That word “good news” didn’t quite manage to come out completely.

“Bang!” A huge sound erupted as Jing Hengbo heavily slammed her palm on the table. The massive noise drowned out the last word and frightened the scholar into swallowing back what he wanted to say.

“Hahahaha,” Jing Hengbo clapped while laughing, “You look like a charlatan, but you speak quite accurately! This young lady indeed has vigorous qi above her head, a radiant complexion, and joyous news at home—” She didn’t even look at Gong Yin as she loudly pronounced each word: “Because! I! Am! About! To! Get! Married!”

“Ah… uh…” The scholar’s face went pale, immediately thinking he understood—this young lady wasn’t yet married but already had something in her belly. This was pregnancy before marriage, which in some villages with strict customs meant being drowned in a pig cage. How could he have so rashly spoken out?

Understanding this, he immediately felt apologetic and hurriedly bowed: “Congratulations, young lady, felicitations. Indeed, observing your qi, purple and white ascend, fortune meets the celestial canopy, with peach-red clouds lingering endlessly, clearly showing you’ll marry a good husband. In future you’ll surely have harmonious marriage, full family honors, both sons and daughters, and receive imperial titles…”

He now only wanted to make amends to Jing Hengbo, spouting nonsense. Jing Hengbo listened with a smile, currently in excellent spirits, almost ready to fly, finding everyone pleasing to the eye. She decided to forgive his previous rashness—not only forgive him, but this qi-reading was quite interesting. Why not elevate him and give him a chance?

However, this runaway train of words couldn’t continue. If he kept babbling, it would make someone as deep-minded as Gong Yin suspicious.

“Excellent, excellent.” She interrupted the scholar’s words, smiling: “I see you truly have some learning, just poor timing. How about this—I still need someone…”

Before she finished speaking, a group of brocade-clothed men approached. The leader didn’t even look at the scholar, kicked his stool away, and said with utter disgust: “Unlucky ghost! Still dare to stay here, get lost!”

The scholar’s face went white as he silently righted his stool, not daring to argue, and went to pack up his table.

That group wasn’t satisfied with just driving him away—they stood there with crossed arms, sneering coldly.

“Such lowly trash, a charlatan, still dares to covet Her Majesty the Queen!”

“Those competing for spots here at least have some ability. Like Brother Wang, you have strength to wrestle lions and tigers; like Brother Li, you’re undefeated throughout the world; like Brother Zhang, you’re accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. What can this poor scholar do? Haha, read qi? Go before the Queen and tell Her Majesty who has blue-black qi? Hahaha, I say you should pack up and scram quickly. We’re saving you—who would want your unlucky skills?”

“This one claims more than just qi-reading. Look—reading qi and fortune-telling, finding dragon veins and auspicious sites, astronomy and geography, all mastered! Such boasting! Speaking of divination, I recently had the divine calculator Master Qiu read my fortune. He said my Red Phoenix Star is stirring recently, which must apply to the Queen’s husband selection! Come, come, Brother Fang, you read my qi too—is mine different from others? Do I have purple qi from the east meeting the celestial canopy? Hahaha, when I become a royal husband…”

“You’ll never become a royal husband in this lifetime.” Someone suddenly interrupted with a lazy, smiling voice.

That babbling fellow was annoyed at being interrupted, turned around angrily, finally saw Jing Hengbo, was about to explode when his eyes suddenly lit up, then he smiled: “Young lady, are you talking about me? How do you know I can’t become a royal husband? Or has the young lady taken a fancy to such a talent as myself and wants to marry me as husband?”

A group of frivolous playboys burst into laughter, patting that fellow’s shoulder with mocking words, all with dismissive attitudes—a poor scholar, a lone woman traveler, neither worth their attention.

The commotion here gradually attracted crowds, but everyone seemed to dislike that scholar, with no one saying a word for him.

Jing Hengbo also smiled, glanced at Gong Yin. He sat there quietly. Except for initially glancing at the scholar, he didn’t look at anyone else. Even that initial glance at the scholar was indifferent.

Mountain peak ice and snow, untainted by worldly dust.

Seeing him like that made Jing Hengbo’s anger flare—being clear-headed, rational, and cold, right? All the perverts in this world with superior attitudes were because life was too smooth and they hadn’t received enough stimulation!

