Chapter 50

Since the new edict was implemented across Yusheng and Yuzheng, though resistance lingered in the court, it ultimately failed to hinder its progress.

　　The decrees had invigorated commerce, enriched the people, and brought widespread satisfaction. Travel between the two nations grew increasingly frequent, with intermarriages and relocations becoming commonplace, gradually dissolving old barriers.

The following spring, the two nations jointly hosted a grand “Festival of the Thaw” in Gu Yue, open to all citizens—an initiative proposed by Ye Jiang.

　　Two days before the festival, Yu Zhi and Luo Ting arrived in Gu Yue to gauge its impact.

If successful, the festival could become a regular event.

Ye Jiang had arrived in Gu Yue two months prior, deeply enthusiastic about the project. He eagerly discussed the details with the prefect and others.

　　When Yu Zhi arrived, Ye Jiang stood with hands on hips, a smug look on his face: “I’ve planned a massive event for ten thousand people. My resume has surpassed 100% of the nation’s competition.”

Yu Zhi scanned the area, noticing Yu Heng’s absence. He stepped forward and asked, “Didn’t the Emperor come with you?”

　　“Don’t even mention it.” Ye Jiang had been overjoyed to see his son after half a year apart, but his expression darkened instantly at his question, his almond eyes flashing with anger. “I told him not to come, and he actually didn’t. He’s never been this obedient before.”

Yu Zhi was puzzled. “Did you two have a fight?”

　　In his memory, he had rarely seen his two fathers argue. Mainly because they couldn’t. Whenever his father grew angry, his father would immediately bow his head and apologize, even if it was his father’s fault.

“It’s just…” Ye Jiang hesitated, wrestling with hiswords for a moment before waving his hand dismissively. “Never mind. Children shouldn’t pry into grown-up matters.”

　　As he spoke, his gaze drifted away. When his peripheral vision caught Luo Ting cradling two children in the courtyard, Ye Jiang’s eyes lit up. He scampered forward, delighted, and gently stroked the little ones’ cheeks. “They’ve grown so big! Can they talk yet? I remember Xiao Yu started walking and talking very early.”

　　Yu Zhi stepped forward, smiling as he replied, “They can say a few simple sentences.”

He turned to the two children and said, “Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, say ‘Grandpa’.”

　　“Grandpa!” The children grinned, calling out in clear, crisp voices.

Ye Jiang’s mouth twitched slightly as he struggled to process the title. He took the younger sister from Luo Ting’s arms, pinched her chubby little hand, and asked Yu Zhi, “Would you like to join me in touring the event venue?”

Yu Zhi readily agreed, “Sure.”

　　The Icebreaker Festival venue featured a dazzling array of activities, leaving Yu Zhi’s eyes spinning.

There were competitions, games, and food stalls.

Ye Jiang explained each one to them.

As they approached a large open space, Yu Zhi noticed numerous small stones scattered on the ground. Confused, he asked, “What are these?”

　　Ye Jiang smiled. “The Bridge of Friendship. I plan to have everyone place a stone here, uniting the people of both nations to build this bridge together. I believe this Bridge of Friendship will surely become a famous landmark in the future.”

　　Yu Zhi marveled, “Father’s idea is truly brilliant. The bonds between all who attend the Ice-Breaking Festival will surely grow stronger.”

　　“Of course! All those Ice-Breaking Festivals your father attended weren’t for nothing.” Ye Jiang lifted his head proudly, his gaze sweeping over the hand-in-hand couples before his eyes fell. He muttered softly, “Yu Heng, if you dare skip this one, I won’t forgive you.”

　　Yu Zhi didn’t miss the loneliness on Ye Jiang’s face, but he was powerless to help.

What Father needs is his man, not his son.

Yu Zhi sighed inwardly, his eyes drifting involuntarily toward Luo Ting. Spotting the child in Luo Ting’s arms, Yu Zhi’s eyes flickered.

　　“Tuantuan, remember when you were little and Grandpa always took care of you? What should you say to Grandpa?”

