The Emperor Has An Illness Chapter 9: 56 to 63 (the end), a manhua/chinese comics/漫画 fanfic

Current Ranking: Empress Dowager → Empress → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort + Consort Liang → Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony → Ye Liangyi + Wu Liangyi → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang

"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded honestly.

Emperor Jing Li's face instantly turned sullen.

Liao Qing Qing happened to notice it. She knew that Emperor Jing Li's unknown mental illness was about to erupt again, so she immediately held Emperor Jing Li's hand back and said, "Your Majesty, there is a reason for this."

"What's the reason?" Emperor Jing Li asked in a grumbling tone.

"This concubine[1] wants to tell you personally!"

Emperor Jing Li looked straight at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing said extremely seriously, "This concubine doesn't want you to hear from other people's mouths, so this concubine told Empress Dowager not to tell Your Majesty yet. But Your Majesty has been too busy lately, so this concubine postponed it."

"It sounds pleasant to hear. Today, I[2] am free, and I don't see you wanting to tell me. It was I who discovered the little shoes first."

"This concubine forgot."

"Forgot?"

"…." If she were to say "I did forget" now, the childish Emperor would lose his temper again. Hence, she has to change the topic. Liao Qing Qing contemplated for a moment and said, "It's because this concubine hasn't looked at Your Majesty for too long. When Your Majesty came, all I could think about was Your Majesty, so this concubine has suddenly forgotten about it."

As expected, Emperor Jing Li's face looked better.

Liao Qing Qing secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Emperor Jing Li carefully recalled Liao Qing Qing's words. He was thrilled and asked, "So, you miss me?"

"I do," Liao Qing Qing replied.

The corners of Emperor Jing Li rose uncontrollably. As to whether he was the last person to know Qing Qing was pregnant… It didn't matter; what mattered was that Qing Qing missed him. He placed Liao Qing Qing on his lap again and asked, "How many months pregnant are you?"

"The Imperial Physician said it's been more than two months."

"So long? I didn't even know." Guilt flashed past in Emperor Jing Li's eyes.

"This concubine also found out not long ago." Liao Qing Qing explained, "It's mainly because the child didn't torment me. I don't feel anything other than drowsiness."

"It's an obedient child." Emperor Jing Li reached out to stroke Liao Qing Qing's flat stomach.

Liao Qing Qing said with a smile, "It's still small. You won't be able to feel anything."

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing again and said, "Qing Qing, I thank you."

A faint smile appeared on Liao Qing Qing's face. It had her usual striking appearance and was a little more attractive than usual.

Emperor Jing Li's heart tickled as he looked at her. He kissed Liao Qing Qing's lips again. After kissing for a while, Emperor Jing Li's breath became slightly heavier. Liao Qing Qing pushed Emperor Jing Li away and said, "Your Majesty, you can't."

"Why?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

"The Imperial Physician said that the foetus is unstable before the third month, so we must not mess around."

"Last month, we were still very passionate."

"?"

"Evidently, the child's skin is firm."

"?"

"We really can't?" Emperor Jing Li asked somewhat worriedly.

"Yes. We weren't aware in the past. But now that we know, we naturally have to pay more attention." Liao Qing Qing's hand reflexively protected her abdomen.

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing's hands. Bitterness filled her heart. However, he felt warm and delighted upon thinking that this was his and Qing Qing's child. He placed his big hands on Liao Qing Qing's hands and said, "Iwill listen to you."

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

Emperor Jing Li kissed Liao Qing Qing's forehead.

After that, he listened to whatever Liao Qing Qing said.

For example, they couldn't broadcast the pregnancy in the first three months of her pregnancy.

Only then did Emperor Jing Li not make it known to the world.

After three months, Emperor Jing Li could not control himself anymore.

He proclaimed it in the imperial harem.

He went to the imperial court to announce it.

He also announced to the land under heaven that taxes would be reduced for a year.

Liao Qing Qing felt that Emperor Jing Li was being too ostentatious, but Emperor Jing Li didn't think so. He hadn't established an Empress and had no heir for many years, so many people were poking at him behind his back and saying he was impotent.

Of course, he had to show off a bit.

Those imperial officials, who had been arguing all day, remained silent at this time. Although they were argumentative, they were dedicated to the country and regularly urged Emperor Jing Li to get married and have children. Even though they were not too satisfied with Liao Qing Qing as the Empress, Liao Qing Qing had indeed created a legendary achievement and was now pregnant with an imperial child.

Even the argumentative imperial subjects had to shut up.

There was no more objection to Liao Qing Qing in the imperial court in this regard.

At this time, the snowstorm in Dongliao County and the flooding in the south were curbed in time because of Emperor Jing Li's high efficiency and hundreds of thousands of catties of potatoes were subsequently delivered. So there were no more people who died from starvation.

Many rumours spread that this was the auspicious sign of an imperial child and so on.

In short, the common people recognised Liao Qing Qing as Her Highness the Empress.

However, there was someone in the imperial harem who did not.

This person was Consort Liang.

Consort Liang lost power, which was equivalent to "losing Emperor Jing Li's favour". She was not well-liked by Emperor Jing Li. However, she was still a consort because her grandfather was the Marquis Huaishan, a founding imperial official.

Although Marquis Huaishan passed away many years ago, his honour still remained in the Liao family.

Because of Marquis Huaishan, Emperor Jing Li did not deal with Consort Liang harshly but only demoted her from the rank of Noble Consort to Consort.

At first, Consort Liang was disillusioned by the incident. Now, she thought that the Emperor was considering Marquis Huaishan's merits, and the fire in her heart rekindled.

She wanted to make a move.

She was no longer passive and dressed up again. From time to time, she walked around the imperial harem, and it was no surprise that this reached Liao Qing Qing's ears.

Liao Qing Qing was already the Empress. Although she was pregnant, Emperor Jing Li forbade her from exerting herself. However, Imperial Physician Fan said it was good for pregnant women to exercise in moderation. So Liao Qing Qing and Imperial Physician Fan convinced Emperor Jing Li to move around in moderation every day.

She also worked with Virtuous Consort to manage the harem.

Every move of the imperial harem was naturally under the palm of her hands.

She remembered that when Consort Liang was demoted, Emperor Jing Li was willing to let Consort Liang assist Virtuous Consort in managing the imperial harem. In the end, Consort Liang almost killed a palace maid by beating her to death in the palace.

A palace maid was also a human being. A palace maid was also born to a mother and father.

Emperor Jing Li was furious when he learned of this and withdrew Consort Liang's authority to assist in managing the imperial harem, grounding her for half a year.

That was tantamount to falling out of favour.

Nobody would have thought that Consort Liang would come out again after six months.

Liao Qing Qing could not help but suspect that Consort Liang might be up to no good again.

After all, a woman with such ambition and background would not give in so easily.

And as expected, as soon as Consort Liang came out, she came over to pay her respects to Liao Qing Qing.

He Xiang was horrified after hearing this. She hastily ordered all the palace maids and eunuchs in the courtyard to be vigilant, not to slack off and make sure that the Empress was safe.

Liao Qing Qing herself was a little more vigilant as she sat on the upper seat.

She ordered someone to invite Consort Liang in.

After not seeing her for more than half a year, Consort Liang looked a little thinner than before but still had the same aura as before. When she saw Liao Qing Qing, the Empress, she automatically put away her former aura and respectfully paid her respects to Liao Qing Qing, "This concubine greets Your Highness, the Empress."

"You may rise." Liao Qing Qing said with a smile, "I have not seen you for a long time, Consort Liang."

"Yeah, it was this concubine who was insensible and angered His Majesty. After being grounded for half a year, this concubine just came out to meet Your Highness, the Empress."

"You are thoughtful," Liao Qing Qing answered very formally.

Consort Liang felt very uncomfortable after hearing this. This was like a rich man and a poor man. The arrogant rich man had always looked down on the poor man. One day, a fortune fell from the sky, and the poor man became wealthier and more powerful than the rich man, and the rich man had to work for him.

How can the rich man not feel upset?

Even though she was upset, she could not let it show. Consort Liang bowed in an orderly manner.

Liao Qing Qing inquired Consort Liang about her problems and ordered someone to give her some things as a bestowal. Consort Liang thanked her gently.

She did not make a single mistake from the start to the end.

As she was leaving, she gave a gentle glance at Liao Qing Qing's stomach, making Liao Qing Qing's scalp tingle. She always felt that Consort Liang had bad intentions. When Emperor Jing Li came over, Liao Qing Qing told Emperor Jing Li about Consort Liang's visit.

Emperor Jing Li directly said, "Be careful of Consort Liang. She will definitely have bad intentions."

Liao Qing Qing, "?" As expected of the young expert of harem intrigue to be so perceptive.

"Send someone to monitor her every move." Emperor Jing Li said.

Professional!

Very professional harem intrigue skills!

"We can't live in this place anymore," Emperor Jing Li suddenly said.

"?" Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in bewilderment.

Emperor Jing Li continued, "Live in Zhengqian Palace with me."

"Live in Zhengqian Palace?"

When Liao Qing Qing was promoted again, Emperor Jing Li had asked Liao Qing Qing to move to another palace several times. However, Liao Qing Qing refused on the grounds that Lisheng Pavilion was quite good, mainly because she had an experimental field here, and she couldn't bear to part from it.

After the coronation ceremony, Liao Qing Qing was still unwilling to move to another palace.

Emperor Jing Li was even prepared to build a new palace for Liao Qing Qing.

Aren't there enough palaces in the imperial palace?

Liao Qing Qing was a frugal person, so she was naturally unwilling to do such a laborious task and refused immediately.

At this moment, Emperor Jing Li offered to live in Zhengqian Palace.

Zhengqian Palace.

That was the Emperor's private bed chamber. Generally, when the Emperor was tired and did not want to sleep with the Empress and concubines, he would go back to his Zhengqian Palace to rest.

If Liao Qing Qing were to live in Zhengqian Palace, wouldn't she be living with Emperor Jing Li?

That is not appropriate, right?

As if he could see what was in Liao Qing Qing's mind, Emperor Jing Li immediately said, "Rules are made and broken by people. An ordinary couple lives in the same room all their lives. I am living in the same palace with my Empress. Why can't I do so by setting an example of harmony between husband and wife for the common people?"

"…." Your Majesty is so good with his words.

"Besides, I am also doing it for the sake of the child."

As soon as the child was mentioned, Liao Qing Qing immediately fired up.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Concubine Liang is causing mischief. Are you sure you can see it?"

She really couldn't be sure.

"What if there is an oversight and you and the child get hurt?"

Liao Qing Qing immediately said, "Your Majesty, you have to protect this concubine and the child!"

"Of course!" Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand and said with certainty, "How I wish I could eradicate all the people and things that are dangerous to you. But I am the Emperor, and I have to, at the very least, abide by the systems in doing things. Otherwise, wouldn't the land under heaven be in chaos?"

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

"Right now, Consort Liang has bad intentions but has not done bad deeds, so I cannot have her head removed. But by the time she does bad deeds, she may have already harmed you and the child. Therefore, I have to prevent it before that happens and then make the first move, provided that you and the child cannot be harmed in the slightest."

Liao Qing Qing continued to nod her head.

Emperor Jing Li said, "So move in with me, and I wouldn't need to run to Lisheng Pavilion every day."

"This concubine obeys the orders."

Emperor Jing Li nodded, looking very happy. Even his movements were very swift. On that night, he brought Liao Qing Qing to Zhengqian and started to move things in large quantities towards Zhengqian Palace the next day.

At first, no one understood what this was all about. But when they did, the entire Lisheng Pavilion had been moved to Zhengqian Palace, and the swiftness of the movements rendered many speechless.

When Consort Liang learnt the news, her whole body froze.

"Her Highness, the Empress, has moved to live with His Majesty?"

The author has something to say: —

Emperor Jing Li: From now on, I will be able to see Qing Qing after I leave the imperial court! Happy!

Bun: You can see me too!

Emperor Jing Li: ?

—

[1] 臣妾(chénqiè)- this concubine/I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female). The literal meaning is 'this subject and this concubine'.It is a self-appellation used by the ranks including and above Consorts. They are used by Consorts, Noble Consorts and Empress, etc. in front of the Emperor, Empress Dowager and Consorts, Noble Consorts that have a higher rank.

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

Consort Liang asked, "Her Highness, the Empress, has moved in with His Majesty?"

"Yes," the palace maid replied.

"She moved today?" Consort Liang asked again.

"Yes," the palace maid responded with her head lowered.

"Has she finished moving?" Consort Liang asked, undeterred.

"Yes."

"The Empress is now living in Zhengqian Palace?"

"Yes."

"All right. Bengong[1] understands. You can leave."

The palace maid left.

Consort Liang suddenly felt as if her strength had been drained. She plopped down onto the yoke back chair. All she could think about was Liao Qing Qing's move into Zhengqian Palace.

Zhengqian Palace!

It's Zhengqian Palace!

That is the palace of the Emperor!

Emperor Jing Li actually brought Liao Qing Qing into Zhengqian Palace.

I could never imagine this.

