Chapter 8, Possessing the Dragon's Embryo

Wang Qingjun gently stroked her lower abdomen, her heart filled with mixed emotions. This is Chen Wen'an's child, not the Longmai!

The guards stepped back, and Mo Momo realized that resisting at this moment would be futile. She pulled Ye Susu and Putao down from the carriage and retreated ten steps away

Wang Qingjun waved her hand, signaling Mother Mo to sit down, and whispered, "Do not alarm anyone, lest the palace maids become overly agitated and we have to summon the imperial physician, causing unrest among everyone."

In the Qingning Palace, all the imperial physicians knelt on the ground, weeping, and said: "This poison is not to be taken lightly. The Third Prince has the poison in his lungs, and we, the humble officials, truly have no power to help."

"My lord, do not be afraid, nothing will happen." The raisin comforted, watching Wang Qingjun in labor, her face contorted in pain, only looking at Granny Mo, "Granny, will my lord really be alright?"

As the year swiftly passed and April arrived, with Wang Qingjun nearing her delivery, Empress Chen, lying on her sickbed, secretly summoned Chen Wen'an into the palace and asked: "Are you prepared?"

If Wang Qingjun is not pregnant or gives birth to a daughter, then it is necessary to take the son born to the servant woman and present him as the prince born to Wang Qingjun, to inherit the throne. In any case, it is absolutely imperative that Tang Tianzhi, who poisoned his brother, does not return to ascend the throne

Clearly, the moonlight is beautiful, so why does it feel so desolate? Wang Qingjun looked up at the moon, her hand gripping the curtain of the carriage tightly, beads of sweat forming. For a moment, she pressed her hand against her abdomen, feeling somewhat nauseous, her throat dry and on the verge of retching. In that brief moment, several thoughts flashed through her mind, and she spoke up: "My Lord, I have something to discuss with you."

Wang Qingjun said: "It is just a matter of being upset!"

As they were speaking, someone came to report: "Your Highness, there has been some movement from Noble Consort Wang's side."

Chen Wen'an further advised: "Given the circumstances, the aunt must make a decision soon. Otherwise, among the four princes, only Tang Tianzhi will be left alive, and the officials will surely clear his name, seeking to welcome him back to the throne."

Wang Qingjun did not dare to raise her head to look at Chen Wen'an, only giving a soft "mm" in response

Wang Qingjun lowered her neck and replied: "This month, the menstrual flow has not arrived, my appetite is poor, and I often feel nauseous. Although I have not had my pulse diagnosed, I suspect that this is the case."

Empress Chen, however, was deeply saddened by the death of Tang Tianyou, and her health had not recovered due to her excessive grief. Managing state affairs consumed much of her energy, and she truly forgot about Ye Susu.

Wang Qingjun was terrified at this moment, gripping Grape's hand and saying: "Grape, it hurts so much, am I going to die?"

When they returned to the palace, it was already bright. Chen Wen'an escorted Wang Qingjun and others into the Jade Steps Hall, ordered the guards to watch the palace entrance, and summoned the imperial physician to examine Wang Qingjun's pulse before going to see Empress Chen

Chen Wen'an further stated: "The current Empress trusts me, and the several palace maids placed in the Jade Steps Hall are not the Empress's people, but mine. You can rest assured."

Chen Wen'an mounted the horse and sat beside Wang Qingjun, saying: "It is not that I do not let you go, but that the Empress has ordered that regardless of life or death, you must be captured. If the person you encountered were not me, they would have already died."

Soon, someone brought Daoist Qingchen up. Daoist Qingchen remained calm and said in public: "Your Majesty has taken my pill and was already improving, but due to the fright he received last night, he is now unwell. This should not be blamed on me."

Rest assured and do not overthink it. Chen Wen'an squeezed Wang Qingjun's fingers and leaned in to say: I will do everything I can to ensure your safety

Wang Qingjun paused for a moment before asking, "What should we do next?"

Upon hearing the great sorrow, Empress Chen cried out: "In the end, have I made a wedding gown for someone else?" Indeed, it was she who had instigated Tianyou to entice Tianning into poisoning, yet she did not anticipate that Tianyou would also fall victim to the poison. Is this not a case of self-inflicted misfortune that cannot be lived through?

