Chapter 366 - 144: Thank You Ever So Much for Your Thoughtfulness

Chapter 366: Chapter 144: Thank You Ever So Much for Your Thoughtfulness

Just then, in Wangyou Palace, Song Yunzhao had barely woken up when she was hit with a bombshell. She stared at her own belly in utter disbelief.

’It actually happened?’

She hadn’t been able to conceive for so long. The Imperial Physicians had examined her, and the Emperor had certainly been diligent. Yet, there was never any news. She had resigned herself to fate, figuring whatever would be, would be.

’Who would have thought it would happen now?’

Feng Yi gazed at Song Yunzhao’s dazed, adorably foolish expression. He held her hand and said with a smile, "It’s finally happened, just as you wished. Are you happy now?"

Song Yunzhao’s face immediately flushed. ’What does he mean by that?’

’What does he mean, "as I wished"?’

"Doesn’t Your Majesty also wish for me to bear you a child?" Song Yunzhao asked, looking up at Feng Yi. She knew he was happy. When she had first opened her eyes, she’d seen him beaming, the corners of his mouth turned up high. It was a joy that radiated from his very being, impossible to conceal.

The Emperor’s delight instantly enveloped her, making her own spirits soar.

’A child wanted by both parents—that is the greatest blessing of all.’

"You heartless girl," Feng Yi said, gently tapping her forehead. If he hadn’t wanted a child with her, why would he have poured so much effort into their relationship, spending all his free time away from court affairs with her?

Song Yunzhao wrapped her arms around Feng Yi’s arm and said sweetly, "I can’t believe it’s happened. I’ve always wanted to carry on Your Majesty’s bloodline, but when it never happened, I felt so guilty. I never imagined that the moment I stopped dwelling on it, it would finally come."

"You were just too impatient. The Imperial Physicians all said you were perfectly healthy and just needed to wait."

Song Yunzhao reached out to touch her belly. This was the first time she had been pregnant in her two lifetimes. The feeling was magical—a tiny life was growing inside her.

The timing couldn’t have been better. This child had come when her relationship with the Emperor was at its strongest, when both of them were filled with anticipation.

"Your Majesty, would you prefer a prince or a princess?" Song Yunzhao asked with a smile.

"Whether it’s a prince or a princess, the child will be mine, and I will love them all the same." Feng Yi thought Song Yunzhao was anxious about not producing a son on her first try, so he softened his voice to comfort her. "Besides, it’s not as if we’re only going to have one."

Song Yunzhao looked up and deliberately asked, "I’ve heard that pregnancy and childbirth can ruin a woman’s figure. They say your skin turns sallow and you get spots. If I become ugly, will Your Majesty still like me?"

Feng Yi: ...

’What a bizarre question.’ It was the first time he’d ever been asked something like this. ’No wonder Yun Zhao was so worried before. She’s afraid of becoming ugly.’

He thought back carefully, then said to Yun Zhao with great solemnity, "I recall that the late Emperor’s favorite concubine was still just as beautiful after childbirth. This shows that the Imperial Hospital must have methods to help. I will give them instructions later. You don’t need to worry."

Song Yunzhao: ...

’That’s not what I wanted to hear. The Emperor really is a clueless man!’

Seeing Song Yunzhao’s indignant expression, Feng Yi thought to himself, ’I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? What is she so angry about?’

He considered it again and, concluding that he had said nothing wrong, added, "If you’re truly that worried, I can have the Imperial Hospital send a Medical Woman to attend to you. That should put your mind at ease, shouldn’t it?"

Song Yunzhao: ...

’Oh, thank you *so* much for being so thoughtful!’

"That won’t be necessary. I have Nanny Yu here. There’s no need to have the Imperial Hospital send anyone for now. We can reconsider when I’m further along," Song Yunzhao refused. The Empress Dowager was back in the palace; who knew if anyone sent from the Imperial Hospital would be reliable? Right now, not a single stranger could be allowed into Wangyou Palace.

