Jun Qian Che raised his eyebrows, “Since everyone is misunderstanding the situation anyway, let’s make it a reality.”
Mo Qi Qi was shocked to hear that. She warned him, “Your Majesty, chenqie is only around 3 months pregnant, this is the most precarious period in pregnancy. You better not act rashly.”
Jun Qian Che lowered his eyes from her face to her chest, before swallowing heavily. He did not expect his body to start reacting this strongly. In order for her not to find out, he climbed down the bed and put on his robe, before disdainfully saying, “There is nothing to look at anyway.”
She pointed at him angrily, “You- You- You—“
“Put on your clothes and let the physician check your pulse,” Jun Qian Che struggled to make his voice normal.
Mo Qi Qi angrily fixed her clothes on, “There is no need to check chenqie’s pulse. Chenqie is as healthy as ever.”
“If you want to act, act until the end. Otherwise, what you did just now would go to waste. Come on in, Imperial Physician Wang.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The physician checked the Empress’ pulse, and in the end, said that she was completely fine.
Only then did Jun Qian Che finally put his worry to rest.
After the hunt, they both left the tent to award the winner. General Han Yi Xiao was not here today as he was escorting the Marquis of Ning Nan to the capital, so the competition lacked a strong contender for the top spot.
The winner this year, with the most hunt was Mo Cheng Xuan.
In the previous years, Mo Cheng Xuan did not partake in the hunt as he was always busy at the border and at the barrack. His winning this year proved just how extraordinarily talented he was. It was a pity he was Duke Zhen’s son. Otherwise, the Emperor would have treasured him so much more.
When Yang Shi Han heard who the winner was, she smiled happily while looking at him. Perhaps a coincidence, but he too was looking at her. As their gazes met, a tacit understanding flowed between the two of them.
Jun Qian Che rewarded Mo Cheng Xuan with his prize.
The animals that they caught were taken to the imperial kitchen to be cooked. Everyone was just waiting to be served.
Before lunch commenced though, there were many more interesting events held.
First, the imperial family members went and played cuju. It was very similar to modern-day soccer. Mo Qi Qi sighed in appreciation; Hua Chen Kingdom was really a prosperous nation.
Next was the horseback riding competition. People were doing martial arts and shooting arrows while riding horses. This would have been Bai Jiu’s event. It was a pity she was under General Han’s battalion and had to escort the Marquis alongside him. They actually lost this event to another battalion.
Even so, Mo Qi Qi secretly sighed in relief. After all, Bai Jiu was a girl. She was practically deceiving the Emperor. If she got discovered, the entire Mo Clan would be in deep trouble, Mo Qi Qi included.
The horse-back riding events were followed by martial arts competition, and lastly, archery.
Archers stood 10 metres away from the target and shoot their shot. Their points were recorded by Eunuch You and all the winners would be handsomely rewarded.
Before long, the archery competition ended. Just as lunch was about to be served, the Grand Empress Dowager suddenly turned to Jun Qian Che while smiling benevolently, “Your Majesty, it’s a pity you could not join the hunt earlier. You’ve always loved martial arts ever since you were a young boy. Imperial grandmother bet your hand was itching when you watched the fierce competitions just now. Imperial grandmother knows you’re a great hunter, however, imperial grandmother had never actually seen you in action. Why don’t you show us your excellence in archery, today? It could make up for you not participating in the hunt.”
Mo Qi Qi anxiously turned towards the Grand Empress Dowager, “Imperial grandmother, everyone must be fatigued and hungry from all the festivity this morning. Qi Qi think it’s better to send everyone to lunch. His Majesty can show us his talents next year.”
The Grand Empress Dowager laughed, “Aijia knows that you’re worried for His Majesty, Empress. But archery will not tire him out, in fact, it’d make him feel even better. He’d always love martial arts. If he hadn’t been born as the Crown Prince and was instead born in a regular family, he probably would have traversed the jianghu or enter the military. Aijia knows the soldiers are hungry, but aijia bet that they are more eager to see His Majesty’s skills over their lunch. It will not take too long. To tell the truth, aijia has selfish intentions. Aijia wants to see His Majesty in all his glory. Aijia is old and this could be the only chance for aijia to witness His Majesty with a bow in hand.”
