Chapter 68: Pregnancy

“The princess is right. The prince also often talks about this matter. It’s me who is useless.” Xia Tong smiled self-reproachfully.

Princess Changyang’s expression shifted slightly. She stopped speaking and simply sipped her tea quietly.

At that moment, a eunuch’s sharp, piercing voice echoed from the front of the hall, “His Majesty the Emperor has arrived! Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!”

In an instant, everyone bent down and knelt, shouting, “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!”

“Rise, everyone.”

The elderly figure before them appeared frail, the loose dragon robe hanging on him gave an inexplicable sense of desolation. His aged face lacked vitality, with deeply sunken eyes, and he needed assistance to sit down properly.

Seeing the old emperor in such poor health, Xia Tong wondered if he would make it to the Lantern Festival. However, recalling the heroine’s words, she realized that this old emperor’s condition was largely due to Gu Qin. Consuming addictive substances was harmful to the body, and it was no surprise that Gu Qin sought revenge, considering that the emperor had once issued orders to confiscate the Gu family’s property.

Suddenly, Xia Tong felt like the luckiest person for having offended the villain yet still being safe. She thought she should ask Gu Qin why he hadn’t killed her from the start.

“Master, the madam is over there. Should we go over?” Qing’er suddenly said.

Xia Tong shook her head and whispered to her, “Go tell Mother that after the banquet, we will return to the Regent’s residence together. Also, inform Father, we’ll have a reunion dinner tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, Qing’er nodded and promptly turned to relay the message.

“People say that auspicious snow heralds a bountiful year, and with our continuous victories at the borders, our dynasty is sure to prosper even more next year. The people will live in peace and thrive, all thanks to the Emperor’s immense blessings,” a minister declared.

As one official spoke, others followed suit, praising the emperor with flattering words that blurred the lines between truth and falsehood.

The elderly emperor’s face looked particularly grim. He squinted, forcing himself to stay alert, and merely waved his hand at the flattering remarks. After a couple of weak coughs, he said, “This is also due to the efforts of my loyal ministers. I am greatly comforted. Tonight, there are no rulers or subjects, all of you should enjoy yourselves.”

“Long live the Emperor!”

The ministers raised their cups in harmony, celebrating their camaraderie. The hall was lively, yet beneath the surface, everyone harbored their own thoughts.

Feeling a bit hungry, Xia Tong grew tired of the milk cakes she had brought. She dared not eat the palace food, so she endured her hunger while watching the dancers. Her gaze fell upon Gu Qin, whose seat was close to the Crown Prince. They seemed to be engrossed in conversation, appearing surprisingly cheerful despite their usual discord.

“Your Majesty, the Rongdi barbarians have repeatedly harassed our border regions, and this time they have launched a large-scale invasion, clearly showing that they do not take our dynasty seriously. In my humble opinion, we should take the opportunity to strike at the heart of their stronghold and teach them a painful lesson!”

A large, muscular general suddenly stepped forward, his booming voice echoing throughout the hall, clearly drunk as his face was flushed.

However, a civil official retorted coldly, “General Liu, your words are mistaken. The Rongdi are fierce warriors accustomed to the climate and terrain of the grasslands. Our generals are not the same, this matter requires careful consideration.”

“But those barbarians have come to our doorstep! They are clearly mocking our dynasty as if we are defenseless. We cannot tolerate such humiliation!” General Liu shouted again.

The other ministers began to murmur, and the dancers retreated, restoring a solemn and tense atmosphere in the hall.

“General Liu has fought on the front lines and should understand that war cannot be resolved in a day. This year has seen severe droughts in Shanxi, and the treasury is not plentiful. Moreover, the weather is not suitable for warfare. Surely, General Liu understands this?” another civil official interjected.

As discussions grew more heated, the old emperor coughed violently, his frail body shaking noticeably. A nearby eunuch quickly offered him hot tea.

“Your Majesty,” the Empress looked over with concern.

The old man’s withered hand trembled as he accepted the teacup. He continued to cough violently amid the clamor of arguments around him. He took a breath, but the teacup shook in his hand, threatening to spill at any moment. Suddenly, with a loud crash, the teacup fell to the ground, and the old emperor collapsed.

“Your Majesty!”

“Father!”

Everyone looked on in horror, and chaos erupted in the hall. The palace attendants hurried to help the old emperor, followed closely by a group of “worried” princes, while the ministers scrambled to follow.

What had started as a fine banquet quickly turned into confusion. Xia Tong sat there feeling helpless. The old emperor’s frequent health issues had become something she was accustomed to, yet she still had to act concerned.

