"Your Majesty, do you know that I was forced to conceive this child? If you insist on making me give birth, I would rather die."
Upon hearing this, Nangong Che's eyes narrowed. "Yan'er, are you threatening me?"
"Your Majesty misunderstands, how could I dare. I only ask that Your Majesty treat the child in my womb kindly in the future," Su Ziyan said sincerely. She had never dared to hope for anything, only wishing for the child in her womb to be born safely and grow up healthy.
Looking at Su Ziyan's earnest eyes, Nangong Che pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "Since Yan'er intends to keep this child, I will spare him for now."
Su Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief, truly fearing that Nangong Che would relentlessly force her to give up the child.
"Your Majesty, it has been many years, and it has been difficult for me to raise the child alone. Therefore, I hope Your Majesty can give me some time to raise the child first, and then hand him over to Your Majesty. What do you think?"
After hearing Su Ziyan's request, Nangong Che raised an eyebrow, a glint flashing in his eyes.
"Of course, I promise you." Nangong Che nodded. He didn't mind waiting a few months; after all, he was destined not to touch any other woman in this lifetime.
Seeing that Nangong Che had agreed, Su Ziyan's heart finally settled.
She had originally thought Nangong Che would not agree to her keeping the child, because Nangong Che's personality was too cruel and ruthless, resorting to any means.
Who knew he actually agreed!
It seemed she had worried for nothing!
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace," Su Ziyan bowed her head to express her gratitude, her mind already calculating.
Nangong Che, with a gentle smile as warm as jade, raised his hand and caressed her hair, asking dotingly, "I have been busy with state affairs recently and have no time to take care of the child. Has Yan'er taught the child to call you Mother Consort?"
Upon hearing Nangong Che's question, a hint of embarrassment appeared on Su Ziyan's face. "The child is still young and does not understand yet. What would Your Majesty like him to learn?"
Hearing this, a trace of regret flashed in Nangong Che's eyes. "Never mind, we can talk about it later."
"Your Majesty..." Su Ziyan wanted to speak but stopped, feeling a pang of guilt in her heart. Her negligence had caused him to waste his efforts.
"I heard you have been investigating something recently, is that right?"
"I am just occasionally bored and doing some things to pass the time," Su Ziyan did not want Nangong Che to worry.
Nangong Che frowned slightly. "I do not permit you to do foolish things."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Su Ziyan nodded, but sighed inwardly, realizing this hurdle could not be avoided after all.
The next morning.
In the Imperial Garden.
Su Ziyan was drinking nourishing soup while playing with the child.
"Your Majesty..." Seeing Nangong Che appear at the entrance, Su Ziyan quickly held the child and ran towards Nangong Che, holding the child out to him.
Nangong Che took the child with a doting expression and looked down at him carefully. The child bore a three- or four-point resemblance to him in his brows and eyes.
Su Ziyan stood quietly on the side, observing Nangong Che's expression, feeling uneasy.
The more Nangong Che liked the child, the more flustered she became.
"The scenery at sunset is very beautiful," Nangong Che suddenly looked up at Su Ziyan.
Su Ziyan followed his gaze to the sky and indeed saw that the horizon was stained red, brilliant and dazzling, and exceedingly beautiful.
Nangong Che tightened his arm around her waist and said in a deep, pleasant voice, "Yan'er, would you accompany me to admire the flowers?"
"Okay!" Su Ziyan readily agreed. As long as he didn't mention the child, she would cooperate as much as possible. Otherwise, she couldn't guarantee she could extricate herself unscathed, as he was not as simple as he appeared.
Su Ziyan accompanied Nangong Che as they strolled through the royal garden, admiring various flowers, and unconsciously lost track of time.
It was not until the eunuch's sharp voice sounded outside the Imperial Study, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the eldest son of the Prime Minister's manor has come to pay his respects."
Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Nangong Che's eyes.
Su Yunze had always disdained to attend his court sessions. Why was he looking for him now?
His surprise lasted only a second before returning to normal.
He took Su Ziyan's hand and led her into the Imperial Study, letting her sit on the chair next to him.
"Why do you have the leisure to visit today, my esteemed minister?" Nangong Che inquired casually, with a subtle hint of warning in his eyes, but Su Yunze did not notice it at all.
Su Yunze cupped his hands and respectfully said, "Your humble servant has been ordered by my father to appear before Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
"Oh? What matter does Prime Minister Su wish to discuss with me?" Nangong Che feigned confusion and pressed.
Hearing this, Su Yunze paused before continuing, "Replying to Your Majesty, my father said he wishes to discuss Yan'er's marriage with you."
As Su Yunze spoke the last words, his voice grew weaker and weaker, even tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Yan'er? What happened to Yan'er?" Nangong Che feigned shock, but his heart was already turbulent.
Seeing that Nangong Che finally reacted, Su Yunze quickly knelt on the ground and said excitedly, "My father said he has decided to take a concubine and begs Your Majesty to allow Yan'er to marry me!"
As Su Yunze finished speaking, his entire heart clenched.
Upon hearing this, Nangong Che's face instantly became overcast, and his icy voice rang out, "What did you say? How can the Queen of朕 be married by your Prime Minister's manor? I advise you to abandon this thought as soon as possible."
"Your Majesty, this humble servant begs you, let me marry Yan'er, otherwise I... I cannot live!"
Nangong Che gave a cold laugh. "Heh~ Minister Su, you have such deep affection. However, how can朕's woman be coveted by others? You don't need to beg me anymore. Your imperial sister,朕 will not bestow her upon any man."
Hearing this, Su Yunze suddenly looked up and glared at Nangong Che, gritting his teeth and shouting, "Nangong Che, you scoundrel!"
"Su Yunze, you had better recognize your position!" Nangong Che's gaze turned sharp.
Su Yunze roared in anger, "My position is to marry Yan'er! I absolutely will not allow you to bestow her upon another man!"
Nangong Che sneered, spitting out the words coldly, "You are not qualified."
With that, Nangong Che turned and left, his back appearing lonely. Su Ziyan watched his solitary figure, her nose stinging with emotion.
Nangong Che returned to his sleeping quarters and slammed his fist heavily onto the dragon bed. He hated Su Ziyan intensely. She was clearly his most beloved sister, why did she have to fall in love with him?
Su Ziyan's betrayal was a nightmare he could never shake off.
Recalling her refusal last night, Nangong Che's eyes grew colder.
"Nangong Che, you despicable hypocrite! I was blind to have fallen in love with you. You ruined my reputation, I wish I could kill you..."
"Slap—" A chilling aura flashed in Nangong Che's eyes, and he raised his hand to slap Su Ziyan. The force was so great that her head hit the wall.
"Bitch, who gave you permission to speak to me like that?" Nangong Che was enraged, his handsome face terrifyingly dark.