Time flew by and it was June in the blink of an eye.

Duan Changchuan hadn’t replied to Bai Su’s last letter. Whenever he missed her, he would read the letter over and over again. He felt that at this moment, he shouldn’t be preoccupied with romantic feelings and kept sending Xiao Ba on errands without rest. He wanted to wait for Elder Sun’s letter before asking Xiao Ba to bring the letter to the two of them together.

Thus, the days became particularly hard to bear.

Today was his day off. The young man sat alone at his study, staring blankly at Bai Su’s letter. Outside, Chang Le announced, “Your Majesty, Lord Yun is here.”

Duan Changchuan thought Yun Xie had some important matter and hurriedly let him in.

Yun Xie rushed in and plopped down next to him. First, he made an excuse to send Chang Le away, then he sat uneasily, hesitating to speak.

Duan Changchuan, “…?”

The youth took a deep breath, mustering a lot of courage before blurting out, “Aunt kissed me today.”

Duan Changchuan, “…”

He rolled his eyes at him.

He thought it was something serious. It was just a kiss, but he was so excited from the Astronomical Bureau to the Ming Sheng Hall, and now he was so restless.

Pathetic.

The youth probably saw Duan Changchuan’s inner disdain and hurriedly added, “No … We’ve kissed before. I think I told you before. Sigh, I don’t remember. But today was different!”

Duan Changchuan, “What’s different?”

How could a kiss be different? A kiss is a kiss. It might feel different emotionally, but the act itself should be the same, right?

Yun Xie, “When Auntie kissed me today, she touched me!”

Pfft …

Hahaha.

Someone who had always teased him was finally getting a taste of his own medicine.

The young emperor didn’t say a word and laughed uncontrollably. Yun Xie was helpless and kept pushing him, “Alright, alright, I know it’s funny! But can you stop laughing? I haven’t finished talking yet.”

The young man finally stopped laughing and his beautiful eyes curved as he looked at Yun Xie, “Then tell me, where did Aunt touch you?”

Yun Xie, “She touched several places! My waist, back, and so on. I was touching her too, but she wouldn’t let me, even twisting my arm behind me … At one point, things were getting heated, and then, suddenly, she touched my butt! Is she trying to fuck me?!”

Duan Changchuan, “Of course. The condition for you to date her was that she would be the one doing it, right? She definitely wants to.”

Yun Xie, “…”

“But I’m not ready yet! I mean … I wasn’t planning on being ready. Back then, I thought we’d just be together first and see if she might let me be the one doing it. Who knew she’d be so dominant? You wouldn’t believe the situation back then, she just …! uh, I can’t say it. Anyway, it was really intense. Tell me, what good would it do her to fuck me? I can’t get pregnant like you, and I can’t have kids. She won’t enjoy it either. What does she want? I don’t get it.”

Duan Changchuan, “… Maybe it’s because the act itself brings her joy?”

Yun Xie, “…”

He wore a distressed expression, his fan creaking as he fanned himself.

“I told you long ago to be prepared. Aunt is so formidable. If she really wanted to do something to you, you wouldn’t be able to resist at all.”

The youth’s face was sullen, “I didn’t expect a weak woman like her can subdue a big man like me in a few moves. I don’t know what she did to me; I couldn’t muster any strength like I was drugged… You’re right, I didn’t have any chance to fight back …”

Duan Changchuan, “Why don’t you tell her that you’re not ready yet and ask for some time? Aunt is usually reasonable and has always been very abstinent. She probably won’t make things difficult for you because of this.”

Yun Xie, “It’s too late … She invited me to bathe together tonight, and I agreed. I’m afraid if I say I’m not ready, she won’t want to be with me anymore. Aunt is so beautiful, and there are so many handsome men in Shengjing. If she doesn’t want me, plenty of others will line up for her. She can find another one right away.”

Duan Changchuan, “…”

He wanted to say: Although there are many handsome men in Shengjing, most of them aren’t as good-looking as you. Aunt, despite being beautiful and capable, doesn’t have many who match her type. Only you like her so much, willing to lay down for love.

But the other party had already agreed to take a bath together, so he could only say, “… Be optimistic. Maybe you won’t find it so difficult to accept when the time comes?”

Then, both of them were silent.

After a while, the youth leaned in again, “How about you give me some tips so I can be prepared… What does it feel like when you and the Empress do it? Don’t lie to me this time! You two must have done everything. I’ve flipped through all those erotic books and understand almost everything, but what’s it really like? The people in those books seem ecstatic, but I don’t believe it. Does it hurt? How much does it hurt? How can she be so obsessed with something that neither side can gain any benefits … Or, tell me, what’s the chance I can turn the tables tonight? Does the Imperial Physician Huang have any useful medicine? Is it too late for me to go over now?”

