Northern Star Palace

The Xiyang Palace had been the residence of the Emperor of the Northern Star Kingdom for generations. However, today, this grand palace lacked its usual lively atmosphere. Instead, everyone spoke cautiously, afraid of accidentally provoking the Emperor and losing their lives. Northern Star Xiao leaned weakly against the dragon throne, supporting his forehead with one hand and lightly pressing his temples with a finger. He sat on the majestic dragon throne, looking fatigued, and closed his eyes, recalling the events of three months ago.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests your presence at the Xifeng Palace," the eunuch in charge said, his forehead covered in sweat. In his heart, he thought, "Oh no, it's over now. The Empress Dowager has learned about Empress Jing's visit to the study. If she blames us for it, we, the servants, will have no way out."

Northern Star Xiao raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding almost everything. He adjusted his dragon robe and calmly said, "Prepare the carriage for the Xifeng Palace."

"Yes," the eunuchs and palace maids responded respectfully. The Emperor's grand carriage moved towards the Xifeng Palace, but Northern Star Xiao couldn't help but feel that the Empress Dowager was restraining him too much. After all, he was the Emperor, and even if she was the Emperor's mother, she couldn't interfere with what the Emperor wanted to do.

"Son, greet the Empress Dowager," although Northern Star Xiao's thoughts were scattered, he couldn't help but feel incapable when facing his mother.

"Never mind," the Empress Dowager replied coldly, her gaze filled with reproach.

Northern Star Xiao stood up expressionlessly, straightening his tall and upright figure, emanating a strong aura of majesty. He thought it was time for the Empress Dowager to understand his determination.

"Empress Dowager," Northern Star Xiao just started speaking, but the Empress Dowager interrupted him.

"Emperor, you should know that it is a serious crime to enter the study without the Emperor's summons. Moreover, there is an old saying that the harem should not interfere in politics. Yet you tolerate Empress Jing's behavior. What if everyone in the harem follows suit?" The Empress Dowager knew very well what her son wanted to say. Even if Empress Jing had helped the Northern Star Kingdom, it also showed that she was not ordinary. If such a woman couldn't be controlled, she had to be destroyed.

"According to the Empress Dowager's wishes, what should I do?" Northern Star Xiao knew that if he didn't give the Empress Dowager a satisfactory explanation today, Jing'er would probably have difficulty living peacefully in the harem in the future.

The Empress Dowager felt satisfied when she heard her son's words. After all, she had nurtured him in her womb for ten months, and an outsider could never be as important as a mother. Her displeased expression finally turned into a contented smile. "Empress Jing's interference in court affairs is an unforgivable offense. However, considering that she helped the Northern Star Kingdom in its time of crisis, I don't want to make things difficult for her. As long as she is willing to privately analyze the situation of various countries with the Emperor and contribute more to the Northern Star Kingdom, I will let it pass." The Empress Dowager believed that this was necessary for that woman's existence in the Northern Star Kingdom. If someone wanted to rely on others, they had to offer something in return!

Northern Star Xiao felt as if he had been ruthlessly beaten. According to the Empress Dowager's wishes, what was the difference between him and the Qi Cheng Kingdom? He couldn't possibly do it himself, but if he didn't comply with the Empress Dowager's wishes, she might take action in the future!

"Empress Dowager, how do you think this Emperor has been doing?" Northern Star Xiao couldn't imagine how he could choose between his mother and Jing'er.

"Since you took the throne, the country has been prosperous and the people have been safe and the weather favorable," the Empress Dowager didn't understand why her son asked such a question.

"Then, Empress Dowager, do you think the ministers in the court have been neglecting their duties?" Northern Star Xiao asked again, but his voice became colder.

"No," the Empress Dowager gradually understood that the sovereign standing before her was a strong one, and she pitied such a rare talent. However, she wouldn't force him, especially since that woman was someone he loved. No man would use a woman he wanted to cherish. Just like her husband, who was the Emperor in the past.

"Emperor, you should understand that having her in any country is like having a path to prosperity," the Empress Dowager persisted in trying to convince her son.

"Empress Dowager, you have always focused on practicing Buddhism. Why immerse yourself in worldly affairs?" This sentence left people feeling helpless and unable to express their innermost thoughts. When faced with such a difficult choice, the answer was quite clear. Northern Star Xiao now only hoped that the Empress Dowager could understand.

As if a clock had struck, the Empress Dowager finally understood. Her son loved that woman wholeheartedly and also respected her in the purest sense. She had lived for so long and practiced Buddhism for half her life, yet she still couldn't comprehend it?

"Ah..." well, forget it. In the end, the world belongs to them. How much time does this old woman have left? Let it go...

"Xiao'er, your mother understands your intentions. Your mother won't force you, but you are the Emperor. You are not a woman's husband. You should think more about the other concubines," the Empress Dowager changed her address and looked at her child, who had become someone others could rely on, with a face full of maternal love.

