Chapter 35
A few days ago, Imperial Physician Zhang moved to the East Courtyard. As preparations had been made in advance, the mansion was busy but not chaotic.
Servants filed in, placing the prepared hot water and towels on the small table beside the bed. Imperial Physician Zhang leaned over and wiped the cold sweat from Yu Zhi's forehead with a towel, comforting him: "It will be a little painful, Your Majesty, bear with it."
"Xiaoyu, don't be afraid. I'm here with you." Luo Tingshi held Yu Zhi's hands tightly, tremblingly brought them to his lips and kissed his slightly cold fingertips. His eyes were bloodshot and his voice was hoarse. "You and your son will be safe."
Unexpectedly, Yu Zhi suddenly pulled his hand away and looked up at him weakly: "Get out."
Luo Tingshi: "Xiaoyu..."
Beads of sweat rolled down Yu Zhi's pale forehead. His eyes were like sharp blades, pointing outside and shouting with difficulty: "I tell you... to get out."
Doctor Zhang followed and urged, "Get out quickly, everyone, get out. Don't delay me from delivering the baby for His Majesty."
Luo Tingshi was shocked by the fierce look in Yu Zhi's eyes. He had never seen Yu Zhi like this before. The words he wanted to say turned around on his tongue but he swallowed them back into his stomach. He looked at Yu Zhi deeply, turned around silently, and followed everyone out of the house.
The moment he stepped out of the door, Luo Tingshi turned around and looked at the bed.
Through the half-drawn blue curtains, a pale hand caught my eye. It was tightly gripping the bed rails, and the protruding blue veins floated under the pale skin, like a twisted green branch.
Its owner was obviously exerting a lot of strength at this moment.
The howling north wind blew snowflakes into his clothes, and a sudden chill penetrated his neck. Luo Tingshi's neck felt cold, and he immediately stepped out of the house and closed the heavy wooden door.
“Squeak—”
The sound of the door closing was heard by the bed. Yu Zhi's long eyelashes, which were wet with sweat, trembled slightly. His eyeballs moved, and he slowly turned his wet neck to look at the door.
The bottom of those cold eyes had now melted into a pool of water.
He stared in that direction for a long time, with an attachment in his eyes that he had not noticed.
Doctor Zhang sighed, "He should have stayed here with His Majesty, but..."
Yu Zhi's vision went dark as waves of pain grew stronger and stronger as they shot upwards. His entire body trembled with pain. He gripped the railing tightly and spoke with difficulty, "We can't let him discover... the secret of the Yu royal family."
"Your Majesty, please relax. Your cervix is not dilated yet. Please save your energy for now."
The little emperor was trembling all over, tears welling in his half-lidded eyes. His face was completely bloodless, even paler than the plain-colored undergarment he wore. Occasionally, a muffled groan escaped his clenched teeth and reached Doctor Zhang's ears, causing him great distress.
He kept whispering to the little emperor, comforting him and trying to ease his pain.
Yu Zhi nodded randomly.
The snow fell harder and harder, and the leaden sky was filled with dark clouds.
The pain in Yu Zhi's body did not fade away with the passage of time, but instead became more and more intense. He heard whispers in his ears, but his ears were buzzing and he could not hear what the person was saying.
The pain was like a huge wave, constantly rushing down from great heights, hitting Yu Zhi again and again, and his consciousness gradually became blurred.
Suddenly, a long-lost familiar voice broke through the layers of confusion and reached his ears clearly: "Baby, Daddy is here." Yu Zhi suddenly opened his sore and weak eyelids, and vaguely, he seemed to see his father's worried eyes.
I haven't dreamed of my father for a long time.
In a trance, it seemed as if he had really fallen into his father's arms. Yu Zhi's nose felt sore, and he plunged into the arms of the man in his dream, saying aggrievedly: "Father, Dad... I'm in pain..."
The palm of her hand gently stroked his head, and her gentle voice slowly flowed in: "Daddy will teach you..."
Yu Zhi followed the voice of the person in his dream, breathing rhythmically and exerting force. After a while, his body suddenly became lighter and the excited voice of Doctor Zhang rang out.
"It's a very healthy kitten."
Following the same procedure, the second one was born soon.
