Chapter 952: The Young Empress (85)

During the first two months, Tang Nuoyue was incredibly busy. Later, once everything fell into place and settled into a routine, things became much easier.

She saw the Empress every day.

Compared to her own hectic schedule, the Empress seemed almost leisurely.

Day after day, she spent her time in the imperial garden, playing chess with the Imperial Consort, practicing the qin, or watching him wield his sword. Such a blissful life hardly looked like that of someone destined to die young.

One day, while the Empress had gone to court, Tang Nuoyue ran into Jing Cheng and couldn't help calling out to him.

"Imperial Consort, may I have a word?"

Everything still felt far too unreal.

Jing Cheng stopped. The two stood in a rather conspicuous place and deliberately kept some distance between themselves.

Especially Tang Nuoyue.

She certainly didn't dare get too close to the Empress's man.

"Her Majesty… she really…?"

Jing Cheng understood immediately and nodded.

"Her Majesty would never lie to me."

Tang Nuoyue fell silent.

Then why do you seem completely untroubled?

Of course, she didn't ask. That would be overstepping.

"Sigh… how could this happen?"

Jing Cheng shook his head.

"I don't know either. Her Majesty said she only has one month left. Prince Yue, during this month, please let Her Majesty relax and enjoy herself. I'll have to trouble you with everything else."

"Alright."

Tang Nuoyue answered instinctively.

Only then did she realize that the Imperial Consort wasn't untroubled at all. Rather, there were many things beyond his control, and he could only resign himself to fate.

Holding his treasured sword in hand, Jing Cheng smiled.

"Her Majesty should be returning from court soon. Prince Yue, I'll take my leave. Her Majesty wants to watch me practice swordsmanship later."

She loved watching him wield a sword.

She always smiled and said that he looked especially handsome while practicing.

Tang Nuoyue stared blankly at Jing Cheng's departing figure, feeling inexplicably sad.

Suddenly, she missed Shan Ge.

When she had some time, she would go back and see him, and their children too.

Actually, after living this long in this lifetime, she was already satisfied.

If not for this unexpected turn of events, she would have thought everything was perfect.

Two days later, Shan Ge and Tang Nuoyue's children were brought into the palace as well.

Tang Nuoyue was completely dumbfounded.

The Chief Eunuch explained, "Her Majesty believes it is safer to bring Wangfu and the children into the palace. That way, no complications will arise, and Prince Yue can focus on preparing for the ascension. Please rest assured. Before the enthronement, Her Majesty will arrange everything for you."

Tang Nuoyue and Shan Ge looked at each other in bewilderment.

Shan Ge himself had been dragged into the palace in a state of confusion.

Once the Chief Eunuch left, he immediately questioned her.

Tang Nuoyue shook her head.

"I don't know either. Let's just wait and see."

One month later, Tang Guo personally watched as the palace servants dressed Tang Nuoyue in the dragon robe.

With a smile, she asked, "How is it?"

Tang Nuoyue wore a deadened expression.

"Not very good. It's too heavy."

"You'll get used to it. Once you're Emperor, you can tell the palace seamstresses to make it lighter."

"If possible, I'd rather—"

Leaning against Jing Cheng, Tang Guo looked at Tang Nuoyue and said leisurely, "If you prefer heavier robes, that's fine too."

Tang Nuoyue opened her mouth, wanting to explain that wasn't what she meant.

What she meant was—

She didn't want to wear this dragon robe at all.

She wanted the Empress to live long and well.

After a long while, Tang Nuoyue was finally fully dressed.

Tang Guo said, "Go on. I won't be attending."

Today was the day the Empress would abdicate in favor of Prince Yue, the day the new Emperor would ascend the throne.

As Tang Nuoyue was helped outside, she wanted to turn back, but the ceremonial attire was too cumbersome.

Unable to do so, she simply called out, "I'll be back soon. You have to wait for me."

She was afraid.

Afraid that by the time she returned, Tang Guo would truly be gone.

That fear pressed heavily upon her heart, making it difficult to breathe.

After enduring the countless complicated ceremonies, Tang Nuoyue rushed back as fast as she could.