The moment Yu Zhi rose, darkness suddenly engulfed his vision.
A dizzying sensation of spinning overwhelmed him. Yu Zhi staggered, taking several unsteady steps backward. Alarm bells rang in his mind as he hurriedly grabbed the long table, barely steadying himself.
“Your Majesty!” Lu Jing darted forward, seizing Yu Zhi’s arm to gently guide him back to his seat. Concern filled his eyes. “How are you feeling? I’ll summon the imperial physician at once.”
Leaning back in his armchair, Yu Zhi propped his head up with his right hand, his eyes half-closed. He murmured a weak “Mm.”
Lu Jing immediately ordered the palace attendant at the door to fetch the imperial physician, fearing the emperor might suffer another episode. After giving brief instructions, he hurried back inside. As he crossed the threshold, his hasty steps faltered slightly.
The Emperor now curled within his chair, his back—usually as straight as green bamboo—bent, his right hand clutching his lower abdomen, his face pale.
Lu Jing’s heart suddenly lurched. He hurried to Yu Zhi’s side, his gaze lingering on the Emperor’s fair forehead, now glistening with a thin sheen of sweat. His heart leapt into his throat. As if afraid of startling the emperor, Lu Jing spoke in an extremely soft voice: “Your Majesty, where does it hurt? Is there anything I can do for you?”
Yu Zhi was being tossed about by the strange sensation in his lower abdomen, nausea rising in his throat. Unable to utter a word, he waved his hand to refuse.
For Yu Zhi, every moment was agony.
He pressed his hand to his aching lower abdomen, his heart knotted as if he were plunged into an abyss, engulfed by the terror of the unknown.
Baby, you must be okay.
Yu Zhi prayed silently.
When he learned of the pregnancy, a faint glimmer of joy had flickered within him. Among their Bai Ling tribe, some spent their entire lives childless. For him to conceive on the first try should have been a blessing.
Alas, the child’s other father was his enemy, not his lover.
Despite that man’s despicable nature, Yu Zhi never once considered abandoning this child. His palm pressed tightly against his belly, attempting to soothe the unformed fetus within.
“Ugh…”
Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his mind, as if a silver needle had been driven viciously through the top of his skull. Yu Zhi let out an indistinct moan, his white fingertips digging painfully into his palm as he curled into a ball.
Why hadn’t Physician Zhang arrived yet?
Yu Zhi was drenched in cold sweat, his inner robe clinging uncomfortably to his back in the sweltering summer heat.
Just as his agony reached its peak, a familiar voice drifted faintly into his ears. Yu Zhi struggled to open his moist, round eyes. Physician Zhang was crouched before him, taking his pulse.
Yu Zhi’s lips trembled as he forced the words from his throat: “The child…”
“Your Majesty, rest assured. The child is fine.”
The physician’s words instantly calmed Yu Zhi, and the throbbing in his head seemed to ease slightly. He slumped back into the chair, his watery eyes lowering as he gazed at his flat abdomen.
The child was less than two months old, its presence still unseen beneath the skin.
Yu Zhi shot it a slightly disdainful glance.
You little thing, tormenting me before you’ve even taken shape—just as wicked as your father.
“Your Majesty, your sudden rage overwhelmed you and disturbed the fetus. You must never lose your temper so easily again. Your constitution is already somewhat weak, and without the comfort of the child’s father for so long, complications could easily arise. Extreme emotional fluctuations are not only harmful to the fetus but also affect you.”
Imperial Physician Zhang released Yu Zhi’s wrist, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and breathed a sigh of relief. The emperor’s agonized expression moments ago had truly startled him—he’d feared the royal heir was in peril.
As he spoke, another mark was added in his mind against Luo Tingshi. Ultimately, it was all his fault. Had he not insisted on attacking Yu Kingdom, none of this would have happened.
As this thought crossed his mind, Yu Zhi glanced guiltily at Imperial Physician Zhang, his voice faltering. “I wish to visit the frontier. Will my body hold up?”
A vein throbbed on Physician Zhang’s forehead as his expression darkened. He stared at the pale young emperor. “Your Majesty, what do you think?”
“I believe I can,” Yu Zhi murmured softly, about to say more when his peripheral vision caught Lu Jing standing frozen nearby. His words trailed off.
How could he have forgotten him?
Yu Zhi cleared his throat. “Minister Lu, I have matters to discuss with Physician Zhang. You may withdraw for now.”
Lu Jing’s emotions were deeply conflicted as he bowed. “This humble servant takes his leave.”
