Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 108 Part 2

“Impossible.” Zhang Ran stroked his beard. “If that were true, knowing His Highness’s temper, he would have used it as an excuse to strike at Prince Xiao. Why would he keep it quiet?”

Gongsun Yu shook his head again. He couldn’t make sense of it either. After a pause, he called a deputy over. “Return these two boxes to Captain Jing,” he ordered.

Zhang Ran gave him a look. “Won’t that be like slapping him in the face in public? Don’t forget that he was right about one thing. His Highness has no son. If one day he softens and takes that boy back, aren’t you afraid he’ll retaliate against you?”

“Then let him,” Gongsun Yu said with a sigh. “He’s disliked me for ages and has often spoken ill of me before His Highness. If he really inherits command of the Northern Yan Army, I’ll just take off my armor and retire to the countryside.”

Zhang Ran sighed again. “If that’s how you feel, why bother covering for him now and taking the blame just to keep the peace?”

“I’m not doing it for him,” Gongsun Yu said with a bitter smile. “I’m doing it for His Highness. He once saved my life. And since His Highness cares for that boy Jing Xi, I’ll protect him for His Highness’s sake.”

Zhang Ran could only shake his head helplessly.

“Well, don’t worry. Although His Highness’s temper has changed over these years, he still sees through everything. He won’t be easily fooled by Jing Xi’s honeyed words. It’s not Jing Xi I worry about. It’s Prince Xiao. Ever since he entered the capital, I haven’t felt at ease.”

One Prince Xiao was already enough of a mortal enemy, hard to deal with.

But this heir of Prince Xiao who appeared tonight, talented, precocious, bold, and meticulous, had slain a tiger in the palace with a strange insect and, two years ago, had even disguised himself to sneak into the Northern Yan Army and attempt assassination on His Highness. Clearly, he too was a dangerous and formidable figure.

***

Jing Xi stormed back to his residence, seething with anger.

His long-time servant, Chunfu, hurried up to greet him, beaming. “Thirteenth Protector, look who’s here!”

Although Jing Xi had been stripped of his title of Thirteenth Protector, the servants of the Jing household still called him so in private.

Crossing the threshold, Jing Xi saw a slightly plump, fair-faced, shrewd-looking middle-aged man in fine brocade sitting inside, drinking tea with a tall, thin man.

“Father! Fourth Uncle!” Jing Xi’s face lit up with joy. “What brings you here?”

The slightly plump middle-aged man was none other than Jing Qiu, current head of the Jing family. Hearing his son’s questions, Jing Qiu stroked the short beard on his chin and smiled. “We were worried you might get into trouble here in the capital. Your Fourth Uncle and I came to see how you were doing.”

“I hear you went to meet Prince Yan?” he asked sharply.

Jing Xi nodded and then clenched his jaw in anger. “That old dog Gongsun Yu! Now that I’ve lost my position, he dares to treat me like nothing. I’ll have him cut to pieces one day!”

“Xi’er!” Jing Qiu frowned, cutting him off. “How many times have I told you to keep your temper in check. Men like Gongsun Yu are veteran generals; you must treat them with respect and courtesy. Don’t start conflicts with them lightly.”

The tall, thin man sitting opposite Jing Qiu, his Fourth Uncle, Jing Si, also nodded. “Xi’er, those men are the backbone of the Northern Yan Army. They’ve followed Prince Yan through countless battles and hold great influence in the ranks. When you take command of the Northern Yan Army one day, you’ll still need their support if you want to lead for long.”

“Your Fourth Uncle is right,” Jing Qiu added. “You can’t lead an army without the loyalty of its officers. You’re like this because we spoiled you too much. You’ve lost all sense of restraint.”

“Godfather won’t even see me now. If I had any other choice, I wouldn’t have gone begging that old dog,” Jing Xi said darkly.

“That’s exactly what I came to talk to you about,” Jing Qiu said, exchanging a glance with Jing Si. “Prince Yan’s temper is well known. Xi’er, using this kind of approach won’t work. It only makes you look small-minded. You broke military law this time, a serious offense. To win his forgiveness, you can’t rely on the same tricks of throwing tantrums and sweet-talking your way through.

“But Prince Yan has always treated you differently. All these years, has he ever cared for anyone else as he does for you? That’s your blessing, our family’s good fortune, and the reason you stand apart. No matter how much he trusts Gongsun Yu, that man is still only a subordinate. When you formally become the young commander of the Northern Yan Army, won’t he have no choice but to obey you?”