Including this group of second-generation rich kids before her.

“Me? I’ve already recruited someone as husband, so I’m afraid you won’t make the cut.” Jing Hengbo smiled at that still-laughing rich kid, then suddenly shouted: “Where are my generals!”

“Your subjects are here!”

A thunderous roar suddenly erupted outside the crowd, startling the spectators and those “talent show elites.” Then the crowd scattered as people in front were pushed aside, several solemn black-clothed men strode forward—these were elite guards from the Hengji army personally trained by Pei Shu, specifically responsible for Her Majesty the Queen’s safety.

These were battle-tested warriors who had killed in wars, their murderous aura fierce beyond what those “undefeated throughout the world” rich kids could compare to. Just standing there, the surrounding people couldn’t help but shiver and move away.

Others were shocked by that phrase “your subjects are here”—subjects? Subjects?

Before those “undefeated throughout the world” talent show groups could react, Jing Hengbo pointed at that poor scholar and loudly said: “Luoyun tribe… uh… what’s your name?”

The scholar stammered: “Fang Cheng.”

“Good, Fang Cheng of Luoyun tribe.” Jing Hengbo smiled with satisfaction. “I have taken a fancy to you. You will be the second person I accept into my harem. Generals, meet Master Fang.”

Several guards thunderously half-knelt: “We meet Master Fang!”

The scholar’s legs went weak, the people were stunned, the talent show group stood frozen, but Jing Hengbo only cared about one person’s reaction. Her peripheral vision caught it perfectly—good, Gong Yin’s eyelashes trembled and his complexion didn’t look good.

No matter how transcendent or nonchalant he pretended to be, seeing this scene in person must be quite satisfying.

Jing Hengbo felt great, her chest full of joy, wanting to throw back her head and laugh three times—the Queen’s revenge is never too late, even after three days!

At least this repaid one-tenth of the depression from seeing that bottle that day.

At this time Seven Kills also rushed over, shouting that this specimen wouldn’t do—malnourished and would eat Yuzhao Palace into poverty. No good, no good, not as good as the previous one.

Si Rongming seemed to greatly please Seven Kills. The seven weirdos began lavishly praising Si Rongming’s virtues, loudly declaring he could be granted a noble title.

Jing Hengbo noticed Gong Yin’s face seemed even paler.

Such divine assistance, Seven Kills! Jing Hengbo was in excellent spirits. She pointed at that panicked rich kid and smiled: “You said your Red Phoenix Star is stirring? I think your Red Phoenix Star is indeed stirring. How can the boasts you made not be fulfilled?” She looked around, suddenly pointed ahead and smiled: “I’ll bestow that beauty upon you.”

Everyone turned to see a butcher by the roadside leading a sow to be slaughtered…

“You… you… you…” That young master’s lips trembled. “This is going too far…”

“Impudent!” The generals all roared angrily. Iron hooves thundered on the street as the summoned Hengji army galloped over, dust swirling with the glint of armor, the Queen’s ceremonial procession among them.

With this display, those who had been half-doubting immediately wilted.

Jing Hengbo was already giggling as she turned to leave: “Seven Kills, remember to supervise this young master’s wedding night!”

“Leave it to us!” Seven Kills answered in unison, their gazes maliciously glancing at the sow, then at the young master, especially lingering around his crotch area. After just a few circuits, that fellow wet his pants.

Jing Hengbo paid no attention—she was giving a warning to this group of ill-behaved scoundrels who dared to carelessly covet royal husband positions.

Dare to overreach—bestow marriage with a sow!

She didn’t look at Gong Yin, turned and boarded her carriage. Over there, Fang Cheng still stood with a pale face, lost in clouds and mist, like in a dream. Those who had previously treated him like trash now swarmed forward—some helping move his stool, others collecting his table, some bowing to dust him off, others secretly slipping him silver, others quietly apologizing. Everyone’s eyes were full of envy for his rise to fortune and fear of royal power. Fang Cheng increasingly felt like he was dreaming, staring at Jing Hengbo’s retreating figure, his eyes gradually lighting up.