The child’s words came out in a slurred rush: “Tuantuan thanks Grandpa. Grandpa’s great kindness, Tuantuan will never forget…”

　　Hearing such a long speech from a child who could barely form coherent words, everyone present burst into laughter.

Ye Jiang chuckled, “Where did he learn all that?”

　　Yu Zhi chuckled: “A few days ago, Luo Tingshi received court officials. I was there with the two children. That minister was overflowing with gratitude toward Luo Tingshi, showering him with flattery and praise. Who would’ve thought this little guy remembered it all? After the minister left, he repeated it word for word to me.”

　　“He has a naturally exceptional memory. This child is no ordinary person,” Ye Jiang couldn’t help but marvel. “Sometimes the difference between human brains and pig brains is greater than you’d think.”

Luo Tingshi’s expression grew slightly complicated.

Why did it feel like he was being insulted?

–

　　The Ice-Breaking Festival lasted five days. During this time, the entire ancient Yue region buzzed with unprecedented excitement. People from all the surrounding villages had gathered, and many had even traveled from thousands of miles away. When Yu Zhi and Luo Tingshi arrived at the venue, the crowd was so dense they could only inch forward step by step.

They clasped each other’s hands tightly as they moved slowly through the throng.

　　Yu Zhi had originally planned to bring the two babies along for fun, but seeing the crowd, he immediately abandoned the idea and left them with Ye Jiang.

After walking for a long time, Yu Zhi caught sight of a tree adorned with red silk ribbons. There weren’t many people gathered beneath it, so he quickly pulled Luo Tingshi through the crowd to reach it.

　　Yu Zhi recognized this tree—it was the Marriage Tree.

Green tree, red silk ribbon. As the spring breeze swept through, Yu Zhi watched the ribbon fluttering beneath the tree and turned to look at Luo Tingshi.

Before he could speak, Luo Tingshi said, “I’ll write.”

　　Luo Tingshi walked to the small table beneath the tree, pressed down on the red silk, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote in one fluid motion.

“Yu Zhi and Luo Tingshi, steadfast as stone and metal, never to forsake each other in life or death.”

　　Yu Zhi leaned forward, his gaze lingering for a long moment on the flowing, sparse strokes of ink. A slow smile spread across his eyes.

The characters mirrored his state of mind—Luo Tingshi was clearly in an excellent mood.

Together, they hung the red silk ribbon and continued onward.

　　Many games required teamwork—three-legged races, back-to-back ball-carrying, relay races. Ye Jiang stipulated each team must include one Yu and one Sheng participant, with silver and grain rewards for winners.

　　Yu Zhi watched with keen interest for a while, glancing at the radiant smiles on everyone’s faces before chuckling softly, “It seems we should hold the Icebreaker Festival more often in the future.”

During the observation period, Yu Zhi also pulled Luo Tingshi into participating in some activities. Yu Zhi was in high spirits, and Luo Tingshi accompanied him for most of the day.

　　A gentle spring breeze caressed their faces, carrying away some of the heat.

Luo Tingshi’s eyes never left Yu Zhi for a moment. His fair cheeks were now flushed crimson, his forehead dotted with fine beads of sweat, and his rising and falling chest carried a hint of urgency.

Luo Tingshi tightened his grip on Yu Zhi’s hand, pulling out a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead. He met those sparkling eyes: “Are you feeling a little tired?”

Yu Zhi had been about to step forward for another round, but hearing Luo Tingshi’s question, he finally noticed the aching weariness throughout his body.

　　Yu Zhi nodded. “Yes, a bit.”

Luo Tingshi coaxed him gently, “The Ice-Breaking Festival lasts several more days. Shall we come play again tomorrow?”

Yu Zhi chuckled, tapping Luo Tingshi’s chest with a finger. “Why do you sound like you’re coaxing a child?”

　　Luo Tingshi reached out, capturing Yu Zhi’s fingertips and wrapping his hand in his own palm. He smiled, asking, “Shall we head back?”

“That’s fine.”

As the pair squeezed through the crowd, ready to leave, a surprised voice suddenly rang out from the noisy throng: “Young Master!”