A series of questions made Duan Changchuan’s head hurt.

And he really wanted to roll his eyes at him, “First of all, Bai Su and I are different from you and Aunt. My species was originally like this. She was A, and I was O. I have the organ for receiving her, and Bai Su has the organ that can be used to do that to me, but you don’t.”

Yun Xie, “Then tell me about the psychological aspect … You’re a man, no … We’re two big men, being topped by a weak woman, how does it feel mentally? Do you want to die?”

Duan Changchuan, “… Do I look like I want to die now?”

Yun Xie, “But I want to die …”

Duan Changchuan, “…”

He couldn’t continue this conversation.

Might as well call someone, “Chang Le? Come in and escort the guest out! Or call Aunt Feng Yao over.”

His mouth was covered, “Hey, wait a minute. Don’t call Aunt Feng Yao over!”

However, Chang Le had already led someone in, “It just so happens, this servant was about to announce her. Your Majesty asked to call her in, Aunt Feng Yao please come in.”

Then, a woman dressed in plain white stepped into the room.

She held a stack of books in her hands.

After entering, she first bowed to Duan Changchuan, then glanced at the youth beside Duan Changchuan, “Why didn’t you call me over? Yun’er, did you say something to upset His Majesty again?”

The person who had just been a bit arrogant, asking ‘What’s the chance I can turn the tables tonight?’ suddenly became as obedient as a mouse in front of a cat when he saw Feng Yao.

“I don’t dare to make him angry now. He’s been pregnant for four months. He just thinks I talk too much, nagging him.”

After saying that, he obediently got up and ran to sit with his aunt.

Feng Yao smiled and took his hand, asking, “Why didn’t you tell me you came to visit His Majesty? Yesterday, the shopkeeper of the restaurant in Shengjing sent over the accounts. I wanted to bring you along to present them to His Majesty, but after asking the disciples, I found out you were already here.”

“Ah, I was afraid you were busy, so I didn’t notify you.”

“I’ve been a little busy recently, but some shops are now on track and I can take a break for a while. Is there anything you want to do? I can accompany you. It’s June now and the lotus flowers should be blooming. Shall we take a boat trip to the lotus pond in the suburbs?”

“Ahem, sure.”

“Mm.”

What a greasy conversation … Eh.

Pathetic Yun Xie, he would do whatever Feng Yao said. No wonder he agreed when Feng Yao invited him to bathe at night. He was completely under her control.

Duan Changchuan thought while looking at the accounts.

Then he put the accounts on the table and said to them, “Leave the accounts here. It’ll take some time for me to go through them all.”

The hidden meaning was: Is there anything else? If there isn’t, then leave. I don’t want to see you two being lovey-dovey.

Feng Yao understood his meaning immediately, rose gracefully, and said, “Miss Bai said the accounts should be presented directly to Your Majesty, who would understand them without my explanation. If Your Majesty has anything to discuss after reviewing them, feel free to send someone to call me at the Astronomical Bureau. Also, I have some things to tell Miss Bai. If Your Majesty has a letter for her, could you wait a bit? I’ll deliver the letter tomorrow or the day after to Ming Sheng Hall.”

“Ah, okay. I want to write a letter to her tonight as well. Aunt, you don’t have to be polite.”

“Then Yun’er and I will not disturb Your Majesty’s rest. We will take our leave.”

“Mm. Chang Le, see Aunt Feng Yao and Official Yun off.”

“Yes.”

–

Without that annoying Yun Xie, Duan Changchuan finally had the peace of mind to focus on his own affairs.

He wondered how Yun Xie was spending the night… Should he find an excuse to check on Yun Xie tomorrow?

Duan Changchuan was really curious.

But if they really did something tonight, going over tomorrow would definitely feel like eating a mouthful of dog food, wouldn’t it?

Forget it, forget it, let’s wait a few days. Who knows, maybe Bai Su would return by then?

Thinking about this, the young man spread out a sheet of letter paper and began to write earnestly.

[To my dear Alpha,

Seeing these words is like seeing me in person.

I’m sorry, I haven’t replied to your last letter for so long. Now that Huainan is in a critical situation and we are short of manpower. I feel uneasy troubling Xiaoqi and Xiaoba with my personal matters, so I thought I would wait for Master Sun’s report to come, then write your reply together and have Xiao Ba send it over. But today, Aunt Feng Yao came over, saying she had something to tell you, which gave me a reason to write back.

Sister. How have you been recently? Has Huainan already entered the rainy season? I will have to trouble you to keep an eye on things there. Last year there was a drought, so this year there might be a risk of floods. I can’t remember where I read this, but it’s better to be cautious.

