Substitute Bride Phoenix, The Tyrant's Pampered Demon Empress

Time flew, and the days shot by.

On various occasions, Han Moze could either be cruel, overbearing, demonic, beastly… or tender.

Likewise, Liu Rushuang could either be tender, tsundere, shy, airheaded… or mischievous.

They would often squabble, but laugh it off afterward, their relationship becoming better than ever.

Bang, bang, bang—

There were fireworks released up in the air, painting bright colors upon the night of New Year’s Eve.

A banquet was prepared at a vast garden of the imperial palace.

The emperor would usually be attending it with his concubines, but Han Moze only had Liu Rushuang, his empress.

Still, feeling that it was boring to pass New Year’s Eve with just the two of them, she invited the elders and clan masters of the Blood Feast into the palace, along with Qing’er, Han Moxi, Little White Flower, Emerald, and the others.

At the appointed hour, Han Moze and Liu Rushuang took their seats.

The tables on both sides were fully seated as well, and everyone rose, going to the emperor and empress and offering their respects before returning to their seats.

“I’m thankful for everyone present here, ushering the new year with myself and my empress. Here! A toast!”

Han Moze raised his golden goblet and spoke imposingly, and downed his vine with a single gulp when he was finished.

“We thank you, Your Majesty.” Everyone cheerfully down their wines too.

“A toast from me as well, with tea instead of wine!”

Liu Rushuang raised her cup at everyone as well, her charming looks leaving the crowd enchanted as always.

“There’s no need to hold back since everyone is acquainted, do enjoy the delicacies on your tables as much as you like.”

With those words, Han Moze’s clapped his hands—drums rolled immediately as ten dancers came to the center of the garden to offer entertainment.

The elders, clan masters, Qing’er, Han Moxi, Little White Flower, Emerald, and the rest all had small talk over wine, their praises for the banquet unending.

Han Moze and Liu Rushuang shared a perfect smile then, their gazes filled with profound loving.

The others smiled even more cheerfully when they saw that.

“His Majesty and Her Majesty are so in love!”

“Indeed!”

“Just look had how large Her Majesty’s belly is… she would be giving birth soon, wouldn’t she?”

“But of course!”

“The dishes are great, the wine is fantastic… it seems that Her Majesty has worked hard on this banquet!”

“Yes, this isn’t so bad.”

“Look! His Majesty is wiping Her Majesty’s lips in front of everyone!”

“That’s not all—he’s gone for a kiss too! Is he really the heartless and cruel emperor rumors spoke of?”

“…”

“Oh no! Her Majesty is in labor!”

Suddenly, everyone turned nervously to look at Liu Rushuang.

“It hurts, Ze! My belly hurts! I might be giving birth soon!”

Liu Rushuang felt her stomach hurting as if it would burst after having a cup of tea, and so turned miserably towards Han Moze, a curtain of sweat having appeared over her face already.

Han Moze lost his usual calm right then. Dropping his goblet with a clang, he came to his senses and quickly carried her to Dark Moon Palace.

“Get the midwife, Eunuch Chen! Right now!”

He barked as he dashed away.

“Emerald, I think Her Majesty is giving birth soon. Let’s go look!”

Little White Flower anxiously pulled Emerald along to Dark Moon Palace—she wouldn’t be lonely now that Her Majesty’s children are coming!

The others realized with a start at Little White Flower’s words, and followed them.

In the Dark Moon Palace, Han Moze settled Liu Rushuang on the bed, but was beside himself with heartache at the sight of her pale face. A faint red mist showed in his eyes at that, and he said, “I’ll be here to protect you, Shuang’er. You’ll definitely make it!”

Liu Rushuang was biting her lip to stop herself from screaming. Sweat had long since covered her whole body.