Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 41

The seven lotus lanterns still glowed as before, their golden light casting radiant beams upon the blue lotus encased in ice, tinting the petals with a hue close to liquid gold. The atmosphere in the pavilion sank into a strange, eerie silence.

Even Wu Zhiyin, who had been basking in smug satisfaction, was now somewhat bewildered. He exchanged a glance with his legal advisor.

Jiang Cheng, Song Yang, Zhou Wenhe, and the other members of the Eastern Palace stood frozen where they were, but cold sweat drenched them all. Their hearts were in complete turmoil and even Song Yang, normally the calmest, could no longer maintain his composure.

They had calculated every possibility, yet never had they imagined they would face such a sudden and dire crisis!

Behind his mask, Xi Rong also frowned, an expression rare for him.

The family heads Liu Xin, Feng Zhong, and the others who had joined the hunting operation that night were equally stunned and bewildered. Regardless of the truth, the simultaneous appearance of two Thirteenth Protectors and two General Feiyus could only mean one thing: at least one of them must be an impostor. The Yan family held dominion over the northlands and even the imperial court had to show them some deference. For someone to dare impersonate Prince Yan’s Thirteenth Protector and General Feiyu so openly, had they grown tired of living?

Almost every gaze abruptly turned toward Gu Rong’s group, clearly speculating whether the Thirteenth Protector seated before them was a fraud.

Song Yang’s heart blazed with panic, his legs nearly buckling beneath him. It was only now that he truly felt the looming despair of catastrophe.

From the second floor, overseeing the scene below, Cui Jiu, renowned for his shrewd and seasoned mind, looked thoughtfully toward the dark lake beyond the Golden Lantern Pavilion.

Yan Hemei’s expression shifted unpredictably, his eyes sharp as lightning as they locked onto Gu Rong. He was clearly judging whether he had indeed been deceived. Yet, for the moment, he dared not make a hasty conclusion.

Wu Zhiyin, watching with glee, sneered and said, “Lord Yan, two Thirteenth Protectors, two General Feiyus, this is something neither heard of nor dared written into even the most fantastical storybooks! And to think, you’ve been so diligent in preparing your tribute for Prince Yan. I thought you had won his favor. What now? After all this time, you don’t even know what the real Thirteenth Protector looks like?”

He gave a mocking chuckle. “This Golden Lantern Pavilion Gathering has proven far more entertaining than I expected. Truly, this trip wasn’t in vain.”

Yan Hemei had no time to spare for his taunts. His face darkened as if he had finally made a decision. “Invite the Thirteenth Protector and General Feiyu waiting outside to come in,” he gave the order, flicking his robe as he instructed his attendant.

The pavilion was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Xi Rong tapped the table with a bent finger and then turned to glance at Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng immediately understood that His Highness was signaling him to act according to the situation, to be ready at any moment for a life-or-death struggle. He nodded in acknowledgment.

The Golden Lantern Pavilion was not far from the villa gates. Before long, accompanied by the sound of urgent footsteps, a group emerged from the night and stepped into the hall with wide strides.

Leading them was a young nobleman wearing a silver crown and dressed in silver robes. His features were strikingly handsome and spirited. A silver sword hung from his waist and he wore black boots, likely for traveling ease. He looked furious, his eyes blazing as they scanned the hall. The moment his gaze landed on Gu Rong seated in the front row, he let out a sudden cold laugh.

“Well, well! It really is you, you little bastard! Where did you get the doggish courage to impersonate me, the true Protector?!”

A second figure followed, tall and imposing, a middle-aged man in simple gray robes, his face concealed by a silver mask. In his hand was a heavy sword.

Behind them were several attendants, all uniformly muscular and slim-waisted, exuding calm, disciplined strength.

The young nobleman looked toward the man who had just entered behind him and, pointing at Gu Rong, said with a trembling finger from sheer fury, “Well, General Gongsun, was I right? It was this little beast causing the trouble!”