“You are in great health, imperial grandmother. You will definitely live to be 100 years old,” replied Mo Qi Qi sweetly. ‘We couldn’t worsen Jun Qian Che’s injury just because of your little selfish intention, though,’ thought her resentfully. But now that she thought about it, the Grand Empress Dowager didn’t really know the Emperor was injured, so she couldn’t really blame her.
The Grand Empress Dowager laughed happily.
The Empress Dowager on the other hand, regarded Mo Qi Qi in irritation, “Empress, you already stopped His Majesty from participating in the hunt, are you going to deprive him of archery as well? The soldiers will not mind eating a little later. Your Majesty, since the Grand Empress Dowager wishes to see your skills, let her and the rest of the officials see it.”
Mo Qi Qi turned to Jun Qian Che sadly, as though saying: Your Majesty, chenqie has tried my best. If I had known, I would have just let you go hunting as you originally planned.
Jun Qian Che gave her a consoling look, as though saying: don’t worry, everything will be fine.
He got up, saying, “It has been a while since zhen last hold a bow and arrow, zhen has indeed been wanting to wield them. Since imperial grandmother wishes to see them, zhen will concede. Bring in a bow and an arrow.” He could no longer avoid it and could only get it done and over with as fast as he could.
“The Emperor is mighty!” chanted the people.
Whilst everyone was anticipating to see the Emperor’s skill, Mo Qi Qi was worried.
Jun Qian Che picked up the bow and aimed at the distant target, narrowing his eyes. There was a swishing sound as he released the arrow that pierced through the air like wind. Then, it hit the center of the target.
“Great job! Your Majesty is heroic and mighty!” chanted the spectators.
Jun Qian Che handed the bow over to a guard and said, “Let the lunch be served!”
Mo Qi Qi eyed his arm in worry. A healing wound would never withstand the exertion it took to wield a bow. However, with so many people around, she could only keep her worries hidden.
After lunch, many people strolled around the hunting ground to admire the view.
Once they returned to their tent, Mo Qi Qi immediately checked his injury. His wound had indeed reopened. Her heart ached when she realized that he had put on an act just so no one would disover his injury, “Your Majesty, your wound is bleeding again.”
“It’s nothing. Hurry and put medicine on it. Don’t let anyone see it.”
“Yes,” she immediately applied medication and helped him wrap the injury.
On another part of the hunting ground, the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager were strolling together, admiring the view. The Grand Empress Dowager sighed in regret, “Time has passed so quickly. In the blind of an eye, we are both old. I can still remember the moment you entered the palace. You were only around Qi Qi’s age. You were extraordinary and astonishing and had gained the late Emperor’s deep love.”
The Empress Dowager exhaled, “You are right. Back then, you were the person that imperial father loved the most. Now, imperial father is gone, and so is the previous Emperor. There are only the two of us left, guarding the memories of what used to be.”
“Having beautiful memories is a blessing. We are lucky to be loved so deeply by the men we loved the most. Seeing Che Er and Qi Qi reminds me of my younger days. The imperial clan’s emperors used to be born on the battlefield. They would ride horses and engage in battles while wielding glorious weapons. It’s a grievance for Che Er to not be able to spread his wings on the battlefield. However, seeing him loving the Empress really pleases aijia. Che Er is finally all grown up. He finally knows how to love a person,” the Grand Empress Dowager smiled in relief and happiness.
The Empress Dowager, however, did not share that sentiment, “Even if he wants to spoil a woman, he shouldn’t only listen to her. Just look at him! He decided not to go hunting just because she told him to. If this goes on, the Empress will be spoiled!”
The Grand Empress Dowager patted the Empress’ hand, “Don’t worry. Che Er and Qi Qi are both sensible children. But there seems to be something wrong with Che Er today.”
