Category: Whose child am I carrying? (Transmigration) (Page 1 of 7)

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

 

 

Chapter 60 – I listened to Li Chisu’s stories from the past. 

Li Chisu boarded the dragon boat with two maids. Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing had already entered the cabin, leaving only He Changzhou waiting on the deck.

 

He Changzhou shook off the previous dejection he had shown in front of Zhao Qi. Standing upright with his sword, his figure was tall and straight, exuding youthful vigor and noble bearing, though his expression was far from pleasant.

 

Li Chisu met his undisguised scornful gaze and smiled, “Why does General He look at this king like that? Did I offend you in the capital without realizing it?”

 

He Changzhou sneered, glancing at the two maids behind Li Chisu, and said sarcastically, “The Prince of Zhao Nan is indeed as rumored—always accompanied by beauties wherever he goes, even on a dragon boat.”

 

Li Chisu slightly turned his head and said, “Little Fish, Su Hua, General He is praising you as beauties. Don’t you want to thank him?”

 

“No need.” He Changzhou stepped forward, tapped Li Chisu’s shoulder with the sword sheath, and said coldly, “Even if it’s you, it makes no difference. You’re simply not worthy.”

 

After finishing his words, He Changzhou walked away, leaving the three of them staring at each other.

 

Little Fish asked in confusion, “Master, when did you offend this young general?”

 

Li Chisu rested his fan against his chin, pondering, “I’m curious too.”

 

An inner official approached and said, “Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence inside the boat for tea.”

 

Li Chisu nodded and said to the two maids, “You wait outside for me. I’ll go… pay my respects to the Emperor.”

 

Zhao Qi invited Li Chisu for tea mainly to ask about a matter that was both extremely embarrassing and of great importance. However, with Xiao Shiqing and He Changzhou sitting on either side of him, he couldn’t find an opportunity to speak.

 

“Doesn’t the Prime Minister have other matters to attend to?” Zhao Qi asked tentatively.

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “Seeing Li Chisu is important, no matter how busy.”

 

“…Fine then.”

 

The inner official led Li Chisu inside. Before Li Chisu could bow, Zhao Qi said, “Skip the formalities. Please take a seat and have some tea.”

 

Li Chisu smiled and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.” He looked Zhao Qi up and down and said, “Has Your Majesty gained weight?”

 

Zhao Qi nearly spat out his tea, instinctively covering his belly, and looked at Li Chisu with a mix of disgust and complaint. “I’ve gained some weight recently.”

 

Li Chisu’s lips curled into a grin. “Being able to eat is a blessing. Your Majesty is very fortunate.”

 

Zhao Qi inwardly complained about the so-called blessing. “Do you want this blessing or not?”

 

Xiao Shiqing noted Zhao Qi’s reaction and took a sip of tea. “I heard that Your Highness has been in Jiangxia for three days already.”

 

Li Chisu said, “As expected, nothing escapes the Prime Minister’s notice.”

 

“You’ve been away from your fief for several months. Not returning to Nanzhou immediately after leaving the capital—are you not concerned about the morale and welfare of the army?”

 

Li Chisu replied with a leisurely smile, “The civil and military officials of Nanzhou are different from those in the northern borders. When the lord is absent, they do what they need to do without worrying about the lord’s safety. Not to mention a few months; as long as His Majesty gives the word, staying for a year or more is not a problem.”

 

“What good is it for you to stay for a year or more? Should I let you watch the dragon eggs hatch?” Zhao Qi rolled his eyes and said, “Since you’re the ruler of Nanzhou, it’s inappropriate to wander around aimlessly. You should return as soon as possible.”

 

“You’re right, Your Majesty,” Li Chisu said awkwardly, “but I haven’t married a princess yet. Returning to Nanzhou means I’ll be lectured by those old ministers left and right. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.”

 

He Changzhou sneered, “Oh, even at this point, you still want to marry a princess?”

 

Li Chisu was slightly surprised. “At this point? What’s wrong with it?”

 

Zhao Qi shot He Changzhou a “shut up” look and retorted, “I’m the Son of Heaven, not your father. What’s the use of you whining about not being able to marry a princess in front of me all day? Can I just magically produce one for you?!”

 

Li Chisu lightly chuckled, “Your Majesty is right. In such matters, it’s crucial that the young lady herself is willing.”

 

Zhao Qi’s expression darkened further. “But the young lady isn’t willing.”

 

Suddenly, Xiao Shiqing interjected, “That’s enough.”

 

Once Prime Minister Xiao spoke, even the Emperor fell silent, let alone the other two.

 

“An appointed prince cannot stay away from his designated fiefdom for long,” Xiao Shiqing asserted without room for objection, “Within two days, Your Highness must depart for Nanzhou.”

 

Li Chisu’s eyes darkened briefly, then swiftly returned to his usual charming demeanor. “Is this also His Majesty’s wish?”

 

“It is necessary,” Zhao Qi affirmed, showing respect to the Prime Minister’s brother, “What the Prime Minister intends is also my intention.”

 

The smile on Li Chisu’s face faded a bit. “I obey.”

 

In the following days, Xiao Shiqing remained with Zhao Qi, who never found an opportunity to ask Li Chisu.

 

At noon, the dragon boat finally docked in Jiangxia. Unlike in Cangzhou, although the officials of Jiangxia were lined up neatly to greet them, they all looked disheveled, pallid-faced, as if they hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep or a decent meal in days.

 

The Governor of Jiangxia, Pang Dai, a thin man in his forties, stood at the forefront, his official robes stained with wet mud, his hair disheveled. He bowed to Zhao Qi, “Governor Pang Dai of Jiangxia leads all officials here to respectfully welcome Your Majesty.”

 

Curious, Zhao Qi asked, “Governor, where did you come from? Why have you made yourself look like this?”

 

Pang Dai looked ashamed. “I fear Your Majesty might find it amusing.”

 

“You needn’t worry,” Zhao Qi reassured him. “I have received professional training; generally speaking, I don’t laugh.” Unless it’s unavoidable.

 

Pang Dai managed a wry smile. “I was just now involved in rescuing Your Majesty’s palace.”

 

“You mean, my palace was flooded too?”

 

“With continuous heavy rains, many breaches occurred along the Huai River. Most parts of the city are flooded, and even Your Majesty’s palace, though situated high, couldn’t escape this calamity.”

 

“That’s true,” Li Chisu added. “During my three days in Jiangxia, I had to change locations daily. There are now few habitable places left in Jiangxia.”

 

Pang Dai assured him, “But Your Majesty, do not worry. I have found a new lodging for you, a century-old inn here in Jiangxia. This inn—”

 

Interrupting the unnecessary details, Zhao Qi turned to Xiao Shiqing, “Prime Minister, if my palace is in this state, what about the common people in the city?”

 

Xiao Shiqing calmly patted Zhao Qi’s waist, reassuring him, “Your Majesty, first retire to your lodging. I will personally inspect the banks of the Huai River.”

 

“I want to go with you!” Zhao Qi insisted.

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at Zhao Qi’s abdomen. “It’s not safe for you there.”

