Author: hoenibean (Page 3 of 78)

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~

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 62 – My stomach can’t wait any longer!

Not mentioning the dragon egg was fine, but as soon as Zhao Qi mentioned it, he wanted to immediately expose Li Chisu’s egg. “If you don’t move aside, I’ll call someone.”

Zhao Qi’s threat didn’t have any effect. Li Chisu wasn’t afraid at all. “If Your Majesty calls someone, then what?”

Zhao Qi said fiercely, “Then I’ll throw you into the Huai River to feed the fish.”

Li Chisu pretended to be surprised. “So when our child asks how his father died, will Your Majesty tell the truth?”

Zhao Qi sneered, “Do you really think I would let this child be born?”

Li Chisu was even more surprised. “But this is royal blood, maybe the future heir to Your Majesty’s throne. Of course, we should have the child.”

“I have other royal blood; you don’t need to worry about this.” Zhao Qi walked past Li Chisu and continued forward.

Li Chisu followed closely behind. “Your Majesty, no one can predict the future. Pregnancy and childbirth are matters of fate. They say ‘more children, more blessings.’ If this is true for commoners, it is even more so for royalty. Please consider the state and the people, and think carefully before deciding.”

Zhao Qi suddenly stopped and turned to look at Li Chisu. “You make sense, but I can also tell you, I will never allow this child to be born.”

“Why?” Li Chisu asked without hesitation.

Zhao Qi replied coldly, “Because it’s your child.”

Li Chisu was stunned.

“I won’t let someone like you father my child.”

“Someone like me…” Li Chisu smiled wryly. “What kind of person am I?”

Zhao Qi cursed bluntly, “You don’t even have a legitimate queen. There are already many women in the palace, yet you’re still not satisfied. You flirt outside at every opportunity, claiming to be romantic but actually just promiscuous. You treat sex like a meal, without love, only lust. You’re superficial—someone like you doesn’t deserve to be the father of my child.”

Li Chisu fell silent, his peach blossom eyes dim and hurt. “Is that how Your Majesty sees me?”

“I may have been harsh, but isn’t everything I said true?”

Li Chisu smiled self-deprecatingly. “Yes, everything Your Majesty said is true. But those are all in the past. Since I met Your Majesty, I haven’t been with anyone else.”

Zhao Qi rolled his eyes dramatically. “You’re quite proud of that. Should I be moved by you now?”

Li Chisu felt suffocated, unable to handle the situation as smoothly as before. “Does Your Majesty have to keep dwelling on the past? As long as Your Majesty is willing to give me a chance, I will not disappoint you.”

“No chance,” Zhao Qi said without hesitation.

Li Chisu sighed. “But I really love Your Majesty, and we already have a child.”

Zhao Qi glanced at him sideways. “Did you say the same to your exes?”

Li Chisu choked for a moment. “Th-this is different. I never had children with them.”

By this time, Zhao Qi had already reached the outer hall, where Sikong, in charge of water affairs in Jiangxia, had been waiting for some time.

“I’ve said all I need to. Pack up and return to your fiefdom,” Zhao Qi said.

Li Chisu was left standing there, experiencing heartache for the first time. He returned to his room in frustration. Xiaoyu saw his expression and knew immediately that he had hit a wall. She pitied and taunted him, “What did Xiaoyu say? My lord, the Emperor is after all the Emperor. You should just give up.”

Before Li Chisu could respond, Suhua spoke up, “My lord rarely meets someone he likes so much. He probably won’t give up easily.”

Li Chisu smiled bitterly. “Ah, I’ve been despised.”

Suhua asked, “Does my lord regret it?”

Li Chisu nodded, reflecting seriously. “Regret.”

Xiaoyu gloated, “When my lord was frolicking in the flowers and sleeping around, why didn’t he think of today? In Xiaoyu’s opinion, we should tidy up and return to Nanzhou as soon as possible.”

Li Chisu thought for a moment and said slowly, “No rush. I still have a way.”

