After Scheming Against the Enemy Nation’s Emperor, I Got Pregnant Chapter 70

Xiao Yun held Xie Caiqing close, and Xie Caiqing returned the embrace—warmer, this time.

In another way.

A rare and perfect harmony, as if destined by heaven and earth.

A delicate balance on the verge of collapse.

Too little, and it would be dull and lonely; too much, and it would be unbearable.

As if a single snowflake landing could shatter it all.

Their hair tangled together, eyes meeting. Xie Caiqing froze, then slowly processed what he had just heard. His heart rippled violently.

Xiao Yun… wanted to marry him?

The moment that thought surfaced, Xie Caiqing felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity and unreality, like he was adrift in a vast, desolate sea where identity meant nothing anymore.

His ears rang with emptiness. A mist clouded his vision—he couldn’t see what lay ahead, but he could guess: darkness, coldness.

Yet the man before him still wore that teasing smile, the kind that made one’s face flush and ears burn. The only candle in the room cast a warm, lingering glow.

How could he want to marry him?

Xiao Yun used the pad of his thumb to gently wipe away the lingering tears from Xie Caiqing’s cheek. His voice was deep: “I asked you something. Don’t just focus on feeling good. If you promise me, there’ll be plenty more of this. I’ll take care of you properly.”

His touch was both affectionate and tender.

It was as if he had two faces—one playful, used to lure prey into his trap and make them lose themselves briefly; the other vicious, used to draw lines in the sand and trap the prey forever, so they’d never dare defy him again, completely devoted.

Whether it was tenderness or cruelty—it was all just a means to an end.

Xie Caiqing was momentarily dazed. His eyes gradually cleared. The storm within him settled into calm once more.

He was Jiang Huaichu, brother of Jiang Huaiyi.

A man of Nanruo.

He had come to Xiao Yun only for a child, nothing more.

Xiao Yun was the enemy.

The person he liked was the gentle, obedient “Xie Caiqing”—not the cold, calculating Jiang Huaichu.

He couldn’t afford to lose himself.

Words said in bed couldn’t be trusted.

If Xiao Yun ever found out who he really was, what awaited him wouldn’t be promises—but blades. This man, at his core, was ruthless.

Xiao Yun’s brow furrowed suddenly.

There it was again.

That inexplicable sense of distance, of aloofness, of cold indifference.

Like… someone just like him.

A shadow passed over his heart. A gut feeling made him restless. Even as Xie Caiqing feigned a soft “Mm” in response, it no longer carried a lover’s docile affection, but something entirely different—almost like defiance.

As if something wanted to tear through and break free.

Strangely, neither of them said another word after that.

That promise… seemed to vanish like mist.

Outside the door, Yin Xian listened nervously. Even someone as reserved and stoic as the top scholar had been reduced to sobbing and crying out like that—His Majesty really was too insatiable.

Poor top scholar—he probably wouldn’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow.

…

The next morning, Xie Caiqing was still fast asleep.

Xiao Yun was already dressed, sitting by the bedside, finger pressed to his lips, staring at him for a long time.

At times, his brow was tightly furrowed, his eyes cold and dark. At others, they softened and his lips curled into a foolish smile. This cycle repeated again and again—until even Xiao Yun seemed to realize how deranged he was acting. He leaned down to kiss Xie Caiqing’s swollen, reddened lips, then glanced at the marks on his neck—anyone could tell at a glance what had happened.

He slapped his forehead. What the h*ll was I doing last night?

Went too far again.

At the door, Yin Xian was peeking in anxiously.

It was time for court—to welcome the Emperor of Nanruo.

After that came a long, extravagant banquet.

Xiao Yun took Xie Caiqing’s hand—pale and smooth like jade—and kissed it from fingertip to palm, leaving it glistening with saliva. Only then did he instruct the servants to take good care of him and finally rose to leave with Yin Xian.

….

The sun was already high when Xie Caiqing slowly opened his eyes.

His eyelids were so swollen, they could barely open. He sat up slowly with one hand on the bedframe.

Fu An, waiting at the side, immediately stepped forward with a cup of warm water. “Please soothe your throat, Top Scholar,” he said gently.