 

“But…”

 

Xiao Shiqing turned to Pang Dai, “Pang Dai.”

 

“At your service.”

 

“Escort His Majesty to the inn.”

 

Frustrated and a little angry, Zhao Qi muttered under his breath, “Brother completely disregards my opinions again.”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked surprised. “You…”

 

“Forget it,” Zhao Qi sighed. “You go ahead, I’m leaving.”

 

Xiao Shiqing regained his composure and nodded slightly. “Take care on the way, Your Majesty.”

 

With a bit of resentment, Zhao Qi left. Jiang Dehai was about to follow when Xiao Shiqing said to him, “Try to persuade His Majesty.”

 

Jiang Dehai’s smile was bitterly ironic. “This old servant will try his best.”

 

Accompanied by courtiers… oh, there were no court ladies, Zhao Qi traveled by carriage to the inn where he would stay. Along the way, it started raining again, and there seemed to be a trend of it getting heavier. Zhao Qi was somewhat worried, “Did Prime Minister bring an umbrella?”

 

Jiang Dehai smiled, “Your Majesty, rest assured. Even if someone forgot their umbrella, the Prime Minister wouldn’t.”

 

Raindrops the size of soybeans fell heavily on the carriage, making dull thuds. “With such heavy rain, even an umbrella would be useless.”

 

“That’s why the Prime Minister didn’t let Your Majesty accompany him,” Jiang Dehai spoke with a maternal concern, “Many breaches along the Huai River, it’s dangerous. Moreover, Your Majesty is now pregnant; how can you go to such places?”

 

“But he doesn’t know I’m pregnant. Not letting me go is probably because he’s afraid I’ll cause him trouble.” Zhao Qi’s greatest virtue was self-awareness. “But I really am not useful. If I went, I might just be a hindrance to him.”

 

Jiang Dehai hurriedly said, “Your Majesty must not say such things! You are the emperor, how could you be useless?”

 

“Alright, you don’t need to comfort me.” Zhao Qi reassured himself, feeling uplifted. “Although I can’t be there in person, there are still many things I can do.”

 

Upon reaching the inn, Zhao Qi wasted no time and immediately inquired about flood control efforts from Pang Dai.

 

“How many breaches are there currently?” Zhao Qi asked.

 

“In total, Your Majesty, there are twelve breaches. We’ve repaired five, and I’ve documented all of this.”

 

Frowning, Zhao Qi queried further, “As Emperor, I am truly busy and don’t have time to remember everything in your reports. What about the remaining seven breaches?”

 

“I’ve already ordered repairs to continue through the night, but the rain has been incessant…”

 

With a stern face, Zhao Qi pointed out, “I must emphasize, this disaster, I’m sorry to say, carries significant responsibility for you. You’ve been the Governor of Jiangxia for decades; why were precautions not taken?”

 

Pang Dai defended himself, “Your Majesty, I did take precautions, but this year’s rainy season is truly unprecedented.”

 

“In that case, you must…” Zhao Qi paused, firm in his stance, “You must find a solution to this issue.”

 

Pang Dai sighed helplessly, “I want to solve it too, but the materials needed for repairing the riverbanks have always been insufficient.”

 

“We can purchase them.”

 

“But the relief funds from the court have already been allocated to aid the flood victims. The government is truly strapped for resources…”

 

Zhao Qi cut him off decisively, “Purchase them!”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“After all, this disaster is ultimately my fault. My greatest mistake is allowing you to make mistakes.”

 

Pang Dai and the other officials knelt on the ground, “Your Majesty, I dare not. I have made a mistake—”

 

…

 

As night fell, the rain showed no signs of easing. 

 

Xiao Yu packed his belongings while teasing his master, “Well, that’s settled. They didn’t catch up to us, and they sent us back to our fiefdom with our tails between our legs.”

 

Su Hua asked, “Is His Highness really going to Southern Province?”

 

Li Chisu, fanning himself casually, replied, “Not going would be defying the imperial decree, risking one’s head.”

 

Su Hua doubted, “Would His Highness willingly leave like this?”

 

“Of course not,” Li Chisu said leisurely, “I don’t dare hope for much else, but before leaving, let me at least have a farewell encounter with His Highness.”

 

“A farewell encounter?” Xiao Yu exclaimed, “Isn’t that already quite a hope?”

 

Li Chisu playfully tapped Xiao Yu’s head with his fan handle, “Don’t be so harsh with your words, young lady, or you won’t find a husband in the future.”

 

Xiao Yu blushed, “Whether I find a husband or not has nothing to do with His Highness!”

 

As the master and servants chatted, Xiao Jinzi, who had finally recovered from seasickness, knocked on the door and whispered, “Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence.”

 

Xiao Yu was surprised, “Why would the Emperor summon His Highness so late?”

 

Li Chisu smiled, “Indeed, why would the Emperor summon me?”

 

Zhao Qi dealt with the officials from Jiangxia with a mix of kindness and severity until late into the night, before finally having the energy to attend to his “private matters”. He had initially wanted to meet Li Chisu together with them, but after reasoning and appealing emotionally, he sent He Changzhou away.

 

When Li Chisu arrived, only Zhao Qi was in the room.

 

Zhao Qi had changed into casual clothes, with a hint of weariness on his face. Yet to Li Chisu’s eyes, he remained irresistibly charming—a little beauty, if only Zhao Qi’s gaze wasn’t so piercing.

 

Li Chisu smiled and bowed to Zhao Qi, “I greet Your Majesty.”

 

Zhao Qi simply “hmphed” and straightened his posture.

 

“Is the Prime Minister not here?” Li Chisu asked.

 

“He hasn’t returned yet.”

 

Li Chisu remarked, “No wonder—General He Changzhou isn’t here either?”

 

Frowning, Zhao Qi said, “When I’m speaking to you, you keep bringing up others.”

 

Li Chisu’s lips curved with a smile, exuding elegance and grace. “Your Majesty is right. Let’s not mention them, only Your Majesty and I.” Stepping forward, he fixed his watery eyes on Zhao Qi without blinking. “So, why did Your Majesty summon me alone at this late hour?”

 

Zhao Qi mentally prepared himself before speaking slowly, “I want to ask you, during the palace banquet that night, what did you… do to me?”

 

Li Chisu chuckled knowingly, “So Your Majesty is still troubled by that?”

 

“It’s necessary,” Zhao Qi said tersely, “Otherwise, someone might get away with everything scot-free.”

 

“Get away with everything?” Li Chisu was slightly surprised, “Are you talking about me?”

 

“Less talk,” Zhao Qi’s face turned cold, “Tell me exactly what you did that day.”

 

Li Chisu’s thoughts returned to over three months ago.

 

During the palace banquet, he was summoned to the Imperial Garden by an unsigned letter. The person who wrote the letter didn’t show up, and after waiting for a long time, just as he was about to leave, he stumbled upon Prince Huai and Rong Tang meeting privately. He enjoyed the scene without any concern, especially since Prince Huai was involved in his schemes. He only left after watching the scene play out, by which time it was already completely dark.