First, Zhao Qi discussed flood control plans with Sikong Jiangxia, but after a long discussion, they still couldn’t come up with a perfect solution. Then he immersed himself in urgent memorials sent from the capital. Each one presented a dilemma that required him to provide the best solution in a short time, taxing his brain cells with every document.

One of the memorials reported that Prince Zhao Tong had somehow obtained customs documents stamped with the imperial seal, and had left the capital five days ago, heading north.

Zhao Qi vaguely felt something suspicious but was unsure whether he should pursue him. Helpless, with Xiao Shiqing still unconscious, he brought up the matter during the council session, but the ministers held differing opinions and bickered incessantly in his ear, giving him a headache. Ultimately, it was of no use.

After the meeting dispersed and the other ministers left, only He Changzhou remained, looking at him with concern. “Is Your Majesty very tired?”

“Exhausted,” Zhao Qi said, covering his face with his hand. “Why are there so many problems… why!”

He had been managing court affairs for a while now, but after just one day in sole control, he was already struggling to cope.

No wonder many emperors in history had short reigns. Day in and day out, waking earlier than the rooster and sleeping later than the dog, with the nation as the field and him as the ox, plowing tirelessly. It would be strange if they lived long.

“Now I understand the kind of days Prime Minister lives,” Zhao Qi sighed bitterly. “He still manages to spend so much time with me. How does he do it?”

He Changzhou said, “The Prime Minister is busy, but I’m not. So Your Majesty should stick less to him and more to me.”

“I won’t,” Zhao Qi said firmly.

He Changzhou looked dejected. “Oh.”

“By the way, why didn’t you voice your opinion when we discussed Prince Zhao leaving the capital earlier? Do you think I should pursue him or let him return to his fiefdom?” Zhao Qi asked. “He Changzhou said, “Prime Minister has always been decisive and never listens to others.”

Zhao Qi sighed softly. “He’s like that with everything.”

“Yes, that’s why he’s not a good person. The Emperor should keep his distance from him.”

“Let’s talk business!”

“… My suggestion is to wait until the Prime Minister wakes up. It’s possible this is his scheme.”

Zhao Qi couldn’t think of a better way, so this was all he could do for now.

By the time he finally finished dealing with the day’s urgent political matters, it was late at night. Jiang Dehai brought him a late-night snack. “Your Majesty, you’ve hardly eaten all day. Quickly eat this bowl of noodles to fill your stomach.”

Zhao Qi wearily picked up his chopsticks and asked, “How is the Prime Minister’s brother doing?”

“The Prime Minister has taken his medicine and slept all day. His high fever has turned into a low fever.”

“I’ll go see him.”

With bowl in hand, Zhao Qi walked and ate until he reached Xiao Shiqing’s bedside, with only half a bowl left.

He took a sip of soup, looked at Xiao Shiqing lying in bed, burped, and called out softly, “Prime Minister Brother…”

Xiao Shiqing was deeply asleep, his breath warm.

Zhao Qi rambled on, “I’ve been busy all day today, didn’t even have time for a proper meal.”

“…”

“Zhao Tong somehow got hold of my imperial seal and has already left the capital for the northern border. Brother, what should I do?”

“…”

Zhao Qi patted Xiao Shiqing’s straight nose, “Ah, please get better soon and share my worries.”

“…”

With a troubled expression, Zhao Qi muttered quietly, “If Zhao Tong and the original plan are the same, marching from the northern border to the capital, driving me off the throne, I might as well jump into the river now. One death for two lives, and no need to fight anymore.”

Xiao Shiqing seemed to sense something, his fingertips twitching slightly.

Finishing the remaining noodles while looking at Xiao Shiqing’s face, Zhao Qi said, “I’m going back to rest. Brother, you must wake up tomorrow.”

Zhao Qi was about to get up when he suddenly froze, maintaining a posture of uncertainty, looking perplexed.

