CHAPTER 891: SHE MIGHT END UP AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE
Ever since she was confirmed to be pregnant, she rarely showed any symptoms. Her appetite was still pretty good, so she did not need to worry about being undernourished. However, she would have to limit her food intake toward the end of her pregnancy to avoid overnutrition.
Nevertheless, her situation was the opposite for pregnant women who experienced constant morning sickness and poor appetite.
In the early stage, pregnancy discomfort may cause the mother to vomit whatever she ate, thus leading to undernutrition. Once the symptoms had subsided, the mother would then have to increase her nutrient intake to prevent the fetus from becoming malnourished.
However, it had not even been five months, and her baby bump was already starting to show, meaning that she had to be more careful.
If these were modern times, she would not have to worry. Even if she could not have a natural childbirth, she could still opt for a cesarean section, but alas, she was in an ancient era now.
A cesarean section was obviously not going to be on the table, and she did not want to take the risk either.
After hearing what she said, Zhu Yu immediately grew anxious. "Then what should you have for your usual meals? I'll convey your instructions to the imperial kitchen later."
Lu Liangwei thought for a while, then said, "Tell them to make only one serving of fish soup a day. Not every meal has to be lavish. Have them prepare more plant-based meals and reduce the meat serving by half."
She was now in the middle phase of her pregnancy, and she had to reduce her consumption gradually.
Other than that, she needed to exercise more every day.
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Staring at her plump cheeks in the mirror, she made up her mind to overcome her laziness.
Zhu Yu jotted down every word she said.
"Then I'll speak to the imperial kitchen right away, Miss."
"Go ahead."
After Zhu Yu left, Lu Liangwei walked out of her bedchamber. Chu Jiu immediately followed.
Lu Liangwei did not have to look back to know that it was her.
"Jiu, it's the Lantern Festival tomorrow. It's a shame my pregnancy is already showing-I'd have loved to go out and join the fun." She had heard from Zhu Yu that the Lantern Festival was a lively event, and there would be a grand lantern show, too.
On that day, young men and women would meet up outside to connect.
Just imagining the splendidness of the occasion filled her with longing.
However, going to crowded places would not be appropriate now that she was pregnant, so she had no choice but to drop the idea.
Sensing the wistfulness in her words, Chu Jiu said coolly, "The Lantern Festival happens annually, and even if you miss it this year, there'll still be another one next year. You should focus on taking care of yourself and the child."
Her frigid consolation earned her a mournful glance from Lu Liangwei. "Jiu, are you comforting me?"
Chu Jiu arched an eyebrow. "Yes."
Lu Liangwei burst out laughing. Looking at her good-looking and handsome face, she could not help poking her cheek teasingly. "Jiu, you're turning twenty this year. Butler Zhao is super concerned about your marriage prospects, and he even asked me to keep an eye out for a suitable candidate. What do you feel about this? Do you have any expectations?"
Chu Jiu pulled Lu Liangwei's finger down and said helplessly, "I've never thought about getting married. I'm fine with the way I am now."
Knowing that she was being honest, Lu Liangwei said a little enviously, "That's a good mindset. Marriage is actually pretty troublesome; it's better to be alone."
Right then, Chu Jiu spotted a person emerging from behind a flowering tree out of the corner of her eye. Her eyelids twitched, and she took a few steps back quietly, keeping a distance from Lu Liangwei.
Oblivious to her reaction, Lu Liangwei continued woefully, "If His Majesty hadn't insisted on marrying me, I could have been living comfortably in the Grand Duke Mansion with my selected husband."
Chu Jiu's expression turned grim. She felt that she might end up as collateral damage.
"Your Highness, my stomach's suddenly not feeling well. I'll excuse myself first." Before Lu Liangwei could reply, she dashed off swiftly.
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CHAPTER 892: HE LOOKED LIKE HE WANTED TO EAT HER UP
Lu Liangwei was dumbfounded.
Why did Jiu run away?
Judging from the way she sprinted off, it looked as if she had just spotted some monstrous beast.
She was usually not such an irresponsible person.
Whenever Lu Liangwei left her sleeping quarters, Jiu would follow her every step of the way. Today, however, she abandoned her halfway just like that.
Lu Liangwei was astounded.
However, she soon found out why Jiu had suddenly bolted off.
Looking at the man approaching her, all of a sudden, she felt like running away too.
He did not happen to hear what she said just now, did he?
At the sight of his thunderous expression, she swallowed nervously and let out a hollow laugh. "Are you done with work, Your Majesty? Why do you have time to visit the imperial garden today?"
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There was a half-smile on Long Yang's face. "If I hadn't come, I wouldn't have known that you were still thinking of your selected husband."
Lu Liangwei sighed inwardly. Indeed, it was not a good day for a heart-to-heart talk with another person-she did not expect that he would stumble upon her making that casual remark.
