Author: hoenibean (Page 2 of 77)

Chapter 70 – I seem to have come to my senses a little. 

When these words were spoken, Xiao Shiqing, He Changzhou, Li Chisu, and Zhao Qiao’s eyes all unconsciously gathered on Zhao Qi. Zhao Qi felt like they were four pieces of name-tagged green tiles, waiting for him to pick one for the night.

To be frank, if he were to pick, he would definitely choose Xiao Shiqing. They’ve slept together so many times, even have children together, so what’s one or two more times? But this isn’t the palace; there are so many pairs of eyes watching. He couldn’t just openly declare, “I want to sleep with the Prime Minister bro.”

Zhao Qi roared inwardly and decided to use an emperor’s commonly used superior method to escape this predicament — the art of procrastination.

“It’s not yet dark, we can discuss this later,” Zhao Qi said, “Fu Zi, go to the villagers’ homes and see if there are any spare rooms available, money is not an issue.” Though their group traveled lightly, as the emperor in disguise, they were accompanied by several skilled guards. Fortunately, these guards would rotate night duty, so staying up all night was not a problem.

Next, everyone divided tasks and worked together. Inside the house, Xiao Shiqing and Yu Chenshui were having a conversation; strong guards went to the village entrance to clear the way with the villagers; Cheng Boyan bought some ingredients from nearby farmers and busied himself in the dilapidated kitchen; He Changzhou and Zhao Qiao, under Zhao Qi’s command, skewered and roasted three of the fattest chickens on “Frost’s Sorrow,” while Li Chisu stood nearby, smiling as he fanned himself.

Halfway through the roasting, Zhao Qi felt the fire was too weak and turned his attention to Li Chisu, “Prince Zhaonan, may I borrow your fan to control the fire?”

Li Chisu was momentarily stunned, then chuckled, “Your Majesty, this folding fan was bestowed upon my late father by the former emperor, adorned with paintings by renowned artists of the previous dynasty…”

Zhao Qi interrupted him, “Alright, I know you don’t want to lend it.”

“Lend it, of course.” Li Chisu put away the fan and handed it to Zhao Qi, “I’ll give you anything you want.”

Not wanting to misuse something precious, Zhao Qi said, “No need, since it’s a treasure, you better keep it safe.”

Li Chisu said, “Consider it my apology to Your Majesty?”

“Apology?”

Li Chisu smiled, “Your Majesty is indeed magnanimous, not holding past grievances against me.”

Zhao Qi was awakened. Amidst dealing with Xiao Shiqing being the biological father of Long Dan’s egg, he had forgotten to settle scores with Li Chisu, unexpectedly, this fellow had come forward voluntarily.

“Grievances? How could I not hold them against you?” Zhao Qi exclaimed angrily, “You’ve committed the crime of deceiving your ruler; it wouldn’t be excessive for Us to take your head!”

Li Chisu continued to smile, “Alright, I’ll wait for Your Majesty to take my head.”

“You are truly… hopeless.”

Since the founding of the Great Jing Dynasty, the southern twelve counties have been under the control of the Li family. Li Chisu commanded tens of thousands of soldiers, and the civil and military officials in the southern provinces were loyal to him. If Li Chisu were truly killed, unrest would rise again before the northern border was pacified, and using Zhao Qi’s feeble political acumen would be more costly than it was worth. Li Chisu understood this, which was why he behaved so recklessly.

“I’ve changed my mind, I don’t want your life.”

“Then what does Your Majesty want?”

“I want…” Zhao Qi deliberately paused, attempting to imitate Xiao Shiqing’s casual and inscrutable tone, “I want your… throne.”

Li Chisu’s pupils suddenly contracted, quickly returning to normal. “Your Majesty is serious?”

Zhao Qi countered, “Prince Zhaonan just said he would give Us anything We want.” He shook his head, sighing, “Men’s mouths, tricking ghosts.”

The curvature of Li Chisu’s lips was subtle, “Regardless, I am Your Majesty’s subject. If Your Majesty wants my throne, I will naturally surrender it with both hands. However, after the feudal reduction, I probably cannot remain in the southern province. Would Your Majesty be willing to grant me a house in the capital city to avoid being homeless?”

Zhao Qi scoffed, “Houses in the capital are very expensive.”

Li Chisu thought for a moment, “I can just move into the palace directly; isn’t half of Your Majesty’s harem still empty?”

“Even if it’s empty, We won’t let you live there.”

Li Chisu chuckled without a word, and the topic of reducing the feudal system ended there.

The chicken was almost done roasting. He Changzhou cut a small piece with a dagger and offered it to Zhao Qi’s lips, “Your Majesty?”

Zhao Qi took a bite directly, thoroughly satisfied, “Delicious! Share it with everyone—has the Prime Minister finished talking with Yu Chenshui? We’ll go see and ask him to join for chicken.”

Before He Changzhou could feed him a second bite, Zhao Qi had already left.

Li Chisu walked up beside him, watching Zhao Qi’s back with him, whispering softly, “Your Majesty relies heavily on the Prime Minister.”

He Changzhou responded with a grunt.

“In other words, Your Majesty can’t do without the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister protects Your Majesty everywhere. In the long run, it’s only a matter of time before Your Majesty falls for the Prime Minister. Look, the first thing on his mind when there’s something good to eat is the Prime Minister.”

He Changzhou’s gaze hardened, “No.”

“Oh?”

“He said he only likes women.”

Li Chisu shook his head and smiled lightly, “So General He Changzhou gave up for this reason? He carries another man’s child in his belly; do you think he can still like women?”

He Changzhou’s cold eyes swept over, “Regardless, I won’t force him—I won’t let anyone force him.”

Innocently, Li Chisu said, “Why do you keep targeting me? You’ve seen it too. In His Majesty’s heart, I’m probably less important than the eunuch waiting by his side. If you want to win over His Majesty, the biggest obstacle isn’t me, but—” Li Chisu stopped abruptly and looked towards the house.

He Changzhou furrowed his brow, “Is Prince Wang idle?”

Li Chisu: “…”

“If so, finish roasting the remaining chicken.”

Zhao Qi arrived at the door. There was no soundproofing in the thatched roof house, so Xiao Shiqing and Yu Chenshui’s conversation could be clearly heard.

“Yu Chenshui, I really want to kill you.”

Yu Chenshui sneered, “Just because I don’t want to be an official?”

“Your crime lies not in your actions but in your intentions,” Xiao Shiqing said, “You possess the talent to save the people, but you disdain the world, despise imperial power, and prefer to sit idle in the mountains rather than serve the court—why?”

Yu Chenshui seemed to be struck by his words, silent as a dead water pond.

Zhao Qi patted his belly and whispered, “Kid, remember this well: intelligence is inherited from your old man, not me. Don’t get that mixed up, okay?”

Xiao Shiqing continued, “I believe in your talent, and I believe you’ve had a plan for flood control long ago. But for the sake of your so-called pride, you’ve coldly watched millions in Jiangxia become homeless and destitute. Such ‘talent’ as yours might not even be worthy of serving the emperor.”

Zhao Qi scratched his nose, feeling that Xiao Shiqing was praising him a bit too highly. It sounded as if he were some eternal emperor or sage, when in reality, he was just a nobody.

Yu Chenshui erupted in silence, “Are you saying I won’t serve as a minister to that little emperor?”

Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow without saying a word.

Yu Chenshui took a deep breath, “Give me enough silver and people, and I’ll ensure peace along the Huai River for fifty… no, a hundred years.”

Zhao Qi was puzzled. Just like that? Just like that?? Yu Chenshui was convinced by this?

“The treasury has limited silver, I can’t let you have an endless supply. I want you to maintain peace along the Huai River for a hundred years with limited manpower and resources.”

Wow, isn’t he taking advantage of the situation? Yu Chenshui agreed?

Yu Chenshui gritted his teeth, “Alright, I accept.”

Zhao Qi: “…” Looks like he lost this round.

Xiao Shiqing nodded, “Good.”

Yu Chenshui turned away, “Prime Minister, aren’t you going to release me?”

Xiao Shiqing smiled, “You’ve offended the heavens, this is what you deserve.”

Yu Chenshui chuckled, “Prime Minister Xiao doesn’t kill, but your psychological attacks are indeed formidable. I admire that.”

Xiao Shiqing turned and left, seeing Zhao Qi standing by the door, he asked, “What?”

Zhao Qi smiled subtly, “Nothing. Brother, are you hungry? Want some chicken?”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes also carried a hint of amusement, “Sure.”

On the wooden table, besides He Changhai’s roasted chicken, there were dishes made by Cheng Boyan. Zhao Qi tasted them first and turned into a supportive fan, “Heavens, what earthly delicacy is this? It rivals the imperial kitchen’s chef! Boyan, being the imperial physician is risky. If you ever want to change careers, let me know and I’ll transfer you to the imperial kitchen!”

Cheng Boyan was overwhelmed by the praise, and somewhat shyly said, “It’s an honor that Your Majesty enjoys the dishes I make. However, Your Majesty must remember not to overeat, otherwise the fetus might become too large, which could be problematic during childbirth…”

Zhao Qi hurriedly interjected, “I know, I’ll only eat one bowl of rice, alright?”

Xiao Shiqing continued, “What happens if the fetus becomes too large?”

Zhao Qi panicked, “Ahhhh— Can’t we just eat peacefully without discussing such things!”

Xiao Shiqing glanced at Cheng Boyan, said no more, and casually picked up a dish with his chopsticks.

Zhao Qi breathed a sigh of relief as he found an extra chicken wing in his bowl, given to him by He Changhai.

“For the little princess,” He Changhai said.

Zhao Qi smiled at him, “Thank you.”

Xiao Shiqing said, “General He should eat his own.”

“He hasn’t said anything, so isn’t the prime minister too broad?” He Changhai didn’t want to be outdone.

Caught between the two, Zhao Qi managed to finish the meal with difficulty.

After dinner, it was almost dark. There was nothing much to do in such a place, so they could only wash up and sleep.

With the silver in place, many villagers were willing to give up their beds, and Fu Zi also brought new bedding. Yu Chenshui’s thatched hut had two rooms: one for Zhao Qi to sleep in, and the other taken by Zhao Qiao.

“My younger brother wants to be closer to His Majesty,” Zhao Qiao said affectionately. “Even if I can’t sleep next to His Majesty, sleeping next door is good enough.”

Zhao Qi was speechless. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I want to sleep in the same room as His Majesty,” He Changhai said bluntly. “This place is not like a palace or an inn. With so few people, to ensure His Majesty’s safety, I’ll stay up all night guarding.”

Xiao Shiqing said calmly, “You can guard at the door.”

“His Majesty wouldn’t let me guard outside all night,” He Changhai said to Zhao Qi. “Right?”

