I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 334 Serves him right, simps don't deserve sympathy
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A surprise one night?!

Well, this kind of thing often happens to Zhao Yu, so it's not surprising that it happened again this time.

Furthermore, you can doubt Liu Qingjing's character, but you cannot doubt Liu Qingjing's land.

It's important to know that Zhao Xu had such poor fertility, yet Liu Qingjing still bore him one son and two daughters. Zhao Xu only had five children in his lifetime, and more than half of them were conceived by Liu Qingjing.

This level of fertility is definitely among the best for women.

The idea that Zhao Yu and Liu Qingjing could become pregnant overnight is theoretically plausible.

However, given Liu Qingjing's character and the fact that she was clearly scheming against him and had succeeded, Zhao Yu couldn't help but wonder if the child in her womb was actually his.
Don't let Liu Qingjing get pregnant with some random man's child and make you a sucker.

With these doubts in mind, Zhao Yu met with Liu Qingjing.

The meeting place was no longer Chongen Palace, a place that Zhao Yu found inconvenient to go to, but a very secluded and quiet courtyard that Zhao Yu had specially bestowed upon Liu Mingjie.

On that day, Liu Qingjing "coincidentally" came to visit her adopted daughter, Liu Mingjie.

As soon as Zhao Yu was led into the room by Liu Mingjie, he saw Liu Qingjing prostrate on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, I know my crime. I beg Your Majesty to spare the lives of my son and me. I truly only want a son to console myself. I have no other requests. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish!"

It is incorrect for Liu Qingjing to refer to herself as "臣妾" (chenqie).

"臣妾" is the self-reference used by imperial concubines and princesses when addressing the emperor. As the empress of the late Emperor Zhao Xu, Liu Qingjing held a noble position and was considered an "elder" (based on the seniority of the late emperor). She generally referred to herself as "哀家".

"Aijia" is a self-reference used by widows to express their grief for the late emperor, while also highlighting their special status and maintaining a relationship with the new emperor that is both respectful and distinct from that of the crown prince and his consorts.

This kind of title not only reflects the supreme power of the emperor, but also upholds the principle of "order of rank" in the patriarchal system.

But Liu Qingjing didn't care about any of that. Instead, she shamelessly identified herself as Zhao Yu's concubine from the very beginning, which is why she referred to herself as "your concubine".

Although Zhao Yu disliked Liu Qingjing's character and even despised her actions, he had to admit that seeing his once arrogant and domineering enemy, who wouldn't even look at him with a second glance, now prostrating himself before him and begging for a way out, and recalling how she had used every trick in the book to please him that night, Zhao Yu felt incredibly satisfied.

If you had to describe Zhao Yu's current state of mind in one word, four words would suffice—"a petty person who has achieved his goal."

It's worth mentioning that there was a reason why Liu Qingjing was able to win Zhao Xu's exclusive favor; her skills were truly exceptional, giving Zhao Xu an ultimate experience.

That is why, even though Liu Mingjie was Zhao Yu's target at the time, Zhao Yu unconsciously focused all his firepower on Liu Qingjing.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this that we have reaped the bitter fruit of today.

Zhao Yu looked at Liu Qingjing and questioned her in a deep voice: "How can you face Emperor Zhezong after doing this?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingjing tried her best to speak calmly to Zhao Yu, saying, "Your Majesty, I have no choice."

It's clear that Liu Qingjing was still somewhat moved when she mentioned Zhao Xu, the man who loved her wholeheartedly, praised her to the skies, and was even willing to bear the reputation of "favoring his concubine over his wife" for her sake.

Perhaps at this moment, Liu Qingjing is thinking about all the things she and Zhao Xu went through in the past?

Liu Qingjing might be thinking that if Zhao Xu were still alive, it wouldn't be her kneeling before Zhao Yu, begging for his forgiveness, even at the cost of her own innocence, making herself look like a promiscuous woman who had no dignity as an empress. Instead, it would be Zhao Yu crawling before her, licking her feet, and desperately pleading for her forgiveness.

