Chapter 703: Chapter 699: Extra 1: The Retirement Life of the Youngest Emperor and Empress (4000 Words)

Pei Shu’er smiled and said, "How could that be? I know that you’ve done your utmost best, and for so many years, wasn’t it you who raised us siblings all by yourself?" 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Shen Wanqing smiled with relief.

"I now feel sorry for Baili Kong, sorry for you all."

Pei Shu’er waved her hand, "Please don’t say that. Now, you’re the Emperor’s grandmother, the Empress Dowager’s mother, and your children have all come of age with responsibilities fulfilled. Isn’t it time for you to think about your own life?"

Speaking of this, tears welled up in Shen Wanqing’s eyes.

It was a thought she had entertained, but she never dared to imagine.

However, hearing Pei Shu’er say this, it stirred a longing in Shen Wanqing’s heart.

Pei Shu’er said, "How long are you going to make Uncle Baili wait for you?"

Tears streamed from Shen Wanqing’s eyes.

"I am not worthy of him."

Pei Shu’er laughed, "Your status is so high, what’s there to fear? Who in the world would dare to mock you two?"

The day after talking with Shen Wanqing, she, with red, swollen eyes, went to find Baili Kong.

Looking at Baili Kong, whose hair had turned white, and seeing traces of wrinkles on his handsome face, she felt a pang of sorrow.

"Baili Kong, do you want to marry me?"

Baili Kong was initially stunned, then his eyes immediately reddened. He stepped forward and embraced Shen Wanqing.

"I do."

The haste of their marriage happened three days later in Shangzhou, once the Great Shang.

On the day of the marriage, the entire Great Tang celebrated, and for this, Tang Chong even waived half a year’s taxes.

Some were surprised at Shen Wanqing marrying at such an old age, but for the sake of the Great Tang Emperor, none dared to speak.

After all, compared to those who kept male concubines, Shen Wanqing and Baili Kong were at least a legitimate couple.

Pei Yu, upon learning of it, turned white overnight.

He knew in his heart this day would come, but he didn’t expect it to arrive so soon.

Xiang Hui and a group of concubines kneeled together at his mansion’s gate, waiting for him, hoping to invite him back.

But he refused them all.

Tears welled up in Xiang Hui’s eyes.

"Master, do you really intend to keep watching over Shen Wanqing for your entire life? She is now someone else’s bride."

Pei Yu looked at Xiang Hui, his eyes filled with hatred and disgust.

"Don’t forget, among those who caused all this, you are one of them."

Xiang Hui wanted to say more, but Pei Yu cut her off, "Haven’t I taken care of you all your life? I’m tired of dealing with your betrayal. Take Pei Lingling and vacate the Pei Mansion. You all ought to go elsewhere."

Before, he could still see Shen Wanqing. Now that she’s married to someone else, he no longer had that right.

The only thing he could hold onto was the Pei Mansion where they lived together.

On the wedding day, Pei Yu also went to see Shen Wanqing.

She was beautiful, her face betraying little sign of age, and Baili Kong still looked dignified and handsome.

There was no denying, the two were exceptionally well-matched.

At this point, even unwillingly, Pei Yu had to admit, he had forever lost Shen Wanqing.

Baili Kong was very attentive to Shen Wanqing. On the second day of their marriage, the two were inseparable, such that even Baili Kong woke late.

Afterward, they traveled extensively, exploring many places and seeing numerous sights.

Sometimes accompanied by Pei Shu’er and her children, sometimes just by themselves.

A year after the marriage, Shen Wanqing became pregnant.

As an elderly expectant mother, Pei Shu’er was particularly cautious, having prepared dietary and post-pregnancy plans in advance.

This pair of elderly lovers were forced to pause their travels and focus on their health.

Miraculously, through Pei Shu’er’s care, not only did Shen Wanqing, but even Baili Kong’s health improved day by day.

Their white hair darkened, and wrinkles diminished.

Compared to Shen Wanqing, she looked like a woman in her thirties.

In short, their life was a blend of sweetness and harmony.

When it was time for the childbirth, Shen Wanqing, an old hand, was less panicked than Baili Kong.

Baili Kong paced back and forth outside, unable to sit still.

Tang Zan had to comfort, "Don’t worry, with Pei Shu’er here, nothing will happen."

Baili Kong was anxious; it had already been three hours.

After five hours, the baby was finally born.

Shen Wanqing was utterly exhausted; during the process, Pei Shu’er gave her Spiritual Spring Water many times, but due to its temporary effect, there were still periods of fatigue.

She was then given nutritional supplements, and through this cycle, she persisted until the baby was born.

A baby boy, the midwife was somewhat numb holding the boy.

Over the years, every child related to the Tang Family was a boy.

Only Tang Zhaozhao was a girl.

After Shen Wanqing’s delivery, Pei Shu’er did not allow them to run around, but traveled with them instead.

This way, she could still look after Shen Wanqing’s dietary needs and more.

The two seemed to grow younger by the day.

When Shen Wanqing and Baili Kong encountered Pei Yu and his concubines again, Pei Yu seemed old enough to be Shen Wanqing’s father.

And those concubines had also aged terribly.

Pei Yu’s eyes filled with tears as he looked at the happy Shen Wanqing, but seeing Shen Wanqing and Baili Kong’s wary look, he only dared a distant glance.

In her youth, Shen Wanqing had envied those concubines for a while, but now, they didn’t even qualify to envy her.

These people had become decrepit, while she remained in good health, vigorous and youthful.

Her well-being was from the inside out, not just superficial.

Pei Shu’er smiled and said, "Mother, let’s go. Pei’s just released a new wonderful fabric. You’re so young and fair, it will surely look beautiful on you."

Shen Wanqing nodded with a smile, and under envious glances, they made their way to Pei’s.

At this moment, she felt at peace.

Her children were filial, and her second-husband treated her well, with no one else in his heart.

In this life, she deemed it worthwhile.

Compared to now, her previous life seemed like Hell.