“But how can I ever understand what Godfather is thinking?” Jing Xi muttered bitterly. “I truly don’t get it. Why did he let that Xiao Rong act so arrogantly in the palace today?”

“Xiao Rong?”

“Yes.” Jing Xi’s eyes flared with hatred again. “It’s that Xiao Rong! He tricked me into losing my feather pendant on the Platform of Challenge years ago! And it was him again, stirring up trouble in Songzhou, getting my title stripped by Godfather!”

Jing Qiu frowned thoughtfully. “Xiao Rong… that name sounds familiar. His surname is Xiao, so could he be from the Xiao clan?”

Jing Xi’s expression twisted. “He’s the heir of Xiao Royal Residence.”

Both Jing Qiu and Jing Si were startled. “The heir of the Xiao clan? Prince Xiao’s only son?”

Jing Xi himself had never imagined that the young scoundrel he once despised so bitterly would turn out to have such a noble identity. “But now he’s fallen from grace; expelled from the Xiao clan,” Jing Xi added disdainfully.

Jing Qiu and Jing Si, who had just arrived from the northern territories, were still unaware of the news from the capital. Hearing this, Jing Qiu laughed.

“In that case, why bother stooping to his level? What matters most for you now is regaining your title as the Thirteenth Protector. Prince Yan enforces strict discipline and clear rewards and punishments. Even if only to calm public criticism, he’ll keep you out of favor for a while. That’s exactly why you must stay calm.”

Jing Qiu had full confidence in his son.

Years ago, on Prince Yan’s birthday, Jing Qiu had brought his three sons to offer their congratulations. He had intended for his eldest, who showed some promise in martial arts, to impress the Prince and earn a chance to serve in the Northern Yan Army.

However, on that day, Prince Yan sat high on the throne with a wine cup in hand, dressed in a dark dragon-embroidered robe and eyes half-lidded, filled with a daunting majesty that made none dare meet his gaze. And in that solemn hall, the person who caught his attention and he then singled out was not Jing Qiu’s eldest son but the youngest, who had forgotten to bow and was happily munching on a stick of candied hawthorn.

Jing Qiu had turned pale on the spot.

Prince Yan stared at the child for a long time, then abruptly beckoned him forward and asked about his birthdate and age. On the spot, he announced the boy as his adopted son. Whether from drunkenness or some other reason, the Jing family, formerly unnoticed, shot to prominence overnight and became sought by northern officials.

What Jing Qiu had not expected was that, years later, this dashing Prince Yan still had not married or fathered children. Thus, the Prince’s favored foster son, Jing Xi, became the likeliest candidate to inherit command of the Northern Yan army; many within the army thought likewise. Jing Qiu had even quietly attempted to have Jing Xi adopted into the Yan clan genealogy to legitimize the tie.

However, the matter of changing the Yan family genealogy was of paramount importance and the Yan clan elders opposed it to the end, causing Jing Qiu’s plan to stall.

Later, when Jing Xi went south on travels, he somehow angered Prince Yan and was stripped of his Thirteenth Protector rank.

Jing Qiu was alarmed.

That was why he hastened to the capital to manage the matter for his son.

After all, the Prince, Yan Ju, was the real head of the Yan family. If the Prince consented to adopt, no elder could stop it.

A servant entered with news. “Master, Thirteenth Protector, Minister Cui Daohuan has sent three fine horses as a gift for the Thirteenth Protector.”

Jing Xi shrugged. “What good horses could there be in the capital?”

Jing Qiu smiled. “Xi’er, horses are secondary. It’s the gesture. Minister Cui’s gift signals his recognition of you and shows he understands your place in the Prince’s favor. The Cui clan is a leading family and they are thoughtful in such matters.”

Jing Xi felt a flicker of pride.

***

Outside, the night was clear and the moon thin. Xiao Rong still sat beneath the eaves, enjoying the cool.

Feng Zhong rubbed his hands nervously and stood on the steps. “You summoned me in the middle of the night, Your Highness. Do you have any orders?” Feng Zhong asked.

Xiao Rong folded his fan and said, “Clan Head Feng, you still have some elite men stationed in the capital, yes?”

Feng Zhong froze, about to deny it, but after dealing with the heir for a while, he knew better than to lie. He muttered, “…we have some men, but they’re hardly elite.”

“How many?” Xiao Rong asked.

Feng Zhong slowly held up three fingers. “Thirty?”

Xiao Rong tilted his head.

