Snow Swallow didn't know how to comfort her Emperor. She felt a pang of sadness and a hint of guilt. If she hadn't come up with such a foolish idea, perhaps His Majesty wouldn't have agreed to Wen Yuxi.
"What's wrong, Snow Swallow?" Xue Zi Ning also sensed Snow Swallow's guilt and continued, "This was my decision too, and it proves I agree with it. So you have nothing to feel guilty about."
"Your Majesty, this servant still wishes for your happiness."
Xue Zi Ning smiled. "I will."
The next day
Early in the morning, Xue Zi Ning woke up to see Wen Yuxi playing and laughing with the two little ones. It had to be said, Wen Yuxi was a very capable father.
Seeing that she was awake, Wen Yuxi put down the children and walked over, picking up her clothes and helping her put them on.
Xue Zi Ning didn't refuse. Wen Yuxi, a little emotional, helped her dress, his fingertips still trembling.
Someone you've always looked up to, someone you felt was impossibly out of reach, suddenly appears before you and allows you to touch them. That feeling was so mystical, filling his heart with joy.
He watched her get up. She stood at his neck level. In this corner, he could see her fair nape. He turned his face away, feeling his cheeks flush with heat.
When a person obtains something they've always desired, they tend to become greedy, craving even more.
"Wen Yuxi, why is your face red?" Xue Zi Ning asked, noticing the slight flush on Wen Yuxi's cheeks.
Wen Yuxi froze. "Your... Your Majesty, it's just a bit warm in the room. Your Majesty need not worry."
Warm? It was almost autumn, and the days were growing cooler. How could it be warm?
She didn't expose him, instead changing the subject. "Let's take them out for a walk today!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Xing Yue clapped her hands in delight. "Okay, Mama! Uncle Wen, I want to go out!"
Although Xue Xing Chen wasn't as outwardly excited as Xue Xing Yue, he was still undeniably happy. The thought of going out with his Mama made even the imagination feel wonderful.
Wen Yuxi prepared a carriage. Xue Zi Ning didn't bring Snow Swallow, opting instead for Feng Wu to provide covert protection.
The carriage stopped. Wen Yuxi alighted. "Wait a moment, I'll go buy some things."
Soon, Wen Yuxi returned with a brocade box. When opened, it revealed peach blossom cakes.
Xue Zi Ning blinked slightly. Wen Yuxi said happily, "The peach blossom cakes from that place are delicious. Your Majesty, please try one."
Seeing this, Xue Xing Yue sighed inwardly, wondering what Uncle Wen was thinking. Peach blossom cakes would only make Mama remember Daddy even more when they were out!
Xue Xing Yue couldn't help but say, "Uncle Wen, I don't like peach blossom cakes. I want osmanthus cakes. Can you take me to buy some?"
Wen Yuxi looked at Xue Zi Ning. Xue Zi Ning nodded. "Go and come back soon."
Wen Yuxi picked up Xue Xing Yue and got off the carriage. Once they were a good distance from the carriage, Xue Xing Yue finally spoke. "Uncle Wen, why did you buy peach blossom cakes?"
Wen Yuxi answered without a second thought, "Because Your Majesty likes to eat them, and she..."
Xue Xing Yue quickly interrupted him, on the verge of tears. "Peach blossom cakes are what Daddy used to buy for Mama to eat. By buying peach blossom cakes, are you trying to make Mama miss Daddy?"
Wen Yuxi's body trembled. He felt a pang of regret. How had he not considered this? "Little Princess, thank you for your reminder."
Xue Xing Yue tapped Wen Yuxi's head. "Uncle Wen, you really need to pay more attention. Don't make such a mistake again."
Wen Yuxi nodded. "Don't worry, it won't happen again."
Xue Xing Yue said, "Go buy some osmanthus cakes and other pastries. Throw away the peach blossom cakes!"
Wen Yuxi nodded. When the two returned, they brought back school-themed pastries, but no peach blossom cakes.
Upon reaching the marketplace, after alighting from the carriage, Wen Yuxi carried the children and followed. Xue Zi Ning walked ahead. Xue Xing Yue gave Wen Yuxi a meaningful look. Wen Yuxi stopped at a jewelry stall, and Xue Zi Ning also paused.
The shop assistant was also quick-witted. Smiling, he asked, "Is the customer buying a hairpin for his wife?"
Wen Yuxi nodded. "Show me the most exquisite hairpins in your shop."
The assistant quickly brought out several hairpins. Wen Yuxi put down Xue Xing Chen and Xue Xing Yue and stepped forward to select one. The assistant said, "Customer, why not put it on for your wife?"
Wen Yuxi looked at Xue Zi Ning, who nodded. He then placed the hairpin he was holding into her hair.
"My lady is naturally beautiful. This hairpin suits you very well. This customer is very thoughtful."
Wen Yuxi was overjoyed. He paid for the hairpin and then chose a few more before finally stopping. He handed the hairpins to Xue Zi Ning. "If you like them, wear them. If not, you can do whatever you wish."
Xue Zi Ning accepted the hairpins. They were all quite nice. Since they were offered, there was no reason to refuse.
After browsing for a while longer, Wen Yuxi said, "It's getting late and hot. Why don't we find an inn to stay for the night?"
Xue Zi Ning looked at Xue Xing Yue and Xue Xing Chen sleeping in her arms and nodded. "Alright."
They entered an inn. Wen Yuxi requested two rooms but was told only one was available.
They inquired at several other establishments, and the situation was the same everywhere.
Seeing that it was already dark and hot, Xue Zi Ning said, "One room will do."
Wen Yuxi's face turned red. He said to the attendant, "Please prepare an extra quilt."
Upon arriving in the room, Wen Yuxi quickly said, "Your Majesty, you sleep on the bed. I will sleep on the floor."
"Mama, why aren't you and Uncle Wen sleeping together?"
Xue Zi Ning's eyes widened as she looked at Xue Xing Yue. Xue Xing Yue tilted her head. "Since Mama agreed to be with Uncle Wen, shouldn't you be sleeping together?"
Xue Zi Ning felt a bit dizzy. She didn't understand how the little one knew so much. Had the Grand Tutor only taught her these things?
No, she decided, she would change the Grand Tutor when they returned.
"Xing Yue, even if you like a boy in the future, don't live with him. You need to get to know him better first."
Xue Xing Yue seemed to understand, or perhaps not. "Mama, I still have a long way to go. When the time comes, I'll bring him to you, and you must agree before anything else."
Xue Zi Ning smiled. "Alright, let's sleep now!"
Xue Xing Yue nodded and then looked at her brother, Xue Xing Chen, who had already fallen asleep.
Soon, she too drifted off to dreamland.
Xue Zi Ning breathed a sigh of relief. Usually, Snow Swallow took care of them. This was perhaps the first time she had to manage them herself.
Taking care of children was truly not easy. Mothers were indeed great.
"Your Majesty, you should sleep early too!" Wen Yuxi said.
Xue Zi Ning nodded and lay down on the bed. She looked at Wen Yuxi, whose back was turned to her on the floor, and let out a soft sigh.