The Daoist priest Qingchenzi leaned in and said: "The matter of Consort Wang successfully attending to the Emperor has its underlying circumstances. This information has already been conveyed to one of my disciples. If I were to die in this manner, that disciple would undoubtedly announce it to the world. At that time, I fear that both Director Chen and Consort Wang would meet the same fate as mine"

Wang Qingjun raised her eyes, the autumn waves dimmed, a bitter smile appeared at the corners of her lips, and she lightly parted her cherry lips to say: "I am pregnant!"

"Are you really pregnant?" Chen Wen'an instantly calmed down and said in a low voice, "You must understand that this matter is not to be taken lightly; a physician can tell the truth with just a pulse diagnosis."

During this period, Empress Chen increased the number of guards at the Jade Steps Palace, placing Wang Qingjun under house arrest and prohibiting unauthorized individuals from entering the Jade Steps Palace

"Susu!" Wang Qingjun called Ye Susu over, took her hand and said, "From now on, you will stay by my side. I will find a way to protect you."

Everyone step back! Chen Wen'an instructed the group.

Wang Qingjun was already listening attentively for any sounds. When she heard a "creak" by the window, she did not panic; she simply put on her clothes and sat up. Indeed, she saw a figure leap through the window and instantly arrive at the bedside, and she asked, "Wen An?"

Wang Qingjun quickly weighed her options and said: "I want grapes, Mo Mo, and the *Tu* book Mo and Ye Susu to be by my side to serve me. If they have any matters to attend to, I will be worried in my heart, fearing that I cannot protect the fetus."

The Daoist priest Qingchenzi understands that although he has managed to save his life this time, escaping the palace will likely be extremely difficult.

Chen Wen'an reached out to stroke Wang Qingjun's dark hair and said softly, "Your Majesty has been ill for a long time; how is your health? The Empress Dowager knows everything. Moreover, when you attended to the Emperor that night, I was also in the chamber. I fear that the Empress Dowager might suddenly become suspicious, so I must act with caution. After tonight, if there are no special matters, I will not come again to avoid being caught in the act."

There is no escaping now!" Mo Mama sighed

Madam Mo noticed that Wang Qingjun had not allowed them to keep watch at night for the past few days, only saying that they would be called if needed. For a moment, she was somewhat puzzled, but upon seeing Wang Qingjun's insistence, she had no choice but to extinguish the lamp and withdraw.

Wang Qingjun nodded and said, "I understand"

As soon as Chen Wen'an arrived, he shouted: "Where is Daoist Qingchen? Bring him up here."

"How can I not lose weight when I am so frightened?" Wang Qingjun sighed and asked, "The Empress wants to wait for me to give birth to the child, to leave a son for the family, right?"

Wang Qingjun's voice was soft and delicate, yet it struck Chen Wen'an's ears like a thunderclap. Tang Tianyuan and Tang Tianning were already dead, Tang Tianyou's life or death remained uncertain, and Tang Tianzhi had escaped the palace. At this moment, Wang Qingjun was pregnant, which signified what?

With this statement from Empress Chen, Chen Wen'an understood that Wang Qingjun's life was temporarily spared

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen'an suddenly stood up and rushed out swiftly

On the 20th, Tang Tianyou succumbed to poisoning, and Empress Chen, unable to withstand the double blow, fell ill in bed, causing great chaos within the palace. Chen Wen'an, as the prospective son-in-law and nephew of Empress Chen, had no choice but to take charge of the inner palace on her behalf, manage the funeral affairs, assume control over certain state matters, and convey messages during the morning court sessions

Ye Susu remained deeply immersed in the sorrow of the sudden deaths of Sun Shufei and Tang Tianning, clenching her fists and murmuring to herself: "It must be the Empress Dowager who caused the death of Shufei, it must be her"

Aunt, Wang Guiren must not die. Chen Wen'an glanced around and said in a hushed voice: I have already requested the imperial physician to check Wang Guiren's pulse. Regardless of whether she is pregnant or not, the joyful pulse can certainly be detected. As long as Wang Guiren gives birth to a child, Aunt can bring the child forward, allowing the child to inherit the throne and become the Emperor of the Great Tang, and Aunt will then be the Empress Dowager

Empress Chen smiled sadly and said, "I never expected that after a lifetime of struggle, I would end up supporting someone else's son to ascend to power"

As he was speaking, the sound of footsteps was heard, and it was Chen Wen'an who entered the hall. Chen Wen'an had already learned from the imperial physician that Wang Qingjun was indeed pregnant. The joy in his eyes was somewhat difficult to conceal, yet he was afraid others would notice, so he only half-squinted. Upon entering the hall, he commanded, "Everyone leave!"

