Gao Qiao followed Xiao Yongjia into the room, stumbling as his foot caught, half his body weight pressing against her shoulder.

Several servant women following closely behind were alarmed, crying “Aiya!” as seven or eight hands reached out to pull him off their mistress.

Xiao Yongjia waved them away, having A’Ju help her support her husband and bring him to lie down on the bed.

Soon sobering soup was brought. Xiao Yongjia fed it to her husband. The servants then brought water. She sat beside the bed, personally wiping his face and body. After all this bustling care, she finally had him settled.

Gao Qiao lay with eyes closed for a while, the alcoholic rush in his belly finally subsiding somewhat.

All was quiet around him. He opened his eyes—those servant women had all disappeared. A night lamp burned on the bedside stand, casting dim light within the curtains. Turning his face, his wife lay beside him, her forehead and face pressed against his shoulder, eyes closed, motionless, as if already asleep.

Gao Qiao stared at her sleeping face for a moment, gradually feeling parched, and couldn’t help reaching a hand toward her.

They had ceased intimate relations for some time now. She had said that when the imperial physician came to examine her that day, he found her body weak and needing gradual recuperation, making intimate relations inconvenient.

Since his wife had said so, he naturally wouldn’t force the matter. It had been three months now. Sometimes in between, she would use other methods to provide him relief. But ultimately it lacked that feeling of intimate closeness and satisfaction.

Before, alone, not thinking about it, he had passed years and months just so.

Now facing her, sharing the same bed night after night, it was naturally different.

He rather missed it.

His palm lightly caressed his wife’s soft, warm skin, feeling it seemed even more rounded than before. He thought that recently her spirits were good, her appetite larger than before, eating quite well.

He actually preferred her more voluptuous. But nowadays women all pursued ethereal figures. Knowing she had always been most concerned with beauty, fearing she might mind and restrict her eating, he hadn’t mentioned it once in her presence, only pretending not to notice.

Feeling the woman in his arms stir, seemingly awakening.

Gao Qiao couldn’t help but lean close to her ear, asking softly with some wine-induced boldness: “A’Ling, did the imperial physician say when your body might be fully recovered?”

Xiao Yongjia had been awake all along. Suddenly hearing her husband ask this, feeling his arm around her slowly tighten, how could she not know his thoughts?

Her pregnancy was already known to several close serving attendants, yet Gao Qiao remained completely unaware. Initially, she naturally feared the pregnancy wasn’t stable and wanted to wait until the situation was more secure before telling him. So whenever he sought intimacy, she would decline with the excuse of recuperating her health. He believed it to be true.

During that period, seeing her taking medicine with poor spirits, listless all day, though he had many affairs, he would try to return home early each day to accompany her. This made Xiao Yongjia feel extremely comforted.

Later, as her condition gradually stabilized and she wanted to tell her husband, there were many Northern Expedition matters involving Xu and Lu families, and Gao Qiao again left her to busy himself constantly, leaving early and returning late daily.

Even Xiao Yongjia herself felt she had gained considerable weight, yet her husband seemed blind to it, his eyes fixed only on court affairs, apparently completely unaware of the changes in her body. This both amused and slightly annoyed her. Combined with the imperial physician not yet giving definitive word, she simply endured further. She wanted to see exactly when he would notice on his own.

Today she finally heard the long-awaited words from the imperial physician, achieving her wish, and her daughter and son-in-law had also returned. Xiao Yongjia was in excellent spirits. Pressing down her husband’s hand that lingered on her body, she opened her eyes: “Haven’t you noticed I’ve grown somewhat plumper than before?”

Gao Qiao shook his head: “I haven’t.”

Seeing his wife staring at him after he spoke, he quickly added: “No matter how thin or plump, I think you’re wonderful.”

Xiao Yongjia suppressed laughter, taking her husband’s palm and slowly guiding it to her abdomen: “Feel here—is this any different from before?”

Gao Qiao gently caressed his wife’s now fleshy belly, about to close his eyes and say it was the same as before, when he suddenly noticed her eyes gazing intently at him, seeming to have joyful light flickering in their depths, making her entire face radiate such tenderness that he couldn’t bear to look away. He was stunned for a moment.

Suddenly, an incredible thought leaped from his mind.

Starting several months ago, his wife had suddenly refused intimate relations. During that period, she had been listless, always wanting to sleep. Worried, he had specifically asked the imperial physician treating her condition, who said there was nothing wrong. Later, busy with affairs and seeing her gradually regain her spirits, improve her appetite, and gain weight, he hadn’t thought much more about it.

Now, with her reminder, even as confused as he was, he knew something was different.