"Yes, I have been thinking of my selected husband." She shot him a sidelong glance, blinking mischievously, before giving a solemn nod.
Long Yang's expression immediately clouded over, and he pulled her into his arms and said with jealousy in his voice, "Oh? There were a lot of competitors back then, and it seems that someone has caught your eye. Why don't you tell me who it is, and I'll help find him and let him be your husband?"
Lu Liangwei's heart trembled at the sound of his murderous tone. If there was really such a person, she did not doubt that Long Yang would slash him in half.
Given the situation, even if such a man really existed, she would never tell him. She would be dooming him to death if she did.
Pouting, she said accusingly, "I'm a timid pregnant woman. Don't scare me."
"Timid? You certainly seem bold to me. You're the Empress, yet you neglect womanly virtue and long for another man. What a breach of propriety!" Long Yang's eyes were narrowed, his teeth bared.
Seeing him like this, Lu Liangwei could not help bursting into laughter.
Long Yang's face turned even darker. His deep eyes squinted slowly, and he tightened his arms around her. "Stop laughing."
Lu Liangwei was hardly afraid as she stood up on her tiptoes and pinched his cheeks, grinning. "You're adorable when you're like this, Your Majesty!"
Long Yang's breath hitched, and a blush colored his handsome face. He pulled her hands down and snapped, "What nonsense are you saying?"
Lu Liangwei replied mischievously, "Do you remember the match I hosted last year to choose a bridegroom?"
The mention of that event reminded Long Yang of the selected husband she had been talking about, and he frowned in displeasure. "Why? Are you still thinking of your might-have-been husband?"
Lu Liangwei looked at him and nodded. "Yes."
The veins on Long Yang's forehead bulged. Enraged by her answer, he reached out and grasped her chin, his voice intimidating, "Lu Liangwei, just because I dote on you doesn't mean you can be so insolent!"
This girl was really capable of driving him crazy!
Lu Liangwei blinked.
No matter how angry he was, he could never bring himself to hurt her.
He seemed menacing, but his hold on her chin was contrastingly gentle, as if he was afraid of hurting her even in the slightest.
Since he was so adorable, Lu Liangwei decided to stop teasing him.
She grinned and said, "I recall that you went to the arena on the last day, and you even defeated the previous winner and became the final victor. Tell me, then-who was my selected husband?"
Long Yang was stunned. When he met the girl's playful gaze, unease flickered across his face, and he loosened his grip on her. "I just remembered that I still have some important affairs to handle in the imperial study, so I'll have to go now. You can go back on your own later."
Just when he was about to leave, Lu Liangwei quickly grabbed his arm.
She looked at him with a smirk. "Why so hasty? You looked so angry just now, I thought you were going to eat me up."
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CHAPTER 893: THIS IS MY PUNISHMENT TO YOU
Long Yang blushed, feeling a little guilty for his childish outburst. He cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment and said sternly, "You're overthinking again. Why would I be angry with you?"
"Oh, so I'd been overthinking. But if I remember correctly, you said..." Lu Liangwei paused and glanced at him, then suddenly imitated his tone, "Lu Liangwei, just because I dote on you doesn't mean you can be so insolent. Did you really think I wouldn't punish you?"
Her impersonation of him was practically perfect.
Long Yang's face clouded over again when he heard this.
Lu Liangwei raised her head and looked at him with a half-smile. "So how will His Majesty the Emperor punish me, may I ask?"
Long Yang pinched his forehead in a mix of exasperation and amusement. Staring at her moving rosy lips through narrowed eyes, he abruptly dipped his head and sealed her cheeky mouth.
Lu Liangwei did not expect that he would suddenly kiss her. Her eyes widened, and for a while she was unable to react.
After tasting her thoroughly, Long Yang finally released her.
He ran a finger across her alluring lips, his eyes dark and his voice a husky, seductive whisper. "This is my punishment to you."
Lu Liangwei's eyes misted up, her heart pounding so fast it felt like it wanted to jump out of her chest.
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How strange-they had done much more intimate stuff than this, but every time the Emperor kissed her, she still could not help blushing and getting shy.
She became putty in his hands especially when he spoke to her in that voice.
She exhaled secretly to calm her throbbing heart and raised her head, only to see his smug expression. Shooting him an annoyed look, she said stubbornly, "And I thought you had some new tricks up your sleeve... Uh, this punishment will suffice, I guess."
The corners of Long Yang's mouth turned up, and he let out a chuckle. "Does that mean you already knew I was going to do that?"
Lu Liangwei blinked and denied firmly, "How would I know? It's not like I can read your mind."
Long Yang paused, then suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and brought his face close to hers. "You're right. However, you seem to be unsatisfied with my kissing skills. Since we're both free now, why don't we practice?"