It's possible that Liu Qingjing genuinely felt that although she had wronged Zhao Xu, she was forced into this situation by Zhao Yu, Empress Dowager Xiang, and Prime Minister Meng. She was truly desperate and had no choice but to take this risky gamble.

As for what Liu Qingjing was really thinking, Zhao Yu didn't really care. Anyway, she had already embarked on this path, so he couldn't call her a chaste and virtuous woman, right?
Furthermore, given that Liu Qingjing was capable of even seducing her former husband's younger brother, Zhao Yu could reasonably assume that even if Zhao Mao were unharmed and became emperor, with Liu Qingjing ruling from behind the curtain, she would most likely have kept numerous male favorites like Wu Zetian, cuckolding Zhao Xu countless times.

Therefore, emperors like Li Zhi and Zhao Xu were utterly foolish. Even after becoming emperors and holding real power, they were still foolish enough to hang themselves on a crooked tree. In the end, the likes of Wu Zetian and Liu Qingjing, relying on their favor, became arrogant and deprived other concubines of the opportunity to conceive. Wu Zetian even killed five of Li Zhi's sons (two of whom were her own children). Zhao Xu died without any sons surviving, and even died because his only son died young.

This is the tragic fate of emperors who doted on only one woman.

Zhao Yu only had one thing to say: He deserved it. Simps don't deserve sympathy.

Now let's talk about Zhao Xu.

Although he was a decent emperor, he had no favors for Zhao Yu. He never intended to pass his throne to Zhao Yu, even though Zhao Yu had shown that he was the most suitable person to inherit his throne.

Moreover, even on his deathbed, he remained wary of Zhao Yu and was determined to pass the throne to his younger brother Zhao Si, even though Zhao Si was not suited to be emperor.

Furthermore, Zhao Yu was a time traveler and had no brotherly affection for Zhao Xu whatsoever.

Based on these reasons, Zhao Yu felt no psychological burden whatsoever at all for cuckolding Zhao Xu.

In short, Zhao Yu did not delve into Liu Qingjing's excuses, but went straight to the point: "What exactly do you want to do?"

Seeing that Zhao Yu did not continue to pursue the matter of her betrayal of Zhao Xu, Liu Qingjing breathed a sigh of relief. Then she emphasized for the third time, "Your Majesty, I only want a son. I have no other requests. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish."

Seeing that Liu Qingjing was still using this excuse to fob him off, Zhao Yu asked indifferently, "What do you need a son for? Besides, Emperor Zhezong has been dead for a year. How do you explain having a son?"

Liu Qingjing said, "Your Majesty, please don't joke about this. The difference between having a son and not having a son is like heaven and earth for a woman, especially in this harem. I am also a woman, and I am in the harem. How can I not want to have a son?"

Uh...okay.

This is a very good reason.

Under the feudal harem system, a woman's status depended on her son, which was the core logic for survival. If she had no children, especially princes, the status and fate of women in the harem were often uncertain, and even if she became empress, she might face a tragic end.

People like Liu Qingjing, whose fates have been "finally sealed," are actually a bit better off.

Otherwise, if the empress has no sons, the competition in the harem is so fierce that it is difficult for the emperor's favor to last. Without sons as a foundation, once she falls out of favor, she can easily be ostracized by other concubines who have children, or even be deposed and sent to the cold palace.

Let's talk about Liu Qingjing's situation.

Women in this era depended on men for survival. After the emperor died, concubines with sons could go to their fiefdoms with their sons or enjoy honor in the palace, while those without children might be sent to the imperial mausoleum to guard the tomb, or spend the rest of their lives in loneliness, or even be forced to be buried alive with him.

Furthermore, the status of women in the harem was closely linked to the interests of their families. Without princes to consolidate their positions, their families might lose the emperor's trust and support, and face political suppression.

Therefore, having a prince or not makes a difference to Liu Qingjing. Moreover, it can be said that it concerns whether she can live in peace and even whether her family can continue to prosper.