I really didn't expect that Emperor Jing Li would value Liao Qing Qing to such an extent.

It is just being pregnant.

Emperor Jing Li actually brought Liao Qing Qing into the Emperor's palace as if he was afraid that Liao Qing Qing would be harmed in some way.

Hold on!

A thought suddenly flashed through her brain—Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing are guarding against her.

That's right!

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing are indeed guarding against her!

She just went to Lisheng Pavilion in the morning, and in the evening, Liao Qing Qing moved into Zhengqian Palace.

Yes, she is going to do something bad!

Liao Qing Qing had snatched her position as Empress away. She had to teach Liao Qing Qing a lesson.

She knew Lisheng Pavilion Palace too well. She already had an idea and was waiting to take action to make Liao Qing Qing regret sitting in the Empress's position.

Who knew that Liao Qing Qing moved into Zhengqian Palace before she made a move?

She had been in the palace for several years and had been to Zhengqian Palace multiple times. However, all of her visits were inside the hall, and Emperor Jing drove her out in less than the time required to make a cup of tea (10/14.4 minutes).[2] She totally had no idea of Zhengqian Palace's layout.

Moreover, there were all Emperor Jing Li's trusted aides in Zhengqian Palace.

In other words, all her plans had gone down the drain!

She couldn't even get close to Liao Qing Qing!

Suddenly, a sense of frustration struck her, turning into anger due to impotence. She stretched her arms out and smashed a teacup.

The palace came running in upon hearing the commotion.

Consort Liang bellowed, "Get lost!"

The palace maid hastily left the hall in fear.

However, Consort Liang slightly calmed herself down because of her bellow of rage as a way to vent her anger. She looked at the cold and humble palace in despair.

She was the granddaughter of Marquis Huaishan, a noble daughter who grew up with a golden spoon and had been praised by everyone since she was a child. When she entered the palace, she was Noble Consort Liang, whom everyone respected.

When has she ever been in such a desperate state?

The miserableness in her heart turned to anger. The flames of anger ignited a fighting spirit, a fighting spirit that was on the verge of madness.

It was impossible for her to fight the high and mighty Emperor Jing Li, so she directed this angry fighting spirit at Liao Qing Qing. She gritted her teeth as she thought, 'Bengong will never let you have an easy time!'

The "you" was obviously referring to Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing did not know that Consort Liang had such a rich mental activity.

She followed Emperor Jing Li to Zhengqian Palace and went straight into the main room, which consisted of a hall, an outer room, a bedroom and a bathroom. It was more spacious than Lisheng Pavilion. There wasn't much furniture, but each one was uniquely crafted.

Liao Qing Qing had been here several times before and proficiently ordered the palace maid to place her belongings. The monotonous and cold main room became warm and pleasant in a short while. Liao Qing Qing turned her head and asked, "How is it?"

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing and nodded with a smile. He said, "I will just leave it to Qing Qing."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Then this concubine will live here from now on?" Liao Qing Qing suddenly asked playfully, looking adorable and spirited.

She is still so mischievous even when she's pregnant. Emperor Jing Li was pleased to see that she was being playful, even when she was pregnant. He extended his arms and put his arms around Liao Qing Qing and said, "Yes, just stay here. Let's go. Accompany me to sleep."

"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

It was unknown what kind of material Emperor Jing Li's bed was made of, but it was very comfortable to sleep on. As soon as Liao Qing QIng laid down, she let out a sigh comfortably. Soon, she realised that something was wrong. She turned her head to have a look and saw Emperor Jing Li nuzzling into her neck.

"Qing Qing," Emperor Jing Li called out.

Hearing how his voice was hoarse, Liao Qing Qing immediately understood and said, "Your Majesty, you can't."

"I[3] know."

"Then you still…."

"Qing Qing has hands."

"?"

"Qing Qing can use your hands."

"…."

Emperor Jing Li then took Liao Qing Qing's hand and reached toward the indescribable place… Not long after, indistinct gasps sounded from the Emperor's bed.

Early the next morning, Liao Qing Qing looked at her hands.

"Your Highness, what's wrong with your hands?" He Xiang asked puzzledly.

Liao Qing Qing quickly withdrew her hand. Her face was slightly warm. She forced herself to calm down and said, "Nothing. Oh, right. Can breakfast be served?"

"Your Highness, do we have to wait for His Majesty to adjourn the imperial court?"

"Let's wait."

"Yes."

Liao Qing Qing then took a walk around the courtyard.

She suddenly realised that she and Emperor Jing Li rarely ate breakfast together due to the distance between Zhengqian Palace and Lisheng Pavilion. They often ate their lunch or dinner together. Now they were going to eat three meals a day together.

Liao Qing Qing suddenly had a feeling of passing her days.

At this time, she heard the sounds of footsteps. She raised her eyes and saw Emperor Jing Li in his dragon robe. Before she could bow, Emperor Jing Li approached her and took her hand. He said, "There is no need to be so ceremonious. Let's go. Let's go inside."

Liao Qing Qing lifted her eyes to look at Emperor Jing Li. She felt inexplicably warm.

[1] 本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself 'the palace', and the princess with the official title can also call herself 'this palace'.

[2] 一盏茶(yī zhǎn chá)- The time required to make a cup of tea was a way to measure time in ancient times. It would refer to 10 or 14.4 minutes.

[3] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

After breakfast, Emperor Jing Li went to the study to review the memorials.

Liao Qing Qing took the palace maids to arrange the things that had been moved over to Zhengqian Palace. After they were done, Liao Qing Qing officially resided in Zhengqian Palace.

Originally, the imperial concubine was supposed to pay their respects daily to her, this Empress. But Empress Dowager loved her unborn baby so much that she changed the daily salutation to once every ten days.

In order to give her some time to relax, the Empress Dowager, who had not consulted about the affairs of the harem for a long time, intervened from time to time to ask about various matters in the harem. Even the coronation ceremony on the sixth day of the sixth month was postponed due to her pregnancy.

Anyway, the ceremony was just a formality as Liao Qing Qing was already the Empress.

Therefore, Liao Qing Qing's life was very leisurely.

It was just that Emperor Jing Li was a bit of a nuisance.

Ever since she used her hands to help Emperor Jing Li solve his physiological problems, it was as if Emperor Jing Li had turned on a free-for-all mode and experimented with all sorts of things. Sometimes, he would cause even her, a person from the 21st century, to blush.

She occasionally thought of a saying that she had heard in her previous life: "Men are most likely to cheat when women are pregnant". She imagined Emperor Jing Li bestowing favour to another imperial concubine.

Who would it be?

She felt cold inwardly.

It is quite uncomfortable.

In the end, days went by. Emperor Jing Li did not even enter the harem. Those concubines who wanted to take advantage of the Empress's pregnancy to climb the ladder were somewhat dissatisfied. Some people in the imperial court also proposed the words "to share the rain and dew".[1] Emperor Jing Li used the method of "The Empress is pregnant with my first child, so I have to be careful" and blocked everyone's restless thoughts.

That's right!

This is the Emperor's first child!

Is it easy for His Majesty to have a child?

It has been ten years!

The Emperor ascended the throne for ten years and finally dispelled the rumours of "having an illness", "being impotent", etc. With his first child, of course, he has to be cautious. Of course, he has to put all his attention on the Empress!

The harem was unhappy but could only endure it.

The imperial officials understood what Emperor Jing Li meant.

When Liao Qing Qing heard these words, she was particularly happy. At night, she was very spontaneous with Emperor Jing Li. But Emperor Jing Li didn't act in an unrestrained manner. He placed an arm around Liao Qing Qing from behind, with his other hand protecting Liao Qing Qing's already bulging belly. He said, "Sleep properly."

"Your Majesty?" Liao Qing Qing said in surprise.

"Protect the child," Emperor Jing Li said.

Liao Qing Qing beamed.

"I will deal with you after you've given birth!"

"That's still four or five months away."

"What can't I do?" Emperor Jing Li asked in a domineering manner.

Liao Qing Qing was convinced of this and immediately said with certainty, "Your Majesty can do anything!"

"Mm, sleep."

For the next few days, Emperor Jing Li did not fool around.

As her belly grew bigger and bigger, Liao Qing Qing noticed that Emperor Jing Li treated her increasingly well. Without her reminding him, he would talk to her belly.

Once the baby kicked him through her belly, he was so excited that he couldn't speak.

For several days in a row, he felt the wonders of life.

Liao Qing Qing felt the miracle of life when her belly was slightly bulging. As her belly slowly grew larger and as her baby moved for the first time, she slowly felt the wonderful presence of a baby and the beauty of life.

Every day, she had a smile on her face. She would eat, sleep and exercise on time. Her belly grew increasingly bigger, and she actually looked increasingly prettier, where even the Empress Dowager and Chang Momo were in awe.

She could actually look prettier when she was pregnant!

Whenever Emperor Jing Li had time, he would cling to Liao Qing Qing, hold her hands, kiss her face, touch her and place himself on her belly every day.

Liao Qing Qing was already more than seven months pregnant in the blink of an eye.

She had survived the blazing summer, and finally, the cool autumn arrived.

It was time for the once every ten days ceremony to pay respect.

It had been four times since she had attended the ceremony. In total, it had been two months since she had greeted the concubines of the harem.

The first time was because it was raining heavily and Emperor Jing Li had forbidden her from going out, saying that it was slippery and she might fall.

The second time, an imperial concubine had a cough. Although the imperial concubine called in sick, there was no guarantee that other concubines did not get sick, so what if they passed their disease to Liao Qing Qing? What would happen?

The sun was so hot the third time that the cicadas couldn't withstand it. Liao Qing Qing couldn't stand it and might get heatstroke, so Emperor Jing Li didn't allow Liao Qing Qing to attend the salutation ceremony again.

The fourth time, the wind blew. Emperor Jing Li was afraid a broken tree branch would hit Liao Qing Qing. Then, Empress Dowager personally intervened and hosted the salutation ceremony and other matters by properly arranging various things in the harem.

… This was the fifth time.

It was a beautiful day. There was nothing wrong with it, and Emperor Jing Li gave his approval, so Liao Qing Qing could finally go out.

She was surrounded by a circle of palace maids and senior maids.

The three midwives— who had been out of business in the palace for a long time — followed her around all day and finally caught her as a client. They treated her like a god.

Fortunately, she was not a delicate person, regardless of how favourable the outside world was, but there were too many hard times.

She walked steadily forward.

She walked to the Yujing Garden next to Zhengqian Palace, a scenic residence in the palace where one could enjoy the scenery and have tea and chat. Emperor Jing Li did not like so many people entering Zhengqian Palace, so he arranged for the Empress's salutation ceremony to be held in the hall of the Yujing Garden.

As soon as Liao Qing Qing entered Yujing Garden, the eunuch shouted, "Her Highness, the Empress, has arrived—"

Liao Qing Qing stepped into the hall after the eunuch had shouted. Once she entered the hall, she saw two rows of concubines standing in the hall, dressed in red and green, looking extremely good.

"Greetings to Your Highness, the Empress. May Your Highness, the Empress, be in good health."

"You may all rise." Liao Qing Qing's gaze naturally fell on Consort Liang.

Consort Liang was dressed in her usual attire today. She was not too striking nor mundane. Her head was slightly lowered, and Liao Qing Qing couldn't see her expression, so she appeared a little meek.

Meek?

That isn't like Consort Liang's personality.

Liao Qing Qing subconsciously considered what "good thing" might happen to her out of precaution. Because, after all, Consort Liang had always wanted to kill her.

She is in the light while Consort Liang is in the dark.

It can't be Consort Liang is playing some underhanded tricks, right?

Liao Qing Qing's hand reflexively rested on her stomach. She slowly stopped at her feet and did not move forward but looked straight at Consort Liang. Consort Liang seemed to sense her gaze and raised her eyes to look at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing did not notice any abnormalities.

Like the other concubines, Consort Liang slowly lowered her head and waited for Liao Qing Qing to approach her and take her seat. However, she was different from the other concubines. Her hands clenched in her sleeves, sweating slightly, her heart thumping wildly as if she was about to achieve a sinful victory, making her scared and happy.

Come over.

All Liao Qing Qing has to do is approach her.

But Liao Qing Qing did not move. Her gaze still wandered over Consort Liang's body. Surprisingly, she realised that Consort Liang's body was as tense as ever, her neck was stiff, and her arms secretly exerted force.

It was a sign of being nervous as a human.

Without special psychological and behavioural training, even a person with the strongest mentality would accidentally reveal their intentions in their behaviour and demeanour. This was especially so when they were overwhelmed with emotions, and their behaviour was the most obvious.

Something is amiss about Consort Liang!

"Your Highness," He Xiang called out.

Liao Qing Qing snapped out of it and looked toward He Xiang.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?"

"Bengong is a little unwell. Let's return." Liao Qing Qing wasn't sure if her guess was correct. However, she didn't want to verify it. She had to keep herself and the child safe. That meant staying away from the current Consort Liang. She said, "We'll return now."

Upon hearing this, He Xiang hastily asked, "Where is Your Highness not feeling well?"

The imperial concubines did not know what was happening.

