The next day was the day they were finally returning to Beiping. Early in the morning, after King Yibo finished his meeting with the Emperor of Japan, they exchanged farewells. Prince Tang had arrived earlier with two specialists who had met with King Yibo in Dubai.
With great respect, they greeted him before Prince Tang handed a sealed file to the King's most trusted aide. The aide immediately stepped forward and placed the file before King Yibo.
"This is the result of the investigation," the aide announced formally. "These are the specialists who conducted it. They are leading experts in this particular field."
One of the doctors stepped forward and said in fluent English, "The first test was already enough....no errors. But to eliminate every doubt, we ran the test three times. The conclusion is consistent: he is the biological son of his father, but the woman who raised him is not his birth mother. We sent the samples to multiple hospitals as well. All results match exactly."
King Yibo said nothing. His expression did not shift. His aide spoke on his behalf, thanked them, and Prince Tang escorted the team out.
Zhan had heard the voices from the second lounge, where he stood ready to go to the Queen of Japan's part to say his goodbyes. He didn't understand most of what he heard, but something about the tone stirred unease inside him. Still, thanks to the discipline he'd learned recently....especially the art of holding things in....he walked out quietly when he sensed they noticed his presence. Zhan knew Yibo would expect him to behave.
When Zhan went to the Queen's suite, his mind ran in circles with curiosity. Who was being discussed so seriously? Why bring foreign specialists when their own country had some of the world's best medical experts? And why would such an investigation require traveling to another nation?
As fate would have it, when he returned, he passed by just as Prince Tang and King Yibo were discussing the matter again.
With firm authority in his tone, King Yibo said, "Prepare everything. In seven days, follow us back. I want them to arrive on the exact day the court proceedings begin."
"It will be done," Prince Tang replied.
That was all Zhan heard before he quickly slipped away. When Yibo entered later to prepare for departure, Zhan hoped he would bring the file with him....but he didn't. Yibo didn't mention it either.
When they finished preparing and stepped out, the Emperor of Japan...along with his two sons and his wife....escorted them personally to the airport, where King Yibo's private jet awaited. Zhan was teary-eyed, and so was the Queen, who had grown fond of him. After boarding the jet, Zhan nestled against Yibo for comfort.
To Zhan's surprise, the file he had been curious about lay on the seat beside Yibo. He wanted to ask, but kept silent. Still, his heart whispered that whatever was inside that file was deeply important to his husband.
The jet took off, and it wasn't long before sleep carried Zhan away…
BEIPING
Even though it was late at night when they landed, the airport was surrounded by heavy security. Anyone could tell the ruler of Beiping himself had arrived. Several of the empire's highest-ranking nobles had come to receive them. A fleet of immaculate vehicles waited outside, polished to perfection.
Zhan rubbed his sleepy eyes....lately, sleep was becoming his full-time occupation. As they stepped out, he clung to King Yibo's side. Everyone present bowed their heads with respect. King Yibo, unfazed and perfectly composed, had one arm wrapped around Zhan while lifting his other hand in acknowledgment of their greetings until they reached the private car prepared just for them.
Even after they stepped inside, the entourage that had accompanied them on the jet followed behind. Among the group, only Diwa had pure intentions of simply observing quietly for her work; the rest were hungry reporters. Unfortunately for them, they barely got any proper photographs....the couple's discreetness had ruined all their plans.
From the airport all the way to the palace, security lined every path. Inside the royal residence, they were welcomed warmly....something that eased Zhan's heart. Dowager Ruyan was there, as well as Daneen, and another elegant woman Zhan didn't recognize but who resembled the Dowager strongly. Zhan instantly suspected she was Princess Chuchu, the woman everyone had talked about.
As Zhan lifted his head from Dowager Ruyan's warm embrace to greet Daneen, his gaze collided with a stunning young woman with pale skin....Lady Wuxia.... glaring directly at him.
Zhan didn't know her. So he simply looked away and focused politely on Daneen, showing no sign of being bothered.
Slowly, Zhan let go and walked toward Chuchu, who was standing quietly beside Dowager Taihou, her face unreadable. Zhan bowed politely to her. She returned the greeting with a small, calm smile, though she clearly noticed the sharp look Dowager Ruyan threw at her.
Then he moved toward Dowager Taihou and hugged her. She gently patted his head, pretending nothing was happening since people were watching them. Jasrah quickly hid behind Dowager Taihou, truly avoiding Zhan.
Zhan smiled and hugged her too.... after all, before all of this happened, she had shown him real affection.
King Yibo had already gone inside, so Dowager Ruyan took Zhan's hand and said, "Come on, let's go. You must be tired from the long flight; you need to rest."
With that, she guided him to his private quarters....newly rearranged and specially prepared for him.
