Tyrant Pampering Wife Diary

Chapters 41-60

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 41 Murderous Rage

Although the New Years passed, the weather was still very cold. Song Song didn't get rid of his cotton clothes.

This day, the frontlines sent back news. The emperor Hong Ren's dragon heart was very pleased and added a cheerful atmosphere to this New Years festival.

According to the nation's tradition, every year around the lantern festival, the emperor would always visit the Tower of Heaven to celebrate with the common people. Therefore, after the 5th day of January passed, Li Xiao started preparing for the lantern festival. Everyday he left early in the morning and returned very late. Other than visiting the shops, Song Song spent his time coming up with all different recipes for Li Xiao to eat. He definitely inherited his cooking skills from his grandfather. It was very good, almost at the point of making Li Xiao a picky eater.

He liked to eat hotpot and Song Song wasn't afraid to use up time and effort. One soup today, another soup tomorrow. The two spent their days enjoying the winter scenery and good wine, eating their warm soups, then conversing and strolling hand in hand back to their room to sleep.

After the new year, madam Song ran off to find the empress again. This time she was finally allowed into the palace. The empress today did not apply makeup. She sat in her chair calmly as she watched madam Song cry. When she finally cried enough, the empress said softly: "I heard of this matter. Why don't you first sit."

After her sister sat down in a chair, the empress said slowly: "As long as the mad king is alive, then there's nothing you can do about Song Song. Trying to target only Song Song is useless."

Madam Song heard her say this and knew she had a plan. Instantly she sat straight: "Then what should I do?"

"I have a scheme here. If put into use properly, then even the emperor can't protect him."

"What kind of scheme?"

"Everyone knows that the emperor loves the mad king, as if he didn't care who the other killed. However, this is only because Li Xiao controls himself very well. Every Time he had an outburst before, it was just perfect. He never caused any real issues."

Madam Song immediately nodded: "This I understand, but I still don't understand what you mean?"

The empress paused for a moment then said: "This scheme of mine is rather dangerous. It's extremely likely that it wouldn't even be able to knock down the mad king, and instead will end up costing you your own life."

Madam Song fell silent for a while. Her two children, one was killed, the other was ruined. She hated Song Song completely in her heart. Naturally she trusted in this blood related elder sister of hers. In her youth, she wasn't as outstanding as her sister and brother, but she's aware that they protected her. Normally when her elder sister does anything, she always has a sure plan. In other words, she wouldn't let her die.

Madam Song said: "Why don't you let me hear it first."

The empress's expression revealed some sympathy: "I just think those two children are really... ... If it wasn't completely necessary, I wouldn't have you do this job. However, I could tell you definitely want to grind their bones into dust personally."

"What you say is extremely true." Madam Song's tears started falling like waterfalls: "Song Song killed my Ah-Shi and then harmed my Ge-er... Even if I die, I'll drag him into hell!"

She started crying nonstop again. The empress stepped forward, hugged her tightly to comfort her. Madam Song instantly cried even louder. The empress stroked her head repeatedly. After she calmed her down, the empress said: "The one who owns the heart of the people will own the nation. On the day the emperor ascends the Tower of Heaven, there will be plenty of people watching from all over. With that many people, if the mad king went crazy, what do you think will happen?"

"But, but what should I do?"

The empress let go of her and helped her wipe away her tears: "Sister, you hate Song Song right? You only have to stand in front of Li Xiao, and vent out your hatred. Remember, it must be where there are a lot of people. All you have to do is insult Song Song."

"Song Song is currently his weakness. On the day of the lantern festival, Li Xiao has a responsibility to be present. However, he definitely won't bring Song Song. He will hide him inside the king's estate and order soldiers to guard him. You go provoke the mad king. I'll go send assassins to the king's estate. You just recently lost a child. To go insult him at this time is not unreasonable."

Madam Song thought this scheme was not bad, however, deep down, she was still afraid of the mad king. The empress didn't force her and said warmly: "This is the only year the mad king will be near the Tower of Heaven. This is a once in a blue moon chance. As soon as he loses control and kills the hundreds of commoners, I will secretly order people to fan the flames and gather a signed document to beg the emperor to put to death the mad king for the sake of calming the common people. And you will be safe. The grief from losing a child, anyone can sympathize. According to the will of the people, the emperor definitely won't touch you."

Madam Song's heartbeat increased: "But, but I don't dare to provoke the mad king..."

"Then that's your problem." The empress said quietly: "If you don't want to, then forget it. I don't want to have you do this publically either. I only feel pity for my two nephews. One dead, one injured... Their lives are both already over."

Madam Song left with a heavy heart. The empress returned to lay on the couch, accepting the tea that her momo handed over.

"This thing... will she do it?"

"You don't understand her." The empress took a bite of her cake and said: "But we're indeed missing one more catalyst."

"What should we do?"

"Later, send someone over to give her this token. As long as she has Dongwei camp's order token at hand, she won't be blocked outside by the soldiers and guards." She gestured the momo closer and said: "Then.... "

Madam Song's heart felt like it contained a rabbit, jumping up and down, completely all over the place. She knew that other than fawning over a whole bunch of people, there's no way Song Guogong would get involved in something like this. This point can be clearly seen in the way he's been currying favor with the crown prince and the mad king at the same time. Therefore, she didn't discuss this with him.

She was confident that her elder sister wouldn't harm her. Like her sister said, this plan was dangerous and she only came up with it because she wanted revenge for the kids.

When madam Song returned to her courtyard, she suddenly heard maids conversing: "I heard today wangye took some time out of his busy schedule and brought wangfei outside to play again. Everyone in Jinwu camp knows him now."

"Who would have thought gongzi's life is so good now. Back then he was living like an insect beneath our madam's feet.... "

"This is called 'ten years one way, ten years another.' Just look at our madam now... how can she compare to him. Even prime minister Qin.... "

"Shh." That maid fell silent, then said in a small voice: "Who knows what really happened. Why did the prime minister Qin suddenly start ignoring our madam... "

Madam Song's figure abruptly appeared. Her expression was gloomy and unstable, scaring the two maids so bad their own body trembled.

That's right. Originally, Song Song was only an insect stepped beneath her feet. But now, that insect actually flew into the sky... ... Admired by everyone. The desire to kill him grew inside madam Song's heart. Surprisingly she didn't punish these two maids, but instead turned and returned to her room.

She didn't return for long when someone brought over a token. Madam Song accepted it and looked at it, suddenly her eyes brightened: "Did sister send this?"

It was the imperial guard's order token. With her big brother's token, she finally felt relieved.

On the side of Fu Zhao, he silently looked at the token in front of him. Seeing this was not good, but he can't say it came as a surprise. An advisor standing to the side said: "It looks like the prime minister Qin no longer trusts you. But why would he give this token to madam Song? Good thing we have agents hidden in the Song estate, or else this token might have been used to cause some kind of trouble."

"Madam Song saw the empress today?"

That advisor nodded his head.

"Looks like the crown prince is really treating me like something to be discarded." Fu Zhao said: "Since the empress wants to get revenge for her nephew, then don't blame this official for being rude."

The days passed quickly. In a blink of an eye, it was the 15th.

Although Song Song's personality had experienced a huge change compared to that of his previous life, deep down inside, he was still kind and docile. Unless he was too tired and couldn't get up, everyday he would personally help Li Xiao get dressed. These days, his heart hurt over Li Xiao who had to get up and go out so early every morning. He specially simmered soup on the small pot inside the room to help warm Li Xiao's stomach.

Inside the room, Song Song behaved pretty casually. Long hair let loose, he wore a white inner robe and at most, threw on a cotton robe on the outside. He sat in front of the table, ladled out some food and soup into a bowl and handed it over to Li Xiao: "After today, everyone can finally rest well again."

"Wait until I have everything arranged. Tonight I'll come pick you up to play."

"Okay."

Today the emperor will celebrate with the commoners. All of the soldiers within the city were summoned together. The entire city got ready. Not only was Li Xiao busy, all the other different barracks were also on alert. Normally the emperor didn't really leave the palace. Now that he's going to the Tower of Heaven, this was a good chance for different nations to assassinate him.

Song Song knew today outside will be very lively, but he didn't leave the estate. Li Xiao was already busy protecting the emperor, he didn't want to cause the other more worries.

The flower seeds that he planted already grew. Song Song watered them as usual. Suddenly he saw a tiny light yellow dot on a tender green stalk. If he didn't look carefully, he'd almost have missed it. It actually grew a flower bud. Abruptly, his heart overflowed with delight.

Outside came some signs of activity. It was Ji Ying who was dressed like a ball. When he walked in, he inhaled a breath: "Wow, this place where flowers live is actually warmer than my room."

"Why did you come here?"

"Wangye didn't tell you?" Ji Ying said: "Today the Tower of Heaven will be bustling with activity. He knows you definitely won't be leaving the estate so specifically asked me to come here to accompany you."

Song Song frowned: "Will something happen? Will he be in danger?"

"That I don't know." Ji Ying asked: "Are you done watering the flowers? Do you want to go back inside and play chess?"

Song Song stuffily followed him back inside. However, his heart began to feel ill at ease from the other's words. After continuously winning several rounds, Ji Ying was also somewhat displeased: "If you're in a bad mood, then I'm going back to sleep."

"I'm worried about wangye."

"What are you worried about him for? Who could injure him?"

"I'm afraid someone will make him angry and incite him to harm others."

"On this point, you can relax. Today the experts from the imperial tutor's estate will also be present. They won't let him go crazy."

Song Song tugged on his fingers, suddenly feeling extremely unsettled: "I'm going out to take a look."

Bai Yan and Ji Ying both followed him. Song Song walked out the side door and immediately saw a lot of very unfamiliar patrolling soldiers nearby. Because of the importance of today's event, there're precautions set from the beginning to end. In addition to all the guards at the scene, the patrol guards inside the city also increased many times.

Ji Ying said: "You can relax. These few days, other than assassins and spies, the majority of the people know better than to cause trouble. At a time like this, the guards would rather kill someone by mistake then let a criminal go. Everyone is aware of this."

Song Song wasn't worried about that. He's only worried about Li Xiao's illness.

He went back and grabbed the order token given to him by the empress dowager and said to Ji Ying: "Do you think my room is warm?"

"?"

Wearing Ji Ying's big heavy hat and walking out the door, Song Song slightly lifted his face up and looked all around. Confirming that the secret guards Li Xiao ordered to protect him could see his face clearly, he pulled his high collar up and covered half of his face, and continued to walk forward.

As soon as he reached the entrance, he was suddenly blocked by Bai Yan. He looked at Song Song's cover clothes and said: "Wangye doesn't want you leaving."

"It doesn't feel right." Song Song said softly: "I know where your responsibility lay, but I definitely have to go out and take a look."

His eyes were beautiful like pearls in the ocean. Bai Yan paused and said: "I... "

"You head back and protect 'me.' Don't let other people know I went out." He pushed Bai Yan back in, turned and mixed into the crowd of people. Ji Ying's clothes were full of the smell of medicine. A doctor was a doctor after all. Song Song's head felt dizzy from the fumes.

Li Xiao personally inspected the defenses, running into Li Qing on the way. The two brothers greeted each other. Just when he was about to leave, Li Qing suddenly thought of something: "Just now someone was looking for you, they were from Dongwei camp."

"Did they say what for?"

"No."

Li Xiao nodded. He just walked a few steps before Li Qing opened his mouth again: "Big brother."

Li Xiao stopped again.

Li Qing grew up tall and mighty, with a handsome but cold hard face. Even when he didn't speak, he carried a hint of grave dignity. Normally, he dealt with issues similarly, clean and neat, without any sloppiness. He wasn't really close with Li Xiao. The brothers usually didn't speak to each other much. But at this moment, he suddenly said without reason: "Today there's a lot of people. You.... be careful."

Li Xiao nodded: "Thank you for your reminder."

Today's grand occasion. The crowd was huge. Everyone was worried that he would accidentally have an outburst, even his 5th brother was the same.

Followed by the imperial troops, the emperor arrived in his dragon carriage, smiling as he waved to the masses. People from all over shouted 'long live your majesty!' When the time came, he slowly ascended the tower.

His health has actually been getting worse and worse. A lot of the government officials jointly proposed that they should not do this Lunar festival event this year. However, ever since the founding of the nation, the emperor has shared this period of rest with the commoners. If this tradition was suddenly stopped, it would only spread the rumour that the emperor was critically ill and cause panic among the public.

The emperor and several of his sons ascended the tower together. The interaction between the benevolent father and his filial sons made the crowd shout and cheer. The aged emperor climbed up step by step. Suddenly his line of sight met Li Xiao who was standing below.

Before Li Xiao fell ill, all of these brothers would follow the emperor together up this Tower of Heaven. This tower had a total of 9 levels. The rumour was that the highest level was tall enough to pluck the moonlight. But ever since he fell ill, Li Xiao never followed him up again.

Li Xiao quietly stood down below, looking up at him. The emperor stopped for a brief moment. His face flashed a hard to resist look of sadness before he adjusted his expression again, smiling as he looked afar, at his people and at his country.

Only revealing two eyes, Song Song was pushed by the crowd left and right. His eyes chased after Li Xiao's figure. From far away, he could see Zhao Yin standing not far next to Li Xiao and somewhat relaxed. As long as no one purposely stimulated Li Xiao, it should be safe today.

(Note: I don't think the writer ever introduced Zhao Yin? But if I have to guess, that's probably his uncle that was mentioned a few times before.)

Just at this moment, he suddenly heard the sound of a loud cursing: "Song Song, you're better off dead!"

Li Xiao's movement was quicker than his. He instantly charged towards that voice. Song Song was practically swept up by the crowd, completely without any ability to resist. He was directly squeezed over that way.

"Isn't that madam Song? What is she doing?"

"What is she holding in her hand?"

It was a painting, half covered, half revealed, very enticing. On the painting unexpectedly was a drawing of Song Song's face.

She was still cursing: "This person is extremely XXXXX, seducing people all over. Before my Song estate didn't say anything and didn't allow him to come outside because we were worried he would ruin the Song family's reputation. But a few days ago, he actually dared to cut off my son's feet! I know no one will believe it, but Song Song was just this kind of shameless person. Ping Wang, his highness was tricked by him... Today I'm ready to place righteousness before family and reveal the truth to everyone!"

"Is she crazy?"

"What is she doing?"

After hearing the news, Zhao Yin immediately rushed over. As expected, he saw the veins on Li Xiao's forehead bulge, pupils dilate wide. Unless the man was extremely angry, his loss of control should have a sequence----

Li Xiao's figure was swift as lightning. The people secretly protecting him one by one leapt over but was hit back by his palm. As the unfortunate bodyguards were knocked away, Zhao Yin grabbed madam Song out of mortal peril. Li Xiao immediately roared: "Die!"

The purple gold crown on his head had already fallen. A burst of qi erupted out of Li Xiao, instantly knocking away anything and anyone nearby. Song Song coincidentally stood just to the side. He coughed up a mouthful of blood. As he wiped his mouth, he heard Zhao Yin's panicking voice: "First disperse everyone!"

Numerous soldiers with spears rushed over and attempted to trap Li Xiao in a formation, while others tried to evacuate people outward. Several martial experts made a loud sound to attract Li Xiao's attention, cautiously staring at his response. However, Li Xiao, as if a demon, kept his gaze locked on to madam Song who was standing next to Zhao Yin.

Madam Song's face was pale white. She suddenly pushed Zhao Yin and quickly ran towards a gap between the guards. She was attracting Li Xiao's attention towards the crowd of people---

As expected, Li Xiao lifted his foot to head over, but was trapped where he was by the interference of the martial experts. His figure suddenly leapt up off the ground and escaped the blockade to give chase. Madam Song squeezed into the crowd. The masses were terrified to death by Li Xiao and frantically tried to move away. Song Song, however, was doing his best to squeeze back: "Your highness! Your highness!!"

Madam Song didn't dare to look back. She followed what the empress taught her, running forward as if her life depended on it, heart beating like a drum. Her sister said, as long as she stayed within the crowd, she would be safe. The mad king wouldn't be able to catch her--

At this moment, she already felt delight in her heart from obtaining her revenge. Now that Song Song's reputation was ruined, as long as the mad king kills enough people under the emperor's own eyes, the mad king definitely won't live past spring!

In her head, she practically started imagining the scene of the mad king getting beheaded right then and there.

The hat on Song Song's head was squeezed off. Madam Song abruptly turned her head, instantly her facial expression changed---

"Wangye! Li Xiao--!"

Someone suddenly realized something: "It's Ping wangfei!!"

"Quick, let him through!!"

"I heard he can stop the mad king! Let him through quickly!"

The people beside him instantly got out of the way and made a huge path. Li Xiao's attention was drawn by the commotion. His gaze focused on Song Song's face and his expression instantly changed.

He quickly landed. The murderous rage in his eyes retreated away little by little while his thought process still seemed a bit sluggish.

Just now Song Song spat out blood from the qi blast, now he still had bloodstains remaining at the corner of his mouth. Face pale white, he looked towards Li Xiao and said: "Your highness... It's me. Look. It's me. I'm Song-er."

The surrounding instantly quieted down, as if the people were afraid Li Xiao couldn't hear Song Song's voice. Their movements also slowed. Zhao Yin raised his hand and stopped the soldiers in the back who were preparing to step forward. His gaze stuck tightly on the two people in the middle.

