Chapter 228: After Binding the Child-Bearing System, Becoming a Winner in Life Chapter 229: The Road to Turning the Tables Amid Natur

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

Half a month after Qi Haochen successfully returned to the capital, Shen Yao and Qi Chen, bringing their retinue, also arrived smoothly at the capital's Prince's Mansion.

They did not first enter the palace to pay respects to the Emperor, but returned to reunite with Qi Haochen and the others.

Shen Yao held in her arms her young daughter Shen Zhen, who had rested for half a month but still had not fully recovered; angered, she reached out and patted the girl's back.

"Reckless, simply not taking your own life seriously. Once this matter is settled, you will return to the fiefdom with me."

Only under her own watch could Shen Zhen behave; this child had never been an obedient one, growing more unruly from childhood to adulthood.

Shen Yao, having seen through Shen Zhen's facade, directly blocked every excuse the girl could conjure, leaving her no room to maneuver.

Shen Zhen: ……

Shen Zhen looked at her fingers, feeling utterly wronged. "Mother, I only wanted to help Chen'er."

Although she had suffered much hardship along the way, fortunately the outcome was a happy one for all.

"This is helping? I worry that if you continue like this, you may well lose your own life."

Shen Yao spoke without courtesy, not caring whether Shen Zhen believed it or not, and added that her medical skills still needed refinement; back in Changzhou Prefecture she could personally guide her, which would be far more useful than staying in the capital.

At this, Shen Zhen understood the implication behind her birth mother's words, and instantly dropped her previous worried expression, smiling radiantly as she clung to Shen Yao's arm and acted coquettishly.

"Mother, your daughter knows you dote on me most. Once Chen'er's matter is settled, we will return to Changzhou Prefecture."

Shen Zhen was not too foolish; even if she had not caught the meaning at first, she now had a fair idea in her heart.

Shen Yao reached out and stroked Shen Zhen's hair. "You are different from your other brothers and sisters. A physician holds a benevolent heart to save the sick, but not everyone can be saved.

Mother does not intend to make you understand anything, but you cannot remain in the capital any longer — at least not before Chen'er ascends that position."

Qi Haochen, bringing Shen Shi and Shen Zhen, had been busy for half a year; the hardships involved need not be said.

Even without the system chattering at her side, Shen Yao could imagine the various troubles they would encounter.

Now that they have returned safely to the capital, they ought to enjoy the results they deserve; alas, Shen Yao could not help but sigh, her movements unhurried.

……

After resting two days at the Prince's Mansion, carriages from the palace arrived to fetch them. Qi Chen and Shen Yao, dressed in specially tailored princely robes, boarded the carriage bound for the Imperial Palace.

"Prince Luoyang, Princess Consort Luoyang, the Emperor summons you."

"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch. Please lead the way."

Looking up at the palace scenery she had not seen for some time, Qi Chen took Shen Yao's hand and patted it.

Shen Yao returned a smile, and the couple soon reached the outside of the Imperial Study.

"This younger brother pays respects to Imperial Elder Brother."

"This Chenfei greets the Emperor; may the Emperor live ten thousand years."

"Rise quickly, dispense with ceremony, no need for formalities."

The Empress had passed away several years ago; the other consorts in the palace the Emperor treated with equal indifference.

There had originally been a few favored consorts, but after Consort Xin suddenly vanished without a trace, the once clamorous Huang Hou visibly quieted down.

Now the harem is even more a mere ornament; the Emperor does not visit, and the consorts shut their doors and live their own lives.

Just like today, the Emperor stood outside the Imperial Study to receive Qi Chen and Shen Zhen — wait, Qi Chen and Shen Yao — as a couple; only the Emperor was present, and no one dared raise an objection.

The three entered the main hall and each found a seat to sit down.

"Fifteenth Brother, since you last left the capital, we have not met for a year, have we?"

The Emperor is the eighth; Qi Chen is the fifteenth; excluding those no longer alive, about twenty brothers remain.

Now, aside from Qi Chen who returned on his own, the others were basically escorted into the capital and confined in various prince's mansions with gates tightly shut.

"Replying to Imperial Elder Brother: one year and three months. Last time I returned, Imperial Elder Brother did not appear as weary as today."

Qi Chen's persona in the Emperor's eyes has always been one who dares speak the truth; even as the Emperor ages, Qi Chen's conduct over the years has never changed, and this is the main reason they can still converse.

Hearing this, the Emperor laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively to indicate that old age brings inevitable weariness; moreover, Qi Chen is not that much younger, so they had best not mock each other.

"Speaking of which, your offspring surpasses Us; Chen'er has been in the capital for many years and is far superior to you in your youth."

Even the Emperor occasionally marvels that Qi Haochen is actually Qi Chen's son.

This Imperial Younger Brother of Ours — in youth he relied on his father, in old age he relies on his son; such luck truly inspires envy.

Qi Chen displayed his trademark simpleton smile. "Imperial Elder Brother's fondness for Chen'er is Chen'er's fortune; this younger brother considers himself superior to Chen'er."

