The prince is more stable

Chapter 704 Talk Between Husband and Wife
Is it a problem if a son steals his father's girlfriend?

Absolutely no problem, it's only natural.

In theory, everything Zhao Hao possesses now will eventually be left to Zhao Xiaoqian.

Even everything Zhao Hao is doing now is paving the way for Zhao Xiaoqian's future life.

Otherwise, at his age, even if he succeeds in usurping the throne, how many years can he hold that position?

Zhao Xiaoqian took Jia Jiu under his wing.

Not only Jia Jiu, but also Jia Shi, who is currently lurking in the capital of Liao, as well as all the Jia family, Yi family, and others that he will encounter in the future, Zhao Xiaoqian will take them all down one by one.

Anyway, it's already Huo Die's territory, so let's just go ahead and dig it up. Huo Die is the kind of person who doesn't understand these shady dealings, so it's better to keep it under Zhao Xiaoqian's control.

The message Zhao Hao sent this time contained mostly bad news, leaving Zhao Xiaoqian feeling rather heavy-hearted.

The heavy burden wasn't the troubles to come, but the growing distance between Zhao Xu and his relationship.

The fact that more than thirty mid-level generals were added to the army indicates that Zhao Xu no longer trusted Xu, the deputy envoy, or that he believed Xu had not fully fulfilled his responsibilities as deputy envoy and that the court's monitoring of Zhao Xiaoqian was still insufficient.

More than thirty generals gradually infiltrated from the grassroots, sowing discord and eventually dividing Zhao Xiaoqian's influence within the army. It must be said that Zhao Xu was indeed a mature emperor; he knew how to use various means to control any minister.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't really care; Zhao Hao and Zhao Xu had both misjudged him.

He was not an ambitious man and never intended to usurp the throne. Otherwise, when he first took control of the army, he would have used a different method to win over his generals and cultivate them into his loyal followers, gradually plotting to seize the throne.

What I didn't do back then, I won't do now.

Unless Zhao Xu's suspicions cross his bottom line.

Back at the Prince's residence, Zhao Xiaoqian was in a sullen mood. He went into the backyard without saying a word and stayed alone in the study for a long time before coming out.

When I came out, it was already dusk. I opened the door to the study and found the courtyard full of women.

Di Ying and the other women remained silent, sitting quietly under the tree, their eyes fixed on the candlelight in the study, their expressions filled with worry.

Upon seeing Zhao Xiaoqian emerge, the women hurriedly went to greet him.

"Is your mood better, my lord?" Di Ying asked with concern.

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback, then laughed: "I've never been in a bad mood."

Di Ying rolled her eyes at him and said, "You went straight to your study as soon as you got home and disappeared. The servants said your face was gloomy and scary. I wonder who offended you. Why are you being so stubborn?"

Zhao Xiaoqian said helplessly, "I just want to read some books in the study. If circumstances allow, I plan to take the imperial examination next year. Maybe I can become the top scholar."

The women chuckled, with Di Ying laughing so hard she nearly fell over: "I've known you for so long, but I've never seen you read a book. The study in the Chu Prince's mansion is magnificent, filled with countless rare and ancient books, yet you and your grandfather have always treated them as mere decorations. And now you say you want to take the imperial examination..."

Zhao Xiaoqian was displeased: "What are you saying? Why can't I be the top scholar in the imperial examination? Don't forget that I am the famous Zhao Banque, a talented scholar of our time. Even Su Shi often discusses poetry with me..."

"Is Scholar Su discussing poetry with you? It's clearly about cooking, and you two often fight over the taste of the dishes..." Di Ying bluntly exposed.

He's furious! A wife can tolerate it, but a husband can't!

Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly attacked with a cunning and vicious Dragon Claw Hand. Di Ying cried out in pain, her pretty face turning bright red as she covered her chest in shame and indignation.

The women burst into laughter, their alluring appearance suggesting they were eagerly anticipating Zhao Xiaoqian using the same tactic on them.

Zhao Xiaoqian had already finished his attack and was about to call it a day. He sneered at Di Ying, "If you don't give me face next time, I won't use the Dragon Claw Hand anymore, but the Monkey Stealing Peaches."

"Even without peaches, I'll still steal them."

After a simple yet sumptuous family dinner, Di Ying personally supervised Zhao Xiaoqian as he drank the medicinal soup.

Tonight, it's Niao Niao who's with Zhao Xiaoqian. I don't know how Di Ying arranged it. Every woman in the family should have a schedule for sleeping with someone. Zhao Xiaoqian once asked to see this schedule and offer some guidance, but Di Ying flatly refused.

At night, the heavily pregnant Niao Niao and Zhao Xiaoqian lay on the bed, neither of them sleepy.

Niao Niao is about to give birth and cannot lie flat on her back. She can only lie on her side, and she has to hold her big belly with both hands. She looks very uncomfortable.

Zhao Xiaoqian, however, was still recovering from his injuries and was in much worse spirits than before.

In the quiet room, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at, sir?" Niao Niao asked curiously.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed and said, "We're both in a pitiful state, one of us is heavily pregnant and the other is still recovering from a serious injury, lying in bed with no one to care for us..."

Niao Niao rolled her eyes at him: "How come no one cares? There are maids everywhere in the backyard. Besides, you hold great power and are respected by the world. With one order, 100,000 soldiers are willing to fight to the death for you. Apart from the current emperor, who in the world is more glorious than you?"