　　Yu Zhi turned to see a familiar, dark-skinned face before him.

Li Daniu beamed at them. “It really is you two! My wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few months ago. I went to your residence to share in the joy, but the servants said you’d already left. I never imagined I’d see you again!”

　　Yu Zhi immediately bowed his hands in greeting. “Congratulations, Brother Li! We’ll be staying at the manor for the next few days. Feel free to visit anytime.”

Li Daniu gazed at their clasped hands, a look of satisfaction spreading across his face. He smiled warmly at Luo Tingshi. “So, little brother, you’ve finally stopped upsetting your wife.”

　　Luo Ting turned his head, meeting Yu Zhi’s gaze as a gentle smile spread across his lips.

“We must thank Brother Li for his guidance.”

　　-

Willows swayed gently, and the stream murmured softly.

As the two returned to the manor, crossing the small stone bridge, Ye Jiang’s furious voice pierced their ears: “Don’t touch me!”

　　The man humbly begged for mercy: “It’s my fault. Before the next heat cycle, I’ll find the imperial physician to prescribe medicine to suppress it…”

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhi hurriedly pushed Luo Tingshi forward, urging, “Hurry up, hurry up!”

　　No wonder Father had been so evasive yesterday. So that was it…

They made their way to the east courtyard, where Yu Zhi and Luo Tingshi entered the west wing. Lin Shan was dozing by the bedside. Hearing the commotion, he startled awake, rose to bow, and whispered, “Your Majesty, they’re asleep.”

　　Yu Zhi leaned closer. The two children lay sprawled on the bed, sleeping soundly. His sister’s arms were stretched high above her head, her little shirt pulled up, revealing a patch of soft, plump, white belly rising and falling with each breath.

　　A smile flickered in Yu Zhi’s eyes. He adjusted the girl’s clothes, took a thin blanket from nearby to cover both children’s small bodies, and watched them quietly for a moment before leaving hand-in-hand with Luo Tingshi.

　　Back in the room, Luo Tingshi suddenly scooped Yu Zhi into a horizontal embrace. His body lifted abruptly off the ground, and Yu Zhi gasped, looking up at him. “What are you doing?”

Luo Tingshi looked down at him. “You’re tired today. I’ll carry you to the bed and give you a massage so you won’t be sore and weary tomorrow.”

　　Yu Zhi’s eyes curved into a smile. “You really do think of everything.”

Luo Tingshi gently removed Yu Zhi’s outer robe. Through the thin spring garment, he massaged Yu Zhi’s weary legs with measured strokes, helping to unblock his meridians.

　　The Boshan incense burner released a sweet fragrance, while a gentle breeze carried the melodious chirping of birds. Yu Zhi lay face-down on the bed, eyes closed, drifting into drowsiness.

　　“Is your heat period uncomfortable?” Luo Tingshi asked abruptly.

“Mm…” Yu Zhi lifted his heavy eyelids, furrowing his brow in thought for a moment. “It’s uncomfortable during the heat, but not when you’re here.”

“You’re quite fierce, able to relieve the passion surging within me…” Ah!” An unbearable pain suddenly shot through his left calf. Yu Zhi jolted upright, gasping in shock, all traces of sleepiness instantly vanishing.

Luo Tingshi hurriedly apologized, gently massaging Yu Zhi’s calf in circular motions, his eyes filled with remorse. “I wasn’t paying attention. I pressed too hard. Does it hurt, Xiao Yu?”

　　Yu Zhi slowly lay back down, hugging the jade pillow as he settled in. “It doesn’t hurt much now.”

Luo Tingshi applied a bit more pressure, using his knuckles to knead the taut muscles in Yu Zhi’s leg. He asked again, “It seems quite different from when you were in heat with your father, the Emperor. Why is that?”

　　Yu Zhi’s fingertips tapped lightly on the jade pillow as he explained to Luo Tingshi: “The first time is especially significant for our clan. My father slept with my father, while I was taken by you… So when I come into heat again, I crave being… being entered. My body also…” Yu Zhi trailed off.