Princess Changyang and Lin Qin hurried to check on the situation, while the other ladies in the hall didn’t dare follow. Soon after, her mother approached.

“It seems today’s banquet will be cut short. Your father and the prince likely have important matters to attend to. We will leave together shortly.”

Madam Liu appeared much more composed, knowing this was not the first time the emperor had fainted in public, everyone had grown accustomed to it. Xia Tong nodded in agreement, understanding that her father and Gu Qin would need to stay in the palace during this time.

However, not long after, someone shouted, “The Emperor has passed away!” and the entire hall erupted in shock. The crowd buzzed with whispers as they hurried toward Qianqing Palace.

Xia Tong’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected the old emperor would not survive until the New Year. It seemed tonight the palace would be thrown into complete chaos.

Supporting her mother, they joined the throng heading to Qianqing Palace, where a large group of ministers knelt, all looking grief-stricken. It was indeed unexpected for such a calamity to strike on a day that had started so well.

As the door swung open, the first to step out was the red-eyed Empress, followed closely by the Crown Prince and his entourage. The somber expressions on everyone’s faces revealed their deep sorrow, but what drew more attention was the imperial decree held by Eunuch Li at the Emperor’s side.

“The Emperor has tirelessly managed state affairs day and night, which has taken a toll on his health. He has just passed away, the royal physician has confirmed it was due to a sudden heart ailment. This is truly a great sorrow. Fortunately, the Emperor anticipated his frail condition and left a decree. Though his passing is deeply mourned, the nation cannot be without a ruler even for a day. I now ask all the ministers to listen to the decree!”

Instantly, all eyes turned to the decree in Eunuch Li’s hands, their hearts racing. Logically, the Crown Prince should ascend the throne, but one could never be sure there wouldn’t be any unexpected events.

“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: I have reigned for thirty-five years, bringing peace to the land and ensuring the people live in safety. The bond between ruler and subjects is harmonious. Though my virtue may not compare to that of Emperor Taizong, I hope future generations will surpass my achievements. The Crown Prince, Xiao Jing, possesses outstanding virtue and greatly resembles me. I wish to pass the throne to Crown Prince Xiao Jing. The Second Prince is granted the title of Prince Tong and given the fief of Yongzhou, the Fourth Prince is granted the title of Prince Jiu and given the fief of Nanzhou, the Fifth Prince is granted the title of Prince Zhi and given the fief of Shuzhou. I hereby commend the Regent, Gu Qin, for his contributions to state affairs and bestow upon him Princess Changyang as his primary wife. All princes must unite and support the new ruler, while the loyal ministers should diligently assist in upholding the state. Thus it is decreed!”

The eunuch’s sharp voice echoed as the only sound in the dark night. Everyone exchanged glances, feeling both expected and unexpected at the same time. They had not anticipated that the Emperor would personally demote several princes to their fiefs, saving the Crown Prince from acting directly and avoiding the reputation of suppressing his brothers. It was as if the Emperor had paved the way for the Crown Prince, though it remained uncertain whether those princes would accept their fates quietly.

Suddenly, heavy snow began to fall outside the palace, and while the Empress wiped her tears, she felt an immense sense of satisfaction. This decree was personally written by the Emperor, making it indisputable; no one could point out any faults.

Amidst the anxiety of the crowd, Xiao Ming was the first to bow respectfully and said, “My brother, you are a man of noble talent and virtue. You deserve to be on the throne.”

In an instant, the other princes also calmly voiced their agreement, as if they held no dissatisfaction. Yet this very calmness stirred unease, throughout history, which emperor had not faced turmoil when ascending the throne? The current tranquility felt even more suspicious.

“His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, is indeed deserving of this honor.”

The crowd naturally echoed in loud agreement, and as the mournful tolling of bells resonated through the palace, the atmosphere grew heavy yet solemn.

Receiving the decree, Xiao Jing personally helped the other princes to their feet. His handsome, chiseled features were marred by sorrow as he scanned the crowd with a solemn gaze, saying, “With the passing of our father, our priority is to handle the matters he left behind. The coronation will be discussed at a later date.”

Seeing the new emperor’s filial piety toward the late emperor, several ministers felt satisfied. The Crown Prince had always acted with prudence and compassion, excelling among the other princes, making his ascension feel justified.

Suddenly, thinking of something, Xiao Jing turned to the seemingly indifferent Gu Qin, “The Regent has tirelessly devoted himself to state affairs, our father has recognized this and granted him Princess Changyang as his primary wife. I hope you will not disappoint our father’s good intentions.”