“Why do you say so, imperial mother?” asked the Empress Dowager.
The Grand Empress Dowager recounted her observation, “Aijia feels like there was something wrong with the Emperor’s body. Just now, when His Majesty was pulling the string of the bow, his hand was shaking. Maybe aijia is old and there is something wrong with aijia’s eyesight. Perhaps aijia saw it wrong. If his hand was shaking, he wouldn’t have been able to hit the center of the target. Don’t worry, Empress Dowager. His Majesty has been close to you ever since he was little. If there is something wrong with him, he wouldn’t hide it from you.”
The Empress Dowager laughed even though her heart was in a pinch.
On a different part of the ground, Yang Shi Han walked around until she spotted Mo Cheng Xuan standing near a cliff. With a pleased heart, she strode over to him, “General Mo.”
Mo Cheng Xuan who was originally immersed in his thought was surprised to see Yang Shi Han next to him, “What a coincidence, Your Ladyship.”
“It’s because we’re fated together,” teased Yang Shi Han.
Mo Cheng Xuan laughed awkwardly at the way she teased him, “Your Ladyship is joking.”
“I wasn’t joking. The palace is huge and yet we still met each other. The roads in the capital were bustling during Qi Xi Festival and yet we encountered each other. There are so many people going around in this huge hunting ground, and it is you that I see. If this isn’t fate, then what is it?” replied Yang Shi Han directly.
Mo Cheng Xuan smiled as he looked at her, “This General heard that Your Ladyship is pregnant. Congratulation.”
Yang Shi Han so very wanted to tell him that her pregnancy was fake, and yet, she drew back the words before she could say it. “What is there congratulate about?” she said instead.
“Your Ladyship does not seem too pleased,” he gauged her expression.
She stared at the cliff nearby. She couldn’t see the bottom. She smiled bitterly, “What is there to be pleased about? Do you think it is easy to be an Emperor’s child? If it’s a princess, marrying a gentleman would be the best outcome while marrying diplomatically would be the worst one. It’d be worse for princes. He would have to grapple in a power struggle from the moment he was born. There would always be people who’d want to harm him. I’ve never wished to have children. I wish to live my life happily, without having to worry over the lives of other people. This child is an accident.”
“Please do not say that, Your Ladyship. His Majesty loves you so deeply; this child will be deeply loved as well. No one will dare to harm the child. The only person who has to worry is the Empress. She should be really careful with her pregnancy,” stated Mo Cheng Xuan in worry.
Yang Shi Han shook her head while smiling, “You fool.”
He looked at her in confusion, “Why do you say that, Your Ladyship?”
“Because it’s the truth,” she tipped her chin haughtily.
He was not in the mood to interpret her meaning, “Can this General ask you of just one thing, Your Ladyship?”
She raised her eyebrows, “Sure, let’s hear it.”
“Both you and the Empress are pregnant at the same time. This General knows that you have the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s deep love; this child will definitely be born safely. But this General cannot say the same about the Empress’ child. This General would like to ask you to take care of the Empress and her child. Make sure no one hurts them. If you do that, this General will be utterly grateful to you,” said Mo Cheng Xuan earnestly.
She raised her eyebrows frivolously, “Why should I promise you that? What if we both give birth to boys? The boys will be fighting for the throne. Mo Clan is so powerful, they would definitely use their might to forcibly instate her child as the Crown Prince. In fact, they might even kill my child to clear the path for the Empress’ child.”
“No, they will not. This General can assure you that much. If your child ends up being a boy, the Mo Clan will not harm him,” Mo Cheng Xuan raised his hand and swore.
She looked around, “I never believe in oaths that are made so lightly. If you want to make me believe you, you have to do three things.”
“What is it? As long as this General could do it, this General would,” he readily agreed.
She laughed, “You sure are a good brother. I don’t know what my terms are. Once I figure it out, I will inform you.”
“This—“ he looked at her hesitantly.
