Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 45

After a full day of travel, Xi Rong’s wound had indeed torn open badly. The hemostatic herbs were only hastily gathered from nearby, with limited effect, and the bleeding had soaked through layer upon layer of his robes.

Fortunately, they had at last found a place to rest, preventing the situation from worsening further.

Gu Rong first fetched clean water and fresh clothes, carefully wiping the blood and grime from around the wound. Then he brought out medicinal wine, soaked it in cotton, and thoroughly disinfected the wound, completing what he hadn’t been able to do earlier in the cave. Only when the blood seeping from the wound was no longer dark and tainted did he finally apply new medicine and bandages.

Throughout the entire process, Xi Rong barely stirred. Likely due to the poorly cleaned wound and the exhausting journey, Xi Rong was also running a fever.

Gu Rong dared not be careless. He soaked a towel in cold water, wrung it out, and laid it across Xi Rong’s forehead.

“These are anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing pills. They’re old, but should still work. Have him take some.” The old man surnamed Cen walked in with his hands tucked into his sleeves and handed Gu Rong an aged porcelain bottle.

Gu Rong took it immediately, uncorked it and sniffed, then poured out two pills. With Jiang Cheng helping to prop Xi Rong up, Gu Rong placed the pills into Xi Rong’s mouth and gave him a few small sips of water.

Jiang Cheng had worried that His Highness wouldn’t swallow the medicine while unconscious, but the process went surprisingly smoothly. He let out a long sigh of relief.

Since Xi Rong clearly wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon, the others didn’t want to crowd the room. Song Yang took Zhou Wenhe and Jiang Cheng outside to thank the two old men.

“No need for thanks,” one said flatly. “We only let you in for Rongrong’s sake. This place is simple, just a few thatched huts. Choose whichever ones you like to sleep in. But let’s be clear, we’re old and tired, we don’t have the energy to host so many people. You’ll have to manage on your own.”

Song Yang hurried to reply, “Of course. Having a place to rest is already more than enough. As for rooms, we wouldn’t dare trouble our esteemed seniors too much. The three of us can share one.”

“Suit yourselves. Old Cen, are we still finishing that game or not?”

“Of course we are.”

The two turned and walked toward the main house.

“Cen…” Song Yang murmured the surname and his expression changed subtly. He took a few quick steps after them, politely asking with a trace of uncertainty, “May I ask, could you two perhaps be the reclusive Sages of Qizhou, Master Shang and Master Cen?”

The two old men turned around at once.

The more temperamental one, Cen, squinted at Song Yang for a moment, then said brusquely, “What nonsense. ‘Sages of Qizhou’? I can’t stand those flowery titles that sound good and mean nothing. Never heard of it.”

Song Yang and Zhou Wenhe were both momentarily stunned.

In that instant, the two had already walked off together.

Looking around, they found the courtyard, although built deep within the mountains, was neat and well-kept. Two peach trees with thick trunks stood side by side, beneath which sat a stone chessboard and two stools. Beside the board was a stone table with tea-making tools. Fishing gear was stowed in a corner and a vegetable garden grew along the southern wall. It truly resembled a secluded paradise untouched by the world.

Zhou Wenhe hesitated. “Do you think it’s really them? I heard the Sages of Qizhou are eccentric, refusing even to meet with the Emperor. Who would’ve thought they’d be friends with that young master?”

Song Yang didn’t hide his excitement. “With such poise and presence, I’d say it’s very likely. I never expected the young master to have such wide connections.”

***

Gu Rong stayed at Xi Rong’s side until evening, when Xi Rong’s fever finally subsided.

With Jiang Cheng’s help, he changed Xi Rong’s dressing again. Only after confirming his condition was improving did he rise, clean himself up a little, and head to the main house to meet the two elders.

The two old men were seated, sipping tea.

Gu Rong bowed to them solemnly. “Many thanks to both of you, Uncles. I was rude today, please don’t hold it against me.”

The two men, Shang Buyu and Cen Yun, were indeed the famed Sages of Qizhou from the previous dynasty, just as Song Yang had guessed. Disillusioned with courtly strife, they had resigned their positions and hidden away in these mountains for decades.

Shang Buyu spoke, “There’s no need for that. Since you call us Uncles, for your master’s sake, we won’t hold it against you. But you vanished without a word a year ago, no news since, and then suddenly appear today. You did give us quite a surprise. You haven’t eaten or drunk anything all day. Come, sit.”

