Rebellious Lord of All Realms: Su Chen's Dark Harem

Chapter 196 Whispers in the Shadowy Courtyard, Gentle Feelings from Bamboo Encircle Your HeartTwilight descended as the last rays of the setting sun brushed over the eaves of the Nishen Imperial Palace, dyeing the Shadow Court on the western side in a faint golden-red. This was Zhu Zhuqing’s exclusive domain, built against the palace walls and surrounded by dense black bamboo. The interlacing branches and leaves blotted out the sky, leaving only scattered patches of light and shadow. It was quiet and hidden, much like her former identity as a shadow, yet because of Su Chen’s arrival, it was permeated everywhere with an inseparable tenderness.

The bustle of the Imperial Garden during the day had already dissipated. Su Chen, following Zhu Zhuqing’s wishes, came alone with her to the Shadow Court. There were no other beauties to accompany them, no distracting laughter, only the two of them leaning against each other, enjoying this quiet time that belonged exclusively to them.

Zhu Zhuqing wore a Black Misty Silk Dress instead of her usual martial attire. The hem of the skirt was embroidered with dark silver patterns of the Hell Civet, flickering in and out of sight in the hazy light. Her long hair was unbound, draped loosely over her shoulders, with a few stray strands hanging by her cheeks. She had shed the sharpness of the martial arts arena and the efficiency of administrative affairs. At this moment, only softness remained in her eyes, like an autumn pond gently brushed by a breeze, rippling with full affection.

She walked slowly to the bluestone table in the middle of the courtyard. Beside the table were two rattan chairs, and warm Pre-Rain Longjing tea had already been brewed. The tea’s fragrance was crisp, mixing with the faint scent of black bamboo to permeate the air. Su Chen followed behind her, watching her slightly turned figure, the tenderness in his eyes so thick it could not be dispersed—this was his Shadow Knight, the girl who once fought alone in the darkness. Now, she could finally enjoy the stability of the mortal world by his side.

Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand to pour a cup of clear tea for Su Chen. Her fingertips lightly touched the rim of the cup, and her voice was soft, like the breeze blowing through the courtyard: ”It’s quiet here, with no one to disturb us. It’s more comfortable than the Imperial Garden.”

Su Chen took the teacup and sat in the rattan chair opposite her. The warm tea slid down his throat, spreading warmth throughout his body. He looked up at Zhu Zhuqing; she had her eyes lowered, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows under her eyelids. The contour of her profile was cool yet soft, a beauty that made one’s heart skip a beat. ”As long as you like it. In the future, if you want peace and quiet, I will accompany you here every day.”

Zhu Zhuqing looked up and met his eyes filled with tenderness. Her heart trembled, and her fingertips lightly twisted her skirt, as if remembering the past. Her voice carried a hint of faint melancholy: ”Back in the Star Luo Empire, I also always looked for quiet places like this to hide. At that time, I was hiding from assassinations, family disputes, and endless schemes. Hiding in the darkness, I didn’t even dare to breathe loudly.”

As she spoke, her fingertips brushed over the black bamboo pattern on the corner of the table. The carving was very shallow, but Su Chen had specifically ordered it to be made because she had once mentioned liking the resilience of black bamboo. ”Back then, I never thought that one day, I could sit so peacefully in the darkness without needing to be on guard or wary, with you by my side.”

Su Chen put down his teacup, reached out to hold her slightly cool fingertips, and wrapped her hand tightly in his palm, warming her with his own temperature. His palm was broad and warm, carrying a reassuring strength. Zhu Zhuqing only felt a surge of warmth spreading from her fingertips to her heart, dispelling all the coldness of the past. ”It’s all over.” Su Chen’s voice was low and firm, every word acting like a reassurance to her. ”The disputes of Star Luo, the pursuit of Spirit Hall, all the darkness—I have blocked it all behind you. From now on, the darkness of this Shadow Court is no longer your shackle, but only the tranquility we share alone.”