As a member of the Royal Family, itâs understandable to care about oneâs reputation, but the breakout of five Earth Realm Stranges is no small matter. If not handled properly, the entire Dazhou could be destroyed. Yet Ji Yunmeng thinks of concealing it.
Prince Zhen Nan doesnât believe Ji Yunmeng is foolish. She surely knows the importance of the matter. This indicates that Ji Yunmeng places her reputation in a very important position.
What does she care about her reputation for as a Princess? Even if the matter leaks and she needs to take the blame, she would at most lose her Commander of the Deceit Suppression Bureau position and revert to being a Princess.
This is why Prince Zhen Nan feels that Ji Yunmeng has grander ambitions. Her ambitions require her to cherish her reputation, otherwise achieving her goals would be very difficult.
Prince Zhen Nan vaguely sensed what Ji Yunmeng aspired to, but he didnât dare to make assumptions. After all, there was no precedent for a woman ascending the throne in Dazhou, not even the current Empress Dowager, who controls the court but nominally manages affairs for the Emperor.
Upon hearing Prince Zhen Nanâs words, Lu Chen thought to himself that his father seemed to have noticed what Ji Yunmeng was up to. Lu Chen didnât continue the topic but instead said, "I understand. I will be on guard against her from now on."
Prince Zhen Nan said, "I hope itâs my misunderstanding."
At that moment, Lu Chen suddenly remembered something and then smiled as he spoke to Prince Zhen Nan, "Father, let me share some good news with you."
Prince Zhen Nan asked, "What good news?"
Lu Chen said, "Qingqing has recently started experiencing morning sickness."
Prince Zhen Nan was stunned. Lu Chen had previously told him that Bai Qingqing might already be pregnant, but Prince Zhen Nan did not believe it. He didnât think two Spirit Martial Artists could conceive in such a short time, though he dearly hoped Bai Qingqing would soon be pregnant to add an heir to the Zhen Nan Prince Manor.
Prince Zhen Nan, coming back to his senses, immediately inquired, "Is this true?"
Lu Chen said, "Itâs true. I told you before that she might already be pregnant, but you didnât believe me."
Prince Zhen Nan hurriedly said, "Quickly call for a doctor to confirm!"
Lu Chen said, "Thereâs no need for now. If the news leaks, it wouldnât be a good thing."
Currently, who knows how many eyes are on Zhen Nan Prince Manor? Initially, those people only targeted him as the Princely Heir. If they knew Bai Qingqing carried his child and that Zhen Nan Prince Manor was about to have new blood, they would spare no effort to harm Bai Qingqingâs unborn child.
Prince Zhen Nan, understanding that Lu Chen wanted to protect Bai Qingqing, didnât say anything further. He believed that Lu Chen, as he is now, should be able to ascertain Bai Qingqingâs pregnancy by feeling her pulse. Even if Lu Chen couldnât confirm it, he could find a chance to have Bai Qingqing visit him for a personal examination to determine pregnancy.
Meanwhile...
Inside Lu Chenâs courtyard...
Bai Qingqing, wearing a plain long dress, sat upright on a stone stool in a pavilion, with a plate of oranges on the stone table before her.
For some unknown reason, sheâs had a craving for sour foods lately. Initially, she didnât realize she was pregnant. Lu Chen had mentioned that she might be carrying his child and had not touched her during this time, but she didnât believe it.
She merely thought Lu Chen had grown tired of her, which is why he left her alone.
However, feeling fatigued and occasionally nauseous over the past few days made Bai Qingqing sense something was amiss.
At that moment, a wave of nausea suddenly rose within her, compelling her to turn her head and retch.
The maid, witnessing this, hurriedly said, "Madam, whatâs wrong? Iâll call the doctor right away."
Bai Qingqing tried to control her body, attempting to suppress the nausea. No matter her efforts, her body instinctively continued to gag.
Moreover, Bai Qingqing sensed a place within her absorbing her spiritual evil. Her spiritual energy circulated more quickly, flowing toward her abdomen.
This is...
By this point, Bai Qingqing realized what was happening.
Just then, Lu Chenâs figure appeared in the courtyard, and he spoke to the maid, "No need to call a doctor."
Hearing Lu Chenâs words, the maid immediately stopped, saying, "Yes, Princely Heir."
Lu Chen hurried to Bai Qingqingâs side, sat on the nearby bench, and smiled as he asked, "See, I wasnât lying to you."
Hearing this, Bai Qingqing felt conflicted and unsure of what to say. She hadnât expected to become a mother so soon.
Seeing Bai Qingqing remain silent, Lu Chen wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her onto his lap, and still, she didnât react.
After a while, Bai Qingqing asked, "What business does the Princess have with you?"
She was aware of Princess Yunâanâs visit to the Prince Manor, and although she wasnât particularly concerned, Lu Chenâs embrace prompted her to find a topic.
Lu Chen didnât answer this question, but instead asked, "Are you jealous?"
Bai Qingqing said expressionlessly, "No."
She wouldnât be jealous of Lu Chen, a notorious flirt. Moreover, she couldnât confirm whether Lu Chen had been possessed by evil forces; she certainly held no affection for him.
Lu Chen then said, "Sheâs not here for me but for Father."
"As for the specifics, itâs inconvenient to tell you now, but youâll soon find out."
Seeing Lu Chenâs reluctance, Bai Qingqing didnât pursue the matter further, and silence returned. At this moment, she noticed Lu Chenâs wandering hand reaching inside her clothes.
Bai Qingqing remained expressionless, focused on determining whether this despicable man was possessed by evil forces. If he was, she could forgive his misconduct; otherwise...
Bai Qingqing paused, realizing that even if this shameless rogue werenât possessed, there was nothing she could do to him. As his woman, it was natural to indulge his desires.
...
Two days later, a sudden surge of evil entities appeared outside the Capital city, prompting the Deceit Suppression Bureau to deploy most of its Deceit Suppressing Guards.
As night fell...
A towering Black Evil emerged from the Deceit Suppression Bureau, followed by intense combat that captured the attention of all powerful entities in the Capital city. Soon, they arrived near the Bureau to investigate.
However, by the time those powerhouses arrived, the battle had ceased.
Cheng Ran, Commander of the Imperial Guard, arrived at the Deceit Suppression Bureau to find it in disarray. Many buildings had been destroyed, and the five directors lay injured on the ground, even Princess Ji Yunmeng was covered in blood.