After all, he was still a guest—and on his old ancestor’s territory. He couldn’t act entirely without restraint.
For the rest of the journey, the temperature around Xiao Yun dropped to freezing. Anyone near him might have been chilled to death. His handsome face was dark as a thundercloud, like he might leap up and bite someone at any moment.
Xie Zhe barely managed to hold back his laughter, pretending nothing had happened. “How could someone be more honored than His Majesty?”
He was truly confused. Everyone knew about the relationship between the old master of Miluo Manor and the Great Ning Emperor. With that token, no servant should’ve failed to recognize Xiao Yun’s identity.
The emperor of the greatest nation under heaven, and the great-grandson of the old master—such a status, yet that attendant didn’t even hesitate and let the other side go first?
Even though this was Nanruo territory, Nanruo and the Miluo Manor had been on friendly terms for years. Even if the Nanruo emperor came, Xiao Yun would definitely still have precedence.
So what kind of status and seniority could completely overshadow Xiao Yun?
Xiao Yun snapped, “D*mn it, shut up.”
Xie Zhe asked, “Your Majesty, do you have any siblings or elders?”
Xiao Yun chuckled, not quite smiling: “Used to have a lot.”
“…,” Xie Zhe felt a chill run down his spine. “Not from Your Majesty’s side, then… from the old master’s?”
Xiao Yun let out a snort of laughter: “Who knows, maybe the old man finally got enlightened in his old age and spoiled himself with a young and pretty wife.”
Xie Zhe: “…”
“Whatever,” Xiao Yun said impatiently, “we came here to find Xie Caiqing.”
…
Xiao Yun and Xie Zhe ascended to the Miluo Manor.
Miluo Manor sat atop Mount Miluo, the tallest mountain in Nanruo, towering five or six li high. The temperature at the top of the mountain was much cooler than at the foot. In this season, it was unbearably hot down below, but up here the wind was comfortable and pleasant.
The mountaintop was shrouded in mist year-round, and the manor nestled within looked like a celestial paradise.
Led respectfully by attendants, Xiao Yun finally drew close to the manor and saw many servants climbing ladders to hang red lanterns along the eaves and beams. He paused, glanced sideways at Xie Zhe, and grinned.
Could it be he had guessed right? The old man had really taken a young wife? Then he’d have to give way after all.
Xiao Yun cleared his throat and asked with false solemnity, “Is there a celebration going on?”
The elderly servant, who had served Xiao Yun many years ago, didn’t act overly formal and chuckled, “Wangye is getting married in a few days. Everyone is busy preparing for it.”
“Wangye?” Xiao Yun was briefly stunned. “Duan Wang? The emperor’s younger brother?”
The old servant nodded.
“But I remember he hasn’t even come of age yet?”
Would that old stick-in-the-mud Jiang Huaiyi really allow this?
The old servant sighed, “There was no choice.”
“What do you mean?”
The old servant explained helplessly, “His Highness Duan Wang has been stationed at the border for years and rarely returns to the capital. That kind of place is no place for a lady. If His Highness waits a few more years to marry, it’ll be even harder for him to return. Better to marry young, while he still can spend a year or two in the capital with his Wangfei. If she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a little Wangye, His Majesty will be truly at ease. In a couple more years, when Duan Wang reaches the age to fully take on responsibilities, His Majesty won’t have any reason to keep him close. Besides, with the dangers of the border… should anything happen…”
The old servant stopped himself and didn’t finish.
Xiao Yun nodded. “So that’s how it is.”
He had missed his chance too.
Though he’d been busy in his teens, it wasn’t as bad as now. But no one had urged him to marry back then. Then the wars came, and he hadn’t had a moment’s rest. He didn’t even have the energy to spare for such matters. Returning to the capital became a fantasy, and his heart drifted far from thoughts of settling down.
As he followed the old servant inside, he asked offhandedly, “He’s a Wangye, right? Why didn’t the emperor hold a grand wedding at the palace? Why do it here at Miluo?”
