Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 115

“You don’t need to specify the exact candidate yet,” said Prince Yan. “When the time comes, I’ll bring him back myself. Just tell him that the new heir of the Yan family is brilliant, gifted in both the pen and the sword. He won’t be able to find a single flaw.”

It was a decree concerning the heir, a matter of great importance, so Gongsun Yu bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.

Still, he couldn’t help speculating. Could it be that after Jing Xi’s recent peril, the Prince’s heart had softened? Was he planning to officially adopt Jing Xi into the Yan family’s genealogy and establish him as the heir?

Admittedly, the thought was not entirely unexpected, yet a faint disappointment still welled up in Gongsun Yu’s chest.

If Jing Xi became heir to the Yan family, he would one day inherit command of the Northern Yan Army and with Jing Xi’s temperament, there would no longer be a place for Gongsun Yu among them.

That, however, was secondary.

What mattered most was that the empire the Prince had built through a lifetime of brilliance and boldness might one day crumble in the hands of the Jing family.

Prince Yan had always been decisive and far-sighted, rarely wrong in judgment, yet in all his life, only when it came to Jing Xi did he get blinded by personal affection.

Brilliant and gifted in both pen and sword.

To be frank, Gongsun Yu didn’t think those words had anything to do with Jing Xi.

“What’s that look on your face?” Prince Yan asked, turning toward him.

Gongsun Yu dared not spoil His Highness’s mood. He immediately bowed and said, “This humble general is merely happy for Your Highness. The Northern Yan Army finally has a successor.”

“Yes,” said Prince Yan, smiling broadly. “I’m happy too. At long last, the day I’ve been waiting for has come.”

Gongsun Yu could not bring himself to echo such a sentiment, so he simply lowered his head and murmured agreement.

Just then, Yan Shan approached, lantern light flickering across his face.

“Your Highness,” he reported, “the young master has finished the medicine for his fever, but he says he’s hungry and wants a meal. Also, he requests two sets of clean robes and a bottle of Blood-Swallow Pills.”

Food and clothing were no issue; it was the Blood-Swallow Pills that required instruction.

Gongsun Yu, listening at the side, could not hide his surprise.

The Blood-Swallow Pill was a rare medicine of the Northern Yan Army, a miraculous remedy for both internal and external wounds, made from a scarce species of northern blood-swallow. Only the most decorated generals were ever granted some. Even Jing Xi, despite being the Prince’s favored young protector, had once received only three pills as a reward after an outstanding hunt.

And now this young heir was asking for an entire bottle? That was outrageously presumptuous.

Sure enough, Prince Yan’s eyes narrowed. “What does he need so many Blood-Swallow Pills for?”

Yan Shan bowed his head. “The young master didn’t say, but this old servant guesses that it’s most likely for the Crown Prince.”

Prince Yan gave a low, displeased hum. “Tell him there are none. He sees that wretched boy and suddenly he can drink medicine, eat food, and now he wants to empty my entire storehouse to heal him? Outrageous.”

Yan Shan dared not reply.

Prince Yan shot him a sidelong glance. “How is he now?”

Yan Shan quickly answered, “The prescription the young master wrote for himself seems to be working well. His fever has gone down somewhat. I hadn’t realized the young master was so gifted in medicine.”

“Of course,” said Prince Yan with a faint smile. “He’s always been clever and learns anything in a blink.”

Gongsun Yu could only look at His Highness with an expression that was equal parts confusion and disbelief.

He thought to himself that although the Prince’s temperament had indeed grown unpredictable in recent years, swinging between moods with alarming ease, never had he seen His Highness so capricious as tonight.

The heir to Xiao Royal Residence was famous for his talent, known since childhood for his keen memory and scholarly brilliance. That much was public knowledge. But the Prince’s tone and expression tonight were strange, almost too familiar, as though he knew the young heir personally.

Yan Shan then ventured carefully, “What about the clothes and the meal, Your Highness?”

“Send them both,” said the Prince. “And tell the kitchens to prepare something light and appetizing.”

Yan Shan bowed and went to make the arrangements.

Inside the room, Xiao Rong and Xi Rong waited a short while before Yan Shan returned with servants, bringing food and a set of garments.

Xiao Rong glanced over them and asked, “What about the Blood-Swallow Pills?”