After they left, many things happened in the palace, including Dowager Taihou insisting that Zhan should return fully to his own quarters. Outwardly, no one said anything, but Dowager Ruyan could clearly see it: Taihou wanted this arrangement, thinking Zhan would draw King Yibo away from her.
But she also knew it was pointless....King Yibo and Zhan were already inseparable. The proof was right in front of her today. Anyone with eyes could see Zhan was expecting. His entire aura had changed....his glow, his calmness, everything.
Now, as Dowager Taihou watched them walk away, she released a satisfied smile and whispered yes to herself....clearly, something she had planned in her quarters was finally taking shape.
Zhan, on the other hand, felt nothing but peace returning to his space. He was happy. His attendants had arranged everything perfectly for him. To him, this was his chance....a perfect moment to prepare for what he wanted.
He bathed, changed, and climbed into bed, ready to sleep.
In his sleep, Zhan caught the familiar scent of King Yibo drifting close, brushing against his senses. He assumed he was dreaming, and lazily tried to turn to the other side....but the warmth of a real body made him blink his eyes open slowly.
King Yibo's beautiful face came into view.
Zhan jolted slightly, but Yibo held him firmly, guiding him back down and sliding his fingers into Zhan's hair. Then he pressed his forehead against Zhan's, their noses brushing gently.
"When did you come?" Zhan murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Yibo stayed silent for a moment, tilting his head a little before replying, "You really thought you could sleep without me, baby?"
Zhan held him tighter with a soft exhale. Zhan whispered, "I just didn't know what to do."
"Well," Yibo said softly, "I had find a way to be close."
King Yibo chuckled and pulled him even closer, as if someone might try to take Zhan away from him. Zhan relaxed fully against him, both of them breathing in sync.
Then Yibo brushed his lips over Zhan's in a gentle kiss.
And from there, everything changed…
...By 3 a.m., King Yibo slipped out of Zhan's chamber. Zhan woke to find the room empty. He simply smiled, got up, went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and freshen up. He drank a cup of warm milk since it was still early. Even though his eyes were heavy with sleep, he didn't lie down again...he sat quietly.... Mediating.
He stayed like that until morning, then rested again and didn't wake up until 2 p.m.
Zhan was surprised he had slept so long, but knowing the stress and lack of rest he suffered back in Dubai, he understood his body needed the recovery.
He dressed carefully in a beautifully tailored robe....so elegant that one might want to steal him away. Everything about him shone with renewed confidence and inner charm. His attendants greeted him with deep respect the moment he stepped out. He gestured gently for them to rise. With the calmness that now came naturally to him, he allowed them to escort him to Dowager Ruyan's quarters, and from there they would proceed to Dowager Taihou's wing.
They answered him with full respect. Zhan walked ahead while they followed.
Despite the distance, he refused to enter the car waiting for him....he walked instead, with his attendants and some of King Yibo's most trusted bodyguards following behind him.
Zhan impressed them deeply. The way he walked alone added even more honor to his image. Everywhere he passed, attendants bowed and greeted him, and he responded with a small wave and a mild smile....calm and unforced. His chief attendant handled the verbal replies for him.
Before he even entered, they had already informed Dowager Ruyan, who sat with Daneen and Chuchu. On the side sat Wuxia, Chuchu's daughter, typing away on her laptop.
Zhan stepped inside quietly, a gentle smile on his lips. All three women looked up at once. Wuxia, however, discreetly clicked her tongue and turned back to her screen. No one else noticed, but Zhan caught the look she gave him clearly. Still, he pretended not to see it and walked toward Dowager Ruyan, who opened her arms with a warm smile, inviting him over.
He approached with shy respect, knelt slightly before her, smiling and greeting her.
Dowager Ruyan said with a laugh, "No, no, my grandson, get up and sit. You've been through a lot; take care of yourself and the heir."
Chuchu's eyes widened at the comment, while Daneen simply smiled and observed Zhan quietly. After Zhan greeted them respectfully, Daneen gestured toward Chuchu.
"This is your aunt. She visited while you were in Japan. I'm sure you've heard about her before now."
Zhan nodded politely with a warm smile. Dannen, reached out and touched his hand gently.
Daneen turned and pointed at Wuxia, who pretended not to notice anything at all.
"This is your cousin as well....Wuxia. She's the firstborn adopted daughter of Chuchu. She also has three younger brothers."
Zhan smiled politely, but said nothing. Wuxia didn't even lift her head. Her attitude made Daneen visibly irritated. Even Dowager Ruyan remained quiet, though her expression showed she did not appreciate Wuxia's behavior.