Consort Liang suddenly raised her head to look at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing had already turned around and walked towards the outside of the hall.

Consort Liang's heart fell with a thud. She is unwell again. She hadn't seen Liao Qing Qing for two months, and if she didn't make a move now, Liao Qing Qing's baby would be born. She couldn't miss this opportunity.

She immediately took a step toward Liao Qing Qing.

Just then, she heard Emperor Jing Li's voice, "Qing Qing."

His Majesty has arrived too!

She walked towards Liao Qing Qing with faster steps and was about to reach out to support Liao Qing Qing to show her concern when suddenly two guards blocked her way.

She stopped in her tracks and asked in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Emperor Jing Li said angrily, "Cut the crap! Arrest her!"

[1] 雨露均沾(jūnzhān yǔlù)- To share the rain and dew. "Rain and dew" refers to favour. Thus, it means to share the (Emperor's) favour.

Consort Liang was restrained by two imperial guards with their scabbards, causing her to be unable to move.

Liao Qing Qing didn't know what was going on.

Most of the imperial concubines were pampered noblewomen. How could they have seen such a scene before? All of them were all too petrified to make a sound.

Consort Liang asked calmly, "Your Majesty, why are you arresting this concubine?"[1]

"Do you need me[2] to tell you what you have done?" Emperor Jing Li asked in response.

"This concubine doesn't know what this concubine has done."

Even though Consort Liang said this, she was panicking inwardly.

Could it be that Emperor Jing Li realised something?

She was still holding the specially formulated poison powder in her hand.

She had found this poisonous powder in a book.

As long as it was thrown on Liao Qing Qing, it would cause Liao Qing Qing to suffer a miscarriage and take a toll on her health, resulting in her never being able to have children again.

She had modified it several times, and it was very effective.

She waited for Liao Qing Qing to appear.

At this moment, Liao Qing Qing had finally appeared.

She was so close to success.

However, she didn't expect Emperor Jing Li to show up.

No way!

She can't just admit defeat like that!

Her hands hidden in her sleeve clenched slightly. Then, she loosened her grip, causing her hand to be filled with poisonous powder.

I'm just one step away.

Just one step away from making Liao Qing Qing taste the bitter fruit![3]

Luckily, she was not far from Liao Qing Qing.

She had a plan in mind.

Using her wide sleeves to cover her hands, she silently moved to Liao Qing Qing's side. With a slight force of her wrist, she threw the poison powder in her embroidered pouch onto Liao Qing Qing's body.

As long as it touches Liao Qing Qing's body, the baby will not survive!

She felt fanatically happy inwardly. Her body shook with excitement as she thought of how she would be the one ascending to the position of Empress and become the object of envy and jealousy when Liao Qing Qing lost favour.

Who is she?

She is Marquis Huaishan's biological granddaughter.

The person everyone envies!

No one would ever look down on her!

A brightly coloured figure suddenly leapt over and struck her wrist while she was thinking of this.

The force of the blow lifted her wrist, causing the poisonous powder to fly.

She was taken aback and looked at Emperor Jing Li in front of her.

Emperor Jing Li protected Liao Qing Qing.

At the same time, the poisonous powder flew back down and landed on Consort Liang's face.

As soon as Consort Liang felt it, she immediately used her hands to cover her face and screamed.

Emperor Jing Li exclaimed in anger, "Seize her for me! Send her away!"

"Yes!" Only then did the two imperial guards escort Consort Liang away with their hands.

Consort Liang was unable to move, but she still continued to struggle.

The imperial concubines looked at this scene in confusion. Their eyes swept over Consort Liang's face and saw the red bumps slowly appearing on her flushed face. They were horrified and instantly understood what was going on.

The powder is poisonous!

Consort Liang wanted to harm Her Highness, the Empress!

Consort Liang wanted to harm the imperial child!

This is too scary!

Emperor Jing Li also saw the change on Consort Liang's face. He said with a blue face, "Bring Imperial Physician Fan to me. I want to see what Consort Liang is up to!"

"Yes!"

Not long after, Imperial Physician Fan ran in heaving and quickly fell to the ground to examine the embroidered purse and powder. He said, "Replying to Your Majesty, this powder contains musk and grey powder…."

"Tell me the danger!" Emperor Jing Li did not want to listen to Imperial Physician Fan's blather.

Imperial Physician Fan replied respectfully, "Responding to Your Majesty, the danger is that it causes one to suffer from a miscarriage. In lighter cases, one would suffer from a miscarriage and lifelong infertility. In serious cases, it causes harm to life."

The imperial concubines drew in a cold breath.

This is really too vicious!

Emperor Jing Li's face grew increasingly uglier. It was a while before he said, "Fu Sheng!"

"This servant is here!" Fu Sheng hurriedly stood out.

"Go and call Liang Huai Ren and his two brothers from the Liang manor! I want to see if the three brothers plan to revolt!" Emperor Jing Li said in a fury.

"Yes!" Fu Sheng hastily ran away with the eunuchs.

Emperor Jing Li's entire body was set ablaze in anger. He said, "Imperial Physician Fan, collect this evidence and follow me."

"Yes!"

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing. The anger in his body suddenly dissipated and became extraordinarily gentle and patient. He said, "Go back with me. Leave the rest to me."

Liao Qing Qing subconsciously nodded her head.

Liao Qing Qing left with the support of Emperor Jing Li.

The imperial concubines were left in shock in the hall, and the scene was a mess. Only after a while did the imperial concubines come back to their senses and start chattering.

"Consort Liang wants to kill Her Highness, the Empress?"

"With poisoned powder?"

"Oh my, that's too horrifying."

"How… How is this going to end?"

"Luckily, His Majesty came in time. Otherwise, it would have been terrifying to harm others."

"It is terrifying. Look at Consort Liang's face!"

"…."

A person said, and another responded. All seemingly draining their inner fears with their voices. At this time, Virtuous Consort said, "All right. Since His Majesty has stepped in. Then, this matter will definitely be resolved, so don't speculate. I believe His Majesty will definitely provide an explanation to everyone. Let's not cause unnecessary panic. Dismissed."

Although Virtuous Consort said this, the imperial concubines could not control themselves from talking about this matter after returning to their respective palaces.

The rumour that Consort Liang had poisoned the Empress spread through the harem in a short while. At the same time, Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing returned to Zhengqian Palace.

Emperor Jing Li said, "He Xiang, serve your mistress to bathe. Also, throw away all the clothes and jewellery she is wearing."

He Xiang was frightened by the scene just now, and it had weighed on her mind. She immediately responded, "Yes."

Only then did Emperor Jing Li look at Liao Qing Qing and said, "Stay here while I go to the imperial study."

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand and touched Liao Qing Qing's big belly. He said, "Don't worry. Everything is fine."

"Mm."

"I will be back soon."

"Wait a minute." Liao Qing Qing pulled Emperor Jing Li's hand and said, "Have you gotten any poison powder on you? If so, you should change your clothes before you go."

"No need. I am fine. Quickly go and bathe."

"Yes."

Emperor Jing Li left.

Liao Qing Qing did not dare to waste time lest the poisonous powder harms her. Then, she quickly went to bathe and changed her clothes.

He Xiang did not dare to relax. She washed Liao Qing Qing's hair clean and wiped it gently against the fire. She was fuming at Consort Liang's viciousness.

Liao Qing Qing listened quietly. Her mind was filled with doubts.

Liao Qing Qing knew that Consort Liang would be up to no good, and Consort Liang would use some extreme means when she was desperate. She was even aware that Consort Liang would become increasingly desperate, and her intelligence would drop.

It was just that she could not have imagined that Emperor Jing Li had arrived so promptly.

Everything seemed to have been premeditated.

Is that poisonous powder really that terrifying?

Her heart tightened. She subconsciously covered her stomach and asked, "He Xiang, there isn't any powder on Bengong's[4] body, right?"

He Xiang had just checked very carefully, fearing that she missed one iota. She replied, "Replying to Her Highness, there isn't."

But Liao Qing Qing was not at ease.

At this moment, Emperor Jing Li came in.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." He Xiang bowed.

Before Liao Qing Qing could pay her respects, Emperor Jing Li approached her and took Liao Qing Qing's hand. He said, "You don't need to bow."

"How did Your Majesty return so quickly?" Liao Qing Qing slowly got up and said, "This concubine's hair had not been tied yet."

Emperor Jing Li extended his arms to stroke Liao Qing Qing's long, dark hair, which was exceptionally soft, and he could not feel the slightest bit of dampness. Then, he hugged Liao Qing Qing and said, "Just simply style your hair. It doesn't need to be so troublesome."

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head and let He Xiang tie her hair into a bun before speaking to Emperor Jing Li about Consort Liang's matter.

Emperor Jing Li was immediately upset. "I have been tolerating the Liang clan time and time again because of their kindness to the country. But these people don't know the immensity of heaven and earth.[5] They are harbouring evil intentions inside the palace, and they are running amok outside the palace! I have long been displeased with them!"

"How is Your Majesty going to deal with them?"

"Deal with them the way they should be dealt with!" Emperor Jing Li continued, "The Liang clan will be relegated to commoners. Consort Liang is demoted to a Noble Lady, and she will live in the cold palace[6] for the rest of her life."

Liao Qing Qing asked worriedly, "Won't the imperial officials disagree?"

"Hmph! She poisoned an imperial child. What are they going to disagree on?!"

In fact, the Liang clan had been rampaging around on the merits of their ancestors for more than a day or two. The imperial officials had all seen it in their eyes, but Emperor Jing Li had put up with it repeatedly.

Liao Qing Qing could not help but ask, "Your Majesty, how did you know that Noble Lady Liang would poison this imperial concubine?"[7]

"Didn't I send someone to keep an eye on her all the time?" Emperor Jing Li said.

"Keeping such a close eye on her?"

"Of course, she must not be allowed to harm my Qing Qing."

"Then Your Majesty must know where the poisonous powder came from?"

"Noble Lady Liang made it herself." Emperor Jing Li said, "While Noble Lady Liang was still young, she knew some medical skills, so she made this dreadful poisonous powder."

"Is that poisonous powder really as horrifying as what Imperial Physician Fan had said?"

Emperor Jing Li nodded.

Liao Qing Qing's heart fell with a thump. Although she was not in contact with the poisonous powder, she was always scared that it would hurt the child and her heart became uneasy.

Seeing Liao Qing Qing's thoughts, Emperor Jing Li said with a smile, "Qing Qing, you don't have to worry. Even if you have come into contact with the powder today, it doesn't matter."

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in confusion.

Emperor Jing Li said, "The powder today is not a poisonous powder."

A question mark slowly appeared in Liao Qing Qing's mind.

Emperor Jing Li fiddled with Liao Qing Qing's hand. He said, "Since I know the toxicity of the powder made by Noble Lady Laing, how could I allow her to carry it around with her, knowing that it would cause harm to the body and she had intention to kill? Even if she can't hurt you, she might harm others and even Queen Mother."

"Then… Then, what is that powder?"

"Flour with pollen."

"? But Noble Lady Liang's face…."

"Noble Lady Liang is allergic to pollen and you aren't. So it's fine if you are in contact with it." Emperor Jing Li said, "It was Noble Lady Liang herself who thought it was poisonous powder, screaming and being afraid. I didn't even put on much of a show. She made the scene quite horrifying."

"? Then Imperial Physician Fan…"

"Imperial Physician Fan accompanied me in the performance."

"Then the confrontation with the Liang family…."

"During the confrontation, I took out the poisonous powder made by Noble Lady Liang."

"So…."

"So this is using the poisonous powder to deal with the Liang clan."

"Just… Just… Just like that?" Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in astonishment.

"Just like that." Emperor Jing Li looked like he was taking the credit for somebody's achievement and asked, "Qing Qing, I'm smart, right?"

The author has something to say:

Emperor Jing Li: I'm smart, right? I'm smart, right? I've played with harem intrigue so perfectly!

Liao Qing Qing: ?

Emperor Jing Li: I've attained perfection! (Proud!)

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[3] 苦果(kǔguǒ)- The literal translation is 'bitter fruit.' It refers to painful consequences.

[4] 本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself 'the palace', and the princess with the official title can also call herself 'this palace'.

[5] 不知天高地厚(bùzhītiāngāodìhòu)- not to know the immensity of heaven and earth/ an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities

[6] 冷宫(lěnggōng)- In literature and opera, being sent to the cold palace refers to a place which a monarch banishes a wife or concubine who falls from favour.

[7] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

Smart!

Very smart!

Emperor Jing Li's harem intrigue skills are off the charts!

Without Liao Qing Qing even using her brains, Emperor Jing Li had taken care of/dealt with Consort Liang. She was worried that the poisonous powder might affect the child. But she didn't have to worry. She placed her arms around Emperor Jing Li and spouted rainbow farts,[1] "Your Majesty, you are really the smartest person I've ever met!"

"That's right!" Emperor Jing Li was proud.

"But—" Liao Qing Qing paused for a moment.

"But what?"

"Your Majesty, won't you one day do the same to this concubine[2] because your harem intrigue skills are so high?" Liao Qing Qing said.

Emperor Jing Li replied without hesitation, "Definitely not."

