The Milky Way outside the window continued to flow into the distance.
There were no extra lights in the sleeping quarters.
Only a small lamp remained beside the bed, illuminating the shadows of the two people.
Qian Chen closed her eyes.
Snow Empress's hand was still holding his collar.
He placed his hand on the back of her hand.
She moved slightly, snuggling closer to him.
Qian Chen opened her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
You're too far away.
"I've always been here."
"Closer."
He did as she asked and held her tightly.
Snow Empress buried her face in his shoulder, her long silver hair sliding down his neck.
Qian Chen lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She looked up.
"Not asleep yet."
"I know."
"Then what did you just do...?"
I just want to kiss you.
Snow Empress didn't speak, but simply tightened her arms around him.
He gathered her hair to the pillow, his fingertips gently stroking along her temples.
"Go to sleep."
You sleep too.
"I'll stay with you."
She closed her eyes.
Qian Chen listened to her gradually calming breathing, his hand remaining on her shoulder.
Night deepened.
The little lamp finally went out.
The next morning, a sliver of pale golden sunlight peeked through the curtains.
When Qian Chen woke up, Snow Empress was still leaning against him.
She placed one hand on his chest, while he held her other hand.
The white jade hairpin had slipped out of her hair and was now resting peacefully beside her pillow.
Qian Chen did not get up immediately.
He first took the hairpin to the bedside, then carefully untangled the long hair that was pressed under her body.
Snow Empress's eyelashes fluttered.
"Woke up?"
"Just woke up."
You didn't move.
"I didn't want to wake you."
"I'm awake."
She lifted her face, resting her forehead against his chin.
Qian Chen tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Do I need to comb my hair today?
"Want."
Would you like some more tea?
"Want."
"Then I'll get up and make some tea."
Snow Empress grasped his sleeve.
"Lie down a little longer."
"Good."
He lay back down and pulled the blanket up over her shoulder.
Snow Empress closed her eyes and leaned back against him.
Qian Chen raised his arm and wrapped it around her.
The Milky Way outside the window has disappeared, and the morning light falls on the white jade hairpin.
He did not get up.
We'll discuss today's temple affairs later.
The Divine Realm.
New Temple.
Morning light filters through the Milky Way and falls on the soft couch by the window.
Qian Chen was still lying on the bed.
Snow Empress leaned against him, her long, silvery-white hair cascading between them. Her eyes were closed, her fingers still hooked around his lapel.
Qian Chen did not get up immediately.
He raised his hand and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen beside Snow Empress's face behind her ear.
Her eyelashes fluttered.
"Didn't you say you wanted to lie down a little longer?"
I didn't get up.
"Your hand has already moved."
"Your hair is pressing down on you."
Snow Empress opened her eyes and raised her hand to press down on his wrist.
"It can't hold me down."
"It will cause chaos."
"Comb it again if it gets messy."
She pulled his hand back under the covers and nestled back into his arms.
Qian Chen looked down at her.
The starry river outside the window gradually brightened, Nine-Color rays of light pierced through the long corridor outside the palace, shining on the Snow Empress's light silver nightgown.
The thin ribbon at her collar wasn't tied tightly.
Qian Chen reached out and straightened the blanket for her, then pulled the corner of the blanket up an inch.
Snow Empress noticed his movement and looked up at him.
You're always like this.
Which way?
Everything needs to be organized.
"You're not dressed neatly."
"I just woke up."
That's why we need to organize it.
Snow Empress looked at him for a moment, then reached out and smoothed the front of his shirt.
"You're not much better."
Qian Chen looked down.
The collar of her white dress had been creased from leaning against it.
Snow Empress smoothed out the crease, but did not immediately withdraw her fingertips.
"And now?"
"Much better."
"You see, it still needs tidying up."
Qian Chen took her hand.
"Then let's organize them together."
Snow Empress's fingers moved slightly in his palm.
"Brush your hair first today."
"Good."
She sat up.
Her long hair slid down her shoulders and spread across her white nightgown. Qian Chen sat up as well and reached out to take the white jade hairpin from the bedside table for her.
He placed that hairpin by his bedside last night.
The hairpin still retained a faint Nine-Color luster.
Snow Empress glanced at it.
You put it far away.
"I'm afraid you'll bump into it when you turn over."
I won't break it.
"I know."
"Then why place it further away?"
"Smoothly."
Snow Empress did not press the matter.
She put on a light silver outer garment and sat down in front of the bronze mirror by the window.
Qian Chen fetched a wooden comb and stood behind her.
His fingers first parted the long hair on her shoulder, then slowly combed it from the ends.
The wooden comb passed through the hair without disturbing a single strand.
Snow Empress looked at himself in the mirror.
Did you sleep well last night?
"Good."
I woke up once during the night.
"I know."
"You're not asleep?"
You're holding my collar.
Snow Empress looked at her hands.
She was still clutching the corner of his sleeve.
When did I take your hand?