As she spoke, Niao Niao suddenly turned to the side and hugged his arm, looking sweet and happy.

"I never imagined that the man I fell in love with back then would be such a majestic general, and a general who won every battle." "In just two years, the once rampant Liao Kingdom was defeated by you, and even the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun had to be returned to the Song Dynasty. This is all because you are so powerful."

Zhao Xiaoqian rubbed his nose, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Niao Niao, your husband was just ambushed by the Liao people and almost got beaten to a pulp. He's still dragging his heavily injured body. It's a bit presumptuous of you to praise me for being invincible at this time..."

Niao Niao chuckled and said, "That was because the Liao people were unruly and launched a sneak attack. My lord was caught off guard and fell into their trap. Anyway, my lord is indeed amazing!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Niao Niao suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

"what happened?"

Niao Niao took his hand and placed it on her belly, saying happily, "The baby just kicked me."

Zhao Xiaoqian immediately stood up, gently placed his hands on her belly, and said happily, "Good girl, give me another kick!"

As if by telepathy, Zhao Xiaoqian felt a sudden throbbing in his palm, as if the baby in his belly had truly made a big leap.

"Oh!" Niao Niao clutched her large belly.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed heartily: "Not bad, that's energetic! You're bound to be a little rascal who climbs on roofs and tears off tiles in the future!"

"What are you saying, my lord! How can you talk about a child like that? In the future, our child will surely be just like you, a peerless genius who excels in both literature and martial arts." Niao Niao's round face shone brightly, full of hope.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled nonchalantly: "Our family has enough resources. I don't expect any more geniuses to emerge. I only wish that he can live a happy and carefree life from birth to death, without any regrets. That would be perfect."

A hint of worry flickered in her eyes as she cautiously asked, "My lord, if I were to give birth to a daughter, would you despise us, mother and daughter?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled wryly: "What's there to complain about? I love my baby whether it's a boy or a girl. It would be even better if it's a daughter. Daughters are closer to their fathers and much better than boys."

Upon hearing this, Niao Niao immediately felt relieved, and her eyes reddened.

Since becoming pregnant, Niao Niao has been under considerable psychological pressure. As Zhao Xiaoqian's first child, the whole family has pinned their hopes on her, wishing that she could give birth to a son for the official.

But such things are destined by fate, and there is nothing Niaoniao can do about it. Over time, Niaoniao's pressure became heavier and heavier. When she was pampered and cared for by her whole family, she became more and more guilty, afraid that everyone had given her so much, but she gave birth to a daughter and let everyone down.

Now that the man in charge has said those words, all of Niao Niao's pressure has finally been relieved.

She awkwardly wrapped her arms around Zhao Xiaoqian's neck, her slightly cool lips pressed against his cheek, and she whispered her tender gratitude in his ear.

“My lord, you are so good to me. Even if I can’t give birth to a son this time, I will definitely give you a son in the future. I want to carry on your lineage; it is my responsibility.”

Niao Niao spoke very seriously, as if bearing children for Zhao Xiaoqian had become her inescapable responsibility and mission.

Zhao Xiaoqian was speechless. Women of this era are really... Well, people in ancient times have their limitations. We can't judge their thoughts and behaviors by the values ​​of a thousand years later.

"Having children and grandchildren is a matter for later," Zhao Xiaoqian's smile suddenly became somewhat radiant: "If Niao Niao truly cares for her husband, why not perform a blessing ceremony for him now..."

What kind of blessing?

Niao Niao turned her head in surprise and saw the sly smile on Zhao Xiaoqian's face. She immediately understood everything and turned her body to the side with her back to him.

"No, my sister ordered that no one is allowed to... you know... with my husband! Otherwise, the consequences will be severe. My husband's injuries haven't healed yet, so let's be careful. Besides, I'm six months pregnant..."

"Niao Niao, you still have a pair of skillful hands..."

"No, no! My lord, please spare me! My sister's rules are serious, and I dare not disobey them. You can't just stand by and watch me get beaten while I'm so pregnant, can you?" Niao Niao said pitifully.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed. It seemed that he really couldn't be near women until his injuries had healed.

As the matriarch of the household, Di Ying's strict orders were not to be disobeyed by other women, unless Zhao Xiaoqian used force.

Even a broken bone takes a hundred days to heal, and with his internal injuries, it will take him at least half a year.

How will we get through the days to come?
"Keep your mind calm and go to sleep!" Zhao Xiaoqian turned over and covered his head with the blanket.

In the darkness, a soft chuckle escaped her lips as she whispered in his ear, "My lord, please bear with it a little longer. Take good care of yourself, and by then I will have given birth to the child. You can then do whatever you wish..."

Zhao Xiaoqian shuddered. Damn it, his anger flared up even more, and he wanted to take a cold shower.

The next morning, just as Zhao Xiaoqian got up, a servant came to report that a guest had arrived outside the mansion.

There were many guests, more than thirty people, all of whom were sent by the imperial court. Their destination was Xijin Prefecture in Yanyun. They passed through Zhending City and heard that Zhao Xiaoqian was recuperating in the city, so they came to pay their respects.

Upon hearing the number of people, a sharp glint immediately flashed in Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes.

They arrived so quickly; I only heard about it yesterday, and they've already arrived in Zhengding City today.

(End of this chapter)