The old servant laughed, “It’s too hot in Nanruo’s capital. They didn’t want to tire the Wangye and Wangfei with a huge affair in that heat. So they’re holding a small ancestral ceremony at the palace, and the grand wedding will be here at Miluo. Since Miluo has ties with powerful figures across many countries, and Duan Wang has close friendships with many of them, it’s easier for them to come here than go to the capital. Invitations have already been sent, and many guests will arrive over the next few days to attend the wedding and offer their congratulations.”
Xiao Yun clicked his tongue, “Quite the show.”
He knew Duan Wang had a good relationship with the old man.
But he himself was the emperor of Great Ning—when it came time for his own marriage, he couldn’t lose to some small nation’s prince. It would have to be a grand spectacle: drums and trumpets, feasts stretching for miles, general amnesty, a massive event known across the land.
He would send wedding invitations to all the monarchs—whoever didn’t send a generous gift would get a beating.
The whole world would come to celebrate, tributes from all directions. He’d be the envy of all, marrying a beauty of unparalleled grace…
The more he thought about it, the more he smiled. Xiao Yun finally snapped back to reality and turned to Xie Zhe. “I don’t think we received an invitation.”
Xie Zhe nodded to confirm.
The old servant said, “Great Ning’s capital is quite far—there wasn’t enough time to get the invitations there before the wedding. But since you’ve arrived, of course we’ll send one now. I’ll write it up and bring it to you shortly. If you’re free, you’re very welcome to attend.”
Xiao Yun nodded perfunctorily. It wasn’t his business anyway. He was here to find Xie Caiqing.
Once they were inside, the old servant said apologetically, “The old master went out this morning to collect herbs on the mountainside. He should be back by dusk. You might have to wait a little while.”
Xiao Yun looked at the sky—dusk was no more than an hour away. He waved his hand. “It’s fine, I’ll take a walk around.”
…
Meanwhile, on the other side, Jiang Huaichu was being supported by Taifei as they walked through a long corridor.
Worried for his health, Taifei had chased after him on horseback to watch over him, afraid he’d exhaust himself without supervision.
All the servants they passed smiled and greeted him warmly, their fondness obvious in their eyes. Jiang Huaichu returned each greeting with a faint smile and nod.
Only a few people knew he was pregnant: his older brother, Taifei, the old Master, and Ru Shi. No one else had been informed.
Even when his older brother had visited Northern Ning earlier, it had been under the pretext of travel. The ministers had no idea of the real reason.
Jiang Huaichu had secretly gone to Northern Ning himself, leaving someone disguised with a human-skin mask to take his place at the border. As far as others knew, Duan Wang had never left the frontlines.
The day he faced off against Xiao Yun outside the city, the witnesses had all been loyal death warriors—no fear of exposure.
He had used his real face in Northern Ning, but here in Nanruo, since he had grown up at Miluo and studied poison under the Poison Immortal, who had many enemies, he was worried about implicating himself. Add to that his striking appearance and special identity—it was too risky. So he learned poison with his real face but wore a mask when returning to the capital as Duan Wang. This way, Jiang Huaichu and Xie Caiqing were kept completely separate.
This way, if anything were to happen, it would be Xie Caiqing who would be implicated, not Jiang Huaichu, and certainly not the royal family of Nanruo. By disguising himself, he could also escape more easily in the event of an accident.
The human-skin mask had been personally crafted by his master. It was as thin as a cicada’s wing and adhered closely to the skin. Wearing it, one could barely feel its existence, and it had no adverse effects on the body. Even while pregnant, it caused no harm.
The maids in the corridor were sticking red paper cuttings on the windows, and the entire estate was brimming with festive joy. Taifei said, “Living together here really is nice. The weather is hot, but it’s cool here. Yan Er is also a gentle and sensible girl—she definitely won’t bother you.”
Jiang Huaichu said nothing.
Taifei once again had no idea what he was thinking. In truth, she completely didn’t understand the young Wangye’s attitude toward the marriage.
She sighed. “Your imperial brother is doing this for your own good. He may be a bit forceful, but don’t hold it against him…”
The moment the young Wangye returned to the capital, his imperial brother gave him two choices: either terminate the pregnancy and continue being the chaste and noble Duan Wang, or get married—give the child legitimacy and preserve his own reputation.
