The day after the Mid-Autumn banquet, a new story by Xiaoyao Gongzi appeared—this time, not one but two volumes, much to the delight of readers.

Meanwhile, the case against the Duke of Qi’s family was already under investigation. As news spread, paired with the latest chapters from Xiaoyao Gongzi, it became clear to the public that this once-powerful household had fallen into ruin.

With the news circulating, people from all over the capital—and even from distant towns—came to the local offices, beating the drums to file complaints against the Duke of Qi’s family. Some had lost land or wealth to them, others had family members who were harassed. In total, more than a dozen cases emerged.

The local authorities dared not ignore such accusations, documenting each complaint and forwarding them to the Ministry of Justice for review.

As a result, the scope of the investigation grew, and it took the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate nearly half a month to process all the evidence and report to the Emperor.

The investigation confirmed over a dozen cases involving lives lost. The Emperor, filled with fury, immediately issued a decree sentencing Guo Zhenghai to be executed by beheading.

All his accomplices, from aides to advisors, faced severe punishment as well, some executed, others exiled, with no exceptions.

As for Guo Zhenghai’s wife and children, they were found guilty as accomplices and sentenced to exile in the harsh frontier. His son, still suffering from lingering poison, died before they even left the capital.

As for the Duke of Qi, who had betrayed and harmed many, he suffered a stroke on the night of the Mid-Autumn banquet and passed away three days later.

Thus, a family that had once held decades of influence disappeared from the public eye.

The Emperor showed compassion, instructing officials to carefully assess the concubines and servants in the Guo household, granting freedom to any uninvolved in the family’s misdeeds.

In this way, the Lin family’s eldest daughter finally returned home to Luzhou, reuniting with her parents.

With the matter of the Duke of Qi’s household settled, it was now early September, and the weather in the capital was beginning to grow chilly.

Yanshu’s belly had grown visibly larger. Even during the day, in thick robes, her figure was noticeable.

By night, when she changed into her nightclothes, her rounded shape was even more apparent.

Yuwen Lan, after being busy for more than half a month, arrived early tonight, and as he stepped into the hall, he saw Yanshu emerging from the bath.

Ren Dong and Lian Xin were supporting her on either side. Noticing the Emperor, they immediately began to curtsy, but before they could fully kneel, he gestured for them to leave, reaching out naturally to take over, helping Yanshu himself.

Once they were alone, Yuwen Lan took a good look at her and sighed, “It seems your belly has grown larger.”

Yanshu nodded, “It has been five months now, and it’s been a few days since Your Majesty last came.”

Yuwen Lan quickly explained, “I finished late the past few days and didn’t want to disturb your rest, so I stayed in Qianming Palace.”

Feeling he had neglected her, he thought how unfortunate it was to leave her alone for three nights in such a state.

But Yanshu, being understanding, said, “Your Majesty must take care of yourself while handling state affairs. Don’t overwork yourself.” 

*In her heart, however,* she thought, *You don’t have to feel bad; I actually enjoyed sprawling across the bed however I liked!*

*And what’s with calling him ‘baby’s father’?*

*Besides, with her belly so big, could she really roll around freely?*

Though there was much he wanted to say, he feared the cool night air would chill her, so he led her to the bed and tucked her in.

The bedding, aired out in the sun earlier, had a comforting scent, and inside was his “personal heater”—soft, fragrant, and melting away the day’s tension.

Still thinking of their earlier conversation, Yuwen Lan pulled her close and asked, “Is my embrace comfortable?”

Without hesitation, Yanshu nodded, “Of course it’s comfortable.”

He continued, “So, do you sleep better on your own or with me here?”

Yanshu replied, “Naturally, it’s better with Your Majesty.”

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she sensed something was off.

*Why was he asking such questions?*

*Could he know what she’d been thinking just now?*

Not wanting to take chances, she placed his hand on her belly and said, “Your Majesty, feel our baby.”

Yuwen Lan, startled, hurried to compose his thoughts, shielding them from her mind-reading.

But as soon as his palm touched her belly, the little one nudged right against his hand, as if in greeting, making him feel it clearly.

Yuwen Lan froze, a warmth filling his heart.

*“Ah, he’s truly my son—smart, just like me.”*

Yanshu thought to herself, *So the Emperor is just as full of himself as any man.*

Just then, the baby moved again, making Yanshu wonder if he recognized his father’s touch and enjoyed it.

Feeling happy, she suggested, “Your Majesty, talk to the baby more often so he’ll grow familiar with your voice and be especially close to you.”

Yuwen Lan, intrigued, asked, “Is that so?”

When she nodded, he seemed uncertain. “What should I say to him?”

*He really did seem inexperienced at this.*

Knowing he was a first-time father, Yanshu found it amusing and suggested, “Why not introduce yourself?”

Yuwen Lan cleared his throat and tried, “Little one, I am your father.”

At that, the baby nudged him again through Yanshu’s belly.