Song Song coughed a little. He walked towards Li Xiao and tried pulling at the other's hands to place on his own face: "Look. It's me."

~~~~~~~~

The writer has something to say:

The villain is really trying to die.....

Chapter 42 Innocent

On the Tower of Heaven, the emperor looked down at his son on the ground. The other's hair crown had fallen completely just now while he was giving chase. With his back facing towards this side, his long hair that was blown and scattered wildly by qi gradually became obedient and calm again. Every frenzied cell in his body was calmed because of Song Song. Every drop of boiling blood within his veins quieted because of Song Song. Like a furious male lion that just rediscovered its lost treasure, he instantly became docile.

His hands that were pressed against Song Song's face finally moved. His thumbs caressed Song Song's cheeks. Song Song instantly let out a long breath, reached out his hands and hugged him. Raising his head and blinking away his terrified tears, Song Song stroked Li Xiao's long hair over and over, saying: "Everything is fine. Everything is fine."

Li Xiao looked down and held him within his arms, allowing that warm soft hand pet him over and over. He was briefly at a loss, the memory in his head slowly gathered. He looked up, his sharp gaze looking straight ahead.

In front of him were numerous commoners. Their faces carried joyous expressions from narrowly escaping death. However, in this group, madam Song's figure couldn't be seen.

Not very far, Qin Ning who rushed over after receiving the news held a grave expression on his face.

Song Song noticed that Li Xiao's body started tensing up again and hurried to attract the other's attention: "Your highness, I'm injured."

Li Xiao immediately looked at him. His thumb rubbed away the bloodstains at the corner of Song Song's mouth. Inside his eyes, a storm began brewing again. He said with restraint: "Are you in pain anywhere?"

"If your highness look at me some more, then I won't be in pain."

Maybe it's because his mouth was sweet, Li Xiao's eyes clearly brightened by a degree. Song Song took the chance to say: "Some of these commoners might have been injured. Your highness, look... "

Li Xiao received his hint and said: "Quickly bring over doctors. Check if anyone was injured."

Zhao Yin immediately turned to instruct. Li Xiao continued to say: "Today, this king was bewitched and frightened everyone, please forgive me."

He seemed like a completely different person from the moment before. In the end, he had his identity to support him. Inside the crowd, there were plenty of scholars mixed in. They saw him behave with such insight, and said instantly: "Just now that madam's words and actions were rude and disgusting, deliberately trying to provoke you. This thing we don't blame your highness."

The group of people agreed one after another.

In the end, no one was really hurt during this incident. With one person standing forward to speak reasonably, then others soon followed. Li Xiao nodded, then brought Song Song away first to look at his injury.

The crowd was still restless, someone said: "Where did that vicious woman go?"

"I really feel like what happened today isn't simple. Why did she pick today of all days to provoke the mad king?"

"Maybe she's crazy?"

"Really?"

"Looked like she didn't want to live."

... ...

This incident made the emperor's dragon heart very displeased so he left the Tower of Heaven early and returned to the palace. His personal gonggong presented over a token and said to the emperor: "This object was searched off of madam Song's person. Commander Fu already captured her alive and is waiting for your majesty's orders."

The emperor looked at that token for a long time and said: "That crazy woman spoke crazily, started rumours and created trouble, slandered the royal family, insulted the wangfei, and almost caused wangye to lose control and kill people. However in the end, she's crazy so it's not easy for me to pass judgement ah."

"Your majesty means?"

"Present this token to the empress. See what she decides to do."

With madam Song captured, Qin Ning already sent over the news ahead of time. At the moment, the empress didn't do much. If the emperor inquired, she already has her explanation ready. She just waited calmly and quietly. However, she didn't expect that instead of the emperor, the person who came was Dou gonggong.

She froze for a second and then asked: "Why is gonggong here?"

"His majesty asked me to bring this. Please take a look, your majesty."

The empress received that token, and instantly felt a shock in her heart. How could it be the imperial guard's token?!

"I want to see his majesty."

"His majesty was very busy today. His body is unwell so he's already retired." Dou gonggong said: "His majesty's original words were 'that crazy woman spoke crazily, started rumours and created trouble, slandered the royal family, insulted the wangfei, and almost caused big trouble. However in the end, she's crazy so it's not easy for him to pass judgement'."

The empress considered briefly, her face even whiter. Dou gonggong acted as he didn't see anything and said: "If your majesty has no other instruction, then this servant will return."

"Gonggong, farewell."

She turned around, squeezing that token in her hand, thoughts spinning around in her head. Hearing movement by her side, she suddenly whipped out her palm and slapped her personal maid. The maid instantly knelt: "Your majesty!"

"This kind of thing, you actually didn't hand it to madam Song with your own bare hands, and let someone secretly switch the token midway, causing the emperor to become suspicious of me. You deserve to die!"

"Your majesty, please forgive me! This servant didn't complete your task well. Please punish me!"

The empress inhaled deeply, and sat on the couch weakly, her face looking ugly. Originally she planned for the mad king to lose control. Even if he didn't manage to kill madam Song, she would have still had to face the emperor's wrath. Even if these two conditions above were both unfulfilled, the empress could have found someone else to silence her. But now, madam Song was actually captured. The token was also changed.

No matter what choice she made now, all would be wrong.

If she killed madam Song now, she would implicate the Qin estate. If she let her go, it would seem unreasonable. Plus, the emperor even hinted at her, that crazy woman...

Madam Song curled up in the imperial prison, secretly praying the entire time. Finally, the person she wanted to see came. Her expression instantly turned joyous: "Big sister!"

The empress ordered someone to open the prison door. The jailer left. She said: "How did you get the token for the imperial guards?"

"Didn't big sister give that to me?" Madam Song said with a smile: "Big brother always followed elder sister. You gave big brother's token to me to represent that we siblings are comrades. No matter what happens, we'll move forward and withdraw together."

The empress blanked for a while then suddenly broke into laughter: "Sister, I knew you were stupid before, but I never knew you could be this stupid. I'm the crown prince's birth mother. Qin Ning is the commander of the imperial guards as well as the head general of the cavalry troops. Why would we move forward and withdraw together with an idiot such as yourself?!"

She continued to ramble and berate: "As soon as you received the token of the imperial guards, you should have understood. Someone wanted to use you to drag Qin Ning and I into the water! Yet, I only discovered this from the emperor after you were captured."

Madam Song was shocked: "I understand what big sister means. Our family is more important... but, but at that time, I really didn't think that much."

She only thought that her sister gave her that token to represent that no matter what happened, she would have her sister and brother to stand in front of her and protect her.

The empress pulled the corner of her mouth, expression twisted as she laughed: "Everyone knows that the crown prince is most important. Everyone knows that I'm the most important. As long as there's the crown prince, as long as there's me, then the Qin family will have a future. Only you... only an idiot like you didn't know."

Madam Song also knew that this time she made a huge blunder. Although she was unhappy inside, she still had to depend on the empress. Therefore, she only glanced towards the prison door and said: "Alright big sister. I understand. Didn't you come to bring me out of here? After we leave, you can keep scolding me."

The empress didn't think that even with their conversation reaching this point, madam Song still lacked any sense of danger. So angry she could spit up blood, she suddenly turned and walked out, saying coldly: "Someone come."

A maid walked forward, carrying a pot of wine. The empress turned around, walked back and said: "Drink this, then I can save you."

What did it mean to enter a prison and bestow wine? Madam Song never saw it but still heard of it. Her face color finally changed: "You want to abandon me?"

"This is for the Qin family."

The empress turned her head. Immediately someone came up and held down madam Song. She began to panic: "Qin Qinghe! You want to kill me? How could you kill me? I'm your own sister!"

"I won't kill you."

The empress held her chin and poured the wine inside. Madam Song struggled wildly, closing her mouth tightly. Hair a complete mess, she shook her head forcefully, pupils contracting. However, the liquid still slowly entered into her throat.

She suddenly remembered the scene when Qin Ning raised his sword and killed Song Shi. Her tears surged out violently. As it turned out, ever since that time, she already lacked value to them.

Inside the king's estate, Song Song curled up in bed. Today he was forced to cough blood from Li Xiao's qi blast. Luckily the injury wasn't heavy. His chest just hurted a little and he probably needed a few days to recuperate.

Steward Qi was standing at the entrance saying something to Li Xiao. The man turned around and slowly returned. Song Song immediately asked: "Is it news from the prison?"

"Father gave this case to the empress. It's likely that there's no way she can stop this midway now."

Song Song said: "The emperor... how will he deal with the empress?"

"It'll depend on how the empress ends up resolving this."

"If I were the empress, I wouldn't kill madam Song."

Li Xiao narrowed his eyes and said: "She deserves to die."

Song Song laughed and reached out his hands to pull at Li Xiao. Li Xiao wordlessly sat next to him and was held in his arms. Song Song said softly: "She still can't die. The empress is very smart, there's no way she wouldn't understand the emperor's wish."

Li Xiao looked down, his brow furrowed. In the end, he didn't say anything.

Madam Song went insane.

When she was released from prison, her hair was in disarray. She hummed a tune from who knows where from her mouth. On the road, she was bumped into by some careless guy, and instantly fell to the ground and began to make an unreasonable scene, cursing obscenities right there on the street. She wandered around by herself for an entire afternoon until everyone in the capital knew she was crazy. Then the people from the Song family finally seemed like they just received the news and took her home.

"She really did go crazy. I heard it was caused by her son's death..."

"I was just saying, why would she suddenly run to the Tower of Heaven and cause trouble there. That day was so dangerous ah! Luckily Ping wangfei was there!"

"I still think this thing was directed by someone malicious. If she was already insane, then why let her out to provoke the mad king?"

"Since she's crazy, if she accidentally ran out, who could keep track of her?"

"Poor Ping wangfei. He's innocent in all this. For no reason whatsoever, he gets slandered and given a bad reputation by this crazy woman. Good thing his highness didn't mind, otherwise we wouldn't even be alive right now."

"I heard this crazy woman treated wangfei poorly before in the Song estate. Do you guys remember that time the mad king brought the wangfei to Fuxiang restaurant for the first time? His little face was all shriveled. Who could he have seduced? A crazy woman is just crazy. She dares to spout off without thinking."

"Not just that, I not only remember wangfei's appearance from last year. I remember his appearance from ten years ago!"

"Yo, you saw him before?"

"Of course. In the past, Fu Guoshang and his daughter were the capital's well known benefactors. The kid that she lead around was Ping wangfei!"

"Here, I'll give you guys a look at this treasure. My dad specifically commissioned someone to draw this before. It just happens to be a portrait of that family of three!"

The person unrolled the painting and spread it out. Instantly someone cried out in surprise: "This little kid was Ping wangfei in his youth? Aiyo yo! That crazy woman is really something! How could she torment such a cute precious little gongzi like that!"

"You guys don't know. Someone in my family used to be a seasonal worker at the Song estate. Before that crazy woman went crazy, she was extremely poisonous. She even grabbed a thick wooden stick and hit the wangfei. You guys can just imagine what kind of life wangfei lived after his mother died!"

"This thing I also knew. In the past, my dad and I sold caramel apples not far from the Song estate. Once I saw the little gongzi dressed in rags running out to ask for help, but people like us, how could we meddle in that kind of thing... "

"Are you sure that was wangfei?"

"It was definitely the wangfei!"

"It seems like for the wangfei, the hard times are over and the good times are just beginning... "

"Not only the wangfei, before the mad king was poisoned, he was also very clever and quick-witted. It was only later that he became like this. I heard before when he was in the Imperial Tutor's estate, he was locked in a cage like a dog.... Even though people say he's loved by the emperor, the life he lived was different like heaven and earth."

"Good thing there's wangfei now who can cure his illness. The two can be considered a match made in heaven."

The discussion in the streets was bustling with noise and excitement. Over the course of time, they reached Song Song's ear. As Song Song said, the empress was indeed a smart person. As long as madam Song was crazy, then what she did could no longer be counted as premeditated. The issue with the token can be written off as something she stole in her madness.

The emperor also understood. As long as madam Song was crazy, then that day, the dirty water she poured on Song Song can gradually be washed clean in the people's eyes. Otherwise, after one passed to ten and ten passed to 100, by that time, everyone would think Song Song was a very promiscuous person.

After completely removing herself from this incident, the empress even ordered Qin Ning to temporarily give up the position as the commander of the imperial guard. However, because of this, the capital's strengths gradually changed into tightly winded bow, waiting for action.

The empress wouldn't hibernate too long with all the different strengths in the capital starting to peek their head out and examine, considering if there were other options now.

But all of this, Song Song was too busy to consider temporarily. After he rested all these days, he still felt somewhat unwell. So he called Ji Ying over to check his pulse.

This guy was always very confident in his abilities, claiming that he doesn't need to even examine pulses, that he could tell someone's condition just by looking at their facial color. However, after Song Song insisted about 3-4 times for him to check the pulse, he suddenly became very strange, slipping away without saying anything. On the following day, he actually braved the freezing wind to come over. As he entered, he immediately asked: "Are you still unwell today?"

Song Song said honestly: "A little dizzy."

"Did you eat yet?"

"Ate a little. My stomach is a bit upset." Song Song was somewhat worried if he was broken somewhere by Li Xiao's qi blast: "What's wrong with me?"

Ji Ying said: "You, give me your hand to examine again. I'll check again."

Song Song gave him his hand, quietly searching his expression. He saw Ji Ying's expression held a bit of discomfort, embarrassment, as well as a hint of incredulousness. Song Song suddenly felt a jolt in his heart, and asked with anticipation and nervousness: "Am I, am I pregnant?"

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 43 Full Points

Ji Ying's finger stayed on his wrist for a long time. After Song Song finished asking, he saw the other was still without reply and began to feel uncertain in his heart.

Li Xiao and he spent all that effort and time. How can there still be no result yet?

He said: "Doctor Ji?"

Ji Ying returned from his thoughts, expression dazed as he stood up. His hands reached inside his medicine box, searching left and right, who knew what he was searching for.

Extremely anxious, Song Song shuffled over in his soft slippers and said: "Could it be possible that Doctor Ji isn't skilled enough? You're unable to diagnose?"

"Nonsense!" Ji Ying finally refocused and said: "It's just your pulse... is really rare. I have to make certain again."

"Never seen before or you feel like it shouldn't be found on someone like me?"

Ji Ying looked into his eyes, feeling like his entire world view was about to be toppled. He said honestly: "For it to appear on you... is really too unexpected, and way too scary."

His face was somewhat pale, and still held a hint of incredulity. However, Song Song was able to deduce his own condition just through the other's words and speech. He couldn't resist smiling, his expression gaining some warmth and flush. Ji Ying swallowed his saliva and said: "You, you already accepted so easily... the fact that you're pregnant?"

"I'm really pregnant!" After hearing him confirm it, Song Song instantly became more elated. The joy already rose to the tip of his eyebrows. However, he tried his best to maintain his composure and said: "To extend the bloodline for wangye, naturally I'm happy."

"... ..." Ji Ying, who was dumbfounded as well as astonished, used a hard to describe expression to look at him. If this speech was spoken by any woman, it would sound fine, but Song Song is a man!

Song Song finished replying but then suddenly thought of something: "The medicine I drank a few days ago, it won't harm the child right?"

Ji Ying struggled to accept Song Song's calm attitude and said: "From now on, I will write you new prescriptions according to your body's condition. But... can you tell me for a second, how is it possible for you to be pregnant?"

Song Song smiled and said: "Because Song Ge gave me some kind of holy medicine that changed my body's constitution, then gifted me to wangye."

"Where did he get this medicine?"

"That I don't know." At this time, Song Song's thoughts clearly weren't on this. Heart in high spirits, he turned and walked towards the table. Ji Ying followed him, increasingly feeling like Song Song was a strange, strange man. He asked: "What are you doing?"

"I want to draw some clothes designs and have people make them for the child to wear."

Ji Ying looked at his serious expression, and suddenly felt admiration in his heart: "Not to ruin your mood, but have you thought about how to tell wangye? He... can he accept that you're... pregnant?"

Song Song paused, the ink dripped down his brush and made a spreading black mark. He said: "Since it's happy news, wangye will naturally be ecstatic."

"But have you thought about how people in the estate will look at you? If this spreads outside, how will you deal with it?"

The news of a pregnant man would no doubt be universally shocking. If this spread on to the streets, would they call Song Song a monster? Was Song Song not worried about this?

Ji Ying's heart felt like it was stuffed by a piece of cotton, so stifled that he could hardly breathe. He placed himself in Song Song's shoes and imagined for a second only to feel like he would die of depression.

Song Song said: "I'm already married to wangye. To have a child is expected. In this world, there's nothing that women can do, that men can't. Since I'm already like this, then why bother with what others think. And plus, it's only the public opinion. Wangye lost control all these years, but now can finally maintain clarity in front of me. Who knows, maybe this child is the same, a miracle?"

Ji Ying looked at his calmly smiling expression, and suddenly understood.

Song Song has a scale in his heart. He knew what kind of person he was himself. He also knew that the majority of the common people were uneducated. In the end, everything depended who was in control of the spread of information that influenced the public opinion.

Ji Ying slowly recovered his worried heart little by little and said: "Then, when do you want to tell wangye?"

Song Song's eyes curved. He said quietly: "I want to tell him myself."

Ji Ying looked at him for a while and said: "I will go prepare the prescriptions first."

"Many thanks." Song Song finished, then suddenly pulled out a piece of paper from the table: "Doctor Ji can you look at this for a second and tell me, does this still count?"

Ji Ying turned around to look suspiciously, watching wide eyed as that paper was opened before him. Then he suddenly felt as if someone slapped him once on each side of his cheek and started laughing: "Haha, this, this...."

"Since this dumb wangfei obediently took his medicine, then doctor Ji should also fulfill his commitment?"

"Haha.. ..." Ji Ying laughed twice again, his gaze met Song Song's. His expression gradually became solemn: "You actually plotted against me ahead of time."

"How can this be blamed on me?" Song Song said: "Doctor Ji wrote this yourself."

"... ..." Ji Ying said after a moment of silence: "What do you want?"

"I also wish my big grandson was obedient." Song Song propped up his cheeks with two hands. With a white and tender face and a pair of blinking clear, bright eyes, he looked extremely harmless, very kind and easily bullied.

Ji Ying's heart rate suddenly skipped a beat. He fell silent for a while and said: "Wangfei, this agreement of ours...."

"En?"

"Fine." Ji Ying said: "This doctor's behavior has always been morally upright. I will properly show 'filial respect' towards you."

Those two words, he stressed very heavily.

Song Song laughed out loud. He grabbed that agreement and burned it over a candle fire: "I was just joking with Doctor Ji. Don't be mad. Look, it's all gone."

He stood up and said respectfully: "I hope Doctor Ji will remain in the estate this year until the child is born."

"Yo, with your behavior like this, how is this big grandson supposed to deal with it?" His tone of voice sounds strange and peculiar. Song Song stood up straight, frowning: "Are you really mad?"

"Hnn!" Ji Ying picked up his medicine box and turned. Song Song followed him out: "Doctor!"

"Alright, grandpa. No need to see me off."

When he said this, Song Song finally relaxed. When he turned around, he couldn't resist laughing again. The servants beside him all were somewhat puzzled: "What is wangfei so happy about?"

Song Song followed the corridor and walked towards the greenhouse, replying quietly: "A very joyous news."

He crouched inside the greenhouse, with his chin propped up over his knees, quietly looking at the blooming flower buds. The warmth slowly gathering in his heart. He's been longing and longing, finally a flower grew. Meticulously, he watered all of the flowers and grass inside the greenhouse. When he exited, he just happened to see Li Xiao returning from outside.

"Your highness!"

Li Xiao halted his footstep, and saw the other jump down from the greenhouse stairs, his heart jumping a little in response. He watched Song Song move very fast, dashing down the corridor towards himself. Li Xiao only took two steps forward when the other instantly pounced into his arms.

"What's the matter?"

Song Song hugged Li Xiao's waist with both hands and pressed his face into the other's chest. For a long while, he didn't move. Li Xiao didn't want to push him away, so lowered his head to look. Unexpectedly, he gaze met with a pair of red rabbit eyes.

"?" He said: "Did someone trouble you?

Below the rabbit's eyes was also a similarly reddened nose tip. Song Song wrinkled his nose, somewhat bashfully pressing his face back into Li Xiao's embrace. He even rubbed his face left and right and said: "No one troubled me. I just saw your highness... and suddenly started crying tears of joy."

Li Xiao looked up questioningly towards Bai Yan. The tall bodyguard wordlessly shook his head. He only saw Ji Ying and Song Song walk out of the room together. Then the wangfei went to the greenhouse full of smiles and radianting delight. Clearly he was just in a cheerful mood, but who knew why, after seeing wangye his expression suddenly changed.

Li Xiao looked down again. His lips moved closer to Song Song's ear and he asked: "Does Song-er want to be carried by this husband?"

After thinking about it for a short while, Song Song nodded vigorously. It's not like Li Xiao hasn't carried him all over inside the estate. He was long used to it. At this moment, to ask to be carried didn't count as sudden to Song Song.

However, to Li Xiao, this seemed extremely sudden. Normally, whenever he carried Song Song, he had to take the initiative. Song Song never asked that from him.

Maybe because he clearly nodded and expressed he wanted it, but didn't receive any response, Song Song lifted his face and looked up again.

It wasn't until Li Xiao bent down and picked him up, that Song Song finally smiled. He hugged Li Xiao around the neck and was carried inside the room. He was suddenly kissed quickly, Li Xiao said: "How come you're suddenly this fickle? Speak. Who bullied my Song-er?"

Song Song laughed uncontrollably and shook his head, his voice soft with a hint of nasally: "No one bullied me."

"Really?"

"Nope, nope, really no." Song Song emphasized it a few times, then suddenly started laughing again. His eyes were still a little red from his 'tears of joy.' However, looking at Li Xiao, the happiness between his brows seemed unable to contain itself. His eyes looked like they were filled up with stars.

This kind of Song Song was very rare. Li Xiao couldn't get enough. He hooked an arm around Song Song's waist and kissed the other's soft lips deeply.

He wanted to swallow him, but also wanted to love him dearly. When their lips separated, he asked: "Did something good happen?"

Song Song's cheeks were flushed from being kissed. He said: "Guess."

"Is it because of madam Song?"

"Uh hn--" Song Song denied, sounding coquettish, then shook his head.

"Then.. is it because the weather's been sunny these last few days?"

"The weather has to be sunny sometimes."

"Then... ..." Li Xiao thought about it again for a while and said: "I saw you come out of the greenhouse. Are there a lot of pretty flowers blooming inside?

"The flowers are indeed blooming, there are quite a few buds."

"This king will take a look.... " He stood up, but was pulled back down by Song Song: "No, no, your highness, how come you're suddenly so stupid?"

".. ...." Li Xiao could only stay in front of him, thinking carefully. Song Song suddenly said: "Your highness, look."

"?"

Song Song purposely took a deep breath and bulged out his stomach. Li Xiao's gaze fell on it, saw him releasing his breath again after holding it for too long. A thought flashed across his mind like sparks: "Could it be..."

Song Song's face was full of anticipation.

Li Xiao said: "No, that's not right. If your stomach had gas, Song-er wouldn't be this happy."

Song Song smacked him once in anger. The corner of Li Xiao's mouth rose. He kissed Song Song on the face again and said warmly: "Tell me. What is it? En? What is it that's making my Song-er this happy?"

Every time he said a sentence, he gave a kiss, making Song Song laugh nonstop. Song Song shoved him: "If you're this stupid, I will need to have less contact with you in the future to avoid leading astray the baby."

Li Xiao stopped his movements. Song Song pressed his mouth together and saw the laughter gathering in the man's eyes. He abruptly pushed Li Xiao again: "You're doing it deliberately!"

Li Xiao couldn't hold it in and laughed, squeezing Song Song in his arms tightly. His voice carried a faint rasp of delight and doting: "Congratulations wangfei for having your wish fulfilled."

Song Song nodded. At first, when he didn't tell Li Xiao, his cheerful mood seemed almost like it was spilling over. Now that it's been revealed, he suddenly felt a little shy: "Your highness. Your contributions can't go unnoticed."

Li Xiao laughed again, his chest shook hard against Song Song's face, making his cheeks blush. He felt like he said something wrong again so he shut his mouth and stopped talking.

It gradually quieted next to his ears. He heard Li Xiao's low voice sounding: "Now that Song-er has your wish fulfilled, does this mean you will banish this king back to the cold palace again?"

"!!" Song Song replied immediately: "No. No way.... About that, there's no cold palace."

Li Xiao looked at him, his tone faint: "What if there is, then what?"

"I won't. Even if there is, I still won't."

"You don't need to explain anymore." Li Xiao said with barely covered up disappointment. "According to Song-er, other than making a baby, it no longer has any other meaning."

(Note: the author wrote this fuzzily but they're talking about sex!!)

Song Song didn't know how to explain himself. He looked at Li Xiao's faintly dismayed expression, then suddenly pressed his lips against Li Xiao's. After a short moment of exchange, he said seriously: "It has a meaning. I now know its importance."

Suppressing the uprising of the corner of his mouth, Li Xiao said: "What's its importance?

Song Song grinned widely, both sides of his mouth raising together as if he was about to give an answer that will receive full points. He said confidently: "It can make your highness happy."

Li Xiao: "......... "

Ze. He thought. Tentatively counts as passing I guess.

He just finished this thought when he heard Song Song added softly: "It also makes me happy."

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The writer has something to say:

Scared Scared: If you're happy, then I'm happy.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 44 Miracle

After confirming he's with child, Song Song's mood clearly became much better. Although his mood prior was also good, now it carried some excitement and cheer.

Ever since what happened at the Tower of Heaven, the people in the estate began to admire Song Song more. Outside of the estate, people also praised Song Song for saving all the people that day at the Tower of Heaven.

"I heard that day the mad king roared out loudly 'Pay with your life!' then charged straight at the crazy woman to grab her. The crazy woman frantically ran into the crowd of people. But how could the bloodthirsty mad king let her get away! Immediately he let out a shout, then flew into the air and pursued her without giving up. However, the number of people at the Tower of Heaven was vast like mountains and oceans. The crazy woman was like a single fish swimming in the water, very hard to catch. The mad king's desire to kill gushed forth. It looked like he was just about to start a massacre---"

The storyteller banged on the table top. Everyone held their breath in suspense: "Just at this moment, Ping wangfei suddenly appeared, his figure emitting a holy light. He ran in the opposite direction to everyone else, and rushed straight towards the mad king... and just like that, he said a few soft words and managed to completely reverse the whole situation!"

Someone below the stage immediately started applauding and yelling: "Wangfei is holy and virtuous!"

"This is called every beast has its weakness. The mad king encountered wangfei and was changed for the better!"

"You guys aren't aware of what kind of person the mad king was prior. When he was nine years old, he accompanied the emperor to meet people from another nation. The foreigner praised that he had the qualities of a phoenix and dragon. His appearance was proper, and his demeanor elegant. It's only a shame that he was harmed by some crafty person and ended up suffering poison and madness.

"I know about this. That foreigner had blond hair and blue eyes. His aesthetics were very different from ours. Before he left, he even said that we should use the mad king's beauty as standard."

"This really happened?"

"Of course! When he was small, he was extremely smart. He could read at the age of three and fight at the age of five. When the martial arts master Yan Tianya met him for the first time, he immediately decided to take him as an apprentice and pass on to him all of his skills.

"If wangfei can really become the cure for the mad king, then that's a great thing for our nation."

"If he didn't fall ill, maybe he would have already ascended.... "

"Please watch your tongue, friend!"

The tea shop fell into chaos. A young man in blue sat quietly in the corner listening. After a while, he put down his silver coins on the table and walked outside. His little servant hastily followed. On the road, the young man stopped in front of a bookstore. At the entrance, there were a whole bunch of people standing in a line. Surprisingly there were several people running around maintaining order: "Everyone please do not cut the line! There's enough for everyone!"

"What do you mean there's enough for everyone? Wasn't it all sold out yesterday?" Someone said resentfully: "I already came yesterday. Why can't I cut the line?"

"I came here bright and early in the morning to wait and I'm still here now. Look at how many people are in the front!"

The young man had a puzzled expression. He looked straight and saw someone carrying a long tube walking out. The little servant immediately went up to ask: "This big brother, what are you buying here? Why is everyone standing in a line?"

That big brother looked very pleased and replied: "Wangfei's portrait of course. You guys don't know? This is the most useful saint portrait of the year. He can ensure your safety and save your life from danger!"

The youth looked startled by the answer. The little servant asked again: "Which wangfei are you talking about?"

"Of course I'm talking about Ping wangfei who saved everyone at the Tower of Heaven."

"How much does one portrait cost?"

"Three pieces of silver. Yesterday it was only one piece. Today it's already three pieces. Who knows if the price will rise tomorrow. If you guys want to buy it, then you better hurry!"

The little servant returned to the young man's side looking dumbfounded. He saw the young man reveal a helpless smile and asked: "Your highness, this... ..."

Li Yang said: "Let's return."

(Note: Reminder that Li Yang is the crown prince.)

He circled around the crowd, then suddenly heard a voice by his ear side: "The wind is now blowing in the right direction for Ping wang. Who knows. Maybe the emperor plans to make him the crown prince again."

Li Yang's expression didn't change. He turned his head to look, and discovered the voice belonging to a smiling young man: "Please watch your words sir. Be careful about letting others hear them. It might cost you your life."

That person greeted him and said: "Does gongzi have time to have a little chat?"

"No." Li Yang turned and left without looking back. The little servant hurried after him. He saw the man's expression remained strangely tranquil from the start to finish and couldn't resist asking: "Now that wangfei has won the hearts of the people, do we need to do something?"

Li Yang's expression became solemn: "What do you want to do?"

"This lowly one means, should we go find the empress to think up some plans?"

"No need to bother mother with this."

When he took the carriage back to the palace, he suddenly noticed a handsome horse at the entrance. The crown prince's expression softened as he walked over. As expected, he saw a familiar face: "5th brother has come to visit. Someone get the tea."

Li Qing sat across from him and said: "Today on the streets I saw brother-in-law's portraits. It looks like they started circulating around yesterday afternoon."

"We don't need to worry about this. Big brother won't sit around and ignore this."

"After the incident at the Tower of Heaven, madam Song suddenly went insane. Following that, people started disseminating everywhere that brother-in-law is innocent and that big brother has great talents. I can't help but think that someone is pushing the public opinion from behind the scenes."

"My aunt going insane and slandering brother-in-law's reputation was something seen by father's own eyes. He always loved big brother, of course he wouldn't just ignore this."

"Personally I feel like she wasn't crazy that day and that she became insane after her visit to the prison."

Li Yang couldn't help laughing: "My aunt was spoiled rotten in her youth but she has a timid nature. If she wasn't crazy, how could she have dared to do such a thing at the Tower of Heaven?"

Li Qing fell silent momentarily then asked: "If big brother has interest in the throne... what will you do?"

Not expecting him to ask this directly, Li Yang was stunned for a short while. After, he replied: "This crown prince position of mine, I don't even know how I obtained it... Originally he suited this position much better. In father's eyes, this was also true. If he really wants it, then I will surrender it willingly."

Li Qing suddenly started laughing: "He is indeed more suited than you."

In the afternoon, a squad of soldiers appeared and dispersed the people standing in line in front of the bookstore. The head of these soldiers rode in on a big and tall horse. With sharp brows and bright eyes, he glanced over with a cold indifferent expression that carried a hint of imposing power.

The owner of the bookstore hastily walked out to greet respectfully: "Ping Wang, your highness. We are honored by your presence. Excuse me for not coming out to greet you earlier. Please forgive me, your highness."

When Song Song rode the carriage over, the bookstore was already surrounded by soldiers. There were commoners watching and whispering amongst themselves: "I think the mad king came by himself. That owner Liao is finished.... "

"He could have sold books quietly, but no, he had to sell saint portraits. Didn't even consider who this saint belonged to and would that person even allow him to sell?"

Song Song peeked his head out of the carriage.

Since he found out he was pregnant, he was even more afraid of getting chilled and falling ill. Therefore, before he left outside, he wrapped himself in plenty of layers. His delicate snow white face was practically completely hidden under a fluffy hood. On first glance, only the bridge of his nose could be seen.

However, people wouldn't mistake the king's carriage. When they saw him come down, the discussion content all around instantly changed.

"Is that Ping wangfei?"

"Just look at that figure, the way he's carrying himself, no wonder he's considered a living saint!"

"No wonder the mad king protects him carefully in his palms."

"Dont, don't push... ..." An elderly woman was suddenly shoved in front of Song Song. He bent down, helped her up, and said: "Are you okay?"

The woman immediately nodded and hurried away with a reddened face. The sound in the surrounding became softer. Bai Yan stepped forward to talk to the soldiers. The soldiers instantly created an opening for them to pass.

The wide doors of the bookstore only opened a little bit at the moment. Who knew if Li Xiao was massacring everyone inside right now. Song Song pushed open the door and walked in. At first glance, he saw Li Xiao sitting in a chair examining picture scrolls one by one. Before him knelt about a dozen people with their forehead touching the floor, all trembling and sweating profusely.

He called: "Your highness."

Seeing him enter, the eyes of those people instantly gained a ray of hope. Li Xiao also looked up. The next second, his cold ruminating face turned warmer. He put down the picture scrolls and walked over to hold Song Song's hands: "How come you came over?"

"I also heard the news, so I came over to take a look."

Li Xiao raised an eyebrow and said: "This bookstore sells in the front and draws in the back. Take a look at this. These 10 tables are all used by the artists. It's like a production line. When the first group of artists finish drawing, they rest. Then the next group of artists continue. But even alternating the workload, they still can't supply fast enough to meet the demand. When this King arrived, there're just these unfinished works left over."

Song Song walked over, held up an almost complete scroll to take a look. He discovered that these people actually drew a golden light surrounding his body as well as a red dot on his forehead. White robes flowing, other than the face and hair style looking somewhat different, he was really made to look like a saint.

"How does your highness plan to deal with this?"

"Gather them all and burn them."

He just finished talking, the guy next to owner Liao immediately started bawling: "Please spare my life, wangye! Please spare my life! I have an 80 year old mother and a 3 year old child to take care of. Please, show mercy! We don't do it again!"

Owner Liao instantly pushed him hard and chided: "Wangye meant to burn the paintings, not burn the people!"

He finished and saw Li Xiao's almost but not quite smiling expression. He quickly plastered on a smiling face and said: "He heard wrong and irritated your highness with his noise. Please forgive him."

Li Xiao's expression didn't change, but his voice carried frost: "For disseminating wangfei's portrait, killing you all wouldn't be considered excessive."

Owner Liao's face froze. Swallowing his saliva, he noticed Song Song was also looking at him and instantly revealed a begging for help expression.

Song Song withdrew his gaze and said: "I see although these portraits used my name, they don't look like me at all. Maybe they wanted to make it look more mystical so specifically added a few more brush strokes."

Owner Liao instantly replied: "What wangfei said is extremely correct. Wangfei's status is lofty and important. Even if we had endless courage, we still wouldn't dare to carelessly spread your real portrait. We're just very hard pressed, so we had to come up with this plan to make a little money."

Song Song looked towards Li Xiao and said: "How about just hit each of them twenty times and then burn the drawings."

"You also have to find and bring back all the other already sold portraits as soon as possible." Li Xiao shot a look at the owner: "Don't let this king discover this happening a second time."

He ordered people to set all of the paintings on fire, then pulled Song Song out the door. He gave up his horse and accompanied Song Song to sit together in the carriage and asked: "How did you plan to deal with this?"

"I thought this owner Liao's mind was pretty crafty... ... " He didn't finish his words when he discovered Li Xiao's displeased expression and said: "I also planned to have him burn the portraits."

"The truth is that you wanted to come discuss prices so he could keep selling right?"

"... ...." Song Song scooted left and right on his butt. Li Xiao suddenly reached out and retrieved a long tube from him: "Finished looking at it already?"

"Finished.... It really doesn't look like me much."

"So you originally wanted to find him to do business together?"

Song Song smiled and obediently stayed quiet. Of course he knew that Li Xiao was currently thinking for his safety's sake. If his real appearance was spread outside, it could cause some unforeseeable problems. Originally when he heard of what was happening, he thought that the owner was really far too daring. However, after actually seeing the portrait drawing, he discovered that even though this guy wanted to make money, he was still clear headed enough to want to keep his life. The person in the drawing only looked 30-40% similar to himself. As soon as he heard that one piece of painting actually sold for 1 to 3 silvers, his interest rose and he wanted to come over to take a look. He didn't expect Li Xiao to be one step ahead.

Li Xiao couldn't resist pinching his face. Song Song moved away slightly, frowning. He knew the other was unhappy so he didn't resist too much. With his snow white cheeks pinched red, and his expression well behaved and regretful, Li Xiao couldn't bear to continue punishing him and withdrew his hand: "Tomorrow, we will go pray at the Holy temple and ask the gods to forgive you for pretending to be a saint so you can avoid having your life shortened."

Song Song couldn't hold back from laughing. He said, nodding his head: "Okay."

Li Xiao looked at his abdomen: "Have to give his appearance a little story."

Song Song's palm moved down. He said smiling: "Now that I'm a living saint, it should make weaving this story much easier."

The next day, Song Song and Li Xiao went to the Holy temple together. After they returned, someone said mysteriously in the tea shop: "Did you guys hear? Wangfei went to the Holy temple and was bestowed a miracle!"

"What miracle?"

"According to the prophecy, in time, wangfei will help carry on the royal bloodline despite being a man! Our wangfei was born on earth with a mission!"

"That's right. I heard the gods couldn't bear watching the mad king's talents go to waste. Therefore, they sent wangfei to save him and help him maintain clarity, so that he could dedicate his skills to better our nation."

"Let me tell you. As soon as I saw wangfei, I instantly knew that a person like that couldn't be simple!"

When the rumour spread more and more wildly, loud laughter could be heard from the empress' palace. The empress hadn't laughed so unrestrained and hard for a long time. She could hardly breathe: "Do they really think the people of the capital are idiots? From portraits of a living saint to a miracle. Each of their rumors gets more and more fantastical. Song Song's portrait supposedly brings peace to the family? With that body, he can help continue the royal bloodline? Hahahaha!"

The maid beside her also laughed with her: "This kind of thing, what's the point of bringing it up. What are they really planning?"

"What are they planning?" The empress said faintly: "Let's just wait and watch this good show."

"We're not going to do anything?"

"What do you want to do?"

"I heard that Imperial Tutor Zhao firmly believes this rumor. He even bet 2 thousand gold ingots at the gambling hall that it's 100% true."

The empress's eyeballs spun, her expression became somewhat serious: "Imperial Tutor Zhao made a bet?"

For a moment, she couldn't tell if this thing was actually real or fake. She pondered deeply, then a flash of understanding crossed her eyes: "He wants to use the incident at the Tower of Heaven, to turn himself into a miracle for the ignorant masses to follow. This business involving passing on the royal bloodline... when the time comes, they'll likely use a surrogate. Li Xiao ah Li Xiao. Now he can really think up all sorts of schemes. He thinks he can rely on Song Song to regain his crown prince position or something?"

"Then why would the Imperial Tutor estate place down the bet?"

"They need the support of a government official to ensure that those ignorant masses believe them without questioning."

"Your majesty is wise."

"They actually dare to lie. Then they should be prepared to face the consequences after the truth is revealed to the public. You send someone to investigate immediately. See if there are any pregnant women in the king's estate."

"Understand."

"Wait." She thought for a moment and then said: "Since the Imperial Tutor family dares to play, then we'll play with them."

"You mean to say, we will also place a bet?"

"Let the Prime Minister estate deal with this. Add one thousand more gold ingots. Just bet that it's fake." She faintly revealed a smile: "Let's see how they plan to clean this up."

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 45 Raising the stakes

The Song estate's front doors have been tightly closed since madam Song went insane.

Just how exactly madam Song went crazy, Song Guogong understood clearly in his heart. He's always been a timid and cautious person. It's only with the help of haughty and pompous madam Song jumping beside him that rose his position high profile. Now that madam Song had been tossed out by the empress, he knew that he no longer had support from the Crown Prince.

At the moment his thoughts were in complete disarray. Song Ge was still recuperating this entire time. Upon hearing news of Song Song's pregnancy, Song Guogong suddenly realized something and hurriedly walked towards Song Ge's courtyard. When he saw the other's figure sitting in a wooden wheelchair, he paused for a moment before stepping forward to ask: "Ge-er, did you hear this thing about Song-er? He's pregnant!"

Song Ge's eyelashes lifted up, his eyes tainted with a gloomy color: "How did they explain it?"

"They said they were bestowed a miracle after praying at the Holy temple... this clearly was fabricated! Ge-er, this thing, should we tell the empress...."

"What do you want to say?" Song Ge said: "Do you want to let everyone know that we forcibly changed his body's constitution in order to gain favor and climb the social ladder?"

"But the empress started betting against imperial tutor Zhao. If she knew afterwards what we did... "

"To give Song Song to Li Xiao was originally mother's idea, because she hated Song Song. As for how he's able to become pregnant... How are we supposed to know?" Song Ge reached out his fingers and caught a falling plum blossom. He said dully: "She doesn't even want mother anymore. Why would she still care about us in the future?"

"Then we should just stand by and watch as she loses all her fortune?"

Song Ge laughed lightly: "The stage is all set, we just have to watch the play."

He just finished when madam Song's happy voice popped up behind him: "Play? I want to hear a play! Where's the play at?"

Song Guogong took a look at her messy long hair and dirt covered face and furrowed his brows deeply.

Because the prime minister's estate also got involved, in just one night, everyone in the capital knew about the 'miracle.'

Also because of this, the King's estate suddenly became much more lively. The number of people who came brazenly, and secretly, to scout out information were countless. Some of them were terrified of Li Xiao, so they only sent people to loiter around outside the estate, waiting for a chance to question the servants entering and exiting. However, all of the servants voiced that they firmly believed this rumour to be true, without a doubt. They even praised Song Song to the ends of heaven and earth, making people feel even more uncertain about the truth of this matter.

At the same time, the empress also received news. It was suddenly discovered that Li Xiao had a woman outside and she was secretly brought back into the estate just recently. With this news, she was even more certain that her guess was correct. A day later, the prime minister estate increased their bet to a total of 5 thousand gold ingots.

Zhao Yin walked into the king's estate with a frown, his expression urgent. Upon running into Li Xiao, he immediately reached out and grabbed him: "The empress's side raised the stakes again. Xiao-er, give your uncle a sign here ah. If we keep going like this, we'll lose all our life savings!"

"This kind of thing, why would I trick uncle?"

"It's not that I think you're lying to me. It's only... it's only that the imperial tutor's estate has no money again!" Zhao Yin was very confident in this nephew of his. He knew that when Li Xiao was clear-headed, he acted very responsibly. But with empress continually increasing the bet, the imperial tutor's estate was really hard pressed financially. Li Xiao heard and said: "No problem. Song-er has money. Later someone will deliver it to you."

Zhao Yin sighed and said: "Then.. if you guys get news, let me know as soon as possible."

"I will remember."

Zhao Yin left out the door with a frown and got on his horse looking miserable.

When this news reached the empress's ears, she instantly burst into laughter: "Since they want to put on an act, then they should at least act well."

"There's news from the imperial tutor's estate saying they didn't have much left in the house."

"Go check how much money I have currently and send it all to the prime minister's estate." The empress finished instructing and asked: "How is the situation now?"

"At the start, commander Zhao looked full of jubilation, but in the last two days, he's been running to the king's estate more frequently, his expression looking worse and worse every time he left. Our people have been doing a little pushing behind the scenes. The majority of citizens on the streets no longer believe in the so-called miracle anymore." The momo said smiling: "Many people have been switching to our side."

"This news has been out for a few days. Are there any movements from the King's estate?"

"Nothing new since that suspected woman of Li Xiao's was brought into the estate from outside. It seems like wangfei hasn't even gone out the door for several days now. Even that hot pot shop of his, which is supposed to open soon, has no movements."

The empress laughed again: "With the situation growing this dire, wangfei is probably so worried he can't even sleep. Where would he find the energy to care about some hot pot shop."

At the moment, the supposedly insomniac Song Song was calmly wrapped up in warm blankets reading a book. Everything happening outside seemed completely unrelated to him. He didn't need to go out, didn't need to manage anything, as if he cut himself off from the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, there were people who really didn't want to let him have his peace and quiet. Around noon, steward Qi suddenly ran in: "Wangfei, people started a fight in Fuxiang restaurant."

"Tell them to call the government authorities." Song Song finished talking but then suddenly thought of something: "Who's fighting whom?"

"General Qin's 2nd son and Commander Zhao's youngest."

"Qin Yi and Zhao You?" One is the prime minister's grandson. The other is the imperial tutor's grandson. Seemed like the government officials won't be able to handle this one, that's why this issue was reported to him. Song Song could only get dressed, bundle himself up under many layers. As he walked out, he asked: "Why did they start fighting?"

On the road, Song Song got familiar with the situation.

Apparently it still involved the situation at the gambling hall. When the prime minister's bet reached 5 thousand gold pieces, the imperial tutor's estate suddenly began to hesitate, eventually only upping the bet by 100 more gold pieces. They looked like they were starting to regret this entire thing and could be giving up any moment. With this kind of behavior, a group of people quickly followed the prime minister's steps and continuously increased their bet on the other side.

This was when Qin Yi started ridiculing loudly and without restraint at Fuxiang restaurant, saying the Zhao family was poor to the point they're going to have to eat wild grass outside. That the 100 gold pieces were squeezed out of between the gap of their teeth. What he said was coincidentally heard by Zhao family's young master. No child wants to hear their own family belittled. He couldn't bear it and, without a word, flipped a table on the spot and started to beat Qin Yi up.

The two kids both learned martial arts from their fathers at a young age. They fought from upstairs to downstairs. When the government officials arrived and saw it was these two people causing trouble, they almost kneeled. The most important issue was that neither of them wanted to deal with the authorities. No matter what, they insisted on calling Song Song, the involved party, to come and clarify if this so-called miracle was true.

Song Song rode forth in his carriage when he was suddenly stopped. The carriage swung a bit. He stuck his head outside to look and discovered that the person blocking the road was actually Li Xiao: "Wangye."

"This king will deal with this issue. You can return to the estate."

Song Song said: "They specifically summoned me. Zhao You trusts me that much, if I don't go, wouldn't it make it hard for the kid?"

In the end, Zhao You was his cousin-in-law. Song Song was quite biased towards his own family.

Li Xiao said unconcerned: "Why does a little kid need to save face? They caused such a mess in Fuxiang restaurant. It's more important to make them pay up for the repairs."

"But... "

"Be good. I will return later."

Song Song could only order the carriage to return home.

At this moment, the outside of Fuxiang restaurant was crowded full of people. As soon as people heard that the two kids were going to invite Song Song over, they all got curious. This 'miracle' has been the hottest topic these last few days, the suspense making people's hearts itch. They couldn't wait to hear the main person involved say something about its credibility.

Faces full of injuries, the two 16 year olds sat in chairs on seperate sides of the room, eyes glaring daggers at each other.

Qin Yi said hatefully: "This thing clearly is fake! Your imperial tutor estate will definitely lose the bet! Otherwise, why would your family be scared to bet more?!"

Zhao You replied angrily: "My dad definitely did it on purpose. In military tactics, this is called revealing one's belly to attract the enemy, then mounting a surprise attack!"

Qin Yi laughed nonstop: "This whole thing is extremely ridiculous from the start. Your imperial tutor estate is working together with wangfei to scam people. I already heard. Ping Wang has a woman outside who was just brought into the estate. Wangfei is just planning to use her stomach and pretend he gave birth himself!"

Zhao You's facial color looked worse and worse. The people watching nearby began pointing and whispering: "Is this thing true or not?"

"I can't believe I bet on the imperial tutor's side. My friend already switched to the prime minister's side."

"I didn't believe in that miracle for a moment. Man giving birth to children, who would believe such a fantastical story. What a joke."

"What this Qin gongzi said is pretty reasonable.... If wangfei didn't have a guilty conscience, then why hasn't he left the estate recently?"

... ...

Hearing the faint whispers in the surroundings, Zhao You squeezed his fingers tight into a fist. Qin Yi's lips were raised and his face radiated with glee. Suddenly Zhao You hopped up and said menacingly: "Who cares if it's real or fake, today I will still beat you to death!!"

Qin Yi instantly got into position to fight back, however, outside abruptly erupted with activity: "The mad... Ping wang is here!"

"What about wangfei?"

"Wangfei isn't here!"

As soon as someone said this, everyone surrounding Fuxiang restaurant instantly backed away, leaving a wide spacious road to allow Li Xiao to enter the door.

Without the wangfei, the mad king was like a collarless Tibetan mastiff, who knows if he'll suddenly attack people.

Qin Yi's face color turned pale. Even Zhao You quickly threw away his attitude and looked towards Li Xiao somewhat nervously: "Co...cousin... "

Li Xiao examined the damaged restaurant for a moment and said: "How do you plan to fix this?"

Zhao You hastily replied: "I'll pay!"

Qin Yi's eyes glared so hard it's amazing they didn't fall out: "You dare to spit at him?!"

(Note: More word humor. Zhao You said pei 赔 which means pay, but Qin Yi thinks he said pei 呸, which is the sound people make when they spit.)

Zhao You shot him a fierce look. Afraid to be mistaken by Li Xiao, he replied angrily: "I said I will pay money!"

Li Xiao nodded, then looked towards Qin Yi. Qin Yi hastily said : "I, I will also pay."

He turned and grabbed his money bag from a servant and threw it straight at the shopkeeper. Then he backed away from Li Xiao and headed towards the door trembling. At the entrance, he still didn't forget to leave Zhao You a parting message: "Unlike you, I can pay right now! Penniless!"

Zhao You got angry again, but Qin Yi already scurried away in an instant. Li Xiao held out his hand. Zhao You looked at him gloomily and said: "Can I send someone later to bring it to the king's estate?"

"No need." Li Xiao said: "Just send it to the restaurant."

He turned to leave, then saw Zhao You didn't follow him and said: "Come. I'll take you back."

"No, no need to bother cousin. I will return myself."

Originally if Song Song came, he would have definitely asked him about the miracle thing. However, now that the person who came was Li Xiao, if he stayed by the other's side for too long, he'll start feeling goosebumps even on his scalp.

After Song Song returned, he sat next to the heater again flipping through his book. Actually in his previous life, he even learned a little needlework. Afterall, being locked up in one place without anyone else, if he didn't find something to do, the time would pass extremely slowly.

But this life wasn't the same. He had many things he could do. That kind of thing that injured the eyes, Li Xiao didn't allow him to touch.

At the thought of Li Xiao, his heart surged with a feeling of warmth. He looked towards the door, wondering when the other man would return, and dazed off without realizing.

Outside the snow pretty much melted. But because of the spring frost and chilly wind, the weather was still very cold. He remembered that when Li Xiao left today, it looked like he dressed somewhat lightly, who knew if he was cold or not.

He remembered Li Xiao's personal name. It was called Chang Ji. Chang Ji. A nice sounding name with an extremely good meaning. It represented the emperor's inner wish. (Note: Chang Ji means everlasting hope.)

Song Song thought, if the emperor knew that Li Xiao planned to become the future emperor, what would he think? Would he feel that a mad man like Li Xiao might destroy his family's dynasty? He probably will, right? No matter how much he loved Li Xiao, his family's dynasty must be more important to him.

That's why he chose the crown prince in the end.

Just as Song Song was drowsily about to fall asleep, he finally heard footsteps. He sat up and asked: "How did everything go?"

"Dropped off Zhao You along the way so I came back a little late."

Out of habit, Song Song helped Li Xiao take off his cloak and grabbed a soft inner robe for him to switch into: "Did you see your uncle?"

"No, but he definitely already heard about what happened."

Song Song took the stew off the stove and ladled out some soup to help him warm the body. Li Xiao refused to accept the bowl with his hands so Song Song could only feed him directly: "After this fight with Qin estate's little master, your uncle can now increase the bet unrestrained. Although, no need to act too crazy, just enough is fine."

"En..." Li Xiao nodded: "He is well aware. This culinary skill of yours is getting better and better. What kind of soup is this today?"

Song Song smiled and said: "It's fish soup. How come you can never recognize the taste?"

"Isn't it all because you keep switching up the flavors? If you made the same kind of soup for me everyday, I would definitely remember."

"I have nothing to do these days, so I can only think up of different ways to serve you comfortably."

Li Xiao's eyes flashed. He suddenly reached out and pulled Song Song onto his lap. Song Song was startled for a moment. He held steady the bowl and said: "Good thing you drank most of this soup or else I would have spilled it everywhere."

"If it spilled then just let the servants clean it up." Li Xiao replied while holding him around the waist: "I haven't drank enough. Pour some more."

"How am I supposed to pour more with you hugging me?"

Li Xiao reached out and carried over the small pot for him, then returned his arm around his waist: "Like this."

Song Song grudgingly poured while saying: "You should eat a fish head. It's good for your body."

"I only want to drink the soup." Li Xiao replied: "Song-er should eat more."

Song Song picked up the fish head to feed him: "Just take one bite."

"The fish head is only that big. If I take one bite and it'll be gone."

"Just eat one biiite.... Chang Ji!"

He suddenly yelled Li Xiao's other name. When he finished, he abruptly froze: "I, I wasn't thinking... "

"Say it again."

Song Song met his pitch black eyes, pressed his lips together, and said: "This name, the emperor gave it to you?"

"En." Li Xiao said warmly: "But he uses it very little. Maybe because he thinks I failed to live up to its meaning."

"How could that be? Your highness is extremely fortunate and your life in the future will get better and better. The emperor's hope... will definitely come true."

Li Xiao embraced him tight and said: "Say it again and I'll eat the fish head, meat and all."

"Chang Ji." Song Song followed up and placed the fish head next to his mouth: "Hurry up and eat it."

Li Xiao opened his mouth and put the fish head inside. Immediately he frowned. He was still unable to get used to the strange taste and feel in his tongue. Song Song stared at him without blinking: "Not allowed to spit it out. Swallow it all! I spent a lot of time boiling it."

"... ..." Li Xiao's throat moved. He swallowed down that thing. Instantly Song Song smiled and said: "Here, there's more soup."

"I'm done drinking."

"Then eat some meat." Song Song reached out to pick up the meat, but the chopsticks in his hand were suddenly stolen. "Not eating this kind of meat."

"Then what do you want..." Song Song didn't finish, because his body was suddenly picked up. He instantly understood what kind of 'meat' Li Xiao wanted to eat.

Face turning red, he said hesitantly: "But Doctor Ji said.... "

"It's okay if we do it less vigorously." Li Xiao stopped in front of the bed, looked down and said faintly: "After living together for so long, Song-er should know that this king respects you and loves you. If Song-er doesn't want to.... "

Song Song hugged him around the neck reflexively and declared: "I want to!"

He only knew that before when his behavior was fickle, it seemed to have made Li Xiao unhappy. He never really figured out clearly why the other became unhappy. All he knew right now was that he didn't want to make Li Xiao unhappy again.

For some inexplicable reason, he wanted to see Li Xiao happy and pleased always, and never again with furrowed brows.

After his urgent yet serious declaration, he saw Li Xiao smiling in response. Abruptly, Song Song withdrew his line of sight and his hands.

Li Xiao bent down to place him on the bed. Song Song flipped himself over and rolled inside. He covered his mouth, faked a yawn, and said in a small small voice: ".... I'm sleeping now."