In the Sanqing Hall, Tang Ruolong's mind was already unclear, and the group of doctors was at a loss for what to do

But with only two palace maids and one matron, what is there to worry about? Chen Wen'an nodded, jumped down from the carriage, and instructed the secret guards in a loud voice: "Return to the palace"

The bodyguard, upon receiving the order, led Chen Wen'an's horse, waited for him to mount, and then watched as Putao and the others got onto the carriage. Only then did he take his position behind the carriage and proceed in the direction of the palace

Chen Wen'an nodded and said: "Aunt, rest assured, Consort Wang will surely give birth to a dragon son."

With Chen Wen'an's words, Wang Qingjun's heart was set at ease, allowing her to truly focus on nurturing her pregnancy. Seeing this, Mo Momo and Putao also felt a slight sense of relief

"The Tang Dynasty has come to an end!" Mo Momo corrected the words of the grape, whispering: "The First Prince is in exile, the Second Prince and the Fourth Prince are dead, the Third Prince's fate is uncertain. If the master gives birth to a dragon son, he can ascend to the throne and become the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty"

Chen Wen'an emerged from Empress Chen's quarters and hurried to the outside of the Jade Steps Hall, where Wang Qingjun inside had already begun to take action

Several experienced midwives repeatedly reassured, "Noble person, do not be anxious; giving birth is always like this."

Chen Wen'an could only comfort her by saying: "Aunt, take good care of your health. Once Lady Wang gives birth to the child and brings it to you, that child will be considered your own."

Chen Wen'an had several intentions to meet Wang Qingjun, but fearing that Empress Chen would become suspicious, he abandoned the thought. That evening, due to certain matters, he received the Empress's permission to stay in the palace. By midnight, he donned his night attire and stealthily approached the vicinity of the Jade Steps Hall, waiting for the guards on duty to change shifts, and entered the hall without anyone noticing.

Chen Wen'an was afraid that Wang Qingjun would scream in fright, and had already reached out his hand to cover her mouth. Upon hearing her call, he retracted his hand and sat down at the edge of the bed. With a bit of moonlight, he slowly made out Wang Qingjun's appearance and sighed, "Isn't she supposed to be pregnant? Why hasn't she gained weight, but instead looks thinner?"

Old Madam Mo was praying everywhere, saying: "Nothing will happen."

Wang Qingjun took comfort in these words, and for a moment said: "I have been sleeping soundly these past few days, and at night I do not sleep, just waiting for you to come, and you have indeed come."

Chen Wen'an hesitated for a moment, then reached out his hand to gently stroke Wang Qingjun's hair. Seeing Wang Qingjun shrink back, he withdrew his hand and said softly, "I will always protect you and the child."

"Just kill them," Empress Chen said coldly, "It would be best if they all died completely."

Empress Chen, faced with this great upheaval, was greatly disturbed. After being advised by Chen Wen'an, she calmed down somewhat and instructed, "First, arrange for a few pregnant women to wait, and take care of the remaining matters properly."

Madam Mo comforted, "My lord is with child, it is not advisable to worry too much, let us take one step at a time!"

Wang Qingjun was about to respond when she suddenly heard a hurried voice from outside saying, "My Lord, the Director of Studies, Eunuch Fei has come to report that the Emperor is unwell"

Chen Wen'an let out a breath, his expression was quite complex, and he said in a low voice: "Let's return to the palace"

Wang Qingjun, however, was waiting for Chen Wen'an to come and meet her.

In order to prevent Tang Tianzhi from returning to the throne, Empress Chen, despite her illness, took control of the court, eliminating dissenters and bestowing high titles upon members of the Chen clan. She also promoted Chen Wen'an to the position of Second Rank Imperial Attendant, while simultaneously sending people to intensify investigations, determined to capture Tang Tianzhi.

Empress Chen shook her head and said: "I know my own body best; I fear it will be in these few days."