Feng Zhong’s three fingers immediately became five, his smile forced and awkward. “The Young Prince sees clearly. It’s really only that many!”

“Good. I’ll borrow fifty of your men.” Xiao Rong rose; his wide sleeves billowed in the wind.

Feng Zhong asked cautiously, “What does the Young Prince intend? Just give the order and I will obey.”

“Don’t worry. I will only borrow them briefly. When it’s done, I’ll return every one.” Xiao Rong glanced at Mo Dong. “Tomorrow morning, go with Clan Head Feng and gather the men. Once you’ve summoned them, don’t bring them back. Leave them on standby where they are.”

Mo Dong acknowledged.

Feng Zhong tried to probe for some inside information, but Xiao Rong had already returned directly to his room. He could only crane his neck and glance at Mo Dong. “Guard Mo, what is the Young Prince planning…?”

“Rest assured. The Young Prince said he’ll return every one; he won’t go back on his word,” Mo Dong replied coldly.

It wasn’t that Mo Dong didn’t want to deal with Feng Zhong, but at the moment, he himself didn’t know what the Young Prince had in mind.

***

The next morning, the martial arts tournament officially began.

The Emperor attached great importance to this event, issuing orders that all officials in the capital, except for specific staff left on duty, regardless of rank, were to attend and observe the matches. Zhang Fu had already delivered the imperial edict to Xiao Rong a day in advance, ensuring he would arrive on time.

Xiao Rong ate breakfast leisurely before entering the venue punctually and taking a seat among the civil officials.

At the leftmost side, the military seats were already filled with soldiers clad in dark black armor. Prince Yan, Yan Ju, wore a black brocade robe and sat on a folding chair in the center, with fine wine and delicacies arranged on the table before him. Cui Daohuan sat beside him with a smiling face, showing utmost respect.

Next to them were the Prince of Wei, Cui Cheng, and various generals of the Imperial Guard.

On the opposite side, the generals of the Silver Dragon Cavalry taking part in the tournament were seated. The most eye-catching figure was the Prince of Jin, clad in silver armor, also seated among the generals. It was only then that everyone realized the Prince of Jin would personally participate in the tournament.

The elderly Matriarch of the Wang clan had scars from whip injuries on her face, yet she looked vigorous and proud as she sat in the Wang clan’s seat, her gaze sweeping across the hall. When it landed on Prince Yan, it carried clear caution.

Only Minister of War Du Zifang was sweating profusely. The place at the leftmost seat had originally been reserved for Prince Xiao, but after Prince Yan entered, he brazenly took the spot without any guidance from the Ministry of War officials. The officials, intimidated by his presence, dared not breathe. Although Prince Xiao probably wouldn’t care about seating arrangements, the scene looked improper.

Soon, Prince Xiao appeared, accompanied by officials from the Secretariat. His sons, Xiao Yulin and Xiao Yuke, followed beside him.

“Prince Xiao, Young Master Yulin,” the elderly Matriarch greeted, rising to pay her respects.

Prince Xiao glanced at the seating but said nothing, instead sitting down directly at the right side of the hall, opposite Prince Yan. Xiao Yulin followed suit.

Among noble families, seating arrangements were strictly observed. Xiao Yulin’s placement next to Prince Xiao carried obvious significance. The elderly Matriarch understood this and frequently gave him face in public.

Xiao Jingcheng basked in the envious gazes of those around him, cheeks flushed, and asked, “Matriarch, are your injuries any better?”

The elderly Matriarch smiled. “Thanks to your concern, Third Master Xiao, I’m much better now.”

Once all officials were seated, the Emperor arrived.

“Set a seat beside me. Let the Young Prince come sit here,” the Emperor ordered Zhang Fu immediately.

Zhang Fu quickly obeyed.

The assembled officials exchanged glances. The matter of Xiao Rong being expelled from the Xiao clan was now almost common knowledge, yet the Emperor still showed such favor toward the Young Prince. It was truly astonishing.

Xiao Rong declined three times, but the Emperor insisted, so he finally obeyed and took the seat.

As a result, Xiao Rong’s position was even ahead of Xi Rong, the crown prince.

Looking up, Xiao Rong saw Xi Rong sitting not far beside him, dressed in black crown prince attire, as composed and solemn as always.

Jing Xi, seated among the Northern Yan army generals, naturally kept a close eye on both Xiao Rong and Xi Rong. Thinking of past grudges and recent humiliation, he wished he could tear Xiao Rong apart, but given the current circumstances, he had no choice but to restrain himself.