 

The paths in the palace were intricate. Without a guide, he unknowingly walked near Yonghua Palace and saw a person hurriedly leaving the hall, almost as if fleeing.

 

He recognized that person as General He Changzhou. This young hero was widely renowned, so what could have happened to make him so panicked?

 

Driven by curiosity, he entered the hall and found it empty of even a eunuch or palace maid. He recalled the recent rumors: the Emperor greatly favored his male favorite Rong Tang, even giving up his own sleeping quarters for Rong Tang’s recovery. But even if it wasn’t the Emperor residing in Yonghua Palace now, security shouldn’t be so lax.

 

The inner hall was lit, the door closed but not locked. He pushed it gently, and it opened.

 

Through the layers of curtains, he saw someone on the bed tossing and turning in obvious distress. He approached and recognized the person lying there, astonished, “Your Majesty?”

 

The Emperor’s dragon robe was half-removed, exposing his shoulder, with a clear tooth mark visible. His cheeks were flushed, eyes teary and misty, lips shimmering with a glossy sheen. Even someone as experienced as Li Chisu couldn’t help but feel his breath quicken at the sight of the Emperor in such a state.

 

The Emperor seemed feverish, continuously tugging at his dragon robe, and looked at him with wet eyes, “Help me… help me take it off…”

 

“Do you really want me to help you?”

 

The Emperor nodded, choked up.

 

“But I’ve never taken off a dragon robe before,” Li Chisu teased, “Would Your Majesty teach me?”

 

The Emperor’s long hair lay scattered on the pillow, shaking his head feebly, unable to utter a complete sentence.

 

“Not teaching? Then I’ll have to go slowly.” With nimble fingers, he slowly removed piece by piece of the dragon robe, “Since this was brought to me by Your Majesty yourself, I can’t be blamed.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

When he had only a shirt left, a familiar fragrance wafted over him. He raised his eyebrows in astonishment, “The scent on your body, this is…”

 

He had only smelled this fragrance on Xiao Ya, finding it refreshing and intoxicating. He had specially ordered a search but couldn’t find this kind of fragrance in the entire capital. Why would it appear on the Emperor?

 

He carefully studied the Emperor’s features, increasingly familiar, gradually overlapping with the impression he had. He couldn’t help but smile ruefully—so that was it.

 

The little beauty on the bed, even after being stripped, wasn’t behaving, gripping his hand and refusing to let him leave. A faint blush covered his fair skin, eyes and brows as lovely as peach blossoms.

 

Since the Emperor was his Xiao Ya, he didn’t need to worry about anything anymore.

 

Just as he was determined to take apart his “Xiao Ya” and enter his body, a cold voice sounded behind him, “What are you doing?”

 

Li Chisu returned to his thoughts, covered up the final scene, and told Zhao Qi the truth.

 

Even though Zhao Qi had mentally prepared himself, hearing these words firsthand still drained the color from his face, his anger flaring up. “You removed my dragon robe, and then?”

 

“Then…” Li Chisu’s expression was provocative, “naturally, I used my body to help Your Majesty relieve yourself.”

 

Zhao Qi’s face lost what little color remained—it was indeed as he had suspected. How could it be anyone else but this beastly Li Chisu!

 

Li Chisu chuckled, “Your Majesty, don’t be angry. I will take responsibility for you.”

 

Zhao Qi pounded the table fiercely, gritting his teeth, “I… don’t… need… that!”

 

“Don’t need it?” Li Chisu raised an eyebrow, “If Your Majesty doesn’t need it, why investigate this matter in detail?”

 

Zhao Qi said coldly, “Because I want to tell you, you scum, you’re finished.”

 

Li Chisu: “Eh?”

 

Deep into the night, Xiao Shiqing returned to the inn with a chill. His black robe was soaked, and an attendant had prepared hot water for his bath.

 

He asked, “Has the Emperor slept?”

 

“He retired half an hour ago.”

 

Xiao Shiqing hadn’t even had a chance to remove his outer robe when Fu Zi came to report, “Prime Minister, Doctor Zhang has arrived.”

---

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 59 – My belly is really fat 

In the darkness, Xiao Shiqing’s eyes glowed with a deep, mysterious light.

 

Just a moment ago, the movement beneath the little emperor’s belly had been fleeting, so slight that it was almost imperceptible. Yet his intuition told him that it was no illusion.

 

Xiao Shiqing stared at his own hand for a long time before placing it back on Zhao Qi’s lower abdomen—everything was calm, nothing unusual.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s hand moved over Zhao Qi’s waist, shoulders, legs, and arms, confirming once again that aside from the little emperor’s belly, which hadn’t just remained the same but seemed to have gained some weight, the rest of his body had neither grown nor changed.

 

An absurd thought once again emerged.

 

In his sleep, the little emperor murmured something unintelligible, turned over, and resumed his previous position facing Xiao Shiqing. At that moment, a flash of lightning split the pitch-black sky, illuminating the inside of the boat as if it were daylight. After the lightning, the thunder roared, and Xiao Shiqing gathered his composure, pulling the person into his arms and covering his ears.

 

The heavy rain continued through the night, and by the time Zhao Qi woke up the next day, it hadn’t stopped. With bleary eyes, Zhao Qi looked at the handsome young man sitting by the bed dressing, and it took him a while to remember that he had shared a bed with Xiao Shiqing last night. He called out, “Prime Minister?”

 

Zhao Qi was not fully awake, and his voice was soft, like a newborn kitten.

 

Xiao Shiqing was wearing his outer robe and had yet to secure his crown. His long hair fell over his shoulders, giving him an extra touch of charm and nonchalance.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s gaze towards him was somewhat subtle. “Did you sleep well?”

 

“Mm, it was okay.” Zhao Qi sat up, rubbed his eyes, and asked, “Where is Jiang Dehai?”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “I’ll help you get dressed.”

 

“Ah, that’s too embarrassing.” Zhao Qi said this but still raised his arms to allow Xiao Shiqing to help him with his clothes.

 

While tying the belt, Xiao Shiqing stood behind him and, seemingly casually, said, “Your Majesty’s waist seems to have gotten thicker.”

 

Zhao Qi was startled, and the remaining drowsiness vanished instantly—indeed, it wasn’t just his father’s eyes; the dragon egg had really grown! Little one, how can you be so troublesome? Do you have to develop so quickly?

 

“I’ve been eating a bit more lately, so I’ve gained some weight.” Zhao Qi covered his belly to prevent Xiao Shiqing from feeling it, forcing a smile. “There’s no need to trouble yourself, I can dress myself.”

 

Eating a bit more… Xiao Shiqing’s lips curled into a cold smile. The little emperor’s appetite hadn’t been great for nearly a month; he could barely finish a meal before getting full, and yet he still managed to gain weight—how bizarre.

 

However, since the little emperor wished to keep it hidden, he had no intention of exposing it. He looked at Zhao Qi’s belly and said：“I see.”

 

“Your Majesty, Prime Minister,” Jiang Dehai’s voice came from outside the door, “Do you want to have breakfast?”