“I really wouldn’t.” Zhao Qi said, “So, you and Xiao Qiao sleep in the same room. If there’s any movement, you can come and help me at once.”

He Changhai: “…”

Zhao Qiao was stunned by the sudden “beautiful blessing,” and asked uncertainly, “Your Majesty, are you serious?”

Zhao Qi knew that he was easily tempted by beauties, so he warned, “It’s just sleeping, don’t read too much into it.”

Li Chisu asked, “Your Majesty, where should I sleep?”

Zhao Qi: “You ask me, who should I ask?”

Life is not easy, Li Chisu sighed softly, “Different people have different destinies.”

Zhao Qi did not say where Xiao Shiqing slept, and everyone tactfully did not ask.

After dark, Cheng Boyan prepared the bed for Zhao Qi and said, “Your Majesty, rest early.”

“Okay— Where is the Prime Minister?”

“The Prime Minister is discussing flood control matters with Yu Chenshui, so Your Majesty doesn’t need to wait for him.”

Zhao Qi coughed lightly, “I didn’t say I was waiting for him.”

After Zhao Qi fell asleep, Cheng Boyan blew out the candle and left. At the door, Fu Zi stopped him. “Master Cheng, the Prime Minister requests your presence.”

After running around all day, Zhao Qi was indeed a bit tired. Half asleep, he suddenly heard someone call him, “Your Majesty—”

Zhao Qi opened his eyes abruptly, and He Changhai’s handsome face was close above him, his starry eyes fixed on him without blinking.

Zhao Qi was startled, half sitting up, “What are you doing…!”

“Shh,” He Changhai’s fingers with calluses pressed against Zhao Qi’s lips, “I’m here to protect Your Majesty.”

“The experts from the Heavenly Mechanism Camp are at the door, why would you need to bother?” Zhao Qi said, “Hurry back to sleep.”

“If the experts from the Heavenly Mechanism Camp are so capable, how could they let me in?” He Changhai looked at Zhao Qi with a meaningful smile, “Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

“I appreciate your kindness, but I really don’t need it.” Zhao Qi yawned, “I’m so tired, I want to sleep, so please go back.”

He Changhai’s eyes gleamed brightly in the darkness. “Your Majesty seems so eager to chase me away. Are you worried that Prime Minister Xiao will arrive soon and you don’t want him to see us together?”

Zhao Qi was at a loss for words. It seemed like he really was thinking that…

He Changhai had trained in martial arts since childhood and had keen hearing. In this quiet night, he could detect footsteps from tens of meters away. He suddenly smiled, changing the subject, “Your Majesty, do you know, when I was still in the palace, Prime Minister Xiao taught me something very interesting. Shall I demonstrate it to you?”

Before Zhao Qi could react, He Changhai leaned over, as if to silence Zhao Qi’s lips.

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 69 – Whose token should I turn over tonight? 

Xiao Shiqing said, “You’ve misunderstood. I didn’t intend to buy.”

That’s good then.

“But after returning to the palace, we can have the Tailor Bureau make one according to it.”

Zhao Qi: “……”

To prevent the little princess from being “harmed,” Zhao Qi quickly pulled Xiao Shiqing away.

Zhao Qi, with a normally pregnant belly of five months, walked and soon started sweating. Just as they passed a stall selling ice noodles, he generously bought a few bowls and treated Xiao Shiqing and Fu Zi who followed them to eat.

“Master, please wait. Let me try it first for you.”

Zhao Qi glanced at the bowl of ice powder in front of him. “Indeed, this ice powder is refreshing, cooling, and helps relieve heat. With the addition of brown sugar and sesame seeds, it’s sweet but not cloying. Truly essential for home and travel—a perfect treat that could silence any critic. Why don’t you try it for me?”

Fu Zi replied hesitantly, “I suddenly feel a bit melancholic, what’s going on?”

After confirming the ice powder was fine, Zhao Qi enthusiastically dug in.

Xiao Shiqing couldn’t indulge in such simple pleasures amidst the bustling streets like Zhao Qi did. Halfway through his meal, Zhao Qi noticed Xiao Shiqing hadn’t touched his bowl and asked, “Brother, not to your liking? Give me face and taste it, the flavor is quite good.”

“No need, I don’t like sweet things.”

“Let me feed you—”

They both spoke at the same time. Before the words could settle, Zhao Qi’s spoon was already at Xiao Shiqing’s lips.

Xiao Shiqing: “…”

This was awkward. Zhao Qi hesitated with the spoon in hand. “If you don’t like it, there’s no need to force yourself.”

Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow, grabbed Zhao Qi’s wrist, and with his hand guided the ice powder into his mouth. “It’s indeed sweet.”

“It’s a pity you don’t like it.” Zhao Qi smiled. “I hope Princess doesn’t take after you, life would be so much less enjoyable without a taste for sweets.”

“It’s not necessarily true.” Xiao Shiqing continued calmly, discussing state affairs with ministers just as he always did, “I have many other pleasures.”

“Such as?”

“Such as raising dragons, feeding dragons, or…” Xiao Shiqing’s tone remained unchanged, “sleeping on a dragon bed.”

Zhao Qi’s ears burned. “Anything else?”

“Not at the moment.” Xiao Shiqing glanced at his stomach. “But who knows what the future holds.”

Trembling slightly with the spoon in hand, Zhao Qi said seriously, “It sounds like all your pleasures involve me?”

Xiao Shiqing did not deny it.

“Then you better protect me,” Zhao Qi said earnestly. “Otherwise, without me, you’d be terribly bored.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let myself get bored,” Xiao Shiqing said. “Nor will I be without you.”

Back at the inn, they were informed that the Prime Minister had sought the expertise of a scholar named Yu Chenshui from Jiangxia, who had returned from an outing late last night. Upon hearing this, Prince Zhaonan immediately set off for Wubang Mountain. Shortly after their departure, Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing returned.

Zhao Qi asked, “Brother, do you think Li Chisu can persuade this expert to come down from the mountain?”

Xiao Shiqing replied, “Unlikely.”

“Oh? Are you sure?!”

“If Yu Chenshui wanted to descend, he would not have waited until now.”

“Then why did you let Li Chisu go for nothing?”

Xiao Shiqing replied calmly, “It’s better than him wandering around you.”

“… So the Prime Minister is settling personal scores.”

“And it might not be for nothing,” Xiao Shiqing pondered for a moment. “Tomorrow, I’ll personally visit Wubang Mountain.”

Zhao Qi said, “Then I…”

Xiao Shiqing didn’t let Zhao Qi finish his sentence. “No.”

“Why?”

“Firstly, the mountain roads are rugged; secondly, as the sovereign of a country, you should maintain the dignity of the emperor and need not personally show respect to scholars like this.”

“But since you’re going yourself, what’s the difference if I go?”

Zhao Qi was somewhat helpless. “But I know you won’t listen to me, so I’ll…”

“Rest well today,” Xiao Shiqing suddenly changed his tone. “I’ll take you tomorrow.”

Xiao Shiqing’s unexpected compliance left Zhao Qi momentarily unsettled before he replied, “Oh…”

Deep in thought, Zhao Qi returned to his room. Seeing this, Jiang Dehai asked, “What’s wrong with His Majesty?”

Scratching his head, Zhao Qi said, “Is the Prime Minister under some kind of spell from his brother?”

The next day, Xiao Shiqing indeed took Zhao Qi in a carriage to Wubang Mountain on the outskirts of Jiangxia City, where it was said that Yu Chenshui lived in a village at the foot of the mountain. For this trip, Xiao Shiqing also brought Cheng Boyan along to ensure Zhao Qi’s comfort. Zhao Qi, in turn, brought He Changzhou and Zhao Qiao.

Facing Xiao Shiqing’s subtle gaze, He Changzhou explained, “The Prime Minister said the mountain roads are too rugged. In case Your Majesty gets tired, I can carry you.”

Zhao Qiao added, “And if Your Majesty gets bored, I can chat with you to pass the time.”

Zhao Qi shrugged. “They’re just idle. But it’s okay to bring them along, right?”

Xiao Shiqing said, “… As you wish.”

Cheng Boyan chuckled, “Your Majesty seems particularly keen on outings lately.”

“You were the one who told me to get out more,” Zhao Qi replied. He’d rather exhaust himself than try Mei Chuan’s suggested method.

“In that case, is Your Majesty planning to hatch dragon eggs?”

“Well…” Zhao Qi appeared pensive. “I haven’t decided yet.”

Cheng Boyan said, “…” Whatever His Majesty says goes.

The carriage stopped at a narrow wooden bridge. Unable to pass, everyone got out. Zhao Qi breathed in the fresh air and sighed, “Surrounded by green hills, flowing water, this place is truly suitable for seclusion.”

Zhao Qiao grinned, “Your Majesty, why the sudden jest with your humble subjects?”

Perplexed, Zhao Qi said, “Did I jest with you?”

“Didn’t Your Majesty just mention ‘flowing water’?”

Zhao Qi threatened, “Do you want a dunk in the water?” How could he have such a shameless brother?!

Everyone laughed at this, and Xiao Shiqing inexplicably glanced at Zhao Qi.

After a brief thought, He Changzhou said calmly, “I think I understand. Your Majesty, would you like me to explain it to you?”

With a straight face, Zhao Qi replied, “No thanks.”

They crossed the bridge on foot and walked through a dense forest until suddenly the scenery opened up.

The village had a secluded paradise-like atmosphere. Situated on higher ground, it had been spared from flooding, with spacious land and well-built houses. The villagers were self-sufficient, rarely visited by outsiders. Zhao Qi and his entourage attracted all eyes as soon as they arrived.

The white-haired old man asked, “Are you guests here to see Master Yu?”

Zhao Qiaoqi replied, “How did you know?”

The old man chuckled, “Yesterday, a remarkable young man came looking for him here. Master Yu’s thatched house is east of the village. You’ll find it when you go.”

Following the old man’s directions, they faintly smelled tea in the air. After a few more steps, they saw a thatched house that looked like it could collapse at any moment. Two people were sitting in front of the house, playing chess, with a kettle of tea brewing beside them. One was dressed in red, handsome and smiling without speaking, clearly Li Chisu; the other wore coarse linen clothes, looking around forty or fifty years old, with dark skin, not much different from ordinary villagers.

Seeing them, Li Chisu exclaimed in surprise, “Master has another distinguished guest.”

Yu Chenshui, focused on the chessboard, casually said, “How distinguished? More distinguished than you?”

“More than anyone.” Li Chisu placed down his chess piece, stood up and bowed, “I pay my respects…”

Xiao Shiqing didn’t want Zhao Qi’s identity exposed, warning Li Chisu with a glance. Li Chisu immediately understood, changing his address, “Prime Minister.”

