Chapter 870: The Young Empress (7)

“Your Majesty, the weather is lovely today. Would you care to accompany Yunchuan to the Imperial Garden to admire the flowers and enjoy some tea?”

When Nanyun Chuan smiled, he gave people an exceptionally comfortable feeling.

He possessed a pair of captivating peach-blossom eyes. Whenever he looked at someone, it felt as though he were gazing at them with profound affection.

The original host had ascended the throne before reaching adulthood.

As a young Empress, she understood very little about romance and matters of the heart.

However, because Nanyun Chuan had always taken the initiative, she naturally paid more attention to him than the others.

As they became familiar with one another, his presence left an increasingly deep impression on her. Among all the men in her harem, he gradually became one of the few she valued.

When an emperor or empress valued someone, it meant that person could obtain many things.

Nanyun Chuan not only spoke in a way that put others at ease, but he was also exceptionally talented.

He excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

After entering the palace, he became the man the original host met with most often.

Since Nanyun Chuan had personally invited her, Tang Guo naturally agreed.

She glanced at the ever-smiling man beside her.

This person was a smiling tiger.

In front of the original host, he offered warmth and gentleness.

The moment he turned away, however, his mind was filled with schemes and calculations.

Though the original host already possessed the cold and resolute heart expected of an emperor, she was ultimately still an underage girl.

Perhaps she had never felt romantic affection for Nanyun Chuan.

But she had genuinely allowed him a place in her heart.

Had she not trusted him more than the others, she would never have been defeated so quickly.

After all, who could have imagined that a mere consort hidden within the imperial harem would harbor ambitions of overthrowing the rule of the Empress herself?

“Since it is Yunchuan who is inviting me, how could I possibly refuse?”

A faint smile unconsciously curved Tang Guo's lips.

An Empress's smile was always restrained.

Subtle.

Measured.

Since childhood, the late Empress had taught her never to reveal too much emotion.

Otherwise, others might see through her thoughts.

To put it another way—even if panic was raging inside, she had to appear calm and composed on the surface.

Even if she was overjoyed beyond words, she could not laugh freely like ordinary people.

At most, her eyes would curve slightly and the corners of her lips would lift.

Of course, this level of expression was reserved for familiar consorts like Nanyun Chuan.

If she were standing in court, she would reveal even less.

She always wore a calm, detached expression.

Like a little girl who neither laughed nor cried.

The late Empress had only two daughters.

One was Tang Nuoyue, who had been born mentally impaired.

The other was Tang Guo.

Years ago, while fighting for the throne, the late Empress had suffered severe injuries that shortened her lifespan considerably.

Tang Nuoyue's congenital condition had been caused by poison she suffered during pregnancy.

Determined to produce a healthy successor, the late Empress spent years restoring her health.

Only then did she finally give birth to Tang Guo.

Yet the effort nearly exhausted the last of her vitality.

Even so, she endured until Tang Guo reached the age of ten.

Only after placing the young girl securely upon the throne did she finally pass away.

One walked ahead.

One followed behind.

The two made their way toward the Imperial Garden, accompanied by a large procession of palace attendants.

Throughout the journey, Nanyun Chuan maintained his charming smile and continuously offered amusing stories and witty remarks.

At most, they earned him one of Tang Guo's faint smiles.

But even that was enough.

Nanyun Chuan knew he had already succeeded in leaving a deeper impression on the Empress.

That had always been his goal.

To earn her trust.

Only by gaining the Empress's trust could he create an opportunity to overthrow this nation ruled by women and restore men to the pinnacle of power.

Only then could the status of men rise once more.

From the corner of her eye, Tang Guo observed him before suddenly asking,

“Has Yunchuan adjusted well to life in the palace?”

Nanyun Chuan smiled warmly.

“I have. Wherever Your Majesty is, how could there be anything to feel unaccustomed to?”

He lowered his head slightly.

“Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. Yunchuan is truly honored.”