Chapter 567 You Are Going to Be a Father

"Some things don't need to be understood too thoroughly." The Imperial Master supported himself on the armrest of his wheelchair, slowly stood up, and walked to Zhao Yi's side with a shaky gait: "It's better to be confused than to be clear-headed."

Ever since Zhao Yi learned that a portrait hanging in the study of the prince's mansion was a painting by the imperial teacher, and thinking about the imperial teacher's various behaviors, he couldn't help but guess that the imperial teacher had a blood feud with the Emperor of Northern Qi, and also had some connection with his mother.

As for the origin, Zhao Yi believed that it was closely related to gratitude, otherwise why would the imperial teacher support the offspring of his enemy to sit on the throne?

But after the dust settled, he reviewed the events of Northern Qi one by one, and all the details he had overlooked became clear. All the seemingly unrelated events were inextricably linked.

The culprits in every lawsuit were all pointed to as remnants of the previous dynasty.

The Emperor of Northern Qi was troubled by the elusive remnants of the previous dynasty and was in constant fear.

If the Imperial Tutor was a remnant of the previous dynasty, even if his mother and consort had shown him great kindness, the Imperial Tutor would not support him in ascending the throne. After all, it was a national and family feud, so even if the Imperial Tutor agreed, the followers behind him would not agree.

"You clearly know right from wrong, yet you pretend to be confused. You're just deceiving yourself and others." Zhao Yi stared at the Imperial Tutor intently, bewildered. "From the several major crimes that have occurred since I arrived in Northern Qi, it's clear that the forces of the previous dynasty have infiltrated the imperial court, even the inner court."

Then, he changed the subject: "The Northern Qi Emperor is in a coma, the Right General is in control of government, and chaos reigns within and outside the court. This presents the perfect opportunity for the former dynasty to restore their state, yet they have fallen silent."

Under the pretext of arresting the remnants of the previous dynasty, he arranged for two groups of people to go to the National Temple to steal the remains of his mother. One group robbed the temple openly, while the other group sneaked into the temple through a tunnel in the back mountain and stole the remains of his mother.

However, the wooden box they stole did not contain the remains of the mother, but a few stones. Not only that, the guards also found a private seal of the former prince in a cave at the foot of Guosi Mountain.

It was at that time that he first suspected that the Imperial Tutor was a descendant of the previous dynasty. However, because the Imperial Tutor wanted to support him to become the ruler of Northern Qi, he gave up this idea.

As for why he once again suspected that the imperial teacher was a descendant of the previous dynasty, it was because all the ministers who betrayed the previous dynasty were eliminated one by one by the imperial teacher.

This is definitely not a coincidence.

Therefore, Zhao Yi chose to meet with the Imperial Master in Chengtian Hall, and this action also hinted to the Imperial Master that he had guessed the Imperial Master's true identity.

A statue of Emperor Taizu of the previous dynasty was once buried underground. After it was unearthed, it collapsed.

He had heard a saying: When the statue sees the light of day again, it will be the day of national restoration.

This shows the determination of the remnants of the previous dynasty to restore the country.

The fact is just the opposite.

The remnants of the previous dynasty remained silent.

I'm afraid the reason for all this lies with the Imperial Teacher.

Zhao Yi asked: "I want to know why you chose me."

"I clearly distinguish between gratitude and resentment, and will not involve innocent people in my hatred. Although I want to overthrow the Chu family, I have no children, and there will be no successor in the future." The Imperial Master coughed intermittently, and the sick look between his eyebrows and eyes became more serious. "As for why I support you, first, your mother has been very kind to me, second, you and Chu Mingyuan don't have a father-son relationship, and third, you care about the world. No matter which reason, you are the most suitable candidate at the moment."

With these words, the Imperial Master implicitly acknowledged his identity, which was indeed as Zhao Yi had guessed. The reasons he gave made it impossible for Zhao Yi to refute, but Zhao Yi knew very well in his heart that what the Imperial Master said was not the truth.

"Your mother's remains will be delivered to you by Jinyan after the coronation ceremony tomorrow." The Imperial Preceptor said calmly, "You should arrange for someone to escort her back to the Great Zhou and fulfill her long-cherished wish."

After saying these words, the Imperial Master turned around, walked slowly to the wheelchair, and sat down slowly.

Simple movements are extremely difficult for the Imperial Master.

He took a deep breath and then looked up at Zhao Yi.

The young man's features resembled those of an old friend. Anyone who had seen Yizhen would recognize Zhao Yi as her offspring. Wasn't Zhao Yi's existence a continuation of her life?

Likewise, it is also a testimony to her presence in this world.

But at the beginning, Zhao Yi did not come into this world as his parents expected.

He did not fulfill his responsibilities as a blood relative, but only treated Zhao Yi as a pawn to complete the cause of restoring the country. How could he let Zhao Yi face his miserable life experience and bear the shackles of morality?