"Why?"

"I don't need to put that much effort into dealing with you."

"? Are you saying this concubine is stupid?"

"No."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I[3] can deal with you in bed. I don't need to deal with you outside of the bed."

"…." Publicly driving the car![4]

With a smile, Emperor Jing Li wrapped his arms around Liao Qing Qing and said, "You think too much."

"How is this concubine thinking too much?"

"You can't think that just because a warrior can kill the enemy would mean that the warrior can also kill his lover, right?"

"It seems that this concubine was blowing things out of proportion/comparing apples and oranges?"

"Isn't that so?" Emperor Jing Li pecked Liao Qing Qing's forehead. He said gently, "Imperial Physician Fan told methat a woman will always overthink and throw a tantrum when she is pregnant. So it's true that this refers to you."

"Did this concubine throw a tantrum?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

"You didn't. You just tend to have random thoughts." Emperor Jing Li placed his hand behind Liao Qing Qing's neck. His forehead rested against Liao Qing Qing's, and he said in an extremely gentle voice, "Qing Qing, you must trust me. I want you to be well. I want you to be well, and you will be well."

"Your Majesty," Liao Qing Qing called out.

"Hm?"

"You are so domineering."

Emperor Jing Li froze for a moment, then smiled, "I am whatever Qing Qing describes."

A smile appeared on Liao Qing Qing's face.

Emperor Jing Li took Liao Qing Qing into his arms and said somewhat sentimentally, "I have seen a lot of conflicts between imperial concubines in the harem since I was a child. Whenever two or several concubines fought, Imperial Father was always indifferent and encouraged the fighting in the harem day by day, which even led to Queen Mother—"

Emperor Jing Li stopped talking for a moment.

Liao Qing Qing asked, "What about Queen Mother?"

Emperor Jing Li said, "Queen Mother once miscarried a child."

Liao Qing Qing was stunned inwardly.

Emperor Jing Li continued, "At that time, I swore that I would never be like my Imperial Father if I ever ascended to the throne."

No wonder!

No wonder Emperor Jing Li's harem intrigue skills are so powerful!

He practised it from a young age.

"But you have many concubines like the late Emperor in your harem." Liao Qing Qing smoothly responded.

"My harem is less than one-fifth of the previous Emperor's."

"So Your Majesty is feeling shortchanged?"

Emperor Jing Li gently squeezed Liao Qing Qing's hand and said, "You're getting increasingly bolder when you talk tome."

Liao Qing Qing did not make a sound.

Emperor Jing Li softly said, "My imperial concubines in the harem are not what you think they are. Qing Qing, some of them are like Virtuous Consort, who voluntarily entered the palace to save her family. Some are like Noble Lady Liang, who wants more glory on the merits of her ancestors. Some are those who do not want men in the world and come to sit around and do nothing. Most of them are not true to me."

"…. Your Majesty, you make yourself sound so pitiful."

"I am not pitiful. I have Qing Qing."

"Your Majesty, actually, this concubine entered the palace to sit around and do nothing."

Emperor Jing Li was stunned. Then, he stretched his arms out and smacked Liao Qing Qing's buttocks as a punishment. "I don't care if you're just sitting around and doing nothing. Anyway, you can't get away from me in this life. You are my wife!"

Liao Qing Qing laughed.

Emperor Jing Li deliberately childishly asked, "Is that right?"

Liao Qing Qing did not respond.

Emperor Jing Li repeated, "Is that right?"

Liao Qing Qing had no choice but to reply with a smile, "Yes, yes, yes."

"I will ask my imperial child again."

As Emperor Jing Li said this, he leaned down and pressed his face against Liao Qing Qing's stomach and talked to Liao Qing Qing's stomach.

Liao Qing Qing looked down and saw this scene.

She had seen this scene many times, and her heart still felt an abundance of warmth.

As for the matter of Noble Lady Liang, it was soon thrown into the back of her mind.

But the matter of Noble Lady Liang did not end so quickly.

Because Noble Lady Liang had harmed the imperial child, Emperor Jing Li brought the sins of the Liang clan to light and successfully disgraced the Liang clan. After that, Emperor Jing Li dealt with several officials who had colluded with the Liang clan harshly, causing the common people to be delighted.

The imperial subjects were also convinced.

In the harem, the imperial concubines were all frightened because of the incident with Noble Lady Liang. As they recalled Noble Lady Liang's sudden allergy on her face, several concubines fell ill with fear. When the rest saw Emperor Jing Li defending Liao Qing Qing so much, all those wavering hearts ceased.

No one dared to provoke the Empress.

After the incident with Consort Liang, the Empress, Liao Qing Qing, was often surrounded by guards and such. They protected her well, which caused her to be not used to it at first. However, she put up with it for the safety of her child.

Within a few days, she got used to it.

Presently, she was already eight months pregnant and less than two months away from giving birth. Liao Qing Qing suddenly felt a little anxious.

In this era, medical conditions were lacking. There was no incubator and caesarean. There was only natural birth, and the death rate of mother and child in childbirth was still very high.

She was suddenly afraid.

To have a better birth, she abided by the daily diet as ordered by the Imperial Physician. Now, she walks after meals and goes for a walk every night.

It was for the sake of smooth delivery.

[1] 彩虹屁(cǎihóng pì)- Lavish praise/flattery/rainbow fart. It is Internet slang. It means that fans flatter their idols in a fancy way that the idol's whole body is a treasure and their good things. Literally means that even if idols fart, they could flatter it like rainbows.

[2] 臣妾(chénqiè)- this concubine/I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female). The literal meaning is 'this subject and this concubine'.It is a self-appellation used by the ranks including and above Consorts. They are used by Consorts, Noble Consorts and Empress, etc. in front of the Emperor, Empress Dowager and Consorts, Noble Consorts that have a higher rank.

[3] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[4] 开车[kāichē]- Start the car/drive the car. An internet slang that refers to talking about the topic is related to p*rnography or something along the lines.

As the due date approached, Liao Qing Qing became anxious and even had dreams at night of giving birth to an egg that came out. Before long, the egg hatched, and an unbelievably ugly dinosaur came out, scaring her and making her scream.

She was increasingly anxious as this was the first time she was going to give birth to a child.

Emperor Jing Li also noticed her abnormalities. He hugged her and asked, "Qing Qing, what's wrong? You look so troubled."

Liao Qing Qing held Emperor Jing Li's hand and said meekly, "Your Majesty, this concubine is scared."

Liao Qing Qing was always happy-go-lucky and beaming. Even when she faced Noble Lady Liang and the others, she was always calm. When has she ever been so troubled? Emperor Jing Li's heart ached for her. He placed one arm around Liao Qing Qing's shoulder and protected her belly with the other, as if he was holding some big precious treasure. He asked, "Tell me, what are you afraid of?"

Liao Qing Qing said aggrievedly, "I am afraid that the baby I give birth to won't be adorable."

"Impossible. The babies Qing Qing gives birth to will all be cute."

"What if I gave birth to a monster?"

"I like whatever Qing Qing gives birth to."

"Really?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

"Really."

"Then if this concubine dies after giving birth to this concubine's baby, will Your Majesty also love this concubine's baby?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

Emperor Jing Li's face turned sullen and rebuked, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?!"

Liao Qing Qing's hormone-influenced mind collapsed, and her eyes instantly flushed as she said, "Your Majesty, you are being mean to this concubine. You are being mean to me."

I want to cry.

I really want to cry.

I really, really want to cry.

Emperor Jing Li immediately gave in and gently patted Liao Qing Qing's shoulder. He said, "I'm not being mean to you. I don't intend to be mean to you at all."

Liao Qing Qing didn't know what was wrong with her.

She just… just suddenly couldn't stand it.

She was so sad that she burst into tears.

Emperor Jing Li felt so distressed and wiped Liao Qing Qing's tears. While kissing Liao Qing Qing's cheeks, he said, "Don't cry. Don't cry. I am wrong. I am wrong. What I mean is that with me, everything will be fine with the child, and even more so with you. I am the Son of Heaven. I will ask Heaven for Qing Qing, and Heaven will definitely agree."

Liao Qing Qing asked, "Really?"

Emperor Jing Li nodded. "Really."

Liao Qing Qing suddenly felt vulnerable. After some reassurance from Emperor Jing Li, her emotions soon stabilised, and she could eat, drink, sleep and take a stroll.

Her days went on very comfortably.

But not for Emperor Jing Li. Initially, he would be fine whenever he was a little moody when Liao Qing Qing talked to him, acted coquettishly, and coaxed him.

However, he could not tell Liao Qing Qing about the danger of giving birth to a child. If he did, Liao Qing Qing would be so anxious and scared that she would not eat or sleep well, causing him to be so distressed.

Hence, he felt worried and scared alone.

He deliberately summoned Imperial Physicians and midwives and questioned the dangers of giving birth to a child. He was unaware when he did not ask. Once he asked, he was taken aback. What miscarriage, loss of blood, etc. The more he listened, the more scared he was, the more he imagined Liao Qing Qing to be in that state and the more uncomfortable he felt.

In the end, he did not eat well during the day and did not sleep well at night. He lost a lot of weight. The senior imperial officials all thought that Emperor Jing Li was concerned about the people of the land under Heaven and they all felt gratified, and advised him to take care of his health.

Emperor Jing Li nodded and left the imperial court to deliberate alone with the Minister of War and Minister of Revenue in the imperial study. At this time, Fu Sheng appeared at the door with an anxious expression.

Emperor Jing Li was particularly distraught today. When he saw Fu Sheng in this state, he immediately questioned, "Fu Sheng, what's the matter?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, Her Highness, the Empress, is going to give birth."

"What?" Emperor Jing Li got up abruptly and took a big step before he could stand. He almost fell down, but fortunately, he was supported by a junior eunuch. He didn't care about anything else. Just when he stood upright, he immediately headed out of the palace.

It was the first time the imperial subjects had ever seen Emperor Jing Li panicking like that. They looked at one another and suddenly thought that the Empress was about to give birth and immediately understood.

Emperor Jing Li walked as quickly as he could without using an imperial carriage.

Fu Sheng and the others hastily ran after him.

Emperor Jing Li's face was tense as he asked, "Has the Empress given birth yet?"

Fu Sheng responded, "Not yet."

"When will it be born?"

"This servant doesn't know." Fu Sheng answered cautiously.

Emperor Jing Li didn't know either. He had heard that some babies were born for a day and a night and the thought of "a day and a night" made Emperor Jing Li light-headed.

He walked even faster.

Luckily, Zhengqian Palace was close by.

When he was about to reach Zhengqian Palace, Empress Dowager appeared with the support of Chang Momo, who also had an anxious expression.

"This son greets Queen Mother," Emperor Jing Li said.

"Don't bow now." Empress Dowager spoke so quickly for the first time, "I heard that the Empress's stomach was hurting half a shichen (an hour) ago. She has not given birth yet."

Half a shichen (an hour) ago?

Emperor Jing Li felt faint again.

The Empress Dowager urged, "Quickly go and have a look."

Emperor Jing Li immediately followed Empress Dowager into one of the courtyards of Zhengqian Palace. They both saw the palace maids moving about, and their faces were filled with anxiousness.

Especially Emperor Jing Li. His face was slightly pale. He had never been so worried and scared. It was as if his heart was about to jump out of his throat. When he saw a palace maid carrying a basin of blood, his body staggered.

Fu Sheng hastily supported him. "Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing Li waved his hand.

Fu Sheng backed away.

Emperor Jing Li and the Empress Dowager walked towards the front, and the two were about to ask about the situation when a child's clear, powerful cry suddenly sounded from inside the room, "Waah—"

The author has something to say: —

Emperor Jing Li: The baby is born?

Empress Dowager: The baby is born so quickly.

Child: I, mwaisef (myself), want to come out quickly, so I won't torment Queen Mother!

Emperor Jing Li: Who are you?

Child: Imperial Father, I am your baby (precious)![1]

Emperor Jing Li: Nonsense! My precious is Qing Qing!

Child: =口=！

[1] 宝宝(bǎobǎo)- This means "baby" or "darling."

The baby is born?

The baby is born!

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager immediately stopped at their feet.

A Momo[1] came out of the room. Upon seeing Emperor Jing Li and the Empress Dowager, she hurriedly came over and paid her respects, "Greetings, Your Majesty and Her Highness, the Empress Dowager—"

Emperor Jing Li rushed to ask, "How is the Empress?"

Momo had no choice but to answer, "Replying to Your Majesty, both Her Highness, the Empress, and the Eldest Imperial Prince are well."

Well?

It is good that they are well.

Emperor Jing Li's heart, which had almost jumped out of his throat, finally returned to life. His face slowly eased. Then he thought of something else and said anxiously, "I[2] will go and see the Empress!"

"Her Highness, the Empress, is currently asleep," Momo answered.

"Can't I go and have a look?"

"Her Highness, the Empress, doesn't allow Your Majesty to go there now."

"Why?"

"Her Highness, the Empress, said that she is not beautiful currently and doesn't want Your Majesty to see it."

"…." These words sure sound like something Liao Qing Qing would say.