Xie Caiqing accepted it with a faint smile. His clothes had already been changed—Xiao Yun had always dressed him personally, knowing he disliked being touched by others.

After taking a sip and handing the cup back, Xie Caiqing lifted the covers to get out of bed, but his legs gave out beneath him. Fu An caught him just in time, preventing a fall.

Fu An cleared his throat.

Xie Caiqing’s face was flushed, and feeling gradually returned to his body—though his limbs were still sore and weak.

He suddenly furrowed his brows.

There was a faint discomfort in his abdomen—a prickling pain, not enough to hinder normal movement.

Before he could think further, Fu An smiled and said, “His Majesty was supposed to receive the Emperor of Nanruo today, and all court officials were required to attend. However, His Majesty has specially excused you from the banquet. Just rest well.”

Xie Caiqing snapped to full alert.

His imperial brother.

He had to go.

Although his brother had calmed down last night, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t lose his temper upon seeing Xiao Yun. Xiao Yun had no idea, and with his frivolous, roguish nature, he was bound to look down on his brother—and wouldn’t take Nanruo seriously either. If he started making flirty remarks or veiled insults toward his brother, things could turn ugly. His brother already loathed him—he practically wanted him dead now…

No. That wouldn’t do.

The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. If those two clashed, it would be a disaster. His brother was hard and unyielding, a man who would rather die than be humiliated. Xiao Yun, on the other hand, was brash and ruthless—the kind of person who could roll up his sleeves and brawl right on the court floor…

Xie Caiqing’s heart raced with growing dread. He ordered his servant to prepare the carriage, hastily changed into his outer robe, and despite Fu An’s anxious protests, forced himself out of the residence, his steps slightly unsteady from the lingering discomfort.

…

By the time he reached the palace, the banquet was already over. The officials had dispersed, and only palace maids and eunuchs remained, tidying up the aftermath.

A few beautiful palace maids lingered nearby, chatting excitedly.

“Oh my god, Nan Huaiyi and His Majesty—seeing both of them at once, I could die happy!”

“I thought Nanruo was some backward barbaric land, but they’re not at all like that… They’re all so handsome—and cultured too!”

“Of course not,” a maid replied smugly. “Nanruo may have fewer people and less land, but on average, they’re wealthier than our commoners. Their royal line has passed down for seven or eight hundred years, living in peace and nurturing their people. Life’s good there. Before our Emperor took the throne, many poor folks from the border used to sneak into Nanruo. It’s only gotten better these last few years—our Great Ning has more troops, but in other aspects, we’re still catching up.”

“Wow, you know so much.”

A maid nearby lowered her voice and asked, “So, who do you like better—His Majesty, or Nan Huaiyi…?”

All the maids blushed.

“Nan Huaiyi is handsome, sure, but he’s got such a cold temper—always with that stone face. I’d rather have the top scholar. He’s just as good-looking, but gentle and approachable.”

“I like cold and aloof. But I love His Majesty,” another maid blushed deeply. “Nan Huaiyi’s too stiff and serious. His Majesty is different—he’s fun, and he knows how to care for someone…”

“Exactly! His Majesty’s so generous and indulgent—he treats people like treasures.”

As their hearts fluttered mid-conversation, they suddenly caught sight of a graceful, refined figure approaching—the top scholar himself—and immediately fell silent.

Xie Caiqing asked gently, “Where has His Majesty gone?”

Now a favored courtier, outranking even the Commander, none of the maids dared show any disrespect. They eagerly stepped forward to point him in the right direction.

Xie Caiqing thanked them with a warm smile.

That direction—Xiao Yun must have returned to the sleeping quarters.

Xie Caiqing set off that way. Behind him, the palace maids whispered among themselves.

“Don’t you think the top scholar has… changed recently?”

“Changed how?”

“I can’t quite put my finger on it…” The maid scratched her head. “He just seems more… alluring somehow.”

“Hahaha, you’ve got a crush, haven’t you?”

“But seriously! It’s like… my heart flutters when I look at him. He seems more confident now… more charming… It’s hard to explain, but something’s different.”