The Emperor: ……

The Emperor pointed at Qi Chen and laughed openly. "You — few people can make Us happy; at least your consistent knack for amusement over the years leaves everyone far behind."

Because they faced the Emperor, Shen Yao, a woman, played the role of background board most of the time; only occasionally, when the two brothers spoke of Qi Haochen's childhood, would Shen Yao be brought in to add a couple of sentences.

When weariness showed clearly on the Emperor's face, Qi Chen and Shen Yao rose to take their leave; by then the sky outside had already grown somewhat overcast.

Unknowingly, they had actually accompanied the Emperor for most of the day in the Imperial Study.

Originally there was to be a meal, but the hour was too late; the Emperor did not detain them further, only saying to enter the palace again tomorrow — anyway, he has had much free time lately.

Qi Chen and Shen Yao: ……

"Imperial Elder Brother has indeed changed his temperament; in the past, he would never have said so much to me."

Qi Chen reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose; his expression was no longer as spirited as when he had just left the palace.

No wonder — accompanying the Emperor in conversation is like accompanying a tiger; one careless moment brings great misfortune.

Although Qi Chen and the Emperor share the same father but different mothers, the Emperor has not refrained from killing these brothers; royal disputes have always been cruel and bloody; seeking a shred of invisible familial affection here is even more absurd than seeking true love.

Shen Yao felt a pang of heartache for Qi Chen; the son had just been used up, and the father still had to enter the palace to play the smiling companion — it is only because the situation is clear and bright that this father and son do so relatively willingly.

"Wangye, will you be entering the palace from now on?" Shen Yao didn't need to accompany him, but Qi Chen couldn't escape.

Qi Chen rubbed his face, burying most of his body in Shen Yao's embrace to relax, "Since Imperial Elder Brother invited me, how could I refuse?"

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao looked at Qi Chen's aggrieved appearance and ultimately couldn't help but laugh. She really shouldn't gloat, but Shen Yao simply couldn't hold back.

Hahahaha, this is simply too interesting; being a New Emperor still requires going through Nine-Nine Eighty-One Tribulations.

Next time, if there's an opportunity to enter a palace intrigue world again, she guarantees she will arrange the plan more perfectly, absolutely not giving anyone a chance to torment her.

However, no matter how well Shen Yao thinks of the next time, the punishment before her eyes, Qi Chen deserves to suffer it and suffer it he shall.

Returning to the Prince's Mansion and resting for just one night, by the second day early morning, Qi Chen entered the palace again, full of vigor.

Shen Yao stood at the mansion gate to see him off; after the person left, she summoned Qi Haochen over for questioning.

Qi Haochen: ……

Qi Haochen wailed miserably; he had been very well-behaved recently, he hadn't done anything.

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao stretched out a hand and tapped Qi Haochen's little head, "Mother Consort knows you are cute and obedient; this time I'm asking you because I want to know how you plan to arrange your own marriage?"

Qi Haochen's current situation is special; the difficulty for Shen Yao and Qi Chen to interfere is very high.

But no matter how great the difficulty, there is a way, which is why Shen Yao would ask Qi Haochen.

Hm?

Qi Haochen tilted his head and said softly, "This son has no arrangements; Mother Consort mentioning it today, does that mean His Majesty the Emperor has intentions to bestow a marriage?"

Qi Haochen steered the topic to the Emperor; after all, judging by the way his birth father was running to the Imperial Palace, it wouldn't end in just a few days.

Shen Yao nodded, not hiding it from him either, "If you don't have a favored person, it would be best for His Majesty to issue an edict bestowing a marriage."

In other words, Shen Yao planned to join hands with Qi Chen to sell Qi Haochen's marriage to the Emperor, thereby deepening the interest relationship between the Emperor and Qi Haochen.

Shen Yao and Qi Chen would ultimately return to their fiefdom; Qi Haochen, an Emperor's heir remaining in the capital, had best maintain friendliness with the Emperor.

As the proverb says, when the interests between both sides are large enough, there will not exist any contradictions.

Shen Yao told her thoughts to Qi Haochen, obtaining Qi Haochen's agreement.

Sell it.

Selling to anyone is selling; selling to the Emperor, for them, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

"Mother Consort, recently there are also a few court ministers who aren't very honest; why not let Father King sell them together too, as long as the price His Majesty offers is suitable."

Qi Haochen revealed the appearance of a treacherous merchant; his words were spoken without the slightest guilt.

Shen Yao raised an eyebrow, patting Qi Haochen's shoulder to show he was a promising youngster.

"Mother Consort will explain properly together with your Father King; recently just rest in the Prince's Mansion," it wouldn't be long before they could get what they wanted.

In the evening, before going to sleep, Shen Yao told Qi Chen beside her about her conversation with Qi Haochen.

Qi Chen lowered his eyes to look at Shen Yao, directly laughing until his face was full of wrinkles.

Aiyo, worthy of being his own wife; exactly the same as what he thought.

Qi Chen listened to the words, his whole person no longer sleepy, got up and discussed with Shen Yao how to sell it most suitably.

The absent Qi Haochen: …… He felt that no matter how it was sold, it wasn't very suitable.