Emperor Jing Li looked toward Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager pursed her lips and said, "Since the Empress won't let you go see her, you should wait for a while. Then go in when the Empress is all cleaned up."

Emperor Jing Li was a little unhappy.

The Empress Dowager said, "Emperor, you can go and see the Eldest Imperial Prince first."

Emperor Jing Li had no choice but to go and see the Eldest Imperial Prince.

The Eldest Imperial Prince was wrapped in a brocade blanket and was being carried by a wet nurse. Emperor Jing Li approached them and saw a flushed child. His tiny face was wrinkled, but he felt an incredible sensation running through him, like an instinct.

"Let me carry him." Emperor Jing Li's voice trembled slightly.

The wet nurse taught Emperor Jing Li how to hold a baby.

Emperor Jing Li learned for a while. But in the end, because the child was too small, he felt fearful and held it instead.

So light.

Yet so heavy.

This is his and Qing Qing's child.

It feels so magical.

He called out softly, "Fei Fei."

Fei Fei was the nickname of the Eldest Imperial Prince, chosen by Liao Qing Qing. She had heard that many pregnant women had problems during pregnancy, such as pregnancy symptoms or losing weight, etc. But she had none, and the child was particularly strange

She was afraid that the child would be introverted, so she named him "Fei Fei".

In Liao Qing Qing's dialect back in her hometown, "Fei" means "quick-witted".

Anyway, it was a nickname called by the elders.

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager agreed.

"Fei Fei," Emperor Jing Li called out once more.

Fei Fei slept with his eyes closed, appearing very obedient.

After carrying him for a while, Emperor Jing Li's mind was filled with Liao Qing Qing. He handed Fei Fei to the wet nurse and asked He Xiang, "Is your Mistress willing to see me now?"

He Xiang froze. The person in front of her was the king of the country. It had always been people seeking an audience with him. This was the first time he had waited for someone else to summon him, and this "someone else" was her mistress.

He Xiang felt happy for Liao Qing Qing and said, "This maidservant[3] has already cleaned up for Her Highness, the Empress. Your Majesty can enter now."

Upon hearing that, Emperor Jing Li was overjoyed.

He immediately patted the non-existent dust off his body and then walked into the room with big strides. He first smelled the faint smell of blood and then saw Liao Qing Qing lying on the bed at a glance.

Although Liao Qing Qing had deliberately cleaned herself up, her face was still pale. When Emperor Jing Li looked at her, he recalled the bucket of blood and his heart ached. He quickly approached Liao Qing Qing and called out, "Qing Qing."

"Your Majesty, have you seen Fei Fei?" Liao Qing Qing asked in a feeble voice.

"I did."

"He came out in a hurry. His head was all squashed. So ugly."

"…. He's not ugly. He is good looking." Emperor Jing Li comforted her warmly, "It must have been hard for you."

"Mm. It was, and it hurts so much." Liao Qing Qing said.

"I know."

"You don't know."

"I know."

"You don't know."

Emperor Jing Li extended his arms to gently stroke Liao Qing Qing's pale face. He agreed with whatever Liao Qing Qing said."Fine, fine, fine. I don't know. I don't know."

The Momos and palace maids beside them all knew that the Emperor was extremely fond of the Empress, but they did not know that the Emperor was so fond of her to this extent.

When the Empress Dowager saw this, she hurried to the room beside them to see her grandson.

This is Empress Dowager's first grandson!

The Empress Dowager looked cold and detached on the surface. However, that was just a way of handling things after the tragic harem intrigue under the previous Emperor.

In fact, her heart was also warm. She wanted to carry a grandson just as much as the common people under the Heavens.

It was just that she knew her son was poisoned and almost lost his life. So she never urged him, nor did she force him to like any of the concubines. She was already prepared for him to be childless for the rest of his life.

When it was time, she would choose a royal bloodline with both virtue and talent to inherit the throne. She did not expect Emperor Jing Li would favour Liao Qing Qing and that Liao Qing Qing would give birth to an imperial prince.

The Empress Dowager was filled with delight.

Seeing the red and flushed Fei Fei, the Empress Dowager's face, which had been cold all her life, melted at once and a smile appeared on her face. Her eyes were affectionate, like the warm ocean in March.

"Little Fei Fei." The Empress Dowager called out softly.

Fei Fei moved slightly as if he had heard it.

Empress Dowager's heart instantly melted. She could see the areas her grandson resembled her son. Her eyes immediately reddened, and she gently took Fei Fei into her arms.

She carried him for a long time.

The Empress Dowager came over to see Little Fei Fei in the subsequent days. Little Fei Fei was born a little over six catties (3 kg/6.61 pounds), the weight of an average child, probably because Liao Qing Qing had eaten and slept well during her pregnancy and exercised well. Little Fei Fei was able to eat and sleep throughout the month, and he was very easy to raise.

The wet nurse had never raised such an easy-to-raise child before. They all sang praises in front of Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing.

Emperor Jing Li said, "The Empress has given birth to a good child."

Liao Qing Qing smiled. During these days, when she was in her confinement, she had a lot of random thoughts, probably because her body's hormones were in disarray. Sometimes, she would suddenly wake up in the middle of the night and burst into tears, feeling particularly aggrieved and sad.

She felt that her life was hopeless.

She felt a fire in her chest that wanted to be released.

She could not control it at all. She glared at several palace maids, causing them to shiver in fear. She felt remorseful and regretful that she had somehow managed to do so. So she became even more upset and wanted to cry.

Fortunately, Emperor Jing Li accompanied her, soothed her in a gentle voice, talked to her, talked to her about national events and the moon and snow, making her realise her importance and see the world's beauty. Only then did her emotions slowly stabilise.

[1] 嬷嬷(mómo)- In ancient times, Momo is a title, which refers to palace maids that are of a certain age and position. It usually refers to elderly palace maids of seniority.

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[3] 奴婢[núbì]- I; your humble servant (term of self-address used by servants, maid-servants and eunuchs when addressing the emperor, minister, concubines, etc.)

At this moment, as she looked at Emperor Jing Li beside her, she could not help but peck at Emperor Jing Li's cheek. Emperor Jing Li turned his head to look over and smiled tenderly. He was incredibly charming. Then, at this time, Fei Fei, who was sleeping beside Liao Qing Qing's pillow, burst into tears.

Liao Qing Qing quickly asked, "Did he pee?"

The wet nurses hurriedly went forward to carry Fei Fei.

Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li watched from the sidelines. At night, they continued to sleep together. When Fei Fei was one month old, it happened to be a bumper harvest of 5,000 mu (3,333,333.33 sqm/333.33 hectare) of potatoes in the capital, with six or seven million catties (3,000,000 kg /6,613,867.86 pounds – 3,500,000 kg/ 7.716,179.18 pounds collected at once.

This was a feat in the history of agriculture from ancient times to the present day!

Emperor Jing Li was overjoyed.

The common people naturally gave credit to the Empress and the Eldest Imperial Prince. When Fei Fei's one-month-old banquet was held, many people outside the palace spontaneously set up small banquets to congratulate the Empress on her birth and to wish the Eldest Imperial Prince good health and peace.

Once Liao Qing Qing was out of confinement, winter was approaching. Initially, the people had to worry about food and water in winter. However, there were six or seven million catties of food. After paying the taxes, the people in the capital also had plenty of food at home, and the people in other places were envious and wanted to grow potatoes.

Emperor Jing Li knew that the potatoes had a very short storage period, so he did not store them in the granary as he had done with the grains. Instead, on the pretext of celebrating the first month of the Eldest Imperial Son's life, he transported hundreds and thousands of catties of potatoes to each county and distributed them by household to the people for planting on a large scale.

In addition, Liao Qing Qing's hand-drawn sketches of potatoes were ordered to be printed, which detailed the entire process of potatoes from tuber to harvest.

It was not free.

One was required to buy it with silver.

Since it was the Empress's drawings, no one dared to pirate it, so Liao Qing Qing made a lot of silver. Emperor Jing Li did not embezzle them and gave all the silver to Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing stared at the boxes and boxes of silver with bulging eyes. She asked, "Are all of them for this concubine?"

Emperor Jing Li nodded her head.

"Why are there so many?"

"You're the greatest bookseller of all time."

"Really?" Liao Qing Qing was surprised. Then she said somewhat embarrassedly, "Your Majesty, this is a bit inappropriate, right?"

"How is it inappropriate?"

"This concubine originally painted the painting for the benefit of the people and didn't intend to charge them money."

"I didn't charge them for my 10,000 catties of potatoes, and you didn't charge them either. What a loss that would be. Keep it and spend it with me next time."

"…."

"Where's Fei Fei?"

"He is sleeping."

"Then let's sleep too."

"It's broad daylight."

"It's not like we've not slept in broad daylight once or twice."

"…."

Emperor Jing Li carried Liao Qing Qing and headed into the bedroom. He didn't allow anyone to enter, and then the two slept so well!

The moment Fei Fei woke up, he started to cry. Liao Qing Qing hurriedly went to carry Fei Fei. Fei Fei was now two months old. The foetal redness faded from his skin, becoming white and tender. His tiny face possessed Emperor Jing Li's sharpness and Liao Qing Qing's softness. It was a good mix of the two, and he was very dashing.

When Liao Qing Qing was pregnant, she thought Fei Fei was a good boy, so she named him "Fei Fei". But she never thought this name was really like his personality.

However, Fei Fei had put on a lot of weight in just two months. His curiosity was overwhelming, and he would look around when he heard movements, like a loach arching around in people's arms and crying when he was prevented from doing so.

Liao Qing Qing could feel exhausted from holding him for half a shichen (an hour), and her arms would get sore.

As time went on, Fei Fei became more active. His voice was extraordinarily high-pitched, and he would scream every now and then. In a blink of an eye, it was the Lunar New Year. At this time, Fei Fei was three months old.

Emperor Jing Li carried Fei Fei, who was looking around, with one hand and held Liao Qing Qing's hand with the other to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.

When Empress Dowager saw Fei Fei, she ignored Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing. Empress Dowager and Chang Momo coaxed Fei Fei and played with him.

This Lunar New Year felt different because of Fei Fei's presence.

Empress Dowager also appeared much younger.

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing were very pleased.

In a flash, it was spring. Everything was reviving. The sun was shining. Fei Fei took off his thick cotton jacket and put on single-layer clothing. Emperor Jing Li pinched Fei Fei's arms and legs and couldn't help but say, "Fei Fei, you are really fat."

Fei Fei froze, and with a wah sound, he burst into tears.

Emperor Jing Li, "…."

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

In midsummer, Fei Fei was already over eight months old. This little guy ate a lot. He possessed a sturdy body and a high-pitched voice. Liao Qing Qing was aware that children grow up quickly, especially those from imperial families. Therefore, she always wanted to accompany Fei Fei as he grew up.

Thankfully, Emperor Jing Li did not choose any concubine candidates. The harem was quiet again. The Department of Agricultural Products was temporarily free for the time being, so she gave Fei Fei a bath.

In a small courtyard in Zhengqian Palace, she didn't care about the issue of the dignity of the Eldest Imperial Prince. Fei Fei also didn't mind it.

When Liao Qing Qing stripped him naked, he exclaimed happily.

Once he was in the wooden basin, he giggled and blabbered with "ah, ah, ah" sounds. Liao Qing Qing could not understand him, but she knew that Fei Fei was thrilled.

Just then, Emperor Jing Li returned and saw this scene. His eyebrows curved slightly, and he sat down on the wooden stool next to the wooden basin. He looked at Fei Fei's lotus root-like little arms and legs, stretched his arms out and squeezed them. He said, "Fei Fei, you became even fatter."

Fei Fei turned his head. His shimmering eyes stared at Emperor Jing Li as if he was pondering over his Imperial Father's words. Then, when he finished contemplating, he happily patted the water as if to say, "I am fat and adorable. Queen Mother said that I am fat and adorable." He happily patted the water and drenched Emperor Jing Li's entire body.

Emperor Jing Li immediately stood up.

Liao Qing Qing hastily went forward and said, "Your Majesty, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

They looked at Fei Fei, who was happily playing with the water. In the end, he didn't sit properly, and with a splash, he lay into the water basin. The warm water covered his chubby little face.

When Emperor Jing Li saw this, he reached out and fished Fei Fei out.

Despite this, Fei Fei still swallowed a sip of water and was a bit confused. He looked at Emperor Jing Li in a daze and then raised his head and cried loudly.

He really cried loudly.

The sound was deafening.

Very, very loud.

They saw the nearby leaves trembling.

Emperor Jing Li, "…"

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Fei Fei screamed several times with an "ah, ah, ah" sound. Only the wet nurse looked at him with a worried expression. His Imperial Father and Queen Mother did not have the slightest reaction. He stopped, looked at his Imperial Father and Queen Mother, and had a "forget it, I won't cry anymore. No one cares about me" look. He smacked his tiny lips, and his tiny fingers pointed to the wooden basin and shouted with an "ah, ah, ah" sound.

Only then did Liao Qing Qing react and gently wipe the water off Fei Fei's face. She asked warmly, "Fei Fei, do you still want to take a bath?"