~~~~~

The writer has something to say:

Next chapter the empress dowager continue to dote on Song Song's little baby~ (send money for powdered milk)

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 46 Judge

The second day, the imperial tutor estate's betting price suddenly matched the prime minister estate's all at once. In conjunction with the incident on the previous day where the grandsons of the Zhao family and Qin family had a huge fight in Fuxiang restaurant, this move really seemed like a poor attempt to cover up, and only made the situation look worse for the imperial tutor estate.

Almost in mockery, the prime minister's estate added another thousand gold pieces. This time, the imperial tutor's estate did not hesitate and quickly followed up. However, it was only enough to maintain the same amount as the prime minister's side, not an addition.

Everyone all felt that the imperial tutor's estate was at its last breath, only stubbornly refusing to give up at the moment.

However, no matter what, in the end what was at stake wasn't mere silver coins. This was real gold. Everyone's gaze all congregated to watch the result of this gamble, thinking in their hearts 'Wow, a battle between gods, just as outstanding as I expected. Just look at them casually throwing all that gold around.'

This was the first time two very important government officials led the public to gamble, and very quickly the news traveled into the emperor's ears. Just as these two big officials were about to bet their family fortunes, the emperor suddenly summoned both Imperial Tutor Zhao and Prime Minister Qin. These two old officials turned a blind eye and both expressed in front of the emperor that this private gamble was set up behind their backs by the younger generation. And that neither of them knew anything at all.

So the emperor said: "My beloved officials, let's stop here."

Prime Minister Qin and Imperial Tutor Zhao looked at each other, then agreed in unison: "We will obey your majesty."

Imperial Tutor Zhao said: "Today when I return home, I will punish that unfilial son of mine and order him to withdraw all the money. This bet will no longer count as valid."

When Prime Minister Qin heard this, he instantly felt it was not proper. However, since the emperor already made his decision, he can only express: "I will as well."

As soon as they finished speaking, an announcement came from outside: "The empress requests to see your majesty."

The emperor frowned and replied: "Let her in."

The empress walked in, greeted the emperor respectfully and said firmly: "This matter is already well known by the public. Everyone has been waiting for a 'miracle' to occur. This news was spread out from Ping Wang's estate. If the bet were suddenly nulled... I'm afraid people will feel like Ping Wang was purposely spreading lies. If people mention this in the future, where would the royal family's reputation lay?"

Imperial Tutor Zhao frowned and said: "If this thing was spread from the Ping Wang's estate, then it obviously came from someone inside the estate with a long tongue. Just find them and get rid of them when the time comes. How could this cause harm to the royal family's reputation."

"Imperial Tutor Zhao's thoughts are excessively simple." The empress's tone was gentle: "In the end, Ping Wang is the royal family's eldest son. If we say the gods grant a miracle to Ping Wang, that's equivalent to saying the gods bless our nation. Not to mention, the person that first started the bet was Commander Zhao. I assume it's because he also trusts that the royal family is chosen by the Mandate of Heaven. Plenty of common citizens have already laid down a bet as well. No matter what, we should give them an explanation. Even if it is caused by someone maliciously spreading rumours, they should still be publicly punished without mercy! They need to be made an example of so this won't happen again in the future! Otherwise, this time what's being spread is that wangfei is with child, but the next time... what if someone spreads something about the crown prince, are we supposed to remain silent?!"

The emperor remained quiet. Imperial Tutor Zhao said with a tight face: "Then according to the empress's words, my estate bet on the miracle being true is because we believe in the Mandate of Heaven. While the prime minister's estate bet the miracle is false because you don't believe in the Mandate?"

"Exactly opposite. It's not that we don't believe in miracles, but we believe more in the royal family which already inspires awe throughout the nation. The royal family's own brilliance is enough to stand equal to miracles!"

Imperial Tutor Zhao said with a cold smile: "So no matter what, it's your prime minister estate that's right. If the miracle is false, then my estate has no insight, is blinded by malicious rumours, and helps support liars and miscreants. If the miracle is real, that means my estate trusts gods more than we trust in the royal family, how disloyal to the emperor!"

The empress chuckled: "No need for the imperial tutor to be so angry. To determine the truth, we can ask the emperor to bring the imperial physician to the king's estate to diagnose in person. If it's real, then we'll just say it's a miracle. If it's fake, then it's a good chance to put fear in those who spread the rumour.... This news has been circulating for a while now. If it's real, there should be activity in wangfei's stomach."

Maybe it's because emperor Hong Ren had a tolerant personality. After letting them bicker for so long, he finally raised his hands to quiet them and said: "Then let's do as the empress said. Let's go take a look."

The imperial tutor's face looked ugly. He was the first one to follow the emperor's footsteps out. The empress fell back half a step and asked: "How much money has the imperial tutor's estate spent so far?"

Prime Minister Qin replied: "8 thousand gold pieces."

The empress laughed quietly: "Hastily ending this today is really letting them off too easy."

The emperor and imperial physician left the palace in low profile. Within a short while, a little kid carrying a small drum ran everywhere, spreading the news: "Update! The emperor personally brought an imperial physician to Ping Wang's estate to verify the truth!!"

All the windows in the alleyways opened one by one. The crowd was apprehensive but also excited: "They are finally going to announce the answer to this mystery?!"

"Aiyo, this melon I'm eating... is really sweet!" (Note: another way of saying peanut gallery)

"So excited! I'm so excited! Where can I go to hear the news the fastest?"

"Fuxiang Restaurant!!"

"Not Fuxiang restaurant. It's already filled to the brim there. Even the tables outside are full of people. They had to add several waiters to serve everyone."

"Don't worry, don't worry. You can hear the news at all the other taverns and tea shops too. I heard all of the shopkeepers sent runners out to keep watch."

"This is a hard to come by gamble shared by government officials and the common people. How about it, friend? Do you want to place a bet?"

... ...

While the streets were bursting with noise and excitement, the emperor already rode by in his carriage and arrived at the King's estate. The king's estate looked like it didn't receive the news yet. Steward Qi hurriedly opened the front door and bowed in reverence to the emperor: "Your majesty please come in. This servant will go get wangye and wangfei right now."

The empress sat on a side chair and said smiling: "It's already late morning. What's the matter? Are they not up yet?"

"Answering your majesty, wangfei hasn't been feeling well the last few days. He was just about to invite the imperial physician over today to check his pulse."

The emperor said: "Tell them to come over. The imperial physician is already here."

His expression was grave. It seemed like he was also considering in his heart what to do if this thing were real, and what to do if this were fake. The empress sat quietly to the side. She didn't say a word this time. As long as the imperial physician can't diagnose Song Song's pregnancy, then a good show should start.

Inside the room, when Song Song heard the emperor came in person, he immediately climbed out of bed.

"What's the rush?" Li Xiao's movement was not fast, yet not slow. Song Song quickly helped him tie up his clothes. He completely had a 'the emperor is not worried, but the servant's panicking' feeling, and said frowning: "Why did the emperor come so sudden, he didn't even give a heads up."

Li Xiao looped an arm around his waist and said: "Don't worry. With me here, father won't blame you."

"Father's age is already up there. How can we let him wait for us?" Song Song finished helping him get ready and ordered people to bring water so he could wash his face. He himself called for someone to help him fix his hair. Normally at home, he didn't care so much. When he didn't need to greet guests, he just tied his hair casually behind his head. But now that he had to meet the emperor, he definitely needed to be impeccable from head to toe. Li Xiao couldn't help laughing at him. After he finished preparing, he chased away the maid, stood behind him with the comb, and helped Song Song fix his hair personally.

Song Song saw him in the mirror and started to fidget in his chair: "What are you doing? Just look at the time. You want to comb my hair now?"

"I also know how to bind hair."

Lately, Song Song has been eating well, even his hair has become beautifully shiny black with no more split ends. As Li Xiao touched it, he bent over to take a whiff and said: "Song-er smells really good."

"Hurry up already--!!" Song Song was about to go nuts. Stupid Li Xiao. How long has it been? He's still moving slow as a snail. Song Song almost felt like his heart was thrown in the frying pan, suffering terribly.

The person sitting in the front hall was the ruler of the nation ah!

Who dares to let him wait!!

Li Xiao leaned over and kissed his cheek. Song Song finally reached the end of his patients and reached out to snatch over the comb: "I'll do it myself!"

But he was dodged by Li Xiao: "It's better if I do it.... "

"Chang Ji!!!" Song Song's voice held a few degrees of fury. However, to Li Xiao, even his angry appearance looked soft and fluffy. Nevertheless, he finally quickened his pace: "Alright alright. I'll be done soon."

He picked up the hair crown and fastened it with a hairpin. His movement was very light, but swift. Finally done, Song Song hurried up to straighten his outer garments and headed towards the door. After walking a few steps, he noticed Li Xiao didn't catch up, so he returned to grab the other's hand. He said frowning: "Please be serious. What kind of time is this? We'll definitely be reprimanded by father in a bit. You're his son so it doesn't matter. But if I made him unhappy, what then?"

"Song-er should be more confident in yourself. Father also likes you."

Li Xiao couldn't bear to continue teasing him so quickened his pace to walk beside him. As they almost reached the main hall, he saw his wangfei finally stopped. Song Song lightly coughed a few times, then touched his face saying: "Is my face washed clean?"

After he finished washing his face, he forgot to look at the mirror, so he could only ask Li Xiao to look for him.

The latter gazed at him for a while. When Song Song almost couldn't wait any longer, he suddenly said: "Wait, don't move...."

"En... What is it?" Song Song: "Did you not straighten my hair crown? I feel like it's a little crooked."

"You have eye boogers."

"... ..." Song Song instantly reached up to wipe when Li Xiao suddenly placed a kiss on his mouth. He continued to say: "Just kidding."

"You--"

Li Xiao ran into the main hall in two big steps. A smile on his lips, the bright happiness in his eyes dazzled the emperor for a moment. His eldest son stood illuminated by the light at the entrance, reaching a hand to one side. A snow white shoe first appeared, then a hand, and finally a delicate pretty face.

Li Xiao turned and led Song Song over to say respectfully: "Greetings to father, mother... grandfather is also here?"

Imperial Tutor Zhao waved. The emperor said: "Take a seat."

He held a hand warmer, slowly stroking the heat on its surface, as he examined his oldest son's energetic face. His heart grew a few degrees warmer: "These last few days, the capital has been extremely noisy over this 'miracle' business. Have you two heard of this?"

Li Xiao replied: "Of course we've heard. I even bewitched uncle to place a bet. What's the matter? Is father also interested? Remember to place your bet on the 'believe' side, or else I'm afraid you'll lose horribly."

The empress's smiling expression didn't change. With Song Song, this kid's energy and aura seemed different. Just look at the situation. He actually dared to still remain unwilling to admit his mistake.

The emperor lectured: "Watch your words."

What do you mean 'bewitched'? He glanced at the old Imperial Tutor beside him and saw his expression revealing a hint of 'look, you saw it right? This thing was caused by your son. My estate is also a victim.' expression

Li Xiao nodded and said: "So does father want to place a bet today? How much are you going to spend? Just follow this son, I promise you'll make a lot of money."

The empress couldn't stand him speaking so rudely in front of the emperor. This behavior made her feel extremely uncomfortable inside. Even the crown prince didn't dare to act so intimately in front of the emperor. Li Xiao, however, took advantage of his illness to purposely get close to the emperor, living like he wasn't even royalty. She said smiling: "Stop playing around, Xiao-er. Your father specifically brought the imperial physician over. After all, this thing has caused such a disturbance. It's time to give the common people a proper answer."

The emperor's originally smiling expression gradually faded and he heard the empress ask permission: "Your majesty, let's start."

The emperor Hong Ren said: "Today I did indeed bring the imperial physician. This thing can't continue to cause further disturbances."

"I see." Li Xiao said: "Father came to act as judge. I have a godlike doctor at my estate. The truth is he already looked over Song-er and determined that he's indeed with child. So no need to trouble the imperial physician."

The empress said: "Since his majesty already brought the imperial physician over, might as well give it a look."

Li Xiao took a glance at Prime Minister Qin: "I heard the Prime Minister's estate also made a bet. Since Song-er's pregnancy is already confirmed, I was just prepared to ask father to make this gamble null. But if you really want the imperial physician to diagnose, then I'm afraid the Qin estate will have to pay up."

Prime Minister Qin was completely unafraid and said calmly: "Since my estate made the bet then naturally we will follow what's agreed upon."

"Alright!" Li Xiao laughed loudly and held Song Song's hand saying: "Then this king and Song-er will first thank your estate's generosity!"

The empress shot him a look and thought: Death is near at hand. Still so dedicated to your act.

~~~~~~

The writer has something to say:

Cray Cray: Hehe.

Song Song: As planned---

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 47 Announcement

"Enough." Emperor Hong Ren interrupted them: "We'll settle this right now. Summon the imperial physician to diagnose wangfei."

Song Song's eyes slightly turned towards Li Xiao. The latter squeezed his hand and said: "Don't be afraid."

The imperial physician slowly stepped forward and gestured for Song Song to extend his hand. After he examined the pulse, his expression instantly showed a look of astonishment, his eyes full of incredulousness. The empress was clearly impatient, but still sat properly and asked in an aloof tone: "What's the diagnosis?"

The imperial physician looked somewhat dazed and announced: "I think I made a mistake just now. I need to examine it again."

Song Song said soothingly: "Take your time."

The empress exchanged a look with prime minister Qin, then both withdrew their gaze. The corner of the empress's mouth rose.

This imperial physician was probably afraid to agitate Li Xiao, therefore wanted to save him some face. She couldn't resist thinking, if Li Xiao had an outburst today, then that would really make things interesting.

The imperial physician examined Song Song's pulse again, repeatedly shaking his head. The emperor said gently: "If my dear official has something to say, then say it directly. No need to cover it up."

"Aiyo." The Imperial physician quickly withdrew his hand, walked over to bow to the emperor and said: "To answer your majesty. This official just tested twice. He's indeed pregnant."

Everyone present were all stunned. An excited expression appeared on the emperor's face: "Are your words for real?"

"This official can vouch for it with my life. Wangfei is pregnant."

The empress's facial color instantly changed. The emperor glanced at prime minister Qin's bewildered face. He somewhat curbed his happy expression and asked: "Are you certain? Wangfei is a man. How can he be pregnant?"

"This is certainly a rare sight." The imperial physician said loudly: "This must be a miracle from the gods! To assist our nation!"

The empress walked over, saluted with a forced smile and said: "Since this thing is rarely seen, how can we be certain with just one imperial physician. Maybe it's the wrong diagnosis. How about we invite two more imperial physicians over to take a look?"

That imperial physician practiced medicine for many years, and was also treated the emperor frequently. Upon hearing her words, his expression turned displeased. However, because she was the empress, he could only swallow his dissatisfaction and stand quietly to the side.

Li Xiao said with a not quite smile: "Looks like mother thinks the gods really shouldn't assist our nation ah."

Instantly incensed, the empress twisted her head to glare at Li Xiao: "You.... "

"This son is just joking." Not waiting for her to speak, Li Xiao casually moved the topic onward: "What mother said is correct. This diagnosis is indeed very rare to see. In my opinion, why not invite everyone from the imperial physician clinic over. How can only one or two person determine the truth?"

"Are you suspecting that I bribed the imperial physicians?"

"Exactly."

"... ..." The empress' face twisted. She had a not so good feeling in her heart, but pretended to be unperturbed: "Then doesn't that mean I can suspect that Xiao-er bribed the imperial physicians as well?"

Li Xiao's smiling expression remained unchanged, but his eyes turned cold: "It's reasonable to be skeptical here. However, which of us is the one harboring secret motives, that remains to be seen"

The empress's lips trembled. Prime minister Qin also did not think Li Xiao would suddenly make accusations in this situation. He hastily said: "Since Ping Wang wants to invite all of the imperial physicians over, then this official earnestly requests your majesty grant this. After all... this thing is indeed rare."

"Prime Minister!" Li Xiao suddenly said, completely interrupting whatever the emperor was about to say. He continued slowly: "This king is not done speaking yet."

Everyone turned their heads one by one towards the head seat. The emperor picked up his teacup. He didn't look like he was going to chastise Li Xiao for his action, clearly letting him do as he wished and planning to turn a blind eye.

Prime Minister Qin can only say: "Go ahead, your highness."

Li Xiao stood up slowly, walked in front of the empress, forcing her to take a two steps back. The oppressive aura from the grown up man made her face color turn green: "You, what do you want to say?"

"This king has one thing I don't understand. I hope mother will clarify."

"Go... go on."

The empress almost begged him to not stand so close. Hair ornaments swaying slightly, she believed without a doubt that Li Xiao might suddenly pretend to lose control and choke her to death--

"Madam Song, the prime minister's daughter, your own blood related sister suddenly went insane. This king wanted to ask. The poison that she drank in prison, was it the same one this king suffered from?"

The color on the empress's face looked like it was completely drained away. All of the bones in her body seemed like they turned to rubber in an instant. The emperor who was sitting at the head seat abruptly looked up, the tea cup falling out of his hands. The gonggong beside him had a sharp eye and reached out to catch it. When the cup hit his hand, it still made an impact sound. His hands shook as well.

Li Xiao was still looking at the empress. He didn't move, but the expression in his eyes was extremely terrifying. Whole body locked stiff, the empress wanted to say: 'Of course it's not the same!' but Prime minister Qin's reaction was even quicker than hers: "Your highness--!"

He said: "Your highness misunderstood the empress. My daughter was already crazy before. She definitely didn't go insane because of being poisoned in the prison. Isn't that right, my empress?"

After he hinted at the empress, the latter abruptly turned and moved sideways past Li Xiao to walk towards the emperor: "What father said is correct. My sister was already insane, otherwise, why would she do such a thing at the Tower of Heaven?"

Her whole body was covered in a cold sweat.

Li Xiao's words just now were meant to test her.

If she reflexively denied that the two poisons were not the same just now, that would mean admitting that madam Song was not insane during the incident at the Tower of Heaven. That would also be equal to admitting that madam Song's condition was connected to herself. And if someone wanted to investigate further...

She didn't dare think further.

It was hard to tell anything from the emperor's expression. He looked to his side at the empress. The latter forced a smile, wanting to leave here as soon as possible secretly. She was worried that Li Xiao had other plans waiting for her. However, she still had money placed on the line. Her heart won't be settled until the results of this diagnosis is cleared up. So she can only say: "How about, we just follow what Xiao-er said and invite all the imperial physicians over?"

Emperor Hong Ren remained silent.

Prime minister Qin and the empress couldn't even sit still. After all, 7 thousand gold ingots was not a small amount. The empress said again: "Your majesty, a lot of people are paying attention to this result... we should at least give an official answer."

The emperor looked at her for a while, forcing the empress to start thinking about Li Xiao's 'was that poison the same as this king's' all over again. The cold sweat on her body didn't not even dry from being stared at by Li Xiao moments before.

The emperor finally said: "Go summon two more imperial physicians over."

As soon as someone left the king's estate on horseback, all of the taverns outside instantly received the news---

"I heard the imperial physician that came said it was hard to determine so now they've gone to fetch the head of the imperial physicians!"

In an instant, people were in an uproar: "What kind of condition would make an imperial physician have trouble diagnosing?"

"I actually think this is pretty normal. After all, with the prime minister and the imperial tutor both present and these two families fighting... it's not easy for the imperial physician to pick a side, right?"

"What exactly is the result here? I'm almost worried to death!"

The waiter at Fuxiang restaurant rushed about pouring tea for all the guests, brow beaded with sweat.

Quickly, two more imperial physicians entered the king's estate. People stood watching from a distance, however, with the emperor present in the estate, these people didn't dare to get closer. They could only peek their head out and stretch on their tiptoes, occasionally spinning around in a circle where they stand.

The two imperial physicians saluted as they entered. One of them met the empress's eyes and then quickly looked down. The emperor said: "Go ahead. Examine."

From the side, the empress said hypocritically: "No matter what the result is, you two must tell the truth."

The head physician first stepped up. After a few breaths, he looked flabbergasted at Song Song and met his soft harmless expression. He examined again. After a while, he walked over with a serious face and said to the emperor: "This official has practiced for many years. I can put my reputation on the line to confirm that he's pregnant."

The empress squeezed her fingers. Her heart felt like it was being gnawed by ants.

The emperor nodded, already having an idea in mind, and said: "You take a look as well."

The younger physician in the back stepped up, slightly leaned over, then also blanked for a while. He glanced at the empress. The empress frowned. Expression doubtful, he hesitated for a moment then said: "I.... I'm going to try again."

That head physician said coldly: "No matter how many times you try, there won't be another result. There's no mistakes. He's indeed pregnant."

The young imperial physician laughed dryly and slowly withdrew his hand, then stepped back. The empress's eyes stared unwavering at him. The emperor said lightly: "This issue today is extremely important. My dear official, you should tell the truth."

Emperor Hong Ren was merciful. To say this was his warning ahead of time because he didn't want to give death punishments. The young imperial physician felt apprehensive in his heart. When he looked up, he saw the implicit pressure in the empress' eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he finally summoned up the courage to say: "This pulse... is really rare. This official is not skilled enough to diagnose clearly. I'm afraid to make assumptions!"

The empress's air felt stuck in her throat, she almost couldn't breathe.

The emperor seemed almost tired and said: "Since that's the case, then it is true. Looks like the heavens bless my nation. Since it's a miracle bestowed by the gods, Xiao-er, in a few days, you will come accompany Zhen for a walk and pray a little."

"As you wish."

The emperor stood up, but the empress suddenly shouted: "Your majesty! A man being pregnant is completely outrageous. Is this thing a miracle.... Or witchcraft? Shouldn't Your majesty investigate this fully?"

Li Xiao raised an eyebrow, but before he opened his mouth, he heard emperor Hong Ren say coldly: "What, you don't believe the gods granted us a miracle? Don't tell me that you think this is a punishment by the gods to warn my nation?"

The empress's heart skipped a beat: "This one doesn't dare! It's only that this thing... "

"Empress." Emperor Hong Ren said slowly: "You seem to have said a lot today."

The empress instantly shut up. Li Xiao said from the side: "Can I ask father, since the bet still counts, does that mean that the prime minister's 7 thousand gold pieces now belong to the imperial tutor?"

Emperor Hong Ren's gaze fell on him, already looking much warmer. He said: "Prime Minister Qin?"

At this moment, prime minister Qin's head was completely empty. The head physician was the emperor's subordinate. He would never tell lies. The prime minister was still dwelling on the question of how could Song Song be with child, so he reflexively replied: "Ah?"

"That 7 thousand gold pieces, will your estate give it or not?"

Prime minister Qin finally had a reaction. As he stood up, he looked like he gained 10 years in an instant.

This money, to give or not to give? The emperor personally asked already. How can he not give it? He said difficulty: "My estate... is willing to pay for our loss."

The emperor said: "Then just carry it all over to the imperial tutor's estate today."

Prime Minister Qin's face twisted as he smiled painfully: "This old official... will do as you say."

The emperor, supported by gonggong, walked out. The empress didn't follow him just yet. Instead, she sat in her chair, her head still in complete disarray. If she didn't have one last strand of reason remaining, then she would have caused an uproar right there and then. As she watched the emperor's figure slowly disappear, she abruptly looked towards Song Song. The latter still looked well-behaved, harmless, and very easily deceived. He slowly lifted his head and smiled faintly: "Many thanks for mother's gift."

The empress just stood up when her legs turned soft and she had to sit down again.

7 thousand, 7 thousand gold ingots.

She felt like her teeth were being knocked off one by one, but at the moment, other than swallowing it with a mouthful of blood, there was nothing she could do. Emperor Hong Ren unexpectedly... unexpectedly supported Li Xiao this much...

Also this miracle, how could it be a real miracle?

Where did it go wrong? How could Song Song be diagnosed pregnant?

Her momo said quietly: "Your majesty?"

Just at this moment, a servant next to minister Qin suddenly yelled: "Prime Minister! The prime minister threw up blood! Imperial physician! Wait! Don't go yet!"

The empress hurriedly rush over to check---

"Father!"

The imperial tutor Zhao stood up unperturbed: "As you age, you should be open minded. Money is just a worldly possession. Prime Minister Qin shouldn't be so concerned about it."

With blood on his beard and currently receiving medical treatment from the imperial physician, prime minister Qin shook all over as he glared at imperial tutor Zhao.

Song Song said worriedly to the side: "How do you feel, prime minister? Is it serious? Do you need to rest in the guest room first?"

He hasn't spoken at all before. These words still counted as pretty thoughtful. The empress was just about to agree---

As if afraid she'd refuse, Song Song bashfully added: "Seven thousand gold pieces... even if you stay for an entire year, it's more than enough."

"... ..."

Prime Minister Qin instantly lost consciousness.

"Father!" The empress screeched sharply, anxious and angry, tears falling like rain: "Someone! Get the carriage! We're going back!!!"