He finally remembered.

Many years ago, when she first conceived their daughter, those initial months seemed somewhat similar to now…

Gao Qiao’s blood instantly boiled, his heartbeat accelerating.

Yet he felt he couldn’t possibly have such good fortune.

He could hardly believe it.

“A’Ling… could it be you…”

He stared at his wife lying on the pillow, hesitating, unable to voice that question.

Xiao Yongjia saw her husband so nervous—even more so than she remembered his reaction when he first learned of her pregnancy with their daughter years ago. She couldn’t hold back anymore, turning to face away from him, her shoulders slightly shaking with laughter like flowering branches in the wind.

Seeing her reaction, even Gao Qiao, obtuse as he was, finally understood.

Overjoyed, he quickly scrambled up, grasping his wife’s shoulders with both hands, turning her body to face him.

“A’Ling! You’re not deceiving me? Really? I’m really going to be a father again?”

Xiao Yongjia laughed while looking at her husband and nodded.

“It’s been four or five months already. Initially the imperial physician said the pregnancy wasn’t stable, so I wanted to wait before telling you. Who knew that once I recovered, I disappeared from your sight again. I grew plumper every day, yet you paid no attention. I wanted to see—if I didn’t tell you, when would you ever realize you were going to be a father again?”

Her tone carried some complaint, yet was full of love.

Gao Qiao stared at her blankly for a moment, then suddenly seemed to react, laughing loudly, rolling off the bed in one motion. Not even putting on shoes, barefoot, he paced back and forth, as if only this could express his overwhelming excitement. After several turns, he suddenly stopped, raised his hand to heavily knock his own head, showing an expression of chagrin, and rushed back.

“How could I be so confused! A’Ling, I’ve wronged you! Calm your anger, hit me!”

He held Xiao Yongjia in his arms, continuously kissing her face randomly, muttering endlessly.

Xiao Yongjia laughed, pushing his face away, fanning the air before her: “Who wants to hit you! Reeking of wine, stay away from me!”

Gao Qiao quickly loosened his hold, scooting backward, but forgetting he was already at the bed’s edge. This scoot landed him in empty air—with a “thud,” his entire person fell backward off the bed.

Xiao Yongjia was startled, hurriedly leaning out to see her husband fallen to the floor, eyes closed, motionless.

Knowing he had drunk too much tonight with their son-in-law and taken such a heavy fall, he probably couldn’t get up immediately. Both heartbroken and amused, complaining aloud, she quickly got out of bed to help him up from the floor. Unexpectedly, warmth encircled her waist—looking down, she saw her husband’s arm already embracing her.

Gao Qiao rose from the floor beside the bed, lifted his wife, carried her back to bed, carefully placed her on the pillow, then leaned close himself, again caressing her abdomen.

“A’Ling, I truly never imagined—at my age, I could have another child! You’ve worked so hard…”

Xiao Yongjia gazed at this man beside her whom she had fallen in love with at first sight when still a maiden, her finger slowly tracing over that face no longer young yet still dear to her heart, saying softly: “I’m not suffering. Bearing you another child is my duty.”

Gao Qiao, deeply moved, gently drew his wife into his embrace, being tender with her for a moment, then suddenly thought of their daughter. “Does A’Mi know?”

Xiao Yongjia nodded: “She’s extremely delighted.”

Gao Qiao sighed with relief, holding his wife, deeply moved.

“A’Ling, having a wife like you, having daughter A’Mi, and our son-in-law has achieved unprecedented merit yet shows no arrogance. Tonight in our conversation, observing his attitude compared to before, he seems to have lost some of his rebelliousness.”

“I know his nature runs deep—even if he still harbors dissatisfaction with the court, he won’t let me know. But his willingness to submit now is good. We’ll take it slowly! I hope the emperor and empress won’t fail the realm or their subjects, and will truly accomplish something. In the future, if he can truly work with me in unity, supporting Dayu, when he becomes a pillar of the court will be the day of my retirement. On that day, I’ll take you and the child in your womb to retreat to the countryside together.”

“Then I, Gao Qiao, will have no other regrets in this life.”

Xiao Yongjia said nothing, lost in thought for a moment, then slowly closed her eyes in her husband’s embrace.

…

A’Niang led away the drunken A’Ye, and Luoshen also brought her husband back to their room.

Though he clearly wasn’t drunk, he seemed intoxicated, or perhaps something had stirred him, for despite the day’s hard travel, he insisted on his wild passion, exhausting her until midnight before finally releasing her to sleep.

The next day, when Luoshen finally woke, Li Mu had long since gone to court.