 

To prove that he really had gained weight, Zhao Qi deliberately ate a bit more. Fortunately, his morning sickness had improved recently; he wasn’t throwing up as much as before and was able to drink a bowl of porridge with pickled vegetables.

 

“Brother, look,” Zhao Qi said, showing the empty bowl to Xiao Shiqing and trying to cover up, “I’ve had such a big bowl of porridge.”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “You used to drink a whole basin.”

 

“??? Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? I never ate that much before.”

 

“Eat as much as you can,” Xiao Shiqing said, “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

 

In the end, Zhao Qi still ate to the point of being stuffed, holding his slightly rounder belly and grumbling, “So full—hiccup.”

 

Jiang Dehai was both amused and exasperated, “Your Majesty, why go through all this trouble?”

 

Zhao Qi said seriously, “Didn’t you hear Uncle Cheng say? I’m starting to show now, my belly’s getting bigger. I need to create the illusion that I’ve just gained weight so that Prime Minister Brother won’t suspect me.”

 

Jiang Dehai’s expression was complicated, “Your Majesty is indeed wise.”

 

Zhao Qi glanced out the window, “Why is it suddenly so quiet? Has the rain stopped?”

 

“Yes, it stopped not long ago. It looks like the sun might come out.”

 

Zhao Qi was a bit happy, “Then I’ll go for a walk on the deck.”

 

After a day and night of torrential rain, the ship was full of moisture, both damp and hot. Zhao Qi felt that if he stayed any longer, he could hatch eggs. He was also worried about the critically ill He Changzhou, so he first went to He Changzhou’s cabin.

 

The once dashing and spirited young hero was reduced to a state of misery by seasickness, lying motionless on the bed like a stranded mermaid, not even aware when someone entered the room. Beside the bed was a ceramic jar, so he could vomit when needed.

 

Zhao Qi poked the “mermaid” with his finger, “Changzhou?”

 

He Changzhou slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Zhao Qi’s face, his dull gray eyes finally showed a hint of light. He weakly said, “Your Majesty…”

 

Zhao Qi frowned, “How are you doing?”

 

He Changzhou shifted a little, resting his head on Zhao Qi’s lap. Zhao Qi, considering him a “patient,” temporarily allowed him this small indulgence.

 

“Uncomfortable,” He Changzhou mumbled, “Nauseous, want to vomit.”

 

Zhao Qi sighed, “The way of heaven is cyclical, no one is spared.”

 

“What?”

 

“…Did you use the dried tangerine peel that Uncle Cheng gave you?”

 

“Yes,” He Changzhou said with a hint of frustration, “But it didn’t help much.”

 

Zhao Qi expressed deep sympathy, “Hang in there. The rain has stopped, and the ship isn’t rocking as much. We’ll be arriving in Jiangxia soon. Once we’re ashore, you should return to the capital.”

 

He Changzhou shook his head, “No, I want to stay with you.”

 

“You’re seasick to this extent, staying will only cause trouble.”

 

He Changzhou nuzzled Zhao Qi’s lap, “I’ll get better with more practice.”

 

Zhao Qi quoted Jiang Dehai, “Why go through all this trouble?”

 

“I want to be with Your Majesty always.”

 

“Parting is a part of life. Some people drift apart as time goes by…”

 

“Because in the future, I will not only command infantry and cavalry but also the navy, to protect the Great Jing and to protect Your Majesty. As a military commander, how can I be seasick?”

 

Zhao Qi firmly declined, “There’s no need for that. Everyone has their own expertise. Even your model, Zhao Yun, wasn’t skilled in naval warfare.”

 

He Changzhou smiled, “Your Majesty, talk to me for a while longer, and I won’t feel seasick.”

 

“Alright, then I’ll tell you a story about a little duck.”

 

As He Changzhou listened, his face rested on Zhao Qi’s small belly. For Zhao Qi at this moment, his belly was the most sensitive part. He pushed the troublesome head away and asked, “What’s the matter?”

 

“I want to see if the dragon egg will kick Your Majesty’s belly.”

 

Zhao Qi snorted with laughter, “If it kicks, it won’t do so in front of you. You’re not its real father.”

 

He Changzhou was hurt, “Will it only kick in front of the real father…”

 

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!” Jiang Dehai rushed in urgently, “The real father might have arrived!”

 

Zhao Qi and He Changzhou exchanged a glance and said in unison, “What?”

 

Jiang Dehai said, “The lookout boat ahead spotted a pleasure boat. Upon inspection, it turned out that the owner of the boat is… King Zhaonan.”

 

Zhao Qi suddenly sat up, causing He Changzhou’s head to thump against the bed board.

 

“Is that true?”

 

Jiang Dehai nodded repeatedly, “The Prime Minister has already ordered King Zhaonan to board the dragon boat and pay his respects to the Emperor.”

 

Zhao Qi sneered. Great, Li Chisu came to him without him having to search. Now, the identity of the other troublesome father of the dragon egg could be confirmed.

 

“Let’s go meet him.”

 

He Changzhou, who had been half-dead a moment ago, quickly got off the ship, leaving Zhao Qi and Jiang Dehai stunned, “I’ll go too.”

 

When Zhao Qi and the others reached the deck, Xiao Shiqing was already there. Looking forward, they could see a pleasure boat slowly approaching them.

 

Zhao Qi asked, “Brother, didn’t Li Chisu return to his fief in Nanzhou? How come he’s here?”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “There are two routes from the capital to Nanzhou, one of which passes through Jiangxia.”

 

“So, it’s a coincidence?”

 

Xiao Shiqing mocked, “Jiangxia has suffered from floods. Wouldn’t Li Chisu know? Knowing the area is perilous, he deliberately chose this route, clearly intentional.”

 

Zhao Qi stared at the approaching boat—hmph, whether it was intentional or not, it was falling right into the trap.

 

Having slept with me and made me carry the dragon egg, even if Li Chisu had ten eggs, it wouldn’t be enough for me to break.

 

The boat stopped in front of the dragon boat. It was likely Li Chisu’s private vessel—small but exquisite, somewhat like the style of the imperial music bureau in the capital, romantic and warm.

 

Li Chisu stood at the bow of the boat, wearing a scarlet long robe, holding a folding fan. His long, ink-black hair was casually tied behind him, flowing with the river breeze. From his face and posture, he certainly looked like a handsome and elegant figure.

 

Behind him stood two young women in white. One was charming and lovely, while the other was strikingly beautiful but cold. Both had exceptional looks.

 

Meeting Zhao Qi’s elevated gaze, Li Chisu greeted with a gentle smile and eyes like spring water, “Your Majesty, it’s been several months. I hope you’ve been well.”

 

Zhao Qi wished he could poke a hundred holes in him and said coldly, “It really is a twist of fate that I would run into King Zhao Nan here in Jiangxia.”

 

Li Chisu’s smile grew even wider. “It just means that the emperor and I are quite fated to meet.”

 

Xiao Shiqing, with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, said, “Since the prince is here, why not come aboard and catch up with me?”