　　“To produce the Jade Dew,” Luo Tingshi finished for him, understanding. “No wonder our first time was so difficult. Subsequent visits felt much easier, reaching the bottom effortlessly.”

“Luo Tingshi,” Yu Zhi’s voice carried a hint of displeasure.

　　“Is our Xiao Yu feeling shy again?” Luo Tingshi chuckled softly, then asked, “Does that mean the men of your clan are forever controlled by their first experience?”

Yu Zhi shook his head. “Not exactly. If someone is on top during their first time, but is frequently taken by others afterward, their body gradually adapts to become more receptive.”

　　Luo Tingshi couldn’t help but marvel, “No wonder possessing the bloodline of ancient demonic beasts makes them truly extraordinary.”

Yu Zhi sighed softly, “I wonder what the future holds for Tuantuan…”

“The child is only a year and a half old. Xiao Yu, worrying about this is far too premature.”

　　Yu Zhi snorted softly. “I won’t let Tuantuan follow in our footsteps—being taken advantage of by some man and ending up pregnant with his child. I’ll protect Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, seeing them marry safely and happily.”

　　“Ugh! Luo Tingshi, where are you touching…” Yu Zhi glared back at him.

Luo Tingshi’s fingertips traced circles around Yu Zhi’s slumped lower back, his gaze deepening. “Your Majesty, it has been seven days since I last tasted your nectar.”

　　Yu Zhi let out a muffled groan, his voice unconsciously softening: “Luo Tingshi…”

Just as he said, Luo Tingshi had long since explored every inch of his body. Within moments, Yu Zhi was clinging to him, his watery eyes wide. “Don’t go too far. We still have to attend the Ice-Breaking Festival tomorrow.”

　　Luo Tingshi chuckled softly, “Your Majesty’s command is my command.”

–

On the final day of the Ice-Breaking Festival, Ye Jiang instructed Yu Zhi to bring both children along.

When the unformed Bridge of Friendship appeared before Yu Zhi, he instantly understood Ye Jiang’s intention.

　　The crowd gathered, making this day even livelier than the first.

At the hour of Shen, the final Ice-Breaking Festival activity began.

One by one, people stepped forward. The pile of stones gradually took on the shape of a bridge.

As the sun began to set, only one stone remained on the grassy field. All eyes turned to that solitary rock.

　　Ye Jiang looked at the couple holding their children. They understood and set the babies down.

Ye Jiang took one child in each hand, leading them to the stone. In an exceptionally gentle voice, he said, “Little ones, could you lift this small stone and place it in that gap?”

　　The stone wasn’t large, but for two toddlers barely over a year old, it seemed as difficult as scaling the heavens.

The crowd murmured in debate. Someone raised his voice, shouting, “Let me do it! Be careful the stone might hurt the children!”

“He’s right!”

“It’s too dangerous!”

　　Objections surged like a tidal wave. Yu Zhi stepped forward and declared in a clear voice, “Everyone, please be quiet. Trust them.”

Then Yu Zhi crouched down and spoke softly to the two children, “Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, show your brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, great uncles, great aunts, and everyone here what you can do.”

　　Luo Tingshi added gently, “Don’t be afraid. Both your fathers are here. We’ll protect you.”

“Mm!” The children nodded firmly, reaching out to touch Yu Zhi’s face, then Luo Tingshi’s. “Little Father Emperor, Big Father Emperor, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan can do it!”

　　Those nearby who overheard the father-son exchange paled in shock. “They are actually…”

Under the gaze of thousands, the two rosy-cheeked children strained to lift the stone slab from the ground. Taking tiny steps, they huffed and puffed their way toward the bridge.

　　Upon reaching the stone bridge, they faced a dilemma—they were too short to reach the top.

Yu Zhi and Luo Tingshi exchanged a knowing smile, then strode forward. Each lifted a child, and together as a family, they firmly embedded the final stone into the very apex of the arched bridge.

The Bridge of Friendship was complete.

