Chapter 229: After Binding the Childbirth System, Becoming a Winner in Life Chapter 230: Natural Disaster, Fleeing Famine, Turning th

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

The system thought the Host had genuine feelings for Qi Chen, but inferring from the Host's actions, it discovered there were indeed some feelings, just not very many.

Shen Yao was perfectly justified in her stance: "It's merely one lifetime's marriage destiny; I don't even count as a person right now, where would so much true feeling come from?"

Besides, what use is true feeling? To her, it only adds trouble.

System:...

No matter how shocked the system was by Shen Yao's words, she had her own set of theory and logic.

She could save Qi Chen's body, but even saved he wouldn't live long, and even because of Qi Chen's special identity, living too long would be more harm than good to her.

One really can't blame Shen Yao for calculating these naked interests so clearly; royal life is never easy, and such a hard-won situation — who would be willing to destroy it?

Qi Chen — Shen Yao could only guarantee he would depart without illness or disaster, without suffering too greatly; any further requests would be a bit beyond her ability to help.

The system recovered its senses, sighing to itself that such a ruthless host was one it had found at random; tsk tsk tsk, looks like it still has great gacha luck.

"If the Host doesn't want to save him then don't; Qi Chen's life or death doesn't affect our mission progress," after all he's just a tool person to be used and discarded; the system asking even once is too idle.

The voice cheerfully informed the Host that the next mission world was rather peculiar: "It's an ancient world, and also involves cultivators."

Shen Yao:... Huh?

All sorts of questions rapidly popped up in her mind; Shen Yao held a wooden comb, combing her beautiful hair with intermittent strokes.

"Cultivation world? Doesn't seem like it; wouldn't it be a small world where spiritual energy has dissipated?"

The system spoke in separate parts, so Shen Yao could only analyze them separately.

But cultivators — hope it's different from the last mission world; she really doesn't want to fake her death again for merit, it hurt like hell.

Qi Chen woke from the bed, blinked his eyes, confirming he hadn't been dreaming; yesterday in the Imperial Palace, his good elder royal brother, before all civil and military officials, formally invested his son as Crown Prince.

Crown Prince ah!

The future legitimate heir of Great Qi's rivers and mountains, the next New Emperor!

Qi Chen couldn't help laughing out loud, sitting on the bed without even wearing clothes.

Until a long while passed, his thoughts recovered; Qi Chen shook his head, and coughed twice to steady his mind.

Absolutely must not reveal too much in his expression; he is merely the Crown Prince's father, not the New Emperor's father, still must act low-key.

Summoning the servants waiting at the doorway, Qi Chen got up, dressed, and washed.

"Where is the Wang Fei?"

The bed beside him had already turned cold; clearly the person had been gone for some time.

Yesterday he was too happy, and when drinking with the wedding guests he was a bit unrestrained.

Now his head is somewhat dizzy — all aftereffects of drunkenness.

"Replying to Wangye, Wang Fei Niangniang is managing the fu affairs; the Crown Prince was summoned into the palace early this morning by the Emperor."

Although their Wangye didn't ask about the Crown Prince's situation, a servant is who a servant is — matters the master wants to know still need to be said; one look and they understand each other perfectly.

Qi Chen nodded in satisfaction: "Mm, this king knows; go set out the meal."

As for sending someone to invite Shen Yao over to dine together? Since she's already managing the fu affairs, that means she's already eaten the morning meal.

Tsk tsk

Shouldn't have, shouldn't have; really shouldn't have. In the end he still showed too much frivolity; next time he must pay special attention.

Sitting beside the Eight Immortals Table laden with delicious dishes, Qi Chen lifted the cooked white porridge paired with small dishes, smoothly filling his five viscera and six bowels.

Bringing along his attending servants, he went to the Main Courtyard to find Shen Yao to discuss matters.

"Wangye wants to return to the fiefdom?" She had thought Qi Chen would stay in the capital for a while.

By Qi Chen's long-held intention, his own son just became Crown Prince; no matter what he should spend some time in the capital enjoying the addiction of being the Crown Prince's birth father.

Shen Yao had the system evaluate the Emperor's body, clearly knowing the other party had no more than two years to live; therefore she thought to simply go along with Qi Chen's idea.

Unexpectedly this person slept one nap and directly figured it out?

Meeting Shen Yao's slightly surprised gaze, Qi Chen awkwardly scratched his head: "Furen, I still feel that the two of us staying in the capital has no benefit for Chen'er.

Better to temporarily return to the fiefdom; wait until one day, entering the capital will be more justified."

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao smiled, a face full of agreement: "Wangye speaks extremely correctly; it was this concubine who didn't consider thoroughly."

More justified? That means the Emperor passes away, Qi Haochen ascends the throne.

At that time, without the Emperor in the way, the two of them not only can enter the capital, who knows they might even obtain an Imperial Edict of investiture.

After all they're the New Emperor's birth parents; not to mention investing them as Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager to enjoy themselves, simply giving the two lucky mascots titles is very feasible.

Believe those court ministers who consistently know how to handle things will be understanding.