~~~~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Scared Scared: I kind of feel bad taking all this money...

Cray Cray: Me too.

--- Pei! (Spitting in jest, meaning they're don't feel bad at all haha)

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 48 Gold

Outside of Fuxiang restaurant was overcrowded with people. Everyone was looking around all over, waiting and searching for the waiter who went out to scout for news.

"What's the situation?"

"After the two new imperial physicians entered, there were no further movements. This means that..."

"Look! Isn't that the emperor's carriage? He's returning to the palace! What's the situation in the king's estate right now?"

Suddenly--

"He's back, he's back!!!"

The person in charge of scouting out the news rushed over without taking time to catch his breath. People immediately surrounded him to give him water. That person noisily drank the warm water into his stomach, moistened his throat, and finally said: "It's a miracle! He's pregnant!"

The people who bet on the side of imperial tutor Zhao immediately started cheering. They were followed closely by the crowd of others simultaneously expressing their disbelief: "He really is with child? Looks like the mad king is really the person chosen by the mandate of heaven."

"What are you saying? Do you want to get your head chopped off?"

"Do you think the child in wangfei's stomach is a god reincarnating on earth?"

"Maybe it's the god of wealth and war!"

"Which god bestowed this child? I heard in a few days, the emperor will personally bring Ping Wang to the Holy Dragon Temple to give thanks!"

"Zeze, looks like in the end the mad king won in the gamble..."

While this group of people discussed exuberantly, the people who betted on the side of the prime minister all started to sigh and wail: "At the start, I also betted on the side of the imperial tutor. Why did I not stand firm? Why did I end up changing my bet?"

"Oh hush you. I originally wasn't going to switch. It was all because of you."

"When you agreed back then, that's not what you said. You said you also thought the prime minister was more likely to win, you only needed someone to give you a nudge. Didn't you say you wanted to express gratitude towards me?"

"I originally thought that since the wangfei displayed such godlike qualities at the Tower of Heaven, he definitely wouldn't start a rumour!"

"Are you a sore loser or something?"

"Who are you calling a sore loser?"

The sound of cups and bowls hit the floor. High tension suddenly formed between the two normally close friends, as if they were about to start a huge fight.

The crowd at Fuxiang restaurant was in complete chaos, chatting nonstop. This situation wasn't limited to here. It continued to occur at all the other teahouses, liquor stores, and other such places. The news about the 'miracle' hit the entire capital like a hurricane. Everyone all knew that the big winner of this gamble was Imperial Tutor Zhao's estate.

"Did you hear? The prime minister even threw up blood. Isn't their branch house run by a genius merchant? Why does he even need to care about this money?"

"I heard that General Qin borrowed money from the branch house. This brother of his has to deal with the aftermath... that wasn't even a small amount of money."

"Don't forget the branch house's head madam... "

"General Qin was all fine prior. Why did he end up getting involved?

"Don't mention it. The imperial tutor's estate did it on purpose from the start. The Qin family completely got duped!"

"What a mess..."

... ...

The gossips on the street weren't wrong. Although the empress didn't care about her sister, she still cared plenty about her father. She sent prime minister Qin all the way home before immediately summoning the imperial physician to see her. Earlier the young physician who examined Song Song's pulse was in alliance with her. He took a look at prime minister Qin and then went to write prescriptions. The empress anxiously asked: "How is my father?"

Today when Li Xiao suddenly mentioned the poison in the hall, her heart was already extremely frenetic. If the emperor became aware of something, she would need support from the prime minister in the future. Back then the only reason she was able to go head to head with the previous empress when she was only a concubine was all thanks to the prime minister's presence. She completely didn't dare to think, what would happen if Prime Minister Qin falls.

"He only got too riled up and it damaged his heart. No need to worry, your majesty."

As the imperial physician picked up the brush to write, the empress's heart felt somewhat calmer. She said: "Today when you examined Song Song's pulse, what exactly happened?"

"Reporting to your majesty." The physician said quietly: "He's indeed pregnant."

The empress said, grinding her teeth: "How could this be possible?"

"This official has some ideas."

"Let's hear it then!"

"This official used to study medicine under a miracle healer. That healer's shixiong once experimented with a holy medicine that made birthing possible... but back then, because he delved excessively into unethical studies, used his own teacher's life to practice, and then was finally chased down by fellow students from the same school. That person fell off a cliff, whether he lived or died became unknown."

"You suspect that he's still alive?"

"This is only my guess."

This imperial physician looked young and promising, and was born with a very intelligent face. His expression carried a few hints of warmth and respect. The empress said with furrowed brows: "The thing today..."

"In that kind of situation, this official really didn't dare to lie. Any random physician within the city would have been able to give the same diagnosis. Please forgive me!"

The empress paused, then said: "You only said the truth. What crimes do you have?"

She withdrew her gaze from the physician, mood somewhat heavy.

The prime minister Qin himself actually didn't have that much money. His current fortune was completely based on the fact that his two sons have not left the house yet. The Qin family has 2 sons and 2 daughters. The empress was the eldest daughter. According to family rules, although she was first, she has no inheritance rights to the family properties. Therefore Qin Ning was the eldest son. Number 4 Qin An was the second son.

This time they lost quite a lot of money. It's likely that Qin An's wife will not be able to take this silently.

Of the entire estate, the person who dared go against the empress was this daughter of Rong Wang. Although Rong Wang was not blood related to Hong Ren, the emperor owed him a debt. After he passed away, he entrusted his only daughter to emperor Hong Ren. Hong Ren treated her like his own daughter. Back then when she married Qin An, it was because the two fell in love with each other and asked the emperor to bestow a marriage degree. Her personality was bold and shrewd. Body well trained in martial arts, she was someone who was reasonable yet unwilling to be taken advantage of.

(Note: Rong Wang is a title for a different king (Wang=king). But he's probably from Hong Ren's generation. Not exactly sure what the author means by he isn't related to Hong Ren, but sometimes emperors adopt sons and give them the title of Wang also. So that might be what happened with this Rong Wang. Probably an adoptive brother of Hong Ren?)

All these years the businesses outside were mostly run by her personally.

The empress just finished thinking this when she suddenly heard heavy and swift footsteps from the corridor. It wasn't Qin Ning. At the entrance, a red dress appeared in her view. As expected, it was Rong Le's princess, Xu Kou.

As soon as she saw the empress, she opened her mouth and said: "Yo, I was just saying why did all of this courtyard's gold and silver grow wings and fly away. Turns out it's because the Mother of Scattered Wealth nation is here."

The empress replied angrily: "Father is still sleeping. If you have anything to say, then let's go out and say it."

Xu Kou chuckled coldly. Qin An who was following behind her sighed and walked over to stop the empress: "Back then when I lent money to big brother, Ah-Kou already felt it absurd. However, she still listened to me. Now, all of that money flew away... she has a right to be angry."

The empress said: "This thing is indeed my blunder. I implicated the Qin family... so let her say whatever."

She got up and walked out. Xu Kou stood in the corridor. When she heard, she laughed coldly: "I already told father before, if Ping Wang dared to spread this kind of rumour, then they will definitely have a plan to deal with the aftermath. When I learned that the imperial tutor's estate suddenly placed a bet, I wonder if it was done specifically to hoodwink the prime minister's estate. I provided so many earnest and well-meaning advice to persuade father from falling into the trap, but being the older sister must be great, capable of making father change his mind with just one sentence. As if everything I said from the beginning were just nonsense!"

The empress stayed quiet. Xu Kou, however, did not restrain her anger and turned her head in fury: "What? You have nothing to say? Just look at how the Qin family is now? When do you plan to give up? You're already the empress. Your son is already the crown prince! You can't rest unless you hound Li Xiao to death? Is your ambition that big that you can't just tolerate him?"

The empress finally said: "Your words overstepped."

"Overstepped?" The corner of Xu Kou's mouth rose. Her face was full of ridicule: "Just because of your crown prince, the entire family has to follow your lead. Not only do we have to lose a fortune to pave the road for you, everyone has to do it like we're gluttons for punishment. You've already thrown away 3rd sister and her son! And now even father has fallen ill... Do you plan to sacrifice your own father's life like a chess piece too?

"Xu Kou!" The empress's expression finally changed. However, Xu Kou was completely unafraid. She calmly met the empress's gaze, and replied even more ferociously: "Who are you trying to scare? Other people don't know how 3rd sister went insane, but everyone in this family is clear as hell. You don't even want your own sister, and are probably going to throw away your own father's life. Why would you care about saving face in front of me, a mere sister-in-law? What kind of things can you not say? Why suppress it? Go ahead. Everyone says that 3rd sister was spoiled rotten, but I rather think that you're the most ill-mannered one.... In comparison to a snake-like woman such as yourself, even the unreasonable 3rd sister seemed pretty cute."

The empress squeezed her fingers, her face pinched tightly. Xu Kou continued: "Looks like you plan to allow me to say whatever without rebuttal. Then let me warn you, if you want to use other people, I don't care. But if you dare to get any ideas about Qin An or my son... I will skin you alive."

She held her head high and chest out proudly, however, beside her the empress suddenly laughed lightly: "I only used what I gave to Qin An before. Why is sister-in-law so angry?"

Xu Kou's footsteps paused slightly, a suspicion growing in her heart. However, this did not make her any hint of weakness. She even replied in a strange tone: "I didn't know that 3rd sister's life was given by you. Wah.. could it be possible that father's life was also given by big sister? My god, this is so messed up."

"You....!"

Xu Kou sneered at her in an excessively cute manner, then walked towards Qin An with a serious face. Qin An almost didn't dare to meet her eyes, and followed behind her quietly after a meaningful glare.

Later, the imperial tutor's estate transported all of the gold into the king's estate. Dressed in a cloak, Song Song ran happily into the storeroom. He picked up several of the gold ingots with one hand and said: "This is great. If his highness wants to raise troops in the future, he won't be lacking money anymore."

Bai Yan said: "All these gold pieces, the Qin family business is truly great."

"I know right?"

All of these cases of gold lined up in an orderly fashion was really an attractive view. Song Song was practically unwilling to part with the sight: "I heard that Qin An loved playing around as a merchant even in his youth. Later he married a strong wife who supported him. They really know how to make money."

"But no matter what, Qin An is fairly young. To suddenly be capable of creating such a big business, seems kind of strange no matter how you think about it."

Upon first meeting, Bai Yan had a cold face and a cold heart. However, after they became more familiar, the two started conversing more. Song Song instantly stopped what he was doing, feeling a bit perplexed: "Maybe it's because he's a genius? Or maybe he just happened to be lucky?"

Song Song admired geniuses, but he was never jealous of them. He didn't care how much money other families made. He covered the boxes carefully, suddenly holding out a hand: "Here. One for you!"

In his snow white palm laid a small fine gold ingot. Bai Yan was distracted momentarily by its shine. He looked at Song Song, saw his face was earnest, as if he was only sharing half a piece of white bread. Bai Yan instantly took a step back and said: "Even if you gave this to me, I can't really use it. Wangfei should keep it yourself."

"Do you have a wife?"

"This one walks through steel and fire. I don't dare to get involved with any lady."

Song Song thought for a moment, then walked out holding that gold ingot. His gaze swept all around outside. Although he couldn't see, he knew that there were many people hidden in the shadows of the estate. They were all agents who pledged their life to serve, all arranged by Li Xiao to protect him. There were many of them, maybe some were still young. However, all of them were brainwashed to become tools loyal and devoted only to their owner.

Just like Bai Yan who was beside him out in the open.

Someday, someone in this group will die for him and he wouldn't even be aware of this person's existence.

"When all this stabilizes in the future, I'll help you find a girl you like and make sure you have a big fat kid." Song Song turned his head and smiled slightly: "Then you can spend your life as a normal person."

Bai Yan looked down and said: "I will follow your arrangements."

Pressing his lips together, Song Song put away the gold piece.

As he walked out, his mood was somewhat heavy. Inattentive, his head suddenly bumped into someone: "Ah---"

Holding his head, he looked up and discovered Li Xiao standing in front of him from who knows when: "What's the matter? Is there something wrong with the gold count?"

Song Song looked at him for a while, the gloom in his heart gradually vanishing like smoke in thin air. He said: "It's all right now."

"?"

"Originally I thought I lost one, but now... " He gave Li Xiao a little excited smile: "It came back to me!"

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 49 Conversation

Song Song could always easily influence Li Xiao. His smile practically shone with light, but at the same time it wasn't blinding. When seen, it made people feel very comfortable.

Li Xiao suddenly really wanted to pick him up and give him a lick, to see if he'd taste sweet to the bottom of his heart. Thinking this, he just did it as well. When he reached out to hug Song Song, the other had some hesitation, but still allowed himself to be gathered up without a fuss.

Li Xiao's forehead pressed against his, forcing him to lift his face. Song Song pushed him a little uncomfortably: "We're still outside..."

"So what?" Li Xiao pecked him on the lips: "Bai Yan turned around already."

He hugged Song Song and carefully kissed him, a little oppressive but very tender. Song Song tried to dodge a little, but was kissed by him repeatedly, as if the other couldn't get enough.

"Your highness!" Song Song pushed him with force: "I'm hungry."

"Hungry so fast?"

"En." Song Song said completely seriously: "Little wangye wants to eat."

Li Xiao looked at him with humour. Song Song didn't back off. Finally the man smiled, kissed him deeply again, then finally led him towards the main house: "Alright. What does Song-er want to eat?"

Song Song thought eating whatever is okay, as long as he doesn't kiss him outside.

On the way back to the main house, Song Song suddenly thought of something: "When do you think the empress will find out the truth about the 'miracle'?"

"Should be very soon."

He was talking about the thing pertaining to 'the holy medicine'. When Li Xiao first asked Song Song who else knew about it other than Song father and Song Ge. Song Song assumed, because Song Guogong was such a careful and paranoid person, not to mention, he really didn't know the effectiveness of the 'holy medicine'. Therefore, he probably wouldn't have told anyone else about secretly giving Song Song this medicine. It was likely that not even madam Song knew.

It's just unknown what the empress will do when she finds out that the Song family was involved in this business.

Also in regards to Li Xiao asking the empress about the poison in front of everyone in the main hall. At the time, the emperor was also present. However, he didn't say anything. In the end, did he know and instead pretended to be confused, or did he really not know anything about this at all?

No matter what, Song Song felt that because of this series of events, even if he wanted to pass this year peacefully, it won't be possible.

Just when the two were about to walk into the main house, an imperial edict suddenly arrived from the palace. Dou gonggong who served beside the emperor arrived in person to summon them into the palace.

Song Song hastily wiped his mouth, cleaned up his appearance and followed Li Xiao on to the carriage.

When they reached the palace, Dou gonggong informed Song Song with a smile: "The emperor summoned wangye to talk about national affairs. Why don't wangfei go visit the empress dowager?"

Song Song subconsciously looked towards Li Xiao. The latter patted his hand soothingly: "I'll go find you later."

Song Song parted with him reluctantly. On the other side, after the empress confirmed that Prime Minister Qin was in no danger, she also returned to the palace in her carriage. She coincidentally caught the sight of Song Song and Li Xiao separating. Her eyes instantly darkened a little. She waved over the momo behind her and instructed quietly into her ears.

Song Song followed leisurely behind a small eunuch leading the way, but unexpectedly encountered a familiar momo: "Greetings wangfei. The empress would like to talk, I don't know if wangfei could spare the time."

"No."

"... ..." The momo was stunned.

Song Song smiled faintly: "I'm in a hurry to see the empress dowager."

"It won't take too much of wangfei's time. You have to pass the empress' palace anyway on your way to Taiye palace."

"If mother wants to see me, then after I finish visiting the empress dowager, wangye and I will go see her together. In any case, I'm also a man. To meet the empress by myself is not appropriate. I hope momo will understand."

He looked at the little eunuch who seemed out of place and said: "Let's go."

The momo found it hard to respond now that he brought out the proper courtesy maintained between man and woman. She can only watch him leave helplessly and return to the empress' side. The other didn't speak for a long time.

"Your majesty?"

"Now he's not giving me any sense of courtesy at all." The empress fiddled with a flower and recalled the thing that happened at the king's estate today. She said faintly: "If there's no Song Song, then Li Xiao might never regain clarity again right?"

The momo's expression changed, but since the empress seemed to be mumbling to herself, she looked down and didn't dare to speak. Another voice suddenly sounded from elsewhere: "Greetings to your majesty. The empress dowager summoned you to Taiye palace for a chat."

The empress's calm expression froze.

When Song Song arrived at Taiye palace, he just walked in when he heard Hong momo's surprised shout: "Wangfei is here? Quick. Come in quickly. The empress dowager was just about to leave the palace to visit you at the king's estate. Us servants finally were able to stop her after great difficulty. The wind outside is so fierce, what if her body can't handle it? We were just thinking of summoning you and wangye into the palace tomorrow."

"Sorry for letting grandmother wait all this time. Lately the city has been very rowdy. Plus my health has been unwell lately, wangye had me recuperate at home and wouldn't let me leave. That's why I haven't come to see grandmother lately."

"The empress dowager has heard of all of this. She was just happy for wangye."

She considerately helped Song Song take off his outer cloak and said: "Come inside. It's warm."

Lifting the heavy curtain and walking inside, Song Song immediately saw that kind elder. He was just about to bow when she waved him over: "Come over quickly. Sit here. Tell grandma what did the god who bestowed the miracle say to you guys?"

Song Song felt a bit embarrassed: "Grandma, please don't make fun of us ah."

The empress dowager laughed loudly and reached out her hand to hold his. She said warmly: "Xiao-er already told me ahead of time. I know what this is about. I was just teasing you. Come. Eat some pastries."

Song Song accepted with both hands: "Thank you, grandma."

The empress dowager saw his well-behaved expression. The more she looked the more she liked what she saw: "Song-er was born so good looking. Your manners are also good. Just like Xiao-er's mother."

Song Song's eyelashes blinked, he subconsciously looked towards her: "Empress Zhao?"

"That's right." The empress dowager said with a smile: "Empress Zhao was gentle and virtuous inside and graceful and composed outside. The emperor loved her the most. I also loved her."

Eating like a little hamster, Song Song asked in a small voice: "The empress right now is also... "

"She's not good." As soon as the empress dowager heard Song Song's mention, she started waving her hand and shaking her head, using an extremely honest expression to emphasize to Song Song: "She's not as good as Sui-er."

"... ..." Song Song's hand shook a little. He seemed to have realized where Li Xiao learned his straightforward, blabbermouth temper from. This was inside the palace. The empress dowager was already this age, yet she's still so....

He looked up slightly, saw inside the room stood two eunuch and two maids and her personal Wan momo. There's not many people, but it was still not a small amount.

(Note: I think the writer can't keep track of the names of all the personal momo and gonggong the emperor and the empress dowager has because their names keep changing lmao)

He said helplessly: "Grandma...."

"Don't be scared." The empress dowager said warmly: "My health is fine. I even told the emperor ahead of time. If one day I end up dead, it's surely because I was killed by Qin Qinghe. As long as I die before her, someone will definitely fan the public opinion on the streets and force the emperor to kill her to avenge me."

"... ..." The empress dowager was really cool...

Song Song continued to nibble on the pastries with small bites. The empress dowager suddenly got in the mood to talk about the past.

Song Song only knew that the empress dowager was a princess from Xin nation. She was only 14 when she arrived here. What he didn't know was that the emperor was once the type of person who believed in love.

She told Song Song, when she was young, she was strong and powerful. Even when the emperor was still the crown prince, he was already married happily with empress Zhao. However, empress Zhao's health was always unwell so they didn't have a child for a long time. Therefore, the empress dowager got anxious and kept on trying to push marriages on to the emperor. However, the emperor never agreed. He told the empress dowager that he wanted to spend his whole life with just empress Zhao and hoped that his mother would understand and allow him to do so.

The empress dowager was born in politics and knew in her heart that this was only an extravagant expectation. In her eyes, power was the most important. She won imperial concubines to fill his harem, guarded against others who wanted to steal away his position as crown prince, and using all of her efforts, she helped him make alliances with the government officials. But he actually dared to tell her that he only needed one empress Zhao? And this empress was one who might not even give birth? She reprimanded him, ridiculed him, and mocked him.

The emperor's personality was warm. Although he never rebuked, he still silently stood by his decision until the very end.

Finally, empress Zhao learned of this and after speaking with the emperor, she expressed goodwill towards the empress dowager and stated that she was willing to arrange marriages for her husband.

"Originally, I didn't like Sui-er. I always felt she stole the emperor away from me." The empress dowager sighed and said: "Now that I think about it. It's actually because this back palace was far too lonely because I only had the emperor. She understood me, but I never understood her."

The empress dowager never obtained the so-called favor from the previous ruler. Sometimes she felt that those many years ago when Zhao Sui smiled and helped her select consorts for the emperor, Zhao Sui must have been unhappy in her heart. However, to help the empress dowager and the emperor maintain a good relationship, she still did it to the best of her ability because she knew something called 'there are three ways to be unfilial, having no sons is the worst.'

She also knew that the crown prince eventually would become the emperor and an emperor had to have a harem of 3 thousand.

They chose back and forth, finally settling on the prime minister's daughter, aka Qin Qinghe. This lady was good looking and was very talented. Numerous people pursued her. She also had a very good reputation.

However even after many years of Qin Qinghe entering the estate, the emperor, who was still the crown prince back then, did not touch her. It wasn't until he was thirty years old when he had Li Xiao. Because of happiness, he drank some wine. Then, he ascended the throne. And Qin Qinghe at the same time also had Li Yang.

Song Song couldn't resist asking: "Why did you...not like her?"

"You mean Empress Qin?" The empress dowager smiled: "I'm not an idiot. I can still tell, after a while, how a person is."

Did something happen that made grandma realize that Empress Qin wasn't good? Song Song still wanted to ask when suddenly an announcement sounded from outside: "Empress dowager, the empress asks to see you."

The empress dowager's smile didn't change, but her eyes lost some of their warmth. She said: "Let her come in."

Song Song immediately stood up to salute. The empress saw the empress dowager and said smiling: "I don't know why mother summoned this daughter-in-law today?"

"Didn't you want to steal Song-er to your palace earlier?" The empress dowager said: "So I called you here to see him instead."

The empress smiled mildly, her gaze turning towards Song Song: "I only heard that there is a godlike doctor in the king's estate. Now that my father is very ill, I wanted to ask Song Song if the doctor can come take a look at the prime minister."

"How come I heard that today at the king's estate, Song-er said that the doctor diagnosed him as pregnant, but you completely refused to believe it. If that's the case, then why even ask him to take a look now?"

".... it's not that this daughter-in-law didn't believe him. But since the emperor was present, it was better to have the imperial physicians take a look as well."

"You sent people to spread everywhere that the 'miracle' was fake, was it to sway the public's belief in the royal family?"

The empress answered panicking: "I don't dare!"

"Is there something in this world that you don't dare to do?" The empress dowager lifted her tea cup.

The room instantly fell silent. After a strange period of quiet, the empress dowager suddenly said: "Xiao-er is the head of the king's estate. If you have anything, go ask him. Stop calling Song-er to your place for no reason. His body is not well, you should empathize."

"Mother is extremely right. This daughter-in-law was careless."

Song Song silently looked down, discovering further that some special qualities of Li Xiao were really similar to this empress dowager. Speaking of Li Xiao, suddenly the curtain at the entrance was lifted by someone outside. Li Xiao stepped through and said: "What's the matter? Does mother have something to ask me?"

As soon as she saw him, the empress visibly became nervous. Even adding everyone in this room together, no one could beat a berserking Li Xiao.

Her heart fluttered rapidly, almost suspecting that the empress dowager summoned her here to give Li Xiao a chance to kill her. She instantly stood up and said with a smile: "Originally I wanted to ask your doctor to take a look at my father, but just now the empress dowager already declined for you... if there's no other business, I'll take my leave."

She wanted to go, but Li Xiao's towering presence completely blocked the entrance. Even as she walked closer, he didn't seem to have any plans to move aside.

The warmth inside the room made her palms sweaty. She met Li Xiao's gaze, her heart beating like a drum, her legs unconsciously moving back.

In her head, she repeatedly recalled Li Xiao's question:

"Were the two poisons the same? Were the two poisons the same? Were the two poisons the same?"

The voice in her head became more and more aggressive, the speed increasing faster and faster. Her breathing grew frantic. The ornaments on her hair began to sway.

The aura emitting from Li Xiao's unmoving figure slowly diminished to freezing point.

"Your highness." Song Song interrupted like a timely rain. He reached out to tug at Li Xiao, saying softly: "Grandma's pastries here are really good. Come have a taste."

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 50: Scary

Li Xiao finally moved away. The servant girl next to him opened the curtains and the empress scampered away in a hurry. After leaving Taiye palace, she immediately rubbed over her trembling heart. Her momo hastily supported her: "Your majesty..."

The empress didn't say anything.

She became clearly aware of one thing. Li Xiao wanted to kill her. When he approached her, his entire person seemed to be condescing into a sharp icicle, ready to stab into her heart at any given moment.

While Li Xiao was very scary during his episodes, during that time, he can't think and had no intelligence. However, the times he's with it, that's when he was truly terrifying. Because you can't guess what he's thinking of doing.

As the empress slowly steadied herself and walked forward, she suddenly encountered the crown prince. She immediately walked over quickly and called out to him: "Where are you going?"

"Greetings to mother." Li Yang bowed politely and answered: "I heard grandma got a cold these days so I'm going to visit her."

"Right now your big brother is in there."

Li Yang's face turned happy: "Brother-in-law is also there?"

The empress's expression was complicated: "You want to see him?"

"I heard about what's been going on these days. I'm a bit curious." Li Yang said: "Just now I went to the prime minister's estate. Grandfather was still sleeping so I didn't bother him."

The empress frowned. Li Yang couldn't understand what she was thinking, so said: "Then I will take my leave first."

Under his mother's wordless acceptance, he headed towards Taiye palace. The empress turned to the side to watch him. The crown prince wasn't as tall or as big as Li Xiao. His stature was somewhat skinny. The empress watched until his figure disappeared before saying: "Look, he completely doesn't know how much his mother has done for him secretly."

"When he becomes the ruler, he will naturally understand."

"No..." The empress said: "If he is to become the ruler, then he needs a good reputation. This is his majesty's wish. I pushed him into the position with my own hands, so I must not be the one to ruin him."

"Your majesty..."

The empress walked forward step by step and said: "As long as the crown prince is alive, then I must be the perfect mother of the nation. Even if I did something wrong, the emperor still won't disclose it publically. He can't touch me."

Li Yang walked into Taiye palace. When he entered, he saw Li Xiao so greeted him with a smile: "Big brother, brother-in-law."

Song Song returned the greeting, but Li Xiao only faintly nodded, holding the pastry Song Song just handed him for examination, as if trying to decide where to take the first bite on this sweet dessert.

Apparently long used to being ignored, Li Yang quickly sat next to the empress dowager who had waved him over.

