Chapter Text
High above the skies of Liyue, stood the picturesque palace.
The Jade Palace to be exact; formerly known as The Jade Chamber, its magnificent built stood tall and high, shaded by the floating clouds above, shades of gold, black, and green could be seen everywhere, plaustrite bright and shining, even from down the harbor. It’s reputation of the floating chamber exceeds tourists expectations, how it floated majestically still leaves their citizens speechless and even made some wonder. Just how did the lady of the chamber— palace, plan such a beautiful place.
The lady in question— now called Empress, stood tall and proud. Her sharp eyes constantly analyzing, painted lips always in a constant state of amusement or tight-lipped, the way she brought and held herself in front of everyone makes them bow with respect, white hair; as rare as a jade, always kept down with a signature hairpin, nails covered with golden nail guards to show off her wealth and status, she wore fancy qipaos and beautiful hanfus that befits the title of an Empress.
Empress Ningguang.
Previously known as, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. The first woman to achieve the title Tianquan amongst the members of the Qixing. Her reputation had already been widely accepted by the people of— not only Liyue — but, the entire region of Teyvat. No one dares to question her rank as Tianquan, why?
It was because of Ningguang’s impressive achievements throughout the years she served as Tianquan did the people of Liyue recognized and respected her hard work to bringing Liyue into a new light.
As once in a blue moon, Liyue was anything but prosperous. The citizens were struggling with finances, economy and such. While the rich made them bow down and laughed at poor’s demise. However, once the lady stepped in, the first act she did as Tianquan was to make a thick book full of rules and guidance. Years she puts all her blood, sweat, and tears into making the home she grew up into a prosperous and living marketplace for her people. She didn’t stop there, however, as once she felt herself breath an air of freedom, she continued to work the very next day.
When her loyal attendants came to her and timidly asked for the reason she was working herself too hard, the only answer they got was a small mysterious smile, and a wave of her hand, “Do not worry about me. After all, the Tianquan never sleeps until Liyue is safe.”
And she was not lying to be exact. The hours she slept was thrown away in exchange for more work and plans to make the corrupt kneel. She never took a break, tea would always be served in-between signing documents and files.
Months came by, her attendants were getting more worried. Lady Ningguang’s birthday came and went, with how tight her schedule was, she couldn’t celebrate.
“No time to waste.” She would say.
Now she’s 26 of age.
5 missed birthdays; although her last was celebrated by only a few of her newfound co-workers and friends she made along the way— mainly, Ganyu and Keqing, with some help from her attendants— they threw her a surprise birthday dinner down at Wanmin’s. Although, she might not admit it. It was the first time in years that Ningguang felt truly happy and relaxed being in the presence of her most trusted confidants. How they knew of her birth date was still a mystery. As the lady, for some reason always tells them different dates every time they tried to ask her day of birth.
Even Keqing’s private investigators couldn’t get a clue on Ningguang’s birthday. Somehow, along the way, the younger girl noticed the way the latter always stared longingly outside the horizons on a certain date every year. The white-haired woman always sported the same forlorn gaze on that specific date.
Something in Keqing’s mind clicked, she quickly called for the adepti and her secretaries. A late birthday dinner sounded wonderful to the Yuheng. Wangmin’s restaurant was if not the best in all of Liyue, and even the Tianquan herself was seen eating a few times at the quaint place.
Everything went normally from then. Until one fine morning, a glorious carriage draped in maroon red, gold, and black linings crossed the Liyue Harbor’s gates. Milillelith soldiers stood tall, arms folded in a salute, chest puffed out in pride of the incoming guest.
One could tell that the guest was no mere political figure.
A royalty, not just any royalty. The Emperor has come as an exclusive guest to the Qixing.
Streets started to pack, and children screamed in joy as the Emperor arrived.
The members of the Liyue Qixing stood outside the gates. Pleasantries and introductions were made.
But one could tell that the illustrious Tianquan had caught the Emperor’s attention. Their eyes met, stone-faced and small smiles exchanged between them. They kept their exchange brief, as not to make the other uncomfortable.
The Emperor’s stay was not longer than two weeks, as his duty still lies in his palace, waiting for him. As does the Tianquan’s of course.
None knew of their little secret, however. For once the Emperor left in his carriage, he peeked out of the window to throw a secret nod to the Tianquan, and in turn she gave him a small quirk of her lips. A small gesture, but intimate to the both of them nonetheless.
It all started in tea-time stories and conversations. Exchanging their thoughts both personally and politically. Both parties acknowledged their sharp minds in a flesh. Respects were given but not shown outwardly. As the Emperor would give her so much as a little smile when Ningguang walks into the room, and stole a few glances at her way. The lady also does the same, albeit, she’s more discreet at these sort of things.