That men of the Yu royal family could bear children was no secret. Since Yu’s founding, the Great Ancestor had proclaimed it to the realm. The Great Ancestor himself possessed a legendary destiny—he had single-handedly overthrown the tyrannical rule of the previous dynasty, restoring clarity to the land. The people believed the Great Ancestor was blessed by Heaven, hence the divine miracle.
The young emperor, still a child these past years, had shown little interest in matters of the heart and had never set his affections on anyone.
Lu Jing never imagined that after just one trip away, His Majesty would already have a child. No wonder, during their discussions these past days, the emperor had occasionally suffered bouts of nausea and dry heaving.
Deep concern welled within Lu Jing. If this child truly belonged to Luo Tingshi, then it would be either the Crown Prince or the eldest princess of Luo Tingshi’s lineage. Should Luo Tingshi learn of this, he would likely vie with His Majesty for custody of the child.
A solution must be found… Lu Jing’s gaze grew heavy.
Only after Lu Jing’s figure vanished outside did Yu Zhi continue his earlier words: “If I were to revert to my original form, would the reduced jostling in the carriage make the journey possible?”
Imperial Physician Zhang frowned sternly: “That would still be perilous.”
Yu Zhi lifted his eyes, meeting Zhang’s gaze directly. He sighed softly. “I have no choice but to go. Shengguo will likely attack Yuguo soon. I have no desire to wage war against them. Once fighting begins, it is the common people who suffer. Even if Yuguo prevails, countless will be left homeless and displaced. Now, perhaps only I can stop Luo Tingshi. I must go.”
The young emperor’s words were earnest, and Physician Zhang wavered slightly: “But…”
“Physician Zhang, please help me. “Yu Zhi gently tugged at the physician’s sleeve, his dark, moist eyes fixed on him with earnest appeal.
Zhang Taiyi was instantly at a loss.
The young emperor’s tactic was irresistible. That pitiful look would move anyone to grant his every request.
Dr. Zhang relented. “Your Majesty, I have one request—please take me with you.”
Yu Zhi’s eyes brightened. “Of course. Your medical skill is unmatched. I wouldn’t feel at ease without you by my side.”
The court physician was utterly charmed.
He rose to his feet and addressed Yu Zhi: “Your Majesty, allow me to assist you to the inner chamber to rest. I shall prepare a bowl of pregnancy-preserving medicine for you shortly. Once you take it, your discomfort will subside.”
Doctor Zhang escorted Yu Zhi to the inner chamber. As he lay on the bed, gently stroking his abdomen, his gaze fell upon the auspicious beasts adorning the dome ceiling. In his mind, he pondered how to navigate this crisis.
When Luo Ting first ascended the throne, certain court officials had already voiced discontent toward him. Yu Zhi had assumed he would first consolidate the Sheng Kingdom’s ministers, stabilize the court, and only then consider dealing with the Yu Kingdom.
Unexpectedly, Luo Ting was a madman.
He played by no conventional rules whatsoever.
If war was inevitable, Yu Kingdom was not without the means to fight back. On the contrary, Yu possessed numerous elite troops and formidable generals. In the years since Yu Zhi ascended the throne, Yu had faced no major disasters. Its treasury was plentiful, provisions abundant—more than sufficient to confront Sheng Kingdom.
Yet once the beacon fires were lit, death would inevitably follow.
Yu Zhi refused to let Yu’s soldiers die for Luo Tingshi’s ambition. As sovereign, he was determined to protect every one of his subjects.
From childhood, his father had often told him that every life was precious. He must not wield the power of life and death as emperor to slaughter indiscriminately.
Over the years, he had kept these words firmly in his heart, never killing the innocent without cause.
Every person he had executed deserved their punishment.
Therefore, he must stop Luo Ting at all costs, preventing war from erupting once more.
How should he proceed?
Recalling the “heartfelt confession” in Luo Ting’s letter, Yu Zhi’s lips curled slightly. Though his memories of that night remained hazy, certain fragments still flashed through his mind from time to time, leaving him dizzy and flushed.
A low, husky voice brushed against his earlobe: “Good boy, open wider…”
Amidst the chaos, the man chuckled softly: “So skilled… I like it very much.” The smile in his voice deepened slightly, sounding both alluring and dangerous in the silent, dark night.
“Loosen up. Let me hear you cry out. Yes… so beautiful.”
“Such a good boy, a beauty so perfectly to my liking…” The man sighed, cupping his face as he kissed him, coaxing him, “Will you come with me?”
