TFSRITA Chapter 183

It was also because Xu Chengxiao had used the brothel for immoral purposes and didn’t dare tell the Emperor, so he couldn’t explain the situation. Everyone, seeing it as a prime opportunity, became envious of the brothel’s wealth, and they all attacked. Not only did Cuihong House fail to reopen, but it also fell apart.

Xu Chengxiao was in a state of panic, and as a result, he neglected Yan Yue even more, causing their relationship to stagnate.

One blow landed, and Xu Chengxiao secretly allied with the First Prince to deal with the Third Prince. The three of them fought vigorously, while Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun quietly bided their time at home.

Half a year had passed since the Duke of Pingwu went to war, and the New Year was approaching.

The weather was cold. Even when practicing martial arts, Yan Qing wore thicker clothes, and she seemed to have gained a bit of weight.

The young man practicing martial arts with her—oh no, he should now be referred to as a young man—had undergone rapid development through years of training. His once delicate features had transformed into the stature of a strong, confident man. His face remained as clear and bright as ever, but his skin had darkened. His features had sharpened, his cheeks more defined, and muscles had begun to develop, making his sharp eyebrows appear even more fierce.

At that moment, he was throwing punches with great intensity.

After months of sparring, Yan Qing’s movements were crisp and agile. With a slight block, she quickly shifted her position and lifted her leg to strike.

Of course, Ji Jiaxun wasn’t easy to defeat. He swiftly dodged, then attacked from another angle.

Suddenly, Yan Qing felt a sharp pain in her stomach, causing her movement to stop. She failed to block the punch.

Seeing the punch coming toward her, she braced herself for impact, only for it to stop just before contact.

“Whew…” Yan Qing let out a slow breath, feeling her legs weaken as she clutched her stomach, about to fall.

Ji Jiaxun quickly caught her and asked urgently, “Where do you feel pain? Xiao Liuzi, go find Dr. Jiang!”

“Yes!” Xiao Liuzi hurried off.

Yan Qing furrowed her brows as she lay in Ji Jiaxun’s arms, confused, still clutching her stomach. “My stomach suddenly hurt, but now it’s better?”

“Ah?” Ji Jiaxun was momentarily stunned.

Still, he carefully picked her up and carried her back to the house.

Yan Qing looked down with a strange expression, her hands rubbing her belly as if she had realized something and a shock filled her heart.

In ancient times, there were no birth control methods, and Ji Jiaxun was in his prime, overflowing with energy.

As she was thinking, the doctor who had been assigned to the Princess’s residence arrived.

After taking her pulse, the doctor smiled. “Congratulations, Young Master and Young Madam. You’re expecting.”

Ji Jiaxun, who had anxiously leaned in, eagerly looked at the doctor. “What do you mean?”

“Expecting?”

“What kind of ‘expecting’?”

While he was still confused, Dr. Jiang laughed, “Naturally, Young Master is going to be a father.”

Ji Jiaxun: “?!!!”

His eyes widened suddenly, sparkling with joy, as he eagerly looked at Yan Qing, waiting for her response.

However, Yan Qing had a complicated expression, staring blankly.

Xiao Liuzi, knowing that this couple could not focus on anything else at that moment, politely escorted the doctor out and left them to talk.

Ji Jiaxun looked at his wife’s expression, and the immense joy he felt suddenly turned into unease. He anxiously took her hand, and once he felt some reassurance, he gently asked, “What’s wrong?”

Awakened by his familiar voice, Yan Qing came to her senses and looked up at his handsome face. She smiled, suppressing her anxiety. She gently tugged on his face, pulling his cheeks to the sides as she teased, “This is my first time being a mother, and I’m a bit scared. Plus, your mother isn’t here to teach me what to do.”

Ji Jiaxun immediately understood. He leaned in to hold her tightly, gently patting her back to comfort her. “It’s okay. Your mother’s here, right? Should we go stay at the Prime Minister’s residence? Once your parents are back, we’ll return.”

“Sure.” Yan Qing snuggled into his chest, closing her eyes, but her mind wandered. She wondered when the good news—or perhaps the bad news—would arrive.

According to the plot, the Duke of Pingwu should have died long ago, but this time, he didn’t. Although they couldn’t obtain any information, Yan Qing still held on to a great hope that they might return safely.

Of course, she was also prepared that if something happened, she could leave the capital with Ji Jiaxun immediately.

Although the whole world was the king’s land, it was still ancient times, and there were always places the emperor couldn’t reach. Surviving would be easy.

As for seizing the throne?

Yan Qing hadn’t considered it. If Ji Jiaxun could improve so easily under her guidance in just half a year, she would be a genius.

As for the Fourth Prince, in front of him, he was just another prince. Unless he rebelled, it was unlikely he would make a move on the Emperor at this time.

After thinking through everything, Yan Qing could only hope that whatever the Duke of Pingwu left behind for the Fourth Prince would help in the future when he fought the Third Prince.

As for her, she just needed to keep herself and Ji Jiaxun alive.

The next day, just as they were preparing to pack and go to the Prime Minister’s residence, shocking news arrived.

The Duke and Duchess of Pingwu had tragically died in battle while fighting the rebel forces.

There had been no rebellion or victory reports.

They had merely sacrificed their lives for the country.

The news sent shockwaves through the capital. At first, the citizens couldn’t believe it, but soon they spontaneously began sending the Duke and Duchess off, burning incense, lighting candles, and playing horns. The sounds were nonstop.

Meanwhile, the very people who should have been carrying out these rituals locked themselves in their rooms, refusing to go anywhere. Yan Qing alone could enter, and she remained with him all day without eating or drinking.

No matter how she tried to comfort him, he remained motionless, even unresponsive when she touched places that would normally make him shy. He felt like a lifeless body.

“You’re no use like this…” Yan Qing held him, soothing him gently. “If you want revenge, you need to stay alive.”

Tears fell from Ji Jiaxun’s tightly closed eyes.