The man didn’t respond to him, instead turning to look at someone else. “You are Yan Hemei, Deputy Governor of Songzhou?”

Yan Hemei nodded, eyeing the man with some hesitation, but did not bow. “I am. And you are?”

The young nobleman sneered arrogantly before the question could be answered. “Open your damn dog eyes and take a good look. I am Jing Xi, the true Thirteenth Protector of the Northern Yan Army. This man here is General Gongsun Yu, a fierce commander under my foster father. You, a mere Assistant Prefect, dare to bring two imposters here to slander and disgrace both the Protector and General Feiyu?!”

“This—!”

Everyone’s expression in the hall changed drastically.

Yan Hemei’s heart sank like a stone.

In that moment, all their previously unanswered doubts were resolved. No wonder, no wonder the supposed Protector had acted so strangely toward the Crown Prince, protecting him in such an implausible, over-the-top manner that it nearly ruined everything.

After years of cautious scheming, he’d been played by a mere boy.

How could Yan Hemei not be furious? Yet if it was true, the solution was at least straightforward. A ruthless glint appeared in his eyes as he prepared to give an order, when suddenly, a soft chuckle rang out.

Ever since the two men had appeared, Gu Rong had been leisurely toying with his folding fan. Now he slowly stood, looking at the young nobleman and asked, “As everyone knows, all Protectors under Prince Yan wear feather pendants. You say you’re the true Thirteenth Protector, so where is your pendant?”

Whatever nerve the question struck, it sent the young man into an instant rage. “You little bastard, you dare mention the feather pendant! You tried to assassinate my foster father in Northern Yan and then used some deceit to steal my pendant! I let my guard down for a moment and you escaped. And now here you are in Songzhou Prefecture, using the name of the Northern Yan Army and my foster father to swindle and deceive others! Tonight, I will tear you limb from limb to avenge my father!”

Another wave of astonishment swept through the hall.

Impersonating the Thirteenth Protector was already shocking enough, but someone attempting to assassinate Prince Yan himself? That was beyond comprehension.

Gu Rong, however, didn’t so much as lift an eyelid. His demeanor remained utterly composed. “Empty words mean nothing. You make these claims but where’s the proof? If you’ve got the guts, then show us your feather pendant and let everyone take a look.”

The crowd didn’t speak, but it was clear they agreed.

After all, every Protector under Prince Yan did bear a feather pendant. In many ways, it was the very symbol of their identity.

“You—!” The young nobleman looked so enraged that he seemed about to cough up blood. He turned to the tall man beside him in fury. “General Gongsun, please prove it to them!”

The man reached into his robe and drew out a token, handing it to one of his attendants, who then passed it to Yan Hemei. He said, “Lord Yan, you’ve served the Yan family before. You should recognize this token.”

It was a jet-black token, intricately carved with totems on the back and the words ‘Northern Yan’ on the front. Yan Hemei’s brow twitched the moment he caught sight of it from afar. His expression changed slightly and once he had the token in hand, his face turned dramatically. He hurried forward, bowed low before the man, and said, “This humble official failed to recognize the General’s presence. Please forgive my offense!”

He then glanced hesitantly at the still-fuming young nobleman beside him. “And this young lord is…?”

“This is indeed the Prince’s adopted son, the Thirteenth Protector, Jing Xi,” the man replied.

At that, the gathered noble officials all sprang to their feet and hurried to bow along with Yan Hemei toward the young man.

In the midst of everything, Xi Rong slowly stood as well.

“What are you waiting for? Arrest that imposter in the name of the Protector!” the young noble barked.

The pavilion’s guards immediately surrounded Gu Rong and his companions. But Xi Rong stepped forward, shielding Gu Rong with his body. Although the guards were aware he was a false General Feiyu, they were still intimidated by his imposing figure and the authority he exuded, nearly on par with the real Gongsun Yu. None dared advance recklessly.

Gu Rong showed not a trace of fear and declared loudly, “I carry the feather pendant, who dares lay a hand on me!”