　　Luo Tingshi spoke, his deep voice carried by his powerful inner energy, reaching every ear present.

“This bridge shall be named the ‘Bridge of Friendship.’ It was built through the united efforts of the people of Yusheng and Yusheng, embodying the collective dedication of both nations. The final stone was personally placed by the sons born to the emperors of Yusheng and Sheng. This bridge, like the bloodline of Yusheng and Sheng, is intertwined and united. From this day forward, there shall be no borders between Yusheng and Sheng—only land we cultivate together and water we drink together!”

In an instant, ten thousand people knelt as one, bowing in unison: “We greet the young prince and princess.”

　　Those closest shouted: “Your humble subjects pay homage to Emperor Yu and Emperor Sheng!”

The crowd grew even more astonished, immediately erupting in cries of “Long live the Emperor!”

Li Daniu stood frozen in shock, dumbstruck. Others hurriedly pulled him down to kneel: “Are you out of your mind? How dare you not pay respects upon seeing the Emperor!”

　　Li Daniu instinctively followed suit, bowing with the others.

He was utterly petrified, his mind echoing with the thought: They are emperors.

Good heavens!

The emperors had helped harvest his wheat, slept on his bed, eaten fish he had given them…

　　Li Daniu bowed his head low, his voice trembling as he murmured, “This humble subject thanks Your Majesty…”

–

News of the Ice-Breaking Festival spread through every corner of Yusheng via traveling merchants, filling all who heard it with envy.

　　Those who had not participated in the festival flocked to Gu Yue, drawn by its fame, and the land soon became a thriving hub of trade.

Government offices across the land petitioned the emperor, requesting permission to host their own Ice-Breaking Festivals within their jurisdictions.

However, such festivals should not be held too frequently. After deliberation between the emperors of the two nations, it was decided that one would be held each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Summer celebrations would be held at the northernmost points of both nations, while winter festivities would take place at their southernmost extremes. Ye Jiang had mentioned that the southernmost regions in winter resembled spring—a sight they had yet to witness.

Yu Zhi and Luo Ting first determined this year’s seasonal venues based on the petitions from the prefectures and counties. They then forwarded Ye Jiang’s planning proposals to the prefectures and counties responsible for hosting the Ice-Breaking Festival.

　　Thereafter, as the Ice-Breaking Festival traveled to different regions, it incorporated local customs, giving rise to many new innovations.

In the autumn of the second year after the marriage of the emperors of Yu and Sheng, the rulers of both nations jointly decreed the relocation of their capitals.

Yu Zhi moved the capital to Ruyang Commandery in Yu, while Luo Tingshi moved the capital to Chenzhou in Sheng.

　Your Prefecture borders Chen Prefecture, a journey of no more than half a day. Though the emperors of both nations never stated it explicitly, all civil and military officials understood it well.

In the autumn of the third year, a magnificent palace was completed at the border between Your and Chen Prefectures.

In the spring of the fourth year, the emperors of Yusheng issued an edict: the two nations would unite as one, with the new state named “An.”

　　May all subjects find peace, and may the world know no more strife.

Rucheng became a single province, renamed Qian. The former emperors of Yusheng jointly ruled as sovereigns of the An Kingdom, residing in the imperial palace of Qian Province.

Thus, the two sovereigns governed the realm together.

　　Over the following four years, Yu and Sheng flourished through trade and mutual prosperity. Their people lived in harmony, and even children’s rhymes transformed into verses like: “Yu’s wheat, Sheng’s rice, cooked together in one fragrant pot.” Storytellers eagerly shared the secret lore of Yu and Sheng—

　　Legend has it that the Heavenly Emperor, witnessing a century of relentless warfare between Yu and Sheng, took pity on the suffering world. He commanded a married pair of celestial children under his command to be born into Yu and Sheng, destined to unify the realm.

Of course, these songs and legends were all penned by Yu Zhi and Luo Ting.

　　Years of constant exposure had made the people of both nations eager for the union. The founding of the Great An Empire was what the people desired, so there was little opposition.

Some attempted uprisings under the banner of restoring their former kingdoms, but these were swiftly crushed and never gained traction.