At that moment, Yan Ju, who had been sitting with narrowed eyes, suddenly ordered soldiers to bring a large jar of liquor to Xiao Jingcheng and his sons.

“This is Northern Blade Liquor. Our Prince Yan invites the three of you to taste it,” the soldier announced, then personally poured three large bowls and handed them to the trio.

Although Xiao Yuke had military experience, he was still very much a son of a noble family and was the first to frown. “This is far too strong for us,” he said. Moreover, the bowls holding the liquor looked more like noodle bowls.

The soldier held the bowls steadily. “Our Prince Yan said that in the past, when Prince Xiao drank this Northern Blade Liquor, his expression never changed, and he could drink a thousand cups without faltering. If the three of you refuse, it would prove that the third branch of the Xiao clan is all cowards.”

“…!!” Xiao Yuke looked up angrily at the speaking soldier.

The soldier made no attempt to lower his voice and even deliberately raised it, so the surrounding officials could hear clearly.

Prince Xiao took the tea handed by Mo Chun and said lightly, “What, isn’t the whole of Northern Yan enough for Prince Yan to show off his might?”

Yan Ju, holding his cup of liquor boldly, sat like a crouching tiger. Hearing this, he didn’t flinch. Instead, he took a defiant sip. “This remark of yours is rather biased, Prince Xiao,” Prince Yan said. “This Northern Blade Liquor is used in Northern Yan to entertain esteemed guests. It is top-quality liquor. All men of Northern Yan grow up drinking it. I, Prince Yan, offer this to the third branch of the Xiao clan because I treat them as honored guests. How come, in Prince Xiao’s words, it sounds as if I am deliberately bullying them?

“Besides, I am not forcing them to drink. Xiao Jingcheng, if you’re afraid, just say so. Northern Yan liquor is never for cowards.”

Under ordinary circumstances, he might have let it slide. But with all eyes on him, Xiao Jingcheng couldn’t admit fear in front of everyone, lest he be looked down upon. He immediately lifted the massive bowl before him.

“I shall drink it. Yan Ju, do you really think I fear you?” To back up his bold words, Xiao Jingcheng immediately drank a mouthful.

A fiery, burning sensation swept through his throat and tongue.

Xiao Jingcheng had never drunk such strong liquor before. He choked violently, face turning red, coughing uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face.

Yet having boasted so boldly, he couldn’t give up halfway. With the Northern Yan generals watching as if for amusement, he forced the bowl down like swallowing bitter gall.

Tears streamed over his face, his stomach felt like it was on fire, and his tongue burned so fiercely that he could barely speak, crying profusely in utter misery.

“Your turn, young masters.” The Northern Yan soldier responsible for serving the wine once again looked toward Xiao Yulin and Xiao Yuke.

“Yan Ju, you are going too far!” Xiao Yuke could no longer hold back and stood up angrily.

“Yan Ju,” Prince Yan repeated lightly. “In this world, there are very few who can call me by name directly. Xiao Jingming, everyone says the Xiao clan’s rules are strict, but in my view, they’re nothing special. I’m not bragging, but even the weakest camp under my command has rules far stricter than yours, Xiao clan. For someone who disrespects their superiors like this, they’d at least be taken out and beaten thirty strokes.”

“It was my younger brother being rude. I hope Prince Yan can forgive him, as he is young and ignorant,” Xiao Yulin immediately said as he stood. “We’ll drink this wine.”

There was a soft sound.

The previously silent Prince Xiao put down his teacup and spoke again, “Prince Yan has traveled a long way to bring this wine. We of the Xiao clan appreciate the sentiment. These young ones are merely juniors. They are not worthy of enjoying such fine hospitality. I shall drink the remaining two bowls on their behalf, so as not to dampen Prince Yan’s mood.”

Prince Xiao swept his gaze and Mo Chun quickly brought the wine.

Under the watchful eyes of the officials, Prince Xiao calmly drank the two large bowls of Northern Blade Liquor without flinching.

The officials were all astonished.

Only Minister of State Affairs Cui Daohuan clapped and laughed. “I’ve long heard that Prince Xiao has an extraordinary drinking capacity. Seeing it today, it is truly not an exaggeration.”

Prince Yan narrowed his eyes but said nothing, merely raised his hand, signaling the soldier to withdraw.

“Fourth Uncle…” Xiao Yuke called out, worried and embarrassed.

Prince Xiao’s expression remained indifferent as he motioned for the two to sit down.