The empress dowager did not mention anything negative about the empress in front of Li Yang, instead she happily chatted about daily life with him. It looked like she rather liked this grandson of hers.

Song Song secretly examined the other. The crown prince was still the same as he was before, gentle like jade. However, in front of his grandmother, he revealed a hint of childishness. It was clear that the two's relationship normally was pretty good.

As he pondered, he suddenly saw Li Yang was also secretly looking at him. Song Song immediately grinned widely at him. Li Yang also smiled slightly, his gaze darting quickly at Song Song's stomach. For some reason, his cheeks suddenly gained a blush.

"Did you go see your grandfather?"

Li Yang answered: "Yes. He's sleeping."

The empress dowager said with laugh: "With how noisy this thing became, here I thought the prime minister wouldn't be able to sleep."

"Grandma, quit joking. Since grandfather dared to place a bet, then naturally he can afford to lose."

Face full of righteousness, he looked like he completely did not care about this bet between the prime minister and the imperial tutor. Song Song blinked, his mouth was suddenly stuffed by a piece of cake. Li Xiao said: "It doesn't taste good."

This was the piece that he just gave to Li Xiao. The man took a bite, but seemed to think it didn't fit his taste, so actually returned it back.

Song Song held out a hand to catch the crumbs and ate his leftovers with small bites, grumbling: "Why are you so picky?"

Li Xiao raised his eyebrow, lips moving closer to Song Song's ear: "Not picky when I'm eating you. I can eat you anywhere."

That voice pressed lowly next to Song Song's ear, tickling him. He flinched away a little and turned his head to glare at him, feeling like this man was getting increasingly improper.

Li Xiao chuckled in response and said: "Grandma, if there's nothing else, then we will return first."

"Ai... You're not going to stay to talk with Ah-Yang? You can even eat dinner here."

"When there's time, us brothers can meet at Fuxiang restaurant. Let it be for today. The sky is already dark."

Li Yang stood up to send them away with his gaze, then slowly sat back down again: "Who would have thought brother-in-law actually can carry a child. What good news. Now you and father won't have to worry that he won't have anyone to look after him when he gets old."

"If you have nothing to do, you should go visit the king's estate some more. Build a good relationship with your big brother. Then later if you ascend the throne, he can assist you willingly."

Li Yang looked down, peeling the chestnut in his hand: "Big brother doesn't really like me."

"You two brothers had the best relationship before. In the future it should also be good."

Li Yang fed the empress dowager the peeled chestnut and consoled her: "Don't worry about us. Just eat well, drink well, and take good care of yourself."

Song Song put on his cloak in the outer room. Li Xiao and he mutually helped each other tie up the other's straps. When they exited the door, the sky was already pitch black. They followed the wide stone pavement road of the palace and started walking slowly outside. Song Song couldn't resist asking: "Just what kind of person is the crown prince?"

"The same as what you see."

Song Song said: "He doesn't seem quite like the empress."

"When we were younger, father taught us how to respect each other. What he worried the most was internal strife between brothers. Therefore, we weren't raised by our own mother's sides much. When we were younger, half of every month we would spend living with grandma to foster our relationships. Later when we were older, father assigned us our own palace. Us brothers studied together during the day, and slept together at night. Since we were all in the palace, it was also easy to visit our mothers."

Song Song's face was full of envy: "Then when you guys were younger, it must have been very lively."

"Our relationships were pretty good in our youths." Li Xiao pulled on Song Song's soft thin fingers. Perhaps caught up in his memories, he didn't say anymore.

Song Song looked up at him, then quietly withdrew his gaze. Their relationship was good during their youth, but later it changed? Starting from when he was poisoned?

Suddenly, he really wanted to know all about Li Xiao's past. When he was happy, when he was disappointed, when he was angry, or any other various moods he'd experienced. However, if Li Xiao didn't want to say, then he didn't dare to ask too much, in case he said something that would make the other unhappy.

The two got on the carriage. Out of habit, Li Xiao cradled him in his arms like a pet. Song Song quietly let himself be held until Li Xiao opened his mouth: "You have something to ask?"

"No..."

Li Xiao kissed his cheek briefly and said: "If you want to ask, then ask. Between you and I, there's nothing we can't talk about."

Song Song blinked and said: "Today you pressured the empress hard, was it on purpose?"

"Scared?"

Song Song shook his head. After a while, he nodded also: "I feel like the expression she used to look at me was very strange, almost like... she has a killing intent now."

Li Xiao soothingly held him tighter and said: "Do you know why the crown prince knows absolutely nothing about what the empress has done?"

"I originally thought the crown prince was the most calculated and manipulative person here, but after interacting with him, that doesn't seem to be the case."

"Because the empress is afraid to let him know what she's done. She knows that although father loves me, he also loves the crown prince the same. If the crown prince was dragged into her muddy waters, then he would no longer be loved by father."

Song Song quickly followed up: "As soon as the crown prince loses the emperor's love, then he would no longer be the crown prince. If that happens, the emperor would no longer protect the empress if she really did something wrong."

The reason why Li Xiao pressured the empress hard was to force her to act.

Now that Li Xiao's power was quietly growing strong enough to be a threat, if the person who poisoned him was really the empress, then at this time, she'd definitely be anxious to death. Under the prerequisite that Li Xiao was completely sane, if everything was exposed, the emperor would immediately and without hesitation abandon the crown prince to support Li Xiao. Then, without the crown prince, this potential future ruler, for protection, the empress would have to pay the price for everything she's done, bringing down the Qin family with her.

However, if Li Xiao were still suffering his illness, then everything would be different.

Even if she really did terrible things, the emperor would have to turn a blind eye because she was the crown prince's birth mother. The emperor had to think for the sake of the future ruler's reputation. Everything she had done would disappear when the crown prince ascended the throne, as if it never happened.

The empress no longer has any way out now. If she let Li Xiao go, then everything she did before might be ruined because of this one slip up. She might even suffer collateral and end up losing everything. She can only kill Li Xiao to prevent the title of crown prince from changing or let Li Xiao become completely useless in emperor Hong Ren's eyes. Li Xiao was highly skilled in martial arts. Killing him was nearly impossible. If she wanted to scheme, she needed time.

However, as far as the empress was concerned, she no longer had much time. First, the incident at the Tower of Heaven caused Qin Ning to temporarily hand over military power. Then she lost a fortune during the gamble. Now Li Xiao even is bringing up something buried years ago. At the moment, there was a sharp blade hovering over her head, capable of falling any time.

The fastest and easiest method would be to kill Song Song and let Li Xiao continue to suffer madness.

Song Song suddenly had some post fears.

The empress had someone invite him over today, because she really wanted to do it.

Instantly, he rubbed his face against Li Xiao's chest and said in a stuffy tone: "I don't want to die."

"I wouldn't let you die."

Song Song felt a little wronged. If Li Xiao wanted to make the empress screw up by using him as bait, even if it would be to their benefit... ... He couldn't avoid feeling upset for a second. The other repeatedly said he wouldn't let him die, but what if by chance the empress really succeeded?

As if he could see his frustration, Li Xiao squeezed the tip of his nose briefly and said: "Don't think randomly. I've never thought about placing you in the middle of danger."

"Like I believe that."

"If you died, then what's the point of me living?" Li Xiao said: "To kill you is equivalent to killing me. I might as well suicide first to save myself the suffering."

Because of his words, Song Song felt his heart bubbling in sweetness. However, he continued to ignore Li Xiao, and even said with strength: "Hn!"

Clenching tightly to Li Xiao's clothes, he secretly smiled. Unavoidably, he thought. If it's not to force the empress to try to kill himself, then why?

A thought sparked across his mind and Song Song suddenly understood.

Killing himself would only be a temporary measure. It couldn't completely solve the empress's issues.

Even though Qin Ning momentarily handed over his military power, the influence of the prime minister in the capital cannot be overlooked. If he were the empress, then before everything becomes completely revealed and before all of the prime minister's influence weakens, it'd be better to... seize the throne by force.

Even though the chance of success was extremely low, it was better than waiting for death. The reward was completely worth the risks.

As long as there's success, then there's no need to worry about anything else.

This was what Li Xiao really wanted to see happening.

Song Song suddenly held his breath, feeling bewildered and uncertain.

The horse carriage drove them back to the estate. Song Song was carried off by Li Xiao. After landing on the ground, he secretly peeked at the other. Li Xiao raised an eyebrow. Song Song hastily withdrew his line of sight.

He marched steps towards the main house, quietly trying to increase the distance between them. However, Li Xiao reached out a hand and yanked him back over, conveniently swung an arm over his shoulder. Turning his head, he asked: "What is it?"

".... nothing."

Li Xiao narrowed his eyes: "Are you afraid of me?"

"En." Song Song said in a small voice: "I feel like I should be a little afraid."

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The writer has something to say:

Song Song: A little afraid out of courtesy.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 51 Understanding

That's what he said at least, but it was not so in his heart. After the two walked into the main house together, Song Song quickly ordered someone to bring over some food to eat.

He was really very hungry at the moment.

Lately, he's been eating a lot of heavy meat, if it's not pork then it's chicken breast. Li Xiao felt concerned just watching him: "Didn't Ji Ying tell you to eat less of these kinds of things?"

"It's just for a little." Lips covered in oil, Song Song said softly: "In a few days when a little 'reaction' starts, I'm afraid I won't be able to eat anything."

Li Xiao didn't understand, but saw him stuffing himself happily, and couldn't bear to stop him: "Eat slower."

"Oh right, what did father call you over to talk about today?"

"The thing with the homeless refugees. A while ago I mentioned your idea to him. At that time father told me not to worry about this. He probably wanted to give this task to the crown prince. However now, he suddenly changed his mind and told me to use the gold we won to make arrangements."

Song Song's eyes flashed: "This means that the emperor... "

Regarding settling the homeless refugees, although only a sudden inspiration from Song Song, it was actually a very good method to win the people's hearts. Originally, the emperor planned to delegate the task to the crown prince because he wanted the crown prince to obtain the citizen's support. Now he suddenly changed his mind to give it to Li Xiao, perhaps he's beginning to change his mind in supporting the crown prince to become the next ruler.

This was great news.

Song Song could almost imagine how desperate the empress will become after learning about this.

"I am also thinking the same." Although Song Song didn't say his thoughts out loud, Li Xiao understood him completely.

He acquired a handkerchief and helped Song Song wipe the corner of his mouth and said gently: "Don't eat so much at night, you might get indigestion."

Song Song nodded his head, gave up on the pork and started drinking some egg drop soup.

Stomach full, Song Song laid on the bed with his hand placed over his starting to protrude abdomen, a face of satisfaction. His black hair spread on the pillow behind him. See from above, his face seemed even whiter, like it shone with a faint glow. Li Xiao undressed and leaned against the bed, calling him: "Song-er."

"En?" Song Song didn't move from his lying position, his eye expression soft and bright as it swept over: "What's the matter?"

Li Xiao seemed like he wanted to say something but then hesitated. Finally, he replied: "Nothing."

Suspicious, Song Song thought for a while, then propped himself up to scoot beside Li Xiao. He looped both arms around the other's waist and rested his head on Li Xiao's thick broad shoulder and said: "Something on your mind?"

".... in your dream, when you gave birth, did it go smoothly?"

Song Song smiled: "Very smoothly, your highness. You don't need to worry. It's still a long time away... Let me see, we'll probably have to wait until autumn."

"Autumn... " Li Xiao reached out to embrace him, his gaze looking ahead. He said pensively: "It won't take that long for Zhen to ascend the throne."

"Your highness!" Song Song panicked, but was held still by Li Xiao's hands. The man lowered his head and gave him a kiss: "Zhen will take the throne and give it to Song-er ahead of time as a gift for all the troubles, how does that sound?"

Song Song's heart leapt all over nonstop because of his 'Zhen Zhen.' He said with furrowed brows; "... careful the walls have ears."

"So what. Father won't touch me."

"How can you be sure?"

"The one who poisoned me was the empress."

Song Song's astonished eyes skittishly met up with Li Xiao's. He wanted to move away, but Li Xiao forcibly pulled him back into his arms. His pitch black eyes looked as if a storm was blowing: "What are you afraid of? Scared that if you knew too much, this king would kill you to silence you?"

Song Song stopped moving, and replied somewhat timidly: "No... "

Li Xiao looked at him for a while, then smiled faintly: "You're this smart. You probably guessed it a long time ago. How come you didn't dare to mention it, didn't dare to ask?"

"I...."

"Are you afraid of me?

"No..." His refuting voice was very small. He was only sometimes lacking confidence. He knew Li Xiao treated him very well, so he also did his best to repay Li Xiao in return. However, he also knew that Li Xiao's illness was hard to control. He just didn't know how many times his luck would allow him to calm Li Xiao down. He actually felt the same as other people; that this was just a 'miracle,' not dependable.

It was impossible to say he wasn't afraid when Li Xiao lost control. He knew this from when Li Xiao's qi blast almost injured his heart and lungs without discrimination at the Tower of Heaven. However, he was even more afraid that Li Xiao would remain crazy forever.

To favor safety and avoid harm is human nature. He didn't say anything and didn't ask anything because he didn't want to bring up anything that would make Li Xiao unhappy. He knew this matter pertained to the truth about Empress Zhao's death. He didn't dare investigate too deeply in fear of reminding Li Xiao of his not so good past.

Li Xiao was still looking at him. Song Song very clearly sensed a wild beast hidden within his body. Because of this feeling, he knew that even when Li Xiao acted warmly towards him, that wild beast was still present, just a little more well-behaved. However, a wild beast was a wild beast in the end, it can awaken anytime.

Li Xiao suddenly turned his head to kiss his lips. Song Song furrowed his brows slightly but allowed his lips to be plundered.

Like a small mountain, the man pressed down on him, the movement carrying a hint of lack of restraint. Song Song somewhat fearfully protected his abdomen: "Your highness... "

He was afraid of provoking Li Xiao so used a small voice to call him.

Li Xiao slightly caught his breath, his lips pressed against Song Song's cheek. Song Song reached out his hands to hug him, stroking his back soothingly. Li Xiao said in a low hoarse voice: "Care about me a little more. I won't hurt you and I won't become unhappy... I only want you to understand me, Song-er... "

Song Song felt a lump in his throat and his nose turn sour. He hugged Li Xiao tightly and said nasally: "En."

Maybe worried that he might injure him, Li Xiao gradually calmed down. Just as he reluctantly planned to move away, Song Song held on to him and refused to let go.

Li Xiao: "?"

Song Song sniffled. Li Xiao fell silent for a moment, then tried to sooth him: "Did I scare you?"

"No..." Song Song buried his face against the man's chest and rubbed it, pulling him closer: "Did the emperor say something else to your highness?"

"No."

"Then why did you suddenly...."

"He knows everything."

Today, Song Song's heart can practically be thrown away as waste. As soon as Li Xiao said this, he instantly knew what it meant. The emperor knew everything, knew who harmed Li Xiao, knew how the previous empress died... but because of the crown prince's reputation, he chose to remain silent.

Song Song suddenly felt his teeth turn cold. With this, the reason why emperor Hong Ren treated Li Xiao with favoritism became far more understanding. Not only out of love, but out of guilt. That's why when Li Xiao mentioned this matter in the front hall in front of everyone, he didn't say anything.

Unless he decided to remove the crown prince's title, he definitely wouldn't touch even one finger of the empress.

"How did your highness find out? Could there be a mistake?"

"Do you remember that dream?" Li Xiao said quietly: "When he died, he made empress Qin be buried together with him."

When he said this, Song Song immediately remembered that in the previous life, Li Xiao forcibly ascended the throne and then exiled the crown prince. So it was like this. Emperor Hong Ren knew everything, but he didn't want Li Xiao to live in hatred and also didn't want the crown prince to learn the truth about his malicious mother. Even more so, he didn't want Li Xiao and the crown prince to generate hostility towards each other because of this. Therefore, he concealed it his whole life until right before he died. He bestowed a cup of poison to Empress Qin who thought she had won everything, and took the entire secret with him to the grave.

Because the crown prince was innocent.

Suddenly, Song Song felt even worse. Of course he knew that Li Xiao's dream wasn't just a dream. That's what he experienced himself.

"In the dream, I long had plans to become the emperor. However for father's sake, I pretended to respect my brother. To make father feel relieved, I told him that I would assist the crown prince wholeheartedly."

He hibernated. Because he was a 'mad' king, he knew the emperor was incapable of handing over the throne to a lunatic. Therefore, he could only suppress all his resentment for the sake of their father-son relationship.

After emperor Hong Ren passed away. he completed his filial mourning. Then how the crown prince ascended the throne was exactly how Li Xiao dragged him off it. He told this pitiful brother of his every malicious thing the empress Qin did, then expelled him, never to return to the capital again.

At first the crown prince didn't believe it. However, the imperial edict that emperor Hong Ren wrote to have the empress buried with him still existed. Even though the words used on it was elegant, saying he couldn't bear to leave the empress lonely. However, in conjunction to his usual benevolent and tolerant behavior, unless empress Qin really made a huge mistake, he wouldn't make such a decision.

The truth was clear.

It was only a shame that Li Xiao couldn't kill empress Qin with his own hands.

However, this life wasn't the same. Now he had Song Song and was no longer that lunatic who could lose control at any time. He wanted to resolve all of his gratitudes and grudges clearly while the emperor was still alive. He didn't need to falsely pretend to play nice until the emperor passed away. In this life, he can ascend the throne legitimately. He wanted to let his father understand that he was the best suited person for that position.

Song Song's mood was extremely complicated: "In your dream, did you already know about what the empress?"

"At first I wasn't sure, but later when father dragged her to be buried with him, I understood." Li Xiao caressed his long hair and said quietly: "Even if she didn't do it. The crown prince doesn't match up to me. Why should I let him have what should belong to me? I want that position. I have the power to sit on it. Naturally I'll take it without hesitation."

"I know." Song Song said softly: "I feel like the emperor in the dream also had regrets. He definitely wanted you to sit in that position. The crown prince was only pushed to do something beyond his abilities. It was always meant to be yours."

"That's why I need you. With you here, I can always maintain clarity. Then father could feel comfortable giving it to me."

Song Song nodded vigorously: "I will always accompany you."

"Actually... even if there was no child, I wouldn't mind."

Song Song smiled. He cupped Li Xiao's face, kissed him with strength, and said seriously: "I promise, nothing will happen to me. That person was lying to you. I didn't die during childbirth. I safely gave birth to the little prince... "

But I was killed.

He didn't continue, but buried his face in Li Xiao's embrace and said in a small voice: "Actually just now when we came back, I was also thinking that I wanted to understand you better, understand you more. Then coincidentally you also wanted me to understand you better, understand you more... do you think we had a meeting of minds?"

"En."

"I trust you... maybe, sometimes I get scared, but I will still stay with you. However, I'm pretty timid, so you better control yourself well. Don't scare me away, or else I won't care about you anymore."

"Okay."

"... ..."

"... ..."

After a moment of silence, Song Song said: "I like kids. I want to see him. I want to talk to him and play with him... I want to see him grow up safe and sound. Want him to be just like you. If he was just like you, then he could protect himself."

A gloomy mood flashed across Li Xiao's eyes: "Everything you wish for will become true."

"I also think so." Song Song nodded, sounding a little nasally: "As soon as I met your highness again, I knew that my good days have come."

Li Xiao looked down and lightly squeezed his nose: "To you, is this all I'm good for?"

"En... and also the baby."

"..... just this?"

Song Song looked up at him, wrinkled his reddened nose. His eyes were wet but also very bright, bright enough to light a fire in a person's heart.

"At first it was just this."

"How about now?"

"... Now... ...husband?"

He revealed another smiling expression, looking a little bashful and shy, and some deliberate attempt to make Li Xiao happy.... And a little dumb.

Li Xiao's heart suddenly uncontrollably started to beat wildly. He pressed his lips together, voice turning hoarse: "I didn't hear clearly. Say it again."

Suddenly flushing red, Song Song turned around and curled up in the blankets: "Tired, the little prince is tired! Time to sleep!"

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 52 Counting Money

Song Song's hot pot business officially opened with a flurry of activity.

Although the winter days have passed, the spring chill has not receded completely. It was the perfect season to eat hot pot. He went in person several times to take a look. From the first day the shop opened for business, the place has been filled to the brim with customers. Plenty of people wanted to come and catch a little of his good luck. Even when it wasn't meal time, the shop was overpopulated with people.

The public praise was overwhelming.

Song Song specifically instructed the shopkeeper to be mindful of suspicious people to avoid anyone deliberately causing trouble. Li Xiao made fun of him for his over worrying. Currently the empress didn't have any time to make things difficult for him.

Song Song was puzzled: "Did your highness do something again?"

"Right now, she should be preoccupied with how to expose the truth of the 'miracle.'"

After losing so much fortune and pride, the empress wouldn't let go of this matter so easily.

The empress followed that young imperial physician's advice and investigated. Very quickly, she figured out the truth about the origin of the 'miracle'. She once thought that this medicine was something Song Song had asked Ji Ying to develop, or maybe it was something that Li Xiao had long planned and Song Song just happened to be his tool to obtain power. She even thought this could be a good place to drive a wedge between Song Song and Li Xiao.

However, she never would have guessed that this was entirely the Song family's doing!

It's one thing for the Song family to give a child bearing medicine to Song Song with their own hands and then send him to Li Xiao. But they actually stood by and watched the Qin family lose to the imperial tutor's estate when they clearly knew about the circumstance behind Song Song's pregnancy!

This was the same as being smacked in the face by your own family. The empress was so mad she was rolling in pain for an entire night. The next day, she went in person to the Song estate to question Song Guogong.

Song Guogong laughed bitterly in response. The Song family's ugly news has been spreading all over these days, which was a great blow to him. In his house, the crazy was still crazy. The injured was still injured. The dead remained dead. He hasn't gone outside for a long time.

Under the knowledge that Song Shi was killed by his own uncle's hands, and madam Song was poisoned by the empress herself, he couldn't make inquiries, couldn't get revenge, and couldn't even ask for justice.

Now the vile person who gained benefits from all his losses actually had the gall to question him about his mistakes in reverse. Where was the logic in this?

However, as he faced the empress's cold severe eyes, he could only give a placating explanation: "That was the first time we tried the holy medicine. We couldn't tell the results, therefore, never mentioned it in the first place. The last few days, none of us have left the estate even a single step. We really didn't know about the gamble between the prime minister and the imperial tutor. It wasn't a deliberate cover up. Please calm your anger, your majesty."

"Why did you give Song Song to Li Xiao?"

This was what pissed the empress off the most.

Song Guogong couldn't answer. It's not like he could say that he wanted to curry favor on both sides just in case? If he admitted this thing in front of the empress, that would be equivalent to smacking her hard across the face. However, even if he didn't say, the empress understood in her heart.

She was already mad enough her heart felt like it was about to explode, now she felt even more suffocated. After spending so much time and effort to scheme and plan, holding out until the emperor was finally about to die before her eyes, right before she was going to become the empress dowager, who would have thought. The Song family had wordlessly given Li Xiao a chance to flip everything around!

If the plans to support the crown prince failed at the last minute....

What awaited her was only death.

The room was completely silent. Song Guogong was sweating profusely. Suddenly a voice sounded from outside: "I caught you!"

Madam Song suddenly came in front outside and lunged towards the empress. The empress jumped up from her seat in alarm, her gaze falling on her former sister's face, expression becoming complicated.

Song Ge was pushed in by someone afterwards. He greeted them with a smile: "How come aunty has the time to come over today? Is it to visit mother?"

Madam Song was held back by two servant girls, but she was still reaching out with all her strength, trying to grab the empress: "I want to catch, want to catch you! You guys let me go, let me go! I want to catch big sister!"

The empress took two steps back and frowned. Other than coming here because she was mad and wanted to punish Song Guogong, she actually had a far more important question: "Where is the doctor that made the holy medicine?"

Song Ge was somewhat surprised and replied: "Aunty need him for something?"

"A doctor with such skills might be able to treat your mother's illness."

She acted like it was all for the Song family. Song Ge also adopted a similar false expression: "I thought about this as well, but unfortunately, that doctor already left the capital last year."

"He left?"

The empress took two steps forward: "Do you know where he went?"

"Seeing aunty speak so urgently, it probably isn't for mother right?"

The two people both understood clearly that there's no way the empress wanted to treat madam Song. The empress didn't continue to pretend and said: "Your grandfather is critically ill right now. He needs this doctor."

Before the crown prince ascended the throne, prime minister Qin couldn't fall. If the prime minister happened to lose power, then trying to make a comeback would be harder than trying to ascend to heaven.

This was why Li Xiao said that the empress didn't have any time to cause trouble for Song Song. If she wanted to hurt someone, she had to save herself first. At the moment the most urgent priority for the empress was saving herself.

The place where Song Song's hot pot business was chosen very well. On the upper floors of the shop, it was possible to see the snowy scenery by the river in the winter. In the spring, one can also see the frolicking wild ducks in the water.

With the hot pot shop, Song Song no longer needed to stew soup himself. He sat in the best seat inside the shop. Li Xiao sat beside him carefully boiling vegetables for him. This round table was made of metal with the middle hollow, where the stove can be placed. In front of every table was stacked with ready chopped firewood for when the customer wanted to add more to the fire. People can choose to either do it themselves or call for assistance from the waiter, which would add additional fees.

Opening the hot pot shop cost Song Song a lot of time and effort. Good thing the profit wasn't bad. In front of Song Song was a small bowl where Li Xiao had placed vegetables that he finished cooking, however, Song Song was completely focused on his accounting book. His fingers noisily clacked on the abacus as he made his calculations. Occasionally he picked up his brush to record something new. The smiling expression at the corner of his mouth remained the entire time, clearly his earnings was a considerate amount.

The last few days, the abacus practically did not leave his hands. Sometimes in the middle of the night, he would wake up laughing, mouth mumbling incoherently, and fingers fiddling on Li Xiao's body as if he was calculating something on the abacus.

"Song-er." Li Xiao called him. Song Song replied with an 'en,' nodding his head while flipping a page in his book. Li Xiao picked up a thin piece of meat and placed it in his mouth, chewing while turning his head to watch his lover. After a while passed, he called again. "Wife."

(Note: The word Li Xiao uses here is 娘子. Which is in my opinion, a rather cutesy, intimate way to call a newly wedded wife / younger married woman. The other word used in this novel is 夫人, which has been translated to madam, but it's for older married woman and more official sounding.)

"En."

The corner of Li Xiao's mouth rose. He picked up a small piece of bamboo shoot and placed it next to Song Song's mouth. Song Song conveniently took a bite. Li Xiao said: "Wife, how much money did you make today?"

"Today isn't over yet. This is the account from a few days ago."

Li Xiao nodded and took a bite of the food in Song Song's bowl. Cold as expected. He poured the content back into the white bone soup to cook again. In any case, it was just the two of them eating today. He didn't consider it dirty.

"Wife." He called again. Song Song acknowledged briefly: "En, wha......"

He didn't finish, the fingers fiddling with the abacus paused abruptly. He finally realized what Li Xiao called him and suddenly felt flushed on both cheeks. He said: "Your highness, why.... "

"Wife, today you came out to eat with this husband, but your whole heart has been focused on the account book. Can you give me an adequate explanation?"

"Don't call me...."

"Other people's wives treat their husbands like the sky, but you require this husband to serve you. When the food's been cooked and placed in front of you, you won't even eat it and leave it to chill. Would you believe it if I divorced you?"

Song Song lightly closed the account book and put aside the abacus while saying in a small voice: "What are you going to write on the divorce papers?"

"I'll write didn't respect his husband, didn't love his husband, didn't pay attention to his husband.'"

Song Song felt a bit like laughing. He picked up his chopsticks and said softly: "How about I serve your highness instead?"

He was just about to stand up, but was pressed down again by Li Xiao: "Finish eating these first."

Just now the re-cooked vegetables completely turned soft and no longer tasted very good. Li Xiao gave some freshly cooked vegetables to Song Song, then took over eating all of the old vegetables himself.

Song Song took two bites while apologizing: "The shop's profit was pretty good. I was very happy about it and neglected your highness. It was my mistake."

"Your words sound as if this husband was resentful of you being excessively happy and got angry because of it."

"No no." Song Song hoaxed him: "I know your highness was angry because I wasn't eating properly. You were worried for me."

Li Xiao glanced at him and said: "Not forgiving you."

"Your highness.... "

"Call me husband."

Song Song refused.

Ever since that day, Li Xiao has been calling himself 'this husband', 'this husband' in front of him. Don't even mention calling him wife, frequently Li Xiao asked Song Song to call him husband again. However, calling him that seems strange no matter what. Song Song always felt like there was a burden in his heart that he couldn't let go.

He buried his head in his meal.

The pot being used was separated in the middle. One side had sweet and spicy, the other side salty. It was praised for this distinguishing feature. He no longer needed to force himself to eat spicy food for Li Xiao's sake, therefore, he ate very quickly.

Li Xiao took his stool and scooted towards him. Song Song also wanted to move, but the man blocked one of the legs of his seat with his foot, making him unable to move: "Your highness.... "

"Call me husband and I'll forgive you."

Not sure why, but Song Song felt that ever since they had their deep conversation that night, Li Xiao changed to become.... very sticky.

He stuffed a piece of sweet sour radish in Li Xiao's mouth and said: "Pay attention to your meal."

Li Xiao suddenly reached out both hands to place them on his chair. Song Song thought he was going to kiss him again, but found himself, along with the chair, abruptly lifted into the air. The man directly moved the chair in a half circle direction, then placed it down again. Song Song instantly changed to a face to face position with Li Xiao. The man hooked his legs in slightly and Song Song was forced to move closer to him. Li Xiao placed a kiss on his mouth and said: "Listening to your words, I'm paying attention to my meal."

And then started nibbling on his mouth. Song Song was a little exasperated but also found it funny. His heart felt like someone poured honey all over. He had no choice but to push Li Xiao and say: "Alright alright. I was wrong wuu... Really, my fau-- wuu.."

Li Xiao bit his lips until they were swollen red before finally letting go. "Do you know what you did wrong?"

Song Song really wanted to correct Li Xiao so he could stop calling him wife, but knew in his heart that the more he resisted, the more the other would end up doing it. Instead he nodded, hands covering over his mouth, and eyes carrying some moisture from being kissed: "I shouldn't have neglected your highness... in order to count money."

Good thing he was pretty self-aware. Li Xiao finally relented and said: "I didn't see you pay as much attention to Fuxiang restaurant like this."

"Naturally it's not the same." Song Song said matter of fact: "I started this shop by myself. It's my first business. It's like my own son. Why wouldn't I care?"

"... ..." Li Xiao took a glance at his stomach, his face slightly darkened.

Song Song noticed his expression wasn't right and hastily said: "It's just a comparison."

Song Song didn't know why mentioning the word 'son' poked at Li Xiao's unhappy point. He suddenly lifted Song Song's chair again and put him back.

Song Song who was instantly tossed aside and returned back to face the stove:

"... ..."

He didn't know why but at the moment he felt that Li Xiao was throwing a silent tantrum, like a young wife.

