are plenty of others who do! You don’t care, but others do!”
Qin Yuanxi’s words were out of frustration. Before he could say more, a large hand grabbed him around the waist and pulled him close, holding him tightly. Between them was their little one, unaware of the tension, happily babbling and clinging to one of their necks.
In this atmosphere, how could they keep arguing?
Qin Yuanxi couldn’t help but laugh. The anger he had mustered was completely deflated by their son’s presence. Just looking at Xiao Bao could make Qin Yuanxi forgive his partner’s coldness. Any remaining frustration disappeared.
“If you don’t want to be Empress, can I be Empress for you?”
That’s why children are called the glue between couples. With one gesture, their son brought them closer, and all grievances vanished.
“I want to. I really do,” Zhao Tuo said, his ears reddening. “I’m more than willing to be your Empress. But…”
“But what?” Qin Yuanxi squeezed their son’s hand, feeling awkward speaking while holding him. He hugged the little guy and went to the bed. After taking two steps, he was still uneasy, so he turned back, grabbing Zhao Tuo’s sleeve and leading him back to the bed.
Xiao Bao was left to play on the large bed while Qin Yuanxi pulled Zhao Tuo close.
“If there’s something on your mind, tell me. Communication is key. Meng Xuan told me to encourage you to express yourself. It will help with your recovery.”
“You don’t mind?” Zhao Tuo held Qin Yuanxi’s hand, his expression unreadable. “Someone like me, as Empress, I… I’m not worthy.”
Before Zhao Tuo could finish, Qin Yuanxi pulled him close and kissed him again.
This time, it was a deep and passionate kiss. When they parted, Qin Yuanxi felt his lips tingling. Zhao Tuo was even worse—his lips were bitten and bleeding slightly from Qin Yuanxi’s intensity.
“Are you belittling yourself?”
Qin Yuanxi pressed Zhao Tuo, but a glance at Xiao Bao, who was innocently watching them with wide eyes while sucking on his hand, made Qin Yuanxi blush. He quickly lowered the canopy to shield Xiao Bao from view, then glared at Zhao Tuo in irritation. “It’s all your fault. Teaching the child such things at such a young age, really annoying!”
The tone made it seem as if the one who acted first—or rather, spoke first—was not him.
Glancing inside the canopy, Zhao Tuo saw Xiao Bao happily playing by himself. He reassured Qin Yuanxi, “He’s still young and doesn’t understand.”
“Hmph.” Qin Yuanxi huffed grumpily, then emphasized again, “No more public displays of affection in front of the child. Remember that.”
The reminder carried a hint of regret.
“Continue,” Qin Yuanxi swiftly shifted his mood, a slight upward tilt to his eyes. “Why do you think you’re unworthy? Explain it to me. If even you aren’t worthy of being my Empress, then who is?”
Zhao Tuo remained silent but looked at Qin Yuanxi with a vulnerable expression.
Furrowing his brow and recalling Zhao Tuo’s recent behavior, Qin Yuanxi made a bold guess. “Are you feeling inferior because I mentioned choosing a consort? Do you think you’re not as good as those women? My goodness, please don’t tell me that’s what you really think. I might lose control and want to hit someone!”
Avoiding eye contact, Zhao Tuo’s expression confirmed Qin Yuanxi’s suspicions.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