Lu Liangwei almost choked on her saliva when she heard him mention kissing skills so blatantly.
She gaped at him wide-eyed.
As Long Yang took in her dazed and adorable face, a flicker of pleasure flashed through his deep eyes, and he slowly leaned into her.
Lu Liangwei blushed bright red.
Just when their lips were about to touch, she let out a sudden sneeze.
Long Yang, "..."
Mortified to see a blob of her saliva on his face, Lu Liangwei hastily took out her handkerchief and wiped it away, saying guiltily, "I didn't mean to do that."
Long Yang took the handkerchief from her and wiped his face in silence.
This girl was always capable of ruining the mood.
Sighing, he tucked the handkerchief away and said good-naturedly, "It's all right. I've swallowed a lot of your saliva, anyway-getting some on my face isn't a big deal."
Lu Liangwei, "..."
Seeing her dumbfounded by his reply, Long Yang stroked her head cheerfully and took her hand. "Well then, let's go back."
"All right."
"Why did you tell the imperial kitchen to reduce your nutritious meals by half?" Remembering this point, he frowned and asked disapprovingly.
The mention of the matter made Lu Liangwei a little troubled. "Don't you think that my belly's grown a lot recently? I have to control my diet." As she spoke, she placed his hand on her stomach.
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Chapter 894: The Emperor And Empress Performed The Worship Together
To be honest, it was a challenging task for her to control her appetite.
She was not anxious about gaining weight. Being an ectomorph, she did not have to worry about overeating, but she wanted to prepare herself for smooth childbirth in the final stage.
Long Yang's fingers probed her stomach, but he did not notice anything different. Glancing her over, he said, "Isn't it almost the same as before?"
"Is it? But I feel that it's gotten bigger than how it was a few days ago." Lu Liangwei rubbed her belly. She had looked in the mirror that morning and found the bulge had indeed grown bigger. "Maybe you don't notice it because you're with me every day."
Long Yang stroked her head a little helplessly. "Even if it has gotten bigger, what does it matter?"
Lu Liangwei sighed. "It doesn't. I just wanted to know."
Seeing the conflicted expression on her face, Long Yang paused, then said, "There's a method to measure if your belly has grown."
"What method?" Lu Liangwei was curious, but thinking that he was referring to a measuring instrument, she quickly shook her head. "But I've never measured my bump ever since it started showing, so even if I measure it now, I won't know if it's gotten bigger or not. It should be easier to tell when it gets bigger after some time."
"Come with me." Long Yang took her hand without explaining, but his tone was firm.
They returned to the bedchamber, and Long Yang closed the doors behind them.
A moment later, Lu Liangwei said in exasperation, "Is this the method you were talking about?"
Long Yang cast her a dark, enigmatic glance before pulling his hand out from under her dress.
The smooth and delicate touch under his palms almost made him lose his mind.
"Yes," he whispered huskily. What he did not say was... he knew every inch of her body like the back of his hand.
Ever since she got pregnant, he would use his hands to measure her stomach every now and then.
Therefore, he knew better than the girl herself whether or not her stomach had grown bigger.
They were outside just now, so he naturally could not do the measuring through her thick layer of clothing.
Lu Liangwei adjusted her dress, her cheeks warm. "So what's the result of your measurement? Is it bigger than a few days ago?"
Long Yang pulled her closer, lowered his head, and whispered a few words in her ear.
Lu Liangwei flushed and scolded him internally.
The Emperor was such a rogue!
He said that her belly had indeed grown bigger compared to a few days ago, as well as a certain other part of her body.
She took a deep breath, concealing her embarrassment, and reminded him with a pout, "Didn't you say you had important things to do in the imperial study? You should go."
Suppressing his inner desires, Long Yang said solemnly, "Yes, I do have some things to sort out for the Lantern Festival tomorrow. Get some rest, then. I'll be in the imperial study."
Lu Liangwei's face was still hot as she watched him leave. Thinking of something, she hurriedly looked down.
It seemed that they had really grown in size.
However, it was normal for women to become more buxom when they were pregnant.
She comforted herself.
...
The Lantern Festival was one of Great Shang's major festivals. On this day, both the common folk and the imperial family would hold various ritualistic events.
It was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which marked the first full moon of the New Year, and the people of that era attached great importance to it. f𝓇𝘦e𝑤𝘦𝚋𝒏૦ѵℯ𝒍.c𝐨𝒎
On this day every year, the imperial family would host a grand Moon Goddess Ritual Event where the Emperor and Empress would lead the court officials to worship at the altar.
That evening, Lu Liangwei got ready early and put on the Empress's ceremonial dress.
When it was getting dark, Long Yang came and led her to the meeting hall to meet the court officials before setting out for the altar.