“Hey, what are you doing?” Yu Chenshui seemed not to hear Li Chisu’s words, discontentedly saying, “Finish the game first!”

Zhao Qi sighed, “To see the emperor so calmly, he truly lives up to his reputation as a great man!”

Xiao Shiqing sneered, saying, “Take him down.”

Fu Zi responded, “Yes.”

Zhao Qi: “???” Wait, aren’t they supposed to recreate the story of Liu Bei’s three visits to the thatched cottage? The script seems off.

Fu Zi moved swiftly; in the blink of an eye, he tied Yu Chenshui securely. Yu Chenshui protested, “Let’s talk it out. Why tie me up? Chisu, what’s going on here?!”

Li Chisu said, “Prime Minister, Yu Chenshui often roams the mountains and means no offense. Please forgive him.”

Zhao Qi tugged at Xiao Shiqing’s sleeve sympathetically, saying, “Brother, weren’t we here to invite him down from the mountain?”

“To deal with such self-righteous people, what use is there?” Xiao Shiqing said, “The lord of Zhaonan was invited, did he agree?”

Yu Chenshui arrogantly said, “I am used to being a wanderer. Without a wise master, I won’t come down from the mountain. It’s useless to take my people!”

Zhao Qi and Zhao Qiaoqi exchanged a glance, silently communicating.

Zhao Qiaoqi: This person has a backbone throughout his life, just like the righteous and noble characters in the story!

Zhao Qi: I feel the same way! I must use my sense of righteousness and kindness to move him, to ask him to come down from the mountain and save the people of Jiangxia from fire and water!

Xiao Shiqing calmly said, “If you don’t come down, I’ll kill you.”

Everyone: …

Yu Chenshui was also stunned, “You…”

Xiao Shiqing continued, “If you come down and can’t control the water, I’ll still kill you.”

“Aren’t you afraid of criticism from the world? In the future, where will wise men dare to join the court?”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 68 – I went shopping with my brother. 

In response to Zhao Qi’s puzzled gaze, Xiao Shiqing calmed down slightly and couldn’t help but chuckle. “What’s been up with you lately? Every time something related to the Little Emperor comes up, you lose your usual composure. Could it be that you’re influenced unintentionally by being around him so much?”

Zhao Qi tilted his head at him. “Brother?”

“Nothing.” Xiao Shiqing glanced at the flower in Zhao Qi’s hand that hadn’t been fully torn apart. “Do you like it?”

“Oh, I don’t know who sent it, just left it at the door.” Zhao Qi tore off the last petal, silently saying “not interested” to himself, and casually tossed the bare stem into the trash. “Seeing pretty flowers does lift my mood.”

Xiao Shiqing remarked, “It’s quite ugly.”

Zhao Qi scratched his head. “I think it’s okay?”

Sitting opposite Zhao Qi, Xiao Shiqing continued, “The Emperor’s belly seems to have gotten a bit bigger again.”

Zhao Qi covered his face. “Brother, please stop.” Since he started showing, his belly had visibly grown day by day, while the rest of his body hardly gained any weight. To keep this from becoming common knowledge, he rarely left the palace now—though everyone who knew could throw a big mahjong party.

Xiao Shiqing smirked slightly. “Looks like the little princess is thriving in the Emperor’s belly.”

Resting his chin on the newly moved table, Zhao Qi sighed. “Yeah, she kicks me even when there’s nothing going on.”

Xiao Shiqing thought for a moment. “Stand up.”

“What does Brother want?” Zhao Qi stood up straight, belly protruding. Xiao Shiqing lightly patted it. “There.”

“?”

“I talked to her, told her to behave and kick you less.”

Zhao Qi burst into laughter. “Are you trying to fool me like I’m a fool?”

Xiao Shiqing nodded. “Yes.”

Zhao Qi’s smile gradually faded, his expression blank. “So, I’ve always been a fool in Prime Minister’s eyes.”

Xiao Shiqing replied meaningfully, “Even if you were a fool, many would still vie for you.”

“…Huh?”

Xiao Shiqing took Zhao Qi’s hand, helped him sit down, and casually remarked, “Li Chisu wants you.”

“Oh?!”

“He Changzhou also likes you.”

“…I know.”

Xiao Shiqing’s tone took on a hint of bitterness. “In the past, you favored Rong Tang as well.”

“Yeah.”

Xiao Shiqing looked at Zhao Qi with meaning. “So, what are your thoughts? These three, in talent and appearance, are rare in the world,” Xiao Shiqing said slowly. “Are you really unmoved?”

Without hesitation, Zhao Qi replied, “Completely unmoved.”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. “Is that so? What if they don’t demand your whole heart, just that you acknowledge them in your eyes, even if they come after others in your heart?”

“That’s easy!” Zhao Qi banged the table. “I’ll appoint Rong Tang as Virtuous Consort, He Changzhou as Honorable Consort ¹HCZ has a pretty high title, almost below ‘Empress’ and RT has a pretty high ranking title too, though not as high as HCZ, as for Li Chisu… I still don’t want.”

“Heh.”

Facing Xiao Shiqing’s hellishly cold gaze, Zhao Qi’s survival instinct kicked in. He quickly said, “Brother, did you really think I’d say that? You’re mistaken! I feel guilty toward Rong Tang, see He Changzhou as a brother, and as for Li Chisu, I don’t even want him even if he’s given to me for free.”

Xiao Shiqing’s expression softened slightly. He sipped his tea and calmly said, “Then what about me? What do you consider me?”

Zhao Qi hesitated for a moment, unable to find a fitting description for Xiao Shiqing’s place in his heart.

Did he treat Xiao Shiqing as a brother? No, though he called him “Brother” out of necessity to curry favor, he couldn’t easily change the habit. True brotherly affection should be like him and Zhao Qiao. Saying he treated Xiao Shiqing as a brother would be a lie even he himself wouldn’t believe.

Were they in a lord-subject relationship? Almost there, but which lord-subject pair could compare to them?

Did he consider Xiao Shiqing as a father to his child? As a lover, a friend? This wouldn’t hold up either. Even now, whenever he recalled those sporadic scenes from that night, he wanted to buy a brain that didn’t remember anything at a high price.

“Aren’t we just sworn brothers?” Zhao Qi ventured.

Xiao Shiqing chuckled. “So brothers end up in bed together and then, result in a big belly. Enlightening.”

Zhao Qi was speechless for a moment and couldn’t help but complain, “Brother came to see me late at night just to ask these boring questions?”

“Not only.” Xiao Shiqing smiled mysteriously. “I came to discuss state affairs with the Emperor.”

“In that case, speak.”

“Didn’t the Emperor forget? When we discuss state affairs, we go to bed.”

“…”

The two lay side by side in bed, and Xiao Shiqing briefly explained the situation in Jiangxia.

The disaster had been barely contained, and the number of displaced people in Jiangxia wouldn’t increase for the time being. However, how to settle the homeless victims was still a problem. Houses were flooded, and the displaced were exposed to the elements, hungry and susceptible to epidemics from congregating in one place for too long.

“But this matter can be entrusted to Pang Dai,” Xiao Shiqing said. “As a county magistrate, he shouldn’t rely on the court for everything. So, once the rain stops, I’ll take you back to the capital.”

“We’re going back to the capital already?” Zhao Qi exclaimed in surprise. “But we haven’t visited many places yet.”

Turning to his side, Xiao Shiqing touched his belly. “How can you go anywhere like this?”

“…Alright.”

“And there’s one more thing. The perennial flooding along the Huai River banks is a chronic problem. If not thoroughly resolved, the treasury will struggle, hindering future campaigns in the northwest.”

Thinking of something, Zhao Qi said, “Li Chisu mentioned knowing a water management expert living in the outskirts of Jiangxia City. I’ve already ordered him to invite the person.”

Xiao Shiqing nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, he mentioned a water expert named Yu Chen Shui, secluded in the outskirts of Jiangxia, renowned locally for his expertise in hydrology and water management.”

Zhao Qi turned over and faced Xiao Shiqing, asking, “Brother, do you know him?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard people recommend Yu Chenshui several times. I even sent people to invite him to serve in court twice. The first time, he refused due to illness; the second time, he disappeared without a trace. He’s said to wander the world and only return to Jiangxia once in a year or so. Li Chisu may not even be able to meet him.”

“Let him give it a try,” Zhao Qi yawned, rubbing his eyes, “It’s such a waste if such a talented person is unwilling to serve the court.”

“Mm.” Xiao Shiqing reached out and pulled Zhao Qi into his arms. “Go to sleep.”

Zhao Qi buried his head against Xiao Shiqing’s chest and asked, “Brother, should I change positions?”

“Why?”

“Sleeping like this, my stomach presses against you.”

“I don’t mind being pressed by you.”

“…Alright.”

The next day, the rain that had been falling for several days finally stopped. The dark clouds dispersed, the sun hung high, and Zhao Qi’s mood improved considerably.

Cheng Boyan and Meichuan came to check his pulse together. Cheng Boyan said, “The Dragon’s Egg in Your Majesty’s belly is slightly larger than usual fetuses at the same stage. There’s a risk of difficult labor when the time comes.”

Zhao Qi was stunned, “Is that true? Should I eat less?”

“Watching your diet is one aspect. Also, walking more regularly will help with natural childbirth.”

“Oh, okay.” Zhao Qi took out a notebook to jot down notes but stopped halfway through. Wait, he hasn’t decided to give birth to this Dragon’s Egg yet, why am I taking notes?

Meichuan said, “I also have a good plan to make childbirth easier for Your Majesty.”

“Meichuan, please tell me.”

Meichuan took out a brocade box and presented it to Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty, please have a look.”

“What is this?” Zhao Qi opened the box to find a crystal-clear, long, slightly thick and round-headed…

With a snap, Zhao Qi closed the wooden box, blushing. “Meichuan, you’ll be punished by my anti-p0rnography team for bringing out such things.”

“Your Majesty misunderstands, this is for your own good,” Meichuan said seriously, “This item, made of warm jade, when placed inside, has the effect of expanding and massaging the birth canal…”

What? Birth canal? What does that mean? Isn’t he supposed to have a cesarean section? Could it be…

Zhao Qi realized something and his whole body trembled.

No, he didn’t accept it!

“I don’t want this Dragon’s Egg anymore!!!”

Cheng Boyan glanced at Meichuan, frowned imperceptibly, and hesitated to speak.

Jiang Dehai, with a motherly heart, quietly put away the brocade box and reminded, “Your Majesty, lower your voice, what if the Prime Minister hears…”

“Let him hear it!” Zhao Qi angrily said, “Who caused me to be like this!”

Jiang Dehai advised, “If this really helps Your Majesty’s future childbirth, you can ask the Prime Minister for help.”