Yuwen Lan was thrilled.

Yanshu’s eyes lit up—so he also called their baby “little one”?

*Could it be some sort of unspoken connection?*

She couldn’t help but comment, “Your Majesty is so gentle with the baby.”

But he gently pinched her chin, smiling, “Am I not gentle with you?”

The touch, soft against her skin, sent a slight thrill through her.

But, given the physician’s advice that activity was permitted only in moderation, he suppressed his thoughts and asked, “How big is the little one now?”

Yanshu thought for a moment and made a shape like a bunch of grapes, “About this big, I suppose.”

Surprised, Yuwen Lan remarked, “Only that big? So, there’s still a long way to go before he’s born?”

As a first-time father who had rarely encountered pregnant women, he was unaware of such details.

Yanshu, also new to this, guessed and made a shape resembling a watermelon, “When I’m due, my belly will probably be about this big.”

“I see,” Yuwen Lan nodded, then frowned, “But how does something that big come out?”

Yanshu fell silent.

*Good question.*

The hardship of childbirth should be common knowledge, but few men paid attention to such matters.

Unfortunately, there were no prenatal classes in this era. All she knew was that it would hurt—a lot.

She replied, “Well, as they say, when the time comes, it will happen naturally.”

Despite her casual tone, anxiety filled her heart. Medical knowledge was limited, and complications during childbirth were common.

*Oh no,* she thought, *what will I do?*

Noticing her unease, Yuwen Lan held her close, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll gather all the imperial physicians when the time comes to ensure your safety.”

The embrace, warm and reassuring, filled her with a sense of security, and she nodded.

Once again, she felt lucky. Compared to many men of this era, he was attentive. Unlike Consort Hui’s fate, she felt genuinely cherished.

Indeed, the Emperor had disregarded Consort Hui’s family entirely after dismantling the Duke of Qi’s household.

After all, amidst all the recent drama, the Empress Dowager’s efforts in raising her stepson showed a rare devotion, making her a truly exemplary foster mother.

Yuwen Lan shared similar thoughts, and after a moment of reflection, he said, “The Double Ninth Festival is approaching. We should think about how to celebrate it for the Empress Dowager.”

Yanshu hummed in agreement, beginning to ponder as well.

"Normally, for the Double Ninth Festival in the palace, there’s just a banquet with some chrysanthemum wine,” Yanshu remarked. “But the Empress Dowager isn’t like me; she doesn’t particularly enjoy food and drink, so a feast might not be very meaningful.”

The main issue was that lately, there weren’t any new palace rumors to liven things up.

A banquet without juicy gossip would be incredibly dull!

If only her idol, Headmaster Qi, could celebrate the festival with the Empress Dowager…

Yuwen Lan, observing her expressions, couldn’t help but think, How would that even be possible? The Empress Dowager is, after all, the Empress Dowager, and Qi Shuguang is merely the headmaster of Songhe Academy—they’re worlds apart.

Of course, Yanshu knew this was a far-fetched idea, so the thought passed quickly. However, a new idea suddenly struck her, and her eyes sparkled, “The common people enjoy going out for a scenic hike during the Double Ninth. Maybe the Empress Dowager would like a change of scenery too? Why not take her on an outing, Your Majesty?”

Yuwen Lan looked hesitant. “Would the Empress Dowager want to leave the palace?”

Why wouldn’t she? thought Yanshu. Even a bird would want to fly out of here occasionally!

The Empress Dowager has been confined here for decades—she’s bound to want some fresh air!

Of course, Yanshu didn’t dare voice such thoughts, so she subtly suggested, “Your Majesty often goes out to observe the common people’s lives. By the same token, the Empress Dowager, having been in the palace for so many years, might also want to experience the lives of the people. After all, remember how much fun we had when Your Majesty took me out for delicious street food—uh, I mean, for a taste of the common folk’s life?”

Yuwen Lan couldn’t argue with that. Even he sometimes felt stifled in the palace and wanted to go out for a walk.

But then he glanced at her and asked, “But can you handle a climb in your current state?”

Ah, so he’s considering it!

Yanshu perked up and nodded enthusiastically, “I’m fine! The imperial physician even recommended moderate exercise—it will make labor easier later on.”

Before he could say anything further, she was already planning, “I think Mount Dangui would be perfect. This season is the height of the osmanthus bloom, the mountain isn’t tall, the paths are easy, and I hear carriages can even go most of the way up.”

“Oh, and I heard there’s a temple at the top where we can make offerings. I’ll ask the Empress Dowager tomorrow—she’ll surely love it!”

Yes! Another outing!

Yuwen Lan couldn’t help but think, Wait, I haven’t even agreed yet… Is it too late to say no?

…

As Yanshu had anticipated, the Empress Dowager was thrilled at the idea of an outing. When asked the next day, she eagerly agreed.