In that instant, memories buried deep within his heart surged forth. Yu Zhi covered his ears, trying to block the haunting echoes swirling around him, but it was futile.
“Luo… Ting… Shi!”
Yu Zhi gritted his teeth, burying his face in the soft pillow. He forced the images in his mind to shift to the frontier, where a battlefield stained crimson with blood came into view. Only then did Yu Zhi gradually calm down.
The chirping of cicadas drifted across the pond, carried into the room along with the gentle breeze through the lotus leaves.
Yu Zhi inhaled the lotus fragrance, exhaled softly, and tapped his lower abdomen with a finger. He muttered, “Why does that bastard father of yours have to be so cruel, stirring up war?”
Having had little contact with Luo Tingshi, Yu Zhi couldn’t fathom his thoughts. But Yu Zhi was certain of one thing: Luo Tingshi was interested in him.
Could he really be expected to resort to seduction?
Yu Zhi scratched his head in frustration.
“Knock knock—” The sound of knocking came from the door. It was Lin Shan delivering the medicine.
Yu Zhi beckoned him in, pinched his nose, and gulped down the pregnancy-preserving medicine in one go. Lin Shan picked up the palm fan from the bed and gently waved it, murmuring, “Your Majesty, after taking the medicine, please rest well. I’ll stay here to watch over you.”
Since becoming pregnant, Yu Zhi had grown quite drowsy. In the cool breeze brought by Lin Shan, he pressed his slightly sore eyes and slowly closed them.
In the final moments before sinking into deep sleep, Yu Zhi’s mind was still racing with thoughts of how to end the war.
–
The next day, Yu Zhi informed several key ministers of his intention to travel to the border.
Chancellor Li Yupeng immediately voiced his opposition: “Your Majesty, you absolutely must not go! As the Son of Heaven, how could Your Majesty so lightly expose yourself to danger? Your previous disguised visit to Sheng Kingdom was already highly inappropriate. Now to consider going to the battlefield? Your Majesty, this is far too perilous! Should you be injured, we would be utterly unable to bear the blame, even if we were to die ten thousand times!”
“Chancellor Li speaks with reason, Your Majesty. You must not act rashly.”
“Your Majesty…”
After uttering those words, the young emperor remained silent. Li Yupeng lifted his gaze to the boy’s impassive face. Seeing him unmoved by the ministers’ pleas, he shook his head helplessly.
The young emperor’s resolve seemed unshakable.
Yu Zhi sensed his gaze and lifted his eyes to meet Li Yupeng’s. Their eyes locked in mid-air, Yu Zhi’s expression intensely serious. “Minister Li, perhaps only I can stop Luo Ting now. I must go to the frontier. The affairs of the court must once again be entrusted to you, my loyal minister.”
Li Yupeng knew the young emperor’s resolve was unshakable and ceased his pleas. He gazed deeply at him, clasped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, please take care in all matters.”
Three days later, several simple carriages departed the capital.
Yu Zhi traveled in secret this time, taking only Imperial Physician Zhang and Lu Jing with him.
He knew Shengguo spies lurked within the capital. Lin Shan remained behind in the palace to distract the spies, while Lu Jing was ostensibly dispatched to Pingshan Commandery but would secretly join them en route.
According to the spies, Luo Tingshi planned to invade from Guyue Commandery. He had already secretly transferred provisions and troops there.
Before the sun had risen, the carriages traveled smoothly along the official road in the faint morning light.
“Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell anywhere?” Imperial Physician Zhang turned to look at the pearwood box beside him.
The box was lined with layers of thick, soft brocade. Yu Zhi, having reverted to his original form, sat inside, his paws clinging to the edge of the wooden box. He spoke in human language: “I feel perfectly fine.”
Court Physician Zhang remained uneasy. He crouched down, bringing his gaze level with the kitten, and urged solemnly, “Your Majesty, if you feel even slightly unwell, you must inform me. Do not push yourself to continue the journey.”
Yu Zhi extended a tiny paw and rested it on Zhang’s sleeve, smiling as he said, ” “Doctor Zhang needn’t worry so. I have a little one growing inside me. I won’t let him suffer with me.”
Doctor Zhang’s tense mouth relaxed slightly. He lifted the kitten’s paws and squeezed them gently. “Your Majesty, lie down properly now. You mustn’t be jostled about.”
Yu Zhi obediently withdrew his paws, stretched lazily, and lay flat in the box.