The altar was just southeast of the palace. 𝐟𝘳𝑒𝗲𝘸e𝒃𝘯𝒐𝐯e𝚕.c𝒐𝒎
In previous years, Long Yang had led the court officials to worship the Moon Goddess alone, but now that he had selected an Empress, it was only natural that they performed the worship together.
CHAPTER 895: YOU DON'T HAVE SOME SORT OF UNMENTIONABLE DISEASE, DO YOU
This was the ancestral tradition of the Great Shang Dynasty.
All concubines below the ranking of the Empress did not have the right to attend this event.
Aside from the Empress, the Empress Dowager was the only other person who was allowed to be present.
However, since Long Yang had ascended to the throne, he had taken special efforts to exclude Empress Dowager Xiaojing from the ritualistic event every year.
This was why Empress Dowager Xiaojing had never once attended the Moon Festival Event during the Lantern Festival.
The Moon Goddess Ritual Event of the Royal Family was a significant occasion. It was the grandest ritual of the year.
Even though Long Yang was not a superstitious person, the ritual was still important to him.
Moreover, the ritualistic event this year had the Prince of Xiangyang, Long Xiao, and the Grand Princess of Ning, Long Qingzhi, all in attendance.
As everyone arrived below the altar, an instrument that sounded like a horn was suddenly played. It made a sound that was bright and lively, as though it could reverberate through heaven and earth. There was also a kind of sacred and dignified ring to it. Before, other instruments began joining in as well.
Everyone stopped at one corner of the tower.
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The altar was set at the top of the tower. It was said that this tower had a total of eighty-nine steps and was the tallest building within the Palace.
The most important thing about the Moon Goddess Ritual Event was to pray for the country's fortune, with hopes that the country would be blessed with fair weather and peace for the people. This process would require the Emperor and Empress to climb to the top of the tower together to complete the ritual.
Long Yang would personally attend this ceremonial event every year, so he was very familiar with every step of the process. However, this year's ritual would include Lu Liangwei, who was now pregnant with a child. It would not be easy for her to climb up the tall tower.
He tried not to worry too much about it as he looked tenderly at Lu Liangwei. "Can you make the climb?"
Lu Liangwei glanced at the tower before her and replied with determination. "I can do it."
She was pregnant with the imperial heir and could have chosen not to take part in the ritual this year, but this was the first ritualistic event for them after they had gotten married.
Moreover, Jiu had told her that the Moon Goddess Ritual Event was a tradition that Great Shang had been practicing for a long time, and it was an event of great importance to both the Royal Family and the common families.
If both husband and wife were able to conduct the Moon Goddess Ritual Event together during the Lantern Festival, they would be blessed by the Moon Goddess and would live happily ever after for the rest of their lives.
Even though Lu Liangwei did not believe in any of this, she hoped from the bottom of her heart that she would be able to spend the rest of her life with His Majesty in happiness, and for her child to grow up healthily.
Even if it was just for getting a token of luck, she wanted to attend the event this year. This was also the first time she would be taking part in a ritual with His Majesty and she did not want to back out of it.
Lu Liangwei was grateful that she was only a little more than four months pregnant. If she had been pregnant for another two more months, it would have been difficult for her to handle it.
The Imperial Astronomers were already at the top of the tower to prepare for the ritual.
Aside from the Emperor and Empress, everyone else had to stay below the tower.
Long Yang held Lu Liangwei's hand and walked onto the steps while telling her in a low voice, "I'll hold on to you. There's no need to force yourself. Just let me know if you feel tired."
"Alright," Lu Liangwei replied softly as she looked at the tall man standing next to her. She felt very safe with him.
Long Qingzhi laughed softly as she watched the Emperor and Empress hold hands. "My brother really knows how to take care of his wife."
Long Xiao, who was standing next to her, sighed. "Heroes will always fall for beauty. I never thought that Royal Brother would come to this too."
Long Qingzhi turned her gaze away when she heard this. She looked at Long Xiao and said seriously, "You're not young anymore yourself. You're twenty-six this year and it's about time you got yourself a proper wife."
Long Xiao said a little helplessly when he heard this, "There you go again, Royal Sister. I'm not interested in marrying. I'm having a pretty good life now and have nothing to worry about."
Long Qingzhi shot him a sidelong glance when she heard this. She paused before lowering her voice and saying, "Xiao'er, you don't have some sort of unmentionable disease, do you?"
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CHAPTER 896: STOP TALKING, YOU SHOULD SAVE SOME STAMINA
Long Xiao almost choked on his own spit as he gaped at her in disbelief. "Royal Sister, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Long Qingzhi sighed. She said worriedly, "Even if you don't have any unspeakable diseases, it would be best if you aren't addicted to some unhealthy hobby."
The corner of Long Xiao's lips twitched. "Royal Sister, what sort ofaperson do you take me for? How could I have some sort of unhealthy hobby?"