The young Wangye refused to give up the child, so his imperial brother arranged the marriage for him.
“I know,” Jiang Huaichu replied.
Taifei said softly, “This is for the child’s sake. You love it so much…”
“I know,” he said again.
“She’s a good girl,” Taifei added.
Jiang Huaichu looked slightly fatigued. “I know.”
Taifei whispered, “She has someone she loves, and she’s waited until this age. If she doesn’t marry now, she might not be able to at all. You’re left with no choice either, so don’t feel burdened. As long as things appear fine on the surface, that’s enough. The two of you have been close for years. If it comes to it, just treat each other like siblings…”
“I know.”
Jiang Huaichu’s voice was as clear as a spring. His tone was straightforward and resolute, each word precise and clean.
Taifei wasn’t stupid—this repeated “I know” was no different from a perfunctory “Read” on a memorial. It simply meant “I acknowledge it,” with no expression of emotion—no joy, no anger.
And that was the most unsettling thing of all.
She sighed inwardly. From the silent Ru Shi behind her, she took a cloak and gently draped it over Jiang Huaichu’s shoulders.
He pulled the cloak around himself and looked down at his belly. Fortunately, walking normally still didn’t make anything obvious.
Thanks to the poison master’s family, he himself also had some medical knowledge. While not a master, it was sufficient.
The benefit was that he didn’t need to have a physician constantly with him. The fewer people who knew, the fewer complications.
He could monitor the child’s condition on his own.
The little one, although protruding more than an average child, was growing well—neither too fast nor too slow, just right. Even after vomiting for so many days, he was still able to keep up his nutrition. Amidst all the chaos, this was one of the most comforting and important things.
He didn’t know how much longer he could keep it hidden. When the time came, he would have to retreat to the back mountain of Miluo to rest in seclusion, unseen by others.
That would be in about half a month.
Half a year of isolation—it would feel endless.
And the little thing wasn’t obedient, either.
Jiang Huaichu scolded silently in his heart, but a faint, tender smile unconsciously spread across his lips.
His temples throbbed with pain—he had long since gotten used to it. Brow furrowed, he raised his hand and gently rubbed them, but in doing so, his vision suddenly blurred.
…
Elsewhere, Xiao Yun was lazily leaning against a large pillar, holding the piece of rice paper he’d been doodling on earlier in his sleeping quarters. He was musing over the two red circles he’d drawn with cinnabar ink when he suddenly heard flustered voices nearby.
He frowned and looked up from the paper. “Xie Zhe, did you hear that?”
Xie Zhe nodded.
Something must have happened over there.
Xiao Yun thought he had nothing better to do anyway and decided to head over and see.
He hadn’t walked far when a dignified, middle-aged beauty came rushing out from around the corner. In her haste, she collided directly into Xiao Yun, who was striding toward the noise. He caught her arm and steadied her. “What happened?”
The man’s voice above was low and lazy, but oddly familiar. Taifei didn’t think much of it at first, panicked and pale. Her voice trembled: “My…”
She looked up—and the moment she saw the man’s face, her whole body trembled. Her knees buckled, as though she’d seen a ghost.
Xiao Yun was baffled. Am I that terrifying? Or just too handsome?
He knew the woman must be in a hurry and didn’t crack any jokes. He asked seriously, “What happened?”
“I came to find the old master of the villa…” Taifei said anxiously.
“He went out to gather herbs earlier today and hasn’t returned yet,” Xiao Yun replied crisply.
The woman’s face turned ashen in an instant.
Xiao Yun’s voice deepened: “What is it? Someone’s fallen ill? I know a bit of medicine…”
Taifei’s heart was in chaos. She looked at Xiao Yun, hesitated for a few seconds, then gritted her teeth and seized this lifeline: “M-my… lady is pregnant, and suddenly fainted. I’m afraid… afraid…”
Xiao Yun glanced back at Xie Zhe, giving him a look—serious and composed. He nodded firmly: “I’ll come take a look.”