He couldn't help but laugh out loud. Li Xiao instantly shot him a look: "Looks like one baby isn't enough. Does wife want this husband to help stuffing in another one?

"... ..."

Song Song felt a hint of danger from this question and immediately stopped laughing out of fear.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 53 Drinking vinegar

Seeing his threat was effective, Li Xiao gazed towards Song Song's stomach again.

Right now the temperature was cold. In order to have ventilation in this room, one of the widows was open. Although there was a screen to block most of the incoming wind, the temperature wasn't very high. Therefore, even while eating, Song Song only removed his outer cloak. He was still wearing a cotton jacket, so nothing can really be seen.

It's likely that after the chill recedes from the air, his pregnancy would look more obvious.

Although harboring the intention to eat whatever he can while he still can, recently, Song Song still continued to favor meat above all else. Li Xiao was worried he ate too much meat and gave the child too much of certain nutrients and not enough of others, so he specifically found a master chef who could make bean products taste like meat, but....

It was clear to see that at the moment, Song Song still ate only meat, completely ignoring the beans.

That was until he suddenly paused, abruptly covering his mouth.

At this moment, Li Xiao finally understood what his 'reaction' was.

He poured some water for Song Song to rinse his mouth, then with furrowed brows, he reached out a hand to support Song Song's weakened body post vomiting. Head dizzy and legs like rubber, Song Song buried his pale face against Li Xiao's chest. Li Xiao's expression turned serious as he said: "Let's go home first and get Ji Ying to take a look."

"It's nothing. I still want to eat."

"... ..."

Li Xiao looked down at him uncertainly. Song Song steadied himself with his support, pressing together his pale white lips: "I... I want to eat."

"Then just eat a little more."

After taking a few steps, Song Song was picked up by Li Xiao and placed back into his chair. The other said: "Eat something light."

Obediently, Song Song took two bites, however his stomach abruptly twisted again. Li Xiao immediately grabbed a bowl for him to spit in. Song Song cupped the bowl. His entire body was very quickly covered in cold sweat. Eyes full of tears, he looked at Li Xiao and said in a somewhat sulky tone: "Can't eat anymore..."

Li Xiao patted him on the head and said with furrowed brows: "Let's go back and have Ji Ying take a look. See if he can give you something."

"This is normal." In the previous life, Song Song already experienced this pain. He knew how much trouble he went through during this pregnancy. The symptoms pretty much lasted all the way to the end. However, Li Xiao didn't know about this at all. He frowned, his gaze carrying some gloom as he glanced at Song Song's stomach: "When we get home, I'll get the kitchen to make you something else to eat. Come."

Song Song rinsed his mouth again. Clearly he was just in great spirits, now he looked as if he just went through a serious illness. Sweat drops still covered his forehead.

Li Xiao grabbed his cloak and helped wrap him snugly in it. Then he bent over to pick him up, but Song Song hurriedly protested: "Don't, there are still people down stairs."

"What are you afraid of?" Li Xiao said displeased: "Who doesn't know you're my wangfei?"

He rejected Song Song's protests and carried him down the stairs.

After the incident at the Tower of Heaven, when Li Xiao went outside, as long as Song Song was beside him, everyone was no longer terrified of him. Nevertheless, when they saw him, they still couldn't help but soften their voice. Song Song curled up in his arms, carried from upstairs to downstairs, thinking in his heart that everyone probably thought he's a completely lazy wangfei, needing to be carried around everywhere.

Everyone watched wide eyed as they walked out. Instantly the shop bursted into chitchat: "Is wangfei sick?"

"Pregnant people are definitely not the same as before, fragile."

"Wangye really loves to dote on wangfei ah.... It would be great if my daughter's future husband could dote on her just like this."

"Good thing wangfei opened this shop. If you're not busy, then come here more often to bask in his atmosphere. That way your daughter will definitely find a good husband in the future!"

.......

The stepping stool was placed in front of the carriage. Li Xiao stepped on to it and placed Song Song inside. He made sure the windows and door curtain of the carriage were closed tightly before settling down next to Song Song: "Uncomfortable anywhere?"

"No." Song Song's energy was low, therefore his mood also fell. Li Xiao didn't know what to do so could only quietly keep him company as they returned to the estate.

At the estate entrance, Li Xiao first jumped down, then turned back to carry him down the carriage. Song Song just landed in his embrace when he felt the man's arms tighten and abruptly, they spun half a circle. It was only when they stopped that Song Song realized that someone just shot an arrow this way.

He blanked for a second: "What... what happened?"

"Just an assassin." Li Xiao carried him inside and said quietly: "When you leave the estate, remember to bring some people. I will order Bai Yan to stick by you without exceptions."

Song Song looked down, then agreed, asking softly: "Is it the empress?"

"Or someone trying to take advantage of the chaos." Li Xiao's tone carried a hint of comfort: "No need to worry. I will protect my wife well."

(Note: resist the urge to write waifu.)

Song Song was currently his lifeline. The people trying to kill Li Xiao definitely weren't limited to just one group, but all this was his own business. Li Xiao didn't want to tell Song Song too much.

By the time their conversation finished, they already returned to the main house. Li Xiao asked him: "Do you want to eat something? I'll let the kitchen know."

"No... I want to take a nap."

The pain of his stomach convulsing made him dizzy and light-headed. Li Xiao didn't say anything and placed him on the bed. Then he tucked in the blankets carefully and sat beside him, gently patting him on the shoulder.

Song Song laid on his side and could feel the warm comforting intent from the man's palm. He couldn't resist chuckling: "Your highness, you can go do your work. What I'm experiencing is a normal reaction. You don't need to worry."

"En."

Even with this being said, Li Xiao still didn't leave. Song Song laid still, unable to resist the exhaustion rising in his body so he very quickly fell asleep.

Li Xiao waited until he was fully asleep before he finally got up. He immediately went straight to Ji Ying's courtyard and ordered someone to knock on the door.

"Doctor Ji, wangye wants to see you."

Ji Ying at this moment was still sleeping. When he suddenly heard the voice, he mumbled: "Come in... ..."

When he just said this, he suddenly remembered something. Abruptly leaping out of bed, he grabbed Song Song's portrait from where they hung on the wall: "Wait wait wait wait! I'm coming!"

Li Xiao patiently waited for a while. The door opened and he glanced inside Ji Ying's room, saying: "What were you doing just now?"

"Nothing." Ji Ying moved away to make room. Inside, there were still 7 heaters placed all around, just as hot as before. Li Xiao's gaze suddenly fell on the corner of a piece of paper peeking out of the bed curtain, and asked: "What's that?"

Ji Ying immediately stepped forward and stuffed that paper inward: "Nothing."

The more he tried to cover up, the more Li Xiao persisted. He narrowed his eyes and said: "Is it wangfei's portrait?"

"... ...." Crap, he guessed it!?

Ji Ying didn't even say anything but his expression sold him out. Li Xiao's face immediately became gloomy. He smacked the other away with a hand, opened the bed curtains and grabbed the picture scroll. There were a total of 10 pictures inside of Song Song from different angles. The profile view showed his long thick eyelashes. The front view showed his grinning expression. Li Xiao squeezed the pictures in his hand, slowly moving his gaze towards Ji Ying: "You also need wangfei to keep you safe and sound?"

"No." Ji Ying said: "I'm studying if these portraits can also treat your illness. Therefore I'm looking from all angles to see exactly which part of wangfei is the cure. Wangfei agreed to this already."

Li Xiao's stormy eyes met his. Ji Ying started feeling somewhat panicky: "It's not like that, wangye. Please don't misunderstand. That wangfei is my grandpa right now... it's not like I can get any ideas over my grandpa, right?"

Li Xiao's eyes were pitch black. He tossed the picture scrolls into the fire with a flip of his hand, and said in a thick, angry tone: "Do not let this king see any more of his pictures in your room again."

Ah, Li Xiao didn't immediately lose control and even had time to give a warning. Looks like he won't die today.

Ji Ying let out a sigh of relief, and at the same time, watched the burning scrolls with a painful expression. As he felt the cold aura from Li Xiao's body increase, he could only reluctantly withdraw his line of sight and change the topic: "Why did wangye suddenly come over? Is something wrong?"

"Wangfei's stomach is unwell today. He threw up everything he ate. Do you have any suggestions?"

Ji Ying rubbed his nose and said: "I really can't do anything about this. You can get him some sour plums to try. No sour apricots or sour hawthorns. This is normal for people with child."

"Will it get worse tomorrow?"

"It depends on the person's body and mood. If wangye can make him happier, then the reaction should lighten some."

Ji Ying examined him from far away, protecting himself from being injured accidentally. Li Xiao's brows furrowed again. A moment later, he said: "Do you have your shixiong's portrait?"

Ji Ying instantly became excited: "You found him?"

"The empress started her search. This king ordered people to follow her. They'll keep me updated."

Ji Ying chuckled and praised: "Wangye is wise. However, I really don't have his portrait right now. Need to draw it. How about I'll send it your way tomorrow?"

Li Xiao glanced him again, then swept his gaze around the room and warned again: "Do not stash wangfei's portrait again."

"I understand." Ji Ying gave a 'please' gesture from afar. Li Xiao was also not interested in staying any longer. When he was almost out the door, Ji Ying couldn't resist and asked: "You really don't feel anything when you look at grandpa's picture?"

Li Xiao just happened to reach the door. He lifted his hand to hold on to it and said without even looking back: "This was how this king felt."

Ji Ying didn't have time to react. After Li Xiao stepped out, a maid came over to help him close the door, but suddenly cried out in alarm--

The door that was just touched by Li Xiao suddenly broke into pieces and fell to the floor. The cold wind blew inside. Ji Ying felt like his body was dipped in a freezer, and instantly jumped up: "Ah choo! I need to change rooms!!"

The maid said hastily: "This one will get a door curtain to block the cold first."

Ji Ying felt like he was practically frozen solid, and jumped back into his bed hugging himself. Inside the blankets he laid trembling. His gaze fell on the door that was broken to pieces by qi, and he felt a shiver run down his spine.

A jealous man was really way too scary.

When Song Song woke up half befuddled again, it was already night time. He sat up straight and rubbed his eyes before noticing that next to the bed now placed a table. Li Xiao was currently bent over it, composing a picture. He stretched his neck over to take a peek: "What are you doing?"

"Drawing you." Li Xiao looked up, his eyes looked a bit cold: "The pictures that were in Ji Ying's hands, you agreed to them?"

Song Song nodded. As he sat up straight, he saw the other's expression turn colder, and said hesitatingly: "Yes. Because he said... maybe the portraits can also cure your illness."

"Absolute nonsense!" Li Xiao threw down his brush: "You believed that?"

Song Song blinked: "Umm, then why else would he... want my picture?"

The two husbands crossed gazes. Li Xiao moved the table out of the way and walked over, both hands supporting on the side of the bed. His breath puffed over Song Song's face and scared him to lean backwards awkwardly. The man's tone was dangerous as he said quietly: "Do you know who you belonged to?"

"Of course to your highness." Song Song felt perplexed inside. His voice was very small and his expression somewhat confused.

Li Xiao was momentarily stunned by his matter-of-fact tone, and didn't know how to respond. However, the corner of his mouth faintly rose uncontrollably, although it was hard to discern. He maintained his cold face, but the dangerous aura that was present at the beginning had decreased a lot: "Since you know, then you can't allow other people to keep your pictures privately."

Song Song's pretty bright eyes gazed at him, slowly realizing something. He pursed his lips, somewhat curiously and somewhat delighted, and asked softly: "Your highness... are you drinking vinegar right now?"

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 54 Worried

The emotion of 'jealousy' never belonged to women and vile characters only . However, many men were unwilling to admit their jealousy. The higher position a man had, the larger their ego was. He would treat his partners as accessories and call his affection towards their partners as giving alms and bestowing favors.

That's how men of this time period were taught.

Especially someone like Li Xiao who was the son of the emperor.

As he finished talking, Song Song realized that he seemed to have given himself more self-importance than he was worth. Li Xiao can like him, can dote on him, can get mad because his possession was being coveted by someone else, but would never get jealous because of him.

He explained in the aftermath: "I was just joking."

Then, he scooted himself back a bit. Suddenly his wrist was grasped. Li Xiao said in a determined tone: "Why joking? This king can't be jealous?"

It's not that Li Xiao can't, but rather Song Song felt himself perhaps overly spoiled, and had acted a bit shamelessly.

"En... your highness can be whatever you want to be." Song Song smiled at him, attempting to skip this question. However, Li Xiao was relentless. Not only did he not let Song Song go, he moved even closer: "You still don't understand this king."

Song Song replied softly: "Sooner or later I will."

"You can understand me better right now."

Song Song was just about to ask him how when his lips were abruptly kissed. Li Xiao said:" I was jealous, envious, and angry. Whenever I think about someone having your picture, looking at it anytime and thinking about you, I want to kill."

His expression really couldn't be called friendly, but Song Song could tell a sense of seriousness from his stony face and taste a hint of sweetness from his earnest ferociousness.

He thought he was becoming a bit strange. Clearly Li Xiao looked extremely serious and he really can kill someone, but at this moment, he wasn't scared at all.

He looked down, but his chin was raised by the man: "Understand?"

Song Song nodded: "Understood."

His eyes looked very much like a small harmless animal, docile. Li Xiao frowned again: "What did you understand?"

"I won't be like that in the future." Song Song said as if reciting: "I belong to your highness so I should listen to your words. I shouldn't act on my own and make you angry."

Li Xiao didn't say anything, but his expression looked even scarier than before. Song Song stealthily took a glance at him, then suddenly laughed out loud. Li Xiao's face looked heavier: "You think this king is playing around with you?"

"No." Song Song withdrew his smiling expression and continued to recite: "I think your highness is very fierce. I'm very scared."

".... ...." Li Xiao looked at him wordlessly for a while, then suddenly let him go and left in a huff.

Song Song couldn't resist and laughed again for a while. He knew that Li Xiao wanted to express that he cared about him. While he felt it was very sweet, he also thought that the man was really cute and couldn't resist... teasing him.

Draping some clothes over himself, he got out of bed and walked outside the room. He saw Li Xiao facing away from him sitting on the rails of the long corridor. His long coat hung down because of the sitting position, moving in the wind.

Song Song walked over and stood behind him: "Did your highness get angry?"

Li Xiao didn't answer him. His gaze was focused on the numerous stars covering the night sky. Beside his ear came the rustling sound of Song Song wrapping himself tightly in his clothes. The other had taken another step forward and bent over at the waist to look at him from the side: "Did you really get angry?"

"Go back."

Song Song wrinkled his nose and said: "Petty."

His tone carried a little sulk. Li Xiao abruptly turned his head, his eyebrows furrowing heavily: "You think this king is petty?"

"En!"

Li Xiao scoffed: "This king said that much. You didn't understand a single bit and dare to call this king petty?"

"Who said I didn't understand." Song Song said resoundingly: "I understand your highness cares about me..." He paused for a second, glanced at him quickly then used a very soft voice to say: "very very much."

Li Xiao's gaze instantly fell on him. He looked directly at Song Song who stood in front of him. One of his legs drew back back as he shifted to sitting cross legged on the rails while facing Song Song: "And?"

Li Xiao this person, why's he so shameless?

Song Song thought while strangely unable to meet the man's extremely invading eyes. He wrapped himself tightly again, lightly inhaled the cold air and said: "I naturally, also care about your highness."

These words finally made Li Xiao's expression warm up: "And?"

".... ...." Why is there more??

Song Song looked at him dubiously, then suddenly a spark lit up in his head. With a red face, he reached out a hand and said softly: "Let's go to bed."

Li Xiao held his outstretched hand and said: "Give me a tug."

Song Song slightly used force. Li Xiao abruptly stood up, and fell towards him as if he couldn't stand steady. Song Song's heart skipped a beat. Originally he thought he'd get knocked over by the man's weight, but suddenly Li Xiao grabbed him and hugged him tight, saying lowly: "Since this was your first offense, I will reluctantly forgive you."

........

Song Song's morning reaction appeared extremely unexpectedly. The next day when he woke up, Li Xiao was no longer present. He ordered servants to prepare something light for breakfast, however, after taking one bite, he already felt his stomach starting to churn unpleasantly.

He managed to force down half a bowl before he started to vomit uncontrollably into the spittoon.

The maids didn't know what to do. Song Song knew he couldn't avoid this, therefore gave up on eating and laid flaccid on the couch resting.

His body felt waves of tiredness. This kind of feeling, even after experiencing it once, was hard to get used to. He frowned, hands lightly placed over his abdomen as he thought about the long enduring days ahead, and felt his spirit wane.

"Wangfei!" Qi Haoyun suddenly called him beside his ears. This kid ran all the way over and said happily: "Bai Yan bought you some dried sour plums. Why don't you give it a try and see if you like it?"

He looked to the side and through the curtains, he saw the other's figure holding a sword and standing at the doorway. He chuckled on the spot and reached out a hand to accept the paper bag in Qi Haoyun's hands. He picked out one and stuffed it in his mouth, his energy unexpectedly returning slightly: "Tell him thanks for me."

"Ai!" Qi Haoyun ran out happily. Song Song hugged the bag of dried sour plums and finally managed to rescue back half a life.

Normally he never thought sour plums could taste so good, upon recognizing its charm, Song Song forced himself out of bed and into the kitchen, and began to make sour plum cakes.

His culinary skills were amazing so the stuff he made was tasty and aesthetically pleasing. When Li Xiao returned, he detected a sweet and sour aroma permeating in the air. As he walked in, he just happened to see Song Song instructing servants to wrap up the soft sweet sour cakes: "While it's hot, send this to the empress dowager. Go quickly."

Li Xiao raised his eyebrows: "How much did you make?"

"Not too much. I saved these for myself and also sent some to Shu-er. He should like it." (Reminder: Shu-er is Li Shu, the 7th prince who likes candy )

Li Xiao looked at the white and purple cake and picked up a piece. He only took one bite but felt like his teeth were going to fall out because of how sour it was. Taking a deep breath, he said: "This sour, how's grandma going to eat it?"

"These are for me to eat. The ones over there have more sugar." Song Song picked up a small piece with chopsticks. That cake was made from sticky rice, when pulling it, it can stretch really long. The sight itself looked very appetizing. Li Xiao took a bite and found it sweet, soft, and tasty with only a hint of sour: "You were busy with this all day?"

"I was too lazy to go outside and didn't have anything to do, so I found something to pass the time." Seeing his expression full of worry, Song Song corrected himself: "Actually I was just watching, the chefs did all the work."

He took the piece of cake that Li Xiao took a bite out of earlier and cupped it in his hands, eating it slowly. Li Xiao said: "This king also bought some dried sour plums. To save for later."

Song Song made sure everything was arranged, then left with him out of the kitchen: "How's the matter regarding the homeless refugees?"

"This king personally talked to everyone, that's why I've been busy until now."

Song Song nodded his head, understanding that after this matter was resolved, the public impression of Li Xiao should change. In the previous life, even though Li Xiao ascended the throne, his title was still illegitimate in the end. Also, randomly he would start massacres in the palace, forcing the palace to replenish its servants every once in a while. The commoners were living in constant danger. Good thing that won't happen again in this life.

"How is Jinwu barracks?"

"In a few days Tao Tie should be returning."

Song Song nodded. Just as he was about to relax, someone suddenly shouted: "Fire! Something is on fire over there!"

Song Song and Li Xiao walked towards that direction together a few steps and looked over along with everyone else in the courtyard. They could only see a large amount of smoke rising in the east. The dusky sky was faintly lit up from the light of the fire. Song Song was face full of astonishment: "What's over there?"

Li Xiao narrowed his eyes, then abruptly shouted: "Get my horse!"

"Your highness!"

Li Xiao said: "That's the Dongwei camp. I need to go see what's going on."

(Note: Remember this is the city defense camp run by Fu Zhou, the guy that took Li Xiao's troops.)

Song Song's face slightly changed. He didn't get a chance to say what he wanted, the man already left like a gust of wind. Song Song hurried after him a few steps, then turned to head back to the main house with a grave expression. He stopped the people that were about to leave with the empress dowager's cake: "You can put all of that down. Let's eat it ourselves."

He didn't dare to leave the estate, and can only sit in the room quietly praying. Extremely nervous, he glanced towards the east from time to time. When Li Xiao left, the fire wasn't very big. As the sky darkened, that fire looked bigger and bigger, practically turning half the sky red. Song Song grinded his teeth, frowned, and began pacing around in the courtyard.

Bai Yan watched him for a while and said: "The heavens protect the worthy. Nothing will happen to him."

While Song Song nodded his head in reply, he still couldn't help but worry.

First Li Xiao's Jinwu camp was set on fire last year. Now the first month of the New Year has just passed, and just as they're about to receive Tao Tie back, the Dongwei camp is set on fire. No matter what, this didn't seem like a coincidence.

Just as he thought this, suddenly he heard someone shout loudly in the courtyard: "The west side rooms are on fire! Someone come help!"

The west side rooms! In the king's estate!

Song Song's gaze finally withdrew from the east and fell on the smoke rising in his own house. Instantly, a line connected in his head.

Dongwei camp started burning. Li Xiao went forth. Soon after, the king's estate starts burning. Next...

The sound of shouting and fighting abruptly could be heard from the surrounding. A nimble figure flashed in front of him. It was Ji Ying who arrived with quickstep. He landed next to Song Song, still putting on one of his shoes: "Hey*, what's the situation?"

(Here Ji Ying calls Song Song---> Guai Guai. Which is used to describe an obedient/well behaved person. I think it's more used for kids or to tease someone. Also I'm gonna quickly explain the kind of martial arts mentioned in this novel. Just think uhh crouching tiger, hidden dragon or something. Martial arts can be offensive, like using Qi to hit people physically or through aura. OR it can be used defensively to strengthen the body. People can learn both or some people focus on one component over the other. Here, the author does write that Doctor Ji Ying knows the second type. So he practices martial arts to make himself move faster, and probably can 'fly' by leaping on trees and stuff. I'm just gonna call it quickstep here. People like Li Xiao and Bai Yan practice both offense and defense.)

Some black figures suddenly appeared behind Song Song and instantly entangled in a battle with a group of assassins. Bai Yan stood beside Song Song, wordlessly protecting him with his sword. Ji Ying said: "The fire at Dongwei camp is huge, the patrolling troops definitely all went there to put out the fire. Our situation doesn't look good."

He sneezed and wrapped his clothes around himself, trembling nonstop: "Suddenly all of these assassins appeared. Don't tell me they all came for you?"

Song Song felt it was strange in his heart. But as he watched someone try to jump towards him, without any regards for safety, and immediately died under Bai Yan's sword, he said: "Looks like that's the case."

"What do we do now? Run?"

"I'm a little worried."

"Worried about your little life? Seeing how quick bodyguard Bai Yan's sword is, nothing should happen to you."

"I'm worried about wangye."

"... ..." Ji Ying twisted his head to shoot him a look, and said in an unbelievable tone: "What kind of time is this? You still have time to worry about that lunatic? Anyone who tries to fight him all dies first, alright?"

"That's what I'm worried about! That he'll accidentally kill too many people."

Song Song's wrinkled brows and honest expression gave Ji Ying a sense of admiration: "You're not my grandpa. You're my ancestor."

(Note:I'm not 100% positive, but from what I know. When you call someone your ancestor 祖宗, usually you're saying they are very hard to please.)

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 55 Pretending

Song Song was considerably anxious. Frowning, he repeatedly pondered over what could be the main purpose of all of this.

To reach Dongwei camp from the king's estate, one would have to travel through the very busy Yongchun street. The street was as active during the night as during the day. It was a place where many people with extra money went to buy entertainment. Not only were there brothels, but also 24hr restaurants and hotels. Insomniacs would often come here.

That also meant that this street had not only commoners but high officials and nobles as well.

If he were Li Xiao... and he suddenly saw the king's estate on fire while helping out at Dongwei camp, while knowing that he left the pregnant and completely helpless Li Xiao in the estate, what would he do?

(Note: No, I didn't write the wrong names. This is exactly how the author has it. I'm dying squirtle)

He would definitely rush back on horseback to make sure Li Xiao wasn't injured.

Then... What if he had to get through an incredibly crowded street? What if some high official's son just happened to be killed on Li Xiao's way back? To kill Song Song was easy, however, to kill Li Xiao was not. If he wanted to kill Li Xiao, he would definitely send a group of kamikaze agents to dress up as civilians and trick the anxious, rushing to get home, Li Xiao into killing everyone on the street.

Song Song promptly turned and said: "I'm going out. Someone get me a fast horse."

"You want to go out now? The city defense camp is on fire. Do you know how chaotic it is out there right now?

Steward Qi also looked over in astonishment.

Song Song didn't reply. Bai Yan wordlessly followed him. On the way, several assassins almost stabbed him with their swords, but Bai Yan pulled him through the danger. He looked at Song Song. The other didn't stop his footsteps as he walked forward, gaze determined and not even a tiny hint of panic.

Bai Yan remained by his side to protect him, killing the assassins one by one every time they came closer. His sword was very fast. Clearly he was one of Li Xiao's top fighters. His focus was also very clear, protecting Song Song without leaving him even one step.

When they left the king's estate, no patrol guards were in sight on the street. Song Song continued to walk forward. Ji Ying stuck to him like a piece of paper and shamelessly freeloaded Bai Yan's protection as well.

Behind them came the sound of horse hoofs. It was steward Qi. He jumped off the horse and said: "Can you ride?"

"I can try."

He never even rode a horse in his previous life. When he grabbed on the horse to climb on, he almost accidentally slid off. Upon seeing this, Ji Ying reached out to support him, saying: "You're going by yourself?"

"Bai Yan will come with me."

Of course Song Song wasn't going to run over by himself and get killed. Although at the estate, the assassins were busy fighting Li Xiao's soldiers and agents, who knew if there were more outside. Not to mention, his horse riding skills were terrible. If he fell off accidentally, that would be tragic.

Upon receiving the order, Bai Yan hopped on to the back of the horse smoothly and said: "Excuse me."

He reached past Song Song's body with a hand and grabbed the reins. Then squeezing the horse's flank, they set off.

The horse didn't get very far when a masked man suddenly jumped off a roof on the side and came swinging with his sword. Bai Yan blocked with his free hand, his fingers instantly becoming numb from the clash between the two swords. His expression turned surprised: "He's an expert."

He smacked the horse's backside and jumped off using the momentum. He was forced to get entangled in a fight with the other.

Song Song hastily grabbed the reins tightly, clumsily lifting his feet several times before he managed to step onto the stirrups. Without a bodyguard by his side, he couldn't help but grow nervous. Just at this moment, he noticed a figure landing behind him. He turned back and discovered it was Ji Ying who said: "Bai Yan and that person are fighting passionately. Looks like it's up to me to protect you on this trip."

(Note: How did Ji Ying catch up to a horse? Remember in the last chapter we learned he can use martial arts to run fast and leap across rooftops.)

Song Song thanked him.

The horse rushed into Yongchun Street. Song Song hurriedly grabbed the reins to halt the horse. At the moment, Yongchun Street was brightly lit, very lively--- not the same liveliness as usual.

All of the windows of the buildings were wide open. People stretched out their heads and looked towards the east. On the street, the pedestrians also stopped to look from the side of the street. If he looked closely, he could see a group of the people blending themselves into all the activity, while frequently glancing towards the end of the street, as if they were waiting for something.

Ji Ying probably felt that he attracted too much attention standing on the horse's back, so sat down sideways behind Song Song and said: "Looks like you don't need to worry."

In response, Song Song reached out and pushed him off the horse. Ji Ying was just about to say something when he saw Song Song get off as well. Song Song put on the hood of his cloak and said: "We'll walk over. Let's first find his highness then decide what to do next."

Ji Ying considered for a moment. Right now, they still don't know who won between Bai Yan and the person he was exchanging blows with. It was also unclear if the assassins at the king's estate had been taken care of. To Song Song, the priority was indeed to find his husband first.

Ji Ying could only say: "Alright."

Song Song gave up the extremely eye-catching steed, and blended into the lively crowd, secretly examining the people in the surrounding while traveling through as quickly as possible.

Ji Ying followed beside him and also paid close attention to the people to the side. He said quietly: "You think there's something abnormal here?"

Song Song replied: "It's a possibility."

Strangely, the king's estate was still ablaze, yet Li Xiao was nowhere in sight. Song Song can only guess that he was tangled up by someone.

As they left the loud crowd behind, Song Song immediately ran towards Dongwei camp. Frowning, Ji Ying continued to shiver as he ran beside him: "Run slower. Be careful of the child."

After he said this, Song Song's footsteps involuntarily slowed down briefly. However, immediately afterwards, his worry for Li Xiao made him speed up once more. After leaving the bustling Yongchun street, they traveled forward a few blocks. If they turned at the next corner, they'd be able to reach the barracks. However, just at this moment, several people dressed in black appeared. Ji Ying shouted in surprise and pulled Song Song out of harm's way. His steps were nimble, however, his skills clearly were mediocre compared to their attackers.

The two were very quickly forced to retreat. Just as it seemed like they were about to be cornered, the sound of horse steps came closer.

A figure carrying a long bloodstained sword rode by with a storm like killing aura, his deadly gaze fixed in the direction where the king's estate was on fire.

"Your highness!!"

Even though the night was dark and he couldn't clearly see the other's face, Song Song was able to recognize him from the way he rode his horse.

He stopped by the entrance of Yongchun street and Song Song saw the person on the horse leap off and rush towards him like a pack of wolves and tigers.

Song Song stood where he was, his heart calming down along with Li Xiao's gradually approaching distance. He just let out a breath when his elbow was tugged by Ji Ying again. He felt a long sword brush past his ear and coldness to his neck. He turned sideways. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Li Xiao's figure speed up, his long sword held high in the air, and fresh red blood splattering on his own snow white cloak like ink.

His heart was beating like a drum and his head throbbed in waves. Subconsciously, he raised his hand and covered his neck. It felt somewhat wet. He was a little dumbfounded and thought: don't tell me I'm about to die?

"Song-er!" A hand covered his neck. Li Xiao said wide eyed: "Song-er, how do you feel?"

"I... ..." Song Song was just about to speak when Ji Ying interrupted: "Just grazed the skin a little. Nothing serious. Stop putting pressure on it. If you press down any harder, you're going to damage the artery."

Li Xiao immediately let go. Song Song also felt a bit awkward. Li Xiao took out a handkerchief for him to press against his neck. Repeatedly he asked to verify: "How is it? Does it hurt?"

Song Song shook his head. Ji Ying rolled his eyes on the side and said: "It's bleeding. How could it not hurt?"

Li Xiao ignored him. He rubbed Song Song's head and said lowly: "Why did you come out here?"

"I was worried about you."

Just now, if Li Xiao didn't catch sight of Song Song by luck and entered Yongchun street in the state that he was, he probably would have left a path of blood behind him.

"How about you?" Song Song examined him from head to toe and said: "Did you get injured?"

"Never."

Song Song finally let go of all his worries and let out a relaxed laugh. Then, body falling limp, he lost consciousness.

When he woke up again, he was already back home. The wound on his neck was meticulously taken care of. Only his abdomen felt slightly uncomfortable.