Gu Rong nodded and obediently sat, pouring fresh tea for the two of them. Although he had washed his face before coming, his robes were still stained with blood.

Cen Yun looked him over with concern. “Rongrong, what happened to you? Why are you in such a state? And who exactly are these people you brought with you?”

Clearly familiar with them, Gu Rong replied casually, “They’re traveling merchants. We met by chance. I was being chased by an old enemy and they got dragged in because they tried to save me.”

“An enemy?”

Both men frowned.

Cen Yun slammed the table and stood. “What enemy dares pursue you like that?”

Gu Rong evaded slightly. “Just a few powerful clans in Songzhou that I accidentally offended.”

“Powerful clans?”

Cen Yun grew increasingly furious. “Is it those clans under the Cui clan? This Cui Daohuan has only gotten more arrogant over the years. How did you offend them?”

Gu Rong replied, “It’s my fault, really. I had my eye on a certain treasure, so I faked an identity to trick my way into their territory for food and lodging. But they found me out.”

Cen Yun was stunned. He exchanged a glance with Shang Buyu and slowly sat back down. “That’s truly all there is to it?”

“Of course. How could I lie to my uncles?”

Shang Buyu stroked his beard in silence for a moment and then asked, “Do these friends of yours know your true identity?”

Gu Rong shook his head.

“That’s good.” Shang Buyu nodded lightly. “As the saying goes, one must not be without wariness. After all, you and these friends only met by chance. You don’t truly know their backgrounds, so you mustn’t reveal your own too easily. I noticed they came bearing weapons, so they’re no ordinary merchants. Once they’ve recovered, it’s best to have them leave as soon as possible.

“And you, how long do you plan to keep wandering around like this? We’ve been covering for you from your master all this time with a guilty conscience. But that father of yours, with his far-reaching eyes and hands, will probably track you here sooner or later. When that time comes, we may no longer be able to protect you.”

Gu Rong immediately beamed. “Uncle, I’ll remember your kindness always, with eternal gratitude. Next time I’ll be sure to bring good wine to pay my respects. Don’t worry. Once I’ve had my fill of fun, I’ll return. I won’t cause you trouble.”

Shang Buyu said, “Very well. Your Uncle Cen has already tidied up the room you used to stay in for you. Go get some rest.”

Gu Rong agreed and got up to take his leave.

Shang Buyu and Cen Yun sat in silence for a while.

Shang Buyu asked, “What do you think? How much truth was there in what Rongrong just told us?”

Cen Yun looked at him. “Rongrong was acting strangely today. You suspect he lied?”

Shang Buyu shook his head with some helplessness. “I think he was bluffing the whole time, not a word of it true. At most, half a sentence. Not more.”

“…”

Cen Yun’s eyes widened. “Why would he lie to us? Do we mean him harm?”

“Then why else? Most likely, it’s because of those so-called friends of his, especially the one lying in bed. He stayed by that man’s side all day and didn’t even eat. When have you ever seen him show such patience for anyone?”

Cen Yun tried to reassure him, “They saved his life. It’s only right for him to care. If he ignored them, wouldn’t that be heartless? You’re the one with a stone heart, no wonder you look at people like rocks.”

“I hope I’m just overthinking it,” Shang Buyu murmured.

***

Gu Rong had just stepped out when Jiang Cheng came up and said that Xi Rong had woken.

Gu Rong rushed back immediately. When he entered, he saw that Xi Rong had indeed opened his eyes. Song Yang and Zhou Wenhe, both visibly emotional, were guarding his side with tearful joy.

“Brother, you’re finally awake.” Gu Rong couldn’t hide his own happiness either.

Xi Rong nodded. “I’ve heard about what happened. I’ve troubled you.”

Song Yang, ever tactful, said, “So many of us here will only disturb the master’s rest. It’s getting late, so we’ll all return to our rooms for now.”

Once the others had left, Xi Rong’s lips curved slightly. He reached out a hand toward Gu Rong. “Rongrong, come here.”

Gu Rong walked over and felt Xi Rong’s forehead. Confirming that the fever had broken and there were no signs of relapse, he finally let out a breath.

Xi Rong watched him closely, noting his movements and the dark shadows beneath his eyes. A faint warmth surfaced in his gaze. “Rongrong, do you know what I was thinking, the moment I lost consciousness?”