As for Zhan, he stayed perfectly composed, his calm unshaken. He continued his conversation with Daneen and Dowager Ruyan as if nothing happened…
-----
Zhan finally left Dowager Ruyan's quarters around 4 o'clock, his face carrying a quiet cunning smile....one that always surfaced whenever he thought about a plan. He had already made up his mind: Wuxia would eventually regret underestimating him in this palace, even if it was her grandparents home.
From there, Zhan headed toward Dowager Taihou's wing, only to be told she wasn't there....she was with the King. That didn't surprise him. He showed no reaction and simply returned to his own chambers with his entourage.
Close to five o'clock, Zhan made his way to King Yibo's chambers.
At that very moment, as Zhan was approaching his chambers, King Yibo was exiting through his private door, heading toward Dowager Ruyan's quarters. Luckily, he found her alone inside. Her elegant older eyes lifted toward him as he quietly locked the door behind him and walked toward her in calm, steady steps. He lowered himself to sit in front of her, folding his legs.
"Good afternoon, Grandma,"
he said, the words slipping out with a hint of reluctance.
She gave him a teasing smile.
"Good afternoon, Father of the unborn."
His eyes widened slightly in surprise, though he couldn't even think of a response. He just stared... speechless.
Dowager Ruyan laughed softly.
"I only hope that whether it's a boy or a girl, the child doesn't inherit this stubborn quietness of yours, Yibo. How can someone have words ready but act like speaking them is a burden?"
He lowered his gaze with a small smile, then attempted to steer the conversation away.
"Em… Grandma. Just like you advised, I followed through. We ran a DNA test using samples....hair and blood....without anyone knowing. I provided Zhan's sample, and Uncle Tang obtained the samples from his supposed parents. Since he was the one I sent to hide them abroad, he handled everything quietly. He's also the only one who knows their current location."
Momma leaned forward, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
"So? What did the results show?"
Yibo inhaled slowly, almost a full minute passing before he finally exhaled.
"The results are… confusing. I don't know how else to describe them. They show that the man is truly his biological father....but the woman is not his mother."
"What! How is that possible?"
"That's what I can't understand, Grandma. Even back in Dubai, the numbers didn't add up. According to the date records, both Zhan and Mamy's lost son were supposed to be born only three days apart. And the birthmark....identical, exactly the same pattern that runs in our royal bloodline. That boy died on the same day Zhan was born. Everything feels connected, but when I measure the actual possibility, it feels wrong at the same time."
"What exactly are you thinking?"
He hesitated again, struggling with his thoughts before answering.
"We need to run a DNA test between Mamy and Zhan. Only then can we confirm if he truly isn't her child… or not. But if he isn't, then how did he end up with a birthmark that only our lineage carries? Especially since his supposed father has no ties to this royal family. My mind is tangled.... I feel like we're standing on the edge of something big, and I'm hoping my instincts are right."
"There is definitely confusion," Dowager Ruyan agreed quietly. "And the possibilities are many. If there is no connection between Zhan and Dannen, yet he carries the royal birthmark, then he is connected to someone else in this palace.... someone important....and we must find out who.
But Zhan's mannerisms… they unsettle the calculations, Yibo. There is almost no difference between him and Dannen when Dannen was his age. But I know for a fact that Dannen's son died....I washed him myself with my own hands, prepared him, and saw him buried."
"As I told you, Grandma, something is being hidden," Yibo said quietly. "That boy carries royal blood....real royal blood....and something else I can't name yet. I see too many signs in him. Sometimes, even I look at him and think he's… a strange version of himself."
Dowager Ruyan forced a confident smile, though her heart was tangled in confusion.
They continued discussing the matter until nearly 6 p.m., when King Yibo finally left to attend the palace's evening formalities.
Meanwhile…
Zhan arrived at King Yibo's part, but instead of going to the living areas, he headed straight to the kitchen. The kitchen staff were already busy calculating the menu for the King's dinner.
The moment Zhan stepped inside, everyone dropped to their knees in greeting.
He lifted a hand calmly for them to rise, then began observing everything they were preparing.
Within minutes, he had dismantled their plans and replaced them with his own recipes.
In the end, he personally cooked the majority of the dinner....with their assistance.
The entire kitchen was stunned.
Never in palace history had a royal consort stepped into the kitchen to cook.... Even if it's for the King.
Yet here Zhan was, rewriting history without even trying.
They finished only after exhausting effort.
Zhan nearly stumbled from the fatigue.... his condition made him tire faster than usual.... but at least he didn't suffer from severe nausea or pain anywhere.
After everything was arranged in the dining room, incense burner was lit and the air filled with warm fragrance.
Once the staff left, Zhan moved toward King Yibo's private chambers. He checked each room one by one, searching… until he entered where the King's slept.
Just as he suspected....the room hadn't been cleaned.
He himself had personally dismissed the senior attendant before they left for Dubai, so no one had been allowed to touch his husband room in their absence.