"Wangye, Chen'er's marriage should originally be decided by His Majesty bestowing a marriage.

For one, we are not familiar with the capital's situation; for two, the choice of marriage alliance is also very important; if it's not good, it will only give Chen'er more headaches in the future."

Shen Yao felt the capital is His Majesty's base camp, so naturally His Majesty understands the situation better. Even if His Majesty has other motives in bestowing a marriage on Qi Haochen, the candidate will certainly pass muster in all aspects.

"Later when Wangye enters the palace, you can bring up this matter to inquire about His Majesty's attitude," it would also serve as an opportunity for the connection between both sides.

Qi Chen lay down, embracing Shen Yao's shoulders, "Madam's considerations are extremely correct; Imperial Elder Brother values Chen'er, he certainly won't strike a vicious blow against Chen'er in this regard."

Because it's not worthwhile; His Majesty has no offspring under his knees, truly a solitary ruler.

Before there were a few sickly Princesses, but later they passed away one after another, until now the Huang Hou no longer hears the sound of infants crying.

On the matter of offspring, His Majesty has already thoroughly despaired; otherwise he wouldn't act radically; after Qi Haochen fulfilled his expectations, he then valued the other party without reservation.

Entering the palace for a few days, Qi Chen figured out His Majesty's thoughts; perhaps he has reservations about them as a couple, but towards Qi Haochen he has no selfish motives whatsoever, completely treating him as the successor to the Qi State's rivers and mountains to cultivate and teach.

The couple leaned against each other, heads touching, their voices growing softer and softer, finally falling into deep sleep. However, this conversation before sleep let both of them have a beautiful dream.

Qi Chen entered the palace many times; finding an opportunity to smoothly bring up Qi Haochen's marriage was simply effortless.

His Majesty seemed to be just waiting for Qi Chen to open his mouth; there was no surprise, no extra words, only asking one sentence: what kind of family did Qi Chen want to form a marriage alliance with.

Qi Chen smiled foolishly, expressing they had no experience in this aspect; marrying one who can manage the back courtyard well, letting Qi Haochen be more relaxed in the future, would be best.

His Majesty's expression was meaningful, "That coincides exactly with Our thoughts."

Qi Chen: ……

Qi Chen's expression was surprised and delighted, an "originally so" appearance that teased His Majesty into laughing out loud even more.

Indeed, this Imperial Younger Brother of Ours is absolutely a marvelous person, no matter from which aspect one looks.

……

Start of the month, the weather gradually grew hot.

With His Majesty's bestowal of marriage imperial edict and the edict conferring the Crown Prince formally issued, the Luoyang Mansion became the focus of all eyes in the capital.

Qi Haochen's wife comes from a military family; the family has no male heir, leaving only a single granddaughter in the inner chambers.

Shen Yao tapped the tabletop, "What do you think of His Majesty's choice?"

Qi Haochen rested his chin on one hand, "It can both guard against the military generals' power growing large and threatening imperial authority, and also gather in the scattered military power on the borders.

But can this Miss Cheng shoulder the duties of Crown Princess Consort and Empress?"

The sole seedling of a military family, with tens of thousands of border soldiers standing behind her, yet she is a woman who can only stay in the inner chambers.

Shen Yao smiled, "That is a matter for the other side to consider; as far as we are concerned, this marriage is probably not bad," at least Qi Haochen temporarily need not worry about border issues.

"Get along well with Miss Cheng; nowadays we're all in the same boat, so there's no need to worry in advance about any messy business."

In a feudal society, imperial power has always been supreme. Throughout history, many have wanted to provoke it, but few have succeeded.

And even if they succeed, in the end it's just another cycle of reincarnation.

……

Qi Haochen's investiture ceremony was grand; the Emperor, before all court officials, worshipped Heaven and Earth and proclaimed the Imperial Edict.

Drums beat in waves, bells rang clear, and the vast sound of obeisance filled the entire space.

Shen Yao and Qi Chen stood in the distance, both their gazes locked on Qi Haochen in his bright yellow auspicious robe, unanimously moved that they had waited far too long for this day.

Perhaps from joy, Qi Chen passed out drunk on the day of the investiture ceremony.

Shen Yao had the System examine Qi Chen's body, confirming he had accumulated chronic ailments from overwork; if he couldn't recuperate properly, it would harm his lifespan.

Taking out a pill from her space and feeding it to Qi Chen, Shen Yao sat at the dressing table and slowly groomed herself.

"Host, the pill you fed him treats symptoms not the root cause; fundamentally it cannot resolve Qi Chen's root problem — his body is still deficient."

"Everyone has their own fate; all I can do is not add any discomfort on a day of great joy."

Qi Chen's constitution stems from a latent ailment left from his early years; Qi Chen himself knows this well.

Now that the great weight on his heart has been set down, it's only normal for Qi Chen to fall ill.

Shen Yao doesn't intend to nurse Qi Chen back to health; otherwise, if he lives to a ripe old age, what about Qi Haochen? With conflict between father and son, whose orders would they follow?

"System, seriously consider the upcoming task world arrangements, because her life from now on will be smooth and free of worry."

System: ……