Fei Fei leaned his naked, chubby, white and tender tiny body in the direction of the wooden basin, "Ah, ah, ah!"

Liao Qing Qing put Fei Fei into the wooden basin once again. Fei Fei immediately played around again as he giggled. He completely forgot how he had just taken a sip of his own bathwater.

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Emperor Jing Li, "…."

The author has something to say: —

Fei Fei: The couple that forgets their child! I pway with mwaisef (I play with myself)!

Emperor Jing Li: ….

Liao Qing Qing: ….

"Ah, ah, ah, ah!" Fei Fei shouted happily.

Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li looked at each other and smiled.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Fei Fei's skin has thickened."

Liao Qing Qing asked, "Why do you say that?"

"During spring, when I[1] said he was fat, he cried with a "wah" sound. Just now, I said he became even fatter. He was quite happy. It is evident that he is becoming more and more shameless."

"…."

How can you say that about your own son?

It was true. Fei Fei was increasingly cheekier and thick-skinned. When he could crawl, he crawled around like a giant panda cub, crawling under the bed and hiding, causing the palace maids to cry when they couldn't find him, while he covered his mouth and sniggered.

After they found him, Emperor Jing Li lectured him. He lowered his head and appeared to have admitted his mistake. Subsequently, instead of crawling under the bed, he crawled into the cupboard, behind the door, and out of the room… All-day long, Zhengqian Palace was very lively. Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li also had a different kinds of entertainment.

That was to keep Fei Fei company.

Fei Fei grew up under the loving care of his Imperial Father, Queen Mother and Imperial Grandmother. By the time autumn arrived, he could already call Queen Mother, Imperial Father, Imperial Grandmother and a list of words.

And, of course, he could waddle and walk.

Currently, Fei Fei was already over a year old.

The potato business of Liao Qing and Emperor Jing Li finally spread throughout the country. With a surplus of food, the common people's lives were much more stabilised. It was said that outside the imperial palace, the common people lived and worked in peace and prosperity.

The following year was the year of the population, food and land censuses. The six ministries verified the figures and reported them to Emperor Jing Li, who, upon seeing them, began to laugh in the courtroom.

Since the establishment of the Great Wei Dynasty, the population, food, land area and so on had reached unprecedented heights. It could be said that it surpassed the previous dynasty at its peak.

How could Emperor Jing Li be unhappy?

He took the figures and showed them to Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing looked at them carefully.

Fei Fei, who sat on the bedroom floor playing with blocks, was a curious person. He immediately dropped the blocks that Liao Qing Qing had carefully designed. Then, he held Emperor Jing Li's arm with one hand and grabbed the hem of Liao Qing Qing's coat with the other. His tiny face raised up, and he said in a child's voice, "Imperial Father, Queen Mother, show me! Show me! Fei Fei wants to see!"

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing turned their heads together to look at Fei Fei.

Fei Fei said, "Fei Fei wants to see it too."

Emperor Jing Li looked at Fei Fei, who resembled Liao Qing Qing, his eyes unconsciously becoming gentle.

Liao Qing Qing's heart softened as she looked at Fei Fei, who resembled Emperor Jing Li. She extended her hand to pick up the memorials and showed them to Fei Fei.

Fei Fei looked at the words on it and was dumbfounded.

Liao Qing Qing asked, "Is it nice to look at?"

With a clear voice, Fei Fei replied, "Queen Mother, Fei Fei can't understand."

"Then do you want to know?"

"Yes!" Fei Fei nodded vigorously.

"Come here, Queen Mother will tell you." Liao Qing Qing extended her arms to carry Fei Fei.

Fei Fei quickly said, "Queen Mother, don't carry me. I'm heavy. I mwaiself… mwaiself go up."

Emperor Jing Li immediately said, "My son really knows himself."

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

The two of them looked at Fei Fei together.

Fei Fei's chubby arms flopped down on the couch. He began to huff and puff to lift his short legs.

Once,

Twice,

Thrice.

Four times.

Fei Fei's short little legs finally got on the edge of the couch, and he began to exert strength as he panted. Just as he was about to climb onto the couch, he finally ran out of strength, lay on the edge of the couch, and shouted, "Imperial Father, Queen Mother, I'm going to fall. I'm going to fall."

His voice was really child-like. It was extremely amusing.

Both Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li wanted to laugh, but they suppressed it.

Emperor Jing Li reached out and slapped Fei Fei's tiny butt with his big hand. Fei Fei climbed onto the couch in a flash, panting and sitting down. He sat next to Liao Qing Qing. "Imperial Father, thank you."

Emperor Jing Li smiled.

Fei Fei said in a clear voice, "Queen Mother, Imperial Father patted my… butt, butt and I came up."

"So amazing!" Liao Qing Qing praised Fei Fei.

Fei Fei felt so happy, and he moved his tiny body to sit closer to Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing picked up the memorial and began to teach Fei Fei to recognise words. She said, "Look, this is one."

"What is one, ah?" Fei Fei did not understand.

"One from one, two, three, four, five, six. Do you understand?"

Fei Fei immediately nodded his tiny head. "Queen Mother, I… I understand."

Liao Qing Qing continued to point to a word and said, "This is two."

Fei Fei raised his chubby face and asked, "Two from "the breeze in February is like a scissors"?"[2]

Emperor Jing Li had taught Fei Fei quite a few simple poems. But Liao Qing Qing did not expect Fei Fei to remember it at once. So she held onto Fei Fei's tiny face in surprise, and with a "muah", she kissed him. Then, she said, "Baby, you are so amazing!"

Fei Fei grinned with a "hehe" sound. He liked his mother's kisses the most.

When the two turned their heads, they didn't know when Emperor Jing Li had also squeezed in beside Liao Qing Qing.

Fei Fei immediately said, "Imperial Father, you are pushing… pushing Queen Mother to the side."

Emperor Jing Li immediately replied, "Why didn't you say that you are pushing my wife to the side?"

"Imperial father, who… is your wife?" Although Fei Fei could talk in complete sentences, he was not familiar with some parts of the sentences yet. Sometimes, he would say a sentence in several paragraphs.

"My wife is your Queen Mother."

Upon hearing that, Fei Fei looked at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

Fei Fei stared blankly for a moment and then hugged Liao Qing Qing. He said, "My Queen Mother!"

Emperor Jing Li followed suit and said, "My wife!"

"My Queen Mother!" Fei Fei said.

Emperor Jing Li even argued with Fei Fei, "My wife!"

"My Queen Mother!"

"My wife!"

"…."

On Liao Qing Qing's body, one large and one small koala-like person clung to her and hugged her tightly. They bickered constantly. Liao Qing Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. At the same time, warmth surged through her heart.

Having been alone in her past life, she never thought she would have a husband, a son and a mother-in-law that treated her so well. She felt immensely happy and gave Emperor Jing Li and Fei Fei a kiss on each of their cheeks to stop the battle between the father and son.

However, later on, Emperor Jing Li would still childishly fight with Fei Fei over Liao Qing Qing.

But overall, the father and son were very harmonious.

Fei Fei seemed to have inherited Liao Qing Qing's sensibility. No matter how his Imperial Father argued with him, he still loved his Imperial Father.

One time, Emperor Jing Li made a kite for Fei Fei. He accidentally cut his hand, and it bled a little. Fei Fei burst out crying. When Emperor Jing Li's hand was bandaged, he squeezed into Emperor Jing Li's arms and said in his baby voice, "No pain, Imperial Father. Fei Fei, blow, blow."

Instead, it made Emperor Jing Li feel touched, and his eyes reddened.

Liao Qing Qing was also touched.

[1] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[2] 吹风、似剪刀 It originates from the poem "the Willow"(咏柳). It describes how the spring breeze in February cuts out the tender leaves like scissors. Credits: hjenglish

The day went on so warmly. Liao Qing Qing felt very good. In the blink of an eye, it was time for the grand selection once every three years. Empress Dowager refused to participate on the grounds of taking care of Fei Fei.

The last grand selection to choose concubine candidates was cancelled because of Liao Qing Qing's pregnancy. This time, the Department of Internal Affairs prepared it in a frenzy. Liao Qing Qing did not stop them. She was a transmigrator that accepted the monogamous marriage system.

But she had no golden finger,[1] no powerful Mary Sue aura, and she was aware of the fact that one person's power cannot compete with the trend of the times.

Therefore, from the very beginning, she did not expect Emperor Jing Li to be devoted to only her without going to the other concubines in the harem.

Everything was voluntary on the part of Emperor Jing Li.

At the moment, if Emperor Jing Li were to choose concubine candidates, she could not stop him.

It was just that she felt particularly sad inside.

Her whole heart felt empty.

For a few days, she was not in the best of spirits.

Fe Fei, who was about three years old, noticed this and asked, "Queen Mother, what's wrong? Are you sick?"

Liao Qing Qing shook her head.

"Is Queen Mother hungry?" Fei Fei asked as he tilted his tiny head.

Liao Qing Qing shook her head again.

"Is Queen Mother thirsty?"

Liao Qing Qing shook her head once again.

"Then—"

"Queen Mother is fine." Liao Qing Qing held Fei Fei's little chubby face and said, "Queen Mother is perfectly fine."

"But Queen Mother isn't even smiling."

"Why aren't you smiling?" At this time, Emperor Jing Li returned from outside.

Fei Fei rushed to receive him with his short legs. "Imperial Father!"

Emperor Jing Li bent down and picked Fei Fei up.

Fei Fei immediately said, "Imperial Father, Queen Mother has not smiled… for several days."

"Fei Fei has noticed too?"

"Mm." Fei Fei nodded his head vigorously.

Emperor Jing Li looked toward Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing bowed to Emperor Jing Li and said, "Don't listen to Fei Fei's nonsense. It's not true."

Emperor Jing Li had already sensed that Liao Qing Qing's mood was not right these days. He placed Fei Fei down, put his arms around Liao Qing Qing's shoulders and said, "The potatoes have been harvested again."

Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

"Let's go and have a look?"

Liao Qing Qing asked in surprise, "Where?"

"Out of the palace."

"Can we leave the palace?" Liao Qing Qing had always been quite fond of going out of the palace.

"We can't." Emperor Jing Li continued, "But let's sneak out of the palace."

"?"

"Tomorrow, I'll take care of the official business, and the day after tomorrow, we'll leave the palace and take a break."

"There will be the grand selection for the concubine candidates the day after tomorrow," Liao Qing Qing reminded him with a muffled voice.

"I cancelled it."

"Cancelled?" Liao Qing Qing was astonished.

"There are enough women in the harem. There is no need to choose anymore."

"?" Although there were many women in the harem, Emperor Jing Li did not visit the harem, and those women all entered the palace with a purpose. Some entered the palace to raise cats and dogs, help their families, escape from stinky men and enjoy their single life or had given up because the Empress dominated the Emperor. So it was simply a work area in the harem for each of them. No one gravitated towards Emperor Jing Li anymore. Therefore, once Noble Lady Liang, Worthy Consort, Noble Lady Liao and Noble Lady Jiang entered the cold palace, the other concubines lived at ease.

"None will be chosen in the future. I have Qing Qing, Fei Fei and the land under Heaven at large. I don't have time to find another woman, let alone repeat the tragedy of the previous Emperor's harem." Emperor Jing Li added, "The most important thing is that I only have Qing Qing in my heart."

Liao Qing Qing froze upon hearing this, then revealed a smile for the first time in the past few days.

"Queen Mother smiled! Queen Mother smiled!" Fei Fei exclaimed.

Liao Qing Qing reached out to touch Fei Fei's tiny head.

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing entered the room hand in hand.

Fei Fei followed quickly with his short legs.

Zhengqian Palace returned to its usual relaxed state. Two days later, the grand selection was really cancelled. To be precise, it was cancelled early on, but Liao Qing Qing was unaware of it.

At this moment, Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li secretly took their chubby child, Fei Fei, out of the palace. All three of them dressed in clothes of coarse fabric.

Of course, numerous hidden guards were protecting them all around.

They went straight to climb the not-so-high mountain. When they were on the slope, they saw the many old people at the bottom of the mountain with smiles on their faces as they harvested piles and piles of potatoes.

Fei Fei felt tired when they finally reached the top of the mountain.

Emperor Jing Li used one hand to carry Fei Fei, and the other was placed around Liao Qing Qing's body. He looked at the bottom of the mountain as the breeze blew from the mountain. His face unconsciously revealed a faint smile.

It was unknown whether the scenery made them feel intoxicated or if they were intoxicated.

Liao Qing Qing could not help but ask, "Your Majesty, why do you like this concubine?" There are many beautiful and talented women in the harem.

Emperor Jing Li raised his eyebrows and asked, "Do you want to know?"

"Of course."

"Because I had a head ailment."

"?" Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in confusion.

Emperor Jing Li said bluntly, "I had a head ailment. I have had it since I was a child. The older I grew, the more my head hurt. I have asked countless Divine Physicians and practitioners. All to no avail. Until I met and was together with you. To say the least, you may not believe me. I don't get headaches when I am with you."

"Really?" Liao Qing Qing thought it was a bit mysterious, but she had managed to transmigrate to this era. Mysterious things could happen.