Chen Wen'an offered a few more words of comfort before finally leaving

After Mo Mama and the others had quietly left, Chen Wen'an finally sat down opposite Wang Qingjun and said: "I will handle matters with Her Majesty the Empress, so you can rest assured and focus on your pregnancy, do not be afraid"

Chen Wen'an gently held Wang Qingjun's hand and whispered, "I am here, don't worry"

Ye Susu was initially worried about her situation, fearing that Empress Chen would not tolerate her. However, as the days went by, she realized that Empress Chen was too preoccupied to pay her any mind. Gradually, she began to relax, though she did not dare to show herself casually, deeply afraid of being remembered by Empress Chen. She was quite capable and quickly took over the affairs of the Jade Steps Palace, assisting Wang Qingjun in managing the palace maids and others. With her assistance, Wang Qingjun found her tasks much easier.

"So soon they have caught up?" Wang Qingjun was taken aback, lifting the curtain of the carriage to see, under the faint moonlight, Chen Wen'an leading the way, followed by several secret guards.

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingjun finally felt at ease and revealed a smile

Chen Wen'an's expression changed slightly, and he suddenly raised his voice, saying: "Come here, keep an eye on the real person Qingchenzi. Without permission, he is not allowed to leave the Sanqing Hall."

Inside the Jade Steps Hall, the imperial physician who had been taking the pulse withdrew. Mama Mo, filled with joy and excitement, exclaimed: "The master is with child, this is truly a momentous occasion!"

Ye Susu, upon hearing this, could no longer hold back the tears that had been suppressed for so long, and they suddenly rolled down her cheeks. She leaned on Wang Qingjun's lap and choked out, "From now on, the noble one will be Susu's master."

Wang Qingjun bit her lip and asked, "Why won't you let me go?"

It is now the transition from spring to summer, and Empress Chen's old illness has recurred. Moreover, she has been grieving for her son, Tang Tianyou, who passed away six months ago. She cannot find peace at night and has become bedridden, barely clinging to life, waiting for Wang Qingjun to give birth to the imperial heir before she can rest in peace

Madam Mo is also aware that Empress Chen has placed palace maids in the Jade Steps Hall. Whenever there is any movement from Wang Qingjun, these individuals seem eager to take credit and report it, even creating disturbances when there is nothing happening, which is indeed quite bothersome

The grape squatted in front of Wang Qingjun, gazing reverently at her abdomen, murmuring: "The Wang family has an heir now!"

As the night grew late, Wang Qingjun pretended to be tired, lying back down on the bed, and said with a smile: "Mother, you may go and rest now, for there are many matters to attend to tomorrow!"

Chen Wen'an stepped forward a few paces and whispered, "The entire city is under martial law, and Tang Tianzhi cannot escape. Rest assured, my aunt." He then whispered again, "We have already captured Wang Guiren and are holding her in the Yujie Hall."

"You cannot leave the city, and if you do not return to the palace now, it will be a dead end for you." Chen Wen'an glanced at Wang Qingjun's abdomen, then turned his face away and said softly, "Once you enter the palace, I will ensure your safety!"

On this night, Wang Qingjun tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. She had no choice but to put on her clothes and sit up. Outside, Mama Mo heard the commotion, lifted the curtain, entered the room, lit the lamp, and asked, "Is the master unwell?"

During this period of Tang Ruolong's serious illness, he only followed the words of Qingchenzi and took the pills prescribed by Qingchenzi, refusing to take the medicine prescribed by the imperial physicians. The imperial physicians had long been grumbling about this, and upon hearing Chen Wen'an's words, they all felt a sense of delight in their hearts. Indeed, whatever the emperor is suffering from, it is all caused by the Daoist Qingchenzi.

Due to the vacancy of the Tang imperial throne, some ministers took the opportunity to whitewash the Crown Prince Tang Tianzhi, hoping to welcome him back to ascend the throne. Empress Chen firmly opposed this, stating that Wang Qingjun must be carrying a male child, sent by heaven to inherit the Tang imperial throne. The ministers then fell silent.

In the sixteenth year of the Tianping era of the Tang Dynasty, on the sixteenth day of the eighth month, Emperor Ruolong fell gravely ill and passed away. At the same time, news emerged that Consort Wang was pregnant.

"Do you still have any justification?" Chen Wen'an was about to reprimand, but he saw Daoist Qingchen winking at him. For a moment, he was puzzled and pulled Daoist Qingchen aside, signaling him to speak.

Empress Chen's hands and feet were cold as ice, her face pale. Upon seeing Chen Wen'an enter, her eyes glinted like knives as she fiercely asked: "Have you captured Tang Tianzhi? He must accompany my son in death to alleviate the hatred in my heart"