Several days prior, Imperial Physician Zhang had moved into the East Wing. With preparations already in place, the household bustled efficiently without chaos.
Servants filed in, placing prepared hot water and cloths on the bedside table. Imperial Physician Zhang bent to wipe the cold sweat from Yu Zhi’s forehead with a cloth, soothing him, “It will hurt a bit, Your Majesty. Bear with it.”
“Xiao Yu, don’t be afraid. I’m here with you.” Luo Tingshi clasped Yu Zhi’s hands tightly, trembling as he pressed his lips to the boy’s slightly cool fingertips. His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse. “Both you and your father will be safe.”
Unexpectedly, Yu Zhi abruptly pulled his hands free and lifted his eyes weakly to look at him. “Leave.”
Luo Tingshi: “Xiao Yu…”
Beads of sweat the size of beans rolled continuously down Yu Zhi’s pale forehead. His eyes were like sharp blades as he pointed toward the door and barked hoarsely, “I said… leave.”
Imperial Physician Zhang urged from the side, “Leave now. Everyone leave. Don’t delay me in delivering the Emperor’s child.”
Luo Tingshi was stunned by the ferocity in Yu Zhi’s eyes. He had never seen Yu Zhi like this before. The words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back down. He gave Yu Zhi a long, deep look, then silently turned and followed the others out of the room.
Just before stepping through the doorway, Luo Tingshi turned back toward the bed.
Through the half-drawn orchid-patterned canopy, a pale hand came into view, clutching the bedrail with deathly force. Bulging veins traced beneath the ashen skin like twisted, emerald branches.
Its owner was clearly exerting tremendous strength.
The howling north wind swept snowflakes into his collar, a sudden chill creeping up his neck. Luo Tingshi felt the coldness and immediately stepped out, closing the heavy wooden door behind him.
“Creak—”
The sound of the door closing reached the bed. Yu Zhi’s long lashes, damp with sweat, fluttered slightly. His eyes shifted, and he slowly turned his wet neck toward the doorway.
The coolness in those eyes had now melted into a pool of water.
He stared in that direction for a long time, his gaze holding an attachment he hadn’t realized he felt.
Doctor Zhang sighed deeply. “He should have stayed here with His Majesty, but…”
Yu Zhi’s vision darkened. Waves of pain, each more intense than the last, surged upward, causing his entire body to tremble. Clutching the railing tightly, he managed to speak: “He must not discover… the secret of the Yu imperial clan.”
“Your Majesty, relax. The birth canal has not yet dilated. You must conserve your strength.”
The young emperor trembled all over. His half-open eyes brimmed with tears, his face utterly bloodless, paler even than the plain undergarments he wore. Occasional muffled groans escaped his clenched jaw, piercing Zhang’s ears and wrenching his heart.
He kept murmuring softly beside the young emperor, trying to ease his suffering.
Yu Zhi nodded wildly.
The snow fell harder, the leaden sky thick with dark clouds.
The pain within Yu Zhi did not fade with time; instead, it grew more intense. Whispered words reached his ears, but all he heard was a buzzing roar, unable to make out what the person was saying.
The pain crashed like towering waves, relentlessly pounding down from above, wave after wave, battering Yu Zhi until his consciousness began to blur.
Suddenly, a long-missed, familiar voice pierced through the fog, clear and distinct in his ears: Baby, Daddy’s here.” Yu Zhi forced open his heavy, aching eyelids. Through the haze, he thought he saw his father’s worried eyes.
It had been so long since he’d dreamed of his father.
In that dazed moment, it felt as though he truly had fallen into his father’s embrace. Yu Zhi’s nose stung, and he buried his face into the dream figure’s chest, whimpering, ” Father… Daddy… it hurts…”
A gentle hand stroked his head as a soft voice flowed into his consciousness: “Daddy will teach you…”
Yu Zhi followed the dream figure’s voice, breathing rhythmically and straining with effort. Soon, his body suddenly felt light, and the excited voice of Physician Zhang rang out.
“It’s a very healthy little kitten.”
Following the same method, the second one was born quickly.
The moment Yu Zhi heard the cheers at his ear, his strained consciousness plunged into darkness. Unable to hold on, he fainted.
–
When Yu Zhi opened his eyes again, it was already midnight.