Both agreed to exchange letters— secret love letters; covered as a business inquiry — none but the two of them know about those letters, the mailman and secretaries gave no doubt to the letters, as they believed the Emperor and the Tianquan had established a trusting partnership. Which was incredible, as the previous bearers of Ningguang’s title would either be dismissed or entirely ignored by the Emperor.
A month before the Lantern rite festival is to be celebrated at Liyue Harbor, the Emperor arrived. The reason for his majesty’s visit was a little bit off to the Qixing. But not to Ningguang, she was ecstatic to see him again; She couldn’t wait for his opinions about something— a book that she recommended to him months prior before his arrival — but she knew she would have to wait till their annual tea-time for her to listen to his voice again.
Months of writing and mailing letters made her forget how soothing his voice was to her.
——•••——
Whilst she stirred her tea, she silently listened to his voice.
“—it was truly a tragic ending indeed. A true plot twist lies in this novel, I must pay my compliments to the author.” She smiled at the rim of her teacup, her posture was laid back, but not to relaxed as she didn’t forget her place as Tianquan. Something about being around Emperor Zhongli made her more comfortable than her own Qixing members; excluding her favorite— Keqing — she loved the younger woman and her quick wits.
“Yes. I suppose we must. Coincidentally, I know of the author personally. Would you care to write him a letter or two regarding this lovely piece?” She asked, eyes shutting as she sipped her tea quietly, inhaling the scents of fresh brewed Qingxin tea-leaves.
The Brown-haired man hummed at the offer, “I should write him a letter once I’ve come back from this trip then.”
An air of silence envelops them. Minutes passed, and none of them said anything. A shared comfortable silence, it was a quite nice.
A silent clearing of one’s throat made Ningguang look up. As she fitted her eyes towards the man in front of her, she noticed the rigged and stiff posture he was holding. She raised a brow in concern, “Is there something wrong with the tea, your majesty...?”
There was nothing wrong. It was perfect. The atmosphere and the silence— oh and the tea, he loves a good tea — The Emperor was nervous about something, she realized.
He opened his mouth to voice his thoughts, a few tries and errors were made. He almost wants to drown in embarrassment. But the Tianquan smiled encouragingly— although, one could see the teasing smirk she sported for a second —Zhongli finally let out his breath and confessed his feelings to the lady.
Ningguang’s eyes went wide, sat frozen in her cushioned seat. A ring in front of her eyes. It was in the same shade as his eyes, both shimmering and staring deeply into hers. Zhongli said a few affectionate words that Ningguang couldn’t possibly imagine the stoic Emperor would say to just anybody. She smiled nevertheless, as she stood up to meet his impressive height, she whispered her own loving words to him. Surprised that Ningguang accepted his feelings, and moreover, reciprocated them in a beat, he decided to be bold to lean down and hovered above her plump inviting lips, asking for permission. Ningguang smiled and leaned closer to his cold ones, and they met in the middle. Their first kiss was nothing but slow and affectionate.
As they broke apart, Ningguang leaned her forehead against his, as she looked down at how Zhongli slides the ring into her finger— unprotected by gloves, for once —She suddenly felt tears in her eyes, he quickly wiped them away, muttering sweet comforting words to soothe his future wife-to-be.
Ningguang didn’t feel worthy and she fears people would judge her for what she would become later on. But, her love, Zhongli, made sure that she is anything but those things, and assured her that she is worthy for his love as much as he is for hers.
——•••——
A year after their marriage, a week before the festivities of the Lantern rite festival started, they sat in their work desks, fingers moving nimbly, signing and switching on numerous scrolls and paperwork they were expected to finish before the end of the day.
A quiet huff came out of Ningguang’s lips, she didn’t bother to paint them in any colors today; instead, she opted for a healing balm to keep it moisturized. And for some reason, she kept her entire face bare, didn’t even bother to put on a bit of powder like she always does.
Zhongli— being the doting husband that he is —noticed that she looked exhausted, her face seemed drained and washed out.
He was beginning to worry.
“Are you feeling under the weather, my love?”
Ningguang snapped her gaze from the incorrigible handwriting of a certain captain to look at her husband’s concerned gaze.
She simply smiled and shook her head, holding it lightly with her free hand, “No. It’s just a mere headache, nothing too serious, I am sure.”
The Emperor didn’t appear convinced a single bit.
Ningguang would’ve doubted herself as well if she were in his shoes. But she tried to reassure him with another witty smile, holding up the paper she was reading— trying —right before he called.
“This handwriting of the captain’s is the source of my light headache, truly, just why did she expect me to know how to read hilichurl language?” she chuckled, scanning the proposal one more time before snapping her gaze back to her husband’s.
Zhongli stood up as he walked towards Ningguang’s desk, “Give it to me. I’ll handle our new partner’s proposal.”
Ningguang frowned, pinching her brows in an attempt to ease her spinning head, “No, I couldn’t possibly give you more work than you already have in your plate.”