I’ve been well lately. A few days ago, assassins breached the imperial guards and entered Ming Sheng Hall. Thanks to the weapon you gave me before you left, I managed to shoot the poison dart in time. The assassin was so startled by the gunshot that they were unable to react, allowing me to take care of the rest. I used three darts in total. However, the imperial guards have already rooted out some spies and tightened security. So, the masterminds should not dare to act recklessly for a while.]

The young man bent over the table and wrote for a long time, filling one page after another, detailing many matters. Since modern text was completely encrypted to the people of this ancient era, there was no fear of it being leaked. Besides, Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba were always reliable, so there was nothing to worry about.

After pouring out all his thoughts, he realized he had written three full pages.

Though he had said everything on his mind, he still felt reluctant to stop.

Looking at the last blank space, he thought for a moment before adding the last sentences:

[The second letter from last time, I really like it.

Sister, could you write another one?

Your Omega: Duan Xiaochuan.]

After a bit more thought, he carefully drew a small, affectionate cartoon of himself using a brush.

Blushing, he dried the ink and rolled the letter up, placing it into a paper tube.

He wanted to take the handkerchief from last time and add some pheromones, but then he remembered that he had already used it to do bad things a few days ago, so he threw it away.

Thus, he took out a bright yellow handkerchief embroidered with dragon patterns from the drawer …

Then he measured it with his hand: this handkerchief should be enough for Bai Su to … cough, cough … right?

How many fingers does her size again? Three? Four …? Uh, five? Maybe not that many …

As he was measuring, there was a sudden knock at the door. Two knocks followed by a pause, indicating news from the secret guards.

Quickly putting down the handkerchief, he sat up straight and said, “Enter.”

The person who came in was small in stature, dressed in plain coarse cloth, and turned out to be Xiao Shiyi^[1]Little Eleven, who was supposed to be in Huainan taking care of Bai Su.

Furthermore, before Bai Su left, he had secretly instructed him to take good care of Bai Su. If she showed any symptoms of illness, he was to rush over and report it to him.

Therefore, the moment he saw that it was Xiao Shiyi, the young man’s face immediately paled.

“Why are you back? What happened to the empress?”

Xiao Shiyi knelt on one knee and quickly reported, “Your Majesty ordered me to watch over the Empress and to report any sign of illness immediately. The main symptoms of this plague are cough, chills, nasal congestion, and high fever, causing rapid deterioration of the body in a few days. The empress has been coughing these few days and has a little stuffy nose when she speaks. This subordinate remembered Your Majesty’s instructions and immediately rushed over to report.”

Upon hearing this, Duan Changchuan’s body stiffened. His already pale face lost all color.

The secret guard kneeling on the ground kept his head down, but after a while, not hearing any response, he finally looked up.

Only then did he realize the young emperor’s face was ashen, sweat beading on his forehead and starting to fall, and he was about to collapse from his seat.

The guard hurriedly rushed to support him, “Your Majesty! Boss, Lao Qi, Lao Ba^[2]Seven and Eight, but instead of Xiao Ba (Little Eight), he called them Lao (Old).! Chang Le, Yi Man! Help!”

This guard, who faced life and death situations daily, what kind of situation had he not seen before? Who could have imagined that his first cry for help would be in such a situation?

However, the normally composed and dignified Emperor, at this moment, being supported by him, Shiyi suddenly felt: That His Majesty was so soft! Moreover, his eyelashes were long and his skin was so tender!

Shiyi was a rough man. Even if someone pointed a knife at him, he wouldn’t blink. Anyway, the worst that could happen was death. In eighteen years, Lao Zi would still be a man!

But now, standing beside the noble young man and gently supporting him with one hand, he was so scared that he didn’t dare to move.

Fortunately, everyone came in quickly. Chang Le rushed over and quickly took over from Shiyi to support Duan Changchuan.

“Your Majesty, what happened? Weren’t you fine when Lord Yun and the others were here? Yi Man, hurry invite Old Imperial Physician Huang over! Old Imperial Physician Huang walked slowly, and asked someone to bring him here on a carriage!”

After saying that, He continued patting Duan Changchuan’s back to soothe him, “Your Majesty, take deep breaths. What’s wrong? Where are you feeling unwell? Please tell me, don’t scare this servant …”

But the young man only bit his lips and closed his eyes, not saying a word.

Thus, everyone’s eyes focused on Xiao Shiyi.

The leader of the shadow guards, Xiao Yi, kicked him, “What’s wrong with His Majesty? Speak quickly.”

Shiyi was also puzzled, “His Majesty instructed me to look after the Empress and report back if there were any symptoms … This subordinate told His Majesty about the plague symptoms, that the Empress had a cough and stuffy nose, and His Majesty suddenly fell ill. This subordinate doesn’t know what happened…?”

Before he could finish speaking, he was kicked three times. It was the leader, Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba who kicked him.