The key issue is that Liu Qingjing's downfall was due to the early death of her son; otherwise, she would have been the ultimate and biggest winner.

Under these circumstances, it is only natural for Liu Qingjing to have a strong attachment to the prince.

Seeing that Zhao Yu seemed to have accepted her desire for a son, Liu Qingjing quickly offered her plan: "I have heard that several of Your Majesty's concubines are pregnant recently. Judging from the timing, their due dates should be close to mine. At that time, one of them could be instructed to 'give birth' in my place. Then, Your Majesty can return the child I gave birth to to me in the name of continuing the late Emperor's lineage..."

Liu Qingjing's idea was that she would secretly give birth to the child, and Zhao Yu would then find another concubine whose due date was close to hers, saying that the concubine had given birth to twins, and then give the extra child to Liu Qingjing for adoption.

By simply changing hands like this, the child's identity would be cleared. If Zhao Yu had cooperated with Liu Qingjing, this kind of thing could definitely have been accomplished.

The problem is, Zhao Yu is a little worried that if Liu Qingjing gets the child, she might cause trouble.

Zhao Yu's statement was not without basis.

Historically, after Zhao Xu's death, Zhao Ji ascended the throne. He honored Liu Qingjing as Empress Yuanfu, and later as Empress Dowager of Chongen Palace. Liu Qingjing was ambitious and not content with her current position, constantly attempting to interfere in court affairs. When Zhao Ji fell ill, she believed the time was ripe and tried to emulate Empress Dowager Zhangxian Mingsu Liu E by ruling from behind a screen and seizing power.

Liu Qingjing's actions aroused the dissatisfaction of the court officials, and Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) could no longer tolerate her behavior. After discussing with his prime ministers and advisors, Emperor Huizong decided to strip Liu Qingjing of her title of Empress Dowager. Afterwards, Emperor Huizong arranged for his servants to intimidate and insult Liu Qingjing. Unable to bear the humiliation, Liu Qingjing ultimately hanged herself with a curtain hook, at the young age of thirty-five.

Just think about it, Liu Qingjing dared to do such a big thing even without a son. If Liu Qingjing really had a son, who knows how many troubles she might cause.

Therefore, in his heart, Zhao Yu did not want Liu Qingjing to have a son.

The problem now is that Liu Qingjing is pregnant, and she is the widow of Emperor Zhao Xu, who died just a year ago. Zhao Yu is in a crucial period of consolidating his throne and cannot be easily messed with. Most importantly, although Liu Qingjing is now as obedient as a lamb, as if Zhao Yu can mold her however he wants, she is actually someone who dares to do anything. If Liu Qingjing is not appeased and causes trouble, the consequences will be unimaginable.

After weighing the pros and cons, Zhao Yu said, "I only pity you because you have just experienced the pain of losing your son."

To Zhao Yu's surprise, Liu Qingjing seized the opportunity and immediately said, "Yes, yes, Your Majesty is kind-hearted and compassionate, which is why you spared me. I will be grateful for Your Majesty's great kindness for all eternity."

As they were talking, Liu Qingjing got up from the ground on her own and went to Zhao Yu's side.

Before long, Liu Qingjing was pressed against Zhao Yu, and Zhao Yu couldn't push her away.

Sometimes, you have to admit that there's a reason why someone succeeds.

Take Liu Qingjing for example. She's all looks and no brains, and her political intelligence is abysmal, but when it comes to pleasing men, she's a real pro.

Zhao Yu disliked Liu Qingjing at all, and even hated her, yet she could easily arouse Zhao Yu's sexual desire.

Well, that's also because, although Zhao Yu had thoroughly played with Liu Qingjing that night, he never knew that the person under him was Liu Qingjing, so he lacked a lot of the sense of conquest and the pleasure of revenge.

Now, Liu Qingjing is throwing herself into his arms again.

The two of them had already done everything, so Zhao Yu really had no reason to refuse Liu Qingjing.