 

He Changzhou remained silent, but his gaze at Li Chisu was as sharp as a knife.

 

Li Chisu replied with a smile, “Since the Prime Minister has extended an invitation, this prince will naturally comply.”

 

Zhao Qi snorted and turned to enter the boat.

 

Li Chisu watched his retreating figure and asked with a grin, “How was that?”

 

The two maidservants behind him exchanged puzzled glances. “What do you mean?”

 

“The emperor,” Li Chisu said, narrowing his peach blossom eyes, “isn’t he quite adorable?”

 

“The emperor is indeed good-looking, but Prime Minister Xiao beside him is even—wait,” Xiao Yu’s eyes widened as she said anxiously, “Master, you’re not actually interested in the emperor, are you? He’s the Son of Heaven! Please, come to your senses!”

 

Li Chisu sighed leisurely. “It’s too late. I’m already past the point of no return.”

 

Xiao Yu stomped her feet in frustration. “You’re really going to make Xiao Yu angry! If you’re in debt to the emperor’s charm, you’ll have to pay it off in this lifetime!”

 

The other maidservant said calmly, “Xiao Yu, stop. It’s pointless.”

 

“Elder Sister—”

 

“The prince has deliberately stayed in Jiangxia for several days. Can’t you see his intentions?”

 

Li Chisu smiled and said, “Those who understand me, like Su Hua, truly know me.”

 

Receiving her master’s praise, Su Hua remained expressionless. “Your Highness, forgive me for speaking frankly, but Prime Minister Xiao is full of grace and charm. If the emperor were really interested in women, why would he be interested in you?”

 

“Exactly,” Xiao Yu agreed. “What do you have to compare with him? He’s stronger in presence, more powerful, and more handsome than you.”

 

“You two really—” Li Chisu laughed instead of getting angry. “You’re just boosting someone else’s confidence while undermining your own prince’s authority. In my opinion, I may not be inferior to Xiao Shiqing. Not to mention, I have more patience and skill than he does.”

 

Xiao Yu retorted, “But you still need the chance to use your skills.”

 

“And isn’t that why I’m here looking for an opportunity?” Li Chisu said. “Get ready and come with me onto the dragon boat.”

---

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 58 – I slept with my brother?!

He Changzhou proved through his actions that he wasn’t done yet. He chattered incessantly by Zhao Qi’s ear. Zhao Qi was not annoyed, and in fact, it was thanks to this constant chatter that he was somewhat relieved from his discomfort, which he wasn’t sure was due to seasickness, morning sickness, or something brought on by Rong Tang.

 

“Why are you so fixated on the name ‘Zhao Yun’? Do you greatly admire Changshan Zhao Zilong?”

 

He Changzhou’s eyes revealed a trace of fervor as he said, “Yes, my goal since childhood has been to become a hero like him.”

 

Zhao Qi responded grumpily, “It’s better if you don’t become him.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“If you were Zhao Zilong, then I’d be your lord, and that would make me Liu Xuande. That means my son…” Zhao Qi cast him a sidelong glance, “What, do you want to replicate the seven assaults and seven rescues at Changban Slope to save the young lord?”

 

He Changzhou honestly said, “I do, but I’m afraid I might not get that chance. Besides, the emperor’s son isn’t just any young lord; he’s my son as well.”

 

Zhao Qi covered his lips with his hand and said expressionlessly, “No, he isn’t.”

 

Even with his mouth covered, He Changzhou insisted, “He could be.”

 

Zhao Qi was at a loss. It was the first time he had met someone so eager to become a father. He Changzhou was still too young and lacked the hard knocks from society.

 

“Don’t talk about this child. Even if I were to have one, you’d only be a godfather at most.”

 

He Changzhou said, “Being a godfather isn’t bad either.”

 

Zhao Qi spoke earnestly, “Changzhou, as men, it’s a great disgrace to have another man raise a child. You’re my friend, and I won’t allow you to do that. Just give up on this idea.”

 

He Changzhou thought for a moment and said, “I think it’s okay.”

 

“Your opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is mine,” Zhao Qi said firmly. “I can’t accept my friend having a vast grassland on his head—even if it’s a grassland I planted!”

 

He Changzhou didn’t understand Zhao Qi’s meaning, “Grassland?”

 

Zhao Qi waved his hand and concluded, “I’ve made up my mind. There’s no need to persuade me further. If you say one more word, I’ll throw you into the river to feed the fish.”

 

He Changzhou smiled and replied, “Alright, I won’t talk about the child anymore.”

 

Zhao Qi nodded in satisfaction.

 

“Let’s move on to the next topic.”

 

Zhao Qi: “???”

 

“I know how to make His Majesty pregnant,” He Changzhou said with great anticipation, eager to try, “Shall I give it a try?”

 

“…Someone, throw He Changzhou into the river to feed the fish!”

 

And so, He Changzhou was thrown into the river—

 

Of course, this was impossible. After summer began, there were continuous heavy rains in the Huai River area. The water level in the river was high and the current was swift. If someone were thrown in, even with full swimming skills, they’d still meet their end.

 

The second stop of the southern tour was Jiangxia, the area hardest hit by the disaster. As the dragon boat entered Jiangxia, it encountered a new round of heavy rain.

The sky was gray and overcast, and the daylight was as dark as night. Heavy rain poured down, even heavier than the day when Bai Yiping was beaten. The strong wind howled, and the river was raging with waves. Even a dragon boat several times larger than usual had trouble maintaining stability in such conditions.

 

Zhao Qi found himself both amused and helpless, as not only was he affected, but everyone on the boat was also experiencing seasickness to varying degrees and began vomiting.

 

Xiao Jinzi was throwing up from morning till night, unable to stop, his condition so bad that he lay in bed but had to get up frequently to vomit. He Chaozhou, who was usually physically robust, was feeling it the worst. He stayed in his room, quietly experiencing the turmoil in his stomach and had no energy to bother Zhao Qi. In comparison, Zhao Qi’s symptoms were relatively mild.

 

Cheng Boyan had prepared some dried tangerine peel and distributed it to everyone, which could somewhat alleviate seasickness.

 

Zhao Qi increasingly felt that Cheng Boyan was reliable, and he said gratefully, “My minister, I am very grateful for your help.”

 

Cheng Boyan replied, “It is an honor to relieve the Emperor’s worries. By the way, Your Majesty, you have been pregnant for over three months now.”

 

“Seems like it.”

 

“After three months of pregnancy, a woman’s belly will gradually become noticeable; by the fourth month, fetal movement will be felt. According to ‘Travel Diary of the Eastern Islands,’ male pregnancies differ from female ones in that morning sickness, visible pregnancy, and fetal movement will occur earlier than in women.”

 

Zhao Qi looked down at his belly in alarm and asked, “You mean my belly will start showing soon?”

 

Cheng Boyan nodded, “It is summer now, and clothing is minimal. If Your Majesty starts showing, it will be difficult to hide the dragon egg.”

 

Zhao Qi rubbed his forehead anxiously, “What should we do then—has there been any news from Zhao Qiao?”