"Then it’s up to you. Have them come whenever you wish." It was a small matter, and Feng Yi had no desire to upset Yun Zhao over it.

The two were immersed in the joy of becoming parents for the first time. Feng Yi looked at her belly, and after some thought, he said, "Your pregnancy is a joyous occasion. I plan to promote you to the rank of Zhaoyi. What do you think?"

Of course Song Yunzhao was delighted, but her expression showed a hint of hesitation. "A promotion right after becoming pregnant... I’m afraid the Empress Dowager won’t be pleased. Perhaps we should wait. I don’t want to make things difficult for you."

Feng Yi squeezed Yun Zhao’s hand. ’Anyone else would be overjoyed at the news of a promotion, but she’s thinking of me.’ "There are established precedents for this," he said aloud. "You don’t need to worry."

Song Yunzhao’s mind raced. ’Another promotion now would make me a Zhaoyi. Then, if the Emperor promotes me again after I give birth, a high concubine’s position will be within my grasp.’

’Neither the three concubines nor the Empress Dowager would want to see her attain a high concubine’s position so quickly. Therefore, this wasn’t about favoring a son over a daughter. For the sake of consolidating her status, and for the very lives and future of herself and her child, giving birth to a prince was for the best.’

’Once she had a son and secured her footing, she would be able to protect a daughter if she had one later.’

Song Yunzhao felt a sense of resignation. ’Wanting a son wasn’t about favoring boys over girls; it was about ensuring their survival.’

’But she could never say such things out loud. If she did give birth to a daughter, she had to make sure the Emperor cherished the child, protected her, and doted on her. Only then could this princess live a life free of worries, choose a good Prince Consort in the future, and enjoy a lifetime of smooth sailing.’

"I’m just worried because the relationship between you and the Empress Dowager is already strained. If this causes difficulties for Your Majesty, then I would rather not be promoted. As long as you treat me well, my rank isn’t that important," Song Yunzhao murmured, resting in the Emperor’s embrace.

Feng Yi gently stroked Yun Zhao’s shoulder. "You just focus on a healthy pregnancy. You don’t need to worry about anything else."

’At that moment, Song Yunzhao truly felt the commanding presence of a sovereign Emperor radiate from him, and half her worries instantly vanished. With his words, her position was half-secured. The other half would depend on her, Nanny Yu, and the others.’

"The Imperial Physician said your recent anxiety has taken a toll on your health. You need to rest well and stop worrying about such troublesome matters."

"How could matters concerning Your Majesty be troublesome? I was naturally worried when you were away. But now that you’re back, what is there to worry about? With Your Majesty here, all my cares disappear," Song Yunzhao said, her smile playful and her face full of trust.

Feng Yi squeezed Yun Zhao’s hand tightly. He had already guessed that her poor health was due to her worrying about a potential conflict between him and the Empress Dowager during his trip. But hearing her admit it herself still sent a wave of warmth through his heart.

’Finally, there was someone in this world who cared for him, and him alone.’

’He would definitely protect Yun Zhao through this pregnancy and ensure a safe delivery. Boy or girl, he would see to it that their child was born healthy.’

"Anshun is still a bit too green. What do you think if I have Zhang Maoquan come serve at Wangyou Palace?" Feng Yi was still worried. Anshun seemed clever enough, but he lacked a commanding presence in the palace. Zhang Maoquan was a different story entirely.

Song Yunzhao was both surprised and delighted. This was wonderful news. "But, Chief Steward Zhang is Your Majesty’s personal attendant. If he comes here, won’t you be short-handed?"

"It will only be for the months of your pregnancy. I’ll have him return after you give birth. Besides, I spend most of my time at Wangyou Palace anyway, so it won’t be an inconvenience." The more Feng Yi considered it, the better the idea sounded. And just like that, it was settled.