Before leaving, the Imperial Master said gently, "I have dragged you into this chaotic situation, and I will definitely return peace to you."

This sentence seems to have a literal meaning, but it also seems to imply another deeper meaning.

Zhao Yi noticed the complex emotions surging in the Emperor's eyes, which disappeared in an instant, leaving only tranquility and indifference, as if all things in the world, all living beings, were no longer bound to him.

The imperial teacher moved slowly and laboriously, turning his wheelchair towards the palace gate.

Inexplicably, Zhao Yi took a few steps forward and pushed the imperial teacher forward.

The Imperial Master paused, then slowly placed his hand on the armrest, gathering his fingers one by one and clenching them into a fist.

Yan Yi, who was guarding the door, heard the sound of a wheelchair approaching, pushed open the palace door and came in to hand over to Zhao Yi.

Zhao Yi withdrew his hand and watched Yan Yi pushing the imperial teacher and the last ray of sunlight in the sky disappear into the numerous palaces.

He subconsciously opened his hands, as if trying to grab something, but he caught nothing.

After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Mu called out, "Master, shall we go back?"

Zhao Yi came back to his senses and looked towards Chengtian Palace in a trance.

The palace is empty and the surroundings are silent. Only the carved beams and painted buildings can vaguely show the prosperity of the past.

Now all that remains is the desolation after the bustle.

He went to Xining Palace alone, and when he entered the main hall, he saw Liu Yue coming out from the inner hall: "Is Manman asleep?"

Liu Yue bowed respectfully to Zhao Yi and said, "Your Majesty, the journey has been tiring. Your Majesty is exhausted and feels a bit tired. She just finished her meal and rested."

Zhao Yi nodded slightly, walked lightly into the inner hall.

There was only one lamp lit in the inner hall, and in the dim light, the figure of a person lying in the tent could be vaguely seen.

He slowly walked to the bed, gently lifted the gauze curtain, and the person on the bed came into his sight.

I saw Shen Qingtan lying on his side on the bed, his face facing the inside of the bed.

Her sleeping face looked particularly gentle under the soft light and shadow.

Zhao Yi just watched quietly and felt at ease.

Today's meeting with the Imperial Preceptor in Chengtian Hall had shaken him to the core, leaving him feeling a wave of emotion. His emotions hadn't settled for a long time, and instead had only grown heavier. Furthermore, they had been separated for nearly half a year, and he had been yearning for her.

At this moment, seeing the person he had missed for a long time, he just wanted to hold her and lie down for a while.

Zhao Yi took off his coat, lay down next to Shen Qingtan, and naturally put his arm around her waist.

The next moment, Zhao Yi sat up suddenly. As he moved, the quilt covering Shen Qingtan slipped off, revealing a round belly.

Zhao Yi's eyes were blank, staring blankly at his hands, then his gaze slowly moved to Shen Qingtan's stomach. His mind went blank, and he couldn't figure out what was going on.

Such a big commotion woke Shen Qingtan up. She looked at Zhao Yi with sleepy eyes and said drowsily, "Husband, you're back."

Zhao Yi was still immersed in shock, his mind in a mess. He only remembered that when his hand touched Shen Qingtan's round belly, a small thing kicked the palm of his hand through the belly.

Very lightly.

"Husband?" Shen Qingtan saw that Zhao Yi had not yet recovered from the huge shock of her pregnancy, and propped herself up to sit up. "Before, I thought you were at the front line, and I was afraid that you would be distracted, so I didn't tell you about the pregnancy. Now that the dust has settled, I think it doesn't matter now, so I plan to tell you in person."

At this point, she held Zhao Yi's hand and placed it on her round belly: "You are going to be a father. The midwife said it's twins."

Zhao Yi came back to his senses in a daze, and gently placed his palm on Shen Qingtan's belly. The nervousness made his heart beat faster.

Suddenly, he clearly felt the child kicking his hand lightly. At the moment their bellies touched, they seemed to have established a blood connection. A strange feeling surged in his heart, and his heart became extremely soft.

He was going to be a father.

This child came too suddenly, but it seemed just right and at the right time.

Just imagining the two delicate and soft children in Shen Qingtan's belly, a fusion of his appearance and that of his beloved, Zhao Yi's heart was filled with emotion, and he felt that everything became beautiful.

Zhao Yi was full of anticipation for the birth of the new life. The joy fermenting strongly in his chest had nowhere to vent, and he wanted to let everyone in the world feel his joy.

"Manman, you've been through a lot." Zhao Yi suppressed his inner joy and wanted to hug Shen Qingtan in his arms, but seeing her with her huge belly, he felt a little helpless, but more of a sense of guilt and pity: "A woman's pregnancy lasts ten months, and it's extremely hard to carry just one child. I'm afraid it will be even harder for you to carry two children. When you needed me the most, I wasn't by your side."

Zhao Yi thought of something and said quickly, "I'll send someone to invite the imperial physician..."