The guards glanced at the feather-shaped jade pendant hanging silently at his waist and hesitated even more.

Yan Hemei, clearly puzzled, turned to Gongsun Yu for clarification. “General, this man—?”

At last, Gongsun Yu’s gaze fell on Gu Rong. After a pause, he said, “This man is indeed not the Thirteenth Protector.”

“Ah! So he is an impostor!”

“What incredible audacity…”

With the words confirmed by the true General Feiyu and a close confidant of Prince Yan no less, the pavilion erupted again in shocked murmurs.

Even after being exposed before the crowd, Gu Rong showed no shame. Instead, he looked back at them and sneered. “Thirteenth Protector? A Protector without a feather pendant; in the Northern Yan Army, that’s truly one of a kind. On the Platform of Challenge, a bet is a bet. Isn’t that the rule of your Northern Yan Army? Jing Xi, you lost to me on the platform in front of the entire camp. The feather pendant was the stake. Everyone saw it. What now? You’re trying to deny it?

“You lost fair and square. If you can’t admit defeat publicly, fine. But now you want to bite back and claim I tricked you? As for this so-called Northern Yan Army’s Protector, this young master truly doesn’t care for the title. But that doesn’t mean a useless coward like you deserves it either.”

It was an astoundingly arrogant speech.

The Northern Yan Army’s ‘Platform of Challenge’ referred to the internal martial contests held irregularly between the various encampments. Each side sent representatives to simulate battlefield tactics and combat. Victors not only won the agreed-upon prize but also earned favor and rewards from Prince Yan. Anyone could participate, regardless of rank, and even the lowest foot soldiers could challenge high-ranking officers. Many of the army’s younger talents had earned rapid promotions through that very platform.

Because of this, the Platform of Challenge was a highly respected and widely celebrated tradition within the Northern Yan Army.

Jing Xi’s face flushed bright red. Clearly, what had happened that day was a deep humiliation. But before so many high-ranking officials, he couldn’t back down.

He gritted his teeth and growled, “I let my guard down for a moment and fell into your trap. And now you admit you’re an impostor, yet you still won’t repent and even dare to twist the truth to mislead everyone? Lord Yan, what are you waiting for?”

Yan Hemei had long been itching to act, but had hesitated due to possible unknown ties between Gu Rong and the Northern Yan Army. Now, hearing Jing Xi’s declaration, all hesitation vanished. He was just about to order his hidden men to move when a calm voice rang out.

“Lord Yan, hold.”

It was Gongsun Yu.

He was still looking at Gu Rong. “It’s true this man is not the Thirteenth Protector. However, he is the person His Highness intends to appoint as the Fourteenth Protector, and someone His Highness specifically ordered me to bring back to Northern Yan.”

Jing Xi whipped his head around in disbelief, staring at Gongsun Yu.

The others were even more stunned.

Yan Hemei froze as well. The series of unexpected events had completely overturned his expectations.

Song Yang, Jiang Cheng, Zhou Wenhe, and the rest of the Eastern Palace people stood dumbstruck where they were.

“General Gongsun, how can you—” Jing Xi began to protest, frowning.

Gongsun Yu raised a hand to stop him. “Protector, do not disobey the Prince’s orders.” His tone carried a hint of warning. Then he turned to Yan Hemei. “Lord Yan, may I take him with me?”

How could Yan Hemei dare say no?

He bowed. “Since he is someone Prince Yan wants, the General may certainly take him. However—”

He had only just begun to speak when another voice interrupted.

“General Gongsun, shouldn’t you ask me first? Did I say I was going to leave with you?”

It was Gu Rong.

Even now, the so-called Imposter Thirteenth Protector, rumored to be Fourteenth Protector, was still calmly fanning himself with a leisurely air.

Yan Hemei’s brow furrowed. He had a bad feeling.

Gongsun Yu said, “Young master, if you have conditions, speak them freely.”

