Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 253 The Heart of the Bright Moon

The night was deep and all was silent. Inside the Lizheng Palace, the last palace lantern's wick was carefully trimmed by a palace maid, dimming the light. Only a small, delicate glass lantern on a small table beside the bed emitted a soft, yellowish glow, barely illuminating a corner of the inner curtains. The curtains hung low, blocking out the lingering chill of the early spring night, and seemingly also temporarily isolating all the daytime's noise, solemnity, probing, and subtle emotions.

Murong Mingyue was not asleep. She lay on her side in the brocade quilt, her back to the outside and facing the inner wall, her eyes quietly open in the dim light, showing no signs of sleepiness. The conversation with Chen Xing during the day, as well as the various pieces of information about Lin Wan'er, Su Xiaoxiao, and Lan Fenghuang's positions, were like rocks exposed after the tide receded, standing out clearly in the silent night, pressing against her heart.

The Empress. Yes, she is the Empress, the one and only Empress. Her husband has given her the most honorable and legitimate position, bestowing upon her unconditional trust and affirmation. She should be content, she should be gratified, and she should, as she appears during the day, be dignified, generous, and composed, gladly accepting all arrangements made for her husband's thoughtful consideration.

Rationally, she truly believed this, and she strived to act accordingly. She was Murong Mingyue, a daughter of a military family, a partner who had fought alongside her husband through thick and thin, and soon to be the Empress. Her heart should be able to encompass this palace, this world, and naturally, it should also accommodate a few women who would benefit the empire and be helpful to her husband.

But... what about the heart?

What about the heart of "Murong Mingyue" herself, hidden beneath the armor of reason and responsibility?

An indescribable bitterness and emptiness, like delicate yet tenacious vines, quietly crept up on her. She remembered many years ago, in that simple yet vibrant mansion in the North, when it was just her and Chen Xing. He was busy with military and political affairs, often returning late at night. She would leave a lamp on, warm simple meals, and listen to him recount his experiences outside, the difficulties he faced. Sometimes they would practice martial arts together, or simply sit side by side in the courtyard, gazing at the cold, clear northern sky. No words were needed; she felt at peace. Back then, his gaze was almost entirely devoted to her; his worries, joys, weariness, and ambitions were almost exclusively shared with her.

Then came Su Xiaoxiao. She remembered the first time she met that shrewd and capable merchant's daughter, whose eyes held ambition. She felt little emotion, even somewhat admiring of her abilities. Her husband needed someone to manage his ever-growing finances, and Xiaoxiao was the perfect candidate. She told herself it was for the greater good. Later, there was Nan Zheng, Lin Wan'er, Lan Fenghuang… one after another, talented and beautiful women, each with their own unique characteristics, entered her husband's life with different stories and abilities, and in different ways, diverted his attention and…emotions.

She understood, truly understood. Her husband was now an emperor, no longer the mere star lord of the north who controlled only one city. His world had become incredibly vast, and the affairs he needed to manage, the relationships he needed to balance, and the hearts of the people he needed to win over had become incredibly complex. The harem was never just a matter of romantic love; it was also an integral part of politics. Accepting them, appeasing them, and granting them appropriate ranks was the emperor's responsibility, and also a necessary step to maintain the stability of the empire and to utilize their talents.

She could even clearly analyze the value of each person: Su Xiaoxiao, who managed finances, was indispensable; Lin Wan'er, who connected with the scholars of Jiangnan, whose literary talents were helpful for education and moral guidance; and Lan Fenghuang, who linked with the Miao region, whose medical skills were of great use. Their existence was indeed beneficial to her husband's empire.

However, understanding doesn't mean the heart won't ache.

That once unique and inseparable bond seemed to have been diluted without him even realizing it. He still respected her, trusted her, and entrusted her with the power of the harem. He would also visit the Lizheng Hall during his busy schedules to discuss state affairs and inquire about the princes and princesses' studies. But some things were different. When he mentioned Lin Wan'er's insights in formulating regulations, his eyes would light up with appreciation; when he talked about what new medicinal herbs Lan Fenghuang had discovered or what innocent jokes she had made, a relaxed smile would unconsciously appear on his lips; even when discussing finances with Su Xiaoxiao, the reliance and tacit understanding were obvious.

These were things that were uniquely between her and him. Now, however, they had to be shared with others.

A deeper worry lurked in her heart. Now she was only one of the four concubines, but what about the future? As the empire expanded and various factions submitted, would more "needed" women be brought into the harem? Would those younger, more vibrant faces, those women with exotic allure, further capture her husband's heart? And would she, Murong Mingyue, gradually become merely a glamorous symbol of "legitimacy" and "virtue" in this deep palace, increasingly distant from his true joys and sorrows, his emotional world?

She wasn't afraid of the power struggles within the harem; with her intelligence and methods, she was more than capable of ruling. What she feared was the invisible, insidious alienation and loneliness that slowly seeped in like a frog being boiled in water. She feared that one day, when her husband came to the Lizheng Hall, all that remained were routine greetings and instructions, no longer the whispered understanding and knowing smiles exchanged between them.

A warm tear silently slid down her cheek, quickly disappearing into the brocade pillow beside her ear. Murong Mingyue bit her lower lip tightly, trying not to make a sound. She was the Empress; even in grief, she had to maintain her composure and could not lose her composure.