“Hmm?” Physician Zhang’s gaze swept over the kitten’s exposed, furry belly, pausing with a look of surprise and delight. “Your Majesty, has your belly grown a bit larger?”
Yu Zhi froze, glancing down to find a slight bulge at his lower abdomen.
Curiosity piqued, he reached out a paw to touch the protrusion.
Could this be his child?
“Logically speaking, Your Majesty shouldn’t show so quickly,” Physician Zhang mused, stroking his beard with a hint of puzzlement.
Hearing this, Yu Zhi looked up nervously: “But is there something wrong with the child?”
Court Physician Zhang shook his head: “Your Majesty, please do not be anxious. This is nothing serious. It may simply be an excess of amniotic fluid within your womb. Once you have transformed into human form, this servant will take your pulse again.”
Yu Zhi felt slightly reassured. His hand gently traced a circle over his abdomen as he silently made a wish.
Ancestor Bai Ling, protect my child and grant it a safe birth.
The carriage journeyed westward, heading straight for Guyue Commandery. Twenty li outside the capital city, they reached a small village where Lu Jing and the others joined the group.
Due to Yu Zhi’s pregnancy, their pace was slow. Reaching Guyue Commandery would take at least another month. Delay could bring complications. To hasten their journey to the frontier, Yu Zhi and the others had been resting in the carriage for days, ready to depart at any moment.
Lu Jing felt deeply uneasy.
He hadn’t seen His Majesty in days.
Imperial Physician Zhang stated His Majesty was unwell, unable to endure drafts, and required rest within the carriage. Normally, Lu Jing could only speak to His Majesty through the carriage walls. He had never seen His Majesty’s face and knew nothing of His Majesty’s condition.
Lu Jing sighed deeply.
–
Throughout the dynasties, only the imperial physicians of the Zhang clan knew the secret that the Yu royal family were demons. To the common people of Yu, the Yu clan were chosen by Heaven. If the truth of their demonic nature were revealed, it would surely shake the very foundations of the kingdom. Thus, every generation kept this secret sealed, never daring to utter a word.
However, there were those who harbored treasonous thoughts. A hundred years ago, someone spread rumors far and wide, attempting to overthrow the Yu imperial authority.
In the end, the truth came to light: that person was nothing but a madman.
The words of a madman were naturally untrustworthy.
People dismissed it as mere gossip for idle chatter, and as time passed, it gradually faded from memory. In the eyes of the common folk, the imperial family of Yu Kingdom remained nothing but those chosen by Heaven.
Yu Zhi could not appear before others in his true form, so he remained confined to his carriage these past days.
Frequent shape-shifting within a short period harmed his body, and as Yu Zhi was carrying a child, he naturally could not risk it. Only when night fell and all was quiet could he sneak out of the carriage for a breath of fresh air.
Suffocating from confinement, Yu Zhi lay listlessly in his box, his tiny paws playing with the sunlight filtering through the carriage.
Imperial Physician Zhang, who had watched Yu Zhi grow up, couldn’t help but feel pity at the sight. He gently squeezed the cub’s paws. “Your Majesty, bear with it a little longer. We’ll reach Guyue Commandery in five days.”
After a hurried journey, the group finally reached Guyue Commandery at dusk on the fifth day.
The Commandery Governor had been waiting at the city gates for some time. As several carriages approached in the twilight, he squinted, recognizing the insignia on the carriages. He quickly adjusted his attire and stepped forward to greet them.
Just as he was about to bow, a carriage pulled up beside him. A pale, slender hand lifted a corner of the curtain, and a clear, resonant voice sounded at the governor’s ear: “Governor Lin, come to the carriage.”
Governor Lin stepped into the carriage. In the soft lamplight, he saw a pair of bright, smiling eyes.
The carriage traversed the broad streets and alleys, arriving at the prefectural residence.
After arranging lodgings for his entourage, Prefect Lin hurried to the chambers where Yu Zhi resided. Once alone, he bowed deeply: “Your Majesty, your humble servant pays his respects.”
“Rise, Lord Lin.” Yu Zhi offered a gesture of support without further preamble. “What news from Sheng Kingdom?”
Lord Lin’s face remained impassive. “Their armies are advancing upon our borders.”
Yu Zhi’s eyes darkened, his thin lips pressed tightly together. After a moment’s contemplation, he spoke again: “Governor Lin, you…”
Before he could finish, a soldier’s voice suddenly pierced the night.
“Report! The Sheng Kingdom’s army has reached thirty li outside the city!”