"After you fall asleep."
"Then why don't you let go?"
You didn't let go.
She looked at him in the mirror.
"You can take your clothes out."
You will wake up.
It's okay if you're awake.
I want you to sleep a little longer.
Snow Empress's gaze lingered on his face.
A moment later, she turned her face away, avoiding the gaze of her reflection in the bronze mirror.
Qian Chen tucked the strands of hair behind her ear behind her shoulder.
He took the white jade hairpin and tied up her long hair.
The hairpin's end rested perfectly beside the silver clasp.
Snow Empress raised her hand and touched it.
"Should we change to this today?"
You said yesterday it wouldn't dissipate.
I was referring to last night.
"It won't end today."
"You remember it quite well."
I remember everything you said.
Snow Empress's fingers stopped at the edge of the hairpin.
She glanced at him in the bronze mirror, then reached out and grasped his wrist.
"Then you must remember what I say today."
"You say."
"Have tea with me today."
"Remember."
"Read with me in the afternoon."
"Remember."
"You are not allowed to look at the laws of the Divine Realm at night."
"Remember."
Snow Empress thought about it again.
"If any deities come looking for you, make them wait."
"The affairs of the Divine Realm have been handed over to the various temples."
That would be even better.
She turned around and reached out to straighten his collar.
"The God King does not need to handle everything personally every day."
"I know."
"You knew that before."
"No one reminded me before."
Snow Empress raised her eyes.
"Now you have it?"
"With you."
Her fingertips lingered on his collar for a moment.
"Then you have to be obedient."
"I've always been obedient."
Who was it that thought of looking at the Milky Way last night?
"I only glanced at it."
"That's also something to look at."
I didn't watch it later.
"It's because I held your collar."
Qian Chen did not deny it.
Snow Empress smoothed out the last wrinkle on his collar and then withdrew her hand.
Go wash up.
Aren't you coming along?
I need to change my clothes.
"I'm waiting for you."
"You go first."
Qian Chen stood up and tidied the bedding on the bed.
Snow Empress watched his actions.
"Even the blankets have to be folded?"
"It got messed up after you got up."
That's normal.
"I don't like it."
Snow Empress walked behind him and smoothed his long, silvery-white hair that had fallen over his shoulders.
"You've become the God King, but your habits haven't changed."
"Change what?"
"You still care about these little things."
These are not trivial matters.
What do you consider a small matter?
Qian Chen looked at her.
"The laws of the Divine Realm can be dealt with gradually."
"Your hairpin must not be crooked."
Snow Empress fell silent for a moment.
She raised her hand and touched the white jade hairpin in her hair.
"Then I won't let it go crooked today."
Qian Chen opened the door to her bedchamber for her.
The two walked into the outer hall together.
Ice Empress was already seated on the tatami mat by the window.
She wore a long, turquoise dress, her long hair was not tied up, and a few strands fell over her shoulders. On the table was a plate of peeled nuts and an empty teacup.
Upon seeing Qian Chen emerge, she immediately stood up.
"Chen'er, you're finally awake."
She quickly walked to Qian Chen's side and hugged his arm.
"Did Snow Sister ask you to comb your hair again?"
"Um."
Ice Empress looked at the white jade hairpin on Snow Empress's head.
"This looks good."
Snow Empress raised her hand and touched it.
"Selected by Qian Chen."
Ice Empress immediately turned to look at Qian Chen.
"And what about mine?"
Your jade hairpin is on the table.
"You've already brought it?"
"It was placed there last night."
Ice Empress released his arm, walked to the table, and picked up the jade hairpin.
A tiny Ice Crystal was carved at the end of the hairpin.
She glanced at the light by the window, then walked back to Qian Chen.
You put it on for me.
Your hair hasn't been combed yet.
"Then let's comb it together."
She sat down in the chair and pulled her long hair back.
Qian Chen picked up another wooden comb.
Ice Empress's long hair was smoother than Snow Empress's, with a light turquoise sheen. As the comb teeth fell, the ends of his hair gently brushed against the back of his hand.
Ice Empress looked up at him.
"Be gentle."
"I didn't use any force."
"Then go even lighter."
You just said you know how to comb your hair.
"Just because I can comb my hair doesn't mean I want to."
She rested her arm on the back of the chair and looked up at Qian Chen in the mirror.
"If Chen'er combs my hair, I won't have to do anything."
Snow Empress picked up the teapot on the table and poured a cup of warm tea.
"You just want to slack off."
Even if you're being lazy, someone has to take care of you.
"Don't you have hands?"
"I want to hold Chen'er in my arms."
After Ice Empress finished speaking, he immediately reached out and wrapped his arms around Qian Chen's waist.
The Qian Chen wooden comb stopped at the end of her hair.
"I can't comb your hair like this."
"Then let's hug for a while."
Your hair isn't tied up properly yet.
"Hair doesn't run away."
Snow Empress handed the warm tea to Qian Chen.
