My Beloved Concubine Only Wants to Eat Melons

Condemnation spread like wildfire.

As the news spread throughout the capital and beyond, numerous victims who had suffered under Duke Qi's Manor's oppression came forward to file complaints at the government offices. Some had their land and wealth stolen, others had their wives and daughters abused - there were more than ten such cases in total.

At this juncture, local authorities dared not ignore these complaints. They hurriedly documented everything and forwarded the cases to the Ministry of Punishment for review.

As a result, the scope of the investigation continued to expand. The Ministry of Punishment and the Imperial Censorate spent nearly half a month thoroughly investigating the cases before reporting to the emperor.

Upon seeing the verified evidence of crimes involving more than ten lives, the emperor flew into a rage and personally signed Guo Zhenghai's death warrant.

His servants and advisors who were involved in the crimes were all severely punished - the worst offenders were executed, while others were exiled, with none being pardoned.

Guo Zhenghai's wife and children were also convicted as accomplices and sentenced to exile in the harsh frontier regions. However, his son, still suffering from residual poison, died before reaching fifty li outside the capital.

As for Duke Qi, who had betrayed his nephew and brother-in-law, causing the deaths of dozens of his in-laws' family members, he suffered a stroke on the night of the Mid-Autumn Palace banquet after returning home and passed away three days later.

Thus, a noble family that had flourished for decades completely vanished from public view.

Of course, in his mercy, the emperor ordered officials to account for all the concubines and servants in the household. Those who had not participated in the family's crimes were granted their freedom.

As a result, the eldest daughter of the Lin family was finally able to return home to Lu Prefecture and reunite with her parents.

By the time the Duke Qi's Manor incident officially concluded, it was already September in the capital, and the weather had turned cool in the mornings and evenings.

Yanshu's belly had grown noticeably larger, visible even through her thick daytime robes.

It was even more apparent at night in her sleeping garments.

Yuwen Lan had been busy for over half a month, but tonight he came early. When he entered the hall, he saw her just emerging from the bathhouse.

Rendong and Lianxin were supporting their mistress on either side. Upon seeing the emperor, they hurriedly tried to bow, but as they began to curtsy, the emperor said, "You may leave." He naturally reached out to replace them in supporting Yanshu.

The two maids acknowledged and withdrew with lowered heads.

With no one else in the room, before Yanshu could speak, Yuwen Lan looked her over and sighed, "Your belly seems to have grown larger."

Yanshu nodded, "Well, I am five months along now, and besides, Your Majesty hasn't visited for several days."

Hearing this, Yuwen Lan quickly explained, "The past few days, I finished work quite late. I was afraid of disturbing your rest, so I slept in Qianming Palace."

He felt quite guilty as he spoke - how could he have let her sleep alone in this hall for three days while carrying their child?

But she was very understanding and said, "Your Majesty must take care of your health while attending to state affairs. Please don't overwork yourself."

Though in her heart she thought, [Actually, my dear baby's father, no need to be so polite with me. Having the big bed to myself was quite comfortable - I could roll around however I wanted!]

Yuwen Lan: "???"

Did she really not miss him?

And what was with calling him "baby's father"?

Also, with her belly so big, could she really roll around as she pleased?

He had many things he wanted to say, but since it wasn't summer anymore, he worried about her catching cold. He first led her to the bed and helped her get under the covers.

Then he went to wash up before joining her in bed.

Hmm, the bedding seemed to have been sun-dried that day, giving off a comfortable smell. More importantly, there was a natural little heater in bed, not only fragrant but also very soft, finally allowing his body to relax after a long day's work.

However, Yuwen Lan still remembered what happened earlier. He pulled her into his arms and asked, "Is my embrace comfortable?"

Yanshu nodded without hesitation, "Of course it is."

Yuwen Lan asked again, "Then, do you prefer sleeping alone or with me?"

Yanshu naturally replied, "Of course it's better with Your Majesty."

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she felt something was amiss.

Why was he asking such questions?

It was as if he knew what she had been thinking earlier?

No, she'd better check what was on his mind.

So she took his hand and placed it on her belly, saying, "Your Majesty, feel the baby."

Yuwen Lan startled, quickly trying to suppress the thoughts he didn't want her to know.

However, as soon as his palm touched her belly, the little one pushed against it, creating a bump that landed perfectly in the center of his palm, allowing him to feel it very clearly.

Yuwen Lan was stunned, his heart instantly melting.

[Hmm, as expected of my child, just as clever as me.]

Yanshu: "..."

So the emperor was this confident too - truly, all men are the same!

However, at this moment, the baby in her belly seemed very excited and started moving again. Yanshu thought, perhaps the little one really did recognize their father and enjoyed his touch?

She was also very happy and said to Yuwen Lan, "Your Majesty should talk to the baby more now. Once the baby becomes familiar with your voice, they will be especially close to you in the future."

Yuwen Lan found this interesting, "Is that so?"

Seeing her nod, he seemed uncertain about what to do and asked, "What should I say to them?"

He appeared somewhat awkward.

Indeed, this was his first time being a father. Yanshu couldn't help but smile at his behavior and suggested, "Your Majesty could start by introducing yourself to the baby."