Zhongli sighed, looking down at her hard working wife affectionately. “Dearest—“
A thump on the wooden desk was heard. Then a shout directed to the guards and attendants outside the office. A few shuffles of their feet and panic came into the room as the Emperor called— demanded — a physician to attend to his wife immediately.
The blue-haired secretary paced outside the lavish corridors, teeth dug deep into her lips. Keqing tapped her foot in a worried manner, quietly she hugged the Qilin by the waist and said, “Ningguang-jie’s going to be fine. She’s anything but frail.” Ganyu exhaled, nodding lightly, “I hope so. Her majesty really needs to stop from working too hard...”
Zhongli snapped his gaze towards the door when he heard the physician stepped outside.
A smile is plastered upon the physician’s face. It made, Zhongli’s stomach churn with uneasiness. Why was this man smiling at his Empress’ sudden fall.
“Your majesty.” He bowed respectfully, before smiling even wider at the taller man.
“I believe congratulations are in order.”
A simultaneous confused sound was shared amongst Ningguang’s trusted people.
“—huh?” A deadpan came from the twin-tailed Yuheng.
“—eh, what?” A dumbfounded expression plastered on the Qilin’s face.
“—pardon me?” Zhongli had to lean in closer to make sure he was hearing this man correctly.
The palace’s physician chuckled lowly, before bowing to give his congratulations, “Your wife, your majesty. She is with child. Congratulations to the both of you.”
Zhongli suddenly felt light-headed, fearing that his head will give out on him, he clutched his forehead tightly.
“Keep in mind that her majesty needs plenty of rest and a balanced meal. Five or six balanced meals a day should suffice, not less and not more than what I have prescribed. My assistant— little miss Qiqi — has already prepared a few traditional medications and vitamins to help strengthen her pregnancy. Ah, may I suggest that her majesty would not be given too much work on her desk? We would not want her to faint from stress and fatigue.” Dr. Baizhu finished, looking at the three dumbfounded people in front of him.
Ganyu broke first, an excited grin on her face, “I will help make sure of that, Dr. Baizhu.”
“Jie-jie is with child?!” Keqing gaped, the poor Yuheng was looking at the physician like he had grown a second head. Ganyu had to shake her from her stupor to get her attention, “Oh! isn’t this exciting? We are going to be aunties!”
Keqing chuckled breathlessly, letting out a relieved breath, “Heh, I guess we are. How far is she...?”
Dr Baizhu pursed his lips, “I’d say about two weeks or so. Should I request a midwife to monitor her majesty’s pregnancy?” Both women looked at the still speechless Emperor in concern.
Ah. So it was two weeks ago.
When Ningguang came back from her voyage to Fontaine. Zhongli had missed her dearly when she was away.
Perhaps, he missed her a little bit too much...
Ganyu smiled brightly at the doctor, “That’ll be much appreciated. It’s better to have an extra pair of hands than none at all.”
“Just, please. Make sure the midwife you appointed is more than capable of handling our Empress and her child.” Keqing added with a flip of her hair, a hint of smile on her lips. She didn’t want to express it aloud— especially to Ningguang herself —but she is secretly very excited to meet the little bundle of joy, and is very much worried about the older woman’s wellbeing, loathe as she is to admit it.
Dr. Baizhu nodded at the two women, “Consider it done, lady Keqing and secretary Ganyu.” he chanced a glance at the still Emperor, and gave an encouraging smile, “Your majesty, don’t you want to see how your wife is faring? I’m sure she is fully awake right about now.”
Zhongli cleared his throat, trying his best to control the light shaking of his hands as he redirected his gaze begrudgingly to face the doctor, “A-ah. Yes, I will do that. Thank you for your help and guidance, Dr. Baizhu.” He bowed stiffly and quickly fled the scene without looking back, disappearing behind the sliding door of their shared bedroom.
The young Yuheng sighed, swiftly pulling out a scroll and a quill from the pocket of her purple frilled skirt. Ganyu tilted her head and asked, “Keqing, may I ask what you’re doing?”
Clicking her tongue as she scribbled something down in a practiced manner, eyes not leaving the parchment, she replied, “I’m writing all that down for Jie-jie and her daft husband—“
The doctor’s eyes went wide at the comment, a little worried that somebody might hear.
He half expected the half-adepti to scold the younger lady, but he only heard giggling from the former.
“I suppose he can be quite...dull at times, but that’s just because he is shocked—“
Keqing scoffed playfully, pressing the quill to a stop, “Isn’t he like that all the time when he’s around Ningguang-jie though? One might say he mopes like a sad puppy when she’s away.”
“Well, he has his moments..” The secretary muttered.
Keqing’s brow twitched upwards, “Yeah, moments of hopeless pining and yearning—“
Ganyu giggled, slapping the Yuheng’s shoulder lightly, “Careful now! He will hear you!”
