When Prince Zhi returned to the capital, he didn't go directly to his residence, but instead went to his estate in Fengtai to visit Princess Baoyue. Based on her pregnancy schedule, she should be close to giving birth at this time.

Prince Zhi, accompanied only by a few trusted attendants, rode swiftly through the night to a remote manor.

The servants who arrived early had already informed the Prince of Zhi of his impending arrival, and all the servants in the estate were on high alert, waiting for the Prince of Zhi to arrive.

In the manor, in a brightly decorated courtyard, a heavily pregnant woman was walking around. Her attire was not that of the Qing court; her hair was styled in a row of small braids, and she wore necklaces of red and blue coral beads around her neck and wrists. It was Princess Baoyue.

“Princess, the Prince may not arrive for some time. Why don’t I help you to rest?” The maid Zhuoma walked to Baoyue’s side and took her arm.

"I can't sleep, and I can't fall asleep either. The baby in my belly is kicking so much." Baoyue stroked her big, protruding belly with a look of tenderness.

“The young master will surely be a fine little horse, and he can draw the bow and shoot arrows for the princess in the future,” Zhuoma said with a smile.

"Yes, it must be a boy. The men of my Keerke tribe are all brave, invincible, and skilled warriors. My son must become the strongest Balutu on the grassland." Baoyue looked proudly at the crescent moon hanging above the treetops in the sky outside the house.

“Princess, please don’t always think about revenge. The little prince in your belly is the most important thing now. I think Prince Zhi is a great hero, highly regarded by the Qing Emperor. If you can continue to rely on Prince Zhi, then the little prince will have a bright future,” Zhuoma advised. In fact, the maids who had been with Baoyue since childhood were absolutely loyal to her.

“No, the great hatred between Mother and Father Khan has not been avenged. How can I enjoy peace here! This child is my sword. I must make Prince Zhi kill Galdan with his own hands.” Bao Yue’s expression changed. She never thought of settling down here as Prince Zhi’s concubine, even though she had been living quietly here for seven or eight months.

“Princess, please don’t be agitated. I’m just worried about the young master. How about I help you to sit down and have some milk?” Zhuoma said quickly when she saw Baoyue’s agitation.

At this moment, the baby in her womb seemed to sense her mother's excitement and kicked a few times restlessly, causing Baoyue to wince in pain.

"That kid is really strong, he kicked my stomach and it hurts." Baoyue looked uncomfortable as she took Zhuoma's hand and sat down on the warm couch in the main room.

After finishing a bowl of milk cheese, I suddenly heard footsteps outside.

"Is that Prince Zhi?" Zhuoma exclaimed in surprise. Such heavy footsteps did not sound like a woman's. No one but Prince Zhi could walk so hurriedly in Baoyue's courtyard at this late hour.

"Help me up!" Bao Yue was also very excited. After all, she was pregnant with his child and hadn't seen him for seven or eight months. Their passionate moments on the grasslands had instilled in her a certain affection for Prince Zhi. Prince Zhi was Kangxi's eldest son. In terms of appearance, he was very tall, inheriting Kangxi's narrow forehead and the long nose typical of Mongolians. His features were also very well-proportioned, making him a handsome man. In terms of talent, Prince Zhi went to the battlefield at the age of fifteen and was indeed one of the more skilled warriors among Kangxi's many sons. He repeatedly distinguished himself in battle and was the first prince to be granted a title. In terms of status, Prince Zhi was born to Consort Hui of the Nalan clan, a prominent and prestigious family within the Manchu ethnic group. Although Mingzhu had been demoted, the Nalan family's reputation and the officials who had benefited from their influence still circulated throughout the court and the country. This was why Prince Zhi hadn't secretly returned to the capital despite Kangxi's edict; he was a strong contender for the throne.

Before Baoyue even reached the entrance of the main room, she saw a man in a black cloak trimmed with silver fur, accompanied by a gust of cold wind.

"Baoyue!"

"Your Highness!"

Prince Zhi looked at Bao Yue's large belly, his throat tightened, and a surge of excitement welled up in his heart. How could he not be excited that his beloved woman was carrying his child!

The maids stood silently to the side, heads bowed, saying nothing more. Baoyue threw herself into Prince Zhi's arms, and the two embraced tightly.

"Is the due date this month?" Prince Zhi asked, holding Baoyue in his arms.

"Yes, I'll be giving birth in about twenty days," Baoyue said with a touch of emotion.

“Good, give me a son. In the future, I will pass on all my martial arts skills to him,” Prince Zhi said excitedly.

"Does Master really intend to pass on all his martial arts skills to him?" Bao Yue in her arms stirred. She hoped that her son would one day help her reclaim the Khanate of the Kunerkun tribe.

Prince Zhi choked back a sob. He knew he had committed a capital offense. Bao Yue was originally a concubine of Emperor Kangxi, yet he had secretly fallen in love with her amidst the wildflowers. Even Bao Yue would likely be unable to appear in public and would remain a concubine forever. Her son might not even be included in the Anxin Gioro imperial genealogy, let alone achieve any fame or fortune. Unless, unless he could seize the throne!! Then, at that time, it would be possible for him to even make Bao Yue his empress.

"Yue'er, I know what I'm doing, and I will definitely not treat you and your child badly in the future!" Prince Zhi said excitedly, holding Baoyue in his arms.

Baoyue lifted her head from the Prince Zhi's embrace and looked at his slightly thin face. She saw the weariness in his eyes and couldn't help but say, "My lord, please come inside with me to rest. Zhuoma, fetch some water for my lord to wash up."

Prince Zhi was led into the inner room by Bao Yue, who then personally helped him remove his cloak and outer robe. Zhuoma and Jin Yang helped him wash his face and hair before he and Bao Yue entered the bridal chamber together.

Prince Zhi had not seen Baoyue for seven or eight months, and naturally missed her dearly. He embraced Baoyue and lay down in the brocade quilt, burying his chin in her neck.

After a long period of intimate caresses, Prince Zhi felt a surge of heat in his lower abdomen and longed to take Baoyue immediately, but he was mindful of her pregnancy and dared not make any sudden moves.

Seeing the burning gaze of the Prince Zhi, Bao Yue smiled and said, "My lord, be gentle, this boy is quite strong."

Having received permission, Prince Zhi happily kissed Bao Yue's forehead, cheeks, and chin repeatedly. After a long period of intimacy, Prince Zhi finally found satisfaction and release in his slow, gentle caresses, and fell asleep peacefully in Bao Yue's arms. Bao Yue, however, couldn't sleep, nestled in Prince Zhi's embrace, and slept lightly until dawn.