Gu Rong played along. “What?”

Xi Rong said, “I thought, if I really never wake up, if I never get to see you again, what would I do? In that moment, that was the only thought I had left.”

“Is that so?” Gu Rong sat cross-legged on the straw mat beside the bed, resting his elbow on his knee and his head on his hand, looking at him intently. “Am I really that wonderful, that I’d linger in your mind like that?

“You don’t even like me and always think I’m wasteful. So why would you risk your life to save me? Are you stupid or something?”

Xi Rong shook his head. “Shouldn’t you first ask yourself if you’re the stupid one? You’ve got such a grudge with Northern Yan, yet from the very first time you saved me and pretended to be the Thirteenth Protector to scare off those pursuers, you were already prepared to expose your identity and be hunted by Prince Yan’s people, weren’t you?”

Gu Rong’s expression didn’t change. “I already have a grudge with them. Sooner or later, they’ll come for me. Whether it’s sooner or later doesn’t make much difference. But if I can profit a bit from borrowing their name, that’s a win for me. But we’re not the same. Now you’ve offended Prince Yan’s men, all for someone like me, someone you don’t even like and think is wasteful. Aren’t you afraid?”

Xi Rong said, “Rongrong, I never disliked you. That night, when I woke up on horseback and found out you’d knocked me out and gone back alone to face Prince Yan’s men, I felt deeply regretful and upset. I regretted acting distant toward you in the Golden Lantern Pavilion and deliberately giving you the cold shoulder, saying things I didn’t truly mean.

“It wasn’t that I disliked you. I never have. I was afraid.”

Gu Rong asked, “Afraid of what?”

Xi Rong replied, “Afraid that your desire to attend the Golden Lantern Pavilion Gathering was truly for that so-called Gu King and had absolutely nothing to do with me.”

Gu Rong raised an eyebrow. “What if I told you I was going there for the Gu King?”

Xi Rong let out a low laugh. “Then I’d accept it. Even if your original intent wasn’t because of me, you still thought of me. Otherwise, why would you go to such lengths to get the Ice Soul for me, even while in grave danger?

“If you truly felt nothing for me, you could’ve used us to help you deal with Prince Yan’s men instead of returning alone. But there are many kinds of affection. I admit, I’ve harbored improper thoughts toward you and I even acted impulsively before, offending you.

“But now, waking up to find I can still see you and that you’re safe and unharmed, I’m content. Don’t worry, from now on, I’ll never cross the line again. If you don’t believe me, we can swear brotherhood. You can call me your sworn elder brother—”

Xi Rong’s words stopped abruptly.

Because something soft and cool had just brushed lightly across his forehead.

A kiss. The first.

Then a second.

Then a third.

Clumsy and unpracticed, messy, scattered kisses.

Xi Rong’s mind went completely blank for a moment and then a wave of heat surged through his chest. Without thinking, he reached out, flipped the person who had kissed him and tried to flee, pinning them beneath him on the bed. He gazed in astonishment and joy at the one beneath him, whose face was slightly flushed, yet still defiant, staring back at him with eyes black as obsidian.

Gu Rong pushed a hand against the uninjured side of his chest and lifted his chin. “Who wants to call you elder brother? I don’t want another big brother bossing me around for no reason. If you really must know, I won’t hide it. Part of why I wanted to go to the Golden Lantern Pavilion was because of you.

“But not much. Just a little.”

He didn’t get to say more, because a torrent of kisses, wild, unstoppable, came crashing down like rain.

Only after a full quarter of an hour did they finally stop.

Xi Rong, still weakened from his injuries, was clearly exhausted.

Gu Rong took the chance to slip away while he caught his breath, retreating to sit far off on the straw mat, back turned.

The always composed Crown Prince was now visibly flustered, even slightly regretful at having rushed things. “…Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

After a long pause, Gu Rong calmly shook his head. “It was okay. But you kissed me for too long. Next time, keep it shorter. And also, don’t kiss me so deeply next time.”

He said it all quite seriously, laying out the terms and conditions.

Xi Rong was momentarily stunned. Then, overwhelmed with joy, he let out a soft laugh, his shoulders even shaking from it.

“Alright. I promise.”

The author has something to say:

Baby Rongrong: Emmmmmm.
A bit late today, thank you all, happy reading!

E/N: AHHHHH!!!