Northern Star Xiao twitched the corners of his mouth but couldn't say anything overly affectionate.

"Report, Empress Dowager, Your Majesty," the chief eunuch spoke from outside the hall of the Xifeng Palace, wearing an expression of uncertainty and not knowing whether to be happy or sad. He bowed his head low as he spoke.

Just a moment ago, it was a touching scene between mother and son, but in the blink of an eye, both the mother and son had regained their dignity as high-ranking individuals. The regal appearance of the royal family was sacred and untouchable.

"What is it?" Northern Star Xiao regained his composure and calmly asked.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Empress Dowager. The Empress is pregnant," the chief eunuch continued, still bowing his head as he delivered the news.

"That's wonderful news! We have a Empress in the Northern Star Kingdom now. Come, quickly, let's go and see the Empress," the Empress Dowager exclaimed joyfully, completely forgetting about her recently upgraded status as a father. She self-absorbedly instructed the palace maids and eunuchs to bring supplements and other items. They hurriedly headed towards the Liufeng Palace.

I'm a father now. Northern Star Xiao was momentarily dumbfounded. As he looked at the Empress Dowager's joyful expression, he realized that his decision back then was correct. He thought he should go and see for himself, after all, it was his first child.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Just as Northern Star Xiao was about to take a step, he unexpectedly noticed that the eunuch was still kneeling in place, trembling unconsciously. Northern Star Xiao had a gut feeling that Jing'er had caused some trouble again. He sighed wryly. If it were the past Pujun, he would probably know what she was up to. He would definitely put an end to his own life first. How could a prestigious Northern God General allow others to see her mischievous side?

"What has Jing Fei done now?" he asked helplessly, not knowing that the answer would surprise him.

"Your M-majesty, Jing... Jing Fei has... has... she... she..." The eunuch stuttered and couldn't even complete a coherent sentence, bowing his head as if he wanted to disappear into the ground.

"What happened to her?" Northern Star Xiao realized the gravity of the situation. He grabbed the trembling eunuch, sternly demanding an answer.

The eunuch, sensing the anger in the Emperor's eyes, hastily blurted out, "Empress Jing, with Qinglian and Xiaoxue, slipped out of the palace."

"What? What did you say?" Northern Star Xiao couldn't believe it. Jing'er was being so reckless.

"Please calm down, Your Majesty. Prime Minister Qiao has also sent a message saying that the Empress is safe," the eunuch quickly added, trying to alleviate the Emperor's anger. Seeing the Emperor's wrath subside, the eunuch felt relieved. His head on his neck was safe for now.

Northern Star Xiao released his grip on the eunuch, realizing that Jing'er had gone too far this time. If something happened outside the palace, it would be troublesome. He thought of Zhanming secretly following her. Suppressing most of his worries, he thought, Jing'er, how should I handle you?

Since you yearn to leave the palace, then let's allow you to travel for a while. Jing'er doesn't know about the Empress's pregnancy, which is good. At least I don't have to worry about both the Empress and Jing'er at the same time.

"Your Majesty, you are troubling yourself again," the Empress gently moved her body. Although she had been pregnant for three months, her figure hadn't changed much except for looking more plump.

Northern Star Xiao opened his eyes and gazed fixedly at his beloved wife. Recently, without Jing'er causing mischief in the palace, it seemed quiet and oppressive.

"Your Majesty, are you unhappy because of Jing Fei?" Although the Empress didn't have Jing'er's cleverness, she was not a foolish person. As the Empress, married to the Emperor, she naturally understood a bit.

Northern Star Xiao remained silent, his exhausted expression unchanged. He truly couldn't do anything about his own emotions, but she had forsaken her own happiness as a woman for him. Just to avoid causing difficulties for the Empress Dowager, she had resolutely begged him for a child. Yet, he couldn't reciprocate her sacrifice. The exhaustion in his heart doubled. Empress, it's my fault for failing you.

"Jing Fei has been gone for three months now, and the Empress Dowager has already heard about it. Aren't you planning to bring her back?" The Empress realized that the Emperor was once again thinking about Jing'er. She felt a mixture of joy and reluctance. That's why she had come to the Emperor's chamber today, to persuade him to bring Jing'er back. But she didn't expect to see the Emperor looking preoccupied as soon as she entered the Xiyang Palace.

"Empress, it's not that I don't want to. It's just that I don't want you to worry while you are pregnant. When Jing'er was still in the palace, I often heard from the palace maids in the Liufeng Palace that you were always worried and couldn't sleep at night. Now that you are pregnant with the heir, I believe the current situation is the best. Jing'er can travel as she wishes, and you can be at peace without having to worry about Jing'er," Northern Star Xiao analyzed coldly, knowing that the Empress Dowager would definitely agree. What could be more important than the child in her wife's womb right now?

