Xiu Ningchuan lifted the bed curtains and sat on the edge of the bed. Looking at her, he asked, "What would you like to hear?"
Empress Chenzhao rolled over and replied, "The Raccoon Slave Tune."
She clutched the covers, waiting expectantly for him to begin, but he hesitated.
Ordinarily, Xiu Ningchuan would have indulged her, but a strange feeling rose within him. He asked, "Why do you want me to sing this particular song?"
Empress Chenzhao's word was law at court, but she was at her most vulnerable and unguarded just before and after falling asleep.
Tonight, she longed to hear him sing that tune one more time.
Sensing something was off, Xiu Ningchuan reached out and cupped her face, pressing, "Why is it that if I sing a song to help you sleep, you'll let me into your heart?"
Empress Chenzhao said, "If you don't want to sing, then forget it."
Xiu Ningchuan chuckled. "I'm willing to sing it. But I'm dying to know why it's so important. Can you tell me?"