The moment Yu Zhi heard the cheers in his ears, his tense consciousness instantly turned dark and he fainted.
-
When Yu Zhi opened his eyes again, it was already midnight.
Yu Zhi was in excruciating pain all over his body, unable to move. He slowly blinked his sore eyelids. Warmth surged from his left hand, as if it were held in a warm palm. He slowly turned his head to look at the man.
The moment that figure came into his sight, Yu Zhi thought he was still dreaming.
He held the other's hand in return and murmured, "Father..."
The person who was resting on the bed was suddenly awakened. He hurriedly turned his gaze to Yu Zhi. Seeing that the person on the bed had opened his eyes, he was overjoyed: "Xiao Yu, you're awake? I asked the kitchen to make you some soup. It's simmering on the stove. I'll ask someone to bring it to you right away."
Yu Zhi's eyelashes trembled, and he opened his eyes wide in disbelief: "Father, is it really you? Why did you suddenly come to Guyue? Where is father? Isn't he with you?"
Ye Jiang sighed. "Your father and I were returning from the South China Sea when we heard on the way that the two countries of Yu and Sheng had gone to war a few months ago. We were shocked. We immediately rushed back to the capital, but Prime Minister Li said you were not in the capital. I asked Lin Shan and found out that you were actually pregnant by that kid from Sheng."
Yu Zhi quietly shrank into the quilt, revealing a pair of round eyes, and called out weakly: "Father..."
"We didn't want to disturb you, so we put the two kittens you gave birth to in the next room. Your father is taking care of them now." Ye Jiang touched Yu Zhi's head and continued, "Don't be afraid, I won't scold you. You have always been a good child, and I know you will definitely not mess around with others. I heard from Marquis Changlin that you were in heat at the Sheng State Banquet? Tell me what happened."
Upon hearing this, Yu Zhi's eyes immediately turned red: "Father..."
Not only was his father not angry, he was also so gentle to him. Yu Zhi did not hide anything and told his father everything about himself and Luo Tingshi.
Ye Jiang pondered for a while after hearing this, and then slowly said: "From what you said, that boy is a lovesick person."
Yu Zhi hugged Ye Jiang's hand and shook it, and said to him coquettishly: "Father, Xiaoyu misses you so much."
"I miss Xiaoyu, too." Ye Jiang stretched out his fingers and pinched Yu Zhi's soft cheek. There was a hint of annoyance in his almond-shaped eyes. He said depressedly, "I didn't expect that after going out for a while, I would become a grandfather when I came back... It's terrible. I'm not even forty yet, and I already have a grandson."
Yu Zhi's eyebrows curved, and he rubbed Ye Jiang's palm.
The soft touch touched Ye Jiang's palm and her heart almost melted: "My little fish is such a good baby. I really want you to turn into your original form and let me breathe it."
Yu Zhi raised his head, a look of worry on his face, and asked tentatively: "Father, is he... is he very angry?"
"Of course not. When he learned that you were slept with by Luo Ting, he almost killed the Marquis of Changlin."
Yu Zhi's eyes widened, and he stood up anxiously and said, "Don't blame the Marquis of Changlin. It was me who insisted on following them on the mission to Sheng State. Don't let my father punish them."
"Hey, hey! Don't move. You just gave birth. Lie down and rest." Ye Jiang quickly held Yu Zhi down. "Don't worry. Your father will only fine him his monthly salary in the end."
Yu Zhi's heart was half relieved. Ye Jiang helped him lie flat on the bed. He lifted his eyelids and secretly glanced at Ye Jiang. After hesitating for a while, he whispered, "Father, how is he?"
"Him?" Ye Jiang was stunned for a moment. After realizing who it was, a hint of subtlety appeared in his eyes. "Why don't you ask how the children are doing?"
Yu Zhi was looked at meaningfully by Ye Jiang. He avoided his gaze uncomfortably and said, "With Imperial Physician Zhang and the Emperor taking care of them, the children will definitely be fine. But he is the ruler of a country after all. I am afraid that if the Emperor treats him badly, it will cause unrest in both countries."
"Your father has been the emperor for so many years, he knows his limits." Ye Jiang fixed his eyes on Yu Zhi's face and spoke calmly.
"Luo Tingshi was driven back to Sheng State by your father."