Yan Shan smiled. “Those require the Prince’s permission. This old servant will go to seek it shortly. For now, please enjoy your meal, young master, Your Highness.”

Xiao Rong had expected as much. Prince Yan would never part easily with such important medicine and was about to press the matter when Xi Rong quietly shook his head and said gently, “Eat first.”

Xiao Rong nodded.

With Xi Rong’s help, he rose from the bed. The servants had already set out the dishes and withdrawn, leaving only Yan Shan standing by the door.

“You may go as well,” Xiao Rong said.

Yan Shan lowered his gaze. “The Prince has ordered this old servant to attend upon the two of you during your meal. I dare not disobey.”

Xiao Rong fell silent.

Attend upon? It was more like keeping watch.

Still, that was only to be expected.

With Yan Ju’s ruthless caution, he would never allow the two of them to be alone together, not when they might conspire.

The garments Yan Shan brought were two sets, one dark and one plain, their colors close to what Xiao Rong and Xi Rong usually wore. Xi Rong took off his blood-stained robe and changed into a clean one before helping Xiao Rong change as well.

Xiao Rong’s fever had soaked his inner and outer robes through with cold sweat. Xi Rong drew the bed curtains, helped him out of the damp clothes, and dressed him in the plain, wide-sleeved robe Yan Shan had brought.

Although it had been prepared in haste, the fabric and workmanship were of the highest quality, softer and lighter even than the bright silk robes Xiao Rong had worn back in Jiangnan.

Prince Yan’s residence was wealthy beyond measure; producing a fine robe or two was no difficulty at all.

What struck Xiao Rong as odd, however, was that the robe fit him perfectly, not a fraction too long or short.

Xi Rong had noticed it too.

“It fits rather well,” Xi Rong said, the corners of his lips curving faintly, his gaze lingering.

Even at a time like this, Xiao Rong hadn’t expected him to have the leisure to admire his attire. He couldn’t help smiling in return. “Why did you only change your outer robe?” he asked.

Although Xi Rong tried to hide it, Xiao Rong could tell that his injuries were likely far more serious than they appeared. How else could he have broken through the eighteen riders’ encirclement and made them hesitate to pursue?

“My inner robe wasn’t damaged much,” Xi Rong said calmly. “Changing it would be troublesome. It’ll do as it is.”

The small, dimly lit room seemed to breathe a rare moment of stillness between them.

Xiao Rong straightened up and, on impulse, brushed a quick kiss against Xi Rong’s chin.

Xi Rong froze in surprise.

Xiao Rong smiled, triumphant, and lifted the curtain to step down from the bed.

Yan Shan was standing near the doorway, waiting patiently. When he saw the curtain finally move, he raised his eyes and froze for a moment himself.

The robe the Prince had ordered for the young master might look plain at first glance, but in truth, the fabric and stitching were exquisitely fine, luxurious in every detail.

From the very first moment he had seen the young master, Yan Shan had thought him striking, though at the time, the boy had been dressed in a plain, unadorned robe, whose simplicity could hardly do justice to such fine looks.

Now, as the young noble stepped calmly out from behind the curtains, clad in a robe of soft, gleaming silk, that modest air was gone. The robe shimmered faintly with light, and paired with his figure, elegant and slender as bamboo, and his rare, almost ethereal beauty, he seemed like a vision caught in passing. Radiant as jade, graceful as a flowering tree. The entire room seemed to glow with him.

Even a worldly man like Yan Shan could not look away for a long while.

While he stood dazed, Xiao Rong and Xi Rong had already taken their seats one after the other at the low table.

Xi Rong glanced at the dishes. There were all mild and nourishing foods, suitable for someone recovering from illness, and he first picked up a spoon to ladle a small bowl of porridge for Xiao Rong.

Yan Shan had been about to step forward to assist, but seeing this, he stopped.

In truth, Xiao Rong had little appetite. The real reason he had asked for food was to make sure Xi Rong would eat.

Xi Rong was injured and had lost blood. He needed nourishment, preferably something rich and restorative.

Xiao Rong’s eyes quickly found the small covered pot in the center containing chicken soup. He took up his own silver spoon and scooped out a spoonful of the broth, rich with golden oil.

“I’ll help you,” Xi Rong said, thinking Xiao Rong meant to drink, and reached for a bowl to serve him.