Keqing put on a smug smile, giving her a shrug, “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that, Ganyu. I’m sure Zhongli-xiānshēng is preoccupied with his wife right now.” And with a last nod at the gaping doctor, the Yuheng left, tugging a sighing Ganyu with her.
Needless to say, Dr. Baizhu left the twinkling palace with an amused smile on his face.
——•••——
Zhongli closed the sliding door behind him. He stood there for a good minute, the patterns that were carved onto the wooden door suddenly looked very interesting to him—
“Are you just going to stand there all day, my love?” An elegant voice called out to him, slightly muffled from the wide jade screen that separated people from viewing their bed directly.
The man in question flinched at the voice. He shuffled his shoes and socks, leaving his bare feet touch the cold floor.
He ducked beneath the opalescent curtains and let out a relieved breath once he saw what’s in front of him.
Ningguang laid there. Still bare faced, no hairpin or fancy accessories evident.
Silky sheets obscured half of her body, head propped up neatly by the soft plush pillows, fingers cupping the tea-cup daintily, giving him a gentle smile. As he made no movements whatsoever, one of Ningguang’s personal attendants ducked her head, blushing profusely, quickly excusing herself out.
Now they were truly alone.
Ningguang placed down the cup on her bedside table, proceeding to tilt her head at him, she patted at the seat beside the large bed. Zhongli sat, after making sure they were truly alone, he smiled down at his wife, leaning to kiss her chastely on the lips.
Ningguang smiled at the action, chuckling fondly at Zhongli, “So you’ve heard then?” she bit her lip, trying to prevent herself from grinning, “About my condition, I mean.”
The brown-haired man nodded, leaning his forehead against hers, “We are going to be parents...”
“You sound surprised.” She chuckled.
“You must forgive me for being so stiff earlier. Your gossip-loving attendant was there.”
Ningguang laughed at the statement, staring up at him from beneath her lashes, “Let them. It’s amusing to hear what they whisper about us...”
“Do you find them amusing?”
He says, playing with her long fingers.
“They are amusing when half of the gossip they spread is not even close to the truth.” She huffed, “Do you think your attendant will spread this one then?”
Ningguang closed her eyes, contemplating her answer. When she opened her eyes, he saw exhaustion and weariness, “No.”
“No?”
Humming she continued, “I trust her not to spread this one,” rubbing her non-existent baby bump, “After all, the girl knows that I still want this to stay between us—“
“—ah, about that...” he winced before Ningguang interrupted him, “I’m assuming our dearest friends, Ganyu and Keqing heard?”
“I...yes, they were there when Dr. Baizhu was explaining.”
Ningguang chuckled, shoulders shaking silently, “I know, I heard.”
"It's alright. I trust them. A little relieved that they are the first ones to know about my pregnancy..." she trailed off, tucking her head at the nape of Zhongli's neck. Inhaling his scent-- sandalwood and ink blending well together -- "How long will we be keeping this a secret?" he asks.
Ningguang pressed a few butterfly kisses along his neck and jaw, "At least until I start to show, I don't want to stir up unnecessary attention to myself. Besides, didn't the doctor said that I'm still in my early stage of pregnancy. and thus, very fragile."
"Ah, of course." Zhongli agreed with Ningguang's logic. He seemed disappointed though, so she huffed a laugh, caressing his cheekbones lovingly, "Don't worry. I have no ill intention. Just being cautious, this is my first pregnancy after all." she remarked, he quickly replied, "I suppose I'm just very impatient to tell our people that you are to be the mother of my child."
Silence enveloped the room just like it did back then, when they were still two unmarried people, simply enjoying each other’s presence and tea.
Not much of a difference now though. As the only thing changed between them was their marital status. Apart from that, they acted like they did just a year ago
“Would you like to say your greetings to our child now, love?” Ningguang whispered.
“Can I?” Ningguang nodded, leading his hand downward towards her still flat stomach, she laughed lightly as his fingers grazed her middle, he snapped his gaze at his wife— ticklish, he thinks, cute — before glancing back at his hand on her belly. Rubbing it gently, he smiled, eyes crinkling.
Ningguang didn’t flinch when he leaned forward to press a kiss to her stomach.
“I can’t wait to meet them.” Caressing his long locks, tousling them around her fingers, Ningguang caught his chin and pulled him up gently to meet her lips, she kissed him softly, humming at the love and attention he is giving her. “I love you.” she whispered, nose brushing against his.
“I love you too.”
“Both of you.” Ningguang drifted off to sleep as he tucked her in, hands never leaving hers, he watched the sun set from the curtained windows. Watching the ships dock and people crowding around the stalls and streets from above.
One day, Zhongli hoped, that the both of them, along with their child could overlook the sunset together, high above the skies of the bustling harbor of Liyue.