The maid said that early in the morning, Li Langjun had risen, instructing them not to wake her, and had gone to court with the master himself.

After washing and dressing, Luoshen went to her mother’s quarters.

Xiao Yongjia had also risen not long ago and was about to have someone summon her to eat breakfast together. Seeing her daughter come on her own, she ordered food to be set out, and mother and daughter ate together.

Luoshen saw her mother looked well and, remembering last night when she said she would return to tell A’Ye the happy pregnancy news, couldn’t help asking: “A’Niang, what did my A’Ye say last night?”

Xiao Yongjia recalled how her husband had awakened at the fourth watch this morning, touching her belly, and at the fifth watch still hadn’t wanted to leave for court. To her daughter, she only said: “Your A’Ye was very happy.”

Luoshen knew her mother was certainly hiding something and covered her mouth, secretly delighted.

Xiao Yongjia gave her daughter a look. The atmosphere was relaxed when A’Ju entered, saying a palace carriage had arrived outside—the empress had sent a palace envoy, saying they had come to escort A’Mei into the palace for sisterly conversation.

This was within Luoshen’s expectations. Very pleased, she immediately nodded, turning to her mother with a smile: “A’Niang, I mentioned in my letters, didn’t I? Previously when I was in Yi Cheng, A’Jie sent people to bring me many things. I was just thinking of thanking her in person.”

Xiao Yongjia slowly put down her chopsticks, telling A’Ju to first attend to the palace envoy, saying the young lady needed to dress and change clothes, asking them to wait a moment.

A’Ju responded and hurried away.

Though their sisterly relationship had been close since childhood, with her elder cousin treating her better than a real sister, A’Jie was now empress after all. She couldn’t make her wait too long just because of their close relationship.

Luoshen immediately rose to return to her room, re-doing her hair and changing clothes. Having hurriedly finished preparations and about to leave, she saw her mother arrive. She quickly went to meet her, helping her sit: “A’Niang, with my little brother or sister in your belly, you must be careful. Just call me if there’s anything—you needn’t come yourself.”

Xiao Yongjia laughed: “A’Niang isn’t made of paper to fall at a breath. Don’t worry, I know my limits.” She looked over her daughter and nodded: “My daughter truly grows more beautiful—so much lovelier than A’Niang was at your age.”

Luoshen knew her mother was one of Jiankang’s great beauties, especially in her youth. Grasping her sleeve, she shook it: “A’Niang, you’re teasing me again!”

After mother and daughter laughed together, Xiao Yongjia had everyone leave and close the doors.

Luoshen saw she seemed to have something to say, put away her smile, and looked at her mother: “A’Niang, do you have something to tell me?”

Xiao Yongjia looked at her daughter: “A’Mi, do you know why Jingchen attended court today?”

“It should be for Imperial Brother-in-law to reward Langjun, right?”

Xiao Yongjia nodded: “Correct. He’s already General of the Guard. Further up would be Chariot and Cavalry General, Cavalry General, and Grand Marshal. The position of Grand Marshal hasn’t been established since your Imperial Grandfather’s time. It won’t be easily restored. If I’m not mistaken, today he should be appointed Cavalry General—a proper second-rank position, currently the highest military office possible.”

Born into a great noble family, if not for Gao Qiao’s earlier refusal, she herself would have been a princess. How could she normally regard such offices?

But thinking this was what her husband had earned through military merit, from the initial desolation of Yi Cheng to today’s achievements, no one knew the hardships better than she.

This office naturally carried special weight in her heart, particularly meaningful.

“Langjun having today’s position is entirely what he deserves.”

Her tone unconsciously carried several parts pride.

Xiao Yongjia nodded: “Indeed. But others only see his promotion in rank and title—how could they know how he earned it? You’re different—you’re his wife.”

“A’Mi, you were raised in our hands from childhood, with more than enough innocence but insufficient wariness of others. You must know that now you’re different from before. As the wife of a meritorious minister, especially one like Jingchen, in meeting people and handling affairs, you must be more careful. You can’t believe whatever others tell you. Human hearts are hard to fathom. While there are those who genuinely care for you, there are also those who seem loyal and good but secretly harbor designs, wanting to use you for their schemes.”

This was the first time Luoshen heard her mother speak such words to her. Startled, she immediately nodded: “A’Niang, I understand. I’ll remember your words.”

Xiao Yongjia smiled slightly: “You’ve been clever since childhood. As long as you’re more careful in the future, A’Niang won’t worry about you suffering losses.”

Luoshen was indeed an ice-bright intelligent person.

Her mother saying nothing early or late, but choosing to specially tell her these things just as she was about to enter the palace to see her cousin…

She hesitated, asking tentatively: “A’Niang, are you perhaps reminding me to guard against A’Jie?”