Long Qingzhi frowned and said, "It's good that you don't have any. It's just that I've heard word of some kind of male brothel after returning to the imperial capital, and that certain rich men's sons would visit them frequently. I'm just worried that you're..."
She paused and did not continue, but it was clear about what she wanted to say.
Long Xiao held his palm against his forehead. "Royal Sister, is it possible for us to have a decent conversation?"
Long Qingzhi tried her best to continue the advisory tone. "Xiao'er, even though we were not born from the same mother, but in my heart, I treat you just like your Royal Brother. I only hope both of you have a good life."
Long Xiao was silent.
He could tell that his Royal Sister was being sincere toward him, but some things could not be taken back once the wheels had been set in motion.
A long time passed before he sighed quietly and changed the topic of conversation. "By the way, didn't Zhi'er enter the Palace?"
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Long Qingzhi's expression turned gentle at the mention of her son. "He's here, of course, but he is still too young, so I didn't bring him along. I left him at Jade Dew Hall."
Long Xiao nodded.
Meanwhile, on the tower, Long Yang and Lu Liangwei had made it halfway.
Long Yang was initially worried that Lu Liangwei would not be able to climb such a great height. He even took the trouble to slow down, but in the end, every step the girl made was quick and stable.
It would have been easy to think that she was not pregnant.
Long Yang was quite astonished.
In reality, Lu Liangwei was just being lazy after she got pregnant, and she was not as fragile as he had thought. He had just mistaken her lethargy to be caused by her pregnancy.
Lu Liangwei knew her physique best and she was actually quite healthy and sturdy. This was merely climbing some stairs, and she knew her limits.
However, when Long Yang saw the thin layer of sweat appear on Lu Liangwei's forehead, he promptly carried her in his arms.
Lu Liangwei called out in shock, "Your Majesty, there's no need for you to do this. I can walk on my own."
"Stop talking, you should save some stamina. We still need to go down the stairs later." Long Yang did not give her room for protest as he carried her firmly in his arms and continued moving up.
Lu Liangwei was secretly grateful that they were already high up the tower and his officials would not be able to see this scene. Otherwise, they would surely have criticized this as being undignified.
"Let me down if you're tired," Lu Liangwei said concernedly.
Long Yang darted her a look. "This small amount of weight from you won't tire me out. Don't worry."
Lu Liangwei hugged him around the neck and said with a bright smile, "Since Your Majesty is full of stamina and strength, you should move more quickly. It's getting dark and you're being a slowpoke."
Long Yang, "..."
By the time the ritual was over, the sky had turned completely dark.
His Majesty had prepared a palace banquet for all his officials in conjunction with today's Lantern Festival.
Everyone moved from the tower toward Jade Dew Hall.
The Danjue ambassadors were also invited into the Palace to celebrate the festival together.
Long Qingzhi did not bring Wanyan Zhi along during the ritual and had left him at Jade Dew Hall. Currently, Wanyan Zhi was sitting next to Wanyan Luosang in the hall.
Wanyan Zhi had a deep fear for Wanyan Jin, but that feeling did not extend to Wanyan Luosang. In fact, the boy felt rather close to her.
Wanyan Luosang was whispering something to him and he was taking in every word earnestly.
By the end of their conversation, Wanyan Luosang rubbed his little head and complimented, "I always knew that Zhi'er is the most obedient boy. Wait till I get back to Danjue, I will get someone to send your father's favorite horse back to Great Shang."
Wanyan Zhi nodded obediently and nodded. "Thank you, Grandaunt."
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CHAPTER 897: AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASCEND TO THE THRONE
When Lu Liangwei entered the hall with Long Yang, she immediately spotted Wanyan Luosang standing up from the seat next to Wanyan Zhi.
She paused and darted a look at Wanyan Luosang. She was slightly surprised. She had not expected Zhi'er to be friendly with Wanyan Luosang.
The night of Lunar New Year eve, she had clearly seen the fear on the boy's face when he saw Wanyan Jin. It looked like he was only afraid of Wanyan Jin and did not feel the same toward his sister.
Lu Liangwei turned her gaze away and was about to head to the high seat with Long Yang when Wanyan Zhi, who had been sitting obediently all this while, suddenly came running toward her. He reached out his arms. "Aunt, carry me."
Lu Liangwei was about to bend over when Long Yang stopped her. He turned to look at Wanyan Zhi and said gently, "Zhi'er, your aunt is pregnant with a baby. She can't carry you now. Come, let me carry you instead."
He thought Wanyan Zhi would protest, but to his surprise, Wanyan Zhi promptly reached out to Long Yang right after he said this.
Long Yang paused. He had just thrown those words out without much thought and did not actually intend to carry Wanyan Zhi.
