Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C090

Suddenly being embraced, Mei Wushuang was taken aback.

"What's wrong?"

"You're pregnant?"

Perhaps feeling that he was holding her a bit too tightly, Ji Yang hastily relaxed his grip slightly, then looked at her lower abdomen again. He wanted to touch it, but hesitated, finally placing his hand on her stomach after a moment of deliberation.

Wushuang, on the contrary, was made somewhat embarrassed by him.

"It's not certain that I'm pregnant. Physician Song said there's only a trace of a happy pulse, and it's not obvious now. It needs to be diagnosed again after some time to be sure."

"There's no need to diagnose it again after some time. Since Song You has already diagnosed a happy pulse, then you are definitely pregnant." Ji Yang, however, greatly approved of Song You's medical skills.

"Does that mean I'm really pregnant?"

Originally, Wushuang was still immersed in the fact that he had suffered so much, yet she was still dwelling on the trivial matter of the two of them competing and putting her on the fire to roast, especially towards Prince Wei, whom she always felt was bad and always pressured her. Now, she couldn't care less about that, and only felt heartache, a great heartache.

The lingering emotion hadn't passed, and she simply couldn't bring herself to think about the matter of 'she might be pregnant.' Suddenly, someone told her not to doubt it, that she was pregnant, and she was a little dazed.

Ji Yang nodded, staring at her lower abdomen as if thinking about something.

After staring for a while, he suddenly said, "I'll go ask Song You."

And so, he went to "ask" Song You again.

Late at night, he dragged Song You and asked a pile of things that pregnant women should pay attention to. In the end, Song You wrote a whole sheet of paper full of instructions before sending him away.

After returning, he gave the paper to Granny Gong, instructing Granny Gong to act according to what was written on it.

As night fell, the two rested.

At this time, Ji Yang still held endless curiosity about Wushuang's belly, and would always touch it from time to time. Now, their sleeping position had also changed. Before, he would hold her, and she would sleep nestled in his arms. Now, he still held her, but she was lying on her side, and he was hugging her from behind.

Wushuang, however, was thinking about one thing.

Previously, through talking with Song You, she finally learned why, regardless of her past or present life, Ji Yang looked so abnormal when she first met him. It turned out that he had shouldered most of the painful torment alone, in order to ensure that one of them was sober and rational.

Then how much pain must he have endured!

This question occupied Mei Wushuang for an entire day, and each time she pondered it, she felt her heart tremble.

"Your Highness, have you had any headaches recently?"

"It's been a long time since I've had one. Why do you suddenly ask?" he said casually, stroking her belly.

"I was just wondering what your headaches used to be like. Were they very, very painful?"

Ji Yang, who always liked to show off his strength in front of her, how could he say he was in great pain? So he said, "Actually, it wasn't very painful."

"How could it not be painful?"

Song You had said it was extremely painful, and if it hadn't been so painful, he wouldn't have looked like that when she first met him in both her lives. Especially in her previous life, the first time she met him, she was truly frightened by him, thinking he might strangle her, because he had no rationality at all at the time.

"It really wasn't painful."

Fortunately, she had the experience of her previous life, so Wushuang understood it as him putting on a brave face, not wanting her to worry. She turned over, hugged his big head, and kissed his chin, "Your Highness, if you have a headache in the future, you must tell me."

What's wrong with her today? Ji Yang thought. Seeing her hugging him with a face full of heartache and kissing him, his thoughts began to wander.

"Do you want to be cherished?" he said with some difficulty. "Even if you do, you have to bear it. I asked Song You, and he said that you can't have marital relations for the first three months."

As he spoke, he stroked her back, looking as if he was enduring the pain of parting with something he loved.

"This Prince won't touch you either. Take good care of yourself."

What is this all about?

What did he mean she wanted to be cherished? Wushuang was greatly embarrassed.

"If you really want to, I'll think of other ways to help you solve it, but…"

Wushuang quickly covered his mouth.

She didn't want to, nor did she want him to think of other ways to help her solve it.

***

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. During these two weeks, Ji Yang would summon Song You every few days to take Wushuang's pulse.

If Song You hadn't been cautious, he might have said she was pregnant at the time, but he persisted and waited until he could truly confirm it was a slippery pulse before announcing that Wushuang was pregnant.

From that day on, Wushuang was protected. Not only was her diet refined again, but people were afraid she would fall even when she took a few steps. However, it was cold now, and it was constantly snowing, so there was not much opportunity to go out for a walk.

Concurrently, as the year's end drew near, the court was abuzz with fervent discussions regarding whether Prince Wei should relinquish his military authority upon his return to the capital.

Seeing that the moment was ripe, someone brought the matter to the forefront for deliberation.

As with the usual discussions of other matters in the imperial court, there were those who supported and those who opposed, and those who tried to mediate, but the opposition was not strong.

According to court convention, a general leading troops abroad should indeed surrender his military power upon returning to the capital. Although Prince Wei held the titles of Supervisor of Northwest Military Affairs and Grand Marshal of Military Forces, now that he had returned to the capital, these two official positions were indeed no longer suitable for him.