Hengji army guards had already come forward to invite him into a carriage to follow the Queen. That diplomatic Si Rongming also personally came to chat. Everyone exclaimed and praised again, while over there, seeing Si Rongming, Gong Yin’s expression changed slightly again.

Fang Cheng took a while to steady himself. Just as he was about to follow, a voice suddenly said by his ear: “May I ask, sir, what was that unfinished sentence you were saying to Her Majesty the Queen?”

Fang Cheng turned back to see that white-clothed man still sitting in place, quietly watching him.

Those eyes were pure and penetrating, reflecting the finest dust of the human world.

Fang Cheng was captured by such a gaze, momentarily losing focus. Seeing him not answer, that person paused, then said: “The last two words seemed to be ‘good news’…”

“Nonsense!” Fang Cheng immediately snapped to attention, his face flushing red as he loudly said: “Don’t speak such wild words! Her Majesty the Queen is still unmarried, pure as ice and jade. How could there be such absurd matters!”

“Oh? Then what did you mean by overlapping life qi?”

Fang Cheng swallowed, thinking this fellow had sharp ears. The Queen had deliberately said “vigorous qi,” but he wouldn’t be fooled.

“When I read qi, I’m reading people’s prosperous or declining qi. Like yours, which is quite weak, while the Queen is at her zenith, healthy in body, and moreover a true dragon son of heaven with extraordinary fortune. Compared to ordinary people’s life qi, hers would naturally be twice as much!”

While spouting nonsense, Fang Cheng secretly rejoiced that he had only explained the meaning of overlapping life qi to the Queen earlier. Otherwise, under this person’s particularly sharp gaze, he really couldn’t maintain this lie.

The white-clothed man said nothing more. Fang Cheng didn’t dare linger, flicked his sleeves and declared: “Don’t think wild thoughts!” before hurrying away.

Before boarding the carriage, he couldn’t help looking back, seeing that man still sitting in place with a serene posture, his profile seemingly still contemplating.

Inadvertently turning his gaze toward the Queen’s carriage, he saw the carriage curtains hanging deep, but by the window seemed to be lifted at one corner, vaguely revealing half a snow-white flowery face. But when he tried to look more carefully, that curtain had suddenly dropped again.

…

Gong Yin was indeed contemplating. Contemplating to the point of almost having a headache.

Actually, he hadn’t heard the words “good news.” Jing Hengbo’s slap had been too timely.

But precisely because of her somewhat uncharacteristic violent table-slapping, it drew his attention—Jing Hengbo was never someone who startled easily.

Looking at Fang Cheng’s mouth shape, what he hadn’t said seemed to be the word “good.”

Good news, or good fortune?

Both made sense.

Good news… good news… His usually calm heart couldn’t help but flutter. This thought was too shocking, so much so that he didn’t dare think about it, though he was reluctant to doubt his own abilities, but with his severely ill body…

But what if…

Only seeing Jing Hengbo’s excellent complexion, her walking and reactions showing nothing amiss, he couldn’t verify his inner doubts.

He pondered, his thoughts drifting to that night in the carriage palace. At the time his emotions were chaotic and he hadn’t paid attention to many details. Now suddenly remembering—that night, had Jing Hengbo bled or not?

Really impossible to guess, because the carriage had no bed platform, just brocade blankets spread on the ground. And the blanket was bright red.

Someone beside him was chattering—those family members who had suddenly become talkative since leaving the world. They were all saying Her Majesty the Queen was so beautiful, why not try for real, and saying the Queen seemed serious about it, look how quickly she’d already collected two, and these two weren’t anything special, any one of them could easily win, and saying that first future royal husband did have outstanding temperament, so the Queen liked this kind of gentle, approachable person… Hearing this made his heart increasingly agitated.

Originally knowing she was going to Fushui tribe, he had deliberately come to Luoyun tribe. Luoyun tribe also had what he was looking for, and this way he could avoid crossing paths with Jing Hengbo. Who knew she actually hadn’t entered Fushui. What should he do now? Continue insisting on avoidance, or go his own way?

Somehow Long Zhai had appeared behind him, silently watching Jing Hengbo’s departing carriage and horses. Beside him stood Nan Jin. After that night in the carriage, Nan Jin had returned to the Long family’s entourage.