Just then, extremely light footsteps came from outside, followed by a palace maid's hushed report and a familiar, deliberately soft response. A corner of the bed curtains was gently lifted, carrying the chill of the night and a faint, all-too-familiar scent of ambergris.

Chen Xing removed his outer robe, leaving only his undergarments, and gently lay down beside her. He didn't move immediately, seemingly gazing at her back in the darkness.

Murong Mingyue's heart tightened. She immediately held her breath, adjusted her facial expression, and pretended to be fast asleep. She didn't want to face him at this moment, didn't want him to see the possible moisture and vulnerability in her eyes.

However, a warm hand gently touched her shoulder, with a tentative yet irresistible tenderness.

"Mingyue," Chen Xing's voice sounded particularly deep and clear in the quiet night, "Still not asleep?"

Murong Mingyue knew she couldn't hide it anymore; he knew her too well. She took a soft breath, turned around, and met his eyes in the dim light. His gaze was deep, carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness, and... concern.

"Why has Your Majesty come here? It's getting late." She tried to keep her voice calm and even.

"I was thinking about you and couldn't sleep, so I came to check on you." Chen Xing didn't look away, his fingers gently brushing the stray hairs from her forehead, the touch tender. "Did you feel a little upset about what I told you during the day?"

His direct question caught Murong Mingyue somewhat off guard. She lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze, and whispered, "Your Majesty's arrangements are excellent. This concubine... is not unhappy at all."

"Liar." Chen Xing sighed softly, putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his embrace, letting her lean against his chest. He could feel her body stiffen for a moment, and then subtly relax. "You are my bright moon, my wife, Chen Xing's wife. How could I not know your thoughts?"

That familiar embrace, those direct and intimate words, instantly shattered Murong Mingyue's carefully maintained defenses. Her eyes welled up again, and she buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled, tinged with a barely perceptible sob: "Your Majesty... I'm just a little unaccustomed to it. It reminds me of when we were in Beidu..."

"I know." Chen Xing interrupted her, tightening his grip and gently stroking her hair with his chin. "I know everything. Mingyue, no matter how many people are in this harem, no matter what their talents and backgrounds are, you will always be the most special and important person in my heart. This affection is forged in blood and fire, it's about entrusting each other with life and death, sharing joys and sorrows, it's irreplaceable and will never change."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a heavy, vow-like weight.

"I'm not some ethereal, loveless fool who doesn't care about worldly affairs." Murong Mingyue raised her head in his arms, tears glistening in her eyes, yet carrying a stubborn clarity. "I understand your position, I understand the empire's needs. I'm just... just afraid. Afraid of this deep palace, afraid of the long years, afraid that in the end... we'll only have mutual respect left, losing that unspoken intimacy."

Chen Xing gazed into her tear-filled yet still stubborn eyes, a surge of love and guilt welling up within him. He kissed away her tears and solemnly said, "No. I promise you, no matter how busy I am, no matter how chaotic the court and the harem are, I will set aside at least two evenings each week, just like now, just for you and me, not to talk about state affairs, but only about everyday things, or... just like before, to look at the stars and talk. Lizheng Hall will always be the place where I can relax most in the palace, the place I most want to return to."

He paused, then continued, "Regarding the affairs of the inner palace, you hold the Phoenix Seal, and I believe you have the ability and magnanimity to manage them. But if there are any difficulties, or if anyone lacks a sense of propriety, you may handle them as you see fit, and I will definitely support you. You are not only my Empress, but also my partner in battle, someone I can completely entrust my back to. This trust will never change."

These words, like a warm current, gently flowed into Murong Mingyue's somewhat cold and bewildered heart. She knew that the emperor's words were law, and for him to make such a promise was already the utmost of his heart. What she sought was perhaps not exclusive possession, but rather this special affection that would never fade and this unreserved trust.

"Your Majesty..." she called softly, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face deeper into his embrace, absorbing his comforting warmth and scent. "I understand. It was my weakness that caused Your Majesty so much trouble."

"Don't talk nonsense." Chen Xing patted her back, his voice softening. "You are my wife. You should speak frankly about whatever is on your mind. If you feel uncomfortable in the future, don't bottle it up. Come to me, or... like when we were kids, go to the training ground for a fight, work up a sweat, that would be good."

Murong Mingyue burst into laughter through her tears and gently punched him: "Your Majesty is now the most honored person in the land, how dare I be presumptuous?"

The atmosphere finally relaxed. The two embraced, quietly savoring the rare warmth and intimacy of the deep night. Outside the window, a gentle breeze seemed to rise, lightly brushing against the copper bells under the eaves, producing a soft and crisp tinkling sound, further emphasizing the tranquility within the hall.

"The coronation ceremony is imminent, and there are many rituals to attend to. You will need to put in a lot of effort," Chen Xing said in a low voice. "Especially the ceremony on the day of the investiture. As the empress, you must not only display majesty but also demonstrate tolerance and benevolence."

"Your Majesty, I understand," Murong Mingyue replied. The turmoil in her heart caused by her position in the harem gradually subsided under her husband's comforting words and promises. She knew that the road ahead was long, and the deep palace was destined to be filled with more than just sunshine and gentle breezes. But as long as this deep-rooted affection and trust remained, and as long as she remained the irreplaceable "Mingyue" in his heart, she had the courage and wisdom to face everything, fulfill her duties as Empress, and protect the precious feelings in her heart.

The night was still long. But the lights inside the Risjeongden Hall were warm and peaceful.