At this moment, the audience remembered this matter from the decree. Earlier, the Emperor had indeed wished to bestow Princess Changyang upon the Regent, but Concubine Liu had unexpectedly passed away, and Princess Changyang had gone to the royal mausoleum to observe mourning for a year. However, the Regent had already married the legitimate daughter of MInister Xia and was quite favored. Nevertheless, since this was the late Emperor’s decree, it was unlikely the Regent would openly defy it in front of everyone.

Down below, Xia Tong felt a surge of anger, wishing she could drag the late Emperor out to reprimand him.  She couldn’t fathom why he was making things difficult for her!

As their eyes met, looking at the Crown Prince holding the decree, Gu Qin’s expression remained unchanged as he suddenly smiled faintly, “I thank the late Emperor for his grace.”

Seeing his acceptance, Xia Tong restrained her anger, convincing herself to trust Gu Qin, believing he had his own plans. Meanwhile, Madam Liu patted her hand, signaling her to calm down. What man didn’t have multiple wives? Besides, this was the Regent. However, since the other party was a princess, once she entered the residence, it might complicate matters.

Xiao Jing fixed a steady gaze on Gu Qin but said nothing further. He then re-entered the palace, with the Empress following closely behind. Gu Qin glanced in a certain direction below, whispered a few words to Xifeng beside him, and then also went back inside.

Shortly after, a eunuch emerged to tell everyone to return to their residences, stating that the wives of ministers with official ranks of third grade or above should come to pay their respects the following day.

Xia Tong was escorted back home by Xifeng, seemingly concerned for her safety. Accompanying them was her mother, while her father and Gu Qin likely remained in the palace, dealing with various affairs given her father’s position. She was unsure if they would be able to have the reunion dinner together the next day.

On the way, her mother and Qing’er continued to fill her head with advice, saying that as long as she captured the Regent’s favor, she wouldn’t have to fear the princess. She must seize control over the household affairs to prevent anyone from taking advantage of her.

Xia Tong’s expression grew increasingly sullen at their words. The princess hadn’t even entered the residence yet. If that day ever came, she wouldn’t care about the status of being a princess, she would seize every opportunity and stand her ground. No one would touch her man!

“Alright, mother, you should rest now. Qing’er, quickly take mother to the east wing. If anything is lacking, hurry and get it, don’t let her catch a cold.”

Xia Tong urged her mother to leave. Seeing this, Madam Liu lightly tapped her forehead, shook her head, and left with an expression of helplessness.

Feeling relieved, Fang Yu then entered with some food, smiling, “Madam is acting with good intentions. This matter indeed requires vigilance.”

Having eaten little during the palace banquet earlier, Xia Tong was already hungry and quickly sat down to take the bowl of beef porridge. However, the faint fishy smell made her feel a bit nauseous, yet she forced herself to drink it.

“Your appetite has been getting smaller lately. Are you feeling unwell, Master?” Fang Yu furrowed her brows.

After a couple of sips, Xia Tong lost her appetite, shaking her head and revealing a hint of fatigue on her small face, “Perhaps I caught a cold. I’ll be fine in a few days.”

She wanted to eat hotpot, but Gu Qin couldn’t eat spicy food, which was a pity, otherwise it would have been so comfortable to eat mutton hotpot on New Year’s Eve.

“Let me take a look for you,” Fang Yu said earnestly.

Feeling that there was nothing wrong with her, Xia Tong took a bite of the red bean cake and extended her wrist, allowing Fang Yu to press three fingers against it.

“Remember to check if there are enough blankets in Mother’s room later. It’s cold, and we don’t want her to catch a chill,” she advised seriously. Leaning her head on her hand, she stared blankly at the night outside, no longer expecting Gu Qin to return and warm her bed. She finally understood his thoughtfulness.

However, Fang Yu’s expression grew unusually serious. After a moment, she released her grip and seemed hesitant to speak. Noticing this change in her demeanor, Xia Tong felt a twinge of worry. She hadn’t eaten anything from the palace today, so it couldn’t be food poisoning, could it?

After a long pause, Fang Yu suddenly smiled, her eyes brightening. “I may not be well-versed in gynecology, but if I’m not mistaken, you should be about a half month pregnant, Master.”

°.✩┈┈∘*┈˃̶୨୧˂̶┈*∘┈┈✩.°

Author’s Note: A baby is on the way! ⊙▽⊙

The male lead will not be marrying Princess Changyang. There will definitely be no heart-wrenching moments! ⊙ω⊙

Note: The edict is quoted using a template from Baidu.