Zhan could feel the hunger tightening in his stomach. All he had taken earlier was water, a few dates, and a cup of warm milk....something he had grown very fond of lately since the pregnancy began. He waited patiently, knowing that if he ate too much before King Yibo returned, he would fall asleep instantly.
No matter how Zhan pouted and pressed his lips together in that spoiled way of his, King Yibo didn't give him any attention until they enjoyed their Intimacy to the heart content. With Yibo's help, they bathed together and later stepped out to the dining room. Zhan made absolutely sure every dish was scanned neatly, even though he knew no one entered this floor except the King. Still, he never trusted things left unattended.... especially for their safety.
Zhan prepared everything for both of them, even pouring their tea into the same tiny cup, despite knowing it was originally one of those fancy Arabian-style ones. They ate together, each feeding the other until they both had their fill.
Back in the sitting room, King Yibo tried to turn on his laptop. Zhan climbed onto his laps, pouting dramatically, before he finally spoke.
"Hmm…. Is this computer my rival now?" he said dryly.
The way he said it nearly made King Yibo laugh, but he held it back. He only stared at Zhan instead. Slowly, he closed his eyes and opened them again, cupping Zhan's face in one hand.
"Or maybe you're the one jealous of it," he murmured lazily.
"Well, I haven't done anything wrong. And even if I did....so what?, I need my husband attention back to and our baby to feel his warmth... But you're always trying in it."
Zhan shot the laptop a sharp glare.
King Yibo could only smile; he had nothing left to say. He picked up the remote, turned on the television, and switched to the national news channel. But they were airing a special program first....one of importance.....so he left it. Zhan shifted, adjusting his position until he was curled against Yibo like a small kitten.
Yibo also shifted, making him comfortable, resting a hand on Zhan's stomach....the one thing in the world he cherished the most right now. Every time he remembered that Zhan carried his child, the tension inside his chest would ease like a quiet tide.
----
The next morning was the eve of the holiday celebrations. Zhan was seated reading when King Yibo returned from his workout. He lay down briefly, struggling with sleep in his eyes. Zhan finished his reading and was about to join him when King Yibo tells him Prince Aoying's message, saying his long-awaited delivery had reached the palace.
Zhan immediately abandoned the idea of sleeping and rushed to get ready, full of excitement. King Yibo watched him quietly. He knew Zhan valued sleep more than anything.... yet the moment he heard about the delivery, he was wide awake.
Seeing Zhan rushing around too quickly, Yibo spoke softly,
"Slow down, mister. Don't make me lose something important. Baby isn't strong enough yet."
The words made Zhan flush with embarrassment. He turned away, covering his face. Yibo only smiled, closing his eyes again.
Zhan finished preparing, then returned to the bed and placed a kiss on King Yibo's forehead. When Yibo reached out to grab him, Zhan dodged. Yibo chuckled and adjusted his position, thinking to himself, Stubborn boy.
Although it was still early, ten large trucks had already arrived at the palace. The unusual movement stirred up noise everywhere.... people curious about who the delivery was for, especially since some of the items peeking out appeared to be clothing.
By the time Zhan stepped out of King Yibo's wing, Prince Aoying and the King's trusted aide were already waiting. Behind them, the youngs palace men assigned to Zhan during his previous task also appeared, bowing respectfully. Zhan greeted them warmly, teasing them with a smile....telling them he might start selling matchmaking forms soon since the young bachelors in the palace seemed to have multiplied overnight.
They burst into laughter. Even Prince Aoying couldn't help smiling affectionately at Zhan. Though young, he had the composure of someone far older....something even the King's senior aide admired deeply. He never saw Zhan as too young; instead, he saw a dignity and presence that reminded him of the King himself.
Zhan explained to the palace bachelor's how the supplies would be distributed, just like the food items earlier. There were also poultry and livestock scheduled to arrive in the evening, but those would not be brought into the palace. Instead, caretakers had been appointed in each region, and every representative would collect their assigned animals directly from the local centers. There were also separate packages meant for the palace workers, including monetary allowances....and Prince Aoying would personally deliver those as messages directly from the King.