“No need.” Xiao Rong shook his head with a faint smile and, across the table, lifted the spoon toward Xi Rong’s lips.

Xi Rong froze in surprise.

“Go on. Drink,” said Xiao Rong.

Xi Rong couldn’t help but smile. “I can do it myself.”

But Xiao Rong insisted, “Your arm is hurt. It’s inconvenient. Let me feed you.”

So Xi Rong opened his mouth and swallowed the spoonful.

Xiao Rong smiled again, scooping another and offering it up.

Yan Shan turned uneasily toward the window, feeling a twinge of apprehension.

And sure enough, a sudden loud noise came from outside. The door flew open and Prince Yan strode in.

The spoon in Xiao Rong’s hand was still raised at Xi Rong’s lips. Prince Yan frowned at the sight, his gaze settling on Xiao Rong’s bright, intent eyes that were fixed on Xi Rong. He was about to speak but he restrained himself, brushed a speck from his robe, and sat down heavily on a folding chair.

With clear displeasure, he looked to Xi Rong. “What’s this? Just a bit of flesh wound and you can’t even hold a spoon? I heard you’ve led men and won battles, or were those battles fought by others on your behalf?”

After that, Xi Rong naturally couldn’t take another sip.

He gave Xiao Rong a calming glance and then rose to his feet. “You jest, Your Highness. Any victory in war comes from Heaven’s favor, my imperial father’s benevolence, and the courage of the soldiers who fight for the realm. I only bear the empty title of commander out of my father’s trust. My little efforts are hardly worth comparison to Your Highness’s achievements.”

Prince Yan was unmoved. “Truly your father’s son, full of righteousness and virtue, just like Xi Heng.”

Xi Heng. That was the reigning emperor himself.

Hearing Prince Yan so casually call the Emperor by name, Xi Rong understood at once that Prince Yan’s temper was even more audacious than rumor claimed. “My imperial father is merciful and gracious,” he replied evenly. “I can only strive in vain to follow his example.”

Prince Yan frowned again. “You can’t do this, can’t do that. What can you do?”

His words were sharp and cutting.

Even Yan Shan couldn’t help glancing at His Highness in surprise.

Xi Rong, however, remained calm and warm in manner. “Compared to my two younger brothers, I am indeed ordinary, shallow in learning, lacking in talent, with little worth mentioning at all.”

“You don’t need to stare at me like that.”

Prince Yan slowly shifted his gaze to Xiao Rong. “I merely asked him a few questions. Look how anxious you get. Do you think I’m going to eat him?

“Yan Shan.” Prince Yan called out.

Yan Shan immediately stepped forward to obey.

“Bring a Blood-Swallow Pill and give it to this boy,” Prince Yan said.

Xiao Rong froze for a moment, clearly surprised, wondering what new act Prince Yan was putting on now.

Prince Yan seemed very pleased with the young man’s reaction and even smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ve lived my whole life in the open and upright. If I want him dead, I have countless ways. I wouldn’t stoop to something as base as poisoning. For his injuries, one Blood-Swallow Pill is enough.”

Seeing that he made no mention of Jing Xi, Xiao Rong asked, “Have you thought it over?”

Prince Yan smiled again. “You’re using Jing Xi’s life to force me to withdraw from the martial arts tournament; your plan is clever. But have you ever considered that this martial arts tournament might not matter much to me at all?”

Just then, footsteps approached from outside, followed by a steady voice.

“Your Highness, Minister of State Affairs Cui Daohuan has sent someone over. He requests an audience with Your Highness and says he wishes to assist in investigating the disappearance of Captain Jing.”

Hearing this, Xiao Rong and Xi Rong’s expressions both darkened slightly.

Prince Yan glanced at Yan Shan.

Yan Shan understood and gave a nod.

Prince Yan rose and left at once.

“Young master, please eat first.” Yan Shan approached the table and suddenly struck several points on Xi Rong’s back. Xi Rong immediately became immobilized.

Startled, Xiao Rong stood up. “What did you do to him?”

Yan Shan cupped his hands. “Rest assured, young master. It’s merely an acupoint-sealing technique. His Highness the Crown Prince will only be unable to move for a short while.”

“I’m going after him!” Xiao Rong lifted his foot to leave.