Zhao Qi widened his eyes, “Are you crazy or am I crazy?”

“What do you want me to do?”

Zhao Qi: “…”

Xiao Shiqing walked in, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally resting on Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty?”

Zhao Qi forced a smile, “Cheng Boyan said that walking more helps with childbirth, so I want the Prime Minister to take me out for a walk.”

Xiao Shiqing turned to Cheng Boyan, “Is it true?”

Cheng Boyan repeatedly affirmed it.

Since arriving in Jiangxia, the young emperor basically stayed in the inn and didn’t go anywhere, feeling quite bored. Moreover, his belly could still barely be seen now, but once it grew bigger, he wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. Thinking of this, Xiao Shiqing said, “Then change your clothes.”

“Oh?!” The surprise came too suddenly.

To avoid causing a stir, the two changed into casual clothes and went out with a few attendants.

After the rain, the air cleared up significantly. The common people who had been confined at home came out to buy things, making Jiangxia lively again after a long time.

Walking beside Xiao Shiqing, Zhao Qi couldn’t help but feel a bit captivated by his profile. He suddenly remembered that this seemed to be the first time he and Xiao Shiqing had gone out together among the people.

Today, Xiao Shiqing wore a dark single garment, his eyes deep as a pool, with an imposing manner even when concealed. Perhaps only he in this world could be described as “luxurious”. Thinking that his Dragon’s Egg in his belly had half of Xiao Shiqing’s genes, Zhao Qi felt it would be a shame not to give birth to it.

“What are you looking at?” Xiao Shiqing asked.

Zhao Qi guiltily withdrew his gaze, “Nothing, just looking around. There’s something interesting on that stall, Brother, shall we take a look?”

Xiao Shiqing nodded, “Sure.”

The vendor, seeing their attire, knew they were important guests and greeted them warmly, “Dear sirs, please feel free to browse. Everything here is of good quality and fair price, no deception…”

To ease his embarrassment from licking his lips just now, Zhao Qi pretended to look carefully. Most of the items on the stall were cheap trinkets, similar to what he had seen in a two-dollar store before. After scanning a few eyes, he lost interest and turned to Xiao Shiqing, “There’s nothing I want to buy. Brother, what about you…”

Only to see Xiao Shiqing standing in front of the stall, looking down at an object, lost in thought.

Following his gaze, Zhao Qi saw it was a bright red, rustic-looking tiger-headed hat specially made for children.

Not used to such aesthetics, Zhao Qi said, “…Don’t think about putting this kind of thing on our daughter, thanks.”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 67 – I want to take a concubine?

Zhao Qi fell into deep thought.

To have or not to have children, that was the question. He could list plenty of reasons not to: it was an accident, fear of pain, fear of breastfeeding… But reasons to have a child? After pondering for a while, he could only think of two: first, it was a life; second, it was the child of him and Xiao Shiqing, and Xiao Shiqing wanted him to have it.

Unable to find an answer, Zhao Qi began seeking opinions from those in the know.

Jiang Dehai’s eyes sparkled, “This servant has always hoped to serve the little prince and princess, just like serving the emperor when he was young, making sure they are cute…”

Xiao Jinzi chimed in, “Me too!”

Mei Chuan said, “Your Majesty, you shouldn’t think too much about the pain of childbirth for men. It hurts, yes, but women endure it, so why can’t men?”

Cheng Boyan added, “Your servant will surely do his utmost to ensure the little prince and princess grow up healthy and safe.”

Zhao Qi raised a question, “Have you all been bribed by the Prime Minister?”

All four replied simultaneously, “No, we haven’t.”

Apart from these four, several others knew of Zhao Qi’s pregnancy. Fu Zi was needless to say, completely on Xiao Shiqing’s side; Li Chisu’s opinion Zhao Qi dismissed as insignificant; as for He Changzhou… he still fancied himself as the godfather of the dragon egg.

“Your Majesty? Your Majesty!”

Zhao Qi snapped out of his thoughts, meeting He Changzhou’s concerned gaze. He forced himself to focus and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“I’ve got a new sword,” He Changzhou said, drawing the sword from its sheath to show Zhao Qi.

The sword was extremely sharp, gleaming with a cold, eerie light, dazzling Zhao Qi’s eyes.

“Great sword!” Zhao Qi complimented sincerely, “It suits you perfectly.”

“Then, Your Majesty, would you name the sword?” He Changzhou asked.

Zhao Qi pondered, “Hmm… this sword is cold as frost, terrifying to behold. How about ‘Sorrow of Frost’?”

“Sorrow of Frost…” He Changzhou savored the name for a moment, “Good name, doesn’t sound like something His Majesty would come up with.”

“You don’t need to say the last sentence,” Zhao Qi watched as He Changzhou sheathed the sword with a decisive and heroic motion, unable to help but say, “Changzhou, if I have a daughter, would you still teach her swordsmanship and archery?”

“Huh?” He Changzhou was surprised, “A daughter?”

Zhao Qi shrugged, “A reputedly accurate fortune-teller said so.”

He Changzhou looked a bit displeased, “I don’t want a daughter.”

“Why not?” Zhao Qi chuckled.

“They say daughters resemble their fathers. If it’s a daughter, wouldn’t she resemble Prince Zhaonan?” He Changzhou replied awkwardly.

Zhao Qi hesitated, “Um… I got it wrong. Actually, the dragon egg isn’t Li Chisu’s.”

He Changzhou was greatly surprised, “Then whose is it?”

Just as Zhao Qi was unsure whether to tell He Changzhou the truth, Jiang Dehai came to report, “Your Majesty, Fourth Prince Zhao is requesting an audience.”

Without much thought, Zhao Qi said, “Let him in.”

Zhao Qiao first greeted Zhao Qi, then looked at He Changzhou with a strange expression mixed with astonishment, “General He, you can already get out of bed and walk? You still look so good, not like someone who just had a miscarriage. You are indeed young and strong!”

He Changzhou: “?”

Not only He Changzhou, but Zhao Qi also had many question marks, “What’s gotten into you?”

Zhao Qiao was confused, “Didn’t Your Majesty ask Mei Chuan to remove the dragon egg from General He yesterday?”

He Changzhou: “???”

Zhao Qi: “…” He remembered, at that time, he thought the dragon egg was He Changzhou, in order to vent his hatred, falsely claimed that He Changzhou was pregnant with his child so that Zhao Qiao could find the Japanese physician for him.

He Changzhou was puzzled and puzzled, “Your Majesty? Explain?”

“This is a long story, let’s talk about it later.” Zhao Qi forced a smile, threw Zhao Qiao a sharp look, “What are you here for?”

Zhao Qiao said, “Your Majesty, when can we leave Jiangxia? We can’t go anywhere. We’ve been trapped in the inn all day long, and my brother is almost bored to death.”

“Do you want to go out?” Zhao Qi nodded repeatedly.

“Then you go to Huai River Bank to move bricks and carry sandbags.” Zhao Qi said, “They are short of people there.”

Zhao Qiao cried helplessly, “When you need my brother, call my brother Xiaoguan, and when you don’t need my brother, call my brother to move bricks.”

Zhao Qi readily accepted his accusation, “Have you not heard of ‘Most of the emperor’s family is heartless’?”

After sending Zhao Qiao away, He Changzhou asked eagerly, “Your Majesty, whose child is it?”

“Let me tell you, don’t tell anyone else.” Zhao Qi leaned close to He Changzhou’s ear and whispered three words in a low voice.

He Changzhou stood up suddenly, clenched his fists, his expression complicated, and for a long time he couldn’t say a word. He simply drew “Frost of Sorrow” out of the table and split the table into two halves, “Insidious and despicable villain, Xiao Shiqing!”

Zhao Qi complained to He Changzhou, “He even said he’s just going with the flow.”

“Shameless.”

Was it his imagination, or did He Changzhou’s tone carry a hint of envy?

Zhao Qi asked, “Do you think I should let the Prime Minister’s daughter be born?”

He Changzhou couldn’t remain calm, “So what if he’s a righteous gentleman? He doesn’t even have the naming rights for the dragon egg!”

Zhao Qi imagined, “If it’s a daughter like the Prime Minister’s, wouldn’t she be the most beautiful in Dajing? Hmm, she’d be a great match for her future husband.”

Restlessly pacing back and forth, He Changzhou sighed, “I should have seen through it earlier and reminded His Majesty to beware of the Prime Minister.”

Zhao Qi continued to muse, “But what if her temper turns out like the Prime Minister’s? For a little princess, it’s better to be a bit more considerate.”

Filled with regret, He Changzhou lamented, “Come to think of it, I was the one who escorted His Majesty back to the palace that night. If I had been firm, there wouldn’t have been issues with Li Chi, Su Xiao, or Shi Qing.”

Anxiously, Zhao Qi said, “There’s another thing. In the future, if the little princess asks who her mother is, how should I respond? I can’t tell her the truth, that Xiao Shi Qing is her mother, right?”

He Changzhou sighed, “A single misstep becomes a lingering regret…”

The two spoke past each other, unable to communicate. Eventually, He Changzhou withdrew into silence, while Zhao Qi continued to agonize over whether to proceed with the birth.

This incident was a significant blow to He Changzhou. He knew very well that if the child were Li Chi Su’s, he might still have a chance. But now that the child was Xiao Shi Qing’s, he doubted he could even retain his position as godfather.

Distraught and unable to sleep, He Changzhou considered drowning his sorrows in wine, only to find the main hall downstairs occupied by two unexpected individuals.

Several plates of appetizers and pots of fine wine were laid out on the table. Zhao Qiao and Li Chi Su sat facing each other, enjoying their drinks. Seeing him, Li Chi Su smiled and said, “General He seems to be in a bad mood. Care to join us for a drink?”

Knowing that Li Chi Su was not the biological father of the dragon egg, He Changzhou no longer looked upon him as unfavorably as before. After a brief hesitation, he slammed his sword onto the table with a loud “clap” and took a seat.

Pouring wine for him, Li Chi Su remarked, “General He’s current mood, this prince understands a little.”

He Changzhou glanced at him, “Why are you still here? Didn’t the Prime Minister order you back to your fief?”

“I have other matters to attend to, and His Majesty has granted me a few more days,” Li Chi Su said, pushing a wine flask toward He Changzhou. “Please, General.”

He Changzhou lifted the flask to drink, but Zhao Qiao interrupted loudly, “Wait a moment.”

He Changzhou paused, watching Zhao Qiao, who seemed to have something to say. “Speak your mind, Zhao Gongzi.”

Glancing at He Changzhou’s abdomen, Zhao Qiao said, “Even though General He is strong, he shouldn’t be pushing himself like this. It’s just… well, how can you drink like this?”