Nevertheless, Zhi'er was his sister's only child. If he rejected Zhi'er's request in front of all his officials, Zhi'er would end up being taken lightly by the people of the imperial capital.
It was a decision made within a flash when he changed his mind and reached out to lift Zhi'er.
When Wanyan Zhi saw the pearls hanging from Long Yang's crown, he reached out curiously to touch them.
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"Uncle, these pearls are really pretty."
Long Yang tried his best to be patient as he replied, "Yes, I'll get Butler Zhao to give you some of them later."
The entire hall was shocked at those words.
The pearls on the Emperor's crown were no ordinary jewels. No one was allowed to have them besides the Emperor.
Even so, the Emperor had just made a promise to bestow them to the son of the Grand Princess.
The look everyone gave Wanyan Zhi changed in an instant.
Could this be a hint from the Emperor that the Grand Princess' son would have an opportunity to ascend to the throne?
Everyone began contemplating the meaning behind his decision.
However, they had all guessed wrong.
Even if Long Yang did not have any heirs, he had never once considered passing the throne to Wanyan Zhi.
Even though Wanyan Zhi had returned to Great Shang with Long Qingzhi, half of his bloodline still belonged to Danjue. That was an undeniable fact.
Moreover, Weiwei was now pregnant with an heir. It did not matter if she had a daughter or a son, he would still nurture his child to be the next monarch and replace him on the throne in the future. This was the only way Weiwei would have someone to rely on once he passed.
Long Qingzhi gave a start and immediately went forward to prise Wanyan Zhi from Long Yang's arms.
"Zhi'er, you've crossed the line," she lectured him, then looked at Long Yang.
Long Yang knew that she had reservations about this and he shook his head. "It's fine. Zhi'er is still young. There's no need to reprimand him too strictly."
Long Qingzhi sighed with relief.
Even though they were siblings, her brother was the Emperor, after all. The dignity of the Emperor should not be challenged by anyone.
She wondered what came over Zhi'er tonight and felt that she was fortunate her brother was not unhappy about it.
The incident was smoothed over without any mishap.
Long Yang held Lu Liangwei's hand once more and walked toward the high seat.
Wanyan Luosang retreated to the side. When she saw Lu Liangwei heading to the seat from the corner of her eye, she finally unclenched her fists. Her palm was now drenched with sweat.
She calmed herself down and lifted her eyes to look. Lu Liangwei was now seated next to the noblest man on the high seat.
She suddenly felt a flicker of annoyance at the sight.
If not for Lu Liangwei having the good fortune of meeting the emperor of Great Shang before anyone else, that Phoenix throne might very well not be hers.
Wanyan Jin entered the hall once everyone was seated. His ice-cold gaze casually swept past Wanyan Luosang.
Wanyan Luosang felt her heart plummet. Could her brother have found out?
Wanyan Jin approached Long Yang and Lu Liangwei to bow in respect before taking his seat.
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Chapter 898: Who Gave You Such Brazenness To Dare Do Something To Long Yang 𝒇𝒓eewe𝒃𝑛𝒐𝘃𝒆𝚕.co𝘮
The Palace banquet passed by without incident.
Considering that there was to be a lantern show tonight outside the Palace, Long Yang ended the Palace banquet early.
The court officials were already itching to leave and were even counting down to the scheduled end of the banquet. When they heard the Emperor announce it was over, it was like a great relief washed over them as they were finally able to leave the Palace and attend the lantern show with their families.
The officials took their leave in no time.
The ones in no hurry to leave were the Grand Duke Family, Long Qingzhi and her son, and Long Xiao. On top of that, the Danjue ambassadors-with Wanyan Jin at the helm-stayed behind as well.
Just as Long Yang was about to ask them to leave, Wanyan Jin said, "I've heard that Your Majesty had arranged a lantern show for Her Highness at the imperial harem. I was wondering if I might have the honor to enjoy the show as well."
His request was made politely and it would be difficult for most people to reject him.
However, Long Yang was not bothered by such etiquettes and did not bother sparing the effort of being cordial with him.
"I fear I have to disappoint you, Prince Wanyan. The lantern show at the imperial harem tonight is specially arranged for the Empress. I do not want to be bothered by others as this is a family occasion. If Prince Wanyan would like to enjoy Great Shang's lantern show, I can arrange for someone from the Ministry of Rites to accompany you to attend the one outside the Palace. The people's lantern show tonight should be much more interesting."
Wanyan Jin had not expected to be rejected so directly.
Moreover, the Emperor indicated that he wanted to enjoy the lanterns with family. If Wanyan Jin did not take the hint, it would be too rude of him.
Wanyan Jin had always been quick to adapt, and even after being rejected in a way that made him lose face, he was still able to act quite naturally. "I have been quite abrupt with my request."
"Prince Wanyan only recently arrived at Great Shang, and there are many local customs you might not understand yet, which is quite understandable. There is no need to take this to heart."
