The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

Shen Wangxi frowned slightly, suppressing his doubts. He remained expressionless and simply said to the audience, "Today's martial arts competition ends here. The rewards will be distributed by the Ministry of War later."

After saying that, he didn't linger and turned to leave the dueling platform.

Back in his tent, the imperial physician who had accompanied him was already waiting to take his pulse.

The imperial physician examined the patient intently for a long time, a look of surprise on his face. He withdrew his hand and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty's health is better than ever before, truly a blessing for the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Shen Wangxi rubbed his fingertips, finding it too mysterious. He looked up at the Imperial Physician and said in a steady voice:

"I have recently felt particularly energetic, even more so than when I was young and strong. What is the reason for this?"

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Physician bowed even deeper and said with certainty, "Your Majesty, after returning home, this old minister thoroughly examined the medical records left over from the previous dynasty and the fragments of ancient historical texts, and finally gained some insights."

He paused, then, influenced by Xiao Jiu once again, gave a perfect reason: "The medicine used at His Majesty's birthday banquet was definitely not a simple Drunken Immortal Inducing Agent."

According to historical records, this product was made by the Liang Emperor of the previous dynasty at great expense, using several rare and precious medicinal herbs that have been used for thousands of years to prolong life, and refined using a secret method.

"It also contains additional items that have miraculous effects in dual cultivation."

The imperial physician blushed slightly and continued, "This medicine is extremely potent and unique. It is not released all at once, but rather lies dormant within the dragon's body. It can only be slowly activated through intercourse with a woman, in the balance of yin and yang, to nourish the body and make the essence and energy increasingly abundant, and the physique increasingly strong."

"After Emperor Liang created this medicine, he dared not try it himself. Just as he was about to find someone to test it, the city fell."

"Such a miraculous medicine was obtained by an ignorant palace maid during the chaos, and by some twist of fate, it was used on His Majesty."

"In retrospect, it has indeed brought about this opportunity for Your Majesty."

Shen Wangxi listened quietly, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes. So that's how it is.

No wonder that after each time he had sex with Aruo, the beautiful woman was always so tired that she couldn't even lift her fingertips and fell into a deep sleep, while he was full of energy and even felt that his inner strength was more solid.

It turned out that it wasn't a misperception; it was the medicine at work, nourishing itself through her.

Thinking of Shen Qingruo's weak and boneless appearance, and the benefits he would gain from it, Shen Wangxi felt a surge of heat in his heart.

After all, no matter how cold and noble he may be, it is difficult for him to remain calm when faced with matters of life and death and matters of male dignity.

Shen Wangxi pondered for a moment, then asked another question of concern: "Given my current physical condition, will it have any impact on my ability to have children?"

The Imperial Physician immediately replied with certainty, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Your Majesty's health is currently at its peak, the best condition for procreation and the birth of imperial offspring, and there will be absolutely no hindrance."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wangxi's gloom caused by her children's disappointment finally dissipated completely and was replaced by anticipation.

He nodded slightly, said no more, and waved for the imperial physician to leave.

Silence returned to the tent.

Shen Wangxi's idea from a few days ago resurfaced: to make A'ruo pregnant with his imperial heir.

A child carrying his and her blood, conceived in his prime, will surely be intelligent, healthy, and blessed with extraordinary talents.

It seems I need to be more diligent in visiting Qingyi Palace in the future.

His Aruo, so delicate and obedient, deserved to give birth to his son early on, becoming a new member of his family.

Meanwhile, in Qingyi Palace, the scene of the imperial physician returning from General Xiao Jiu's tent and Shen Wangxi's doubts being dispelled was transferred to Shen Qingruo's consciousness.

Then she heard him ask about having children and saw the expectation in his eyes.

it's time.

With a slight thought, Shen Qingruo reopened the system shop, tapped the [Fake Pregnancy Pill] with her fingertip, and confirmed the redemption.

"Exchange successful, Aruo." Xiao Jiu's ball of light spun around. "From now on, you are pregnant."

"After a month, your pulse and physical reactions will be exactly the same as those of a woman who is actually pregnant, and this will last for three months."

"If there is no external intervention to cause an accidental miscarriage after three months, it will also miscarry naturally and will not harm the body."

Shen Qingruo nodded, placing her hand on her lower abdomen; she didn't feel anything yet.