Pregnancy controversy
Ever since Wu Zetian was diagnosed with pregnancy, Li Zhi has been like a giant dragon guarding a treasure, wishing he could hang a sign at the entrance of Chengxiang Palace that reads "Pregnant woman inside, no unauthorized personnel allowed."
Even when Empress Wang summoned him as usual, he refused with the excuse that "Zhaoyi needs to rest and recuperate."
(Inner monologue: The boss's protective instincts are practically overflowing the screen! But... it doesn't seem so bad?)
That day, Wu Meiniang was drooling over a plate of green plums when she suddenly heard Consort Xiao's sweet voice from outside the palace: "I heard that Consort Wu is not feeling well, so I specially found some appetizing candied fruits..."
Before he could finish speaking, Li Zhi was already blocking the doorway like a gatekeeper, his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a fly: "Consort Shu is very kind. However, the imperial physician said that Meiniang should avoid sweets now, so please take these things back."
Consort Xiao's smile froze instantly.
(Inner monologue: Pfft—this straight-man shield from the boss isn't very hurtful, but it's extremely insulting!)
Wu Zetian chuckled to herself as she bit into a green plum, deciding to give her foolish father, the Emperor, a little boost.
She walked slowly to the door, supporting her aching back, and coughed lightly at just the right moment: "Your Majesty, Consort Shu meant well..."
Li Zhi immediately turned around and supported her, his voice anxious: "Why did you come out? Be careful not to catch a cold!"
Consort Xiao was so angry at the couple's back-and-forth that she almost broke her nails. She forced a smile and said, "Since Consort Wu has dietary restrictions, then I will take my leave."
Once everyone had gone, Wu Meiniang immediately released her hand from her mouth and looked at Li Zhi with bright eyes: "Your Majesty, how well did you cooperate just now?"
Li Zhi was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized what she meant, and laughed as he playfully pinched her nose: "You, Wu Meiniang, you even dare to scheme against me!"
(Inner monologue: Hehe, when husband and wife are of one mind, they can move mountains!)
However, some people are still unwilling to give up.
Three days later, while admiring chrysanthemums in the Imperial Garden, Wu Zetian was listening to a young palace maid tell folk jokes when suddenly her foot slipped—
In a flash, eight hundred classic scenes from palace dramas flashed through her mind.
(Inner monologue: Here it comes! The classic act of faking a fall and staging an accident!)
In the blink of an eye, Wu Meiniang not only did not dodge, but instead used the force of her slip to tilt to the side and accurately grabbed the sleeve of Consort Xiao, who was rushing over to "help" her.
"Sizzle—"
Amidst the horrified gazes of the crowd, the two of them fell to the ground in a heap.
Wu Zetian braced herself with her elbows to protect her stomach, while Consort Xiao fell hard on her bottom, her hair coming undone.
"Sister Shufei!" Wu Meiniang exclaimed first, tears welling up in her eyes. "Why did you push me? Even if you are unhappy that His Majesty has been staying in Chengxiang Palace these days, you can't harm the imperial heir!"
Consort Xiao was stunned: "What nonsense are you talking about! It was clearly you..."
"Enough!" Li Zhi, who rushed over upon hearing the news, was ashen-faced.
He carefully helped Wu Meiniang up, his gaze like a knife as he shot at Consort Xiao: "I saw you lunge at Consort Wu with my own eyes! Guards, Consort Xiao is to be confined for three months, and her rations are to be halved!"
(Inner monologue: Done! The boss really does have a special effect of being blind!)
That night, Li Zhi was still shaken and insisted on listening to the baby's movements.
Wu Zetian looked up at the sky speechlessly: "Your Majesty, it's only been three months. He/she is at most a shrimp that can blow bubbles right now..."
"Nonsense!" Li Zhi pressed his ear against her belly and retorted earnestly, "My child will definitely be extraordinary!"
As they were talking, Wu Meiniang suddenly hissed.
Li Zhi jumped up instantly: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Wu Meiniang pointed to her stomach with a strange expression: "He/She... seemed to have really blew a bubble just now."
The couple looked at each other, then suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.
Li Zhi smiled and pulled her into his arms, gently rubbing his chin against the top of her head: "I will definitely protect you all."
Wu Meiniang leaned against his warm chest and suddenly felt that palace intrigue wasn't so scary after all.
(Inner monologue: Having a silly dad as a teammate... feels... pretty cool?)
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