Having asked, she herself found it incredible.

A’Jie had grown up with her, treating her so well—A’Niang knew this. How could she mean A’Jie?

She quickly shook her head: “If I’ve misunderstood, A’Niang, don’t blame me!”

Xiao Yongjia gazed at her daughter and also shook her head.

“A’Mi, you haven’t misunderstood. A’Niang indeed wants to remind you—you can no longer view the current A’Jie through the lens of childhood. Circumstances change greatly, and people even more so. In childhood, your A’Jie was indeed extremely good to you, sacrificing herself to save you—A’Niang hasn’t forgotten to this day. But just as you’re no longer the you who stayed by A’Niang and A’Ye’s side, your A’Jie is no longer your former A’Jie either. A’Niang grew up in the imperial palace from childhood and has seen more than you. Not that A’Niang slanders her, but once someone approaches that chair in the palace, few don’t lose their original heart. The closer they get, the more unrecognizable they become—let alone those already sitting upon it.”

“Your A’Jie is now Dayu’s empress. Having taken that position, even if sisterly affection with you remains deep, A’Niang dares say every word she now speaks to you carries consideration of her current status and position. Especially since you’re now Jingchen’s wife, and she and your imperial brother-in-law now need to use Jingchen.”

Xiao Yongjia paused.

“A’Niang tells you this not to sow discord between you sisters or make you see her as an enemy. Your A’Ye is a court minister, A’Niang comes from the imperial house—everything today comes from imperial grace. If in the future your A’Jie and the emperor can maintain harmony with your A’Ye and your husband as they do today, A’Niang naturally desires nothing more. Today I tell you this only to remind you, preparing for any eventuality.”

“From today, in dealing with your A’Jie, you must always remember—you’re not merely Miss Gao, but Li Mu’s wife. Your A’Jie is not merely your cousin, but the current empress. Proper etiquette cannot be lacking. Always keeping an extra watchful eye can’t be wrong.”

“Do you understand A’Niang’s meaning?”

Luoshen held her breath, then after a long while slowly exhaled and nodded.

“I understand. Thank you for A’Niang’s guidance!”

Xiao Yongjia’s face showed a smile. She raised her hand, lovingly arranging her daughter’s hair, then urged her to rise.

“Go then. Don’t keep her waiting long.”

…

The palace envoy who came to escort her was entirely respectful.

Luoshen boarded the carriage and, accompanied by Gao Qi and others, went toward the imperial palace. Along the way she repeatedly pondered her mother’s words, her heart carrying indescribable feelings. Before she knew it, the carriage entered the palace gates. After stopping, palace attendants were already waiting nearby, requesting Luoshen change to a four-person sedan chair to enter.

Entering the palace by sedan chair—such treatment was only enjoyed by those of Empress Dowager, Dowager Consort, Emperor and Empress, or Crown Prince level.

How could Luoshen dare overstep? She repeatedly declined, asking the palace attendant to lead the way in front while she walked.

The palace attendant had no choice but to lead her on foot, finally arriving at Gao Yongrong’s imperial residence quarters, going in to announce her.

Luoshen was still waiting outside the hall when she heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw A’Jie coming out personally with a smile, and quickly composed her thoughts, kneeling to pay respects, addressing her as Empress.

Gao Yongrong quickly helped her up, glancing behind her, frowning as she scolded the palace attendants: “From the palace gates to my quarters is quite far. Didn’t I specifically instruct you to have A’Mei take my sedan chair? How did she still walk in?”

The palace attendant fell to their knees with a thud, kowtowing in apology.

Luoshen quickly explained that it was her choice to walk.

Only then did Gao Yongrong smile again, taking her arm and bringing her inside, sighing: “Being this blasted empress—I don’t know what’s good about it. Not only is it less free than before, now even my A’Mei treats me so formally. Others respect me as empress, but A’Jie doesn’t want you to be like others. A’Jie watched you grow up from childhood—if you also address me so formally, wouldn’t that break my heart?”

Luoshen smiled: “I was thinking that in my heart I still see A’Jie as A’Jie, but outwardly I must respect A’Jie as empress. Because A’Jie is now empress to all under heaven—no matter how close we are, I cannot overstep my position.”

“Those things are just for show to outsiders. You and I are like real sisters—with no outsiders present, just call me A’Jie.”

Gao Yongrong personally helped Luoshen to her seat, as if she were still that little girl from years past.

Luoshen stopped insisting and followed her words, saying: “Thank you for what A’Jie previously sent people to bring me. I’ve long wanted to thank A’Jie in person and only have the opportunity today.”