Wanyan Jin was slightly embarrassed, but continued, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."
Long Yang did not continue conversing with him as he moved to the imperial harem along with Lu Liangwei and the others.
It was only after they were long gone that Wanyan Jin finally brought Wanyan Luosang and his entourage out of the Palace.
It was very festive and lively outside of the Palace. The entire road was crowded with people and there were pretty lanterns everywhere.
However, Wanyan Jin was not in the mood to admire them. He led everyone back to the coaching inn.
Once they were there, Wanyan Jin led Wanyan Luosang alone with him. His calm and gentle demeanor back at the Palace was long gone. He said in a low voice, "What did you make Wanyan Zhi do?"
Wanyan Luosang was shocked. She looked at her older brother's sharp eyes and shook her head anxiously. "Big Brother, you are overthinking things. How could I make Zhi'er do anything? He's my nephew."
Wanyan Jin sneered. "Do you really think so? If that was true, why didn't you go looking for Wanyan Zhi the moment you came to Great Shang, but only choose to suddenly get close to him today for no reason?"
The expression on Wanyan Luosang changed as she clenched her fist.
Wanyan Jin rubbed the spot between his eyes and blurted wearily, "Even I wouldn't dare make a move that blatantly. Who gave you such brazenness to dare do something to Long Yang? This place belongs to Great Shang. Are you purposely looking for a reason for them to punish you?"
"Big Brother, I... I didn't do anything..." Wanyan Luosang was now panicking, but she was not willing to admit to anything.
She had been so careful. She did not believe anyone could see through it.
Wanyan Jin felt some discomfort in his throat and began coughing uncontrollably.
Wanyan Luosang quickly poured him a cup of tea. "Big Brother, have a sip of tea, quick."
Wanyan Jin accepted the cup from her and drank from it, forcing down the pain.
He put the cup down and stared coldly at her. "Luosang, where did you get the gall to do such a thing?"
Wanyan Luosang took a step back and did not dare look into his eyes. "Big Brother, stop asking me such questions. I know what I'm doing. No one can possibly find out what I did."
CHAPTER 899: HE PREFERS MEN
Wanyan Jin's eyes narrowed. He was not happy about this, but did not push the subject. He simply said, "Lil Sis, you have to understand that you aren't the only person on this trip. If anything happens to you, all of us won't be able to escape from it. Do you understand what this means?"
Wanyan Luosang bit her lip. She felt conflicted.
She knew what was at stake too.
However, she was confident that she would not end up troubling them.
Wanyan Jin continued when he saw her staying silent, "All I hope is that we won't be blindsided should anything happen. Informing me in advance about what happened would help with working out a plan in case of an emergency. Otherwise, if you end up doing something irretrievable, I can only stand by and watch you get punished for the sake of the Danjue ambassadors who came here with us."
Wanyan Luosang's heart sank when she heard the threat in his words.
She had no one to rely on from Great Shang, and even if she was lucky enough to have her wish granted, she would still need to depend on her older brother.
She could not afford to burn bridges with anyone.
At the thought of this, she fell to her knees by his leg and tugged at the corner of his robe. "Big Brother, I... I'll tell you everything..."
...
Palace.
Long Yang had ordered for a miniature version of the lantern show to be displayed for Lu Liangwei in the imperial garden.
There were all sorts of pretty lanterns hung on the tree branches, all of them stunning.
The Dowager Duchess was not there tonight, but Lu Hetian and Ling Lihua were present.
They had planned to visit the lantern show after the banquet ended, but remembering that Lu Liangwei was pregnant and therefore unable to stroll outside the Palace, they decided to stay back and accompany her to admire lanterns and the moon in the imperial garden.
Even so, it did not take long before Lu Liangwei began to feel tired.
Ling Lihua immediately held her arm when she noticed this. She said, "You must be tired from everything today. You should return early to have some rest."
Lu Liangwei asked, "What about you and Father?"
A pleased look flickered in Ling Lihua's eyes before she replied, "Your father and I will head back to the mansion once we leave the Palace. Your grandmother is home alone now, after all."
Lu Liangwei knew what was going through her mother's mind, but decided not to say it out loud. "That's just as well. You and Father should go home early."
After Lu Hetian and Ling Lihua left, Long Qingzhi bid them goodbye as well while carrying Wanyan Zhi.
Long Xiao looked at Long Yang and Lu Liangwei, and said a little helplessly, "Since everyone has gone, it doesn't seem right for me to stay on. I would probably end up filled with envy if I have to look at nothing but the two of you."
Lu Liangwei turned to Long Yang to say, "Your Majesty, you should hurry up and bestow marriage for the Prince of Xiangyang. That way, he won't be so envious of us."