–

　　The summer sun blazed fiercely, cicadas chirping incessantly.

Wang Man hurried into the hall, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, Emperor Yu requests your presence at the Pavilion of the Immortals.”

　　Luo Tingshi’s furrowed brow relaxed as he stepped out of the hall with a smile.

Yu Zhi disliked the heat and preferred spending summer days in the pavilion on the lake. This Penglai Pavilion was modeled after the lake pavilion in their ancestral home in Gu Yue.

　　Luo Tingshi rowed the small boat himself through layers of emerald lotus leaves. Just as he neared the lake pavilion, a voice suddenly called out: “Luo Tingshi?”

The sound did not seem to come from within the pavilion.

Luo Tingshi listened carefully, tracing the sound until he spotted a snow-white cat in a small boat.

　　It lay nestled beneath a lotus leaf, clutching a blossom as it basked in the cool shade.

Luo Tingshi abandoned his boat, lightly touching the lake surface with his toes before leaping onto the sleeping cat’s vessel. He scooped the kitten into his arms and began stroking its fur.

“What brings Your Majesty here?”

　　“I missed you. Is that not allowed?”

Luo Tingshi’s lips curved upward. “Of course it is.”

The kitten hooked its paws around Luo Tingshi’s neck, pouting. “Tuantuan and Yuanyuan aren’t even five yet, and already people are eyeing them, wanting to send their own grandchildren to the palace.”

　　Luo Tingshi considered his words before replying, “The children are of age to begin their studies. It’s time to find them some study companions. If you’re concerned, you may personally select them.”

The kitten nodded. “Very well.”

　　He stretched lazily in Luo Tingshi’s embrace, rolled over a few times, and murmured languidly, “Lying beneath these lotus leaves, the fragrance wafting through the air is quite enchanting.”

　　Luo Tingshi chuckled softly, “Why not transform into human form, Your Majesty? Then we could engage in more delightful pursuits.”

The kitten’s ears twitched sharply as he glared at Luo Tingshi. “In broad daylight, you want to do that here…”

“Under the open sky, with water as our bed and green lotus leaves as our blanket—wouldn’t that be a unique experience?”

　　The seductive voice reached the kitten’s ears, causing him to hesitate slightly. After a moment, he looked deeply at Luo Tingshi.

The next instant, Luo Tingshi held his breath involuntarily.

“Your Majesty, you are truly beautiful.”

　　Fingers traced the delicate curve of Yu Zhi’s collarbone, gently resting at his waistline.

Yu Zhi murmured softly, lowering his wrist to dip into the icy lake water.

A gentle breeze stirred, unfurling the emerald lotus leaves beneath a clear blue sky.

　　Suddenly, the lotus leaves rippled gently. A dragonfly perched on a lotus bud fluttered up and vanished into the clear sky….

…

A slender, pale calf slid down from the small boat.

Fish scattered in fright around them.

…

　　After a long while, the ripples on the lake gradually subsided.

Luo Tingshi gently kissed Yu Zhi’s shoulder blades, leaving a trail of kisses along those beautiful butterfly bones.

Yu Zhi lay in Luo Tingshi’s embrace, idly dipping his fingers into the lake water.

　　“Your Majesty, is this a different kind of pleasure?”

Yu Zhi: “It is more than usual… Ugh…”

Mid-sentence, Yu Zhi’s stomach churned violently without warning. Acidic fluid surged up his throat. He bolted upright, clutching the boat’s edge as he retched.

　　Luo Tingshi was startled and quickly wrapped Yu Zhi in his outer robe, rushing toward the lakeside pavilion. After laying him on the bed, he hurried to the table, poured a cup of water, and helped Yu Zhi drink it.

“Did you eat something bad today?” Luo Tingshi asked, deeply concerned.

“Luo Tingshi…”

　　Yu Zhi lifted tear-filled eyes and spoke softly.

“I think I’m pregnant again.”

　　Luo Tingshi froze, the cup slipping from his grasp and crashing to the floor.

(The End)