Yu Zhi: "What?! He's gone?"
Ye Jiang: "Your father ordered him not to approach you again."
Yu Zhi felt very upset.
He thought so too. After giving birth to the child, he would no longer need Luo Tingshi. He planned to drive Luo Tingshi away immediately after the birth to prevent him from discovering anything.
His father clearly fulfilled his wish, but why did he feel so empty inside?
It must be because of habit.
After more than six months of companionship, he had long been accustomed to Luo Tingshi's presence. Now that Luo Tingshi suddenly left, he naturally felt uncomfortable.
It will be fine after some time.
Yu Zhi was so confused that he didn't notice Ye Jiang left the house.
-
It was windy and snowy outside, but warm inside.
Under the dim candlelight, a handsome middle-aged man was feeding a kitten in his arms with a small spoon. The kitten was just born and was only the size of the man's palm. He carefully pinched the kitten's mouth and poured the goat milk from the spoon into it.
Suddenly, a sound of a door opening was heard in the howling wind.
The man stood up holding the kitten in his arms, turned around and asked, "How is Xiaoyu?"
Ye Jiang walked quickly to his side, bent down and tapped the kitten's moist nose in his arms, and said with a smile: "He's awake. He's fine. He'll be fine after a few days of rest. What a cute little kitten, let me... hug him."
He frowned and looked up at the man and complained, "Yu Heng, I still can't accept that I'm a grandfather now. I sound like I'm in my seventies or eighties."
A deep smile appeared in Yu Heng's eyes. He picked up another kitten and said, "You'll get used to it."
Ye Jiang sighed deeply, sat beside him, and fed the kitten with him.
"Yu Heng, I see your son is in love for the first time."
Yu Heng's face darkened: "He likes that boy?"
Ye Jiang: "I've never seen Xiaoyu look so distraught when she heard Luo Tingshi was gone."
Yu Heng: "He is the king of a country. How can he get pregnant with another man before getting married?!"
"Hey! Who are you talking about?" Ye Jiang glared at him and snorted coldly, "When I gave birth to Xiaoyu, we weren't married yet. I'm telling you, don't blame Xiaoyu. Your people lose their minds when they're in heat. That night with Luo Tingshi wasn't his intention. He got pregnant at such a young age, and you and I weren't by his side. He's more scared than anyone else. If you scold him now, he'll blame himself even more and resent himself even more."
Yu Heng's momentum dropped instantly. He extended his arms to embrace Ye Jiang, his eyes full of pity: "Did you also..."
"Of course. Seeing Xiaoyu is like seeing myself back then." Ye Jiang leaned her head against Yu Heng's shoulder, a few clouds of worry lingering between her brows. She sighed softly, "Fortunately, Luo Tingshi also loves Xiaoyu deeply. Please don't break them up."
Yu Heng's brows were gloomy: "It depends on his ability."
-
The north wind howled, and snowflakes were torn and fell from the dark sky. The cold air penetrated into the bones along the lapels and cuffs of clothes, as if someone had poured a jar of ice water on me, and I felt unbearable biting cold from head to toe.
At the inn more than ten miles away, Luo Tingshi stood at the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the ancient Yue in the dark night through the wind and snow.
My mind is full of Yu Zhi.
I wonder if he's awake yet? Is he injured? Will Yu Zhi resent him for leaving without saying goodbye?
He originally wanted to wait until Yu Zhi woke up before leaving, but Yu Heng would not allow him any time and ordered him to leave immediately.
At that time, he was anxiously pacing the corridor, listening to the painful sounds of the people in the house, his heart was broken, and he wished he could take their place. Resisting the urge to rush into the house, he looked at the gray snowy sky and prayed to the gods and Buddhas in the heavens to let his beloved suffer less.
Just as he clasped his hands together to pray for Yu Zhi, two dusty figures rushed into the yard.
The two men hurried past him and pushed the door open without saying a word.
Luo Tingshi recognized the two men.
They were the former emperor and empress of Yu State, and also the two fathers of Yu Zhi.
Luo Tingshi had a bad feeling in his heart.
Soon, a man with a cold face stepped out of the house, his hawk-like eyes shot straight at him. In an instant, a strong murderous aura hit him in the face.