"Hmm... I was thinking the exact same thing. I'll find the time to meet the officials at the Ministry of Rites and see if there are any good matches for you," Long Yang said with serious consideration.
His words shocked Long Xiao as he quickly waved his hands in refusal, gesturing 'thanks, but no thanks'.
"I thank you, Royal Brother and Royal Sister-in-law, but..."
He paused for a moment before quickly blurting, "I'm actually not interested in women."
With that, he quickly made a run for it, as if horrified Long Yang would bestow him a marriage on the spot.
Long Yang and Lu Liangwei looked at each other.
It took Lu Liangwei quite a while to react. She said with astonishment, "The Prince of Xiangyang prefers men?"
Long Yang was deep in thought for a while. His brows furrowed and there was a slightly sympathetic look on his face. "It could possibly be true. That would explain why he has been single for so many years. I guess it's because of his preference."
A thought crossed Lu Liangwei's mind, she smiled and said, "I suddenly realize that you and your brother have some things in common."
"In which area are we similar?"
"You delayed your marriage because you had a hidden illness while the Prince of Xiangyang did so because of a secret preference. Isn't that a similarity?"
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CHAPTER 900: HE HAD BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD QUITE A BIT
The more Long Yang thought about it, the weirder it sounded. His almond-shaped eyes narrowed. "What sort of hidden illness did I have?"
Lu Liangwei sneaked a look at him and when she noticed him looking unhappy, she immediately yawned in an attempt to distract him. "I'm getting tired. Let's go back."
Long Yang grabbed her by the wrist. "You're not allowed to leave before explaining yourself."
Lu Liangwei stamped her feet and said coquettishly, "I'm really tired. I'd like to go to sleep. Whatever there is that needs explaining, let's do it tomorrow, alright? Besides, it's cold here."
She nuzzled into his arms as she said this.
Long Yang embraced her in his arms and even covered her right side with his fur overcoat. However, he did not plan to let it go. "So, you're not planning to explain, are you?"
When Lu Liangwei saw him acting this way, she knew she would be spending the entire night here if she did not explain herself. So, she decided to just jump straight to the point. "Frostbite is a poison that would prevent you from producing heirs. Your Majesty was tortured by this knowledge for so many years, so aren't you the person who would know this best?"
Long Yang went green in the face. He guessed long ago that the girl had misunderstood him quite a bit, but he had no idea she really believed this.
Was she really under the assumption that he was not able to perform back then?
It was true that he could not do it in the early years, but after being treated by Chief Physician Lin, he had been cured of this particular problem ages ago. By then, however, the poison had already seeped deep into him and his health had been severely jeopardized.
Even though this was all in the distant past, he still felt slightly embarrassed by it now that he was recalling the memory.
This was especially so when the girl brought it again.
Lu Liangwei felt the man's body stiffen and she could sense he was getting extremely angry. She began to feel quite unsettled.
She should not have mentioned this when the subject was supposed to be taboo.
After all, His Majesty was already cured of it. Not to mention, he was a man. It was a huge embarrassment for him to admit that he was not able to perform once upon a time.
"I was the one who said the wrong thing. Don't be angry, please?"
She tugged on his sleeve and looked extremely troubled by this.
Long Yang lowered his eyes to look at her. He gave a long sigh after a while and rubbed her head gently with an expression of slight exasperation. "I'm not angry. Don't overthink this."
Only this girl dared to act so brazenly with him.
He was the ruler of a nation, yet, when faced with this girl, he would lose all sense of dignity.
However, she was the Empress he had chosen, and she was his wife. What dignity did he need in front of her?
He was the one that had cared about it too much.
Lu Liangwei still seriously regretted what she did, so she pulled on his hand and apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry. I promise never to mention this again."
"I've told you, there's no need for you to overthink, nor is there a need to apologize," Long Yang said in a carefree manner and hugged her around the shoulders as he led her back to Grand Phoenix Palace.
"Are you thinking that I did not lay my hands on any of the concubines only because I was unable to perform?"
Lu Liangwei was taken aback but said nothing.
Long Yang knew he had guessed right when he saw this. He sighed. "It's not what you think. I've never touched them because I had no intentions of doing so. Even when I was cured, I did not harbor any desire for anyone, until I met you..."
He paused. He remembered what had happened the time he consumed the cure for Frostbite. Back then, the girl had accidentally touched his...
It was also at that same time when he experienced that indescribable euphoria.
After that, he realized he had developed a desire for that girl who was so much younger than he was, and he had even felt a little ashamed about it.
However, he felt happy every time he saw her. It was a joy that emanated from his heart to every corner of his body. In the end, he made the decision to make her his no matter what the cost.
Lu Liangwei could not help lifting her head to look at him when he suddenly stopped after talking for a while, only to find herself looking into his burning gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat. For some reason, it reminded her of the same memory of what happened back then.
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