"Have some tea first."
Qian Chen took the teacup, lowered his head, and took a sip.
Ice Empress was still holding him by the waist.
"Me too."
"Let go first."
"I will let go, and then you will comb your hair."
"Didn't you want some tea?"
"I can hold her while I drink."
Snow Empress looked at her.
"You want him to hold a teacup in one hand and comb his hair with the other?"
"You can also carry it by your shoulder."
Qian Chen placed the teacup back on the table.
"Sit down first."
Ice Empress looked up at him.
You promised to have tea with me.
"Sit still and I'll give it to you."
She then let go of his hand and sat up straight again.
Qian Chen parted her long hair, gathered it on both sides, and then tied it up with a silver hairband.
Ice Empress watched his movements through the mirror.
"This knot shouldn't be too tight."
"Know."
"But it can't be too lenient either."
"Know."
"Leave the ends of your hair out."
"Know."
She blinked.
How do you know everything?
You've said it many times.
"What else did I say?"
You said that headbands shouldn't cover your ears.
"Anything else?"
"It can't block the eyes."
"Anything else?"
Qian Chen inserted a jade hairpin of emerald green into her hair.
"I can't let you look unattractive."
Ice Empress looked at themselves in the mirror.
She raised her hand and touched the jade hairpin, unable to hide the smile on her lips.
"That's a good answer."
Snow Empress pushed another cup of tea in front of her.
"You can drink it now."
Ice Empress picked up their teacups and took a sip.
"It's a bit bland."
You said yesterday you wanted to drink light tea today.
Did I say that?
"I said that."
Ice Empress looked at Qian Chen.
"Then I was wrong."
"It's ready."
"Then I will drink it."
She held the teacup with both hands and took another sip.
"Actually, it's not bad."
Snow Empress sat down beside her.
"You just want Qian Chen to brew another pot for you."
"I don't."
Ice Empress pushed the teacup towards Qian Chen.
"Chen'er, have a taste."
Qian Chen took the teacup, lowered his head, and drank it.
"Can."
"Real?"
"Um."
Ice Empress took the teacup back and leaned against Qian Chen's shoulder.
"Then I won't change it."
Outside the sleeping quarters, Qian Renxue walked in from the long corridor.
She changed into a white and gold long dress, her long golden hair tied back, still wearing the gold hairpin she had bought yesterday. She also held a small food box in her hand.
"Elder brother."
She walked up to Qian Chen and first looked at his collar.
You're not wearing an outer garment today?
"Just started."
Qian Renxue reached out to straighten his clothes.
"Then let's eat something first."
She opened the food box.
Inside were several pieces of freshly made chestnut cake, their petal shapes neatly arranged, and sprinkled with a few crumbs of osmanthus.
Ice Empress immediately sat up straight.
"Where did this come from?"
"It was delivered from the kitchen."
"Does the Divine Realm also have a kitchen?"
"I had it prepared."
Qian Renxue took out a piece of chestnut cake and handed it to Qian Chen.
"Brother, you should try it first."
Qian Chen took a bite.
The aroma of chestnuts quickly spread, the sweetness was not overpowering, and the cake itself was finely pressed.
"Very good."
Qian Renxue looked at him.
How does it compare to yesterday's?
"The taste is different."
Which is better?
Qian Chen glanced at her, then looked at the pastries on the table.
"All is well."
Ice Empress immediately burst into laughter.
"Chen'er said that again."
Qian Renxue did not press the matter.
She took another piece from the food box, broke it in half, and brought one half to Qian Chen's lips.
"Brother, have another piece."
Qian Chen lowered his head and ate it.
Only then did she put the other half into her mouth.
Snow Empress picked up the teapot and poured Qian Chen another cup.
Qian Chen looked at her.
"I can do it myself."
You have some pastries.
"We've finished eating."
"I've already poured it."
Snow Empress pushed the teacup in front of him.
Qian Renxue moved to his side and reached out to hold his fingers.
"Brother, let's not deal with any business today."
"Um."
He doesn't even attend council meetings in the Divine Realm.
"Um."
"Then what do we do?"
Ice Empress grabbed Qian Chen's other arm.
"Eat chestnut cake."
Snow Empress looked out the window.
"Have some tea."
Qian Renxue raised her eyes.
"Let's go see the Milky Way in the Divine Realm this afternoon."
Qian Chen put down the teacup.
"Can."
A smile appeared in Qian Renxue's eyes.
"Then it's decided."
She picked up the last piece of chestnut cake from the food box, and instead of handing it to Qian Chen, she placed it on his plate.
"We'll save this for this afternoon."
Ice Empress immediately reached out.
I want to eat it now.
Qian Renxue pressed down on the food box.
"This is for my brother."
He's already eaten two pieces.
"I want to eat again this afternoon."
"I want one too."
Snow Empress raised her hand and pushed another small dish in front of Ice Empress.
There's more here.