"Furen ah, this king knows you've been wronged; once back at the fiefdom, I'll certainly compensate you properly."

The Wangfu's private treasury has so much gold, silver, and treasure; as long as Furen likes it, all gifted away.

The ever-generous Qi Chen this time even more generous; opening his mouth to promise the private treasury; looking at the brilliant colors in Shen Yao's eyes — tycoon ah.

Although Shen Yao doesn't lack this bit of money, being able to add treasures to the space is always more reassuring than constantly taking treasures out of the space.

Even sitting on mountains of gold and silver, one can't withstand constant squandering that only goes out and never comes in.

This time it's an ancient world; her identity is still the future Emperor's mother.

Once this partner leaves, she'll be the true one person below, ten thousand people above. At that time no matter what she wants to put into the space she won't need to fear — this is an opportunity to openly and aboveboard replenish the space's inventory.

Qi Chen was still opening his mouth, wanting to compensate Shen Yao in various ways; after all, they had been husband and wife for many years, and the two people knew each other very well.

"Your Highness, returning to the fiefdom is urgent; we need to give advance notice to the Emperor."

Laughing, he brushed this matter aside, thinking to himself that once he returned to Changzhou Prefecture he would have to pick carefully; after many years of accumulation, Qi Chen's private treasury was no worse than an ordinary person's.

Even because of tributes from all sides, Qi Chen's treasures included many that were more precious than tribute items.

The two people sat in the Main Courtyard's grand hall and chatted simply; afterward Qi Chen stood up and entered the palace, and when he returned again it was to announce that the departure time for returning to the fiefdom was set for half a month later.

Those leaving included Shen Yao and Qi Chen as well as Shen Zhen; Shen Shi and Shen Cheng and other children stayed behind.

Compared to letting Shen Cheng return to the fiefdom, Qi Chen believed staying by Qi Haochen's side offered more development.

When one day that position changes hands, the fiefdoms they govern will also be returned to the New Emperor's hands; at that time the fiefdom's private soldiers will be neither justified nor proper, so it is better to keep a clean and innocent family background and serve as officials in the capital.

Not only the two brothers, but including Shen Ying who was already married and had children, this time she would also stay in the capital with her husband's family, assisting Qi Haochen just like Shen Yun.

This was also considering that Shen Zhen's medical skills were superb; there were not many people who could replace her after she left.

Although Shen Ying and Shen Yun's medical skills were sufficient, their talents did not lie in this area.

What is more worthy of trust than family? Qi Haochen's core team took initial shape, relying on several family members who were truly sincere toward him.

Not even half a month; the time left for Shen Yao and Qi Chen was not much.

They properly explained what needed to be explained, especially on Qi Haochen's side since he had to enter the palace; anything could happen in the palace, don't think that becoming Crown Prince means everything is settled, one must still be cautious and careful.

Qi Haochen accepted all the concern and advice, and conveniently also expressed his loyalty.

After that, it was Shen Yao and Qi Chen sitting in a carriage leaving the capital and returning to their fiefdom a hundred li away.

Shen Zhen was called back by Shen Yao; on the road, looking at the familiar scenery on both sides, she was like a happy little bird.

Shen Yao took out a stack of personnel lists: "These are all outstanding young talents of superior background and conduct; choose for yourself, a major matter like marriage requires some calculation."

Shen Ying and Shen Yun's husbands — one was chosen by herself, one was bestowed by the Emperor; fortunately both lived well after marriage, with no place that made things difficult for Shen Yao.

Now it was Shen Zhen's turn; worried that the Emperor or court officials might play tricks, Shen Yao simply handed the entire marriage matter over to Shen Zhen herself.

This time Shen Zhen accompanied Shen Yao back to the fiefdom, also with the consideration of resolving her own major marriage affair.

"Mother, so urgent?" Shen Zhen was dumbfounded, thinking to herself that she hadn't even arrived at the fiefdom yet, but the list was already handed up; wouldn't that be a bit too fast?

Shen Yao shook her finger: "Chen'er has already been granted a marriage bestowal; in another year he should marry.

You are older than Chen'er; if not for these two years being truly special, you should have married long ago."

"Right now you choose for yourself, so you have a bottom line in your heart; Mother is worried someone might set their sights on you."

Shen Zhen is Qi Haochen's half-sister from the same mother but different father; to court officials, she is a prime marriage alliance target.

Shen Yao did not want Shen Zhen to one day be sacrificed for profit; therefore she considered it in advance, to prevent truly irreversible things from happening.

"Mother"

Shen Zhen deeply understood her birth mother's heart; her marriage was destined to never be as she wished.

Now that the booklet sent up could be picked from, for her it was already not bad.

Seriously turning over the contents of the booklet in her hand, Shen Zhen circled the comparatively satisfactory ones, only waiting until they returned to Changzhou Prefecture to investigate further.

Of course, those who could be presented had already been screened once; the problems were generally not severe; if they could truly hide it, just based on this scheming they could also make a name for themselves.

The carriage creaked forward until Changzhou Prefecture appeared before them.

Returning to the fiefdom once again, the feelings surging in each person's heart were different.