Cheng Boyan asked, “Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”

Zhao Qi looked down at his own stomach, his expression gradually turning fearful, “I-I felt a movement in my stomach just now.”

Cheng Boyan suddenly realized and smiled, “Your Majesty, that’s the baby moving.”

Zhao Qi was stunned, flustered, “Does this mean… it’s already formed?”

“You could say that,” Cheng Boyan replied, “as the months go by, the movements will become more frequent. It’s a normal phenomenon, Your Majesty, no need to worry.”

Zhao Qi nearly choked on his food, “Why hasn’t Zhao Qiao found the Japanese divine doctor yet? If this continues, I’m going to be a grandfather!”

Xiao Shiqing slowly woke up and heard Zhao Qi’s words, smiling knowingly, “Who are you trying to bring here?”

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 61 – I am a little fool.

Xiao Shiqing paused for a moment, “Bring him in.”

Doctor Zhang was quickly “invited” in. Poor man, at his age, he was frightened out of his wits and sent back to his hometown. Just as he was settling into a few peaceful days, suddenly the dark guards descended on him without explanation, dragging him all the way to Cangzhou. During the journey, he had no chance to rest or eat properly. After a few days of this treatment, his old bones were almost falling apart, but what he found most unbearable was the psychological terror.

When he saw the all-powerful Prime Minister, he trembled and knelt down with a thud, “I, I pay my respects to the Prime Minister.”

Xiao Shiqing cleared his throat lightly, looking down at the old doctor from a high vantage point, his expression unreadable.

Fu Zi, seeing him cough, felt a bit concerned and asked, “Prime Minister, are you feeling unwell?”

Xiao Shiqing shook his head, “Ask.”

Doctor Zhang stammered nervously, “What does the Prime Minister wish to know? This humble one will speak all that he knows.”

Fu Zi said, “Doctor Zhang, over three months ago, His Majesty fell ill. He summoned you to diagnose him. You prescribed a stomach-strengthening and damp-dispelling prescription. Is this true?”

Upon hearing Fu Zi mention this, Doctor Zhang, already timid by nature, was directly frightened. His voice trembled, “Y-yes, indeed.”

“But the next day, your student Cheng Boyan prescribed a completely different medicine for His Majesty. Doctor Zhang, who made the mistake, you or Cheng Boyan?”

Doctor Zhang wiped his sweat nervously, “I-I do not know…”

Fu Zi was about to ask further when Xiao Shiqing raised his hand to stop him, “Speak plainly. What illness does His Majesty suffer from?”

“His… His Majesty suffers from qi deficiency, blood deficiency, damp heat in the intestines…”

Xiao Shiqing coldly interrupted, “I have no time for your beating around the bush.”

Before Xiao Shiqing could utter a threatening word, Doctor Zhang couldn’t hold back anymore. With a pale face, he cried out, “Prime Minister! Prime Minister—this humble one really dares not say! His Majesty, unexpectedly, unexpectedly…”

Xiao Shiqing suppressed his voice, restraining himself, “Is His Majesty… pregnant?”

Fu Zi, usually composed and calm, widened his eyes as if hearing an incredible tale, and this incredible tale came from Prime Minister Xiao. For a moment, he thought he might be hallucinating and couldn’t help saying, “Prime Minister, this…”

Even Doctor Zhang was stunned, “Prime Minister, you knew?”

Xiao Shiqing fell silent for a moment, then bent down, grasped Doctor Zhang’s collar urgently, “I was right, wasn’t I?!”

“Y-yes, Prime Minister, when this humble one diagnosed His Majesty, his pulse indeed showed signs of pregnancy for over two months.”

Fu Zi couldn’t believe they were all losing their minds, or perhaps he was losing his own, and asked in confusion, “But His Majesty is a man, how can a man be pregnant?”