Frowning, He Changzhou asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Well…” Zhao Qiao glanced at Li Chi Su, winking and teasing, “General knows this situation very well. How can I say it aloud?”

He Changzhou never got along with spoiled young men like Zhao Qiao, and he didn’t want to waste time talking to him. He raised his head and finished his drink in one go, which amazed Zhao Qiao. This martial artist was truly extraordinary.

“General He,” Zhao Qiao admired, “I toast to you as a real man!”

Ignoring him, He Changzhou poured himself another glass of wine.

Li Chi Su, fanning himself gently, smiled and said, “As they say, drowning sorrows in wine only brings more sorrow. Why not learn from this prince and be more open-minded, more accepting?”

“Open-minded, accepting…” He Changzhou chuckled softly. “I can’t learn Prince’s nonchalance, loving one person when I see one, and letting go when I say so.”

Sympathetically looking at He Changzhou, Zhao Qiao remarked, “Ah, General He, don’t be too upset. You’re still young. If this one is lost, there will be another one.”

“Let go?” Li Chi Su raised an eyebrow. “Who said I’m letting go?”

“Do you think you can compete with him?” He Changzhou’s sharp gaze met Li Chi Su’s, who was astute enough to deduce the situation from yesterday. He replied calmly, “General He is still too young. Wanting to obtain His Majesty, why must it be a competition?”

He Changzhou narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

Li Chi Su’s tone was intriguing. “His Majesty is the emperor, with three thousand beauties in the harem. It’s absurd to think he belongs to only one person. As long as there’s a place for you in his heart, that should be enough.”

Zhao Qiao agreed, “Exactly.”

He Changzhou understood now, contemptuously saying, “So Prince Zhaonan wants to be one of the emperor’s concubines. You, the only royal of a different surname in Dajing, are willing to be someone else’s concubine?”

At this, Li Chi Su laughed heartily, “Being a concubine at least guarantees some benefits. If General He always insists on a lifelong companion, I’m afraid he’ll only watch from afar forever.”

“That’s true,” Zhao Qiao nodded knowingly. “Back when I served the Empress Dowager of Dongying in the Dongying court, wasn’t I also a ‘concubine’? A true man can bend and stretch; what’s wrong with being a concubine? Start as a concubine, and then rely on your abilities to rise. This has been the truth since ancient times.”

He Changzhou’s face darkened. He now understood why these two were sitting together drinking; they were kindred spirits.

“You enjoy your drinks,” He Changzhou picked up his sword and stood up. “Forgive me for not keeping you company.”

Little did the three know that every word of their conversation had been meticulously noted by the attendant nearby, who promptly reported everything to Xiao Shi Qing.

Xiao Shi Qing abruptly closed the half-read report and hurried to Zhao Qi’s room.

Zhao Qi finished counting the wood chips and started counting flower petals. Seeing Xiao Shi Qing’s frosty expression, he held his stomach in distress and said, “Brother, don’t rush me. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Xiao Shi Qing asked, “Are you thinking of taking a concubine?”

Zhao Qi stuttered, “…Ah?”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 66 – Do I look delicious? 

Xiao Shiqing probably isn’t very good at comforting people. After that, he didn’t say much, just holding Zhao Qi and gently stroking his scattered hair.

Zhao Qi didn’t intend to cry like this, but after holding it in for so long, enduring it for so long, and being scared by Xiao Shiqing’s almost predatory look just now, it was understandable that his tear ducts suddenly became active.

… Anyway, don’t call him a sissy.

Zhao Qi unabashedly released his grievances and pressure, feeling somewhat relieved after crying. When he finished crying, he felt better inside, except for the embarrassing hiccup that wouldn’t stop.

So he chose to continue nestling in Xiao Shiqing’s arms until the hiccups stopped.

Xiao Shiqing saw that he wasn’t crying anymore, but his body kept twitching, which made him unusually uneasy. He wanted to help Zhao Qi up and take a good look at him.

Zhao Qi hiccupped again. “Don’t touch me.”

Xiao Shiqing: “… Drinking water can stop hiccups.”

Zhao Qi froze — ah, he’s been found out.

Zhao Qi lifted his head from Xiao Shiqing’s embrace, their eyes met, and Zhao Qi’s cheeks flushed. He pretended to be dead again under the blanket.

As long as he hides deep enough, he won’t be embarrassed!

Xiao Shiqing got up and poured a cup of tea for Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty.”

Zhao Qi continued to pretend to be dead.

“Zhao Qi.”

Well, they’re calling each other by name now; if he doesn’t behave, the consequences might be serious. Zhao Qi slowly got up, took the teacup, and sipped it slowly, suppressing the urge to hiccup.

Xiao Shiqing watched him from the side. It was still raining outside, but the thunder had stopped. Zhao Qi sat on the bed, clothes disheveled, long hair hanging down, eyes red, reminiscent of that night when he was underneath him.

After Zhao Qi finished his tea, Xiao Shiqing hesitated, “About that night…”

Zhao Qi immediately tensed up, feeling like he was facing a major enemy. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to discuss this issue. Even now, he hadn’t completely processed the fact that Xiao Shiqing had slept with him.

“You said you were drugged?” Xiao Shiqing asked.

Zhao Qi nodded.

“Do you know who did it?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Qi shook his head. Rong Tang was already laden with guilt. Since Xiao Shiqing was willing to spare his life, it was better not to add fuel to the fire.

Xiao Shiqing could tell Zhao Qi was lying. “Was it also this person who gave you the fertility drug?”

“No.”

“Oh, I see.”

Under Xiao Shiqing’s subtle gaze, Zhao Qi belatedly realized he had slipped up. Annoyed with himself, he silently cursed Xiao Shiqing for being so scheming and setting him up.

Xiao Shiqing said, “If you don’t want to say, I won’t force you.”

Zhao Qi sighed, “Then… thank you, Prime Minister?”

Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow. “No more calling me ‘Brother’?”

“No more.”

Xiao Shiqing asked in a low voice, “Why?”

“You slept with me, and you still want me to call you ‘Brother’?” Zhao Qi complained indignantly, “There’s no reason for a brother to sleep with his younger brother.”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes darkened slightly, a faint smile on his lips. “Are you unhappy about being slept with by me, Your Majesty?”

Perhaps Xiao Shiqing’s gentleness gave Zhao Qi courage. Gathering his courage, he said, “As a dignified man of seven feet, a sovereign of a country, I wouldn’t be happy no matter who slept with me.”

Xiao Shiqing looked at him calmly, his eyes deep and mysterious, hiding a hint of coldness.

In Zhao Qi’s heart, that night’s experience with Xiao Shiqing seemed more like a disgrace than anything else. No wonder he woke up and forgot all the details, even who the other person was. From beginning to end, he had been deluding himself.

He suddenly regretted stopping earlier. Someone like the Little Emperor, such a little fool, should be properly disciplined in bed, otherwise he’ll never mature.

“Are you really unhappy?” Xiao Shiqing asked.

“Yes.”

Xiao Shiqing casually remarked, “Then why were you crying with tears in your eyes, voice trembling, and constantly moaning? You seemed quite content to me.”

Zhao Qi blushed deeply, “I was drugged to behave like that! Speaking of which, I still want to ask Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister didn’t drug me, why did he sleep with me? Even if I was in heat, you could have called the imperial physician, or even ignored me, I wouldn’t have blamed you. With your strength, you could easily have pushed me away. But instead, you… you actually did it!” And so many times that I woke up the next day feeling like my whole body was falling apart, damn bastard!

Xiao Shiqing seemed caught off guard by the question, paused before saying, “The Emperor was offering himself, crying and begging for me to stay with him. I couldn’t defy his wishes.”

Zhao Qi looked at him coldly, “Heh, but why haven’t I seen Prime Minister obeying my orders at other times?”

“That’s just one of the reasons.”

“Are there other reasons?”

“I wanted to sleep with the Emperor, so I did,” Xiao Shiqing shamelessly said, “Isn’t that going with the flow?”

Damn going with the flow, Zhao Qi and his little Zhao Qi in his belly were stunned. This reason was truly unassailable, leaving him speechless.

“Not… why?” Zhao Qi felt his mind filled with question marks. “Do I look so delicious that everyone is eyeing my ass??”

Xiao Shiqing nodded lightly, “Hmm, not just your looks. You taste even better when slept with, once is never enough.”

Zhao Qi almost choked, unable to catch his breath, “Why should a straight guy like me endure all this…”

“Straight guy?”

Zhao Qi sniffled, “I mean, I just liked women.”

Xiao Shiqing continued, “Dozens of men from the Dongying (t/n: ancient Japan) royal family have used this medicine safely, all giving birth to normal babies without any abnormalities. These men remain men and won’t become any sort of ‘yao’.”

Zhao Qi struggled to contain his embarrassment and blurted out his concern, “But they won’t produce milk, right? I absolutely cannot accept this!!”

Xiao Shiqing glanced almost imperceptibly at Zhao Qi’s chest, a smirk playing on his lips. “I don’t know.”

Unsatisfied, Zhao Qi insisted, “How can such an important matter be ‘I don’t know’?! Send someone to investigate this immediately.”

Xiao Shiqing promised half-heartedly, “If it’s impossible, would Your Majesty still bear children?”

Zhao Qi admitted honestly, “I’m not sure. Do you want me to bear children?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Shiqing replied, “Yes.”

“Why?” Zhao Qi felt bombarded with questions today.

Xiao Shiqing simply stated, “Because it would be my flesh and blood.”

“If the Prime Minister wants flesh and blood, surely many would be willing to bear for you. Why insist on me?” Zhao Qi asked.

Xiao Shiqing sighed with exasperation, “Of course I insist. If this child is a boy, I can pressure the Emperor to appoint him as the Crown Prince. This way, my family would gain power over the realm just by me sleeping once.”

Suddenly understanding, Zhao Qi exclaimed, “I see! That makes sense!”

“…,” Xiao Shiqing sighed deeply, beginning to wonder if this foolish person would one day drive him to his death by exasperation. He closed his eyes and said, “No.”

“No what?” Zhao Qi asked.

“I want you to bear it, not to take over the world. The world belongs to you, to the Zhao family, and no one can take it away,” Xiao Shiqing said slowly. “I don’t want anyone else to bear my child. I only want you… to bear it.”

Zhao Qi stared at Xiao Shiqing in astonishment, suddenly feeling as if Xiao Shiqing was confessing to him.

If that were the case, then Xiao Shiqing’s romantic pursuit was indeed excessive. Being pursued by four extremely attractive people… he had only experienced such treatment when retreating from group battles in games.

For a moment, silence fell between them. Xiao Shiqing seemed somewhat uneasy, looked away, and said, “I have invited a divine physician from Dongying who will arrive in Jiangxia soon. You can thoroughly investigate the matter of men giving birth before making a decision.”

