In the Golden Hall of the Imperial Palace.
The head eunuch announced in a drawn-out tone: "Those with matters to report, step forward. Those without, withdraw from court—"
At this moment, the Minister of the Imperial Clan suddenly stepped out, holding his tablet with both hands and bowing his head: "Your subject has a matter to report."
"Permission granted."
"Now that the Li Country is peaceful and prosperous, I believe it is time to select concubines to fill the imperial harem!"
"The most important matter for the royal family is to expand its lineage, ensure offspring, and stabilize the foundation of the country. I humbly request Your Majesty to make a decision soon."
Originally, such matters should have been reminded by the Empress Dowager.
But this dynasty didn't have an Empress Dowager at all...
The Grand Empress Dowager had retreated to Buddhism, no longer concerning herself with worldly affairs.
Therefore, the Minister of the Imperial Clan had no choice but to step forward.
...Only to be coolly rebuffed by the Emperor.
"The Emperor isn't in a hurry, why should the eunuch be?"
"....."
With these words, the Minister of the Imperial Clan and the small eunuchs in the hall all fell silent...
Li Shuchen narrowed his eyes, his authoritative voice carrying an irrefutable force:
"I have an Empress, and that is enough for this lifetime."
"The matter of selecting concubines shall not be mentioned again!"
The Minister of the Imperial Clan persisted: "I implore Your Majesty to reconsider. The Empress has not given birth to an heir for years. The people are uneasy, and the country's stability is at risk..."
As he finished speaking, Li Shuchen's expression suddenly darkened on the dragon throne, his cold gaze shooting towards him like small knives.
"The Minister of the Imperial Clan has shown great disrespect. Slap his face ten times."
The Minister of the Imperial Clan was a member of the imperial clan, an elder. He never imagined the Emperor would be so ruthless...
The sound of slaps echoed, and the officials shrank their necks, lowering their heads to stare at the tips of their shoes.
They had originally planned to voice their support, naturally sending their daughters into the palace...
Now they all tightened their lips, as quiet as statues.
Li Shuchen's gaze swept over them as he spoke firmly:
"In the 16th year of the Longshun Era, when Yunzhou suffered a great drought, it was the Empress who donated medical books and provided food and water, saving the people from disaster."
"In the First Year of Aiqi Era, when Southern Liang invaded, it was the Empress who donated 100,000 taels of her personal wealth, accompanying me to the frontlines, saving lives in the military camps, and continuously donating provisions."
"In the Second Year of Aiqi Era, when gunpowder was invented, it was also thanks to the formula provided by the Empress. With this powerful weapon, our army was able to achieve such swift victories."
"In the Third Year of Aiqi Era, the Empress single-handedly entered the enemy capital, assassinated the enemy ruler, subdued the guards of the Liang Capital, and completely ended the war with Southern Liang..."
"Even the imperial road you walk on when entering the palace was built with materials donated by the Empress, who guided the craftsmen in its construction."
"The Empress has contributed greatly to Li Country. I do not wish to hear anyone speak ill of her."
Li Shuchen paused, then continued: "Moreover, the matter of offspring is not the Empress's fault."
It was mainly his fault.
He always remembered that Huan had once said that giving birth too early was not good for a woman's body, so he had been waiting for Huan to grow up.
However, these words fell on the ministers' ears like a thunderclap.
Not the Empress's fault?
...Could it be that the Emperor was impotent?
Keenly catching the unusual look in their eyes, Li Shuchen gritted his back teeth, his gaze deep and profound.
After the court session, he immediately went to make an effort...
Determined to prove himself with facts.
From then on, Li Shuchen worked harder with each passing day.
Whenever Qi Huan begged him to rest, he would always lower his head, pretending to be dejected and sad: "The outside world says I'm impotent..."
By this time, Qi Huan had already heard about how he had defended her during the morning court.
Her heart swelled with emotion.
The hand that was originally pushing him away turned to pat his head.
"...Let's work hard together."
A month later, her period went missing!
"System, system, buy another early pregnancy test!"
When two red lines appeared, she almost wanted to run to the study immediately to share the good news with Shuchen.
Just as she took a step, she heard the system remind her: "Host, your pregnancy is still in its early stages, don't engage in vigorous activities."
The system, having searched for various precautions during pregnancy, began to educate the host incessantly...
Meanwhile, in the imperial study.
Li Shuchen suddenly thought of something and immediately said to Eunuch Feng: "Summon the Imperial Physician to check on the Empress's health."
Huan's period had always been very regular, but it seemed to be late this month...
Thinking of a certain possibility, his hand holding the brush trembled slightly.
When the Imperial Physician confirmed his guess, Li Shuchen's lips slowly curved into a smile, his sharp aura suddenly becoming gentle, his brows filled with tenderness.
He carefully embraced Qi Huan, stroking her smooth black hair: "Huan, thank you for your hard work."
Unfortunately, this was something he couldn't do for her.
*
Three months later.
After the news of the Empress's pregnancy spread, the officials all breathed a sigh of relief and stopped searching for famous doctors.
Instead, they began to find ways to send beauties to the Emperor.
Soon, the Emperor generously rewarded them.
The palace maid arranged by the Vice Minister of Revenue was given to the Minister of Justice.
The songstress arranged by the Minister of Justice was given to Prince Zhong.
.......
After going round and round, the Emperor still remained faithful to his wife, and in the process, completely uprooted their schemes, giving them a harsh lesson.
From then on, the imperial palace was cleaned thoroughly, becoming as impenetrable as an iron bucket.
The turmoil outside had nothing to do with Qi Huan, who had been vomiting for over a month and had lost weight in her face.
Li Shuchen also lost weight out of concern for her.
The only thing that "grew" was Qi Huan's belly.
Compared to when Young Madam Song was pregnant, her belly was even higher.
The Imperial Physician determined it was twins.
When Old Lady Song came to the palace for an audience, she brought two packages of pastries and some storybooks.
She comforted Qi Huan: "Your Majesty the Empress, please relax. When I was pregnant with He'er and Zhi'er, it was also twins."
"I was able to safely deliver a dragon and phoenix pair, and Your Majesty will certainly be able to as well... Don't be afraid."
Old Lady Song chatted with her, imparting experiences on pregnancy care.
Finally, looking at the palace walls outside the hall, she said with a smile:
"Back then, I always worried that Your Majesty would suffer grievances in the palace."
"Now, I can see His Majesty's true heart for Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, your blessings are yet to come."
"Relax and take good care of yourself during the pregnancy."
When Second Sister relayed Old Lady Song's words to Li Shuchen, his eyes immediately curved into a smile.
Finally, one of Huan's relatives had approved of him.
After finishing his discussion with the ministers, he returned to Yonghuan Palace and personally rolled up his sleeves to make a bowl of yangchun noodles for Huan.
Huan's morning sickness was severe.
She couldn't eat the imperial cuisine, only the noodles he personally cooked.
Returning to the present, Li Shuchen thoughtfully added two poached eggs.
One for Huan to eat.
One for the two little ones to share.