Only then did Gao Yongrong smile again, waving her hand to say they were just ordinary things not worth worry, then looked Luoshen over, praising her growing beauty: “You and Li Mu truly are a heaven-made pair of precious jade people. I only hate how confused I was initially—nearly ruining your good marriage and almost causing our Dayu to lose a loyal minister and capable general! A’Jie truly regrets it!”

Luoshen was surprised and somewhat puzzled: “What does A’Jie mean by this?”

Gao Yongrong showed an expression of shame and regret: “A’Mei, I think Auntie probably told you long ago. Before you married Li Mu, his assassination attempt was arranged by me. At that time, knowing you and Jianzhi were mutually in love and unwilling to marry him, while Uncle and Auntie hated him bitterly yet were helpless, I was momentarily enraged and impulsively did that thing. Later, as time passed and you and your husband achieved harmony, I realized my error—I was wrong on both sides and deeply regretted it. After coming to Jiankang, I early went to pay respects to Uncle and Auntie, apologizing to them in person. Fortunately, both understood my actions then and didn’t blame me. But I feared A’Mei still resented me, so I take this opportunity today to apologize to A’Mei in person. A’Mei must not blame me.”

Luoshen was stunned.

She had always thought that incident was done by her mother in hatred of Li Mu, acting in momentary rage for her sake.

How could she have imagined that the assassination was actually carried out by her always-considered steady and gentle cousin?

Recalling her mother’s teaching before leaving this morning, she suddenly felt enlightened.

From A’Jie’s tone, she clearly suspected her mother had already told her about this matter.

Given her level of trust in A’Jie, if not for her mother’s earlier guidance, with A’Jie taking such responsibility and showing such self-reproach, given the circumstances then, besides being moved, she truly wouldn’t have had other thoughts.

Now, recalling her mother’s words that A’Jie’s every word and action now carried consideration of her status and position, she was completely convinced, and vaguely understood why she would voluntarily mention this old matter in her presence.

She looked at her cousin, seeing her gaze directed at her with what seemed like a trace of scrutiny, and suddenly awakened, quickly saying: “A’Jie, please don’t say such things! I truly knew nothing of this matter!”

“A’Niang and A’Ye never mentioned even half a word in my presence, showing they had indeed long forgiven A’Jie. Even I, knowing now, feel only gratitude and no other thoughts. In such circumstances then, let alone A’Jie—even my A’Ye and A’Niang couldn’t have known what would happen later. A’Jie’s willingness to help me came from a heart of loving protection. How could I be so ungrateful as to blame A’Jie? A’Jie must not reproach yourself further! Otherwise, how could I face myself in the future?”

Gao Yongrong showed a relieved expression, saying gently: “If A’Mei can think so, A’Jie is truly at peace.”

She sighed and smiled, shaking her head: “Who could have imagined that Li Langjun, who initially drew the hatred of everyone in the Gao family, would today be my A’Mei’s accomplished son-in-law? This shows marriage is heaven-ordained—even if others try to obstruct it, they cannot.”

Luoshen smiled shyly.

“By the way, are you satisfied with the residence His Majesty bestowed? If you find anything unsuitable, just tell A’Jie.” Gao Yongrong said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, and A’Jie. The residence is excellent. My husband and I are very grateful.”

“Your husband retook Chang’an for the court, finally allowing the Southern Dynasty to hold its head high—such great merit, no amount of reward would be enough. It’s just one residence—what is there to be grateful for?”

She grasped Luoshen’s hand, gazing at her: “A’Mi, when you return, convey my words to your husband—tell him His Majesty and I place great hopes in him, hoping he will continue as always, protecting our Dayu’s realm and acting as Dayu’s loyal minister and capable general.”

“A’Jie, rest assured! Accepting the ruler’s salary means serving the ruler faithfully. Langjun will certainly uphold his duties and serve His Majesty loyally!” Luoshen immediately said.

Gao Yongrong slowly smiled: “In the future, when A’Mei has nothing to do, remember to visit the palace often. How we were before, we’ll be the same in the future.”

Luoshen nodded, also smiling in agreement.

She was kept for lunch by her cousin, talking about many childhood matters. Naturally, Luoshen again sincerely thanked A’Jie for her life-saving grace years ago.

When she finally emerged from the palace, the morning court session had long ended.

The emperor had appointed Li Mu as Cavalry General with golden seal and purple ribbon, concurrently serving as Chang’an Prefect.

“All the civil and military officials were congratulating General Li. Such glory truly made everyone envious!”

The palace attendant escorting her out spoke in a shrill voice, face full of smiles.