“Oh…” Zhao Qi lowered his head, gazing at his fingers. “I can also ask Mei Shenyi — the one Zhao Qiao brought from Dongying.”

Xiao Shiqing smirked, “Can you trust someone Zhao Qiao brought?”

“…,” Zhao Qi was speechless. The only reliable thing Xiao Qiao’s younger brother did was bring the real medicine for childbirth from Dongying, which alone was enough to make him grateful (or resentful) for a lifetime.

Xiao Shiqing gently lifted Zhao Qi’s chin, locking eyes with him. “Think it over again, hmm?”

Caught in Xiao Shiqing’s gaze, tinged with a hint of hope, Zhao Qi couldn’t bring himself to say “no.” He nodded. “Okay.”

Xiao Shiqing covered Zhao Qi’s eyes with his hand, leaning in close to whisper in his ear, “I’ll wait for you.”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 65 – I’m pregnant with the prime minister’s brother’s baby. 

Several people looked towards the direction of the gate together. Jiang Dehai asked, “What’s going on?”

Zhao Qi shook his head, set down his bowl of soup, and looked at the rippling layers of medicine in the soup, inexplicably relieved. “Let’s go take a look.”

Jiang Dehai opened the door and asked the guards outside, “What’s all the commotion about?”

The guard sounded hesitant, “It’s Prince Zhaonan who wishes to see the Emperor.”

Zhao Qi frowned. “Why is it Li Chisu again? He’s said everything he needed to. What’s he here for now?”

Jiang Dehai said, “Didn’t His Majesty instruct that he would see no one today? Tell him to come another day.”

“I did, but he insists it’s of utmost importance to see the Emperor. He seems really anxious, so…”

Jiang Dehai glanced back at Zhao Qi. After a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Qi nodded.

“Your Majesty!” Li Chisu practically rushed in, still in yesterday’s clothes, his hair slightly disheveled, his face pale and devoid of his usual demeanor.

Zhao Qi said, “Speak quickly.”

Li Chisu’s gaze caught sight of the bowl of soup on the table. He paused for a moment, then took a sudden step forward. “You… drank it?”

A peal of thunder rumbled in the distance, the rain lingering ominously in the clouds, refusing to fall.

Zhao Qi guessed why Li Chisu had come. It was probably to persuade him to reconsider, to leave this child behind. “Not yet,” he said, “but I will soon.”

Li Chisu visibly relaxed. He closed his eyes briefly, his long lashes trembling slightly, as if after restraining himself for a long time, he could no longer hold back. “Your Majesty, I lied to you.”

Zhao Qi stared at those peach blossom eyes that were skilled at beguiling hearts, his own heart tightening. “What did you say?”

Li Chisu took a deep breath and said slowly, word by word, “On the night of the palace banquet, I did not… engage in intimacy with you. I did want to do something to you, but before I could, Rong Tang arrived.”

Zhao Qi’s heart pounded wildly. For a moment, he couldn’t understand Li Chisu’s meaning.

The person who slept with him wasn’t Li Chisu, then the dragon egg in his belly…

Li Chisu smiled bitterly, looking at Zhao Qi’s swollen belly. “So the child in your belly isn’t mine.”

Another deafening thunder shook the room, as if striking within. Everyone held their breath, their gaze fixed on Zhao Qi.

Wide-eyed, Zhao Qi murmured in confusion, “Not yours, not yours…”

Not Rong Tang’s, not He Changzhou’s, not Li Chisu’s either.

Then… whose is it?

The answer seemed imminent.

His head felt like it was about to explode. He looked around blankly, unsure where he was or what he was doing.

“But… that’s impossible.” Zhao Qi lowered his head to look at his belly, silently asking, “Are you really the prime minister’s brother…?”

The dragon egg kicked him—this was the strongest kick he had felt since feeling the fetal movements.

Li Chisu couldn’t hide his heartache and guilt at Zhao Qi’s reaction. “I thought that acknowledging the child would make you look at me differently, treat me unlike others, and have me in your heart.” Li Chisu chuckled self-deprecatingly. “It turns out I was expecting too much.” Instead of valuing him more for the child, Zhao Qi didn’t want the child at all.

Zhao Qi remained stunned.

“I was too selfish, too eager for you, to do this. Whatever the Emperor decides to do with me, I will accept it. I only beg the Emperor to reconsider and spare the child…”

Li Chisu’s words fell on deaf ears for Zhao Qi. At this moment, all he could think about was that the person who slept with him that night was Xiao Shiqing.

He was carrying Xiao Shiqing’s child.

Xiao Shiqing… that noble and aloof man, distant from men and women alike, who once treated him as a puppet, and now… now the lord prime minister, whatever he thought of him, turned out to be the true “culprit”?!

It was him who had forcefully and gently possessed him; he was the one who sat on Xiao Shiqing, unsatisfied, crying out “more”; and it was also him, with his moist hands stroking his back, whispering in his ear, saying those…

He didn’t want to recall those words!

After a long silence, someone shouted, “Lord Prime Minister.”

Zhao Qi suddenly looked up and saw a man in black walking in, bringing with him a chilling aura.

Though it was midday, the sky outside was dark as dusk. The room was lit by lamps, and Xiao Shiqing stood in the semi-darkness, his expression unreadable to Zhao Qi.

Before anyone else could speak, Xiao Shiqing said, “Everyone, leave.”

His voice was calm, carrying the usual irresistible authority.

Jiang Dehai hesitated. “Prime Minister, the Emperor…”

Xiao Shiqing repeated icily, “I said, everyone leave.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Dehai, Xiao Jinzi, Cheng Boyan, and Meichuan left one after another. Li Chisu keenly sensed the oppressive and dangerous atmosphere surrounding Xiao Shiqing, and couldn’t help but worry about Zhao Qi. “Prime Minister, you…”

Xiao Shiqing stared at Zhao Qi without blinking, but his words were directed at Li Chisu. “If you still want your Southern Twelve Provinces, don’t say another word.”

Li Chisu squinted his peach blossom eyes. “Do you think this can threaten me, Prime Minister?”

Xiao Shiqing smiled. “Can’t it?”

Li Chisu laughed. “No, it can’t.”

Xiao Shiqing turned to Zhao Qi. “Let him go.”

Zhao Qi was overwhelmed by Xiao Shiqing’s gaze, struggling to breathe. He managed to say, “Prince Zhaonan should withdraw first. His Majesty and I have… matters to discuss.”

Li Chisu was reluctant, not afraid of Xiao Shiqing, but also didn’t want to make things difficult for Zhao Qi. “I’ll be outside. Call me if His Majesty needs me.”

As Li Chisu left, only the two fathers of the dragon egg remained in the room. The storm finally broke through the dark clouds, whipping against the ground. Rain splashed outside the window, hazy and misty.

Listening to the rain, Zhao Qi’s lips trembled. “Is it… brother?”

Xiao Shiqing glanced at the bowl of soup beside Zhao Qi’s hand, his eyes cold and serious. “Do you want to drink?”

Without hearing Xiao Shiqing’s answer in person, Zhao Qi stubbornly repeated, “Is it you?”

Xiao Shiqing’s Adam’s apple rolled, and his thin lips lightly opened. “Yes.”

At that moment, Zhao Qi couldn’t describe his feelings. When he thought the dragon egg belonged to He Changzhou, he felt frustrated and uncomfortable; when he thought it was Li Chisu’s, he felt nauseous and angry. Now, he just felt absurd, unable to understand.

Why would it be Xiao Shiqing? It shouldn’t be?!

Xiao Shiqing looked down at him quietly. “You knew it was me?”

Zhao Qi reacted slowly, subconsciously murmuring, “Uh…”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes were deep and cold, his voice chilling to the bone. “You knew it was me, yet you still want to get rid of him?”

He approached Zhao Qi step by step, leaving Zhao Qi no room to retreat, sitting straight on the bed. “Brother…”

“Even before the Southern Expedition, you knew about this and kept it from me until now, not to secretly give birth to the child, but…” Xiao Shiqing’s words abruptly stopped. He looked down at him condescendingly, the intense pressure making Zhao Qi unable to say a word.

Xiao Shiqing sneered coldly, “Who was the one who held me back and wouldn’t let me go back then—how come, now that you have a child, you don’t want to admit it?”

“I didn’t!”

“You didn’t?” Xiao Shiqing raised his eyebrows. Holding Zhao Qi’s chin in both hands, he forced Zhao Qi to look at the bowl on the table. “Then tell me, what is this?”

With Xiao Shiqing’s stern expression and indifferent tone, Zhao Qi hadn’t seen this side of Xiao Shiqing in a long time. He felt a chill rising from the depths of his heart, as if he were facing Xiao Shiqing for the first time.

Zhao Qi swallowed nervously. “It’s… it’s a miscarriage potion…”

At the mention of “miscarriage potion,” Xiao Shiqing’s eyes filled with fury, and he embraced Zhao Qi’s waist from behind, pushing him onto the bed from behind, his knee squeezing between Zhao Qi’s legs, like a predator towering over its prey, easily within reach.

“It seems that His Majesty has never quite remembered what happened that night. Should I help His Majesty remember?”

Danger approached, and even the weakest prey would struggle, let alone Zhao Qi.

“Let go of me!” Zhao Qi pushed back with both hands, but Xiao Shiqing twisted him in place, rendering him unable to move.

Feeling the jade belt around his waist being undone, Zhao Qi knew Xiao Shiqing wasn’t joking. He was really about to reenact the scene from the Festival of Longevity Palace Banquet. His eyes reddened instantly as he shouted, “Brother, please don’t…!”

“If you scream louder,” Xiao Shiqing coldly and mockingly interrupted, “let everyone outside hear how the emperor enjoys himself.”

A chilly hand slipped into Zhao Qi’s clothes. He shook his head desperately. The golden crown symbolizing supreme imperial authority rolled from the bed to the corner with a crisp sound.

“You… bastard!” Zhao Qi choked out, tears streaming, “Xiao Shiqing, you universal bastard!”

“Bastard?” Xiao Shiqing leaned close to his cheek, gently licking away tears, “I’m a bastard. Then what does that make the emperor who’s fathered by a bastard?” He held one of Zhao Qi’s hands, forcing it to touch the slightly swollen abdomen. “What is the emperor carrying?”

“A… a little bastard!”

Xiao Shiqing chuckled softly. “This little bastard will soon be obliterated by his imperial father. But before that, let him see how his father conceived him, alright?”

“No, please!” Zhao Qi trembled in Xiao Shiqing’s embrace, tears falling relentlessly. “I didn’t know! I really didn’t know! I was drugged into this, I didn’t want it… Why, why do you treat me like this, sob sob sob…”

Xiao Shiqing abruptly stopped his movements.