Dengue, the son of Prince Maiqing and leader of the distribution team, wiped away the tears swelling in his eyes. With a deep sense of respect, he said to Zhan:
"You truly are a blessing to this empire, our Rulan. You bring light that brightens every corner of the Beiping Dominion. Because of your efforts, we now fully understand the kind nature and fairness of our King. May your honor grow; may your life continue to bring good fortune to our people; and may you always be surrounded by protection and prosperity."
His words continued....expressing gratitude, loyalty, and deep appreciation. The palace staff around them nodded eagerly, adding their own thanks one after another.
Zhan felt his eyes sting with tears. Truly, nothing compared to the joy that came from being good to people....and being loved in return. If only humans understood that kindness always returned with even greater rewards. It granted three invaluable gifts: respect, love, and peace of mind.
Within a short time, the entire palace was filled with excitement. Every servant wore a bright smile, especially when they held their envelopes and packages....three or five sets of clothing, some in their arms, some tucked under their shoulders. They even received chickens and small livestock to take home for the evening meals. On top of that, they were given the chance to celebrate like nobles for once.
The women were especially overjoyed.....Zhan had arranged for them to receive self-care treatments, including a beauty specialist who would attend only to the female palace staff.
Some people were even crying from happiness. Their affection for Zhan....and for King Yibo....had deepened in a way words couldn't fully describe. It felt as though their lives had suddenly been brightened by a warmth they hadn't expected.
And not just within Beiping Palace. Across the entire kingdom, everyone whose name appeared on the beneficiary lists found themselves celebrating in relief. The supplies didn't lift every burden, but they eased the weight for thousands. Orphans and widows were given special care. Even though the generosity was intended to stay private, the news still slipped out and spread through marketplaces and news stands until it became the biggest topic of the day....and even the next.
Crowds of ordinary citizens traveled into Beiping City just to catch a glimpse of the King.
(That's life....no matter the mistakes you've made or the faults people mock you for, a single act of genuine kindness can open doors no reminder or praise could. Good deeds never vanish; they always return.)
Despite all the beauty Zhan adorned himself for King Yibo to amuse him, he still hadn't seen him by 2 o'clock. He wasn't angry....just impatient to meet him. He had dressed Yibo himself earlier, and the King looked breathtakingly handsome, like some mythical prince from a painting. Zhan even scolded him a little, telling him not to go out looking that good....it made Zhan jealous just thinking of others seeing him.
The King's trusted aide, who overheard Zhan's complaints while serving him tea, simply looked away and smiled to himself.
Zhan left their wing to go greet Dowager Ruyan and Dowager Taihou, as protocol demanded. That was when he finally understood why the palace was unusually crowded today. Every regional King had arrived to offer King Yibo their New Year's congratulations. Influential merchants, nobles, and senior officials were also gathering for a luncheon with the King to discuss national matters and solutions.
Zhan suddenly felt a rush of sympathy for Yibo. rulership was truly no easy task. Knowing the King personally, Zhan understood how much he disliked noise and large gatherings; he was probably enduring all of this in discomfort.
Zhan headed first to Dowager Taihou's chambers, surrounded by his attendants and guards. Anyone who laid eyes on him today had to look twice....he was stunning in his richly embroidered attire, glowing with elegance and charm. His pregnancy made him even more radiant; he looked so captivating that anyone would want to whisk him away and hide him.
Everywhere he passed, attendants and guards greeted him with deep respect. Zhan simply smiled warmly at them, a gentle expression that made the people adore him even more. They often said that no one in the palace....aside from Dowager Ruyan...matched his grace and compassion.
Zhan arrived at the quarters of Dowager Taihou, where her relatives had come to visit her. The moment they saw him, their faces brightened. Zhan felt genuinely warm seeing them.... anyone connected to King Yibo held a special place in his heart. They welcomed him with great respect, especially since the message he and King Yibo sent had reached them the previous day.
Most of them had hardly received anything from the palace for years. Kindness felt refreshing, especially coming from the son of their own family member....now the country's ruler. What surprised them most was hearing that the gifts Zhan delivered had also been sent on behalf of King Yibo. That alone confirmed things had truly changed.