At this point, Doctor Zhang revealed everything he knew: “It is said that there is a secret medicine in Dongying. When a man takes it, he can conceive and bear children like a woman. But this is only a legend, and no one has seen it. There is no precedent in Dajing, and this humble one dares not assert…”

As if drained of all strength, Xiao Shiqing slowly released his grip, sank back into his chair, his deep eyes swirling like a whirlpool, “He really…”

Everything suddenly made sense: the young Emperor’s unusual behavior, his physical discomfort, the slight bulge in his abdomen, and the faint movement beneath Xiao Shiqing’s palm last night.

There was truly a little life growing inside the young Emperor.

—His own.

A faint smile tugged at Xiao Shiqing’s lips, unable to contain it, he chuckled softly.

Fu Zi and Doctor Zhang exchanged a glance, silently understanding each other, and the room fell silent.

When Xiao Shiqing spoke again, his voice was hoarse, “Prepare the medicine for him.”

“Yes.” Fu Zi handed Doctor Zhang the prescription written by Cheng Boyan, “Do you understand what this prescription is for?”

Doctor Zhang leaned in cautiously, examined it, and said carefully, “This humble one fears he must consult medical texts back at the palace. If His Majesty is indeed pregnant due to consuming the secret medicine from Dongying, there is a rare book called *Travelogue of Dongying* that details the nurturing and childbirth for a male pregnancy. Perhaps we can follow its instructions.”

Fu Zi asked, “Prime Minister, should I dispatch someone to retrieve the book from the capital?”

“No need,” Xiao Shiqing smirked, “Go directly to Dongying and bring someone back.”

Xiao Shiqing dismissed the two, sat alone for a long time, then changed into fresh clothes and went to the young Emperor’s chambers.

Naturally, the guards dared not stop him. He pushed open the door and saw Zhao Qi sleeping soundly on the bed.

Xiao Shiqing sat down beside the bed, reached out to stroke the young Emperor’s long hair, his brows, the corners of his eyes, and stopped at his slightly parted lips, murmuring softly, “Why didn’t you say?”

Disturbed in his sleep, Zhao Qi furrowed his brows uneasily.

His fingers, usually busy with official documents, played gently with Zhao Qi’s lips, “Planning to hide it from me and secretly bear our child, hmm?”

Between half-dream and half-wake, Zhao Qi opened his eyes slightly, then quickly closed them again. In a daze, he murmured, “Brother…”

Xiao Shiqing’s breath caught. In that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to throttle this forgetful little emperor who had hidden things from him for so long. It was like that night, making him tremble beneath him, eyes moist and red, voice hoarse.

But it was just a fleeting thought.

He closed his eyes, suppressing the surging desire, and got into bed, pulling Zhao Qi into his embrace.

Zhao Qi seemed to fall back into deep sleep, showing no reaction at all.

Xiao Shiqing held his hand, stroking Zhao Qi’s abdomen, gritting his teeth helplessly, muttering, “You silly fool.”

…

In his dream, Zhao Qi felt like he was leaning against a furnace, continuously emanating heat, dispelling the dampness of the rainy season that was so bothersome.

When he opened his eyes again, it was still dark outside. The rain was still falling, but it had lessened, dripping softly with a hint of spring rain.

Turning over, Zhao Qi intended to laze in bed for a while but collided with a warm and solid chest.

Startled, Zhao Qi opened his eyes abruptly, stiffened, then turned his head slowly. Seeing the familiar handsome face, he swallowed his exclamation.

Rubbing his eyes, he confirmed he wasn’t mistaken. “Brother?”

Xiao Shiqing kept his eyes closed, his hand resting on Zhao Qi’s waist.

Zhao Qi frowned. How did Xiao Shiqing end up in his bed? He distinctly remembered sleeping alone last night.

So… did Xiao Shiqing sleepwalk into his bed in the middle of the night?

Staring at Xiao Shiqing’s face, Zhao Qi was full of questions.

Unable to resist, he reached out and gently brushed the other’s eyelashes.

Damn, he looked so good.

“Brother,” Zhao Qi shook Xiao Shiqing’s shoulder, “it’s light out, time to get up.”