Yuwen Lan made a thoughtful sound, then cleared his throat and tried, "Little one, I am your father."

As soon as he finished speaking, the baby actually pushed against his hand again through the belly.

Yuwen Lan was greatly excited.

Yanshu's eyes lit up - so he also called the baby "little one"?

Could this be what they call having the same mind?

She couldn't help but sigh, "Your Majesty is so gentle with the baby."

Unexpectedly, he lightly pinched her chin and smiled, "Am I not gentle with you?"

Hmm, the touch of his fingertips was smooth and somehow made one's thoughts wander.

However, it had only been half a month since they last...

After all, the imperial physician had said that while it was possible now, it shouldn't be too frequent.

He had to suppress his thoughts and asked her instead, "How big is our little one now?"

Yanshu thought for a moment and made a gesture the size of a grape, saying, "About this big, I suppose."

Yuwen Lan was surprised, "Only that big? Then won't it take a long time before the birth?"

Being a first-time father, and having rarely seen pregnant women before, he didn't have much common knowledge about this.

Of course, Yanshu was also a first-time mother with no experience. Hearing his question, she gestured the size of a watermelon based on her imagination and said, "When I'm ready to give birth, my belly will probably be about this big."

"I see," Yuwen Lan nodded, then frowned and asked, "That's so big - how will it come out?"

Yanshu: "..."

That was a good question.

All men in the world should understand how arduous childbirth is for women.

But probably not many would think to ask such a question.

Unfortunately, there were no prenatal training classes for expectant fathers in this era. And she wasn't sure either, only knowing it would be very painful.

So she said, "...Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I'm sure I'll manage when the time comes."

Though she said this, she was already starting to feel nervous. After all, with the limited medical conditions of the time, women often faced the possibility of difficult births!

Oh no, what would she do then?

Yuwen Lan silently took in her words, suddenly pulling her closer in his embrace, saying, "Don't worry, I will summon all the imperial physicians to ensure your safety."

This embrace gave her an inexplicable sense of security, and Yanshu nodded.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that compared to many men nowadays, he was already quite good. At the very least, compared to Consort Dowager Hui's situation back then, she was much happier.

Speaking of which, after eliminating Duke Qi's Manor this time, the emperor had consistently ignored Consort Dowager Hui's so-called family members, making his attitude quite clear.

After witnessing so much drama, it was truly rare to find someone like the Empress Dowager who could raise a concubine's child so well and with such dedication.

The Empress Dowager truly deserved to be called one of the world's finest stepmothers.

Yuwen Lan thought the same, and after reflecting on this, he said, "The Double Ninth Festival is approaching. We should think about how to celebrate it with the Empress Dowager."

Yanshu made a thoughtful sound and began to consider.

Celebrating the Double Ninth Festival in the palace usually meant nothing more than holding a banquet and drinking chrysanthemum wine.

But the Empress Dowager wasn't like her, fond of food and drink, so a banquet seemed meaningless.

Most importantly, there hadn't been any new gossip from their acquaintances lately...

How boring would a banquet be without any drama to discuss, she thought with a click of her tongue.

Oh, if only her idol, Principal Qi, could celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with the Empress Dowager...

Yuwen Lan: "..."

How could that be possible? The Empress Dowager was still the Empress Dowager, and Qi Shuguang was just the principal of Songhe Academy - they were worlds apart...

Of course, Yanshu knew this wasn't possible, so the thought quickly passed.

However, after thinking for a moment, her eyes lit up and she said, "During the Double Ninth Festival, common people like to go climbing mountains. Perhaps the Empress Dowager would like to get some fresh air too? Your Majesty could take her out for a walk?"

Yuwen Lan hesitated, "Would the Empress Dowager enjoy leaving the palace?"

Yanshu thought to herself, how could she not enjoy it? Even birds in this palace would want to fly out and see the world!

The Empress Dowager had been confined for decades, of course she'd want to go out!!!

But she dared not say these thoughts aloud, and could only suggest, "Your Majesty often goes out to observe the common people's lives. Putting yourself in her shoes, the Empress Dowager has been in the palace for so many years, surely she'd like to observe the common people's lives too? Like when Your Majesty took me out to eat delicious food- I mean, to experience the common people's way of life, wasn't that enjoyable?"

Yuwen Lan: "..."

Well, he had to admit that sometimes he too felt confined in the palace and wanted to go out for a walk.

However, he glanced at her and said, "But can you climb mountains in your current condition?"

Oh, this meant there was hope!

Yanshu immediately perked up and nodded eagerly, "I'll be fine! The imperial physician said I should exercise moderately, it will help with the delivery later."

Before he could respond, she had already started planning, "I think Osmanthus Mountain would be perfect. The osmanthus flowers are fragrant this season, and the mountain isn't too high with good paths. I heard even carriages can go up there."

"Oh, and there's a temple on the mountain where we can pray. I'll ask the Empress Dowager tomorrow, I'm sure she'll love it."

Hehe, another chance to go out!!!

Yuwen Lan: "..."

Wait, he hadn't agreed yet...

Was it too late to say no...

...