“Right? Right?!”

…

By the time Xie Caiqing reached the imperial garden, he was already feeling drained. Lately, he tired easily—he was becoming more and more delicate. It left him feeling helpless.

The longer he walked, the more the discomfort below stirred. Eunuchs and maids passed by from time to time, and Xie Caiqing walked on with clenched teeth, face flushed, forcing himself to maintain a composed façade—trying not to look any different from usual.

Not far off, a group of eunuchs were following a man dressed in white robes trimmed with gold through the garden. Xie Caiqing immediately recognized the figure and tensed—he tried to avoid being seen, but Jiang Huaiyi was already striding toward him. Curious glances turned their way.

With nowhere to hide, Xie Caiqing had no choice but to bow and greet Jiang Huaiyi, meeting his brother’s unfathomable gaze with every muscle taut.

Having been by his brother’s side for more than ten years, he could read every nuance in his body language and expression.

That look in his brother’s eyes—it was furious.

Clearly, Xiao Yun must’ve provoked him during the banquet.

Xie Caiqing bowed deeply. But the emperor of Nanruo didn’t bid him rise—he only stared coldly.

On one side stood the monarch of a neighboring state, on the other, His Majesty’s favored courtier. Everyone knew Jiang Huaiyi had once slighted Xie Caiqing at the Ministry of Rites. A eunuch quickly tried to smooth things over. “This is the new top scholar. His Majesty values him greatly.”

He was hinting, hoping Jiang Huaiyi would show restraint for the sake of appearances. But the word “values” seemed to strike a nerve—Jiang Huaiyi’s face briefly twisted with mockery, rage, and heartbreak before settling into cool detachment. “You may rise.”

Xie Caiqing let out a silent breath of relief and began to straighten, but a wave of discomfort made him sway. Jiang Huaiyi caught his arm to steady him.

Xie Caiqing’s heart pounded; his hand clenched.

“Your humble servant takes his leave—”

“Walk with me, top scholar,” Jiang Huaiyi interrupted. “I’ve never seen these flowers in Nanruo. Tell me a bit about them.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.” Xie Caiqing forced the words out.

If his brother was insisting on keeping him, he must have something to say.

The nearby eunuchs relaxed.

“You all stay back a bit and take a rest,” Jiang Huaiyi said coolly. “I don’t like crowds following me around.”

The eunuchs nodded. Their own emperor also disliked being surrounded.

Everyone had been searched upon entry—Nanruo’s emperor wouldn’t dare harm the top scholar. After all, he was now the guest here.

As the attendants withdrew, the garden fell quiet, leaving just the two of them. Xie Caiqing maintained a dignified appearance as he stood beside Jiang Huaiyi, introducing the plants.

Suddenly, Jiang Huaiyi asked coldly, “Was he at your place last night?”

Xie Caiqing’s whole body trembled. “…No.”

Jiang Huaiyi suddenly grabbed his wrist. Startled, Xie Caiqing didn’t have time to struggle before Jiang Huaiyi had already lifted his sleeve.

Xie Caiqing froze.

His slender, pale arm was covered in faint red marks, like plum blossoms falling on snow.

Jiang Huaiyi clenched his fist tightly and took a deep breath. “Jiang Huaichu, you’ve even learned how to lie.”

Xie Caiqing’s heart was in chaos. He tried hard to maintain a calm facade, terrified someone might see him tangling with Jiang Huaiyi like this. He lowered his voice, “…I was wrong.”

He pleaded with his eyes for Jiang Huaiyi to let go, but Jiang Huaiyi, on the verge of losing control, growled, “I’m your elder brother. You think I can’t tell something’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with your leg? Does it hurt?”

Xie Caiqing’s face instantly flushed crimson. He wished he could disappear into the ground.

“You’re still carrying a child, and he treats you like this?!”

Xie Caiqing’s expression turned stiff. He thought bitterly, One lie really does require countless more to cover it up. “…He—he doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t know, so you just let it happen? Or did he force you? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him? Otherwise, how could you still let him touch you at a time like this? Have you no sense of self-respect? Is this how I raised you?!”

Xie Caiqing: “…”

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