With no other choice, Yuwen Lan ordered the Imperial Guards to prepare in advance. Once safety was ensured, they set out early on the morning of the Double Ninth Festival, with the Empress Dowager and Yanshu in tow, heading for Mount Dangui.

Just as Yanshu had described, Mount Dangui was not very tall, with smooth paths, and the carriage could travel almost to the summit.

When they disembarked, they were greeted by layers of red autumn leaves and the sweet scent of osmanthus carried by the gentle breeze.

The Empress Dowager’s mood noticeably lightened, and she seemed more cheerful in her speech and gestures.

As for Yanshu, she was light on her feet, not showing any signs of fatigue.

Naturally, Yuwen Lan still stayed close by, carefully holding her hand the entire way.

There was a Bai Pagoda Temple on the mountain, and along the path, many pilgrims could be seen carrying incense to offer at the temple. Since they were already here, the group decided to visit the temple after enjoying the scenery.

The temple path couldn’t accommodate the carriage, but it was a short walk, only a few minutes away.

The temple was small and simple, but it had a reputation for being highly effective in answering prayers. The three of them made their offerings and left donations.

Afterwards, they admired the temple’s surroundings and rested in a pavilion in the courtyard.

The maidservants served hot tea, and Yuwen Lan asked, “How is Mother feeling today?”

The Empress Dowager’s voice, from beneath her veiled hat, held a note of satisfaction, “It’s wonderful. And on the way, I overheard people praising the recent handling of the Guo family’s case. They speak of Your Majesty’s wisdom with great admiration. Continue your good work, my son.”

Yuwen Lan nodded respectfully, “I understand, Mother.”

A sense of pride filled his heart.

As he took up his teacup and glanced around, his gaze froze.

There were a few other visitors in the courtyard, coming and going as they paid their respects and enjoyed the scenery.

At that moment, a lone figure entered the courtyard, and because he was alone, he stood out.

The man looked to be around forty, dressed in a simple blue robe, with a presence as steadfast as a pine tree. It was none other than Qi Shuguang, headmaster of Songhe Academy.

What’s he doing here?

Just as Yuwen Lan’s mind began to race, he suddenly heard an excited shout in his head—

Oh my god, isn’t that Headmaster Qi? What are the chances of running into him here?! This must be fate!

Yuwen Lan, “…”

There were only two women sitting beside him.

It didn’t take much to guess that this was Yanshu’s inner voice.

When he’d first seen Qi Shuguang, he had wondered if Yanshu might have somehow arranged this encounter.

But hearing her inner excitement, he realized she was just as surprised.

Then he heard the Empress Dowager’s inner voice pause in astonishment, Why… Why is he here too?

Yuwen Lan, “…”

So even the Empress Dowager hadn’t planned this.

Could this really be… fate?

At that moment, Qi Shuguang, who had been admiring the scenery, noticed Yuwen Lan and froze in his tracks. Recovering from his surprise, he approached and bowed, “I apologize for disturbing Your Majesty. I didn’t realize you were here.”

Seeing as they had already crossed paths, Yuwen Lan nodded, “No need for formalities. Today, we’re just here to enjoy the scenery.”

No sooner had he spoken than Yanshu, hidden under her veil, cleared her throat and asked, “What a coincidence! Is Headmaster Qi also here to enjoy the scenery?”

Qi Shuguang quickly replied, “Yes, Your Ladyship.”

He pondered for a moment, recognizing her voice. This must be Noble Consort Yi… but could the other lady… possibly be… her?

Yanshu, listening intently, wanted to answer but restrained herself, opting instead to ask, “Some green crabs were recently sent to your academy. Did you have a chance to try them, Headmaster?”

Qi Shuguang bowed, “Thank you, Lady, the teachers and students were very grateful for the gifts.”

Yanshu nodded, satisfied. “And the mooncakes? Those were also made in the household kitchen with home-grown lotus seeds.”

Qi Shuguang responded, “We were fortunate to enjoy those as well. We’re truly grateful for your kindness.”

Yanshu smiled to herself, relieved that her idol had enjoyed the gifts.

But just as the conversation ended, and Qi Shuguang seemed ready to take his leave, the Empress Dowager suddenly spoke, “Headmaster, you must be tired after the climb. Why don’t you join us for tea?”

Yanshu, “!!!”

Yuwen Lan, “…”

Immediately, he heard more excited shouts in his head: Ahhh, she’s amazing! My idol, please say yes!

No need to guess—it was his beloved consort again.

Qi Shuguang looked stunned.

After a moment’s hesitation, he lowered his head and replied, “I wouldn’t dare intrude upon your gathering.”

But the Empress Dowager insisted, “We’re not in the palace today, so there’s no need for formality. Just have a cup of tea; it’s better than making the journey back to the academy without a break.”

Yuwen Lan, …

To prevent further internal screams from reaching his ears, he added, “As my mother has spoken, please join us, Headmaster.”

After all, it’s just a cup of tea, what’s the harm?