Yan Shan quickly said, “Young master, please hear this old servant out. You must have some idea of His Highness’s temper. Using a Blood-Swallow Pill to treat the Crown Prince is already the limit of his goodwill. You mustn’t anger him further.”

“Rongrong, I’m fine. Eat first.” Although unable to move, Xi Rong spoke calmly.

Xiao Rong hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered his foot and sat back down.

***

Cui Jiu and the judge of the Court of Judicial Review stood outside Prince Yan’s command tent.

A full quarter hour passed without anyone coming to relay a message. The Court of Judicial Review’s judge grew uneasy.

“Since Prince Yan has personally taken charge of the case, in my opinion, we should just let His Highness handle the matter entirely…”

News that Xiao Rong had been taken from Apricot Blossom Pavilion by Prince Yan’s heavy cavalry had already spread among the officials. To be frank, as someone adept at staying on the fence, the Court of Judicial Review’s judge wanted nothing to do with this mess.

Because Xiao Rong’s identity was special. Even though he had been expelled from the Xiao clan, he still bore the Xiao surname. Even if Prince Xiao chose not to intervene, he might very well seize this opportunity to make an issue of it.

It didn’t matter how the two princes fought each other, but if he got dragged in, he would very likely become cannon fodder.

Unfortunately, Minister of State Affairs Cui Daohuan had forced him to come under the name of the Ministry of State Affairs.

So the Court of Judicial Review’s judge had no choice but to show up.

Now, seeing that Prince Yan still refused to grant an audience and was clearly slighting them, the Court of Judicial Review’s judge wanted to slip away.

However, Cui Jiu had come on Cui Daohuan’s orders and would not allow him to run. “Please wait a little longer, my lord. If that little thief really kidnapped Captain Jing, it’s a major case. You’ve already botched the investigation of the Northern Barbarians’ remnants. My lord, you should be seizing this chance to redeem yourself.”

This hit the Court of Judicial Review’s judge right where it hurt. He then asked, “Dare I ask, Chief Steward Cui, are there truly solid proofs that Xiao Rong kidnapped Captain Jing?”

Cui Jiu smiled. “If they weren’t solid, do you think His Highness Prince Yan would dare send in heavy cavalry to seize him?”

That was true.

The Court of Judicial Review’s judge finally felt somewhat reassured.

Just then, from the distant street, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly rang out.

Curfew was near and with the martial arts tournament being held in the capital, patrols were far stricter than usual. The two of them had come by sedan chair earlier and the streets were nearly empty. Even if someone had to ride at this hour, they would keep a low profile so as not to alert the patrol soldiers. But this sudden burst of hoofbeats was as dense as storm rain, with no attempt to hide it, charging straight toward the command tent.

Not only the Court of Judicial Review’s judge but even Cui Jiu looked bewildered.

The hoofbeats, carrying wind and pressure, arrived in an instant.

The two looked back. A troop of cavalry in silver-white martial uniforms swept up in a cloud of dust outside the encampment. At their head was a man in purple robes and a golden crown, handsome yet carrying a heavy, majestic air. A golden whip hung at his waist.

It was none other than Prince Xiao.

Both men were shocked.

Prince Xiao dismounted and walked straight to the entrance of the command tent.

The guards at the gate were startled, hurriedly kneeling to salute.

“Open the gates,” Prince Xiao commanded.

Gongsun Yu, Zhang Ran, and the other generals had already rushed over at the commotion. When they stepped outside and saw Prince Xiao arriving in the dead of night, they too were quietly alarmed.

“Your Highness Prince Xiao.” Gongsun Yu bowed respectfully.

Prince Xiao’s expression was dark and icy, his whip cracked out the moment he raised his hand.

Warm blood streamed down Gongsun Yu’s scarred cheek as the silver mask on his face split cleanly in two.

“Prince Xiao!” Zhang Ran exclaimed and stepped forward, trying to speak, only to take a whip across his own face.

The Northern Yan generals all exchanged looks, not daring to utter a word.

“Tell Yan Ju to come meet me!”

Prince Xiao put away his whip and strode past everyone into the encampment.

The night wind rustled softly.

The Court of Judicial Review’s judge trembled so badly, his legs almost gave out. Pale-faced, he turned to Cui Jiu and whispered, “Are… are we still going in?”