Dowager Taihou only smiled lightly, though inside she was still irritated, remembering what Zhan had done the previous day. When Zhan greeted her politely, she returned the greeting reluctantly, aware that her siblings were all watching. But her heart simmered with annoyance....watching the others shower Zhan with praise for his generosity and blessing him for bringing good fortune to their family's ruler felt unbearable to her.
Meanwhile, her relatives were genuinely happy to see Zhan among them. Some even embraced him so tightly. Zhan only kept smiling shyly, lowering his gaze.
He stayed with them for about an hour before excusing himself, promising that later he would send for them so they could dine with the King. This final statement filled them with even more excitement.... some of them had not seen Yibo since before he left the country. And some were siblings of Dowager Taihou herself, sharing the same father and mother. Their laughter and blessings filled the room while Jasrah continued telling stories about Zhan's kindness.
Their eldest sister, whom they called Badiha, spoke happily:
"To be honest, what pleases me the most is that Zhan is expecting a child. It means our family line will finally continue with fortune and joy."
Everyone instantly turned to stare at her.
Dowager Taihou, who had been reclining casually a moment earlier, jerked upright in shock. Jasrah quickly asked,
"Sister.... what child? Who is expecting? You must be confused!"
Badiha only widened her smile and said playfully,
"Well, since you haven't figured it out yet, bring out the gift money first."
Jasrah dropped a stack of crisp notes into her hand eagerly.
"We're listening."
"Well," Badiha continued proudly, "the money is good… but after you hear the news, you'll probably add more. We are about to have a Prince....or Princess....in this palace. It seems the royal consort is carrying a baby."
"WHAT?!"
Their voices overlapped in one loud gasp followed by squeals of excitement.
Even the palace maids were Thrilled....today they had been granted complete freedom to relax unless urgently needed. The Dowager's sitting room became a circle of pure celebration as they all chatted and blessed the future child.
Meanwhile, Dowager Taihou felt something entirely different. A strange heaviness pressed against her chest. Her heartbeat quickened painfully, and her head throbbed as if the room were spinning. She stood abruptly and hurried into her chamber, locking the door.
The moment the lock clicked, she leaned her forehead against the door… and broke down completely. Her sobs came out raw, as if the very breath inside her was trying to escape her body.
None of her relatives noticed her disappearance....they were lost in their joy. Even when the one sister returned, she simply assumed Dowager Taihou had stepped out for fresh air. After all, they all knew her well.... she carried herself with such pride, always acting as if she were the ruler herself, not the King's mother…
Zhan was in the quarters of Dowager Ruyan, hoping to see Wuxia because he had brought something for her. Unfortunately, he was told she had gone out with Prince Deng eldest son, Princ. He stayed for a long while there, chatting comfortably with Momma and Mamy. Princess Chuchu only spoke occasionally, quietly not enjoying his company.
:-*:-*:-*:-
The rumor about Zhan being pregnant....spread by Dowager Taihou's relatives....had already traveled far across the palace. Within minutes, small celebrations began popping up everywhere. What Zhan and King Yibo didn't know was that the palace was buzzing because of them. They were still wrapped up in each other, fully relaxed, completely unaware of the chaos their supposed "good news" was causing outside.
In no time, the rumor spread through every corner of the palace....some people filled with joy, while others went into panic and confusion, especially those who never expected such a thing to happen.
Inside another private chamber…
"It's time you bring up this wedding matter, Chuchu," Dowager Cixi said sharply after listening to Chuchu's complaints.
Chuchu, who was already stressed from everything happening around Wuxia, exhaled heavily.
"You're right, Cixi. But you know how firm Momma is. And Dannen always acts like she prefers that boy Zhan more than Wuxia. How do you expect this to go smoothly?"
"There is only one way," Dowager Cixi replied. "We need Prince Tanga, Prince Hizur, and Prince Aoying involved. They are the elders of this palace. Even though King Yibo is the ruler, he still respects them deeply as his Uncles. And in every marriage arrangement before, they were always the ones Momma consulted....especially alongside Deng."
"You're right," Chuchu admitted. "That's a good idea. When do we meet them?"
"Immediately. No dragging feet. Let's ask for a private meeting with them today."