She patted him in the arm, “Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to betray Mo Clan, the court, the people, or the army. Are you on?”
He contemplated it for a moment before nodding, “Alright, this General promised Your Ladyship.”
She smiled at him happily, “Then, I also promise to take care of the Empress and her child.”
They looked at each other and smiled.
“It is cold, Your Ladyship. You should go back.”
She shook her head, “I don’t want to go back. Keep me company a while longer.”
He looked at her and nodded.
She peered down at the cliff curiously, “What do you think is under there, General Mo?” She took another step before slipping on a loose rock.
Mo Cheng Xuan reacted quickly and pulled her back, “Be careful!”
“Argh!” the loose rock that she stepped on already rolled down the cliff into the bottomless abyss. She was lucky Mo Cheng Xuan pulled her back in time.
She smoothly turned around and grabbed him hard, causing them both to tumble backward.
Mo Cheng Xuan tried to get up unhappily, but she hugged his neck and refused to let go.
“What are you doing, Your Ladyship? Are you trying to lay false charges on me again?” he asked unhappily.
She forced him to look at her, their eyes locked as she stared at him mesmerizingly. “Why? Do you have impure intentions towards me?”
“No,” replied Mo Cheng Xuan firmly. Just what did she take him for? She pretended to fall and purposely turned her body around so that they would fall on the ground, him on top of her. He felt a little angry now.
“Why? Am I not pretty?” she stared at him enchantingly.
He looked away and could not answer her.
She gave him a beautiful smile, “Bengong really admire General Mo. Even before the hunt started, bengong knew you were going to win it. Bengong hasn’t congratulated you yet.”
“Thank you, now please let go, Your Ladyship,” his tone had cooled down considerably.
Hearing that, she hugged him even tighter, “What would you do if I won’t? Bengong purposely stepped on a loose rock just now to see if you would save bengong. You did. Bengong has won.”
“You- You are mad!” Mo Cheng Xuan felt furious. He felt deceived.
She looked at him arrogantly, “You’re angry. Is it because bengong could have fallen?”
“Please remember your place, Your Ladyship.” He slowly increased his strength and pulled her hands off him. He stood up and walked away. She was too bold. She actually used herself and her child for a joke. She could have really fallen.
Seeing this, Yang Shi Han looked around before sitting up, clutching her stomach, “My stomach hurts!”
Hearing that, Mo Cheng Xuan rushed back towards her. He crouched in front of her in worry, “What is wrong, Your Ladyship?”
(TN: Like bruhhhhh, how many times are you gonna fall for that? Even I feel tired for you TOT)
“My stomach hurt, General Mo! You were pressing in on it earlier, something must have happened to the child!” cried Yang Shi Han in pain.
“I’m sorry. This General will look for a physician right away,” Mo Cheng Xuan blamed himself.
“No, carry me to a physician!” She pulled his hand and looked at him pitifully, “Don’t leave me all alone in here. I’m scared.”
He eyed her from head to toe, and then pushed her hands away, “You’re lying to me!”
She laughed, “You’ve improved! You actually managed to see through my act!”
He got up and walked away angrily.
“If you leave like this, aren’t you scared bengong would go to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager and claim you tried to hurt my pregnancy? Bengong does not want this child anyway, dragging you into the mess would only be a bonus. You might end up dead!” she said casually.
(TN: She insane. Run, bro, runnnnn.)
He exhaled icily, “Could you at least change your tactics if you want to threaten people? Do it if you want to. This General’s conscience is clear, therefore, this General has no fear.” Then, he continued walking.
She got up and chased after him. Then, she blocked his way.
“Just what is it that you want, Your Ladyship?” Mo Cheng Xuan always thought he had a good temperament, but he felt like he was really running out of patience now.
She smiled haughtily, “You care for me. You were willing to risk your life to save me when you thought I was in danger.”
“You’ve misunderstood the situation, Your Ladyship. That was this General’s responsibility as an official,” then, he walked around her and left.
She turned around and smiled at his retreating back, “You fool.”