Seeing these two people, Gong Yin’s mind turned again. Jing Hengbo’s existence posed certain threats to both Long Zhai and Nan Jin, making his choice difficult—appearing too concerned would arouse Long Zhai’s hostility toward Jing Hengbo; appearing completely unconcerned might make Long Zhai act against Jing Hengbo more casually without reservations.

His face suddenly felt wet. He looked up at the sky—it had suddenly started raining.

People on the road scattered completely. This was a large village on Luoyun tribe’s border, famous locally for its martial traditions, well-known in the area with many households, essentially a small town, complete with inns. Past here, it was dozens of li before reaching Luoyun’s border city Xiangnan Prefecture.

The Long family members naturally didn’t mind camping in the wilderness, but Gong Yin looked at the Queen’s departing carriage and ordered them to lodge here. The group stayed at the inn at the town’s east end.

The Queen’s carriage gradually departed, traveling another ten li before choosing a suitable place to camp.

Pei Shu had urged Jing Hengbo to lodge in town, but Jing Hengbo hadn’t agreed. She had other plans.

When the carriage stopped to make camp, she said she wanted to go out for a walk and wouldn’t allow anyone to follow. She had always gone wherever she wanted—others couldn’t stop her even if they tried, so they had to let her go.

Jing Hengbo returned to that town.

Wearing a veil and having changed clothes, she headed straight for the two medical clinics she’d noticed on the road.

Coming out of the first clinic, she was beaming. After entering the second clinic and coming out, her eyes seemed ready to fly away with joy.

Seeing a fruit vendor on the road, she stopped, touched her belly, and said to herself: “Eating more fruit makes baby’s skin better.”

She bought a large pile of pears, peaches, and loquats. Seeing sour apricots nearby, where a pregnant woman was asking prices, she also skipped over to buy some. That woman looked at her curiously and smiled: “Sister, these apricots are very sour, specially for us pregnant women. Don’t buy them lightly—they’ll make your teeth ache.”

“Oh my, they’re perfect for me. I’m big-bellied, I’m big-bellied.” Jing Hengbo smiled as she hugged a basket of apricots.

Hugging a big bundle of sour apricots, she walked and ate. They were indeed sour, achingly so. Actually she didn’t want to eat sour things, but currently excited, she wanted to announce a certain matter to the world but couldn’t, so she had to do things that only pregnant women did—like loving sour foods.

These subtle psychological details weren’t worth sharing with outsiders, just like this moment’s sweet yet slightly bitter mood that only she understood. Her feelings were somewhat hot and chaotic, and without realizing it, she ate quite a few sour apricots.

Then she started feeling uncomfortable.

Her stomach churned a bit, and her teeth were so sore they were almost like tofu.

She had to run to the medical clinic again. Just as she entered, she suddenly collided with someone coming out. That person was also walking fast. Jing Hengbo looked down and saw white hemp clothing, making her heart jump.

That person abruptly stepped back, as if avoiding something unclean, turning away quite far. This attitude was even more familiar. Jing Hengbo simply didn’t raise her head. Fortunately, that person was also coldly indifferent by nature, didn’t demand her apology, didn’t apologize either, and carrying something in hand, walked stiffly past her.

Jing Hengbo stayed in the doorway shadows, looked back—it was indeed Nan Jin, whose figure had already merged into the crowd.

Jing Hengbo hadn’t seen any medicine packets in her hands, but had just sensed medicinal smells on her. For Nan Jin to get medicine at such a small town clinic was already strange; getting medicine but hiding it was even stranger.

Jing Hengbo queued inside the clinic. When her turn came, she randomly mentioned some discomforts, then quietly asked that doctor: “What medicine did that very strange white-clothed woman just get?”

The doctor indeed knew she meant Nan Jin, but smiled and shook his head, saying seriously: “Young lady, maintaining patient confidentiality is a physician’s virtue…”

Silver’s glitter suddenly blinded his eyes, and the doctor forgot what he was going to say.

Jing Hengbo held silver in her palm, smiling: “That’s my family’s concubine.”

The doctor immediately understood, swept his sleeve, the silver entered his sleeve, coughed once and said: “Madam, you’d better be careful. Your family’s concubine is quite restless…”