 

Jiang Dehai said, “If Young Master Zhao does not rest and continues traveling through the night, he should arrive in Dongzhou in about three to four days. I believe that in a few days, Young Master Zhao will bring the Eastern Island’s divine doctor before Your Majesty.”

 

Zhao Qi patted his belly and sighed, “Let’s hope so.”

 

“Your Majesty, forgive me for speaking candidly,” Jiang Dehai said, “Have you not considered finding the other father of the dragon egg?”

 

Mentioning this made Zhao Qi very upset, “No need to find him. I have a clear idea.”

 

Jiang Dehai asked, “Do you suspect it is Prince Zhao Nan?”

 

Zhao Qi’s face soured, “Who else could it be?!”

 

Gong Gong, who had witnessed Prime Minister Xiao kiss the Emperor publicly, cautiously hinted, “Well, who can say for sure.”

 

Zhao Qi analyzed the situation and frowned, “Prime Minister Xiao should… shouldn’t be the one, right?” Xiao Shiqing didn’t seem like someone who would take such actions against him.

 

Jiang Dehai boldly advised, “Your Majesty, I think you should find out who the father of the dragon egg is before making a decision. If… I mean if the dragon egg really belongs to the Prime Minister, would you… keep the baby or not?”

 

Zhao Qi had always thought the dragon egg was He Chaozhou’s until recently when he realized he might be mistaken. He hadn’t considered this problem before. If Xiao Shiqing was indeed the other father of the dragon egg, the person who had separated his legs that night, then… his worldview would be completely overturned! How could he face Xiao Shiqing in the future, or govern the world together with him!

 

Zhao Qi’s expression was unpredictable, “I refuse to answer that question. I’m going to sleep!”

 

The boat rocked too violently for Xiao Shiqing to be in the mood to review memorials. He stood by the window, looking at the storm outside, and asked the person behind him, “How long until we reach Jiangxia?”

 

Fu Zi said, “If the rain does not lessen, it may take another night.”

 

“Is there any news from Zhang Taiyi?”

 

“Prime Minister, I have sent someone to Qi Lin, Zhang Taiyi’s hometown, through the night. They should be able to bring him before you soon.”

 

Xiao Shiqing casually replied, “So, I still have to wait for several more days?”

 

Fu Zi hesitated before continuing, “There is also Cheng Boyan’s prescription. I consulted several local famous doctors, and they all said they had never seen such a prescription. Some doctors said it resembles the medicine used to stabilize pregnancy in women, but there are ingredients that should not be used for pregnant women, so… I apologize for the mishap and ask the Prime Minister to punish me.”

 

Stabilizing pregnancy medicine, pregnant women, ten months, loss of appetite, fatigue, drowsiness…

 

A wild thought flashed through Xiao Shiqing’s mind. It was so absurd that he laughed at himself.

 

Fu Zi was confused by Xiao Shiqing’s ambiguous smile, “Prime Minister?”

 

“Fu Zi.”

 

“Here.”

 

“Do you think there are men who also…” Xiao Shiqing paused, “Forget it, you can go now.”

 

As night fell, the rain not only showed no sign of easing but grew even heavier. The wind and thunder combined, making it sound as if someone was undergoing a tribulation.

 

Under such conditions, it was impossible to sleep properly. Zhao Qi had taught Jiang Dehai and Cheng Boyan to play “Landlord.” When Xiao Shiqing arrived, Zhao Qi was grandly throwing down a few cards, “Crushed—”

 

“Big one!”

 

“Can’t afford it.”

 

Xiao Shiqing asked, “It’s so late, why are you still awake?”

 

Jiang Dehai and Cheng Boyan quickly stood up and saluted, “Greetings, Prime Minister.”

 

“Prime Minister is here,” Zhao Qi smiled, “I asked them to keep me company.”

 

Xiao Shiqing waved for them to leave, “The Emperor should go to bed.”

 

“How can I sleep with the boat rocking so much? Even if I get into bed, I’ll just be thrown out.”

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at Zhao Qi’s bed and smiled, “Is Your Majesty suggesting that I sleep with you?”

 

“…Huh?” I didn’t mean that, I’m not, don’t say that.

 

“Understood,” Xiao Shiqing said, “Come on.”

 

Zhao Qi’s face turned stiff, “Are you serious, brother?”

 

Xiao Shiqing explained, “The dragon boat is too unstable. If I hold you while you sleep, you might sleep more soundly.”

 

So that’s the case. “Let someone else do it,” Zhao Qi said, “I feel bad troubling the Prime Minister.”

 

Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow, “Who do you want to do it instead?”

 

Zhao Qi was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to answer.

 

So, inexplicably, they ended up in a situation where they would be sleeping together.

Zhao Qi took off his outer clothing and secretly looked at his belly in the mirror. Whether it was his imagination or not, he felt it had gotten a bit bigger and even had a slight curve.

 

Xiao Shiqing observed him calmly and said, “You sleep on the inside.”

 

“Oh…” Zhao Qi climbed into bed first, neatly covering himself with the blanket and waiting for Xiao Shiqing to join him, like a dutiful wife waiting for her husband to come to bed.

 

Then Xiao Shiqing got into bed, wrapped his arms around Zhao Qi, pulling him close so that his chest was against Zhao Qi’s back, and asked in a low voice, “Is it still rocking?”

 

“…Not rocking anymore, Brother.” Although it was a bit awkward.

 

Being held by a man was one thing, but being held by a man in bed was almost contrary to his straight (male) principles.

 

…Though with his belly getting bigger, straight principles were the least of his concerns!

 

Zhao Qi reassured himself internally that there was a reason for this. Xiao Shiqing was holding him for protection, so it didn’t count.

 

Xiao Shiqing chuckled softly, his lips brushing against Zhao Qi’s ear, “Then sleep.”

 

Zhao Qi lay in Xiao Shiqing’s arms for a while, feeling uncomfortable all over. He said softly, “Brother.”

 

Xiao Shiqing responded with his eyes closed, “Hmm?”

 

“I want to turn over.”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

Zhao Qi complained softly, “But Brother is pressing down on my hair.”

 

Xiao Shiqing paused, lifted his head slightly, and freed Zhao Qi’s hair. Zhao Qi turned over and faced Xiao Shiqing.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s features were sharp and elegant, with a straight nose and a luxurious handsomeness that made Zhao Qi lose track of time simply by staring.

 

Xiao Shiqing slowly opened his eyes, “What else is there?”

 

Caught being caught sneaking a look, Zhao Qi felt a bit embarrassed, but just a bit. “I think Brother looks even better lately.”

 

Xiao Shiqing asked, “Was I not good-looking before?”

 

“Not really.” Perhaps because there were so many good-looking people around him, even Xiao Jinzi was quite handsome. Zhao Qi had always known Xiao Shiqing was good-looking, but he also thought other people were similarly attractive in their own ways. It wasn’t fair to compare them all. Since Xiao Shiqing had rescued him from the small dark room, Zhao Qi had suddenly realized how exceptional Xiao Shiqing looked, clearly on a different level from others. “You look even better now.”