The Empress stared wide-eyed in disbelief. The Emperor allowed Jing'er to leave his side so easily, unable to contain her joy. Thinking that her efforts had finally paid off and that she could return to the past, the Empress firmly believed it. However, she didn't know that Northern Star Xiao's decision was based on the bigger picture. It had nothing to do with their feelings.

Ignoring the Empress's unusually fluctuating emotions, Northern Star Xiao walked to the window and looked at the sunset. Jing'er, where are you now?

Chen Capital City

"Ah, Achoo!" It was a very indecent sound, but when it came from me, Jing'er, it was different. I elegantly covered my nose with one hand, maintaining a graceful posture. Even my sneeze sounded different from others.

"Master, are you okay?" Qinglian asked anxiously when she heard me sneeze loudly.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm perfectly healthy. What could be wrong?" I quickly denied it, not knowing why I suddenly sneezed. I just felt my nose itching.

Qinglian looked at me with a disapproving expression, but she couldn't do anything about it. Under the repeated requests of the Empress, we had entered a famous restaurant in the Chen Capital City called "Lai Xiang Ju." The Empress had ordered a table full of dishes, although the food here was not as delicious and exquisite as the palace's.

"Master, it's just the two of us. You've ordered so many dishes that we won't be able to finish. It's such a waste," Qinglian scolded me while picking up a peeled lotus shrimp and placing it in my bowl.

In the spacious restaurant, there were many wealthy individuals and martial artists who were curious, glancing at us from the corner of their eyes. They had probably never seen such a handsome and elegant gentleman before, nor had they witnessed a servant girl who didn't treat her master as the center of her world.

I paid no attention to the curious glances, playing with Little Snowball, who was wagging its tail and trying to please me. While Qinglian was talking to the Empress, she was also paying attention to the surroundings, afraid that trouble might arise so that she could react accordingly.

"It's not that we won't be able to finish, there's still one more person who hasn't arrived," I lazily said, and Qinglian looked at me, puzzled. She turned her head to search for the person I mentioned.

I chuckled as I watched Qinglian's confused expression. After following us for more than three months, she still didn't know? I looked at Qinglian with a mischievous gleam in my eyes, raised my hand elegantly, lightly pinched her delicate chin, and formed a big smile on my face. Leaning close to Qinglian, I gently whispered in her ear, "Little Qing'er, do you want to know who the person is who hasn't arrived yet? If you want to know, let me give you a kiss."

Qinglian, under my continuous teasing, was already lost in thought. She stood there dazedly, allowing me to approach until our noses almost touched, and gasps and exclamations could be heard from all around.

"Master, it's not fun anymore when the joke goes too far," Qinglian finally regained her senses, her mind starting to work amidst the constant changes I put her through.

"Mmm~" I knew that if I continued to tease Qinglian, she would get angry. So, I decided to tell her the truth. "Little Qing, if we can leave home so easily, it's because someone has been secretly helping us. That person has been disturbing me and preventing me from enjoying my leisurely days."

Qinglian, listening attentively, had a helpless look in her eyes. With the Empress's current state, how could she enjoy leisurely days? If she let the girl know that she had fallen in love with a fake man, she didn't know if she would be able to let go easily.

"Master, the main point," Qinglian coldly reminded me.

"Hey, who am I talking about? Why don't you come out and have a meal with us? I don't know if you're tired or not," I said with a sour expression, venting all the grievances I had received from Qinglian onto that person.

A white figure appeared gracefully, surprising Qinglian, who stared dumbfounded at Qiao Zhengming, the Prime Minister of the Northern Star Kingdom. This was not good.

"Master's hospitality is truly appreciated," Qiao Zhengming was internally surprised but didn't show it on the surface. He spoke with an elegant tone.

"Please take a seat. I have something to discuss with you," I rarely showed a serious expression, speaking with a calm tone.

Qiao Zhengming felt a little flustered, but he maintained his composure and sat down casually, looking at my serious face. He also didn't smile, unexpectedly showing respect. "May I know what instructions the Master has?"

"I want you to go back. You are a capable person in the family. Now that you have been away for more than three months for my sake, you can go back with peace of mind," I said coldly, the meaning clear.

"Then, Master, would you be willing to accompany me back?" Qiao Zhengming didn't answer directly but instead asked a question.

I raised an eyebrow and said, "I suppose the old master at home isn't in a hurry for me to return, and I also intend to travel a few more days. But it's different for you. I believe you understand better than me."

Qiao Zhengming hesitated, realizing that the Emperor wasn't in a hurry for him to bring Jing'er back to the palace. It was probably because something had happened in the palace, and it would be safer for Jing'er to stay outside. However, Qiao Zhengming couldn't rest assured to leave her outside the imperial city.

"Besides, Qinglian and I are only traveling within the Northern Star Kingdom. What is there for you to worry about?" I could see Qiao Zhengming's doubts and spoke lightly.

"Alright, after we finish this meal, let's part ways," I didn't give him a chance to speak again. The decision was made. What's the point of letting him follow me?