Chang Le wanted to smash the inkstone on the table on his head, “It’s not like you don’t know His Majesty is pregnant and you all know how important the Empress is to him! How could you say such things to trigger His Majesty?! Couldn’t you have considered this before reporting?!”

Shiyi was very confused, “But His Majesty told me to report the truth and not tell anyone else.”

After saying that, he looked at the shadow guards’ leader in confusion, “Is it wrong, boss? Didn’t we say that His Majesty’s orders are absolute?”

Xiao Yi, Xiao Qi, and Xiao Ba, “…”

It seemed quite correct, but it was also quite wrong, but they can’t pinpoint what’s wrong …

The young man sitting at the head slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, “The orders were given by me. I want to hear the truth from Shiyi. If I discuss it with you, can I still hear the truth?”

Chang Le quickly comforted him, “Your Majesty, please calm down. Take a deep breath … It’s just a cough and a stuffy nose. Don’t scare yourself. The Empress is blessed by the heavens and will be fine. We often catch colds from the wind or chills at night; it’s normal to sneeze and cough. It doesn’t mean it’s the plague. Please don’t scare yourself. If you fall ill when the Empress returns, how worried would she be …”

It didn’t help.

Chang Le was so angry that he glared at Shiyi and expected better from him, “What’s the Empress’s condition? What’s the situation with the temporary residence? What’s the extent of the plague? Tell His Majesty clearly!”

The honest, tough guard finally realized and quickly added, “The plague is well controlled. It’s been a month, and not a single case has appeared outside Huainan city. Elder Sun arranged for his disciples to patrol the city daily. They immediately treat any household showing symptoms. The medicine works, and fewer people are dying or getting infected. Some have even recovered. Everything is good.”

Chang Le, “What about the temporary imperial residence? Are there any signs of infection?”

“No, none at all! Everyone in the residence is fine. The Empress is even more careful with what she eats and uses. She smoked used items with artemisia atractylodes and the like. The Empress also has that … powerful alcohol. The one that can reduce fever and prevent infection for people who are not infected. It’s very effective!”

Chang Le hurriedly supported Duan Changchuan and reassured him, “You see, nothing to worry about. The plague hasn’t even spread outside Huainan. How could the Empress be infected from so far away? You are scaring yourself. You heard from Shiyi, Her Highness has that special alcohol, such a powerful thing that could prevent infection. The Empress won’t be infected. Don’t you think so?”

Alcohol …

Using it to reduce fever for the sick, isn’t it just basic physical cooling?

Using it to prevent infection for the healthy, isn’t it just disinfection and sterilization?

If Duan Changchuan were an ancient person, he would definitely be fooled by this group of people. But he was from the modern era, he understood modern knowledge.

Alcohol isn’t that magical. Bacteria are everywhere, invisible to the naked eye, and hard to guard against them. Using alcohol doesn’t guarantee 100% infection prevention, maybe not even 50-70%, depending on the situation.

This gave him no comfort at all.

If it weren’t for his identity as the emperor and the little cub in his belly, he would have rushed to the temporary residence immediately.

The people around him kept comforting him, but he couldn’t hear a word.

They kept saying: The Empress may have just caught a cold. It’s the rainy season in Huainan. Maybe she just wore too little when going out.

But Bai Su was an Alpha. Her body was ten times or even twenty times stronger than the average person. A common cold wouldn’t even touch her … How could she cough and have a stuffy nose? This was something he couldn’t explain to others.

This was also why Duan Changchuan had instructed Shiyi that if Bai Su had even the slightest symptom of the pandemic, he had to report it back to the palace immediately.

Because Alpha rarely had a minor illness. Once Bai Su had symptoms, it was almost 100% certain that she was infected.

The more Duan Changchuan thought about it, the more frightened and distressed he became …

Just then, Elder Huang was brought in, grumbling and rubbing his sore back as he entered, “I’ve never ridden such a bumpy carriage! You might as well have called it a torture ride! Pity my old bones are nearly falling apart!”

And the young man who hadn’t said a word since just now and unresponsive despite everyone’s attempts to console him …

The moment the old man came in, he raised his eyes slightly and tears instantly fell.

Old Imperial Physician Huang who was shocked: !!!

He even forgot about his shaky legs from the rough ride, hurrying over to the young man’s side, “What’s wrong? Where does it hurt? Don’t worry, don’t worry, I’ll take your pulse right away. Everything was fine these past few days, the baby should be fine, no need to panic, it’s nothing serious.”

Unexpectedly, the young man didn’t have the intention to take his pulse. Instead, he lifted his arm and gently wrapped it around the old man’s waist.

“Grandpa Huang … Shiyi said that sister has been coughing these days and her nose is stuffy … I’m worried about her.”