 

Xiao Shiqing reached up and tucked Zhao Qi’s stray hair behind his ear, “And you…”

 

At that moment, the boat rocked suddenly, and Zhao Qi, startled, bumped into Xiao Shiqing’s arms.

 

Just as he was about to lift his head, Xiao Shiqing pressed it back down.

 

Zhao Qi tried again, “Brother…”

 

Xiao Shiqing pressed him back down, “Just sleep like this.”

 

Zhao Qi yielded and closed his eyes.

 

Outside, the heavy rain poured, thunder rumbled, and the wind continued to howl. Listening to Xiao Shiqing’s strong heartbeat, Zhao Qi gradually fell asleep.

 

Even in sleep, Zhao Qi wasn’t still. He turned and twisted, eventually ending up facing away from Xiao Shiqing.

 

Xiao Shiqing held him from behind, his hands resting on Zhao Qi’s small belly, and frowned slightly.

 

He remembered that the little emperor’s abdomen was flat and had no excess flesh. How come now…

 

Was it from gaining weight, or…

 

Suddenly, he felt a movement under his palm.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at his hand.

 

The little emperor remained asleep, his eyelashes gently lowered, looking as innocent as ever, completely unaware.

---

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 57 – Have I ever slept with my brother? 

Hearing what He Changzhou said, Zhao Qi felt suffocated.

 

Indeed, there were only four people who had been to the Yonghua Palace that night: excluding Rong Tang and He Changzhou, the remaining candidates were Li Chisu and Xiao Shiqing.

 

Li Chisu was notoriously flirtatious and enjoyed making advances. For him, sleeping with someone was as common as eating a meal. Coupled with his ambiguous attitude toward Zhao Qi, it was quite possible that the dragon egg really belonged to him.

 

As for Xiao Shiqing… Zhao Qi had spent almost all his time with Xiao Shiqing and did not notice anything unusual about him. Furthermore, Xiao Shiqing had no interest in either men or women and was proud of his aloofness. Zhao Qi was confident that Xiao Shiqing would not be interested in him.

 

In summary, Li Chisu’s probability was much higher than Xiao Shiqing’s.

 

“The dragon egg is yours; I don’t want it, let alone Li Chisu!” Zhao Qi swore to the heavens, “I, Zhao Qi, would rather be childless than have him father a child!”

 

“Shh,” He Changzhou placed his finger on Zhao Qi’s lips, “Your Majesty, keep your voice down. Fu Zi is still lurking in the dark; be careful not to let him overhear.”

 

Zhao Qi puffed out his cheeks, losing interest in strolling and eating noodles. “Let’s go back.”

 

Meanwhile, after Xiao Shiqing had taken care of his tasks, he went to the outskirts of Cangzhou.

 

Outside the Rong residence’s annex, two guards saw Xiao Shiqing and knelt in greeting, “Greetings, Prime Minister.”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked at the newly planted peach blossoms in the courtyard and asked, “What has Rong Tang been doing these past few days?”

 

The guards replied, “Young Master Rong spends his time either sleeping or tending to the peach trees in the courtyard. When tired, he rests and reads books.”

 

Xiao Shiqing narrowed his eyes and walked into the courtyard.

 

Rong Tang was watering and fertilizing the peach trees. Despite the dirty work, he remained pristine and clean.

 

Hearing the footsteps, he looked up and saw the visitor’s eyes glimmer with a hint of disappointment. He said calmly, “Prime Minister, what brings you here?”

 

Xiao Shiqing touched the tender green leaves on a branch and said nonchalantly, “We will set out tomorrow.”

 

Rong Tang’s eyes hardened, and he cleared his throat softly a few times.

 

Tomorrow, that person would be leaving.

 

In fact, whether he left or stayed made little difference to Rong Tang. Even if they were in the same city, they would likely never meet again in this lifetime.

 

He knew this well, but as long as he could think of being in the same city, looking at the same sky, and drinking the same water as that person, his heart still had a semblance of life.

 

Once he left, Rong Tang would probably be completely resigned. Life would become much more bearable then.

 

Xiao Shiqing removed the new leaf, saying, “Before he left, he asked me to set you free.”

 

Rong Tang gave a light laugh. “Is that so? As expected of him.” He was always hitting with one hand and then giving a piece of candy with the other. He relied on that piece of candy to hold on until now.

 

“I said I need to think about it.”

 

“May I ask, what has the Prime Minister decided?”

 

Xiao Shiqing let go of his hand, and the new leaf slid from his grip, falling into the mud. “As long as you stay far away from him, it’s not impossible.”

 

Rong Tang asked, “How far?”

 

“From east to west, from south to north.”

 

“Understood,” Rong Tang nodded, “The Prime Minister wants me to go to the northern borders.”

 

“To him, you are only of that much use now,” Xiao Shiqing said lazily. “I’ve prepared a pass with the Emperor’s seal. As long as you agree, someone will take the pass to the Huai Wang’s residence in the capital in your name. Considering your past relationship with Huai Wang, gaining their trust won’t be difficult.”

 

Rong Tang’s expression turned serious. “Is this your decision or his?”

 

“Mine.”

 

“And he doesn’t know?”

 

Xiao Shiqing answered calmly, “When the time is right, I will naturally tell him.”

 

“I have a question for the Prime Minister.”

 

“Speak.”

 

“Did the Prime Minister spare my life because the Emperor interceded, or because you intended to use me from the beginning?”

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at him. “Neither.”

 

“Then what is the reason?”

 

“The reason I spared your life is because…” Xiao Shiqing chuckled softly, “I didn’t want him to be angry with me.”

 

Rong Tang’s fingers clenched in his sleeve, and his chest felt tight. It seemed that only someone like Xiao Shiqing could use the life of a person, or even an entire clan, to exchange for a smile from the Emperor.

 

“You can take your time to consider,” Xiao Shiqing said. “Once you have made a decision, whatever it may be, tell the guards outside the courtyard. They will inform you of the next steps.”

 

After saying this, Xiao Shiqing left. Rong Tang called out, “Prime Minister.”

 

Xiao Shiqing stopped. “What is it?”

 

“Since the Emperor’s health is not well, why did he still insist on traveling south by boat?”

 

“He insisted on doing so, so I naturally followed his wishes.”

 

Rong Tang said, “If I were you, I would not let him suffer during this October, no matter what.”

 

Xiao Shiqing turned around. “October?”

 

Rong Tang noticed the concern in Xiao Shiqing’s eyes, and his heart stirred. He slowly smiled, “So, the Prime Minister still doesn’t know about this matter.”

 

Xiao Shiqing’s expression grew stern. “If you have something to say, say it directly. No need for circumlocution.”

 

Rong Tang replied, “He has his reasons for not speaking, and others are not qualified to speak for him. Farewell, Prime Minister. I won’t see you off.”

 

Xiao Shiqing did not linger. Though he had doubts, he would not be easily manipulated.

 

However, he was increasingly certain that the young Emperor was hiding something from him, and Rong Tang might be aware of it.

