Both men awoke one after the other, finally easing the tension that had gripped everyone.
Imperial Physician Zhang took Yu Zhi’s pulse and instructed him, “For the past ten days, His Majesty remained unconscious. We could only feed him thin liquids, causing significant depletion. He must be properly nourished.”
When Yu Zhi looked toward Luo Ting, the latter was staring intently at him, their gazes meeting in midair. Yu Zhi narrowed his eyes slightly before turning to ask the imperial physician, “What about him? When will he be able to get out of bed?”
Doctor Zhang stroked his beard and replied, “His Majesty nearly suffered damage to his heart meridians. He requires careful rest to prevent lasting complications. Getting out of bed? At least another fortnight.”
“I understand.”
Yu Zhi rose and propped open several window panels. Pear blossoms blanketed the trees like waves of snow. The spring day was bright, the breeze warm and light. A wave of pure fragrance washed over him, refreshing his spirit and bones.
He smiled at Luo Tingshi. “Let some air in. It’ll make you more comfortable.”
Sunlight halted at the curtain’s edge. Yu Zhi stepped lightly across the golden glow, gliding to Luo Tingshi’s side. He bent down, resting his head on his uninjured chest as he lay on his side.
Without the weight of pregnancy, Yu Zhi felt light as a feather, like a tiny kitten pressed against Luo Tingshi’s chest, barely noticeable.
Luo Tingshi stroked Yu Zhi’s temple hair and smiled, “Since Your Majesty has awakened, why not attend to state affairs?”
“You’re still injured. How could I possibly have the heart for state affairs? Besides, with Father Emperor in charge, I have nothing to fear.” Yu Zhi’s fingertips traced the contours of Luo Tingshi’s chest, accompanied by a soft hum. “They handed the reins of government to me when I was fourteen. Now, it’s merely a matter of letting Father Emperor fulfill his duty.”
“What duty must I fulfill?” Yu Zhi’s words had barely faded when a cold, stern voice echoed through the chamber.
Yu Zhi sprang upright, sitting erect on the wooden bed. He smoothed his slightly disheveled hair and lifted the corners of his lips, gazing toward the entrance.
Yu Heng stepped into the chamber, followed by Ye Jiang. Both held a kitten in their arms.
“Meow meow!” The two kittens cried excitedly.
Yu Zhi reached out to them, his gaze shifting between the two kittens as he smiled warmly. ” Babies, come to Daddy.”
The two kittens scrambled into Yu Zhi’s arms, vying to press against him and rub against him, begging for affection. Yu Zhi cradled his brother in his palm, examining him closely before tilting his head to ask, “Has Tuantuan’s injury healed?”
“His wounds have healed completely.” Ye Jiang’s gaze lingered on Yu Zhi’s slightly pale cheeks as he asked with concern, “How are you feeling now?”
Yu Zhi smiled. “Nothing serious. Just need to nourish my body.”
Setting the kitten down, he asked seriously, “Father, what is the situation outside now? Who sent those assassins? I recall… someone called us demons that day.”
Ye Jiang sighed softly. “The assassins were dispatched by the Sheng Kingdom.”
“He Bu Wei?” Luo Tingshi’s face turned ashen, his gaze sharpening like a throat-slitting blade. He cursed his own excessive mercy.
Yu Heng: “Not exactly. They were sent by your younger brother.”
Luo Tingshi froze: “Younger brother?”
He searched his mind for a long time but couldn’t recall having any younger brothers. All the sons of the old emperor had perished in the struggle for the throne. The only surviving one was the Second Prince, who had voluntarily pledged allegiance to him.
Yu Heng: “He was born in the Cold Palace. Luo Jingyi didn’t even know he had this son, so it’s no wonder you’ve never heard of him. He’s been lurking in the Cold Palace for years, biding his time to seize the throne. During the months you were in Yu Kingdom accompanying Xiao Yu, he secretly bribed numerous court officials. Now that you’ve married Xiao Yu, he seized the chance to spread rumors wildly—claiming you intend to defect to Yu Kingdom with Sheng Kingdom—inciting court officials to assassinate you. He used Sheng Kingdom’s Duke of Zhao to hire assassins. After arriving in Yu Kingdom, the Duke of Zhao has been trying to bribe Xiao Yu’s entourage, plotting with him from within. Xiao Yu, do you remember Tan Zhiying?”
Yu Zhi nodded.
That had been the first major case he handled after ascending the throne.
Tan Zhiying, the governor of Tianxu Commandery, had embezzled funds allocated by the court for dike repairs, leading to the deaths of hundreds in a flood. Yu Zhi, enraged, sentenced him to immediate execution by beheading.
Yu Zhi asked doubtfully, “Why did Father suddenly mention him?”
Yu Heng replied, “The eunuch who attempted to assassinate you was originally named Tan Sheng.”
Yu Zhi froze. “He was Tan Zhiying’s son?”
Yu Heng: “After Tan Zhiying’s death, his estate was confiscated. Tan Sheng, accustomed to a life of luxury, now lived in destitution, reduced to begging. He harbored intense hatred toward you. To exact revenge, he underwent castration to enter the palace. He schemed relentlessly to become Lin Shan’s disciple, yet still failed to gain an audience with the Emperor. His impatience grew ever more desperate. When the Duke of Zhao’s men approached him, he immediately agreed to collaborate. After the assassination attempt failed, knowing his cover would eventually slip and seizing a rare opportunity, he took matters into his own hands.”