“I didn’t know it was my brother’s child, I didn’t even know who that person was that night!” Zhao Qi cried like a grievously wronged child. “I was drugged into this with you. I didn’t want this… Why, why do you treat me like this, sob sob sob…”

Xiao Shiqing fell silent for a moment, then turned Zhao Qi around and held him face to face.

Once Zhao Qi started crying, he couldn’t stop. His tears soaked Xiao Shiqing’s clothes. “I’m a grown man, unexpectedly pregnant with who knows whose child, and you don’t know how scared and sad I am. How can you still scold me! Are you even human!”

“… Xiao Shiqing’s heart was almost broken by Zhao Qi’s tears. He kissed Zhao Qi’s forehead gently, his voice unusually tender. “Hmm, I’m not human. Your Majesty, please don’t cry.”

“Sob sob sob… Hic.”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 64 – I’m going to beat eggs. 

Zhao Qiao was brought in and before he could fully grasp the scene inside, Zhao Qi pounced on him in a bear hug.

Zhao Qi vigorously patted Zhao Qiao’s back, “Why did you take so long to come! If you were any later, you could have become an uncle, you know!”

Zhao Qiao endured Zhao Qi’s unprecedented enthusiasm, feeling both honored and surprised, “Your Majesty, I’ve missed you so much. I think of you all the time, even when eating and sleeping!”

Zhao Qiao wasn’t exaggerating; he really did think of Zhao Qi all the time, even during intimate moments with his concubines, eager not to delay the Emperor’s affairs.

“Where’s the physician from Dongying?” Zhao Qi’s face was full of urgency as he asked impatiently, “Where is he?”

“He’s waiting outside,” Zhao Qiao replied.

“Good, you may leave,” Zhao Qi dismissed Zhao Qiao with a slap on the back, “Quick, bring the physician in!”

Upon seeing the physician from Dongying, Zhao Qi felt a mysterious and somewhat pretentious aura coming from him—

The physician was dressed strangely in all black, wearing a black mask (?), with only his dark eyes visible, making it impossible to guess his age or appearance. Zhao Qi felt like at any moment he might fold his hands together, raise two fingers, perform a ninja invisibility technique, and disappear with a “poof”.

Zhao Qi hesitated for a moment, then looked down and confirmed that the physician was indeed male.

The physician bowed deeply to Zhao Qi, showing no sign of the usual nervousness when meeting the Emperor, “This humble one is Meichuan, greeting Your Majesty.”

Zhao Qi personally helped Meichuan up, affectionately saying, “So it’s Physician Mei. We’ve been waiting for you for so long. Quickly, take a look at my belly.” Zhao Qi proactively lifted his clothes, exposing his abdomen to Meichuan.

Meichuan was surprised to find that the Emperor was pregnant, but he knew what to ask and what not to ask. Without much ado, he examined the pulse and felt the belly, coming to a conclusion, “It’s a girl.”

Zhao Qi: “???”

Meichuan: “Your Majesty, this humble one has a unique talent for accurately discerning the gender of babies in pregnant women.”

Zhao Qi: “Your talent doesn’t seem very useful then.” But it could be handy for setting up a fortune-telling stall.

　Xiao Jinzi seemed somewhat regretful, “The first one is a princess…”

　　”What’s wrong with a princess? I quite like girls, a cute little princess… Wait,” Zhao Qi realized he was getting sidetracked by them, quickly steering back, “I didn’t ask you to look at this. Doctor Mei, can you get rid of the child in my belly?”

　　Doctor Mei Chuan said, “Your Majesty, it’s nearly the fourth month of pregnancy, equivalent to the fifth month for normal women. The fetus is already formed. In another four months, the little princess can be born—Your Majesty, you should consider this carefully.”

　　The dragon egg in his belly kicked again, and Zhao Qi paused, sitting down slowly on the chair.

　　At this moment, he realized clearly that there was a small life growing inside him, slowly but surely. He… no, she, perhaps inherited half of his genes, as He Changzhou said. She might look a lot like him, a miniature version of Zhao Qi. To erase a “little Zhao Qi,” he…

　　Just as Zhao Qi’s determination wavered by one percent, Jiang Dehai’s voice accompanied by a knock interrupted, “Your Majesty, Prince Zhaonan requests an audience.”

　　Very well, that one percent was gone.

　　”No need to consider further,” Zhao Qi said decisively, “I’ve made up my mind about this child.”

　　Mei Chuan nodded, “Please prepare the ink and paper, follow my prescription to gather the medicine.”

　　Zhao Qi asked, “Is it for a medicinal abortion?”

　　”Yes,” Mei Chuan said, “The prescription is complex, the preparation process is intricate, and the medicine must be taken promptly after preparation, or its effectiveness will be compromised.”

　　”When can I have the child removed?”

　　”Around noon tomorrow.”

　　Zhao Qi hesitated for a moment, “Will it be painful?”

　　”Your Majesty can imagine cutting out a piece of flesh or a bone from your body—how could it not be painful?”

　　Zhao Qi persisted, “Isn’t there a painless way?”

　　”…There isn’t.”

　　Zhao Qi clenched his teeth, “Then please, write down the prescription, Doctor.”

　　Li Chisu had been waiting outside for a long time. Zhao Qi neither summoned him nor dismissed him, so he could only wait patiently.

　　Finally, there was movement. Xiao Jinzi came out leading a man dressed in exotic attire. Li Chisu glanced at the man—this attire had distinct Eastern characteristics. Could this man be from Dongying?

　　”Prince,” Jiang Dehai said, “Your Majesty asks you to come in.”

　　Li Chisu regained his senses, straightened his clothes, and entered the room.

　　”Your Majesty.”

　　Zhao Qi looked up at him, his eyes seeming poisoned, as if he wanted to poison him to death.

　　Li Chisu was of noble status, exceptionally handsome, well-versed in the ways of romance, a dream lover for many men and women in Nanzhou. Now, being looked at with such disgust by the person he most desired and favored, he truly felt hurt. “Have I offended Your Majesty again?”

　　Zhao Qi never had a good impression of playboys like Li Chisu. Now, forced to carry his child, Zhao Qi saw Li Chisu as fundamentally flawed. He couldn’t even be bothered to curse at him anymore. “What do you want?”

　　Li Chisu’s tone was slightly serious, “A matter of importance.”

　　”Speak.”

　　”Your Majesty, although the disaster in Jiangxia is said to be a natural calamity, it is also partly due to human causes. Since the founding of our dynasty, there have been repeated floods and blockages in transportation due to a lack of talented water management officials. Take the current disaster in Jiangxia as an example. Local officials are patching up rather than addressing the root causes. Even if they can temporarily alleviate the disaster, it is by no means a long-term solution.” Li Chisu spoke eloquently, “As the saying goes, to control water, it is better to dredge than to block, and better to divert than to dredge.”

　　Zhao Qi didn’t expect Li Chisu to bring up something so serious. Last night, he and Xiao Shiqing had discussed this in bed, and Xiao Shiqing had lamented, “Our dynasty lacks a great Yu.”

　　Zhao Qi looked skeptical, “Do you understand water management?”

　　Li Chisu smiled, “I don’t, but I know who does.”

　　”Who?”

　　”This person is a renowned scholar in Jiangxia, living in seclusion on Wumang Mountain outside the city. He is extraordinarily talented in waterways, but he is aloof and refuses to associate with others of lesser caliber. He was a close friend of my late father and taught me for a period when I was young. Your Majesty, if we can persuade him to come down from the mountain, the matter of water management will surely be twice the result with half the effort.”

　　”Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

　　”A few years ago, I visited him once and asked why he refused to come down. He said… he said the emperor was incompetent and unworthy of his service.”

　　”…” Oh, so the blame is on him again.

　　”Although he is stubborn, I am willing to try on Your Majesty’s behalf to persuade him to manage the water—only asking Your Majesty not to hurry me away too quickly.”

　　Zhao Qi sneered, “After all that talk, is this what you’re here for?”

　　”Yes, and no,” Li Chisu said, “I also sincerely wish to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

　　Zhao Qi thought for a moment, “If this person is really as capable as you say, even if I have to visit him three times, I will invite him down the mountain.”

　　”I’ll leave immediately. Your Majesty is the emperor, and there’s no need to lower yourself like this. Besides…” Li Chisu paused, “The road to Wumang Mountain is rugged, and Your Majesty’s current condition is heavy. It’s not suitable for mountain climbing.”

　　”Rest assured, I won’t be heavy for long.”

　　Li Chisu was taken aback, “What does Your Majesty mean?”

　　Zhao Qi said calmly, “The divine doctor from Dongying is here. Tomorrow at noon, he will help me remove the dragon egg.”

　　Li Chisu fell silent for a moment before asking, “Is Your Majesty really going to do this?”

　　”If the dragon egg wasn’t yours, I might have hesitated a bit,” Zhao Qi looked down at his belly, which was growing day by day, “Unfortunately, it is yours.”

　　Li Chisu chuckled, but there was no humor in his eyes, “In that case, I’ve implicated this child. If I were to say that this child isn’t mine, would Your Majesty give him a way out?”

　　Zhao Qi frowned, “What do you mean?”

　　The words almost came out, but Li Chisu didn’t say them in the end. Zhao Qi already disliked him so much, if he found out he had lied to him again…

　　”It’s nothing,” Li Chisu heard himself say, “Since Your Majesty has made up your mind, I have nothing more to say.”

After finishing speaking, Li Chisu was stunned.

Zhao Qi nodded and said, “I permit you to stay in Jiangxia for five more days. Find a way to invite that water management expert you mentioned down from the mountains. If there’s nothing else, you may withdraw.”

Mei Chuan, dressed in foreign attire, coming in and out of the Emperor’s residence naturally caught Fu Zi’s attention. As soon as Xiao Shiqing returned to the inn, Fu Zi reported this matter to him.

Fu Zi asked, “Prime Minister, should I investigate this person’s background?”

Without needing to investigate, Xiao Shiqing already knew that the person was likely the Japanese physician Zhao Qi had invited. However, he wasn’t sure of the extent of the person’s true abilities.

“You say this person was brought by Zhao Qiao?”

“Exactly.”

“…Then we should investigate.”

“Understood.” Seeing Xiao Shiqing’s thoughtful expression, Fu Zi asked, “Prime Minister, do you have any concerns?”

Xiao Shiqing slowly said, “What do you think the Emperor intends by inviting such a physician from afar?”

“Naturally, it’s to ensure a successful childbirth.”

Initially, Xiao Shiqing thought the same, but he began to feel something was amiss. The young Emperor had been by his side, waiting for him to speak or even subtly hinting, but he hadn’t. Could it be that the young Emperor truly intended to deceive everyone?