"Don't." Shen Qingtan grabbed Zhao Yi's hand, stopping him from sending for the imperial physician. "Liu Yue asked the imperial physician to examine me, and the child and I are both fine."

Hearing this, Zhao Yi's heart settled down: "I will select a few more midwives and imperial physicians and place them in Xining Palace to take care of you nearby."

It is extremely dangerous for a woman to give birth to a child, let alone Shen Qingtan giving birth to two at once.

Zhao Yi was afraid that Shen Qingtan would be tired: "The Queen's coronation ceremony..."

"No need to postpone it. I'll keep my ceremony simple." Shen Qingtan noticed Zhao Yi's nervousness and couldn't help but change the subject: "What reign title will you use for tomorrow's coronation ceremony?"

Zhao Yi originally planned to name the reign Yongsheng, but when he thought of the imperial teacher's words: I have involved you in this chaotic situation, and I will definitely return you to peace.

He fell into silence, his palm placed on Shen Qingtan's belly, slowly feeling the movement of the child.

Shen Qingtan looked at the man who remained silent and knew that he was pretending to be worried, so she did not disturb him.

After a while, Zhao Yi spoke: "Qian Yuan."

Shen Qingtan was stunned.

"The reign title is Qianyuan," Zhao Yi whispered. "'Qian' represents heaven, and 'yuan' means beginning and first. It implies the beginning of heaven and earth, and the renewal of all things."

Shen Qingtan smiled gently: "This reign title is very good."

There was a very faint curve at the corner of Zhao Yi's lips. Without saying a word, he helped Shen Qingtan lie down and hugged her from behind.

Shen Qingtan was heavy and had been traveling for nearly a month. He was extremely tired and sleepy. The moment his head touched the pillow, he fell asleep.

Half asleep and half awake, she vaguely heard Zhao Yi say softly, "I think it's very good, too."

-

The next day, before dawn, Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan got up.

Surrounded by a group of officials, Zhao Yi first went to the Temple of Heaven to offer sacrifices to heaven, then went to the Taimiao to worship his ancestors, reported the matter of succession to the great unification, and then went to the main hall of the imperial palace under the escort of the guard of honor.

Shen Qingtan dressed up carefully in the Xining Palace. She wore a Zhai robe embroidered with twelve dragons and nine phoenixes, a xiapei with dragon and phoenix patterns on her shoulders, a twelve-dragon and nine-phoenix crown on her head, a pair of phoenix-head shoes on her feet, and a jade sceptre in her hand. Surrounded by female officials and palace maids, she went to the main hall of the imperial palace.

From a distance, Shen Qingtan saw Zhao Yi waiting for her. He was wearing a crown with twelve tassels, a crown with twelve chapter patterns, a wide belt around his waist, and red shoes. Surrounded by officials and the guard of honor, he exuded an imperial majesty.

She couldn't help but think of how he looked when she first saw him on their wedding night. He was wearing a bright red wedding dress, which set off his elegant appearance and extraordinary grace.

It’s a pity that he is in poor health and won’t live long.

At that time, what she was thinking about was to use his wife's identity to gain a foothold in the Duke's Mansion and avenge herself.

No one had ever imagined that the two of them would be so connected, share joys and sorrows, support each other, and reach the highest point of power hand in hand.

She walked towards Zhao Yi step by step, each step was steady and firm.

Zhao Yi looked at Shen Qingtan, who was wearing an exquisite and luxurious dress. She looked dignified and noble, and walked towards him slowly, surrounded by female officials and palace maids.

Just like on their wedding day, she sat in a big red sedan chair and was carried to him by the sedan bearers.

Zhao Yi stretched out a hand towards her.

Shen Qingtan lowered his eyes. The slender hand in front of him had a very eye-catching small mole between its index finger.

She curved her lips into a smile and gently placed her hand between Zhao Yi's palms.

Zhao Yi held her hand tightly, stepped onto the imperial road that symbolized supreme authority, and slowly walked up the high stairs. Behind them, flags were waving and drums and music were playing.

The two stood side by side at the highest point, welcoming all officials to kowtow.

Opening another prosperous era.

-

Imperial Tutor's Mansion.

Yan Yi hurried to the study and stood before a bookshelf. By turning an auspicious beast on the shelf, the shelf could be moved, revealing a secret door. However, Yan Yi did not dare to enter without the Emperor's permission.

Since he followed the Imperial Teacher, he has never entered a dark room.

Yan Yi reported: "Master, His Majesty has changed the reign title to Qianyuan."

In the dark room, the Imperial Preceptor sat cross-legged on a cushion, the night-shining pearl beside him emitting a cool glow, reflecting on his lifeless face. Only when he heard Yan Yi's report did his eyelashes tremble slightly.

The character "Chang" symbolizes the eternal sun.

The word "gan" represents heaven.

The heaven, earth, sun and moon are eternal.