Though he thought so, Eunuch Huang tried not to dampen his spirits and merely reminded him, "Your Majesty, this old servant must inform you in advance that once Lady Fusheng is with child, she won’t be able to visit the palace frequently. The jostling of the carriage is too rough, and she needs ample rest, especially in the first few months."
Jin Cheng nodded eagerly. "I know, I’ll wait patiently for Mother."
Eunuch Huang opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately held back.
The Emperor was close to Lady Fusheng, often calling her "Mother" in private. Fortunately, he knew better than to do so publicly. The boy was simply a child yearning for maternal love.
The little tyrant suppressed his excitement and ordered, "Eunuch Huang, send the palace’s best imperial physician to examine her and ensure her safe journey through pregnancy."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
In the General’s residence, the joyous atmosphere lingered for days after the happy news.
But Xu Wan, suffering from early pregnancy symptoms, was plagued by dizziness and sluggishness, her body drained of energy.
Zong Zhao brought her some orange peels, only for her to swat them away as another wave of nausea hit.
When she finally recovered, Xu Wan groaned miserably, "This is awful. Thank goodness I had the foresight not to get pregnant before the imperial exams, or else Jin Cheng and the others would’ve worried themselves sick."
At least now, with the children away and busy with their own affairs, they wouldn’t fret over her.
Zong Zhao’s brows furrowed so deeply they could crush a mosquito. He knew pregnancy was difficult, but he hadn’t expected it to be this severe. Xu Wan’s relentless nausea had left her gaunt and pale in just a few days.
His heart ached as he vowed, "We’re never doing this again. One child is enough."
Xu Wan, still dizzy, barely registered his words before a servant announced, "General, Madam, His Majesty has sent Imperial Physician Zhou to check on Madam’s health."
"Bring him in at once."
After paying his respects, Imperial Physician Zhou took one look at Xu Wan’s pallid face and immediately checked her pulse. After inquiring about her condition, he said gravely, "General, Madam’s symptoms are more severe than most. She requires medicinal intervention, or her weakened state will harm both mother and child."
"Thank you, Physician." Zong Zhao followed him to prepare the prescription.
Xu Wan exhaled in relief, picking up the orange peels again. A faint whiff did seem to help a little.
With Imperial Physician Zhou’s medicine, Xu Wan gradually improved, no longer vomiting everything she ate. Some color returned to her cheeks.
Due to her condition, others in the residence avoided disturbing her. Only Zong Zhao, rushing back from court each day, kept her company. But Xu Wan had grown drowsy, sleeping through most of the day. Zong Zhao would review memorials in the bedchamber, ready to attend to her the moment she woke.
The arrival of their unborn child had thrown the couple into chaos.
Yet the world outside carried on—
At court.
"Your Majesty, urgent news from the border! You Country has crowned a new Crown Prince Jin'an, a man of exceptional civil and military prowess, beloved by his people. He vows to reclaim the three cities we annexed during Great Chu’s transition of power. The entire nation rallies behind him. War seems inevitable. We implore Your Majesty to act swiftly to avoid being caught unprepared."
An urgent memorial was presented.
Chu Jincheng skimmed its contents, which detailed Crown Prince Jin'an’s legendary rise.
Before turning thirty, he had achieved countless feats in You Country, outmaneuvering his elder brothers—the legitimate eldest prince, the influential third and fourth princes—to seize the throne. His methods were ruthless.
Now, his first act as Crown Prince was to declare war on Great Chu, igniting fresh conflict.
Luo Jingfeng was the first to step forward. "Your Majesty, our forces have rested and trained for over a year. We are strong and ready to fight. This so-called Crown Prince Jin'an dares provoke us? Let me teach him a lesson!"
Chu Jincheng shot him a glare. "Patience. I haven’t finished reading."
Luo Jingfeng: "..."
What kind of memorial was this long?!
The little tyrant read on. The report mostly glorified Crown Prince Jin'an, but near the end, another figure emerged—a strategist by his side, a master of martial arts and concealed weapons, often seen at his side.
Great Chu’s spies, upon investigating, found the man’s face eerily familiar and sent back a sketch.
Jin Cheng’s eyes widened at the small portrait tucked inside. It looked just like… Father?
The young Emperor’s puzzled gaze landed on Zong Zhao.
The officials were baffled.
Luo Jingfeng had just volunteered to lead the army, yet the Emperor was staring at Zong Zhao. Was he planning to appoint the General instead?
What about military authority?
Would Luo Jingfeng have to hand it over?
The two generals got along well, but power struggles could shatter even the strongest bonds.
The court held its breath, awaiting this historic moment.
Meeting Zong Zhao’s confusion, the little tyrant pulled out the sketch and had Eunuch Huang deliver it.
Luo Jingfeng bristled. Why show it only to him?!
The Duke of State Protection fumed, but a glance at the portrait left him stunned.
What was this?
Why had the border scouts drawn Zong Zhao?
Yet when Zong Zhao saw the portrait, his entire body froze. His pupils dilated, his hands trembling.
This wasn’t him.
It was… Zong Yan.
Zong Yan at twenty-seven.
The boy forever sixteen in his memories had reappeared like this. Though twins, their faces were distinct yet hauntingly similar.
"Zong Yan…"
His whisper was barely audible, but Luo Jingfeng caught it.
Zong Yan?
Zong Zhao’s younger brother, dead for eleven years?
The man in the portrait was Zong Yan?
He was alive?!
Seeing his father’s reaction, the little tyrant quickly pieced it together. Judging by the resemblance and age, this had to be… Wenxiu’s birth father.
He declared, "Whether to dispatch troops requires further deliberation with the council. Court is dismissed for today."
Eunuch Huang announced, "Court adjourned!"
The young Emperor departed first, the three chief ministers hurrying after him. Zong Zhao, dazed, was dragged along by Luo Jingfeng.
In the imperial study.
The little tyrant handed them the memorial. "Read this. I lack expertise in warfare and seek your counsel first."
After reviewing it—
Luo Jingfeng insisted, "Your Majesty, we must strike. Crush You Country’s arrogance, and they’ll never dare invade again. I volunteer to lead the charge!"
Prime Minister Shen pondered before advising, "Your Majesty, after over a year of recovery, our forces are indeed stronger. Though not the ideal time for war, if You Country launches a full-scale attack, our border defenses may not hold. Thus, I concur—we should mobilize."