There was no one in the room. Not even Li Xiao was present. He closed his eyes again and rested some more, his palm pressing against his abdomen and stroking it lightly over and over.

The heavy curtains were suddenly lifted, and Li Xiao walked in. Song Song opened his eyes and the man asked: "Awake? How does your body feel?"

Song Song wanted to say he was very well, but the cold sharp pain in his abdomen turned his smile unnatural. Everything he experienced the previous night rushed forth again. The corner of his eyes slightly reddened as he said: "My..... stomach hurts."

Li Xiao immediately went to call Ji Ying. After a while, the person who came was an imperial physician. He checked Song Song's pulse and then said: "The fetus might have been affected. This official will give you a few prescriptions. You will need to carefully recover from now on."

Song Song felt a little at a loss: "What will happen... if the fetus was affected?"

"As long as you concentrate on recuperating, it won't be an issue." The old imperial physician was extremely kind. After he calmed Song Song down, he wrote the prescriptions. Li Xiao ordered someone to send him off, then gave the medicine list to steward Qi: "Watch over the process yourself."

Steward Qi quickly left to complete the task. Li Xiao sat down next to Song Song, his hands reaching inside the blankets to cover his abdomen: "Does it feel better like this?"

His abdomen comfortably warm, Song Song nodded his head and asked: "How's Bai Yan?"

"He had some small injuries. Yesterday night Ji Ying examined him and it's nothing serious."

"What happened to Ji Ying?"

"He has a fever." Li Xiao said: "He has frost poisoning in his body, so he is extremely afraid of the cold. Yesterday the fire erupted suddenly. He got up too fast and got chilled then."

Song Song felt relieved. His hands moved to rest over Li Xiao's hand: "What exactly happened yesterday? Does your highness have an idea?"

"It was very strange." Li Xiao said: "Yesterday, Dongwei camp had a huge fire. However, Yongchun street continued to be full of people and lively as before. Very odd."

Normally if anything happened, the common people would hide immediately. But yesterday there were so many government soldiers traversing through Yongchun street, yet the people seemed extremely calm and unconcerned. It was indeed very strange.

Song Song immediately shared his own guess: "Could it be the empress?" Last time at the Tower of Heaven, she plotted to have you kill people. This time seems similar."

"Father is currently watching her. She doesn't have any time to plot this. And plus, yesterday I wasn't able to return immediately to the estate because during the fire at Dongwei camp, someone took advantage of the chaos and killed Fu Zhao. At the time, the camp was a huge mess. Some people were even suspicious that I killed him and kept me from leaving."

Back then, Fu Zhao exchanged the token that the empress gave to madam Song, resulting in Qin Ning losing his position as commander of the palace guards, and starting the empress on her path of no return. Therefore, this time the person who killed Fu Zhao should be the empress.

However, if it was also the empress who wanted to lead Li Xiao to start a massacre at Yongchun street, then she wouldn't have taken advantage of the chaos to kill Fu Zhao. Because she had to make sure Li Xiao would walk into Yongchun street unhindered.

"Therefore, the fire at Dongwei camp, the fire at the king's estate, and the attempt to assassinate me.... were all done by someone else? And it's likely that the empress ordered someone to kill Fu Zhao only after Dongwei was ablaze?"

"That's right."

"Then we can say that, by some freak combination of factors, the empress actually helped your highness this time." If the empress didn't order someone to kill Fu Zhao, then there would be no one suspicious of Li Xiao. If this thing didn't delay him, by the time Song Song rushed over there, Li Xiao would have killed those pre-arranged 'civilians' already.

Song Song's head was a bit chaotic: "Someone tried to use the empress's old tricks to send you to your death. Not to mention....yesterday night, there were so many 'civilians' at Yongchun street. This person really has quite an influence. Who else in the capital could do such a thing?"

"The person that exchanged blows with Bai Yan yesterday used a long sword at that time, but his style seemed heavy, like he's more used to using a blade. Our country uses long swords more, but the people of Jin often use blades."

(Hello, chinese weaponry. So I translated 剑 (jian) to long sword in this case. It's a thin sword that's used to pierce/slash. The blade 刀 (dao) on the other hand is used to hack/chop and the body is broader. Kinda like a big knife.)

Song Song was stunned: "What your highness means... is that the people of the nation of Jin did it?"

If it was a nation, then the assassination operation that occured yesterday night would be much clearer to explain. No matter how dumb the empress was, she wouldn't use the same scheme twice. However, other people could. If they were successful in killing Song Song yesterday, then the strength of Li Xiao, this war god, would be crippled. If they were successful in killing Li Xiao, emperor Hong Ren might die from excessive anguish considering his body's current health. Even if neither was successful, they could throw the blame on to the empress due to her previous plans at the Tower of Heaven.

This person definitely understood very well the conflict between Li Xiao and the empress. It didn't matter to them who won and who lost because they could benefit from the result either way.

Song Song puffed up his cheeks, and went over everything in his head again, then slowly exhaled. He looked somewhat at a loss towards the ceiling and said: "Ah.. what to do, husband? I'm so scared."

Li Xiao: "... ... "

The hand he placed on Song Song's abdomen shook slightly. His face leaned closer: "Say it again."

Song Song said: "I'm a little scared."

"Not that."

Song Song said: "What... what to do?"

"... ...." Li Xiao watched him with narrowed eyes. Song Song looked away. His stomach was pressed lightly by Li Xiao who said: "If you keep pretending, I'll pester you."

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The author has something to say:

Scared Scared: Come on then.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 56 Disagreement

Li Xiao's voice was pressed very low, carrying a deliberate threat. However, Song Song who heard his words didn't feel scared at all. He turned his face away and ignored the man. The hand that was placed on his abdomen started shifting upwards, slowly reaching his ribs.

His movement was very slow, however, Song Song quickly realized what he was going to do. Even though that hand didn't reach its destination, his body's ticklish spots already started having a reaction.

Song Song laughed out loud and turned on his side, curling up to hug that hand: "What are you doing ah?""

His back was facing Li Xiao. From this rear view, he seemed like a harmless little animal. Li Xiao moved in and conveniently threw an arm around Song Song, directly pulling the other into his embrace. He lightly blew against Song Song's ear and said in a deep and magnetic voice: "Song-er is so naughty."

Song Song felt his ear go numb and couldn't resist ducking his head. However, he was quickly held still by Li Xiao: "Careful of your injury."

He did feel the sting, and obediently stopped moving. Thinking about it now, he still felt a lingering fear. Death missed him by just a hairline. If that sword was an inch closer, then his neck wouldn't just be bleeding blood. It'd be spewing blood.

Li Xiao gazed at the bandages wrapped around his neck. The two didn't speak anymore until Song Song asked: "Does your highness have any plans?"

"The frontline has been triumphant. The nation of Jin continues to lose ground. The fact that they would send people secretly to the capital to look for an opportunity to exploit is expected. This actually gave me a new idea. We can copy their plans. If their frontline collapses, then their back would also become chaotic. Then things will get interesting."

"We should plot this out meticulously."

At the moment in Yangxin palace, emperor Hong Ren was reading. Ever since empress Zhao passed away, his black hair had whitened a lot. In order to search for a cure for Li Xiao all these years, on top of managing a nation, his body had been growing weaker as each year passed.

Nevertheless, he was still the emperor in the end. Even if he simply took a seat, it's enough to strike fear in people's hearts.

For some unfathomable reason, empress Qin was summoned over here for about 15 minutes already. However, the emperor hadn't said a single word from the start. Since he didn't speak, she could only sit there. Every time the emperor flipped a page in his book, her heart would tighten nervously.

All the way until the other seemed to get tired of reading, Dou gonggong stepped forward to accept the book and put it away, the emperor finally looked over and said: "The empress came huh?"

It's almost as if he just became aware of this fact: "Someone, pour the tea."

The empress stood up to accept the tea cup, very bewildered. The events that occured yesterday, she also felt puzzled, like there was some conspiracy inside.

"Has the crown prince gone to see you lately?"

"The crown prince is very filial. He visits often."

Emperor Hong Ren nodded and said: "He's a good child. Zhen plans to have him bring Xiao-er to take care of the refugee camps. What do you think?"

"All according to your majesty's command."

"What happened yesterday night still requires further investigation. Now that Fu Zhao has died, there's not enough people. Have Qin Ning return to his former post quickly to help Zhen."

The empress's expression remained the same but the look in her eyes became more uncertain: "To help your majesty in your troubled times is the Qin family's duty."

"Very well. You can go."

The empress finished her tea, and stood up to leave. As she walked out, cold sweats covered her entire body. She sat on a sedan and returned to her palace, then immediately collapsed on a chair. Her momo brought her some tea and asked concerned: "What did his majesty say to you?"

"He said to let the crown prince accompany Li Xiao to manage the refugee camps. And even wanted brother to return to his post."

"This is good news! Why's your face this color?"

"What good news?!" The empress said frustrated: "Wives of the emperor shouldn't get involved in politics. This kind of thing he can negotiate in court with his officials, can discuss in private with the cabinet officials, what's the point of calling me over?"

The momo's heart sank with her words: "Then you think his majesty...."

"He suspects that yesterday's assassination attempt on Song Song was my doing. He didn't say it clearly, so I can't directly explain myself." The express pressed a hand against her forehead. The momo immediately stepped forward to help her massage. She heard the empress mumble: "The last few days, I left the palace too many times because of father's severe illness, and then there're those past things with Li Xiao... I have a feeling that he can't tolerate me anymore."

At the moment, it's as if the emperor held a long sword over her head but it's still unclear when the sword will fall.

The empress closed her eyes, almost as if talking in her sleep: "His heart is biased. He only favors Li Xiao.... Look, Li Xiao's cure just appeared and he's already impatiently coming to attack me. The crown prince's protection can't even help anymore."

"Your majesty, you're thinking too much. The emperor has always been benevolent... "

"No matter how benevolent he is, he is still the emperor." The empress laughed bitterly, feeling like she's about to cry: "I can only bet everything on this one last chance."

When Li Yang walked in, the empress was sitting in the back veranda of her palace. The tea set was placed orderly on the long table. Her hair was casually bound without any additional ornaments. When she heard his greeting, she said: "Take a seat."

Li Yang sat across from her, his gaze landing on the black glazed cup in her hand and said: "Today, mother has leisure time to relax?"

The empress smiled, her gaze concentrating on the contents of her tea: "Today I used high quality leaves to make the tea. Take a sip and see if you like it."

Li Yang accepted the cup she handed over and took a taste, then instantly exclaimed: "Mother's tea is peerless. I'm envious."

"You're certainly sweet." The empress lazily replied: "These last few days, you've been together with your big brother. Did he treat you well?"

"Ever since big brother was poisoned, he's been the same. Even Shu-er received the cold treatment from him. We're all used to it."

The empress looked towards her son.

Li Yang and Li Xiao looked somewhat alike, but his personality was more like emperor Hong Ren. In his youth he was also like this. Even when he wasn't smiling, he still looked like he was smiling, gentle with the manners of a nobleman. When he got angry, he would rarely yell and throw tempers like normal people, just like emperor Hong Ren, who when angry, would be very calm and silent, sometimes heaving a sigh and furrowing his brows tightly.

"You and your father are very alike." The empress said: "It's unfortunate that your father was the first son, but you're not."

Li Yang instantly felt the sharpness within her tone, however, when he raised his eyes to look at her, her expression remained the same as before. He asked with uncertainty: "What's going on with mother today?"

"When I married your father all those years ago, I was only a concubine. This title forever represents second place. Even my son has to forever lower his head to someone else."

Li Yang's expression changed: "Please watch your words, mother. I've never lowered my head to anyone."

"How can you say that?" The empress said: "Just look at you. How very pitiful. Even though you're the crown prince, you still have to watch Li Xiao's mood."

Speechless, Li Yang can only reply after a while: "He is older. Even if I am the crown prince, he is still older. I should be respectful towards him...... Mother, you do not have to feel indignant for me. I became the crown prince by luck anyways because he fell to the schemes of villains."

"What schemes of villains! That's his fate and this is your fate. You're already the crown prince. You're already the son of the first wife. Everything you have right now is everything you deserve. Li Yang, you need to grab onto this opportunity tightly and show your father that you're stronger than him!"

Li Yang hesitated for a moment then said: "But... I'm not stronger than him."

"....... " The empress seemed choked by his words. She suddenly felt dismay surging in her heart: "Ever since I married your father, I had to spend my days watching my step around Zhao Sui. Now that she finally died, don't tell me I have to spend my life stepping around Li Xiao as well?!"

Li Yang frowned and said: "In the end, he's of the younger generation. When he enters the palace, it's just to see father and grandma. How many times do you see him a year? Why would you think like this?"

"It's like this now. But what if he ascends the throne? If he ascends the throne, then I will have to live by his will."

Li Yang's tone was gentle: "Even if he ascends the throne, he wouldn't make things difficult for me. According to customs, the worst that could happen is that we're forced to leave the palace to live outside. Even if I don't become the ruler, I can still take good care of you."

According to customs, that indeed was the case.

For a moment, the empress didn't know what to say to him. Li Yang didn't know anything. He still thought that it didn't matter which brother ascended the throne. He didn't care if he became a king or an emperor all because he believed in a so-called connection between his brothers. How laughable.

The empress suddenly laughed and said: "I understand now. I finally understand..."

"What is mother talking about?"

"The style of education your father implemented back then... was just to brainwash you guys. He told you brothers to treat each other respectfully, told you guys that people adhere to standards, told you guys to follow seniority. In the end, what he really wanted to tell you guys was that you all needed to listen to Li Xiao and needed to respect Li Xiao. That Li Xiao's things belonged only to Li Xiao, and that you guys shouldn't try to vie for them, shouldn't try to take them by force. From the start, he was paving the road for Li Xiao... You're an idiot. I'm also an idiot. Why did I think he did all that for your own good......"

"Mother!" Li Yang said: "You overstepped."

"Just look at you." The empress laughed again: "What a stupid child. It's not like your father can hear what I say here. Yang-er, don't tell me you've never felt dissatisfied? Finally you managed to kick Li Xiao down, yet now he's about to climb back up again, don't you feel threatened?"

Li Yang frowned: "I never took any of big brother's things. I only received the title because I was next in line. Otherwise, why didn't father choose 5th brother as the crown prince? Mother, you're thinking too much. I don't need to feel threatened because I never did anything bad to big brother. Even if he ascended the throne, he wouldn't harm me. You should feel the same, just relax and let nature take its course. Our lives won't have any changes. Even if we had to move out of the palace, it's just changing where we live, that's all."

The empress looked down. After a while, she smiled: "Yang-er is right. I was thinking too much... Yang-er, do you think you gained your title as the crown prince because it was the will of heaven? Have you ever thought about thanking the person who poisoned your big brother?"

Li Yang's face fell: "Why would mother think this of me? Big brother and I are naturally on the same side against a common enemy. If that thing didn't happen, then he wouldn't have become how he is now. I'd rather not have the position of crown prince in exchange for everyone to be safe and sound. So why would I thank the person who hurt him just because I benefited from what happened?"

A deep sense of exhaustion appeared on the empress's face: "Back then, your father wanted to be together only with empress Zhao for a lifetime and was also willing to throw away the crown prince's position for it... what your father said was right. Li Xiao is more fitting of the throne than you, because he's more like empress Zhao."

"How could that be?" Li Yang wasn't affected by her praise of Li Xiao, but instead said curiously: "Empress Zhao clearly was very kind. In the past, she treated all of us brothers very well. Why would mother think big brother is like her?"

"You're wrong." the empress shook her head: "Empress Zhao had a scale in her heart. She only does what she thought was correct. Her shrewdness was hidden deeply. When she was gentle, she was more gentle than anyone. When she was vicious, she was the most vicious."

Li Yang said: "Nevertheless, she would never hurt her own family."

This time, the empress fell silent for a long time before she said: "You can go back."

Li Yang didn't plan to stay long. He stood up, bowed and said: "Tomorrow, I will return to chat with mother again. Just relax, and don't think too much."

He turned to leave. Not long after, the empress's personal momo walked over and said quietly: "The crown prince ordered this servant to make you some tea to soothe your nerves and asked that you rest well. He's concerned for you."

"En."

The empress's gaze fell on the man-made mountain in the courtyard and said: "I spent my entire life paving the road for him. Luckily, even if this road can't be created, he has other paths to travel."

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 57 Praises

Li Yang walked out of the empress's palace, wrapped tightly in his cloak. Beside him suddenly came the sound of someone calling out to him: "Brother."

He turned his head to look and immediately smiled: "5th brother also came to see mother?"

"I was waiting for you."

Li Qing walked over and gave him a hand warmer: "Just now I saw big brother enter the palace. He should be going to visit father."

"How is father's health?"

"Not very good."

The two didn't speak anymore.

Emperor Hong Ren was coughing lightly. In front of him was a pile of paperwork stacked like a small mountain. Dou gonggong thoughtfully brought up some tea to help soothe his throat. After he finished drinking, Dou gonggong said softly: "Ping Wang is here to see you."

"Let him come in."

Li Xiao walked in, bringing a snow white porcelain bottle with him. He gave it to Dou gonggong and said: "I had Doctor Ji make some supplement pills from precious medicinal herbs. Father should eat one everyday and see."

Not only did the imperial physicians look over the emperor's body. Ji Ying also helped assess him as well. However, no matter who saw him, the diagnosis was the same. He could only go slow and take some supplements. However, as the ruler of a nation, the things that stressed him out daily were really way too much.

Emperor Hong Ren accepted with a smile and let him sit down in front of him: "You don't need to worry about Zhen's body. It's pretty good."

"Father might as well transfer the throne to me. That way you can retire earlier. Perhaps your health will get much better."

When Dou gonggong heard this, his heart leapt in trepidation. Emperor Hong Ren, however, laughed out loud: "You rascal, don't you know how to be more tactful when you speak?"

His expression lacked any sense of scolding though. He even called someone to bring some tea and refreshments for Li Xiao: "These last few days you've been working with the crown prince. What do you think of him?"

"The crown prince is very suited for settling down the refugees. He's very amiable. When the refugees see me, they're all scared to death. When they see the crown prince, they seem very intimate."

"His personality is pure and kind. He's a good child. You're not allowed to bully him."

"This son obeys."

Hong Ren also said: "When's the last time you brothers all got together?"

"At the end of the year, didn't we just eat dinner together?"

Emperor Hong Ren was a believer of 'if the family lives in harmony then all affairs will prosper.' At the end of every year on the 30th, he would always call everyone together to eat a meal. He heard Li Xiao's reply and chuckled: "I'm saying with just you brothers. Hasn't it been a long time since you guys got together alone? When you were younger, didn't you guys always love to stick together and play?"

"We're older now, each busy with our own things. It's been a few years."

"Zhen heard that Song-er opened a hot pot shop and the food there is not bad. Why don't you all go there and have some fun when there's time?"

Emperor Hong Ren's aged face had a look of expectation. Li Xiao's tactical decline got stuck in his throat and was swallowed back down. He respectfully replied: "I will follow your wishes."

Sighing, emperor Hong Ren got up and moved away from the table. His footsteps were unsteady, as if the bones and joints of his body had already rusted. Li Xiao stood up and walked over to support him. Slowly they arrived in front of the window next to the couch. Emperor Hong Ren slightly panted as he sat down: "You sit also. Sit here."

Li Xiao sat across from him. From this position, he could see a flower pot outside the windows. The winter just passed and these plants were already impatiently starting to grow fresh tender green buds.

"We're father and son first. Then ruler and subordinate next. Between father and son, we don't need that many rules and customs."

Li Xiao withdrew his gaze and said: "This son understands."

(Note: It's hard to translate but before this, Li Xiao always refers to himself as 儿臣, which means son and government official. But here Li Xiao just refers to himself as son. 儿子)

"Yang-er, that kid, really likes you." The emperor smiled, his expression carrying a taste of coaxing and indulgence: "He used to love following you around when you were young, isn't that right?"

Li Xiao smiled and said: "I remember."

Emperor Hong Ren pointed at the roses growing in the flower pot: "Those were grown by your mother's own hands. Remember that year, the capital had a huge snow storm, even bigger than the one we had this year. The flowers that were originally there were crushed under the snow and frozen to death. When your mother found out, she carried over water herself and replanted the seeds. Later after she left, every year *cough cough*... when it's winter time..." When he talked too long without rest, he began to slightly pant for air, breath rattling: "Zhen would order people to cover the flowers tightly to avoid having them freeze to death. I want to always be able to see the flowers that she planted with her own hands."

Li Xiao gazed at him and said: "The person is no longer here, what's the point of keeping the flowers?"

"For remembrance." The emperor smiled and said: "You're still young. You don't understand."

Li Xiao looked down and took a sip of tea.

"Your mother was the type of person who distinguished love and hate clearly. I remember one year, Zhen brought her outside the capital... dressed in commoner's clothes and we traveled south. I raided a government official's house. That official committed countless heinous crimes. According to the law, his entire family by 9 generations should have all been guilty by association. He had a young son. The son was really very little... The government officials that accompanied us all said that the son should also repay the father's debt. He was just born yet already should be executed. However, your mother pleaded mercy for him. She said that the child was innocent. That child didn't even know how to speak yet. He didn't know anything." The emperor asked: "If it were you, what would you have done?"

"If Song-er said something, then I naturally wouldn't refuse him."

The father and son crossed gazes. Emperor Hong Ren fell silent for a moment, then abruptly laughed: "Oh you."

When Li Xiao left the palace, the sky already darkened and the sun had set.

As he walked out of the door, the bodyguard next to him brought over the horse. He didn't get on however, and continued to walk forward. Occasionally, he looked down at the stone paved road beneath his feet, and other times, his eyes looked up to gaze ahead, as if thinking something.

Today, the tailor sent some baby clothes that they made from the blueprints provided. Song Song touched them all over, loving them so much he couldn't put them down. He seriously inspected the texture and all of the little thread work in the clothes' edges. The cloth used to make children's clothes was considerably softer. The embroidery was also extremely delicate and fine. Song Song already couldn't wait to see how his little baby would look wearing these, so he grabbed a brush, sat down in front of the table, and started to draw.

First he drew a round tender face, then little hands and feet and the tiny clothes. Song Song dazed away into his creative process.

When Li Xiao came back, he saw Song Song propping his cheek on one hand and smiling happily, who knew what he was envisioning.

Li Xiao slowly walked over. Song Song was completely indulging in his imagination so didn't notice him, until the area around his waist suddenly tightened. He abruptly jolted and turned his face in alarm. When he saw it was Li Xiao, he glared: "What are you doing! I almost died of fright!"

"What are you thinking about?"

Song Song thought for a moment, then said: "Thinking about a ... man."

Li Xiao's eyes narrowed. It was easy to sense the cold killing aura that instantly released from his body. He said in a cool tone: "Who?"

Song Song turned around and flopped onto the table, saying deliberately: "Not telling you."

Li Xiao's gaze landed the paper under his elbow. He reached out to grab, but Song Song pressed down and refused to let him see. Li Xiao suddenly reached out and pressed a spot on his back.

Song Song: "..... ...."

Cant, can't move!

Li Xiao casually lifted him up, then picked up the drawing. Song Song remained stuck in the same position, his eyes following the man's movements. He wanted to say something but he couldn't open his mouth.

(Note: this is a wuxia thing. When the correct pressure point is pressed on the body, it freezes certain parts or the entire body.)

Li Xiao looked at the little kid on the paper. His expression didn't ease: "So you're thinking about this little man."

Song Song: "... ...."

Please give me a chance to say something nice to make you happy!

Li Xiao threw down the picture scroll and picked him up. Unable to resist at all, Song Song was moved from the chair to the bed. Li Xiao climbed on top of him and used a hand to caress his cheek: "What am I really to you?"

Song Song's expression turned pleading. Li Xiao continued: "If you're begging for forgiveness, then blink."

Song Song blinked for his life.

"Am I the most important?"

Song Song blinked again.

Li Xiao laid a kiss on his mouth. Song Song could only helplessly look at the ceiling. Suddenly, Li Xiao chuckled, as if amused by his inability to move. He lowered his head to kiss Song Song again: "Song-er is becoming more and more disobedient."

Song Song wanted to explain that wasn't the case, but he couldn't say anything. Li Xiao was clearly a king, but at this moment, he was brazenly taking advantage of Song Song's predicament and shamelessly touching him all over. Song Song blinked frantically. Finally Li Xiao's lips moved from his neck to the corner of his eye: "Song-er looks like you have something to say."

"... ..."

"What do you want to say?"

Song Song thought he was finally going to release him the next second, but Li Xiao continued to say: "How about letting this king take a guess first?"

Song Song rolled his eyes. Pissed off, he almost felt like crying from being unable to respond.

Both arms propped up beside his body, Li Xiao pressed his forehead against Song Song. When he saw Song Song's eyes turn watery, he finally showed mercy and released his pressure point. As soon as Song Song could move, the first thing he did was take a deep breath. Then he reached his hands out to shove Li Xiao: "How can you bully people like this?"

"Clearly you were the one who first started bullying me." Li Xiao grabbed his hands in response and pushed them above his head. Avoiding Song Song's abdomen, Li Xiao started to grope him again: "Song-er is terrible."

Song Song's face turned a little red.

Li Xiao's voice was very pleasant to hear. Whenever he used that deep charming tone to call him terrible, Song Song always felt as if he was bitten by something. His entire body felt numb and tingly. He didn't dare to meet Li Xiao's gaze, thus, tried to change the topic: "Today your highness went to visit father. How's his health?"

Upon mentioning emperor Hong Ren, Li Xiao slightly loosened his grip. Song Song hastily pushed Li Xiao so he could sit up. He raised his hands to fix his messy hair, while Li Xiao reached out and hooked an arm around his waist again: "Father said that in the past, mother once pleaded mercy for an infant. That child's father commited all sorts of crimes, but mother believed that child was innocent."

Song Song instantly understood and said smiling: "Congratulations your highness."

"Song-er didn't hear the meaning between his words?"

"The emperor wants.... you to not take your anger out on the crown prince."

"Since you understand, then why do you think this is good news?"

"The emperor said this, that means that he already has plans to pass you the throne. This is naturally good news."

Chuckling, Li Xiao hugged his slender body and rested his chin on top of Song Song's soft hair. He sighed and said: "What you said is pretty reasonable."

"What do you mean, pretty reasonable? It's clearly extremely reasonable!"

Song Song declared in a confident and optimistic tone. Then he hugged Li Xiao around the neck with both arms, and intimately rubbed against Li Xiao's nose.

In the previous life, Li Xiao was very duplicious. He agreed to emperor Hong Ren's request to support the crown prince, but as soon as the emperor died, he immediately kicked the crown prince out. At that time, he probably only wanted emperor Hong Ren to pass away peacefully. But in this life, Song Song felt like Li Xiao would probably listen to Hong Ren's wishes if he could legitimately claim the throne.

Li Xiao's gloomy mood became pleased again by his lively words. He embraced Song Song tighter and said: "Everything you said is correct."

"Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important." Song Song became a bragging demon: "My king is the most most most kindhearted person in this world!"

The corner of Li Xiao's mouth rose: "And?"

"En... My king is also very handsome, so handsome that it's illegal!"

"And?"

".... ...." Did he really like to be praised this much?

Song Song continues to say: "You're the most wonderful person I've ever met. The kind that's like... my god! How could anyone be so wonderful!"

"My god?"

"That's right. Just like my god!-- kind of wonderful."

The descriptive lacking wangfei said so like this.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 58 Bully

Li Xiao's bad mood easily turned better thanks to a few words from Song Song. However, wangfei really didn't know how to praise people. He didn't even have a chance to hear one or two sentences before the other ran out of words to say.

This couldn't be blamed on Song Song though. Good words come more smoothly in special circumstances. At the moment, there was no real excitement or stimulation. The fact that he could praise him dryly with two sentences was already pretty good.

Good thing Li Xiao didn't really expect Song Song to praise him to the sky. He hugged Song Song in his arms and fondled him all over again. The thin injury on Song Song's neck already scabbed. Li Xiao touched it lightly with his lips and said softly: "Father also said that us brothers should get in touch more so we can become closer."

As soon as Song Song heard, he instantly volunteered: "Let me arrange it!"

A dinner between a group of princes, naturally can't be randomly outside. If an enemy caught wind of the news, a great number of people might end up getting involved.

The king's estate was chosen for this dinner party's destination. Since the morning, Song Song had people start cooking the bone soup, boiling it until the soup was bubbling white and started smelling full of aroma. Then he ordered people to invite the princes.

Li Yang was riding his carriage on the way back when his carriage window was suddenly lifted by a hand. He turned his head and saw it was the 5th prince, Li Qing: "What's the matter?"

"Are you going back to your palace?"

"That's right."

"Brother-in-law sent invitations to have us go to the king's estate together to eat dinner. Big brother didn't tell you?"

Li Yang blanked for a second, expression somewhat disappointed and frustrated: "Big brother left the refugee camps for me to take care of alone. He went to Jinwu camp."

Although not spoken outright, Li Qing could still hear the slight grievance in his words. At the start, Li Xiao was pretty involved in the matter with the refugee camps. However, ever since the emperor had Li Yang follow him, Li Xiao changed. In this kind of situation, to say it in a good way, it's that he trusted Li Yang. To say it in a bad way, it's that he didn't want to work together with Li Yang.

Li Qing said: "Jinwu was just repaired and Dongwei burns down. I heard that he received some troops from there. He probably really is swamped with issues right now."

Li Yang was somewhat comforted and said: "Let's go straight to the king's estate then."

The carriage and horse unhurriedly traveled forward. When they passed through a street, Li Qing who was riding next to the window suddenly got off his horse for a moment. Sticking his head outside to look, Li Yang saw him quickly buy some caramel fruits and a plum blossom cake and return. Li Qing gave these things to Li Yang and said: "Shu-er will be there today too."

"Grandma usually doesn't let him eat this much snacks."

"You can eat them also."

Li Yang smiled and opened a bag of hawthorns on a stick and said very lightly: "Thank you."

When they got to the King's estate, Li Shu and Li Yun already arrived.

This was the first time the brothers got together ever since Li Xiao was poisoned. A sense of intimacy rose within their hearts. After they greeted each other, they sat in the pavilion and started chit-chatting and catching up.

Song Song traveled gracefully through the corridor and came in. They immediately stood up to greet him. He smiled slightly and said: "We're all family here today, so let's forgo the etiquettes. Here I cut some fruits and brought some pastries I made myself. You guys can eat this first. I sent someone to call wangye. He should be back soon."

"Thank you for your troubles, brother-in-law."

"No need to be formal."

After Song Song settled the brothers, he left again. Li Shu stared at him until his figure disappeared and exclaimed: "Big brother is so fortunate! Brother-in-law is a really virtuous person."

Li Yun said: "But also a really pitiful person."

Li Yang also added: "Is there any news regarding the recent assasination attempt?"

"The investigation team took over this matter. I have no information here."

Li Qing picked up the wine that Song Song brought over and said: "It's hard for us to finally get together. Let's not talk about work. Careful we'll put Shu-er to sleep."

Li Shu was the only one of these brothers who was still young and idle. He didn't understand what they were talking about at all. The brothers saw his perplexed expression and instantly started laughing together.