"Really. The closer I am with you, the more comfortable my body and mind will be." Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing talked about the head ailment and her promotion.

"So, you and this concubine[2] were together for the sake of healing?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

"At first, it was indeed." Emperor Jing Li did not deny it. At first, he just wanted to cure his head ailment.

"And then?"

"Later on, I have fallen for you."

"You've fallen?" Why is this word used here?

Emperor Jing Li said with a smile, "I don't want to look at any woman except you. Isn't this considered that I've fallen for you?"

Hearing these words, Liao Qing Qing truly felt sweet. With a smile, she rested her head against Emperor Jing Li's shoulder and whispered, "Your Majesty, this concubine tells you something."

"Tell me what?"

"This concubine came from another world."

"Oh."

"Just 'oh'?"

"Mm. I don't care where you came from. It is fine as long as you are my wife."

Liao Qing Qing nuzzled her face into the nook of Emperor Jing Li's neck. He smelled the faint fragrance of bamboo leaves on Emperor Jing Li's body. She felt at ease and thought to herself, 'Life is so beautiful. Don't be pessimistic. Face it positively. Heavens will always reward you handsomely.'

Liao Qing Qing, Emperor Jing Li and Fei Fei looked out over the scenery at the bottom of the mountain. After a long time, the hidden guards brought in a mountain chicken and the family of three roasted it on the mountain with the dried food they had brought from the palace. They ate it happily.

In the evening, the family descended from the mountain, hand in hand.

Very quickly, they entered the palace.

As they stepped into the palace, Fei Fei was equally happy and shouted, "Imperial Father and Queen Mother, we're home!"

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing froze for a moment, and their eyes met.

Emperor Jing Li said, "We're home."

Liao Qing Qing nodded. "Mm. We're home."

—End of main story—

[1] 金手指(jīn shǒuzhǐ) – A slang that means a cheat.

In early May, the weather was warm.

Emperor Jing Li had gone to the imperial court early in the morning.

Liao Qing Qing opened her eyes when the sun shone into the bedroom and saw Fei Fei lying on the edge of the bed.

"Mother!" Fei Fei's voice was filled with excitement.

Liao Qing Qing was instantly in a good mood. She reached out to touch Fei Fei's tender little face. When Fei Fei was a year old, he had just learned to walk. He could only speak one word at a time. So, Liao Qing Qing did not let Fei Fei call the tricky pronunciation of "Imperial Father" and "Queen Mother", but "Dad" and "Mum".

Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing Li unanimously agreed to this.

Children from ordinary families also called their parents "Dad" and "Mum".

Affectionate!

They wanted Fei Fei to be a good imperial prince who understood folk customs, life, etc.

So Fei Fei would call them "Dad" and "Mum" early on.

"Mum!" Fei Fei shouted again, "Wake up!"

"Fei Fei is awake, huh?" Liao Qing Qing asked with a smile as she opened her eyes to see her extremely handsome son. She felt pleased.

"Mm. Mum!"

"Do you miss Mum?"

"Miss!"

"Did you sleep well yesterday?"

"Yes!"

"Have you eaten breakfast in the morning?"

"I ate."

"So obedient!" Liao Qing Qing gave Fei Fei a kiss on his fleshy little face.

Fei Fei loved his gentle and beautiful mother. Every time she kissed him, he was overjoyed. Now, he was also excited. His tiny hands patted the bed.

Liao Qing Qing knew that Fei Fei was easily excited and happy. She laughed and said, "Calm down. Calm down. Let's be calm."

Fei Fei's tiny hands covered his mouth as he smiled.

His little face was extraordinarily adorable.

Liao Qing Qing's heart felt like it had melted as she reached out and cupped Fei Fei's tiny face, "Son, why are you so good-looking and so cute? Mother is so infatuated[1] by you!"

Fei Fei seemed to understand. Some embarrassment appeared on his tiny face.

Liao Qing Qing couldn't control herself and kissed Fei Fei again.

Fei Fei was ecstatic.

Liao Qing Qing couldn't lie in bed anymore, so she summoned He Xiang to come in and serve her. From dressing and washing her face to dressing up, Fei Fei followed Liao Qing Qing. He was simply Liao Qing Qing's young fanboy.

Liao Qing Qing looked at her adorable son. Her eyes were so gentle as she asked, "Is Fei Fei hungry? Do you want to eat some more with your mother for breakfast?"

Fei Fei immediately nodded his tiny head.

"Come, let's go and have our meal."

Fei Fei immediately held Liao Qing Qing's hand with his chubby hand.

The corners of Liao Qing Qing's mouth raised. Once they sat down at the table, Fei Fei began to look around. Then, his grape-like black eyes stared at Liao Qing Qing, and he shouted in his child's voice, "Dad! Dad!"

Liao Qing Qing said in a warm voice, "Your dad went to the imperial court to discuss something. He will be back later. Let's eat first, alright?"

Usually, Emperor Jing Li always accompanied Liao Qing Qing and Fei Fei to eat breakfast. Today, Emperor Jing Li was not present. Fei Fei was somewhat not used to it. Fei Fei heard his mother's words and nodded his head. "Alright."

Liao Qing Qing gave Fei Fei a bun with her chopsticks.

Fei Fei stretched his arms out, took it and ate it with a blissful expression.

Liao Qing Qing did not restrict Fei Fei from following the rules of the palace, which would exterminate his naivety. It was better for children to play so that their hearts were brighter, and he would have a therapeutic childhood, healing him for his entire life.

"Is it yummy?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

Fei Fei nodded his head.

"Eat slowly, don't choke."

"Mm." Fei Fei passed the bun in his hand towards Liao Qing Qing's mouth.

Liao Qing Qing happily took a bite.

Fei Fei smiled like a sunflower.

The breakfast was quickly finished, and Liao Qing Qing personally washed Fei Fei's face, washed his hands and changed his clothes.

He Xiang said at the side, "Your Majesty, there is still the ceremony of paying respects at Yujie Garden today. By now, Virtuous Consort and the others should have arrived."

Since the downfall of Noble Liang and the demotion of Worthy Consort, due to several mistakes she had made, which caused her to enter the cold palace, the concubines in the harem all knew that Emperor Jing Li loved only the Empress.

With the previous experience of Noble Lady Liang, they also gave up their thoughts and settled down. They raised dogs, played with cats, planted flowers, and did needlework…. Each imperial concubine found their place.

The harem was calm and peaceful.

In order for Liao Qing Qing to take better care of Fei Fei, the ceremony of paying respects every day was changed to every three days.

Now it was time for the ceremony of paying respect.

Liao Qing Qing nodded and said, "Bengong[2] will go as soon as I am ready."

He Xiang answered, "Yes."

Liao Qing Qing picked up Fei Fei and said softly, "Fei Fei, Queen Mother is going to Jieyu Garden to deal with some matters. You can play here by yourself first. Queen Mother will be back later, okay?"

"Dad!" Fei Fei said.

"Yes, your Imperial Father will be back in a while. Let him play with you."

"Mm."

"Then Queen Mother will leave now."

Fei Fei did not say anything. His two small hands suddenly cupped Liao Qing Qing's face, and his tiny mouth kissed Liao Qing Qing with a smooch.

The sound was particularly loud.

Liao Qing Qing couldn't help but laugh out loud.

After putting Fei Fei down, Liao Qing Qing was in a happy mood and took He Xiang and the others to Zhengqian Palace.

Fei Fei was alone in Zhengqian Palace.

He wandered around the room. He carried some puzzle toys that Liao Qing Qing had made, sat down on the floor and started playing with them.

After playing for a while, he was bored of it. He raised his eyes and saw the swing in the courtyard. He rushed to the swing. He was already walking unsteadily, so he ran like a drunkard, and his tiny body wobbled.

At this moment, he was about to fall over.

The palace maids and eunuchs at the side all had their hearts in their throats. The Eldest Imperial Prince was the most precious person to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor and the Empress. Even though the masters and mistresses did not mind the Eldest Imperial Prince falling, they were afraid.

They unconsciously stretched out their arms in a ready stance to "save" their master.

When he was about to arrive at the swing, there was a sudden "plop" sound.

Fei Fei fell.

"Eldest Imperial Prince, Eldest Imperial Prince!" The palace maids and eunuchs quickly stepped forward.

But Fei Fei's movements were swifter. His chubby limbs propped up on the ground. His child's voice made a little "hehe" and wobbled to stand up. He took two steps forward and held onto the swing.

Then, he let out a giggle.

The palace maids, "…."

The eunuchs, "…."

This was originally a child's version of the swing made by Emperor Jing Li, so Fei Fei climbed up easily and turned his head to the palace maids and eunuchs. He shouted "ah, ah, ah," which meant "Come on, come and push me."

The palace maid came forward and slowly pushed Fei Fei.

Fei Fei sat on the swing. As he heard the wind whistling in his ears, he shouted happily, "Yah-ho! Yah-ho!"

He was having a great time.

Just then, Fei Fei saw Emperor Jing Li entering the doorway. His eyes instantly lit up as he patted the hands of the palace maid and told her to stop while he quickly ran towards him.

"Dad! Dad!"

Emperor Jing Li had only just heard a child's voice when he saw the cannonball-like wobbly person rushing towards him and hugging his legs at once.

He didn't need to look to know it was Fei Fei.

He looked down and picked Fei Fei up.

Fei Fei's small arms wrapped around Emperor Jing Li's neck instantly. "Dad!"

"Ay!" Emperor Jing Li asked, "Where is your Queen Mother?"

Fei Fei stretched out his hand and pointed in the direction of Jieyu Garden.

"She went to attend to matters?." Emperor Jing Li asked.

Fei Fei nodded his head.

"Alright. Then, Fei Fei will eat breakfast with Imperial Father."

Fei Fei immediately nodded his head.

"Your Majesty." The palace maid at the side interjected, "After the Eldest Imperial Prince woke up at dawn, he drank goat's milk and ate eggs. Just now, he ate buns and drank rice porridge with Her Majesty, the Empress, so he cannot eat anymore."

"I can!" Once Fei Fei heard "he can't eat anymore", he was instantly unhappy. He flung his little hands in anger. "I can!"

Emperor Jing Li said, "I understand."

Then Emperor Jing Li had his breakfast alone.

Fei Fei watched him from the side.

However, Emperor Jing Li did not torture Fei Fei for long. He quickly finished his breakfast. He happened to be free, so he carried Fei Fei and played with him for a while. But Liao Qing Qing had not returned.

He then took Fei Fei to sit on the soft couch in the bedroom and played with blocks with Fei Fei.

The blocks were made by the palace carpenters from the drawings drawn by Liao Qing Qing.

The workmanship was exquisite and meticulous.

Not only did Fei Fei like to play with it, but Emperor Jing Li also played with it from time to time.

The father and son played with the set of house blocks at this time. They had played with them before, and they were having a competition now.

It was a competition to see who could stack the blocks quickly and who could stack them high.

One by one, the blocks were stacked, and they fell.

The father and son rushed to pick up the small blocks and started piling them up again.

One block.

Two blocks.

Three blocks.

…

Twenty blocks. The father and son kept taking the small wooden pieces. When only the last block was left, Fei Fei reached out and was just about to grab it before Emperor Jing Li snatched it away.

Snatched?!

Fei Fei was unresigned. He stepped forward to snatch it.

Would Emperor Jing Li yield to his son?

Not a chance.

Emperor Jing Li did not give it to Fei Fei.

Fei Fei immediately got up, screamed "ah, ah," and clung to Emperor Jing Li's body. It was as if he was saying, "It's mine. I caught it first. It's mine", and his two tiny hands were trying to open Emperor Jing Li's clenched hands.

How could he be able to pry open Emperor Jing Li's hands? He was furious and used his killer move.

Bite!

He lay on Emperor Jing Li's arms and bit it.

Emperor Jing Li let out an "ah" sound.

Fei Fei hurriedly let go of his mouth and raised his tiny face to look at Emperor Jing Li. His clear eyes, which were like Liao Qing Qing's, blinked a few times.

Emperor Jing Li suddenly grabbed Fei Fei's tiny hand and opened his mouth to bite it.

In an instant, two rows of teeth marks appeared on Fei Fei's small bread-like arms. He froze for a moment, immediately turned his tiny body and plopped onto the soft couch. His small butt faced the edge of the couch and slowly moved back till he reached the edge. Then, he carefully slid downwards.

After his two little feet touched the ground, he stood up straight.

He ran straight out of the room without even looking at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li asked in confusion, "Where are you going?"

Fei Fei ignored Emperor Jing Li and ran straight out. It just so happened that Liao Qing Qing had just returned.

Fei Fei bumped into Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing smiled and said, "Fei Fei, why are you running so fast?"

When Fei Fei looked up, he saw that it was his mother and burst into tears.

Liao Qing Qing hurriedly picked Fei Fei up and asked in confusion, "Mother's big baby, what's wrong with you? Why are you crying?"

Fei Fei showed his tiny hand to Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing instantly saw two rows of red marks, and her gaze faltered as she asked, "How did this happen?"