Gu Rong smiled and closed his fan with a snap. “General Gongsun, you do know how to be reasonable. If you want me to go with you, fine. I have two conditions. First, I’m bringing my friends with me. Second, I want that East Sea Ice Soul.”

Gongsun Yu had naturally noticed the blue lotus encased in the ice pillar as soon as he entered the pavilion and he too could feel the intense cold radiating from it. He didn’t hesitate and nodded. “Agreed. Lord Yan, you have no objections, do you?”

When Yan Hemei remained silent, Gongsun Yu said, “The East Sea Ice Soul is indeed precious. I’ll make sure to report this favor to the Prince. Even if the Minister of State Affairs came in person, he wouldn’t dare deny Prince Yan this courtesy.”

How could Yan Hemei not hear the weight behind that remark? But it wasn’t a decision he dared make on his own. He looked up toward the second floor. Cui Jiu gave him a nod and made a hand gesture.

Yan Hemei understood. He ordered the guards to stand down and sent someone to retrieve the Ice Soul.

With a thunderous crack, the ice pillar shattered. The Ice Soul was placed in a jade box and delivered to Gu Rong.

After inspecting it and confirming all was well, Gu Rong signaled Jiang Cheng to take it, then, along with his companions, followed Gongsun Yu and the Northern Yan soldiers out of the pavilion.

As expected, no one tried to stop them along the way.

However, the moment they stepped out of the Golden Lantern Pavilion, Jing Xi turned on Gongsun Yu in fury. “General Gongsun, when did my foster father ever say he wanted to make that little bastard his adopted son?! Why would you say such a thing?! That brat schemed his way into the army and tried to assassinate my foster father! Even if you don’t punish him, why would you protect him like this?!”

Gongsun Yu said calmly, “His Highness said he would deal with the boy personally. He is to be captured alive and no harm must come to him. Would the Protector defy the Prince’s order? You do know the consequences of disobeying the Prince, don’t you?”

That silenced Jing Xi on the spot. He could only glare hatefully at Gu Rong.

Once they finally passed through the manor gates, Song Yang and the others felt their tension ease. They had escaped what had seemed like a hopelessly dire situation and even managed to secure the Ice Soul. Breathing in the chill night air, it all still felt unreal.

Outside the manor, an entire squad of cavalry stood neatly assembled. Gongsun Yu and his men had clearly come prepared.

Gu Rong felt his hand being held. He turned to see Xi Rong.

“I won’t let anyone take you away,” Xi Rong said calmly.

Gu Rong looked up at him, black eyes curving into a smile, still wearing that carefree expression. “Don’t worry. As long as I don’t want to go, no one can take me.” Then he turned to Gongsun Yu and said, “Prepare a few fast horses for me and my friends. I need to stop by the inn to grab some things before I go with you.”

“Young master, I’ve already agreed to all your conditions. I hope you don’t intend to play games,” Gongsun Yu warned.

Gu Rong curled his lips.

“I’m just a delicate scholar who can’t even truss a chicken, so how could I possibly play games with the mighty General Feiyu? The journey from Songzhou to Northern Yan is long and arduous. Surely you don’t expect me to go without even a change of clothes? Maybe the Northern Yan Army doesn’t believe in bathing, but I can’t stand it.”

“You—!”

Jing Xi was about to explode again, but Gongsun Yu stopped him.

“I’ll give you one horse. You must ride with me. As for your friends, I’ve already shown enough mercy by letting them go.”

Gu Rong nodded reluctantly. “Fine, just one horse then. I quite like the one you usually ride, General. Why not give me that one? It’s only that my legs are feeling a bit sore. If the General could kindly bring the horse over for me?”

Gongsun Yu said nothing. He had his attendants keep an eye on Gu Rong while he personally went forward to fetch the horse.

Xi Rong exchanged a look with Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng instantly understood. The two drew their swords and, in a flash, lunged toward the last two riders in the cavalry line. In the blink of an eye, they seized two horses.