Pain seared through his entire body, leaving him unable to move. He blinked slowly, his eyelids heavy and numb. A wave of warmth washed over his left hand, as if cradled in a warm palm. He slowly turned his head to look at the person.
The moment that figure entered his vision, Yu Zhi thought he was still dreaming.
He clasped the other’s hand and murmured, “Father…”
The person resting by the bedside jolted awake, his gaze darting toward Yu Zhi. Seeing the eyes open, he beamed with delight. ” Xiao Yu, you’re awake? I had the kitchen prepare soup for you. It’s simmering on the stove right now. I’ll have someone bring it over immediately.”
Yu Zhi’s eyelashes fluttered. His eyes widened in disbelief. “Father, is it really you? Why did you suddenly come to Guyue? What about the Emperor? Didn’t he come with you?”
Ye Jiang sighed. “Your father and I were returning from the South Sea when we heard news of war breaking out between Yu and Sheng months ago. It startled us. We spurred our horses back to the capital at once, only to learn from Minister Li that you weren’t here. It was Lin Shan who finally told us—that brat from Sheng had gotten you pregnant.”
Yu Zhi quietly curled deeper under the quilt, peeking out with wide eyes and calling softly, “Father…”
“We didn’t want to disturb you, so we placed the two little kittens you gave birth to in the next room. Your father is caring for them now.” Ye Jiang stroked Yu Zhi’s head and continued, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t scold you. You’ve always been such a good girl. I know you wouldn’t just sleep around with anyone. The Marquis of Changlin said you went into heat at the Shengguo banquet? Tell me exactly what happened.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Zhi’s eyes instantly reddened. “Father…”
His father not only showed no anger but spoke to him with such tenderness. Yu Zhi held nothing back, recounting every detail of his encounter with Luo Tingshi to his father.
After listening, Ye Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, “From what you say, that boy seems rather devoted.”
Yu Zhi wrapped his arms around Ye Jiang’s hand and shook it playfully, pouting, “Father, Xiao Yu missed you so much.”
“I missed Xiao Yu too.” Ye Jiang pinched Yu Zhi’s soft cheek with his finger, his almond-shaped eyes flashing a hint of annoyance as he grumbled, “Never imagined that after just one trip away, I’d come back to be a grandfather… It’s terrifying. Not even forty yet, and I already have a grandson.”
Yu Zhi’s eyes crinkled with joy as he buried his face in Ye Jiang’s palm, rubbing against it.
The soft sensation pressed against his palm reached deep into Ye Jiang’s heart, nearly melting it. “My Xiao Yu is such a good boy. I wish you could turn back into your original form so I could take a sip.”
Yu Zhi lifted his head, a hint of worry appearing on his face as he tentatively asked, “Father… is he very angry?”
“You bet he is. When he found out that brat Luo Tingshi slept with you, he nearly beheaded the Marquis of Changlin.”
Yu Zhi’s eyes widened. He propped himself up urgently. “It’s not the Marquis of Changlin’s fault. I insisted on accompanying them on the mission to Sheng Kingdom. Don’t let Father punish them.”
“Hey, hey! Don’t move around. You just gave birth. Lie down and rest properly.” Ye Jiang quickly pressed him down. “Don’t worry. In the end, Father only docked his monthly stipend.”
Yu Zhi’s heart settled halfway. Supported by Ye Jiang, he lay flat on the bed. Peeking through half-closed eyelids, he stole a glance at Ye Jiang. After hesitating for a moment, he whispered, “Father… how is he?”
“Him?” Ye Jiang paused, then his eyes darkened with a hint of something else. “Why aren’t you asking about the children?”
Yu Zhi, caught in Ye Jiang’s meaningful gaze, shifted uncomfortably and avoided his eyes. “With Imperial Physician Zhang and Father Emperor looking after them, the children will be fine. But he is, after all, the ruler of a nation. I fear if Father harms him, it could spark turmoil between our two countries.”
“Your father has been emperor for so many years. He knows his limits.” Ye Jiang’s gaze fixed on Yu Zhi’s face as he spoke calmly.
“Luo Tingshi has been sent back to Sheng Kingdom by your father.”
Yu Zhi: “What?! He’s gone?”
Ye Jiang: “Your father ordered him never to approach you again.”
A heavy weight settled in Yu Zhi’s chest.
He had intended the same—once the children were born, Luo Tingshi would no longer be needed. He planned to send Luo Tingshi away immediately after delivery to prevent him from discovering the truth.