As Yanshu had predicted, the Empress Dowager was very pleased with the idea of going mountain climbing outside the palace, and agreed immediately when asked the next day.

Yuwen Lan had no choice but to order the imperial guards to make arrangements, and after ensuring safety, they set out early on the morning of the Double Ninth Festival, taking the Empress Dowager and Yanshu to Osmanthus Mountain.

As Yanshu had said, Osmanthus Mountain wasn't very high, with well-maintained paths that allowed carriages to drive almost to the summit.

After they got out of the carriage, they saw layers of red leaves all around, and the breeze carried the sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers, making everyone feel comfortable.

The Empress Dowager was indeed in good spirits, her words and actions notably lighter.

As for Yanshu, her steps were light, and she truly showed no signs of fatigue.

Of course, Yuwen Lan remained cautious and held her hand the entire way.

There was a White Pagoda Temple on the mountain, and they could see many visitors carrying incense heading there to pray. Since they had come all this way and enjoyed the scenery, they decided to visit the temple as well.

The path to the temple couldn't accommodate carriages, but fortunately, it wasn't far. After walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived.

The temple wasn't large but had a charming rustic quality, and was said to be very efficacious. The family of three paid their respects together and made some donations.

After paying their respects, they admired the temple's scenery and rested in a pavilion in the courtyard.

The attending maids promptly served hot tea, and Yuwen Lan asked the Empress Dowager, "Mother, how do you find today?"

Under her veiled hat, the Empress Dowager's voice carried a satisfied smile, "Very good. You've been thoughtful, my son. Along the way, I heard visitors discussing the recent Guo family matter, all praising the emperor's wisdom. You should continue to work hard in the future."

Yuwen Lan quickly nodded, "I understand, Mother. Please rest assured."

He felt satisfied in his heart.

Then, as he raised his teacup and casually looked around, before he could take a sip of the hot tea, his gaze froze.

The courtyard wasn't particularly crowded today, though visitors would occasionally enter, pay their respects to Buddha, admire the scenery, and then head back down the mountain.

At that moment, a single person entered the courtyard, particularly noticeable because he was alone.

He appeared to be in his forties, wearing a blue robe, standing as straight as a pine tree. It was none other than Qi Shuguang, the principal of Songhe Academy.

Why was he here too?

Yuwen Lan paused, and before he could think further, a sudden exclamation burst into his ears--

[Oh heavens, isn't that isn't that Principal Qi? To actually meet him here? This must be fate!!!]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

At this moment, only two women were sitting beside him.

Needless to say, it was Yanshu screaming in her mind again.

When he first saw Qi Shuguang, he had suspected that she might have arranged this.

But hearing her scream like this, he believed that she truly didn't know about it.

Then he heard the Empress Dowager's thoughts pause as well, [This... why is he here too?]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

Well, apparently the Empress Dowager didn't know either.

Tsk, to meet here by chance, could it really be...

Fate?

At that moment, Qi Shuguang, who had been admiring the scenery, also noticed him. After a moment of surprise, he immediately approached and bowed, saying, "I didn't know Your Excellency was here. I apologize for the disturbance."

Since they had already encountered each other, Yuwen Lan nodded and said, "It's fine, I'm just here to enjoy the scenery today. No need for formalities."

Just as he finished speaking, Yanshu coughed slightly under her veiled hat and said, "What a coincidence, Master Qi is also here to enjoy the scenery today?"

Qi Shuguang quickly replied, "Yes, my lady."

He thought to himself, judging by the voice, this must be Consort Yi, so the other person... could it be... her?

Yanshu secretly heard this and wanted nothing more than to answer "yes," but reason told her not to say too much, so she only said, "What a coincidence today. By the way, we sent some blue crabs to your academy recently, did you get to taste them?"

Her idol replied, "My lady, all the teachers and students have tried them and are very grateful for your kindness."

Yanshu nodded and continued, "What about the mooncakes? They were all made in our manor, using lotus seeds we grew ourselves."

Her idol replied again, "We all enjoyed them. The teachers and students are truly fortunate to receive such care from you."

Yanshu felt relieved, thinking that at least her boss's mooncakes hadn't gone to waste!

Aww, if only she could tell her idol more, but she couldn't say anything else.

As her words faded, she saw her idol Scholar Qi preparing to take his leave.

However, at that moment, the Empress Dowager suddenly spoke, "You must be tired from climbing the mountain, Master. Why don't you join us for a cup of tea?"

Yanshu: "!!!"

Yuwen Lan: "..."

In an instant, another scream burst into his ears, [Ahhhhh boss is awesome!!! Please accept, idol, please accept!!!]

Needless to say, it was from his beloved consort again.

Looking at Qi Shuguang, he was already stunned.

After a moment, he bowed his head and said, "I dare not disturb Your Excellencies."

But the Empress Dowager continued, "We're not in the palace today, why be so formal? It's just a cup of tea, surely better than walking back to the academy thirsty."

Yuwen Lan: "..."

To prevent more screaming in his ears, he finally spoke up, "Since my mother has spoken, Master, please don't be modest. Do join us."

Well, it was just a cup of tea, what's the big deal.