(Well… Zhan, brace yourself. Your jealous rivals are coming 😝😢)
Dowager Cixi and Chuchu later met with Prince Aoying with others Uncles and explained everything. He didn't give a definite answer, knowing how impossible it would be for King Yibo to marry anyone else now. Prince Hizur told them to allow them to speak with Momma first, and also to wait for Prince Tanga, who was returning from South Africa the next day. After that, they all dispersed.
While all these discussions were happening…
Zhan was busy accompanying Dowager Taihou's relatives as they went to greet King Yibo, who had just come down from the second floor. The King was genuinely happy to see them....he had never spent time with them like this, not even back when he was only a prince, let alone now as the nation's ruler.
Their joy was obvious in their faces. They were delighted to see King Yibo relax with them and share a bit of conversation, even if only briefly. But what struck them most was how respectfully he treated them....and how his eyes kept drifting back to Zhan no matter where he stood.
After spending nearly an hour and a half with them, the group finally excused themselves…
The Christmas and happy new year celebration continued, and visitors kept coming to greet the King. Meanwhile, Dowager Taihou was in complete disarray. Jasrah, who stayed close to her, could barely understand what was happening.
She had called Cao several times until she was exhausted, but Cao still refused to come. Everything around Dowager Taihou seemed to fall apart. By the third night of Christmas, a doctor had to check on her. Jasrah remained silent about the real problem....terrified of small whispers spreading.
By the fourth morning, rumors of the court trial returning had reached everyone. Many people were filled with worry, afraid that once things were exposed with Prince Deng, and Langya's... Their own secrets would be dragged into the light as well.
THE COURT
The courtroom was packed....so full it was almost unbelievable. For the first time since the trial began, all the young men Zhan had once gathered around, Prince Aoying arrived with them together as a united group. Something they had never done before.
Even the number of palace women and men attending had increased. The hall was overflowing.
That day, Zhan walked in with more confidence than usual. King Yibo had actually arrived before him.... something rare.... because Zhan usually came first. Everyone stared at him, even the King's entourage behind tinted glasses.
Inside, King Yibo could only shake his head at this troublesome "baby" of his. Zhan had finished preparing earlier but run to Momma quarters then ended up rushing to the court and arriving after him.
After entering the courtroom, Zhan stopped by to greet Dowager Ruyan and the women with her. Dowager Taihou was there as well, looking shockingly pale, her mind clearly shaken. Strangely, she was even wearing eyeglasses today....an obvious sign she was hiding something.
She lifted her hand stiffly at Zhan instead of responding properly to his greeting, Zhan shrugged and slid away with his usual sharp walk.
Once the hall quieted, Deng and Langya were brought in. They looked terribly drained and thin. There were no beatings or harsh treatment, but the fear and despair they had forced Zhan into earlier now returned to them, magnified. Their time in the dark prison cell had broken them.
Whispers began rising around the courtroom until the guards silenced them. Consort Xuan Ji kept her face covered with a veil, clearly anxious. Her parents were present too....her father had come early in the morning hoping to speak to King Yibo about her case, but he had not been granted an audience.
When the courtroom settled again, Prince Yuhui read the updated charges:
"We are continuing the case of Deng, who fed deadly poison into the milk intended for the King through male royal consort. In the previous session, the court allowed the defense to bring their spiritual man to the next hearing.
However, due to the recent discovery of a second incident involving Langya and Consort Xuan Ji....an incident unveiled while they shared a prison cell with Deng....new evidence has surfaced. These matters must be heard before we proceed further, should His Majesty permit it?."
King Yibo raised his hand in calm approval.
Prince Yuhui bowed gratefully, then turned to the head of royal security.
The chief of security stood. Deng and Langya looked at each other in panic... they knew exactly what disgraceful secrets were about to be revealed, the shame they inflicted on each other in the cell, the confessions, the accusations, the chaos.
Zhan slowly let out a soft, knowing smile.
And by coincidence....or perhaps fate....both Deng and Langya turned their eyes toward him at the same exact moment…
It felt as if someone had called their souls to look at him.
😂 Honestly, Zhan is a virus. Once he enters their lives, chaos follows! 😆🚴🚴🚴🚴
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