Song Song was pacing at the front door. Occasionally, he stuck his head outside to take a look. Yesterday, he specifically instructed Li Xiao to remember to come back early today and don't let his brothers wait for too long. Yet now it's almost dinner time and there's still no shadow of the man.

Frowning, he wondered if Li Xiao was purposely making it hard for his little brothers... Just as he was busy grumbling, he heard the sound of horse steps come closer. He hastily ran over, and upon seeing the man's familiar face, he instantly relaxed.

The servants lead the horse away to the feed. Li Xiao handed over his whip and walked over with a smile: "What's the matter? Why are you this anxious?"

"Your little brothers are all waiting for you. I'm a little worried that they might have felt neglected."

"Today I was very busy. I will explain to them myself."

Song Song reached out to help him take off his cloak: "Then you go ahead to the pavilion first. I'll go get servants to bring up the soup."

"Thank you for the hard work."

Li Xiao watched his figure leave. As Song Song walked away, it seemed like he had some kind of feeling, because he spun around and waved at Li Xiao: "Hurry up and go!"

It's really like the proverb 'the emperor's not worried but the servant is.' Li Xiao didn't even feel like it's a crime for him to let his little brothers wait, Song Song already started to feel guilty for him. Inside his head, Li Xiao wanted to ridicule him a bit for his action, but on second thought realized that this was a sign that Song Song was becoming closer with him, so couldn't help but laugh out loud.

After waiting for such a long time, the brothers started to become restless.

Only Li Shu continued to eat carefreely. Li Yun said first: "I wonder if big brother was hindered by something today?"

Li Yang seemed a bit disappointed: "Maybe he can't make it."

The people around the table fell silent. To invite people over, but not show up himself. No matter how one looks at it, it's completely lacking in manners. The little brothers who originally planned to rekindle family feelings all started to feel that their big brother probably... didn't want them anymore.

The atmosphere maintained for about 15 minutes when the sound of laughter traveled over: "Everyone is already here? Really sorry. Today there were a lot of things going on at the barracks. I'll punish myself with three cups of wine."

Song Song walked ahead only to make a circle back. He secretly followed Li Xiao over and hid behind a pillar, watching them sneakily from afar. He was a little worried that Li Xiao might act insensitive and make the atmosphere more awkward.

Song Song also had brothers and sisters, but they were raised by madam Song. Since youth, they were taught to view Song Song as the enemy, and therefore they weren't close at all. However, he could see that although Li Xiao's brothers look cold and distant in appearance, internally they really cared a lot about their big brother. Or else they wouldn't have stayed and waited for so long.

If possible, of course he wanted Li Xiao to have brothers who supported him wholeheartedly so that after he ascended the throne, they could also help each other.

When he heard that Li Xiao was willing to apologize by punishing himself with 3 cups of wine, he instantly felt relieved. Leaving from behind the pillar, he went to take care of dinner.

The atmosphere at the table instantly became livelier due to Li Xiao's candid behavior. Li Yun's face was content. As the second oldest, Li Yang also felt moved and stood up to drink his cup of wine similarly: "Cheers, big brother!"

Li Xiao put down his cup, his gaze landing on Li Yang and he smiled faintly: "Cheers."

Not really knowing why, Li Yang felt like he could see some coldness from Li Xiao's eyes. He picked up his cup to cover up his face and drained his wine in one gulp.

The hot steaming soup was brought over very quickly. Li Shu exclaimed excitedly: "I never thought I'd be able to eat the hot pot made by brother-in-law's own hands. It smells really good!"

Song Song placed the dishes one by one on the rack on the side and said: "If it smells good, then eat a lot. Enjoy it slowly, no rush."

"Brother-in-law, come join us."

"What I'm eating is even better than yours." Song Song blinked, his gaze landed on Li Xiao. The latter gave him a well-behaved expression, so he felt relieved enough to turn and leave.

Lately, he couldn't eat too much meat. When he went back, he ate his own special meal and then walked to the back corridors to peek in on the group.

Undeniably, emperor Hong Ren raised his sons extremely well. The princes exchanged cups and dishes, looking just like brothers in a normal household. Song Song stood for a while. Gradually, he felt a little cold so wrapped himself up and was about to leave when he suddenly saw Li Yang jump up. The wind carried the sound of his voice to Song Song's ears--

"In big brother's eyes... I'm not the same as the other brothers, right? Just because, because my mother became the empress. Because she stole your mother's position. Because I also stole your position. That's why you hate me, isn't that right?"

Li Xiao didn't move. He said calmly: "You're drunk."

Upon seeing the situation, Li Qing grabbed his cloak to place over Li Yang's shoulders. Li Yang, however, reached out his hand to push him. It was apparent that he really was drunk. Face red, neck red, even his eyes were red: "I don't know what I did wrong. Why all of the sudden, everything changed... The expression that you look at me with is completely different from when you look at the other brothers. I can tell. Can you give me a reason? Today, today, all of us brothers are here... please give me a reason!"

Afraid Li Yang would anger Li Xiao, Li Yun shook his head as he helped Li Qing grab him: "5th brother. You should send him back."

Li Qing helped him put on his cloak again and said in a heavy voice: "Let's call it a day here. We will be leaving first."

Song Song stood there, watching Li Qing lead Li Yang away with an arm around his shoulder. Li Yang swayed back and forth, as if he was about to head back and continue asking Li Xiao for an explanation. Li Qing half supported and half carried him. When they reached Song Song, he could see Li Yang's tearful eyes full of grievances. Li Qing said softly: "Apologies."

They walked past him. Following them came Li Yun swaying by as he walked supported by his little servant. He saluted and said: "Many thanks for the hospitality. I really enjoyed myself today... goodbye."

He staggered. Song Song hastily helped steady him and said: "Be careful on the road."

Li Shu didn't drink much. He sat at the table, sneaking glances at his heavy faced big brother. Quietly like a little mouse, he picked up the leftover pastries on the table and scurried out. Song Song reminded him: "Slow down. Wait to leave with the bodyguard."

Still worried, he found steward Qi to find people to send the brothers back individually. When he returned, Li Xiao still sat in front of the table.

On the floor were a few empty pots of wine. Song Song walked over and sat beside him. He said gently: "Your highness?"

Resting his chin on a hand, Li Xiao turned his face to look at him. Then he reached out his other hand to squeeze Song Song's soft face. He said in a hoarse voice: "Did you see that? This king didn't even feel wronged, he already felt wronged first."

Song Song didn't know how to comfort Li Xiao. What Li Yang said was correct. Li Xiao's treatment of him was biased. When he was with the other brothers, even if he was a little distant, the others wouldn't feel like he hated them. However, it wasn't the same for Li Yang.

Every time Li Xiao looked at him, his eyes carried a hard to detect disgust and killing intent. Maybe he already used his all to hide it, but the barrier in his heart couldn't be so easily removed.

However Li Yang really didn't do anything wrong.

Song Song held his hand and said: "Looks like Li Yang felt so upset, he cried. Does your highness also want to cry?"

Li Xiao narrowed his eyes to look at him. Slowly, he said: "A little."

Song Song pulled his chair closer and held open both of his arms: "Let me give you a hug. You can cry all you want."

Li Xiao was suddenly amused by his words. Smelling of liquor all over, he leaned over to kiss Song Song's mouth: "You want to laugh at this king."

"I would never laugh at your highness." Song Song pursed his kissed lips: "I'm super nice."

"Then why do you want to see this king cry?"

"Because... "Song Song thought for a moment and said deliberately: "I think if you cried, it would definitely attract people to want to protect you and love you tenderly."

Li Xiao's smile deepened, abruptly sweeping away his mood. His expression changed to hold some bad intentions: "Song-er's words really make a person's heart pound."

Song Song froze, then heard the sound of clattering. Li Xiao had swept off all the bowls and plates off the table and placed him on top.

Extremely startled, Song Song hastily grabbed his hand: "Don't..."

Li Xiao stood up and bent over to taste his lips slowly, the tip of his nose rubbing against his. His intense, undeniable manner combined with a gust of cool air made Song Song shiver and unconsciously duck his head. After a few minutes, Song Song realized that Li Xiao really planned to start bullying him right here, and instantly was scared to tears: "We'll be seen here.... I'm cold!"

Li Xiao's lips brushed past his scar. Song Song quivered again, then said in a shaky righteous tone of voice: "The little prince is cold! He'll be frozen solid!"

His restless, wet eyes crossed with Li Xiao's. The man kissed him on the lips again, and temporarily put an end to this 'bullying.'

Lightly teasing, he said: "How could I be as attractive as Song-er?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Scared Scared: Petty! Love to hold grudges! Unwanted!

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 59: Pervert

As soon as Song Song was released, he immediately straightened out his clothes.

As soon as Li Xiao started his movements, the servants already quickly looked away. However, Song Song still felt an unavoidable bashfulness in his heart. This act of Li Xiao was really way too frivolous, he was somewhat... unable to bear it.

He lifted his foot and started walking towards the main house. When he noticed that Li Xiao didn't follow him, he stopped to look at him. Li Xiao chuckled lightly and reached out his hand to loop around his waist, saying into his ear: "And here I thought Song-er got angry."

He was a little angry.

Song Song pressed his lips together and didn't answer.

Ever since Li Xiao got majorly drunk during the wedding night, normally he was pretty moderate with his drinks. Nevertheless, after they returned, Song Song still ordered someone to make Li Xiao some hangover soup.

Li Xiao undressed and got into bed. He laid on top watching Song Song: "Still angry?"

Song Song rolled his eyes at him and said: "No."

"Still dare to glare at me? Come here."

"... ..." Song Song put down the soup bowl. As soon as he walked over, he was fished over by Li Xiao. His slender waist was instantly held within the man's arms.

Song Song's now healthy body was soft to touch. The soap smell from his body was light and captivating. Li Xiao's lightly cooled nose touched his face, and he said hoarsely: "This husband feels a bit bad."

Although Song Song acted upset with him outwardly, he really didn't take it to heart. When he heard Li Xiao's words, he reached out and hugged Li Xiao. Lightly patting his head, Song Song consoled him: "Alright alright. Let me hug you. Don't feel bad."

He thought about Li Yang and couldn't help but sigh in his head. Clearly a pair of good brothers, how could they encounter this kind of thing.

Li Xiao held on to him deeply, his cheek buried into Song Song's neck. His long fingers stroking through Song Song's long black hair, he hugged him tighter and panted lowly next to his ear: "Feels worse...."

How could he feel worse?

Song Song blanked for a moment, then finally realized that Li Xiao didn't feel bad because of his emotional troubles, but rather because of what they were doing on the table earlier.

Cheeks burning, he immediately reached out his hands to push. However, because the other had hugged him so tightly, he couldn't push away at all, so Song Song continued to play dumb: "Your highness, do you want to vent to someone.... Go ahead, I'll listen."

"This king's heart is indeed filled with many passionate words to give to Song-er."

"Then.. then go ahead."

"Need to be a little closer first." Li Xiao turned his head: "Song-er needs to be more receptive...so this king can say everything."

"You..."

Li Xiao took Song Song's hands and brought them over. He kissed Song Song's cheek and said: "I'm in Song-er's hands now."

Li Yang was half supported and half carried out of the king's estate by Li Qing, but he refused to get on his carriage.

Li Xiao returned late. Around this area, other than the lively Yongchun street, the other places were already empty of people. Li Qing could only steady him: "Where do you want to go?"

"To... find big brother, and ask clearly."

He swayed, clearly not thinking straight. Rushing over to a big tree, he grabbed it and started shaking it: "Why? Why do you treat me differently? Why do you hate me? Tell me... ..."

Li Qing walked over to watch him. The tree was as silent as Li Xiao. Li Yang couldn't possibly get an answer.

Li Qing also stood silently on the side and let him continue to stumble around, until it seemed like Li Yang abruptly had a new idea: "I... I'm going to ask mother. Mother definitely knows."

He staggered, and was steadied by Li Qing again: "It's already this late. Why don't you go ask tomorrow. Mother is probably asleep by now."

Shaking his head, Li Yang stumbled over to the horse he rode over. However, his limbs were weak so even after a long while, he still couldn't climb on. Li Qing paused, then helped him get on the horse, asking: "Are you sure you want to enter the palace right now?"

Li Yang nodded vigorously. He squeezed the horse's flanks and pulled on the reins. Two steps later, his whole body fell off.

The servants to the side were all scared to death. Li Qing quickly stepped forward to catch him. Suddenly falling from such a high height, the abrupt loss of control seemed to almost jolt Li Yang awake a little. He blinked: "Qing-er... "

Li Qing grabbed him around the waist and steadied him, saying faintly: "It's already late. Are you sure you want to enter the palace to find mother?"

Li Yang blanked for a long time, his cheeks as well as his eyes were both red. Gradually, it seemed like his feverish state receded. He slowly shook his head.

"Then let's return in the carriage. I'll take you back."

Li Yang didn't resist anymore. When he walked in front of the carriage, his waist was supported by someone as he climbed in with soft arms and legs. After he fell into his seat, he dazed off for a little longer, then rubbed at his eyes hard with his hands.

The temperature within the carriage rose. His finally cleared head started to feel hot again. Li Qing lifted the curtains from outside and saw Li Yang curled up inside on the seat, crying with his face covered.

The rumours that traveled around outside always said that the crown prince was a fat rabbit and wangye was a mad wolf. Some people felt that this rabbit definitely couldn't be a real rabbit like the rumours said, otherwise how could he have become the crown prince.

Everyone believed that in the royal family, every prince wanted indubitably to sit on the throne. However, this wasn't the case in reality. Li Qing walked into the carriage to help him up, but Li Yang curled up more in the corner not saying a word.

Emperor Hong Ren knew they weren't born from the same mother, Afraid they would feel estranged from each other, after he finished the affairs of the nation, he spent the rest of his time on his sons.

Li Xiao was taught to love and protect his younger brothers, no matter what.

The princes were placed in the same living quarters to eat and sleep. It was unknown how the information got out. Someone sent assassins and accidentally captured Li Yang as a hostage. At that time Li Xiao was only 9 years old, but even then, his courage was astonishing. He said: "What's the point of grabbing him? He's just the son of a concubine. He's uneducated and weak. No one cares if there was one more or one less of him in the royal family. If I were the emperor, even if you killed him, I'd still find the person who sent you."

The assassin was pretty open minded: "Looks like the crown prince, your highness, wants to do an exchange with me?"

The 9 year old Li Xiao wearing plain indoor clothes casually spread over his arms and smiled slightly: "If you want a hostage, wouldn't I be more valuable?"

While the assassin hesitated, Li Yang hastily yelled: "Big brother dont... ..."

Li Xiao shot him a cold look that made him shut up immediately. The assassin's eyes gained a bit of interest: "If I were to capture and bring you back, my master will definitely reward me well."

The battle against the nation of Jin started from this moment.

Li Xiao was brought away by that assassin. Because his age was small, the assassin gradually lowered his guard against him after they left the capital. Sometimes, he even discussed attack plans with his subordinates right in front of Li Xiao. He never would have thought that Li Xiao had been in contact and communicating with his own nation's agents during the entire trip. When they almost reached the border, the assassin was captured.

The base for the assassins from the nation of Jin was even razed to the ground.

When he came back, the first thing Li Xiao did was to visit Li Yang. He said to him: "I called you worthless just to trick the assassin. Did you take it seriously?"

Li Yang naturally only shook his head.

The younger would always subconsciously worship the elder. Li Yang was the 2nd oldest brother so Li Xiao was the person he worshipped and adored the most in his youth.

When Li Xiao went insane and was locked up in a cage, unable to recognize anyone. Li Yang made Li Qing help him visit Li Xiao once. He was almost directly choked to death by Li Xiao. After that, the emperor forbade him from going anywhere near Li Xiao. Then after that, Li Xiao became sometimes good, sometimes bad and was released from the cage. Li Yang also went to see him. At first, he said to Li Qing: "Big brother's illness is unstable. He's probably afraid to hurt me."

After that he said: "I think big brother.... might dislike me."

Then after that, he seemed to have realized something and no longer mentioned this matter anymore.

Until today, under the influence of liquor, he finally asked the question he had suppressed for many years. Unfortunately, Li Xiao still didn't answer him.

Li Qing fell silent for a long time again. He slowly reached out, and patted Li Yang on the shoulder.

Inside the main house, the bed curtains covered up everything completely. The smell of xxxx permeated the air. Song Song was curled up in the corner with his back facing Li Xiao. He heard the man behind him move a little and then stick against him: "Song-er?"

Song Song's ears and neck were both red as hell. He raised the blankets to the top of his head and covered himself up, trying to ignore Li Xiao.

Clearly the other was a noble king, yet... why does he act like a scoundrel sometimes?

"Is Song-er asleep?"

An arm circled his waist. Li Xiao mumbled: "Really asleep? Then this king will... "

"... ...!" Song Song grabbed that hand and started hitting him out of embarrassment and rage: "Can't you rest a little?!"

"I still have to thank Song-er for feeling willing to help relieve me today. This husband feels much better now."

"... ..." Ah---!

Song Song wordlessly screamed in his heart and wanted to cry. He felt like Li Xiao shouldn't be like this. In the previous life, Li Xiao wasn't like this! Their first night was rough but also tender. Although he couldn't remember the details now, he knew that this man... shouldn't be behaving like a pervert.

He definitely felt like something went wrong. How could the dignified, coldhearted emperor of the previous life be this.... this shameless man in front of him.

He buried himself deeper into the blankets.

He felt that it wasn't blood flowing in his body, but lava, burning his bones and flesh. His ears felt like they were smoking from the heat. He completely didn't notice Li Xiao was currently patiently looking at him.

Li Xiao's mood today was indeed very poor. If it were in the past, and he was in a bad mood, he would probably go practice sword in the backyard or maybe even have a random outburst. However, now it was no longer the same.

He had a little plaything to tease---

No, not a plaything. It's his little wife.

Song Song suffocated himself for a while. After becoming sweaty all over, he had no choice but to come out. His reddened ears looked like they were painted with oil. His white cheeks looked like they were tender meat ready to be placed on the grill. He fiddled with the long hair sticking to his cheek and upon discovering that there was no movement behind him, he slowly turned his head to look.

The man was propped up on one hand, looking at him with a smile.

Song Song immediately turned back, and heard a light chuckle from behind him. The man peeled off the blankets wrapped around him and pulled him into his arms: "I won't tease Song-er anymore, so don't ignore me."

"You... "

He finally realized afterwards that Li Xiao was a little drunk. His gentle eyes carried a shine, and his handsome face was leaned very close... Close enough he felt like he was going to be infected by his intoxication as well.

But intoxication couldn't be transferred like that.

Song Song looked down and lightly huffed: "If you... if you keep messing around, then I'll keep ignoring you."

"I wasn't messing around." Li Xiao lazily held him: "Please don't slander me, Song-er."

"Right. You weren't, you weren't messing around. You were.... "

"En?"

Being a pervert.

Song Song frowned and looked at him bitterly. He also felt a little bad.

Because he suddenly felt that a slightly intoxicated Li Xiao, speaking in that lazy tone of voice and looking at him with a soft gentle gaze, was extremely seductive.

He slightly moved a little, accidently touching the little Li Xiao that he just relieved with his own hands.

The sight of it when it grew bigger...

Really makes a person flush red.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

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Chapter 60 An unreasonable tantrum

It wasn't until in the later half of the night that Song Song finally fell into deep sleep, because Li Xiao, using the excuse of being drunk, continued to mess with him the entire time.

His voice was very soft, carrying a hint of smile while he continued to say all sorts of things into Song Song's ears. In the end, Song Song had to cover his mouth with a palm, which was promptly kissed in return. Really overwhelmed, Song Song couldn't resist threatening him: "If you keep going then I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Not sure if what he said was effective, or because Li Xiao was actually a bit tired, the man finally calmed down and let Song Song go to sleep.

When he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Li Xiao was no longer next to him. The stew that was simmering on the stove looked touched, clearly eaten by the early rising man. Song Song took it to be washed by the servants. He ate his breakfast and then threw up again in the spittoon soon after. After laying around limply for a rest, he eventually gathered enough energy to go take care of his flowers.

Not long after, someone came to report that the crown prince came to visit. Song Song was momentarily surprised, then chuckled and said: "Please trouble him to wait for a second."

When he finished tidying up everything and went out, the crown prince came over with a little gift. His face carried a hint of shame: "Yesterday I was drunk. Not sure if I offended brother-in-law or not so I came to apologize. Please forgive me."

He bowed deeply. Song Song hastily helped him up and said: "You brothers finally managed to have a gathering. It's understable for you to drink excessively out of joy. No need to blame yourself."

The crown prince sat to his side and continued to converse with him for a while. He asked cautiously: "Yesterday after I left, was big brother angry?"

"Your big brother is always like this." Song Song comforted him in a warm tone: "In the end, you're brothers. Between brothers, is there any reason to hold a grudge? You don't need to worry."

Li Yang seemed like he let out a breath of relief, but his brows furrowed more. He said softly: "Okay then."

He sat for a while longer, looking like he wanted to say something. But in the end, he still swallowed it down and left.

The following few days, Li Xiao was held back by the emperor to discuss official business in the palace. There seemed to be some activity in the capital, however, Song Song didn't ask too much regarding this matter. Yet for his safety, Li Xiao still would let him know a little here and there.

Because of the assassination attempt at the king's estate, Li Xiao began to privately investigate the secret agents from the nation of Jin. What happened last time was unusual. That person wanted to throw the blame on the empress no doubt because he knew about Li Xiao and the empress's fight beneath the surface. However, just who this person was still remained unknown for the moment.

Before this matter was investigated clearly, the front lines suddenly sent an urgent missive. General Yan, who was able to breach three of the nation of Jin's cities consecutively, was attacked by an expert fighter from the nation of Jin. With his life in imminent peril, the troop's morale also received a heavy blow.

This General Yan originally was a trusted deputy general serving under Li Xiao. To place him at the front line was also recommended by Li Xiao. Now that this unforeseen event occured, the court scrambled over a quick countermeasure.

Reportedly, to calm down the troops, the advisor that General Yan brought with him already told the troops that the court would send a capable big general forth to provide support. However, if the reinforcements do not appear by the time General Yan perishes, not only would they lose all of the cities they just seized, they might even lose their own territories.

Once again, Li Xiao returned home late. When he turned the corner of the street, he could easily see the two shining lanterns hanging at the entrance of the king's estate. He walked through the door and headed to the main house. The stone lanterns to the side of the path were also lit up bright.

At the door stood a long silhouette, currently looking towards his direction. Upon seeing him return, the figure quickly walked over: "Your highness."

"It's already very late. Don't wait outside for me in the future."

"I saw that you've been returning later and later every night. I was a little worried."

"Father is getting on in age and his health is getting worse. He's been letting me help him deal with the political affairs lately."

Song Song handed him a hand warmer, but Li Xiao stuffed it back: "I don't need it."

Song Song touched his hands, and felt they were warm, so relaxed.

Li Xiao took the chance to squeeze his soft thin fingers and lead him into the room. He ate the nighttime snack that Song Song had prepared for him. Then Song Song brought over water to help him wash his feet. However, Li Xiao grabbed his hands to stop him: "Your body's not suitable for work right now. Don't tire yourself out."

"I'm still good." He still didn't look too pregnant at the moment. It wasn't inconvenient to serve Li Xiao. This was also his duty.

Li Xiao washed up himself then ordered servants to carry the water outside. He pulled Song Song onto the bed and cradled him into his arms. He gazed out the window at the bright light in the courtyard and said: "This king didn't like the light in the past."

"How come?"

"Because where there's light, there's shadow."

Song Song's eyelashes blinked, vaguely remembering in the previous life, after Li Xiao became emperor, he also didn't like the light very much. His resting palace was always darker than everywhere else. He remembered that that day after Li Xiao had his episode, he actually decreed that the capital was not allowed to light any fires. The entire imperial city fell into darkness, as if it were a ghost city.

His personality in the previous life was eccentric and antisocial. He also had a rule within the palace. On the last day of every month, all the lights must be extinguished in the palace. All violators were executed.

Song Song was very curious as to what he did on that day, so secretly followed him once. He learned only then that Li Xiao went to the pagoda. Bottles of liquor scattered all around his feet on the floor, he drank the entire night.

Song Song hugged Li Xiao around the waist with both arms and asked curiously: "What's wrong with having a shadow?"

"One person's shadow... seems a little cold."

Song Song couldn't resist smiling. He placed his chin on Li Xiao's chest and looked up at him: "What about now?"

"Now, when I see the light at the king's estate, I know you're here and feel much warmer."

The corner of Song Song's mouth curved: "As long as your highness doesn't kick me out, then I'll accompany you always."

"Do you want this king to ascend the throne?"

Even though Song Song was already used to Li Xiao talking about this, he still couldn't help but feel startled at hearing those words. Frowning, he replied in a small voice: "Of course I want you to."

"If I became the emperor and had a harem, what would you do?"

Song Song never really thought about this before. He hesitated for a moment, faintly feeling somewhat uneasy in his heart, but still answered quickly: "When that happens, you will be the most respected person in the world. If you had a harem, that's to be expected."

Li Xiao looked at him for a moment and said: "Are you telling the truth right now?

Song Song looked down, pressed his mouth together and said: "Of course it's the truth."

Li Xiao squeezed his chin: "Really?"

His eyes were pitched black when Song Song's gaze crossed with his. Suddenly feeling choked up, Song Song said sulkily: "It's not like I can stop the ruler of the nation."

He was upset, but Li Xiao seemed pleased by his grievance. He raised his eyebrow and said: "I'll give you a special privilege. As long as you ask, Zhen will listen."

"You.... aren't yet!"

Wrinkling his nose, Song Song pushed him aside and flipped over. However, he was pulled back into Li Xiao's arms again: "Today I discussed with father. I will be bringing troops to support the front line."

Song Song looked tranquil from the back. He didn't give any response. Li Xiao propped himself up to look over at him. He could only see half of the other's face and his damp eyelashes. He didn't get a chance to open his mouth yet, when a hand pressed in his face. Song Song had reached back to push him away and said: "I know."

His voice sounded a little stuffy. Li Xiao asked: "Who told you?"

"I guessed it... "

Song Song paused. He felt he was really strange. When Li Xiao said those words, he suddenly couldn't resist the tears filling his eyes. He blinked vigorously and said: "Steward Qi said before. After the wedding, you already declined bringing troops. This time you definitely couldn't decline again."

Maybe there were people who even complained that Li Xiao was evading his responsibilities. Originally he was the one appointed to go, but he recommended someone else. Now something happened to that person, resulting in a loss of troops and a general. Therefore, some people would feel that if Li Xiao had gone in the first place, then those troops wouldn't have died.

Li Xiao laid behind him, his gaze focused on the back of his wangfei's head. He reached out and poked Song Song once. Song Song didn't move. He poked him again. Song Song still didn't move. Li Xiao raised his hand again. Song Song abruptly turned around to glare at him: "What are you doing?"

When he glared, he looked extremely spoiled.

The two husbands' heads lay quietly on the pillow. They crossed gazes. Li Xiao said: "If Song-er can't bear it, then this king still has other people I can recommend."

Song Song replied gloomily: "In your highness's heart, am I so inconsiderate?"

Li Xiao said: "My mother was also an considerate person. She invited empress Qin into her house. Does Song-er want to learn from her, and help arrange marriages for this king?"

How did they arrive on this topic?

Song Song said: "If your highness wants to, then of course I will help you make arrangements. If your highness doesn't want to, then I'll throw every single one of them out as they come."

Li Xiao looked at him for a while, then said with a grave frown. "Did you know you just violated the 7th rule."

Song Song's head blanked: "What, what 7th... "

He immediately started to search his head for what 7 rules Li Xiao was talking about. Then he quickly thought about what he just said, confirming that his decision was made taking Li Xiao's point of view into account.

He was somewhat bewildered, unable to make heads or tails of this matter.

Until Li Xiao opened his mouth and said: "You're not jealous. That's violating the 7th rule. This king can immediately divorce you."

Song Song: "... ..."

He glared at Li Xiao again, reached out his hand to pinch him. Li Xiao hugged him tightly again: "If nothing happens, then tomorrow this king will be picking troops for departure. Can't Song-er just... pretend to be jealous for a second?"

Song Song said angrily: "I will never arrange weddings for your highness willingly! Your highness can only belong to me! How's that?"

When he said this, his eyes were shining merrily. Because he was speaking the true words from his heart.

However, Li Xiao said: "You can show your jealousy a little more."

This time, Song Song thought for a while then said: "Jealousy can turn a person ugly. I don't want to become like that."

Li Xiao looked at him for a while, his head flashed an image of madam Song. Li Xiao hugged him again in his arms: "That kind of Song-er I also like."

Looking down, Song Song grasped Li Xiao's clothes with his fingers. After a while, he said in a small voice: "I also like your highness."

Li Xiao immediately turned to look at him, his gaze scorching: "Say it again."

Song Song took a breath, and looked up, as if giving himself courage. He kissed Li Xiao briefly on the lips and said: "I... I also like your highness!"

He said: "You don't need to keep probing me out. And you don't need to think too much anymore. I really really like your highness. However, I don't want to become a strange person because of my feelings... ... everything you give me, I want it all. What you don't give me, I won't try to steal it. But even if I don't say it or don't do anything, it doesn't mean that I'm not jealous. I'm very grateful that you treat me this well. I will also always, always treat your highness well."

Li Xiao looked at him for a while.

He knew how much madam Song liked Song Guogong back then. He heard that madam Song actively pursued Song Guogong. At that time Song Guogong already was engaged to Fu Xiang, but she used her family background to interject herself.

And also the empress, if it weren't because of jealousy, then everything wouldn't have become like this.

A jealous heart is a very scary thing. Song Song has it but he knew better and

was content with what he has. He made himself pretty clear. He would do whatever Li Xiao wanted him to do. But if Li Xiao didn't ask for it, then he also won't take the initiative to give it.

Although he heard what he wanted to hear, but as Li Xiao looked at him, his heart still felt a little yearning.

"This king still thinks.... if Song-er knew how to throw an unreasonable tantrum, then you'd be even cuter."

Song Song: "......"

He wordlessly looked at Li Xiao for a while, then suddenly lifted his hand. He hesitantly smacked him once.

Li Xiao: "?"

"You... you're bringing troops to battle tomorrow, who knows if someone will try to stick women in your tent when you get there... "

Li Xiao's face was full of anticipation and encouragement.

Observing his reaction carefully, Song Song said bravely: "You're not allowed to touch other people! If I find out..."

Li Xiao said cautiously, as if afraid to scare him: "If you find out, what will you do?"

Song Song looked down and thought for a while, then said: "I'll find you lots of pretty women."

Li Xiao didn't speak for a long time.

Until Song Song opened his mouth and threatened sulkily: "... ... and I won't like you anymore."

Li Xiao exhaled slowly and said sincerely: "That's really too terrifying."

Song Song looked at him and saw some honesty from his expression and said in a small voice: "You better remember it well."

~~~~~~~~~

The writer has something to say:

Who knows, maybe when he comes back, his wife will know how to throw a tantrum!

And, the weather's cold. It's time to give the empress a bento.

(Note: Means that the empress' time is up)