Seeing the opposition weakening, the faction supporting the retrieval of military power was exceedingly pleased.

The fact that the matter could be brought up for discussion meant they were almost halfway to success. They even had a tacit understanding amongst themselves: if he continued to prevaricate, they would submit a memorial questioning whether Prince Wei's clinging to military power suggested treasonous intentions.

They refused to believe that he could continue to delay after this ordeal.

Contrary to expectations, after the supporting faction delivered a passionate and stirring speech, the opposing faction remained silent, not uttering a single word.

Could it be that, seeing no hope of reversing the situation, they had given up?

At this moment, Emperor Taihe, who had been watching the drama from above for many days, finally spoke.

"Since all of you, my esteemed ministers, believe that Prince Wei, having now returned to the capital, is no longer suited to supervise Northwest military affairs, then tell me, what position should be given to Prince Wei instead?"

What other position was there to give? Wouldn't it be best for him to simply return to being Prince Wei?

Princes should not hold official titles in the first place. Even when occasionally ordered to leave the capital on official business, they only held the title of Imperial Envoy. Only Prince Wei was an exception, but this exception was also due to a fortunate coincidence.

The Northwest region, due to the numerous small surrounding countries, had been in turmoil for decades and was notoriously a headache for the court.

This was also the reason why no one raised any objections when Emperor Taihe demoted Prince Wei to the Northwest back then. In their view, even if a prince went, it would be a thankless task.

Furthermore, at the time, some harbored murderous intentions. As long as they could get Prince Wei out of the capital, they were naturally willing. Who would have thought that it would become Prince Wei's opportunity?

Prince Wei spent several years either defeating or annexing the small countries surrounding the Northwest, even reaching Hami and re-establishing the Protectorate General to pacify the West. After finishing that, he turned around and dealt with the Tubo in the west and the Nanman in the south. His military achievements advanced with great momentum. If he hadn't already been granted the title of Prince, the court would have had no further titles to bestow.

During this period, it wasn't that no one wanted to make a move against Prince Wei, but Prince Wei was either at war or on the way to war. How could they make a move?

You couldn't even accuse him of being warlike and extravagant, because the court had indeed spent a considerable amount of military expenditure in the early stages of the war. But after the war was over and the enemy's territory was annexed, that small amount of military expenditure was exchanged for a vast expanse of land. How could one find fault?

With no small effort, Prince Wei had finally deigned to return to the capital, and showed no immediate inclination to depart. Already, countless individuals were secretly sharpening their swords, eager for the fray. It could be said that the spectacle of this very day had been long anticipated by many.

They anticipated unseating Prince Wei and forcing him to relinquish his military power, but they never considered how to accommodate him. In their minds, even if one's military achievements were unparalleled, once the task was completed, one should simply do whatever one was told.

But was that possible?

Just as the assembled officials fell silent, each pondering the meaning of Emperor Taihe's words, Grand Commandant Zhao Qincheng stepped forward.

Zhao Qincheng was already over seventy years old, well past the age for retirement. Regrettably, Emperor Taihe had continuously retained him, and so he remained in the court, dedicating himself to Great Liang until his last breath.

Seeing him step forward, the others assumed he had something to say. Who knew that he indeed had something to say, but it was to reiterate his desire to retire.

In recent years, Zhao Qincheng had brought up his desire to retire and return to his hometown every year, and each time Emperor Taihe had persuaded him to stay. His words were always the same old tune, and everyone's ears had grown calluses from hearing them.

The beginning was quite normal, speaking of the court's high regard for him, Emperor Taihe's trust in him, and the state of his health. But then, his tone shifted, saying that he should also make way for younger generations and not occupy his position without contributing.

This shift in tone was somewhat unusual. As the officials pondered his meaning, they heard Emperor Taihe ask, "Then, Lord Zhao, who do you think should succeed you as Grand Commandant?"

Zhao Qincheng slightly flicked his sleeves and said to Emperor Taihe, "This old minister believes that Prince Wei would be quite suitable."

After speaking, he cupped his hands towards the assembled officials and said, "All of you lords have been deadlocked, ultimately because you do not know how to accommodate Prince Wei. Previously, Prince Wei was already appointed as the Supervisor of Northwest Military Affairs and Grand Marshal of Armies. If he were to be promoted further, only the Grand Commandant, who oversees all military affairs, would be suitable. Therefore, this old man believes that it would be better for Prince Wei to succeed me in this position. In terms of military achievements and merits, Prince Wei is undoubtedly worthy. In this way, why would you lords continue to argue?"

No, we weren't arguing about this. You're the one who said all this.

Immediately, someone objected, "Lord Zhao, you jest. How could Prince Wei become the Grand Commandant?"

"Indeed, indeed. It does not conform to the court's official system."

"How does it not conform?" Zhao Qincheng raised his grizzled eyebrows and said, "All of you lords always use the excuse that Prince Wei has already been enfeoffed as a Prince to evade the rewards that the court should have bestowed upon Prince Wei over the years. If we were to follow your words, then I, Zhao Yihe, am already the Grand Commandant, with no further promotions possible. Should I then occupy my position without contributing, and not work for the court?"