Xiao Shiqing’s eyelashes twitched slightly, but his eyes remained closed.

Zhao Qi shook him a couple more times, but Xiao Shiqing still didn’t respond. Growing anxious, Zhao Qi used the back of his hand to touch Xiao Shiqing’s forehead — it was burning hot.

Quickly throwing off the covers and getting out of bed, Zhao Qi called out, “Guards… Summon Cheng Boyan!”

Cheng Boyan and Jiang Dehai arrived. Seeing the Prime Minister sleeping in the Emperor’s bed, they exchanged a subtle glance. What on earth happened last night, they dared not ask nor say.

After Cheng Boyan checked Xiao Shiqing’s pulse, he said, “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has caught a cold, hence the high fever and continued unconsciousness.”

Annoyed, Zhao Qi said, “It must be from standing in the rain by the river yesterday.” He looked at Xiao Shiqing’s slightly pale face with a heavy heart. “I said using an umbrella in such heavy rain was useless.”

Cheng Boyan reassured him, “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is young and healthy. A minor cold like this is nothing to him. With two doses of medicine and a sweat, the high fever will subside.”

Zhao Qi nodded. “Then quickly prepare the medicine.”

He stayed by the bedside for a while. Jiang Dehai entered and said, “Your Majesty…”

Supporting his chin, Zhao Qi looked at Xiao Shiqing and wondered, “Lao Jiang, has the Prime Minister always been this good-looking? Even in illness, he remains so charming.”

Jiang Dehai was taken aback, then smiled. “The Prime Minister is known as the most handsome man of our Great Jing Dynasty, always outstanding in appearance and character.”

“But I used to think he was on par with Rong Tang, He Changzhou, and others,” Zhao Qi murmured. “Why does he seem more attractive to me recently?”

Jiang Dehai thought for a moment. “Perhaps it’s not that the Prime Minister has become more attractive, but rather, Your Majesty, you have changed.”

“Maybe I was blind before,” Zhao Qi concluded, changing the subject. “What’s the situation outside?”

Jiang Dehai suddenly slapped his forehead. “Your Majesty, I almost forgot the important matter. Last night, Jiangxia Sikong, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the disaster inspection, wishes to see you.”

“Oh,” Zhao Qi forced himself to perk up. “Tell him to wait. I’ll see him in place of my brother.”

“Also, inform the ministers and nobles accompanying him that they can proceed with their discussions before the Prime Minister arrives.”

Zhao Qi’s temples throbbed. “Send word that I’ll join them after reviewing the urgent memorials from the capital.”

“Oh, Your Majesty…”

Unable to bear it any longer, Zhao Qi snapped, “Could you please just tell me everything at once?!”

“Yes, yes, Your Majesty’s orders.” Jiang Dehai complied. “Also, Prince Zhaonan arrived early this morning, saying he has urgent matters to discuss with Your Majesty.”

Impatiently, Zhao Qi said, “I don’t want to see him. Tell him to leave.”

Last night, Zhao Qi had confided in Li Chisu about hiding the dragon egg. Li Chisu believed him more readily than He Changzhou did. Without much explanation, Li Chisu said with a silence at first, then smiled and said: “Then I am exhausted. But when the matter arose suddenly, is it possible to tolerate it?”

He first noticed that his face turned black, then the tea cup smashed under Li Chisu’s foot, and said, “Get out of me!”

After a night, Li Chisu had a clear idea, and waited early in the morning.

Waited almost an hour, and finally waited until Zhao Qi left the door and went ahead and said, “Emperor.”

Zhao Qi’s heart is already big, and now he sees Li Chisu’s natural face, “I didn’t let you go?”

Li Chisu asked for a will, “The Minister didn’t hear it. The emperor, I am already sure.”

Zhao Qi’s foot is not stopping, “I’m going to go to the job, I don’t have time to listen to you.”

Li Chisu is long, “I don’t give the minister a face…”

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