"Follow me."
The man's clothes brushed past him with the wind and he said something coldly.
Luo Tingshi glanced at the closed door and followed the man.
Walking around to the front hall, he saw the man standing with his back to him, his hands behind his back. His tall and silent figure exuded a solemn and murderous aura, and his dominance almost made him breathless.
Luo Tingshi lifted his robe without hesitation, knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "Greetings, uncle."
Yu Heng turned around and sneered, "I cannot accept such a great gift from the Emperor Sheng."
Luo Tingshi raised his head, his eyes firm, "I wish to marry Yu Zhi, uncle should accept this gift."
Yu Heng laughed loudly: "If you ask for my hand in marriage, will I agree?" A sharp and cold light flashed in his eyes. He lifted Luo Tingshi's collar, and the pressure of a superior pressed down fiercely.
"You slept with Yu Zhi and attacked the Yu Kingdom. I haven't even come to settle accounts with you yet, and you're still thinking of marrying him?"
Luo Tingshi spoke earnestly, "Uncle, I truly love Yu Zhi and will forever love him. I am willing to use Sheng State as a betrothal gift to marry him."
"Oh? Even if you want to use Sheng State as a betrothal gift, will the people and officials of Sheng State agree?" Yu Heng's mouth curled up coldly. He let go of Luo Tingshi and slowly walked to the upper place. He suddenly turned his head, and his eagle eyes accurately cast on Luo Tingshi's eyes, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.
"Do you know that this is tantamount to treason in their eyes? You are not sure whether you can survive if you return to Sheng State. Why should my son be a widow for you?"
Luo Tingshi bowed again, then raised his head with a resolute expression, "The world, long divided, must unite. The Nine Provinces have been divided for hundreds of years, and it is time for them to be unified. Please give me a chance, and I will ensure that the officials and people of Sheng State are properly resettled."
Yu Heng narrowed his eyes, sizing up Luo Ting with his eagle-like gaze. After a long pause, his tone rose slightly, "It's just empty talk now. If you can really do it, I'll consider it."
Luo Tingshi was overjoyed: "Thank you, uncle."
Yu Heng waved his hand: "You go back to Shengguo now."
Luo Tingshi was stunned: "Xiaoyu, he..."
Yu Heng: "His father and I are here. We will take good care of him. You don't need to worry."
Luo Tingshi: "Would you allow me to meet him and say goodbye to him?"
Yu Heng: "No. Leave now. If I see you again, you will never see Yu Zhi again."
In desperation, Luo Tingshi had to mount his horse and leave Gu Yue immediately.
One man and one horse, heading eastward against the biting cold wind.
Heavy snow blocked the roads, making the mountain paths difficult to travel on. Half a month later, Luo Tingshi returned to the capital of Sheng State.
"Your Majesty, you are finally back."
The emperor appeared in the bedroom. Wang Man was overjoyed. He immediately stepped forward to sweep away the snow and wind for him, took off his cloak, and said with a smile, "I have been waiting for you for more than six months."
Luo Tingshi's expression was stern, without any emotion.
He turned his head to look at Wang Man and ordered him: "Call the important officials to Kunde Pavilion. I will discuss things with them sometimes."
Wang Man bowed and said, "Yes."
Luo Tingshi did not rest for a moment, and immediately rushed to Kunde Pavilion. Before the arrival of the court officials, he sat on the throne with a stern face.
Two quarters of an hour later, important officials from the court came one after another.
Everyone looked at each other in confusion. They asked Wang Man on the way, but Wang Man didn't know what the emperor was going to do either.
In the solemn and silent atmosphere, cold sweat broke out on some people's foreheads.
Luo Tingshi's cold eyes swept over the ministers in the hall one by one, and he slowly said, "I summoned you here today to discuss my lifelong affairs."
The Minister of Rites was overjoyed: "Your Majesty is willing to choose a queen? I will order someone to arrange it right away!"
Luo Tingshi: "I have chosen a queen, and I just need to ask for her hand in marriage."
The Minister of Rites cautiously watched the emperor, who was in a good mood, and asked hesitantly, "I wonder which family this young lady is from?"
Luo Tingshi chuckled.
"The Emperor of Yu, Yu Zhi."
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