His father had granted his wish, yet why did his heart feel hollow?
It must be habit.
After six months together, he’d grown accustomed to Luo Tingshi’s presence. Now that Luo Tingshi was suddenly gone, he naturally felt unsettled.
It would pass in time.
Yu Zhixin was too lost in his thoughts to notice Ye Jiang had left the room.
–
Outside, wind and snow raged; inside, warmth enveloped the space.
By the dim candlelight, a handsome, well-built middle-aged man held a small spoon, feeding milk to the tiny kitten nestled in his arms. The newborn kitten was no larger than the man’s palm. He carefully pinched its tiny mouth open, feeding it milk from the spoon.
Amid the howling wind, a sudden knock sounded at the door.
The man stood up, cradling the kitten, and turned to ask, “How is Xiao Yu?”
Ye Jiang hurried over, bent down, and gently tapped the wet nose of the kitten in his arms. “He’s awake now,” she said with a smile. “He’s fine. Just needs a few days to recover. Such an adorable little kitten. Let me… hold him.”
He scowled, looking up at the man with complaint. “Yu Heng, I still can’t accept that I’m a grandfather. It makes me sound like I’m in my seventies or eighties.”
Yu Heng’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he picked up another kitten. “You’ll get used to it.”
Ye Jiang sighed deeply, sat beside him, and joined in feeding the kittens.
“Yu Heng, I think your son has fallen head over heels.”
Yu Heng’s expression darkened. “He likes that boy?”
Ye Jiang replied, “When Luo Tingshi left, I’d never seen Xiao Yu look so distraught.”
Yu Heng retorted, “He’s the ruler of a nation! To conceive a child with another man before marriage—what kind of example is that?”
“Hey! Who are you implying that about?” Ye Jiang glared at him and snorted coldly. “When I gave birth to Xiao Yu, we weren’t married either. Mark my words—don’t scold Xiao Yu. Your clan loses all reason when in heat. That night with Luo Tingshi wasn’t his choice. Pregnant at such a young age, with neither you nor me by his side… he was terrified. Scolding him now will only deepen his guilt and self-loathing.”
Yu Heng’s imposing aura instantly softened. He wrapped his arms around Ye Jiang, his eyes filled with tenderness. “Didn’t you also…”
“Of course. Seeing Xiao Yu is like seeing myself back then. “ Ye Jiang tilted her head against Yu Heng’s shoulder, her brows and eyes veiled in a haze of sorrow as she sighed softly. ”Fortunately, Luo Tingshi also deeply loves Xiao Yu. Don’t you dare come between them.”
Yu Heng’s expression darkened. “We’ll see what he’s capable of.”
–
The biting wind howled, tearing snowflakes from the pitch-black sky. The cold seeped through his collar and sleeves, creeping into his bones like a bucket of ice water had been poured over him. An unbearable, bone-chilling cold radiated from head to toe.
At an inn over ten miles away, Luo Ting stood with hands clasped behind his back at the window, gazing through the swirling blizzard at the ancient Yue city shrouded in darkness.
His mind was filled with thoughts of Yu Zhi.
Had he awakened yet? Was his body unharmed? Had he left without a word—would Yu Zhi resent him for it?
He had intended to wait until Yu Zhi awoke before departing, but Yu Heng would tolerate no delay, issuing a strict order for him to leave immediately.
Back then, he paced anxiously beneath the eaves. Hearing the agonized sounds from within the room tore at his heart like a knife, wishing he could take his place. Suppressing the urge to burst inside, he stared at the gray-white snowy sky, praying to all the gods and Buddhas for his beloved to suffer less.
Just as he clasped his hands in prayer for Yu Zhi, two figures, dusty and weary from travel, dashed into the courtyard.
They hurried past him without a word and pushed open the door.
Luo Tingshi recognized the two.
They were the former emperor and empress of Yu Kingdom—also Yu Zhi’s two fathers.
A sense of foreboding gripped Luo Tingshi.
Moments later, a man with a face frozen in coldness stepped out of the room. His hawk-like gaze locked onto Luo Tingshi, and in an instant, a palpable aura of murderous intent washed over him.
“Follow me.”
The man’s cloak, trailing like wind, brushed past him as he coldly dismissed him with a single word.
Luo Tingshi glanced at the tightly shut door before following the man’s footsteps.
