Ying Zheng took the blueprints from his attendant and carefully unfolded them on the stone table.
"This was drawn by the wicked man..." He pointed to the towering main hall on the drawing, "The main hall is ten zhang high, built with modern cement. The side corridors are like outstretched wings, embracing the central courtyard..."
Afang gazed quietly at the blueprints, her slender fingers gently tracing the exquisite lines. Although she knew nothing about architecture, she could still sense the grandeur of the palace.
"Too...too extravagant," she murmured. "This isn't for me; it's clearly an aura of royalty meant to awe the world."
Ying Zheng shook his head: "No, this was designed for you. Look here..."
He pointed to a corner of the drawing, where an elegant little courtyard was depicted: "This is a place specially reserved for you to play the zither. The courtyard is filled with plum blossoms, which will bloom in winter when snow falls, perfectly complementing your music."
Afang's hands trembled slightly. She hadn't expected that such a tranquil corner would be hidden within this magnificent palace design.
"Zheng-ge'er..." she called softly, her voice choked with emotion, "Why did you have to..."
"Do you know why it's called the Epang Palace?" Ying Zheng looked at her, his gaze deep. "It's so that future generations will know that this palace was built by me for a woman named Epang."
Afang lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Let's go back to Xianyang," Ying Zheng said. "There you'll have your own private music room, where your music can once again resonate throughout the palace."
Afang raised her head, looking into the eyes of this ruler of the world, where the sincerity of her youth still remained. "Good."
Ying Zheng smiled broadly: "Prepare the chariot!"
............
Xianyang, the Grand Commandant's residence.
"What? The King really brought Afang back?" Zhang Erhe asked in surprise.
"How could it be false?" The wicked man looked at the secret report in his hand. "But this is a bit troublesome..."
"What's wrong, Grand Commandant?"
The wicked husband rubbed his temples: "Think about it, Queen Mi Ji is six months pregnant, and at this crucial moment the King brings back his old concubines... what will become of the harem..."
Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.
"Grand Commandant! Grand Commandant, something terrible has happened!" A palace attendant rushed in, flustered. "The Princess... the Princess is about to give birth!"
"What?!" The wicked husband jumped to his feet. "It's only been eight months! How can it be so early?"
"The imperial physician said it's a threatened miscarriage, and they're currently working to stabilize the pregnancy. The princess keeps insisting on seeing the king..."
The wicked man slammed his fist on the table: "Quickly prepare a fast horse! I need to go to the palace to see what's happening! Erhe, you personally lead men to Xinzheng and make sure the King returns as soon as possible!"
"Yes!" Zhang Erhe turned and left.
"Wait!" the wicked husband called out again, "Remember, whatever you do, don't say that Mi Ji knows about A Fang's affair. Just say it's the baby moving, and that the King must return immediately..."
"clear!"
After sending Zhang Erhe away, the wicked husband immediately set off for the inner palace. As soon as he arrived at the palace gate, he heard groans coming from inside.
"Imperial Physician, how is the condition?"
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, the Princess Consort suffered a bit of a shock, but fortunately it was discovered early. She has been given medication to stabilize the pregnancy and is temporarily calm."
The wicked husband nodded and pushed open the door to enter. He saw Mi Ji lying on the bed, her face pale. When she saw him come in, she struggled to get up.
"Your Highness, don't move!" The wicked husband rushed forward, "What are you doing...?"
"Grand Commandant..." Mi Ji said, supporting her belly, "I just heard the palace maids say that His Majesty is in Xinzheng..."
"Your Highness, rest assured," the wicked husband interrupted her, "I have already sent someone to fetch the King back. Your most important task now is to rest and recuperate; do not think about anything else."
Mi Ji bit her lip: "I'm fine, Grand Commandant, you don't need to worry about me. I just... I just miss the King a little..."
The wicked husband sighed as he watched her struggle to hold back her tears. Affairs within the harem are the most difficult to resolve.
"Your Highness," he said in a deep voice, "this child in your womb will one day be the Crown Prince of Qin, and also my student. There must be absolutely no mishap."
Mi Ji was taken aback.
"So your most important thing right now is to take care of yourself and give birth to the baby safely. As for everything else..."
"I understand." Mi Ji wiped away her tears. "Thank you for the reminder, Grand Commandant."
Just as the wicked husband breathed a sigh of relief, he heard Mi Ji say softly, "I've heard... that Miss Afang is very skilled at playing the zither?"
"This..." The wicked man was speechless for a moment.
"Actually, I knew all along." Mi Ji smiled bitterly, "When the King ordered the new palace to be named Epang Palace, I guessed it. I just didn't expect that she was actually still alive..."
Just then, they heard hurried footsteps outside.
"Report! His Majesty has sent word that he has left Xinzheng and is expected to arrive by noon tomorrow!"
"Great!" The wicked husband was overjoyed, saving him a lot of trouble. "Your Majesty, did you hear that? The King will be back soon!"
Mi Ji nodded, finally revealing a slight smile: "Your Majesty has returned so soon..."
"Yes!" the wicked husband assured, patting his chest. "Alright, Your Majesty, you should rest now. I'll keep watch outside."
Stepping out of the palace, the wicked husband let out a long sigh of relief.
He knew that the affairs of the harem were far more complex than they seemed.
Next, Zheng Ge'er will have a lot to worry about.
However, the most important thing now is to protect the child in Mi Ji's womb. As for other matters, we can discuss them when Ying Zheng returns.
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