…
Taifei led Xiao Yun into the house. Just as Ru Shi had finished laying Jiang Huaichu on the bed and turned around, he saw who was behind her.
His expression changed instantly.
His hand immediately gripped the dagger hidden in his sleeve. He looked toward Taifei for a sign. Seeing no better option, she reluctantly gave him a small nod. Right now, the priority was the young Wangye and the child—nothing else mattered.
Ru Shi forced himself to put the dagger away, expression unchanged, turning his back like nothing had happened.
Taifei jogged into the inner room and pulled over a stool for Xiao Yun to sit by the bed.
White gauzy curtains were layered over the bed.
In Great Ning, decorum and reputation were taken very seriously. High-born families strictly upheld gender boundaries: women must never show their faces in public, and men must never act inappropriately.
Xiao Yun sat down, eyes straight ahead.
Taifei, sitting by the bed, stared at Xiao Yun, took a deep breath, hesitated two seconds, and finally reached into the curtains and pulled out Jiang Huaichu’s left hand.
The arm that emerged was slender and smooth, skin pale and lustrous, the lines graceful. The bones of the wrist were distinct, the fingers clean and delicate, free of calluses—entirely natural in their elegance. It was clearly the hand of someone pampered and refined.
Even just from the hand, one could imagine the face must be stunningly beautiful.
Xiao Yun didn’t glance at it even once, showing no interest in probing further. He lightly placed two fingers on the wrist to feel the pulse.
Taifei’s heart jumped to her throat.
Xiao Yun remained silent.
Taifei’s lips turned pale. “Is something wrong with him?”
Xiao Yun let go of the hand and asked, “She is your lady?”
“…Yes.” Taifei’s voice trembled.
Xiao Yun smiled. “It’s nothing serious. She’s just pregnant and has been overworking lately. She’s not eating much and hasn’t been resting well. I’ll prescribe something to help her recover—she’ll be fine in a few days.”
Taifei still stared at him anxiously.
“Don’t worry, the child is very healthy, and her pulse is strong. She’ll be fine too.”
Taifei finally let out a long breath of relief. “When will she wake up?”
Xiao Yun said, “She’ll wake up soon.”
Taifei was finally at ease.
Xiao Yun stood up and casually asked, “Where is her husband?”
“…” Taifei replied, “At home. He didn’t come.”
“He should spend more time with her. At this stage, the fetus is stable. Take her out for walks and fun. Being pregnant makes emotions unstable—she might overthink, lose sleep. As long as she’s cared for more, everything will be fine. Don’t let her do any more work.”
Taifei felt a wave of complex emotions. If Xiao Yun hadn’t mentioned it, she wouldn’t have even known the little Wangye was having trouble sleeping.
Xiao Yun continued, “Let everything else go. If you don’t spoil her now, when will you?”
Taifei glanced at Xiao Yun. “…Alright.”
“I’ll go prepare the medicine.” Xiao Yun turned to leave.
“Wait, in my house…” Taifei regretted speaking up as soon as the words left her mouth. Xiao Yun looked back, so she had no choice but to stammer, “That is, my lady… the baby isn’t very obedient. Even at this stage, it’s still making trouble. She still gags in the morning. Is there anything that can help?”
Xiao Yun, completely inexperienced in this, figured since pregnancy was a joyful thing, he might as well joke. “Just have the father spank it a little.”
“…” Taifei was silent for a long time. Under Xiao Yun’s increasingly puzzled gaze, she said calmly, “I understand. Thank you, young master.”
…
After scribbling out the prescription with wild strokes, Xiao Yun came out of the room looking somewhat distracted.
Xie Zhe thought: Surely he hasn’t fallen for another man’s wife?
“What’s wrong?”
Xiao Yun was silent for a few seconds, then coughed. “It’s kind of awkward.”
Xie Zhe’s curiosity was piqued. “What happened?”
“When I touched her wrist and felt the pregnancy pulse, my heart skipped a beat. You know? Like I was suddenly excited for no reason.”
No this is too funny lol