Yu Zhi remained silent for a long while.
“Xiao Yu.” Luo Tingshi grasped Yu Zhi’s hand, his gaze filled with concern.
Yu Zhi lowered his eyes to meet Luo Tingshi’s, a hint of confusion in his own: “The crime was committed by Tan Zhiying. I executed Tan Zhiying. I spared him, yet he came to hate me?”
Luo Ting sighed, “Such is human nature. Little Yu, do not trouble yourself over him.”
Yu Zhi nodded gently and said to Yu Heng, “Father, please continue.”
Yu Heng continued, “Tan Sheng overheard the servants and guards discussing that you had given birth, yet no one had seen the true appearance of the prince or princess. Seeing you always cradling two kittens, he pieced together the truth based on that century-old rumor. He conspired with the Duke of Zhao’s men to steal the two kittens. After all, it was mere conjecture without proof. He himself didn’t know if it was true or false. He knew he would surely die if he attempted assassination in public, but he thought that even if he could only slander you in front of so many people, it would be worthwhile. So he shouted that you were a demon.”
Yu Zhi frowned. “What about Tan Sheng?”
“He’s dead.”
Yu Zhi stared in shock. “Dead? Did Father Emperor execute him?”
Yu Heng’s gaze shifted to Luo Tingshi, his eyes holding a hint of approval. “Luo Tingshi shattered Tan Sheng’s heart meridians with that kick. Shortly after interrogation, Tan Sheng died.”
Luo Tingshi’s eyes grew cold and bitter. “I shouldn’t have struck so hard. He died too easily. I should have spared his life just to torment him!”
“Don’t get angry. You’re still injured.” Yu Zhi turned and patted Luo Tingshi’s hand gently. “Killing him avenged our family.”
Luo Tingshi clasped Yu Zhi’s hand back, his complexion softening slightly. “Thankfully, he didn’t harm you.”
Ye Jiang watched the tender exchange between them, raising an eyebrow. “Are we still questioning him? If not, we’ll leave. We won’t disturb you two star-crossed lovers.”
“Father—” Yu Zhi turned back helplessly. “How did you handle the demonic creature?”
Ye Jiang chuckled. “Your father found two kittens that looked remarkably like Tuantuan and Yuanyuan. As for the little prince and princess…” He bent down to stroke the kitten nestled in Yu Zhi’s arms. “He conjured them for you.” ”
The kitten’s ears twitched slightly. It lifted its head and gave him a bewildered look.
“Meow~”
Ye Jiang waved his hand dismissively and tugged Yu Heng over. “I don’t understand cat language. You handle this.”
Yu Heng bent down, lifted both kittens, and laid them belly-up on the bed. He placed his hands on their dantian points and slowly moved them upward.
A faint, imperceptible white beam of light rose from Yu Heng’s fingertips, traveling up to their hearts before suddenly piercing through.
In an instant, the two kittens transformed into plump, white infants.
The two children were utterly fascinated, touching each other and giggling with silly delight.
Yu Zhi looked up helplessly. He was so used to their kitten forms that he now hesitated to touch them in their human state. Seeking guidance, he said, “Father, please hold them…”
“Scared?” Ye Jiang picked up Tuantuan and placed him in Yu Zhi’s arms, instructing him, “Hold him like this… That’s right.”
Yu Zhi held the child stiffly, not daring to move an inch.
The tiny body in his arms felt as soft as a cloud. The cloud drifted closer, brushing against his cheek. The child cooed and babbled, as if there were endless words to share with him.
Yu Zhi’s heart melted into a puddle.
Ye Jiang wrapped Yuanyuan in silk cloth and tucked her into Yu Zhi’s arms as well. “We’re both men,” he mused. “It’s inconvenient to care for Yuanyuan. We’ll need to find someone specifically to look after her.”
Yu Zhi’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Father is always so thoughtful.”
“Enough. You two have just awakened; don’t exhaust yourselves. With your father here, the affairs of state need not concern you.” Ye Jiang took the two children from Yu Zhi’s arms and said to them, “Take some medicinal food, rest well. Other matters can wait until you’ve recovered.”
The two fathers departed, cradling the kittens that had reverted to their original forms. Yu Zhi lowered his gaze to Luo Tingshi, clasped his hand, and sighed softly.
“Our wedding has been delayed once more.”
Luo Tingshi wrapped his hand around Yu Zhi’s and smiled. “Once your injuries heal, we’ll marry again.”
–
Yu Zhi’s condition was not serious. After two days of gentle nourishment, he had fully recovered.
Luo Tingshi remained bedridden for over a month. His injuries had long healed, but Yu Zhi, unwilling to take any chances, insisted he rest for another fortnight.
By the time the two stepped out of the bedchamber together, early summer had arrived.
A sea of deep green met their eyes.
Yu Zhi drew in a deep breath, tilted his head back, and gazed at Luo Tingshi with his dark, smiling eyes. “This time, let’s keep the wedding simple.”
Luo Tingshi lowered his eyes, clasped Yu Zhi’s hand, and intertwined their fingers. “Whatever Xiao Yu says goes.”
Half a month later, they performed a simple ceremony to heaven and earth, much like any ordinary couple.
On their wedding night.
Amidst the room filled with festive joy, Luo Tingshi raised his hand to touch the face before him, now made even more radiant by the adornments. He lowered his head and kissed her.