So the two of them rolled onto the bed again.

This time, Zhao Yu didn't hold back like he did that night. Instead, he settled all scores with Liu Qingjing, both for the old and the new.

Zhao Yu even maliciously thought that if he could make Liu Qingjing miscarry, would he be able to get rid of this clingy pest?
Unexpectedly, despite being deliberately abused by Zhao Yu, Liu Qingjing still tried her best to please him and provided him with plenty of emotional value.

It's just weird.

At that moment, Zhao Yu thought, 'Liu Qingjing doesn't seem like such a despicable woman, does she?'

Afterwards, Zhao Yu realized, 'Could it be that Liu Qingjing didn't get pregnant last time? Is she coming to me for advice again?'

That's really true.

Despite Liu Qingjing's best efforts last time, she was unable to conceive.

However, Liu Qingjing was very shrewd and didn't make a fuss. She didn't even tell Liu Mingjie. Instead, she took advantage of Zhao Yu's desire to keep the matter a secret and tricked him into sleeping with her again.

By taking advantage of Zhao Yu's unpreparedness, Liu Qingjing succeeded in getting pregnant with Zhao Yu's child.

Nine months later, Liu Qingjing gave birth to a son.

At that time, Empress Dowager Xiang had already died, and Zhao Yu had completely secured his throne. It was too easy for him to give the child to Liu Qingjing for adoption.

However, Zhao Yu did not do this himself, but instead had Zheng Xiansu do it for him.

Firstly, with everything in need of rebuilding at the time, Zhao Yu had neither the time nor the inclination to get entangled with Liu Qingjing.

Secondly, Liu Qingjing's tricks are all underhanded and despicable, and she always targets Zhao Yu's weaknesses. Zhao Yu, who falls for her tricks, is genuinely afraid of her.

Thirdly, Zhao Yu needed to find someone to discipline and suppress Liu Qingjing, otherwise, who knows how much trouble Liu Qingjing might cause him.

Later, through Zheng Xiansu's efforts, Liu Qingjing was able to be adopted by her own son as she wished.

Do you think this is over?

how is this possible.

If Liu Qingjing could just shut up like this, she wouldn't be Liu Qingjing.

Having learned her lesson from Zhao Mao's early death, Liu Qingjing, unwilling to repeat the same mistake, went to great lengths to steal a son and a daughter from Zhao Yu, thus bearing him a total of two sons and a daughter.

Once this woman lets go, she'll become bolder.

It could also be that they've tasted the sweetness and then developed a craving for more.

Every now and then, Liu Qingjing would come and ask Zhao Yu out, or she would secretly go to Liu Mingjie's bed to "fight". Over the years, she has caused Zhao Yu a lot of trouble.

Now, Liu Qingjing is thirty-six, the age when a woman is full of desire, and naturally she wants to communicate with Zhao Yu even more.

But Zhao Yu had already completely won over Liu Qingjing and really had little sexual interest in her anymore.

Of course, Liu Qingjing's skills are definitely among the best of Zhao Yu's women. Now that she's middle-aged, she's like a ripe peach, very delicious. The key is that she has the added advantage of her status.

Therefore, if the foreplay is done well, Zhao Yu can also develop some sexual interest in Liu Qingjing.

However, Zhao Yu did not want Liu Qingjing to think that he could do whatever he wanted now because of his high reputation, and she kept pestering him to take her as a concubine.

It's no wonder Zhao Yu had such concerns. In fact, Liu Qingjing seemed to have long forgotten that she was Zhao Xu's concubine and Zhao Yu was just her brother-in-law. She had increasingly lost touch with Zhao Yu and completely treated him as her man. Zhao Yu would handle all the trivial matters in her household for her.

That's why Zhao Yu didn't want to pay attention to Liu Qingjing, lest she pester him again.

Unexpectedly, Liu Qingjing stopped pretending in front of Zhao Yu. When Zhao Yu refused to see her, she sent Liu Mingjie to find him...

……

(End of this chapter)