Five years after her death, she awoke on the dragon bed.

Chapter 423 This is what love should look like

Lou Suying wouldn't easily give in to Murong's wishes. Even if she liked him a lot, she had to keep him hooked; men don't know how to cherish things that are too easily obtained.

"Your Majesty, guess?" Lou Suying raised an eyebrow with a smile.

Murong's eyes darkened slightly as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist: "The Empress likes me."

He had asked her this question before, and she had avoided it guiltily, but today it was the opposite. Thinking more carefully about her recent changes, it showed that he still held a place in her heart to some extent.

He thought it would take a long time to get even a response from her, but now things are progressing so fast that he never dared to imagine it before.

Lou Suyi moved his hand away and said with a fake smile, "Your Majesty is so confident."

A smile appeared in Murong's eyes: "My confidence comes from the Empress."

Lou Suyi glanced at him sideways, feeling that dealing with smart people was a bit of a disadvantage. How could he so easily guess that she liked him?

Also, he said his confidence came from her. Was she really that obvious about it?

Seeing that she did not refute, Murong became even more certain that his guess was correct.

She's on the path to liking him, though perhaps not as much as he likes her, but she's reciprocating his feelings.

Seeing the smiles on Murong's face, Lou Suying scoffed, "Has Your Majesty ever considered that you might be too narcissistic?"

She really didn't want him to get too cocky.

"Even if it's just a little bit of liking, I'll be satisfied. We still have half a lifetime ahead of us, and one day I'll be able to make you fall completely in love with me." Now that he'd brought it up, Murong didn't hide his feelings anymore.

Lou Suyi's beautiful eyes flickered: "Then let's see how Your Majesty performs."

Soon, the emperor and empress's close attendants noticed something amiss; the emperor and empress were like conjoined twins. Wherever the empress went, the emperor followed.

Even when His Majesty was reviewing memorials, the Empress had to be by his side.

The relationship between the emperor and empress visibly warmed up.

However, at night, the emperor and empress slept in separate rooms, which reassured everyone.

The news that Murong had moved into Xianfu Palace spread throughout the harem. The concubines were so jealous they were going crazy, but they had nowhere to complain, so they could only gather in Jingren Palace.

Even Leung Wan-ying frequently visited King Yan Palace.

If there is one person whose emotions are relatively normal, it would be Consort Ning.

Seeing everyone speaking ill of Lou Suyi, Chen Xing couldn't help but say, "The Empress is about to give birth, isn't it normal for His Majesty to go to Xianfu Palace to take care of her?"

"Does Consort An even believe what she's saying? In any dynasty, there's never been a precedent for an emperor to live in a concubine's palace, especially during pregnancy." The speaker, Consort Wang, was among the last group to enter the palace.

After Murong ascended the throne, he didn't have many concubines in the harem to begin with. At first, everyone was on the same starting line, and they were able to live in peace.

Later, as everyone endured the hardship of being widowed for a long time, even the most patient woman could no longer suppress her desires; Consort Wang was one of them.

Chen Xing was speechless for a moment.

She wanted to say it was because His Majesty valued the Empress, but her blunt honesty would only make everyone present feel more uncomfortable. She was initially a little jealous, but later, seeing how good His Majesty was to the Empress, she suddenly felt that this was what love should be like.

True love should not involve a third party.

Few men in this world can be devoted to one woman; having multiple wives and concubines is the norm. But in His Majesty, she saw devotion and loyalty, and she found such affection very precious.

This was her deepest, most genuine thought, but unfortunately, no one would agree with her, because everyone present was on the opposite side of the Empress; they were rivals in love.

Seeing this, Liang Wanying chimed in, "His Majesty is the man of all of us sisters here, yet the Empress is monopolizing him even during her pregnancy. If we don't blame the Empress, who else can we blame?"

At this point, she looked at Consort Ning, whose expression was calm: "Isn't that right, Consort Ning?"

Consort Ning shook her head and said, "I think Consort An's words make sense. His Majesty values ​​relationships, and the Empress is about to give birth, so it is only natural for His Majesty to spend more time with her."

When she spoke, everyone fell silent.

Most people think Consort Ning is useless. How can the Emperor notice her if she doesn't compete or fight for anything? No wonder Consort Ning has served the Emperor for so many years but has never had the chance to serve him in bed.

Someone like Consort Ning, who is neither talented nor beautiful and keeps a low profile, what man would notice her?

If Consort Ning had half the skill of Lou Suyi, how could she still not have the opportunity to serve the emperor?
The crowd disagreed, but out of respect for Consort Ning's status, they dared not offend her easily.

Even if Consort Ning is not favored, she is still one of the four consorts, and the status of the General's Mansion is undeniable.

Seeing that everyone was silent, Liang Wanying said calmly, "Isn't it said that His Majesty will disband the harem for the sake of the Empress? If that day really comes, all of us here will be abandoned by our families."

This world is always harsh on women. I fear that when this day comes, everyone will end up the same way, even Consort Ning will be no exception.

Seeing the atmosphere become even more somber, Chen Xing tried to soothe the situation by saying, "It's just a rumor..."

"How does Consort An know it's just a rumor? His Majesty dotes on the Empress so much now, and even goes to great lengths for her sake. If that day comes, I wonder how Consort An will handle it?" Consort Wang said sarcastically.

Chen Xing was speechless for a moment; she had never considered this possibility.

But she believed that even if the harem were ever dissolved, the Empress would surely arrange a way out for everyone.

She thought it might be a good thing if she could leave the palace. At least everyone could go out and see the world, which would be better than being trapped by these palace walls and living like this until old age and death.

She didn't dare say that, since no one wanted to hear it.

Liang Wanying, however, seemed eager to incite everyone's hatred towards Lou Suying, and added fuel to the fire, saying, "His Majesty was truly enraged in court for the sake of the Empress, even going against all the ministers, all to protect her. And with this rumor circulating, it seems this day was bound to come sooner or later. Of course..."

She looked at Consort Ning: "Consort Ning is different. Anyway, she has the General's Mansion backing her up. Even if His Majesty divorces her, her family will still support her, won't they?"

She hoped to see Consort Ning lose her temper and get angry, but Consort Ning remained calm: "Sister Kang, you should think positively and not be too pessimistic."

Everyone fell silent again.

Seeing that everyone's mood was not high, Consort Ning said calmly, "If you sisters have nothing else to say, you may leave."

Liang Wanying suddenly stood up and said, "No wonder Consort De said that Consort Ning was hypocritical. Now I also think that Consort De's words are not without reason."

Since Consort Ning enjoys welcoming and seeing off guests, she is not truly low-key. No matter how you provoke her, she always acts as if she has no desires or wants. Isn't that hypocritical?