Entering the front hall, the man stood with his back to him, arms crossed behind his back. His tall, silent figure radiated a grim, murderous aura, his overwhelming presence nearly suffocating.
Without hesitation, Luo Tingshi lifted his robe, knelt, and bowed low: “Greetings, Uncle.”
Yu Heng turned, snorting lightly: “I cannot accept such grand courtesy from the Emperor of Sheng.”
Luo Tingshi raised his head, his gaze unwavering: “This junior seeks to marry Yu Zhi. Uncle must accept this courtesy.”
Yu Heng roared with laughter: “You seek to marry her, and I should grant it?” A sharp, cold glint flashed in his eyes as he seized Luo Tingshi by the collar, the weight of his authority crushing down.
“You slept with Yu Zhi and attacked Yu Kingdom, yet I haven’t settled accounts with you. And now you dare to think of marrying him?”
Luo Tingshi spoke earnestly: “Uncle, I truly love Yu Zhi with unwavering devotion. I am willing to pledge Sheng Kingdom as dowry to marry Yu Zhi.”
“Oh? Even if you offered the entire Sheng Kingdom as dowry, would its people and ministers consent?” Yu Heng’s lips curled coldly. Releasing Luo Tingshi, he strolled toward the head of the hall before abruptly turning back. His hawk-like gaze locked precisely upon Luo Tingshi’s eyes, a sudden chill flashing within.
“Do you realize this act would be seen as no less than treason in their eyes? Your very survival upon returning to Shengguo is uncertain. On what grounds should my son be forced to mourn you?”
Luo Tingshi bowed his head once more, then raised it with unwavering resolve: “The realm, long divided, must unite. The Nine Provinces have been fractured for centuries. The time has come for reunification. Grant me this chance, and I shall ensure the Sheng Kingdom’s officials and people are settled properly.”
Yu Heng narrowed his eyes, his hawk-like gaze sweeping down over Luo Tingshi. After a long moment, the last syllable of his words rose slightly: “For now, these are mere empty words. If you can truly accomplish this, then I shall reconsider.”
Luo Tingshi was overjoyed. “Thank you, Uncle.”
Yu Heng waved his hand. “Return to Shengguo at once.”
Luo Tingshi froze. “But Xiao Yu…”
Yu Heng: “His father and I are both here. We will care for him well. You need not worry.”
Luo Tingshi pleaded, “May I see him one last time to bid farewell?”
Yu Heng refused, “Impossible. Depart at once. Should I catch sight of you again, you shall never lay eyes on Yu Zhi again.”
With no other choice, Luo Tingshi mounted his horse and left Gu Yue immediately.
Alone on horseback, he rode eastward through the biting cold wind.
Heavy snow blocked the roads, and the mountain paths were treacherous. It took Luo Tingshi half a month to return to the capital of Sheng Kingdom.
“Your Majesty, you’ve finally returned.”
The emperor’s figure appeared in the bedchamber. Wang Man, overjoyed, immediately stepped forward to brush the snow and wind from him, removing his heavy cloak. He smiled warmly, “We’ve been waiting for you for over six months.”
Luo Tingshi’s expression remained cold and stern, showing no hint of emotion.
He turned his head toward Wang Man and commanded, “Summon the senior ministers to the Kundeg Pavilion. I wish to confer with them.”
Wang Man bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Without resting for a moment, Luo Tingshi hurried to the Kundeg Pavilion. He sat upright on the imperial throne, his expression stern, before the court officials arrived.
Two quarters of an hour later, the high ministers of the court arrived one after another.
All exchanged bewildered glances, utterly perplexed. They had questioned Wang Man on the way, but he too had no clue what the Emperor intended.
In the solemn, silent atmosphere, cold sweat beaded on some foreheads.
Luo Tingshi’s piercing gaze swept over the assembled ministers below the dais as he spoke slowly, “I have summoned you today to discuss a matter of utmost importance to me—my lifelong commitment.”
The Minister of Rites rejoiced, “Your Majesty intends to select a consort? I shall order preparations to begin immediately!”
Luo Tingshi: “My Empress has already been chosen. We only await the formal marriage proposal.”
The Minister of Rites cautiously observed the emperor, who seemed in a rather good mood, and hesitantly asked, “May I inquire which young lady it is?”
Luo Tingshi chuckled softly.
“The Emperor of Yu Kingdom, Yu Zhi.”