He then pointed to several officials in succession, "Lord Tian is currently only a fourth-rank official. In any case, working for the court and achieving merit will not lead to promotion or rewards, so naturally, there is no need to work. And also Lord Zhao, Lord Hu… and the generals leading troops on the borders also need not fight for Great Liang, defending our territory, since there will be no rewards for their merits."

The entire hall was filled with only Zhao Qincheng's voice.

"I was already very dissatisfied with your handling of matters in the past. Now that I intend to retire, I will speak frankly today. Even a dignified imperial prince can be treated so poorly. How can those below not worry that they will not receive the rewards they deserve for their contributions to Great Liang?

"As I see it, the position of Grand Commandant is not even sufficient to compensate Prince Wei for the merits he has accumulated for Great Liang over the years, but since there is no higher position to promote him to, it is better than nothing. If you lords feel that the position of Grand Commandant is still not enough, there is one position that would be sufficient to make up for Prince Wei's merits over the years. I just don't know if you lords would agree."

No one expected that this old scoundrel Zhao Yihe would drop such a bombshell. This old thing is retiring, but before he leaves, he has to say something shocking.

What position would be more suitable for Prince Wei?

Did one even need to ask?

To see Emperor Taihe above, appearing lost in thought, how could it not fill one with trepidation?

Prime Minister Wu immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, absolutely not."

'Why not?'" Who knew Emperor Taihe wouldn't speak, but Zhao Qincheng came forward and said, "Does this old man need to enumerate how you, Wu Weizhong, ascended to your current position?"

Every high-ranking official in the court had a difficult path to their current position. Regardless of the size of their contribution, they had all performed meritorious service for Great Liang. If Prime Minister Wu dared to say that others' merits were insignificant today, Zhao Qincheng could say that he was unworthy of his position as Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Wu's expression stiffened: "Lord Zhao, how can this matter be conflated?"

"How can it not be conflated? Which of you present here hasn't achieved merit and established a career for Great Liang to be ranked in the court? If all merits can be erased with the mere flapping of two lips, if it can be done to one person, it can be done to everyone."

At this moment, Rong Qi, who also came from a military background and was now the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, spoke up.

"Lord Wu's words are indeed inappropriate. Leaving aside the civil officials, the military generals fight on the battlefield, their bodies wrapped in horsehide upon death. If meritorious service goes unrewarded, it will chill the hearts of men. Who will defend the territory of Great Liang in the future?"

As soon as his words fell, several other officials from military backgrounds stood up to echo him.

They had all relied on meritorious service to reach their current positions. Agreeing with Lord Wu was tantamount to denying themselves.

Zhao Qincheng then pointed out several civil officials by name, asking them to say whether meritorious service should be rewarded with promotion and titles.

Prime Minister Wu was silenced by the rebuttals. Who would dare to say it shouldn't? Daring to say it shouldn't would immediately invite someone to retort and strip them of their official robes. After all, if meritorious service doesn't lead to promotion, what are you even an official for?

At this moment, an official behind Prime Minister Wu couldn't help but step forward.

"Prince Wei is, after all, a prince. He has already been granted a princedom. How can he be judged according to the usual practices for ordinary court officials?"

Zhao Qincheng had been waiting for these words. "Therefore, this old man said just now, if all of you lords feel that Prince Wei cannot be an official, there is a position sufficient to compensate Prince Wei for his merits over the years. I just wonder if all of you lords agree?"

Very well, the current situation had made it clear to the faction that had previously besieged Prince Wei. The real intention was not who would succeed to the position of Grand Commandant but rather was aimed at the position of Crown Prince.

If Emperor Taihe's words were a mere introduction, and Zhao Qincheng's request to retire was an act, then his words just now had blocked everyone's path, leaving only two options.

It was you all who made Prince Wei relinquish his post and hand over military power. Now, either Prince Wei relinquishes his post and is promoted to Grand Commandant, or he returns to his original position as a prince. To reward him for fighting for Great Liang for ten years, the position of Crown Prince should undoubtedly be his.

Could it be that they had fought for so long, only to pave the way for someone else?

If they had known it would come to this, perhaps they wouldn't have been in such a hurry to have Prince Wei relinquish his post and hand over military power.

But a thousand gold pieces cannot buy foreknowledge!

For a time, the great hall was silent, not even a crow or sparrow dared to utter a sound.

At that moment, Emperor Taihe cleared his throat and spoke.

"I find Lord Zhao's words to be quite reasonable. Failing to reward merit chills the hearts of men. I wonder what you lords think? Over the years, my beloved ministers have urged me to appoint a Crown Prince. It is only because I feel my imperial health is still sound that I wished to observe for a few more years. But this matter is indeed difficult, and I cannot bear to disappoint my sons."

Prime Minister Wu stepped forward and said, "Your subject requests to report, elevate Prince Wei to Grand Commandant of the  Privy Council."

"Your subject seconds the proposal."

"Your subject also seconds the proposal."

"Your subject seconds the proposal."

The hall was filled with voices seconding the proposal, but a hint of mockery flashed in Emperor Taihe's eyes.