The patient was in a deep sleep, and Qin Yuanxi had been on edge, standing guard by the bedside. He didn’t even know when he had slumped beside the bed and dozed off himself. In a hazy state, he felt a sudden sting on his finger, and when he jolted awake, he found his finger caught between someone’s teeth. The posture was undeniably suggestive.
Attempting to pull away proved futile.
Only Zhao Tuo could be so audacious.
“You’re awake?” Qin Yuanxi felt a bit awkward but still managed to communicate with Zhao Tuo in the most normal tone possible. “Is there anything uncomfortable? Should I call the imperial physician to check again?”
“What’s wrong with me?” Zhao Tuo finally released Qin Yuanxi’s hand, sat up against the pillow, and then clasped Qin Yuanxi’s hand in his palm. As if not holding onto Qin Yuanxi’s hand would render him speechless, he said, “Feels like my head is a bit heavy.”
“You’re sick.” Qin Yuanxi decided to take the initiative. “The imperial physician said your exhaustion has affected your spirits, prescribed some medicine, and is currently brewing it.”
While talking, he shot a reproachful look at Zhao Tuo. “I don’t know what you’ve been up to lately. Can’t see you around, claiming you’re going to accompany me in the villa. The result? If people didn’t know better, they’d think you were sent by the palace for some errand. Made it seem like I’m living under a tyrant, and you’re suffering, ending up sick.”
“Speaking of which, what have you been doing during this time?” Qin Yuanxi’s tone became increasingly dissatisfied. “Not only neglecting me and the child but also making yourself sick. Do you think you’re made of iron or something?”
“Angry?”
Zhao Tuo held onto Qin Yuanxi’s hand, pulling him closer. “Ah Xi, don’t be mad, okay? How could I not have you and the child in my heart? It’s precisely because they’re in my heart that…” Zhao Tuo paused, lowering his head to gently touch Qin Yuanxi’s belly. “As the months go by, the child is about to be born. There are still many things to handle. I’ve been busy finding a wet nurse and dealing with other trivial matters. I couldn’t trust anyone else to handle it.”
“Finding a wet nurse?”
Qin Yuanxi didn’t expect to hear such an answer. Honestly, even if Zhao Tuo didn’t answer, he wouldn’t be surprised. A person busy preparing for a rebellion outside wouldn’t be expected to think about finding a wet nurse for the child.
“Yeah, the Marquis Anbo’s grandson is also about to be born. I’ve hired an experienced wet nurse from there. She’s already come and is temporarily staying. After the little prince is born, she can return to the palace with us. I’ve checked; she’s trustworthy. She’s the dowry daughter of the Marquis Anbo’s family, responsible for seventy lives in their household. Absolutely loyal, won’t have any other thoughts.”
Qin Yuanxi wore a somewhat embarrassed smile. “Why does it involve the lives of seventy people in Marquis Anbo’s family? Isn’t this a bit…”
“Your Majesty doesn’t understand.” Zhao Tuo’s expression, for once, became serious. “The young prince is vulnerable, a slight mistake could lead to irreparable consequences. The safety of the little prince is of paramount importance, and we must be cautious.”
“You’re worried someone might harm him?”
“Just taking precautions.” Zhao Tuo caressed Qin Yuanxi’s belly, his serious expression softened with warmth. “I won’t allow anything untoward to happen to the little prince.”
Zhao Tuo’s hand gently stroked the belly, and Qin Yuanxi forced a smile.
Actually, Zhao Tuo wasn’t entirely wrong. The safety of the little prince was indeed crucial. However, Qin Yuanxi’s perspective might differ. He wondered who Zhao Tuo considered as the hypothetical enemy. From Qin Yuanxi’s point of view, the person beside him might be the most dangerous.
If Zhao Tuo were to rebel, from any angle, he was the most likely person to pose a threat to the little prince. And now, this guy was suspicious of others?
“Good, you reminded me. The little prince’s safety should indeed be safeguarded.” Qin Yuanxi nodded, expressing agreement. “But, you don’t need to worry about these trivial matters. Look at you; your complexion has worsened from days of labor. The physician said you need proper rest now. Don’t collapse before our child is born. Who will take care of us then?”
“But…”
Qin Yuanxi covered Zhao Tuo’s mouth. “Promise me! Within your means. Right now, the most important thing is for you to be with me. Let’s adjust our state to the best and wait for the baby to be born together. Everything else is not that important, okay?”
Zhao Tuo’s eyelashes were quite long. If you solely looked at those eyes, Qin Yuanxi would think he was a very pure and kind person, gentle and good-natured—the ideal image of a companion, or at least that’s what he thought initially. However, some people, despite having clean and large eyes, could still commit outrageous and insane acts!
“Starting today, you’re not allowed to leave my side. Wherever I am, you stay. No more frequent outings.” Qin Yuanxi’s tone carried a hint of grievance. “The child is about to be born. What if you’re out somewhere, and I suddenly go into labor? If I send someone to find you, will they make it in time? Or are you planning to miss the birth of our child?”
Zhao Tuo shook his head repeatedly, and his eyelashes brushed against Qin Yuanxi’s fingers, causing a tickling sensation.
“Promise?” Qin Yuanxi asked again to confirm. “Stay with me and stop running around.”
Again, Zhao Tuo nodded repeatedly. Qin Yuanxi then revealed a smile, released his hand, and willingly embraced Zhao Tuo. “That’s a good boy. Keep your word. You have no idea; these days, I’ve been all alone in the palace. It’s so boring without anyone to talk to.”
“Can you wait for me to finish one more thing and then come back to accompany Your Majesty, and I won’t go out anymore?”
Zhao Tuo’s words had just left his mouth when Qin Yuanxi’s expression immediately changed. His reaction was quicker than flipping a page; he let go of Zhao Tuo and pushed him out. The slight tenderness from a moment ago vanished instantly.
With a faint smirk and a tone tinged with mockery, Qin Yuanxi said, “Go ahead. Can I stop you? I’ll just give birth on my own here. What’s the big deal? Cut open my belly, take the baby out. Whether it’s life or death, it’s my own business. Do whatever you want. What does it have to do with me and the child? Neither of us is important, and nothing outside matters!”
As he spoke, Qin Yuanxi realized his emotions were slipping out of control. He almost said something he shouldn’t have.
Originally, he intended to use this situation to delay Zhao Tuo’s actions. By keeping Zhao Tuo by his side, when Prince Lu wakes up, Qin Yuanxi could go out and make more plans to spoil Zhao Tuo’s rebellion. He initially thought of resolving this with a small tantrum, but once his emotions surged, he found himself losing control.
His chest heaved violently; he had narrowly avoided revealing Zhao Tuo’s treasonous plans. That was a close call.
“Tell me the truth!” Qin Yuanxi clenched his sleeves, two tears forcing their way out. “Do you have other affairs outside? Tell me the truth; I won’t stop you. It’s a mutual agreement, no big deal. If you tell me the truth and want to go somewhere else, I won’t… I won’t…”
Before he could finish his harsh words, Zhao Tuo had already embraced him.
“Where are these other affairs? How could I? There’s only you, only Ah Xi.”
Unable to see Zhao Tuo’s face, Qin Yuanxi could only hear his voice. The two tears, initially forced out, now stung his nose. Upon hearing Zhao Tuo’s tender voice, he couldn’t hold back, and tears streamed down.
Once the tears fell, the accumulated grievances surged uncontrollably. Since the moment Qin Yuanxi knew Zhao Tuo harbored ill intentions, he had been holding back. No matter what, he kept himself in check, maintained composure, strength, and rationality. The emotions within him were consistently suppressed. Unfortunately, at this very moment, they burst forth uncontrollably.
His hand clenched into a fist, repeatedly hammering on Zhao Tuo’s shoulders with all his might, venting out all his frustration. Ignoring everything, he grabbed Zhao Tuo’s collar, crying hysterically.
“Stop crying, stop crying.” Zhao Tuo gently coaxed, his voice soft. He kissed away the tears on Qin Yuanxi’s face, but unfortunately, the more tender Zhao Tuo’s voice and actions became, the more tears fell from Qin Yuanxi’s eyes. He cried until he had no strength left, collapsing in Zhao Tuo’s arms, gasping for breath in sobs.
In that state, he truly seemed to have suffered immense injustice.
“Alright, stop crying. Promise Your Majesty, I’ll always be by your side, won’t go anywhere, just stay with you. Is that okay?”
“Keep your word, no turning back,” Qin Yuanxi’s voice had turned hoarse, and he felt a bit embarrassed to even hear himself. “I want water.”
“Alright, drink some water.” Zhao Tuo arranged a soft pillow for him, poured water, and fed him sip by sip. “Drink slowly, don’t choke.”
“I don’t want to drink.” After soothing his throat, Qin Yuanxi, in a much better state, grabbed Zhao Tuo’s sleeve and reiterated, “Promise me, from now on, whenever I open my eyes, I should see you. You must be with me all the time, even when I sleep, you have to be by my side. Can you do that?”
“Of course.” Zhao Tuo tidied up his messy hair. “Guarding Your Majesty is my duty.”
After all the fuss, Qin Yuanxi was a bit exhausted. Now, he nestled in Zhao Tuo’s arms, lazy and unwilling to move. Half-closed eyes rested, and when the palace attendant came to report that the medicine was ready, Qin Yuanxi didn’t quite understand. He thought it was some bitter medicine for him and was about to refuse, using his grievances as an excuse: “I don’t want to drink medicine; it’s too bitter. Take it away and throw it.”
“Alright, throw it away.”
At this critical moment, Zhao Tuo didn’t dare to insist. What if he angered Qin Yuanxi again?
“Wait, wait!” Fortunately, Qin Yuanxi realized it himself and quickly called the person back, “Don’t throw it away. This is your medicine. I’m fine. Why would I need medicine? You almost confused me. Drink it, and don’t leave a single drop!”
Not a single drop could be left; this medicine was specially prepared by Yan Shaoning and had a significant effect!
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