Despite feeling worn out, Zhan pushed through and cleaned the entire place himself.
He then showered thoroughly before changing into a light outfit—blue three-quarter jeans and a soft white shirt marked with a large heart printed across the chest.
The clothes suited him perfectly.
He was running his fingers through his hair, growing annoyed because he hated when anyone touched it to set.... and that was when King Yibo entered.
He froze.
For a moment, he simply stared at Zhan....pure shock on his face.
He had missed him far more than he expected.
He hadn't seen him since the previous night, when he secretly visited his chambers.
Slowly, Yibo walked deeper into the room until he stood directly in front of him.
Zhan didn't even hear him come in.
He only felt fingers gently sliding into his hair.
Startled, he looked up...and their eyes locked instantly.
Both of them stared, full of longing, as if they had been separated for months instead of hours.
Zhan looked away first, lowering his gaze like someone who was shy but trying not to show it.
Yibo exhaled softly, leaned down, and removed the ribbon from Zhan's hand.
He looped it around his own wrist like a keepsake bracelet, then placed both hands lightly on Zhan's head.
He gathered his hair into the center and tied it back.
"If you want your hair short," Yibo murmured, "just decide it in your mind. I know you've always wondered how mine can go short or long whenever I want."
"Thank you," Zhan whispered, his voice soft enough to send a shiver down Yibo's spine.
"I'll… try."
Yibo knew remaining so close would drive both of them insane, so he stepped away.....
walking in that signature slow, elegant stride that always drew Zhan's eyes.
When Yibo disappeared into the bathroom, Zhan released a shaky breath and stood up.
He headed into the King's closet....his fingerprint unlocked it now....and searched through the royal wardrobe.
He chose a smooth maroon light robe for the King.
Just as he stepped out, the bathroom door opened....and Yibo came out wrapped in a small towel.
One look at him, and Zhan quickly looked away.
Zhan still wasn't used to staring at Yibo's body; he lowered his gaze and walked toward him.
Yibo handed him the towel, and Zhan accepted....without resistance.
Zhan closed his eyes briefly, then began drying Yibo's body, gentle and careful.
Yibo watched him the whole time, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
When Zhan finished, he set aside the towel and tossed the oil in Yibo's palm.
He almost walked away....
but Yibo caught his wrist softly, pulling him back.
He studied Zhan slowly....from head to toe....
before lowering his gaze to Zhan's face, eyes half-closed with warmth.
In a low, husky tone, he whispered:
"Who do you expect to rub this oil on me, baby?"
Without opening his eyes, Zhan said softly, "Help yourself."
"You and your tricks,"
King Yibo replied, pulling him closer again.
Zhan smiled faintly, intending to speak, but Yibo cut him off.
"Hush."
Zhan fell silent, swallowing his words. Yibo placed the cream in his hand.
"Hurry. I need to go. I don't want to be late."
Zhan had no choice but to apply it on him. His heart was pounding fast; truly, Yibo's body always made him nervous. With no better option, he ended up helping King Yibo finish getting dressed. When he finished applying the fragrance, Yibo cupped Zhan's face in both palms and kissed his forehead, his eyelids, the bridge of his nose, and finally his chin.
Zhan let out a light breath. Before he could fully process it, King Yibo bent down in front of him, lifted his shirt slightly, and placed a soft kiss on his stomach. Then he walked away calmly as if he had done nothing at all.
It took Zhan a moment to open his eyes and follow him with his gaze. Just as Yibo was about to leave the room, he paused at the doorway and turned. Their eyes met. Zhan quickly looked away, flustered.
Yibo gave a small smile....just at the corner of his lips.
"If you leave this wing before I return, I'll deal with you, baby."
With that, he stepped out, leaving Zhan standing there with a hidden smile.
King Yibo did not return until 8 p.m., escorted by Prince Aoying. His attendant had refused to follow him to the last floor....after hearing from the kitchen staff that the royal consort himself had cooked dinner for the King, the man simply stayed far away on the third floor.
The living room was empty except for the cool air from the AC and a soft, pleasant scent....different from the one he had left earlier.
Yibo headed straight to the bedroom to change, already imagining that Zhan must have escaped somewhere despite his warning. But as he turned the doorknob, Zhan opened the door from the inside. They almost collided. Zhan stepped back quickly, nearly losing his balance, and would have fallen if King Yibo hadn't caught him.
Zhan released a small, spoiled sigh.
"Thank you."
Instead of answering, Yibo simply lifted him off his feet and carried him back into the room. Zhan kicked lightly and protested, insisting he was hungry, but Yibo ignored him completely. He placed him exactly where he wanted him....then silenced every complaint at Zhan's lips in the only language his heart and mind demanded at that moment…
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