Qi Chen felt sentiment; Shen Yao felt calm; Shen Zhen felt a bit of a headache.

Major marriage affairs have always been a matter that can make one go bald since ancient times.

Reaching out to pat her forehead, Shen Zhen handed the favored list to her birth mother; afterward, under her birth mother's arrangement, she met the circled candidates in a hit-or-miss fashion.

Although this matter is somewhat awkward in a patriarchal society, status can resist everything.

Everyone is after Shen Zhen's status; some grievances just have to be endured.

Even so, Shen Yao quickly settled on a young man from a prestigious family who was also not the Eldest Legitimate Son.

The two people's personalities could be called an instant match; both were the carefree and unrestrained type.

Seeing this, Shen Yao was also very satisfied; she discussed with Qi Chen and directly finalized the betrothal.

Good fellow, Shen Zhen's marriage affair from having the idea to smooth implementation took less than three months; by the time certain court officials in the capital who had ideas reacted, this side had already cleared the path, with not a single possibility of exploiting a loophole.

Aiyo, truly making one beat their chest and sigh! What terrible timing!

Timely or not, anyway the marriage is set; next is the wedding.

However the capital views it, Shen Zhen in the fiefdom is very happy.

Her and Qi Haochen's marriages were set for about the same time; Shen Yao would be busy with wedding matters, and would very likely not make it in time for Qi Haochen's wedding banquet.

"Not going isn't any harm either; the Emperor is still alive, contacting Chen'er too closely has no benefit."

At least from the perspective of ritual law, Qi Haochen who has been enfeoffed as Crown Prince is already the Emperor's son.

Qi Chen and Shen Yao can only count as Uncle and Aunt with blood relation to Qi Haochen.

If the Emperor were not there, Qi Haochen would be the New Emperor, and naturally could do whatever he wants; but now the Emperor's health is poor yet he lives on perfectly well, so for them to show their faces again — isn't that a bit ungrateful? Otherwise why would Qi Chen be willing to bring up leaving with Shen Yao the very day after Qi Haochen was enfeoffed as Crown Prince?

"Mother has paid a great deal for Chen'er," Shen Zhen felt that only a birth mother could do this; if it were her she couldn't achieve this level, the ability to plan three steps for every one step — she admits she can't do it.

"Raise a child to a hundred years, constantly worry for ninety-nine; you are all Mother's children, Mother's greatest wish is that you live well in the future."

Shen Yao's words did not fool Shen Zhen; regardless of whether it was based on the Mission, they were all children born from this body.

The feelings from many years of companionship are not like a fake; Shen Yao may not be like the original owner holding nothing back, but the benevolent mother's thoughts that should be there are still there.

Otherwise the System would not have chosen Shen Yao as Host; even if Shen Yao's behavior style differs from previous Hosts, in the matter of offspring there is nothing to criticize.

Just say, Shen Yao has done so many Mission Worlds; are the offspring she gave birth to and raised not all living well? This is Shen Yao's ability.

……

Nine months later, first Qi Haochen in the capital completed his marriage; after another half month, it was Shen Zhen in Changzhou Prefecture marrying.

Qi Haochen's marriage was grand; Shen Yao and Qi Chen strangely neither of them were able to attend.

As for the ripples it triggered, not a single one was seen.

The capital remained happy and carefree; afterward, the Emperor was not seen bestowing any gifts, and some courtiers even hid in the back mocking.

They felt the King and Queen of Luo had truly made a losing deal — the Crown Prince had been established for a year without gaining any advantage, and instead carried a hint of being marginalized.

"But he is still a biological offspring; the New Emperor has ascended the throne yet cannot ignore him."

"Quite so, quite so; word has spread again that the Emperor is gravely ill — who knows if he can pull through this time."

"..."

Whether the Emperor pulls through or not makes no difference to these courtiers.

Anyway, the next New Emperor already exists; it is merely a question of who ascends the throne.

Moreover, compared to the Emperor, the New Emperor is younger and has more investment potential.

When the time comes, if their clan's women enter the palace and bear Little Princes, will they not be able to rise again and continue the struggle? The younger generation at home has long been preparing for a new round of Imperial Selection.

The Emperor's health was very poor; Shen Yao's earlier estimate that he could live two years was already optimistic — in reality, the Emperor only lived one year and a half before he croaked.

Qi Haochen smoothly succeeded the throne after the Emperor's passing, and the pregnant Princess Consort was elevated to Empress alongside him.

After the two finished the Former Emperor's affairs, one took charge of the Front Court, the other the Imperial Harem — the division of labor between husband and wife was clear.

By the time Qi Chen and Shen Yao once again entered the capital from their fiefdom, what they faced was an entirely new situation.

Gazing at the city gate, no different from when they had left, Shen Yao and Qi Chen felt a surge of emotion.

"Madam, this entry into the capital means we can finally settle down with peace of mind." No longer needing to be wary of this and anxious about that like before.

Shen Yao nodded with a smile at the corner of her mouth, reaching out to hook her arm through Qi Chen's elbow.

Time flies; in the end, they have still arrived at their current position.

Future days may not be smooth sailing, but those are sweet worries, are they not?