As he was about to ask the palace maids, Fei Fei sobbed aggrievedly, turned and pointed his fleshy little finger at Emperor Jing Li. He said, "Dad! Bite!"

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in bewilderment.

Emperor Jing Li raised his hand and pointed at Fei Fei, "Wifey, he bit me first!"

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Fei Fei: "…"

The author has something to say: —

Fei Fei: He's bullying me for not being able to speak!

Emperor Jing Li: You're bullying me because you're young!

Liao Qing Qing: =口=！

[1] 迷得不要不要(mí de bùyào bùyào)- When it is translated literally, it would mean 'to be charmed, don't want, don't want'. It means to be charmed by the person, and it may also mean love at first sight.

[2] 本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself 'the palace', and the princess with the official title can also call herself 'this palace'.

Fei Fei was originally crying, but when he heard Emperor Jing Li's complaint, he and Liao Qing Qing stared at Emperor Jing Li blankly.

Without the slightest self-consciousness as an adult, Emperor Jing Li stretched out his arm and said, "Wifey, look."

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Emperor Jing Li was afraid that Liao Qing Qing could not see it. So he got down from the soft couch and walked towards Liao Qing Qing. Then, he pulled his sleeves up very high and showed the two rows of pink teeth marks to Liao Qing Qing. He deliberately emphasised, "Look! Fei Fei bit me."

Fei Fei lifted his head to look at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li and then at Fei Fei. Finally, she looked at Emperor Jing Li and said, "Your Majesty, Fei Fei is still a baby."[1]

"I[2] am also your baby."

"…." How could a distinguished-looking man, the king of an empire, say such coquettish words? The corner of Liao Qing Qing's mouth twitched, and she looked toward Fei Fei.

Fei Fei raised his tiny face and stared at Liao Qing Qing blankly.

Liao Qing Qing asked, "You bit him first?"

Fei Fei immediately lowered his head and interlocked his fingers, looking very aggrieved.

Liao Qing Qing squatted down and looked at Fei Fei.

Fei Fei called out, "Mum."

Liao Qing Qing said, "Does your arm hurt?"

"Yes."

"Your dad is in pain too."

"….." Fei Fei didn't know what to say and looked blankly at his mother.

His biological mother, Liao Qing Qing, asked again, "Our Fei Fei didn't know that biting hurt so much at first. That's why he bit others, right?"

Fei Fei nodded. "Mm."

"So, our Fei Fei isn't wrong either."

When Fei Fei heard this, his eyes instantly lit up.

Liao Qing Qing smiled and hugged Fei Fei. She said, "Now you know it hurts if you are bitten, right?"

Fei Fei nodded obediently.

"Then next time, don't bite. Do you understand?"

"I! Understand!"

This child's voice contained pure innocence and possessed a lot of positive points. Liao Qing Qing's heart melted in an instant. She kissed Fei Fei on the cheek and said warmly, "Our Fei Fei is really amazing!"

It was as if Fei Fei's heart was filled with butterflies dancing about. His anger, aggrievedness, sadness and fear all flew away. It only contained his mother's sweet kiss. He raised his little arm and wrapped it around Liao Qing Qing's neck. His small head leaned on Liao Qing Qing's neck.

Liao Qing Qing laughed aloud and said, "Shall your daddy and we apologise to one another?"

Fei Fei answered, "Yes."

Liao Qing Qing picked Fei Fei up and went to Emperor Jing Li's side.

Fei Fei lay on Liao Qing Qing's shoulder and timidly looked at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li also looked at Fei Fei.

Fei Fei hesitated for a moment. His tiny body leaned towards Emperor Jing Li and gave him a peck on his face. He couldn't utter the words "I'm sorry", but he used his actions to express it.

Emperor Jing Li reached out and took Fei Fei in his arms and gave Fei Fei a rare kiss on the cheek. Then, he said, "Fei Fei, this is called 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'" Fei Fei didn't understand.

Emperor Jing Li added, "When you grow up, you will understand."

Fei Fei nodded his head.

A smile appeared on Emperor Jing Li's face.

Fei Fei returned to his usual lively self again. He uttered "ah, ah" in Emperor Jing Li's arms. Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing didn't understand him. The family of three gathered around the small wooden table to eat pastries.

Liao Qing Qing raised his eyes to look at Emperor Jing Li, smiling at the corner of her mouth.

"What are you smiling about?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

"It's not something like 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"

Emperor Jing Li was embarrassed about having his pretence exposed. He used his hand to rub his nose.

Liao Qing Qing said, "You're just childish." For him not to lose out in front of his child either.

Emperor Jing Li lowered his head and remained silent.

When Fei Fei lowered his head, Liao Qing Qing rose slightly and kissed Emperor Jing Li on his ear. She whispered, "Childishly endearing."

Upon hearing that, Emperor Jing Li reached out to pull Liao Qing Qing's arm at once and kissed Liao Qing Qing passionately on the lips.

When the two of them were kissing each other unwilling to separate from one another, Fei Fei shouted, "Mum!"

Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li immediately separated from one another. They reached out to tidy their clothes and hair. They turned to look at Fei Fei, who was leaning on the window and looking out. Fei Fei turned back in surprise and said, "Fly! Fly!"

He didn't see them kissing.

Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li let out a sigh of relief simultaneously. Their eyes followed the direction of Fei Fei's little hand to see two butterflies dancing outside the window.

"Butterflies," Liao Qing Qing said.

Fei Fei said, "Fly! Fly! Catch!"

"You want to catch the butterflies!"

"Mm."

"Let's go. Let's go catch butterflies." When Liao Qing Qing said catch, she immediately got out of bed, carried Fei Fei down, looked at Emperor Jing Li and asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to catch butterflies."

"I'm not going to catch it."

"Then we're leaving."

"Mm."

Liao Qing Qing and Fei Fei walked hand in hand to the courtyard to catch butterflies. They specially made a small net. The mother and son giggled and laughed.

Catching butterflies is such a childish thing!

Emperor Jing Li was unwilling to catch it!

But as he watched Liao Qing Qing and Fei Fei playing happily and laughing incessantly, he was tempted to do it too. In no time, he went over and joined them. The family of three caught butterflies in the courtyard.

Later on, they caught cicadas, monkeys and bean worms and so on. Emperor Jing Li, Liao Qing Qing and Fei Fei did it all together. Zhengqian Palace was filled with laughter at all times, making the palace maids and eunuchs very relaxed.

Just like that, a year had passed.

Two years.

Three years.

Four years.

…

Emperor Jing Li always accompanied Liao Qing Qing and the children to play around. No one inside or outside the palace expected the Emperor to love the Empress for so long.

Ever since the Empress was favoured, the Great Wei Dynasty did not hold a grand selection of concubine candidates. The imperial harem was still the same, and the one who had Emperor Jing Li's true love was still the Empress alone.

But the Empress loved many more people.

Apart from the Emperor, there was also the Empress Dowager, Eldest Prince, Second Prince and Third Princess. The palace maids and eunuchs who served in Zhengqian Palace were aware of a small secret: His Majesty loved to be angry and had to be coaxed by the Empress.

Usually, when they saw that the Emperor's face was not good, it was definitely the Empress who neglected the Emperor and rushed to find Her Highness, the Empress.

The Empress, Liao Qing Qing, was helpless. Emperor Jing Li was really too petty. He couldn't stand seeing her being too affectionate to the children because he was jealous. Hence, Liao Qing Qing took the three children together to coax Emperor Jing Li.

Once Emperor Jing Li went out hunting and was accidentally injured, Liao Qing Qing and the three children were terrified. The four of them, mother and children, sat at the bed to keep watch. After Emperor Jing Li woke up, they almost burst into tears.

Liao Qing Qing's eyes were red as she said, "Your Majesty, you have finally woken up."

When Liao Qing Qing fell ill, Emperor Jing Li and the three children were kept watch by Liao Qing Qing's side, except that Liao Qing Qing was sick for a longer time. She was ill for about six months and almost passed away on several occasions.

Dark clouds loomed over the whole imperial palace. When Liao Qing Qing was completely cured, Emperor Jing Li found a place where no one was around and lay on Liao Qing Qing's shoulder, crying like a child.

Originally, Liao Qing Qing wanted to laugh. But she couldn't control herself and shed tears too. Since that serious illness, Liao Qing Qing was not in good health. But it was not easy for her to chance upon such a blissful life; she could not give up.

She stopped being lazy and started working out every day. She also dragged Emperor Jing Li to work out with her.

So every morning, the palace maids and eunuchs who got up early either saw the Emperor and the Empress running together or saw the Emperor and the Empress dancing with swords together. At first, they felt it was strange, but they got used to it later.

Life was about exercise.

Liao Qing Qing's and Emperor Jing Li's insistence on daily exercise did produce results. Both of them were in good health and shape. When the children left the palace and built manors, they still looked young.

Empress Dowager was envious.

Liao Qing Qing then dragged Empress Dowager to exercise with her.

As they couldn't bear to part with the Third Princess, Emperor Jing Li kept the Third Princess living in the palace and didn't let her live in the Princess's manor outside of the palace.

But girls can't be kept for long.

After the Eldest Prince and Second Prince married, the Third Princess finally got married. She married a young and talented Grand General of good character, who fitted in well with the lively and active Third Princess.

The children all formed families.

Only Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li lived in the imperial palace. Emperor Jing Li became increasingly clingy to Liao Qing Qing as they grew older.

Whenever he had time, he would come to Liao Qing Qing's side, and the two of them would eat together, sleep together, write together, and talk about the farm and the people in the imperial court. The two of them led their life to the fullest.

As for the harem, the grand selection and whatnot were not in their consideration long ago. Several years ago, many imperial subjects in the imperial court sent memorials asking Emperor Jing Li to distribute the favours, to select a concubine and such so as to avoid the Emperor favouring her too much and causing bad influence. Emperor Jing Li refuted every one of them.

After all these years, the people on Liao Qing Qing's side were particularly contentious.

After breaking off relations with Eldest Master Liao, Eldest Master Liao's side caused some trouble in reliance on Liao Qing Qing's power. However, it was soon put to rest by Emperor Jing Li.

Liao Qing Qing's father, Second Old Master Liao, and Ji Shi were content with the status quo. They worked diligently in their small position as magistrates, never causing any trouble.

Liao Qing Qing's younger brother, Liao Qing En, was a competent man. He was a top scholar in the imperial examinations and was now an official in the cabinet.

As for the Eldest Prince, Second Prince and the Third Princess, it went without saying that they were "other people's children."[3] Ever since they were young, they made many imperial subjects envious and in awe.

Slowly, the imperial subjects no longer spoke of holding grand selections of concubine candidates and distributing favours. The wind began to change and became a well-known story for the Emperor and the Empress.

Liao Qing Qing's and Emperor Jing Li's love story was written in a book by the people. This book fell into the hands of Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing read it all in one go and showed it to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li was very satisfied.

Liao Qing Qing said, "This is not realistic."

Emperor Jing Li said, "I think it is realistic."

Liao Qing Qing said, "Your Majesty, our personalities are switched in the book. You are the one who is the meddlesome little drama king."

Emperor Jing Li, "…."

"But, it doesn't matter. This concubine[4] likes how Your Majesty is so dramatic.

Emperor Jing Li asked, "Do you still like me when I am old?"

"Of course."

"Haven't you always liked a young body?"

"This concubine likes Your Majesty's young body. When Your Majesty is old, this concubine will still like the old Your Majesty."

"Really?"

"Really."

Emperor Jing Li smiled.

Liao Qing Qing held Emperor Jing Li's hand. The two of them looked at the young them in the folk stories[5] together.

—End of the entire novel—

[1] 宝宝(bǎobǎo)- This means "baby" or "darling."

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[3] 别人家的小孩(biéren jiāde xiǎohái)- Other people's children. In February 2011, a post titled 'Other people children' became popular on the Internet. Netizens responded that 'Other people children' were their 'enemies' because they were always 'compared' by their parents. An example would be when parents nag, "My colleague's daughter was admitted into a prestigious middle school this year. Why aren't you as good as her?!" to their children. When one goes to school, the parents compare their child's grades. When their child graduates, parents compare their certification. After the child has graduated, parents compare career and income. When the child retires, they compare their grandchildren. Credits: Baidu

[4] 臣妾(chénqiè)- this concubine/I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female). The literal meaning is 'this subject and this concubine'.It is a self-appellation used by the ranks including and above Consorts. They are used by Consorts, Noble Consorts and Empress, etc. in front of the Emperor, Empress Dowager and Consorts, Noble Consorts that have a higher rank

[5] 话本子( huà běnzi)- It is a Chinese short- or medium-length story or novella written mostly in vernacular language. Sometimes, it includes simple classical language. In contrast to the full-length Chinese novel, it was generally not divided into chapters and recounted a limited number of characters or events. Credits: Wikipedia

Translator's Note: This is the last chapter of The Emperor Has An Illness. I hope you have enjoyed reading this novel as much as we did. Firstly, I would like to thank Lynn for editing the translation of this novel. Secondly, I would like to thank all the readers for being extremely patient with my unpunctual update. Also, I would like to thank all of the readers for your love and support, as well as being part of our translation journey.