Moreover, since Zhao Qi had concealed this from him, he probably didn’t want him to know about the child’s existence. After the child was born, he wouldn’t acknowledge him as the father either.

So, what did that make him? The young Emperor took fertility drugs to have a child and sought him out merely for bloodline compatibility, with no connection to the Xiao family?

His thoughts grew increasingly chaotic. Xiao Shiqing forced himself to stop speculating and asked, “How much longer until the person I asked you to find arrives?”

Fu Zi replied, “The journey from Japan to Jiangxia is long. Even without rest, it will take several tens of days round trip.”

“Too long.”

Fu Zi fell silent. Having followed the Prime Minister for many years, this was the first time he clearly sensed his turmoil—Xiao Shiqing was agitated, even somewhat panicked.

Xiao Shiqing closed his eyes. He was afraid he might have to break his promise.

“Keep an eye on the Emperor,” he instructed Fu Zi, “Take note of everything he does and says. Report immediately if anything is amiss.”

“Understood.”

That night, the candles in Zhao Qi’s, Li Chisu’s, and Xiao Shiqing’s rooms burned through the night.

The next day was similarly gloomy. Thick dark clouds rumbled with thunder, oppressive and suffocating.

Zhao Qi sat by the window, staring absentmindedly at the clouds.

A strange, indescribable scent drifted into his nostrils. He turned his head and met Mei Chuan’s eyes peering in from outside. “Your Majesty, the medicine is ready.”

Zhao Qi’s heart tensed. He couldn’t tell whether he was more nervous or scared, but his voice trembled when he spoke, “Bring it in.”

Jiang Dehai closed all the doors and windows. Xiao Jinzi, Cheng Boyan, and others stood before him. Each looked different, yet their expressions and gazes were strangely similar—they were all worried about him.

Zhao Qi glanced at the bowl of medicine. It looked no different from the previous tonic he had taken, but its effects were completely different.

“Physician, are you sure?” Zhao Qi asked anxiously.

Mei Chuan replied, “If something happens to Your Majesty, I won’t leave Jiangxia alive. I won’t risk my life, let alone Your Majesty’s. Please rest assured.”

“What will happen to me after I drink this medicine?”

“You will endure severe abdominal pain for half a day, followed by the expulsion of blood clots.”

Upon hearing the words “blood clots,” Zhao Qi’s already pale face turned even paler. “Damn…”

His dragon’s egg, the dragon’s egg of four months, was about to turn into blood clots…

Jiang Dehai couldn’t bear to hear this and couldn’t help but advise again, “Your Majesty! Please reconsider, Your Majesty—”

Mei Chuan reminded him, “Your Majesty, the medicine must be drunk while hot, otherwise the fetus won’t be expelled cleanly, and Your Majesty will suffer in the future.”

…Damn it, here goes nothing!

Zhao Qi took a deep breath, no longer hesitating. He picked up the bowl of soup and was about to drink it when suddenly a commotion came from outside the door.

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Chapter 63 – My little bridge is back! (Part 2) 

When Zhao Qi turned around, Xiao Shiqing had already sat up. Perhaps because he still had a slight fever, his eyes seemed misty, his face slightly flushed, adding a touch of charm to his nobility.

Relieved, Zhao Qi cried out, “Ah, brother is finally awake. I couldn’t hold on much longer…”

Xiao Shiqing looked at him softly, “How long have I been asleep?”

“An entire day.”

Xiao Shiqing was somewhat speechless, “… Just one day and you’ve worn yourself out like this? Come here.”

Zhao Qi obediently sat down beside the bed, “Brother, are you hungry? Should I have someone bring you a bowl of noodles?”

“Didn’t you just eat noodles?”

“Uh, how did you know?”

“I could smell it.” Xiao Shiqing casually touched Zhao Qi’s abdomen, “Looks like you ate quite a bit, hmm?”

Feeling guilty, Zhao Qi tugged at his outer robe, covering his stomach, “If you’re not hungry, shall we look at these memorial books first?”

Xiao Shiqing looked up and saw the mountain of memorial books on the table, narrowing his eyes.

“Half of these I’ve reviewed myself, and the other half I’m not sure how to handle. Brother, you…”

Before Zhao Qi could finish his sentence, Xiao Shiqing had already pulled him close and onto the bed, and the two fell into a warm and fragrant embrace.

Cheng Boyan tactfully withdrew, leaving only Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing in the room.

Xiao Shiqing pressed Zhao Qi gently, avoiding his stomach, and said with a hint of restraint, “You cried beside my bed for so long just to wake me up early and help you review these memorials?”

“… What else could it be? Wait, Xiao Shiqing, you heard all that?”

Zhao Qi’s face changed, cautiously probing, “Brother, what did you hear?”

Xiao Shiqing countered, “What do you think I heard?”

With his long hair cascading onto Zhao Qi’s face, tickling him slightly, Zhao Qi twisted his fingers nervously, “It was all nonsense. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes were deep, noncommittal.

Seizing the opportunity to change the subject, Zhao Qi said, “Prime Minister Brother, the flood situation in Jiangxia, the allocation of disaster relief funds, and the appointment and dismissal of two third-ranking officials in the capital are all waiting for your decision.”

Xiao Shiqing couldn’t help but smile.

Unaware, Zhao Qi continued, “Most importantly, Prince Huai’s forgery of customs clearance documents and unauthorized departure from the capital.”

Xiao Shiqing fell silent for a moment, lying on his side, “Noted.”

“Noted? Is that all?”

“Brother, shouldn’t we send someone to bring him back?”

“No need,” Xiao Shiqing said casually, “he should return on his own. If he doesn’t, there may be trouble in the northern border.”

Confused, Zhao Qi asked, “If we were going to let him go back eventually, why did we detain him in the first place?”

Xiao Shiqing explained, “To undermine his army’s morale, buy time, and find an excuse for future military expeditions.”

Though Zhao Qi only partially understood, if Xiao Shiqing said so, he had nothing more to worry about. A heavy burden was lifted from his heart.

Suddenly, Xiao Shiqing said, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

“What question?”

“Who are you trying to bring here?” The two lay face to face, Xiao Shiqing staring into Zhao Qi’s eyes, his voice slow and deliberate, “The Japanese divine doctor?”

Zhao Qi’s mind raced, quickly concocting a seamless excuse on the spot, “I was worried that the imperial physician couldn’t heal you well. I heard that the doctors from Japan are highly skilled, so I thought of inviting one to take a look at you…”

Xiao Shiqing watched the little emperor lie without batting an eye, his emotions complex. He then smiled faintly and said, “Funny thing is, noticing Your Majesty’s prolonged illness, I’ve invited a renowned physician from Dongying. He’ll arrive in Jiangxia soon. When he does, let him examine Your Majesty. Surely he’ll find out the reasons behind Your Majesty’s recent loss of appetite and excessive sleepiness.”

Zhao Qi’s face turned pale upon hearing this. He forced a smile and said, “My illness is already cured, Brother. Look, now I can eat a lot at every meal.”

“No harm,” Xiao Shiqing replied calmly. “Since the physician is already on his way, it’s better to have him check, to prevent… any relapse of old ailments.”

Zhao Qi gasped, “No! There’s no way I’ll relapse!”

Xiao Shiqing toyed with Zhao Qi’s hair with his fingertips, smiling lightly. “Are you so sure about that?”

Zhao Qi’s mind raced. If indeed another physician from Dongying came to diagnose him, his secret about the dragon egg would be exposed, unless he could get rid of it before then.

Life or death, it depended on whether Zhao Qiao’s physician or Xiao Shiqing’s physician arrived first.

Xiao Shiqing observed every subtle reaction from Zhao Qi and asked softly, “What are you thinking?”

Zhao Qi’s thoughts were chaotic. He blurted out, “I’m… wondering why Brother wants to discuss these matters in bed with me.”

Xiao Shiqing chuckled, “Is it inappropriate to talk about state affairs in bed?”

“Well, discussing state affairs doesn’t seem quite appropriate…”

“I think it’s rather nice,” Xiao Shiqing half-joked, half-seriously. “From now on, let’s discuss matters in bed, Your Majesty.”

“Oh,” Zhao Qi replied, “shall I bring the memorials to bed for you to review?”

Xiao Shiqing smirked, “You are indeed diligent in state affairs. Lie down, I’ll fetch them.”

Despite still recovering, Xiao Shiqing reluctantly reviewed the memorials. He lay on the outer side, shielding Zhao Qi from the light, allowing him to sleep peacefully on the inner side.

After thoroughly reviewing all the memorials, including those already endorsed by Zhao Qi, it was almost dawn.

He lay down again, his hand resting gently on Zhao Qi’s abdomen, and whispered, “Any movement?”

The little dragon egg seemed to respond, kicking gently under his father’s skin.

Xiao Shiqing smiled faintly, almost sighing as he murmured softly, “Good.”

As Cheng Boyan had predicted, Xiao Shiqing’s young and strong constitution responded well to the medicines. After a night’s rest, most of his illness had receded. When he got up, Zhao Qi was still asleep. Xiao Shiqing specifically instructed Jiang Dehai not to wake the emperor, letting him sleep as much as he needed.

Cheng Boyan brought medicinal soup and cautioned, “Prime Minister, your illness is not fully healed yet. Please finish the soup before you leave.”

Xiao Shiqing took the bowl and asked, “Cheng Boyan.”

“Here.”

“What exactly is His Majesty’s illness?”

Cheng Boyan bowed his head, “Your Majesty is suffering from discomfort due to differences in climate and environment, which have affected his health.”

Xiao Shiqing glanced at him and drank the soup in one go.

It was rare to find someone so loyal and fearless even in the presence of the emperor. For now, he decided to keep Cheng Boyan around.

Zhao Qi woke naturally from his sleep, finding the pillow beside him empty. Yawning, he asked, “Where’s the Prime Minister?”

“The Prime Minister has gone to attend to matters,” Jiang Dehai replied. “Before leaving, he instructed us to be quiet and not disturb Your Majesty.”

Zhao Qi settled back into bed contentedly. “Then I’ll lie down for a bit longer.”

Thus, what was the point of being an all-powerful emperor when one was exhausted like a dog, having no time to enjoy even the grandest luxuries? It was better to delegate some power to trusted individuals. Life was short, and seizing the moment for joy was the wisest choice.

For example, right now, no one could drag him out of bed—absolutely no one!

Just as Zhao Qi was self-soothing, a eunuch rushed in anxiously, “Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

Keeping his eyes closed, Zhao Qi asked, “What’s the matter?”

“They’re here, they’re here! Young Master Zhao Si has returned with the physician from Dongying!”

Zhao Qi sat up abruptly, exclaiming, “Quick, spread the word!”

T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep