Due to Qin Yuanxi’s little tantrum, as promised, Zhao Tuo indeed didn’t venture out anymore. He stayed by Qin Yuanxi’s side 24/7, taking care of him meticulously. He slipped back into the role of the devoted boyfriend, fulfilling his twenty-four filial duties. When Qin Yuanxi wanted fruit, he peeled and sliced it, feeding it into his mouth. If Qin Yuanxi wanted tea, he personally boiled water and brewed tea, checking the temperature with utmost precision. When Qin Yuanxi felt bored, he’d dance with a sword in the empty courtyard to cheer him up. He even crafted some wooden toys for the unborn child.
Things got a bit complicated!
Sometimes, Zhao Tuo looks at him with such focus, as if he hadn’t thought or done anything else, just accompanying his lover and comforting his child, living a simple and joyful life.
Especially when Qin Yuanxi saw the gentle expression in Zhao Tuo’s eyes, he couldn’t understand why. Zhao Tuo’s affection for the child and concern for himself were palpable. Even if it was an act, it seemed like Zhao Tuo put his heart into it. Was it all for the desire for power? Was it so immense that he was willing to sacrifice his lover and child?
No, it didn’t make sense. It wasn’t clear if the child would be sacrificed, judging by Zhao Tuo’s current state, he cared a lot about the child. The child’s importance far exceeded Qin Yuanxi’s.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Qin Yuanxi touched his belly and murmured softly, “In your dad’s heart, that position should be the most important. You come second. Daddy here is destined to be the sacrificial beauty for the nation and career. Oh, I’m so pitiful!”
After a moment of self-pity, Zhao Tuo walked in with a small rocking horse.
The craftsmanship of the rocking horse was exquisite, and the material seemed to be quite valuable wood, worth a couple thousand. Such a lavish gesture for a simple toy showed the considerable weight this child carried.
“When did you make this? Secretly preparing behind my back?”
Qin Yuanxi gripped the handle of the rocking horse, thinking, “Well, well, he’s quite skilled. He promised to do it under my nose, but I had no idea he was up to this. If he wanted to hide it from me, it’s as easy as pie.”
“I’ve been working on it all along. Didn’t Your Majesty notice?” Zhao Tuo chuckled. “This is the finished product I just assembled. Before, you only saw the small parts. How about it?”
“Assembled?” Qin Yuanxi looked at the rocking horse with surprise. “I thought it was… How do you play with this?”
The rocking horse looked similar to a rocking chair, and initially, Qin Yuanxi assumed it was one of those common, molded wooden horses for kids to rock back and forth. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed the signs of assembly, different from the typical ones in the market.
“It can move.” Zhao Tuo showed Qin Yuanxi the mechanism of the rocking horse. “Putting this down becomes four legs. There’s a mechanism inside the legs. Pull this out, and the horse can move.”
Without knowing how Zhao Tuo tinkered with it, the wooden horse on the floor started rocking. Even Qin Yuanxi, accustomed to various electronic toys, couldn’t help but admire, “It can really move.”
Quite amazed that a wooden thing could walk, his son, although not born in modern times, would still have electric toys to play with—and the best part, no need for electricity. How advanced!
“I’m planning to make a baby crib as well.”
“Another one?” Qin Yuanxi put down the rocking horse, looking at the already piled-up cribs in the room, a bit puzzled. “Don’t we already have one? It’s not like we’re having twins. Why so many cribs? Sleep in this one on odd days and switch on even days? It’s unnecessary, isn’t it?”
“It’s necessary.” Zhao Tuo half-embraced Qin Yuanxi, his hand on his belly, speaking quite earnestly. “The one I made before lacked experience, and the craftsmanship was a bit rough. Plus, I plan to make one that can rock by itself, making it more convenient to soothe the baby. Also, I’ll add a canopy on top where we can hang a little curtain and some small toys.”
It sounded quite luxurious.
Qin Yuanxi chuckled, “Heh, as long as you like it.”
Watching Zhao Tuo’s earnest expression, Qin Yuanxi suddenly reached out and touched his face. “I feel like you really, really like this child, don’t you?”
“Of course, I like him. He’s the child of both of us,” Zhao Tuo said, stumbling a bit on his words when he reached this point. It seemed like he wasn’t sure how to continue, his thin lips pursed, appearing a bit troubled.
Qin Yuanxi didn’t let him off, pressing his thumb against Zhao Tuo’s lips, leaning in to give him a kiss before continuing, “You like him because he’s going to be a prince? He’ll have the status to inherit the realm. Or is it because…”
“No!” Zhao Tuo was a bit urgent. “It doesn’t matter if he’s a prince. As long as he wants something, I’ll give it to him. This realm will be his sooner or later.”
A domineering tone, a hint of arrogance. Although Zhao Tuo didn’t finish his words and didn’t make it entirely clear, Qin Yuanxi understood.
The weight of this child was even heavier than he had thought. Zhao Tuo treated the child well not because he would be a prince by birth, with royal blood running through his veins, allowing Zhao Tuo to wield the prince for his own gain. No, the second possibility remained.
Zhao Tuo regarded this child as his own, in a different sense even though it was true biologically.
In Zhao Tuo’s heart, this child carried his own blood, his flesh and blood. Whether or not there was a connection to the so-called royal lineage was irrelevant. To conquer the world, he could do it for his child, his own flesh and blood, regardless of any royal ties.
It wasn’t as Qin Yuanxi had previously speculated, thinking Zhao Tuo might see the child as a tool to seize power.
Well, truly doting!
Qin Yuanxi touched his belly, really wanting to ask the little one inside what they thought.
“Your dad plans to snatch the empire your daddy left for you and then give it to you. Are you happy? Surprised? Excited?”
“General, the medicine is ready.”
The palace eunuch held the medicine bowl, standing nervously on the side. The Grand General’s expression darkened, displeased. “Withdraw.”
“Withdraw what?!” Qin Yuanxi was one step ahead, snatching the medicine bowl from the eunuch’s hands and handing it to Zhao Tuo. “The physician prescribed this medicine for body conditioning. You must complete three courses of treatment. You haven’t even finished one course, and you refuse to drink it. That won’t do! Health comes first; you must drink it!”
He adopted the same attitude he had when he was forced to take medicine by Lu Bohuan before. He was determined to return the favor. Revenge was one aspect, but there was something more crucial.
This medicine was prescribed by Yan Shaoning, and it wasn’t merely for body conditioning. Earlier, Qin Yuanxi had gone to great lengths to secretly administer medicine to Zhao Tuo. Now, he could openly feed him the medicine. It was an excellent opportunity, and he couldn’t let it slip away.
“But I’m already fine. I don’t think there’s any issue,” Zhao Tuo protested.
Qin Yuanxi paid no attention to his words, insisting with the medicine bowl in hand, “You say you’re fine, and that makes it true? Only the doctor can declare you fine. If the foundation isn’t properly adjusted, what if there’s a recurrence? By then, should I take care of the one inside my belly or you? Be obedient, drinking two sips of medicine now isn’t a big deal. Once your body is thoroughly adjusted, you can take better care of me and the baby, right?”
Seeing Zhao Tuo holding the medicine bowl without much resistance, Qin Yuanxi deliberately provoked him. “What’s the matter? Do you think the medicine is too bitter? Can’t swallow it? It’s okay; if it’s too bitter, just say so. I won’t make fun of you. Wait a moment; I’ll get you some sweet preserves to eat after drinking the medicine. I promise there won’t be a hint of bitterness.”
“No need.”
Grabbing Qin Yuanxi, who was about to get up, Zhao Tuo looked somewhat helpless. “I’m not like you. Why would I be afraid of taking medicine? Just drink it.”
The medicine bowl quickly emptied, and Qin Yuanxi breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s a good boy.”
However, after drinking the medicine, Qin Yuanxi waited anxiously, but no one appeared. Since that night when Lu Bohuan woke up, went to the capital, and vomited blood, Qin Yuanxi hadn’t seen him again. Even though Zhao Tuo promised to stay under his watchful eye, and despite drinking the medicine daily, Lu Bohuan never showed up again.
Days passed, and as time went on, Qin Yuanxi couldn’t help but feel anxious. Taking advantage of Zhao Tuo’s rest after drinking the medicine, Qin Yuanxi quietly slipped out to discuss a strategy with Yan Shaoning.
“This can’t go on like this. Does your medicine really work, Divine Physician?”
It was impossible not to feel anxious. While Zhao Tuo could wait, Qin Yuanxi didn’t have that luxury of time. If he waited too long, the child would be born, and then he would be completely passive. He might not even be able to protect the child!
“Well, um,” Yan Shaoning wasn’t very sure either. “Otherwise, increase the dosage and see if it helps?”
“Increase the dosage?” Qin Yuanxi hesitated before asking, “Is it feasible?”
“How would we know if we don’t try?” Yan Shaoning sighed. “While he still listens to His Majesty, we have a chance. Once he doesn’t, we won’t have any opportunities. Time is of the essence.”
“Then, as per the Divine Physician, increase the dosage.”
To increase the dosage meant genuinely increasing it. Qin Yuanxi faithfully watched as Zhao Tuo finished the medicine for three consecutive days, holding his breath every moment. When they slept at night, he instinctively held onto Zhao Tuo’s waist, while the person beside him slept soundly after taking the medicine. Qin Yuanxi, on the other hand, had no drowsiness at all, letting out a deep sigh.
The next day, when he woke up, the bed was already empty. Qin Yuanxi was startled, quickly sitting up, and sending someone to inquire.
“Where is the general?”
The palace eunuch hastily replied, “The general left at the beginning of the tiger hour. He instructed this servant to convey the message, urging Your Majesty not to worry. He has other important matters to attend to, and once those are dealt with, he will return immediately.”
“At the beginning of the tiger hour?” Qin Yuanxi was surprised. “He left before dawn?”
“Yes.”
Qin Yuanxi quickly calmed down. The person who could leave at this time must be Lu Bohuan. Since Zhao Tuo promised not to leave his sight, he wouldn’t easily leave the palace. Even if he did, it wouldn’t be in such a hurry. Only Lu Bohuan would leave urgently. Lu Bohuan had to seize the time to stop Zhao Tuo.
Thinking of this, his heart eased slightly. Qin Yuanxi thought he might return in the evening. However, Lu Bohuan went away for a full three days and nights. Qin Yuanxi waited anxiously for him during that time. It wasn’t until he saw the figure covered in a thin layer of frost, eyes bloodshot, through the window that his heart started beating again.
“You… you’re back?”
“Your Majesty, don’t worry. I have relinquished military power. Currently, the northwest army is stationed in the capital, and Prime Minister Wang is in charge of the overall situation in the court. The troops stationed outside the palace have all been replaced by Zhang Dashan’s men. Zhang Dashan and his family have been loyal for generations and are wholeheartedly devoted to Your Majesty. There will be no mistakes.”
“Also…” Lu Bohuan staggered in his steps, nearly losing balance, but Qin Yuanxi held him up. “Are you okay? Hey, Lu Bohuan, are you okay? You look terrible. What happened to you?”
“I am now just a commoner, Your Majesty.” Lu Bohuan leaned on Qin Yuanxi’s arm, giving a light laugh. “Political and military power are no longer in my hands. Originally, I shouldn’t have come to see Your Majesty again. However, I still need to bid farewell and give Your Majesty an explanation.”
“Farewell? Explanation? Commoner? Lu Bohuan, what nonsense are you talking about? What… what have you done these past few days?”
Seeing the relaxed expression on Lu Bohuan’s face, Qin Yuanxi’s heart tightened. He thought of something but couldn’t bring himself to confirm it. “Lu Bohuan, you…”
“I surrendered myself to the Grand Court and confessed my guilt.” Lu Bohuan lifted his hand, as if intending to touch Qin Yuanxi’s cheek, but his palm eventually landed on Qin Yuanxi’s shoulder. “My intention to rebel is known throughout the court, with both witnesses and evidence. The Grand Court can immediately detain and sentence me. However…” Lu Bohuan smiled mysteriously. “However, being the Regent with significant power, even the Grand Court… I said I would come to handle one last thing and allow their people to come to the palace to take me away after an hour.”
“Your Majesty, I am here to bid you farewell.” Lu Bohuan’s voice sounded hollow. It was evident that he had been rushing around these past few days, his lips cracked, likely from days of not eating, drinking, or resting.
“It’s my own mess, my own trouble. I will handle it. Your Majesty, this realm belongs to you and the people. Remember the words you once said, be a good emperor, bring well-being to all.”
When Lu Bohuan reached this point, his gaze shifted to Qin Yuanxi’s belly. The struggle in his eyes was noticeable. Finally, he gently touched Qin Yuanxi’s belly. “I also hope that the little prince, under Your Majesty’s guidance, will grow up healthy and become a qualified heir.”
“Lu Bohuan, are you sick?” Qin Yuanxi’s voice was hoarse. “Are you crazy, collecting evidence against yourself and turning yourself in? What are you trying to do? You… you lunatic!”
Lu Bohuan wiped away the tears on Qin Yuanxi’s face with his hand, but more tears kept streaming down. He sighed and embraced Qin Yuanxi. “Your Majesty, don’t cry anymore. Even if you cry, I don’t know what to do. What else can I do? Your Majesty is right; I am crazy, I am a lunatic. I have caused you a lot of trouble, but I have no other choice.”
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)
