The Empress was so fond of it that she fiddled with it for a long time before keeping it close to her.
"Now it's not just Yu Youhan and the little thief with a special bond, I have one too!"
"Speaking of which, if I do have a baby with the little thief, what should the name be? How about asking Qi Chengze to come up with a few... Pshaw, what am I thinking? I don't want that; I've heard childbirth is very painful!"
"But if the little thief really wants a baby, then we can only have one, at most not more than two, otherwise, feeding them would be impossible..."
The Empress indulged in her whimsical thoughts, her cheeks glowing like ripe apples, occasionally letting out silly giggles.
Chen Mo looked on, somewhat puzzled.
Could a single Gu Poison Worm bring her so much joy?
"Your Highness, shall we go?"
"Sure."
The two of them strolled leisurely along the riverside, gradually leaving the bustling crowds behind.
Gazing at the flower boat drifting away on the river, a hint of yearning flashed in the Empress's eyes.
"Does Your Highness want to take a pleasure cruise?" Chen Mo observed and asked.
The Empress hesitated for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Forget it, there are other people on the boat; it's not very convenient, and we don't have enough time."
A message had already come from Sun Senior Palace Lady; the accompanying entourage was all ready, prepared to return to the capital at any time.
"No worries, we have our own boat."
Chen Mo took out the Cloud Mist Magic Boat and tossed it into the air.
The Flying Boat expanded against the wind and settled steadily on the river surface, resembling a delicate watertop palace.
"Your Highness, please." Chen Mo gestured invitingly.
The Empress hesitated, "But Sun Senior Palace Lady is still waiting..."
"They've been waiting this long; a little more won't hurt." Chen Mo, without leaving room for objection, took her aboard the Magic Boat.
The prow of the boat sliced through the water, turning the bright moon into scattered starlight, drifting leisurely towards the inner city.
The Empress sat at the edge of the deck, took off her shoes, and gracefully swung her sculpted, jade-like feet, resting her head on Chen Mo's shoulder as she counted stars.
How had she never noticed how beautiful the night sky was during her days in the palace?
"Little thief..."
"What's wrong?"
"Thank you for taking me out on a date. I've really had a wonderful time today~"
"Once everything settles, we can go out on a date every day."
"Mm!"
A moment later—
"Little thief, little thief."
"What's up now?"
"I want a kiss~"
Such a reasonable request, how could Chen Mo refuse? He leaned down and captured her soft pink lips.
The Empress wrapped her arms around his neck, responding gently.
There were no extraneous thoughts or desires, only a deep affection that seemed endless.
The night was tranquil, the stars bright, the lights on both banks splendid, making it look like a stunningly beautiful, frozen picture.
After a long while, they parted their lips.
The Empress's chest rose and fell slightly, leaning weakly against Chen Mo's embrace.
Chen Mo noticed a hidden seam at the back hem of the dress and, curious, pulled it.
With a "rip", the already tight hem sprang open on both sides, instantly revealing smooth skin!
?
Chen Mo said blankly, "This is..."
The Empress covered her flushed cheeks, stuttering, "You always get up to tricks, tearing the clothes every time, so I thought this might make things easier and decided to modify it myself..."
Chen Mo breathed rapidly, unable to contain himself any longer. He reached out and pulled the Empress into his arms.
"Let's go to the room; right here makes me nervous..."
"Alright."
Chen Mo held her tightly, striding towards the bedroom.
The Empress lay in his arms, biting his earlobe with her teeth, murmuring, "Little thief, the time left is not much. If you want things to be like they were before, I'll follow your lead... but please be gentle, so no one will notice..."
Chen Mo felt his blood nearly boiling, and with a flicker of movement, he was gone.
...
...
At Golden Sand Bridge.
A tall, athletic woman, dressed in scholarly robes, stood by the railing.
She looked up at the clear night sky, her eyes filled with complexity.
"To find a heart that stays loyal and never parts till old age?"
"Just ten simple words, concise yet profound, expressing the fierce determination of lovers all over the world."

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