Xi Rong mounted, swept back an attacking rider with a single sword strike, and reached out to pull Gu Rong up onto the saddle. He turned the horse and gave its haunch a fierce smack, spurring it into a full gallop toward the city gates.

Jiang Cheng led Song Yang and Zhou Wenhe in close pursuit!

Gongsun Yu’s expression changed dramatically. He shouted an order for the cavalry to give chase.

Night wind blasted their faces, whistling past their ears. Xi Rong struck the horse again and again, urging it faster and faster down the long street. Gu Rong was pressed against his chest, close enough to hear his heartbeat.

But behind them, the thunder of hooves grew louder and louder.

The Northern Yan’s Iron Cavalry had ruled the deserts for decades, undefeated, and they owed their supremacy to their terrifying speed. Although Xi Rong’s group had used every ounce of strength to flee, they were still slowed by the extra passengers on horseback.

The thundering hooves drew ever closer.

Song Yang made a snap decision. He turned to Jiang Cheng and said, “Give the Ice Soul to the master. We’ll stay behind and cover the retreat!”

Jiang Cheng nodded immediately and pulled on his reins.

Xi Rong was already stabbing the horse’s flank with a dagger when Gu Rong suddenly turned back and wrapped his arms tightly around Xi Rong’s waist.

Xi Rong thought he was frightened and looked down at him.

However, Gu Rong lifted his head, eyebrows arched in a smile as he met his gaze.

“Since you’ve always found me disagreeable anyway, just take the Ice Soul and go cure your illness. That Ice Soul can count as repayment. If we’re really being precise, I’m at quite a loss here.”

As he spoke, his hand slid behind Xi Rong’s neck. A flash of golden light glinted between his fingers and he plunged the needle directly into the back of Xi Rong’s neck.

Xi Rong’s eyes widened in shock, pupils violently contracting. But before he could do anything, consciousness left him.

The two horses halted almost simultaneously.

Jiang Cheng, Song Yang, and Zhou Wenhe all turned pale at the sight of Xi Rong slumping over.

Gu Rong had already dismounted, handed the reins to Jiang Cheng, and said, “Take your master and go.”

From behind them, the heavy, thunderous sound of approaching hooves loomed closer, they could almost make out the shapes of the Iron Cavalry’s vanguard.

The three were momentarily stunned.

Song Yang asked, “Young master, what do you mean? Aren’t you coming with us?”

Gu Rong lifted his eyes to the approaching shadows and said flatly, “This is between me and Northern Yan. It has nothing to do with you. You can’t solve it and staying will only cost your lives in vain.”

Although they knew he was speaking the truth, after spending the night fighting side by side, an unexpected camaraderie had formed between them. At such a moment, how could they truly leave him behind?

“Young master, you take the master and go. We’ll stay!” Jiang Cheng panted.

Gu Rong’s eyes were unusually calm and detached. “There’s no point in arguing at a time like this. You saw it yourselves, they won’t kill me. But you, they’ll show no mercy. Go. Now.”

“Just listen to the young master!” Zhou Wenhe gritted his teeth. “He’s right. If we stay, we’ll be of little help. We’ve only just managed to get the Ice Soul… detoxifying the master is the most urgent matter!”

With the decision made, Song Yang could only nod, heart aching.

And so Jiang Cheng carried Xi Rong, while Song Yang and Zhou Wenhe mounted together, galloping for the city gate.

Gu Rong put away the golden needle, turned, and calmly faced the looming wave of cavalry. His sleeves billowed as he strolled forward unhurriedly.

The Iron Cavalry riders immediately surrounded him.

Jing Xi reined in his horse, gave a cold snort, and said to Gongsun Yu, “General Gongsun, you see now? This little bastard is full of tricks. And you still want to go easy on him? If it were up to me, I’d kill him right here and now!”

Gu Rong stared at him and sneered with disdain. “You want to kill me? Let Yan Ju come himself. Trash like you doesn’t have the qualifications.”

The author has something to say:

Baby Rongrong: Are you sure you want to challenge me in wildness?
Thank you all, happy reading!