 

Feeling restless, Xiao Shiqing went straight to the young Emperor’s quarters upon returning to the palace. His first question was, “Has the Emperor returned?”

 

Jiang Dehai replied, “The Emperor has just returned. Little Jinzi is helping the Emperor change clothes.”

 

Xiao Shiqing entered the inner room. Zhao Qi’s clothes were mostly changed, with only a jade belt remaining. Xiao Shiqing said softly, “Step aside, I’ll do it.”

 

Little Jinzi placed the jade belt aside and bowed out. The young Emperor was lost in thought as he gazed at the bronze mirror, unaware of the change in attendants beside him.

 

Xiao Shiqing approached him from behind, his large palm gently lifting Zhao Qi’s chin. Leaning close to his ear, he asked, “What is the Emperor thinking about?”

 

Zhao Qi jumped in surprise, his gaze forced to the bronze mirror in front of him.

 

In the mirror, he stood in front with Xiao Shiqing behind him; Xiao Shiqing’s hand supported his chin, his lips only inches from Zhao Qi’s ear.

 

Zhao Qi came to his senses and asked, “Brother, are you actually much taller than me?!”

 

Xiao Shiqing laughed and let go, ruffling Zhao Qi’s hair. “Was it fun outside?”

 

Zhao Qi turned around and said, “It wasn’t fun, not as much as half of the capital.”

 

Xiao Shiqing lowered his gaze. “Do you have something on your mind?”

 

Zhao Qi looked back at him, hesitating. “Yes… no.”

 

Xiao Shiqing raised his brows slightly. “Is it yes or no?”

 

Zhao Qi scratched his head with one hand. “I want to ask Brother something.”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“Has Brother ever, um…” Zhao Qi’s face turned bright red, his voice dropping to a whisper, “ever slept with… me?”

 

Xiao Shiqing didn’t catch the second half of Zhao Qi’s question and frowned, “What?”

 

Summoning his courage, Zhao Qi was about to repeat the question loudly when Jiang Dehai’s voice came from outside, “Your Majesty, Prime Minister, it’s time for the meal.”

 

“Not urgent,” Xiao Shiqing said. “The Emperor should finish what he was saying first.”

 

Finding a father for the dragon egg was as difficult as waging a war—first with enthusiasm, then diminishing, and eventually exhausting. Zhao Qi was already exhausted and almost fled, saying, “I’m hungry, let’s have the meal first!”

 

Xiao Shiqing: “…”

 

Despite claiming to be hungry, Zhao Qi had no appetite during the meal. He barely moved his chopsticks before feeling tired and asked to return to his room to rest.

 

Xiao Shiqing let him go. Once Zhao Qi had left, he summoned Fu Zi.

 

“Have you found any leads on the matter I asked you to investigate?”

 

Fu Zi responded, “Prime Minister, Cheng Boyan is a latecomer to the Imperial Medical Institute, apprenticing under the former head of the Institute, Zhang Taiyi. Before the Emperor’s tour, he once consulted Zhang Taiyi for loss of appetite and nausea. Zhang Taiyi diagnosed the Emperor with damp-heat in the stomach, Qi deficiency, and blood deficiency, and prescribed a medicine. However, the very next day, Zhang Taiyi went into mourning, and Cheng Taiyi took over the Emperor’s diagnosis.”

 

Xiao Shiqing gestured for Fu Zi to continue.

 

“Since then, Cheng Taiyi became the Emperor’s sole designated physician, accompanying the Emperor during his southern tour. All the medicines the Emperor took daily were prepared by him.”

 

Xiao Shiqing asked, “Do you have the prescriptions from Zhang Taiyi and Cheng Boyan?”

 

Fu Zi said, “The formula from Dr. Zhang can be found in the archives of the Imperial Medical Institute. As for Dr. Cheng, he handles everything personally—drying, grinding, and decocting the medicine. The formula is all in his mind and is not written down. I only deduced the formula from the residue of his decoctions.” He took out two notes and handed them to Xiao Shiqing. “Prime Minister, please have a look.”

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at them and said, “Interesting.”

 

For the same illness, the prescriptions from these two doctors, one old and one young, were completely different.

 

“I asked the doctors, and indeed, Dr. Zhang’s formula is a good remedy for damp-heat in the stomach and intestines, as well as for qi and blood deficiency. However, Dr. Cheng’s formula was unknown to them; they had never heard of it and were unsure of its use.”

 

Xiao Shiqing pondered for a moment and said, “Send someone to Dr. Zhang’s hometown to find out more. Continue investigating Dr. Cheng’s prescription.”

 

Fu Zi clasped his hands and said, “Understood. If the Prime Minister has no other instructions, I will take my leave.”

 

“Hold on,” said Xiao Shiqing.

 

“Yes, Prime Minister?”

 

Xiao Shiqing hesitated for a moment and asked, “What did the Emperor do today?”

 

“Reporting to the Prime Minister, His Majesty…”

 

“Forget it, don’t mention it.”

 

Fu Zi was puzzled. “?”

 

Xiao Shiqing said, “I promised him not to monitor him anymore.”

 

“Well then, may I take my leave?”

 

“Wait.” Xiao Shiqing said, “You should still tell me.”

 

Having served Xiao Shiqing for many years, Fu Zi had never seen the usually decisive Prime Minister so conflicted. He said with a complicated expression, “Today, the Emperor went out with General He. They ate a bowl of Yangchun noodles at an open-air stall. There seemed to be some unpleasantness, and the Emperor even had a dispute with General He. After that, His Majesty’s mood has been quite poor.”

 

Unpleasantness with He Changzhou… Is this what’s troubling the young Emperor?

 

“I see,” Xiao Shiqing said淡淡ly, “Remember, I didn’t ask you anything just now.”

 

Fu Zi responded, “Understood.”

 

The next morning, the dragon boat set sail again.

 

Xiao Shiqing lifted the restrictions on the common people, and many people gathered on the shore, eager to catch a glimpse of the Emperor.

 

Zhao Qi thought for a long time and decided to adopt a majestic demeanor to assert the Emperor’s authority. With a stern face, he led the civil and military officials onto the boat, leaving the shore and standing on the deck, looking at the dense crowd on the shore.

 

The river breeze brushed his face, filling him with boundless pride—Ah, these are all my subjects.

 

Among the hundreds and thousands of people, he spotted that familiar white figure at a glance.

 

Yong Tang’s gaze pierced through the crowd and quietly landed on him.

 

Cold and ethereal, just like before.

 

As the dragon boat moved forward slowly, the white figure in his sight gradually grew smaller until it finally disappeared.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

A hand patted his shoulder, and Zhao Qi withdrew his gaze to meet He Changzhou’s smiling eyes. “What’s the matter?”

 

He Changzhou asked, “Has Your Majesty decided?”

 

“Decided what?”

 

He Changzhou lightly patted Zhao Qi’s lower abdomen. “The name of the child.”

 

Zhao Qi’s eye twitched. “I don’t need to decide. Thank you.”

 

“Then listen to me and name him Zhao Yun.”

 

“… Are you done?!”

---

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