“Inside Uncle’s belly, there is a little baby!”
Song Qing shifted his gaze to Sheng Yuli, only to find that the General remained silent, quietly watching Shi Hanshang.
He was waiting. He was waiting for Shi Hanshang to make the decision.
Regarding the child who had appeared due to their singular mistake, whether to keep it or let it go, Sheng Yuli had handed the right of decision entirely to Shi Hanshang. Whatever Shi Hanshang decided, Sheng Yuli would provide his full support. Even if his ability to help was extremely limited at this stage, and no matter how much he did, it could never truly offset the pain Shi Hanshang endured, he was determined to give his all.
After a long while, Song Qing could no longer bear the heavy atmosphere. Driven by his own hidden concerns, he finally spoke up. “Lan Bie, in truth, given the current situation, giving birth to this child might actually be the best decision for you.”
The child was already formed. Terminating the pregnancy at this stage carried significant risks regardless of the method. If they had the Blood Leaf Orchid, it might be safer, but the journey to find that herb was long and uncertain. They could no longer afford to wait.
Shi Hanshang let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. “If giving birth to this child would solve everything, then so be it. But for you and me, giving birth is merely the simplest path among a thousand difficulties.”
Hearing this, Sheng Yuli’s gaze grew even more solemn. No matter how much it pained them, they both understood that what Shi Hanshang said was an undeniable truth.
“Enough,” Shi Hanshang shook his head, gently stroking the slight curve of his abdomen. Steeling his heart, he gritted his teeth and said, “Zilin, please prepare the medicine for me. Once the matters regarding Xuyi are resolved, help me terminate the pregnancy.”
Song Qing let out a deep sigh, looking at the two of them. “Is it decided?”
“Yes,” Shi Hanshang replied, lowering his eyes.
Sheng Yuli had expected this, yet his heart still throbbed with a sharp pain. Suppressing his sense of loss, he nodded as well. However, as he looked down, his eyes caught the subtle swell at Shi Hanshang’s waist once more. It felt like a needle pricking his pupils. Not daring to look any longer, he turned to leave. “Since there is nothing else today, I will take my leave.” He abruptly pushed open the door.
Shi Hanshang’s heart stirred. He was about to call out to the unsteady man when a crisp child’s voice suddenly rang out from the courtyard, “Uncle!”
Both men froze.
Sheng Yuli looked through the open door into the courtyard. Just as he stepped out, a small figure came stumbling forward and crashed into his embrace. Forced back a few steps by the momentum, he quickly steadied the little fellow. Looking down, he exclaimed in shock, “Ke’er?”
Supported by Song Qing, Shi Hanshang stood up and hurried to the door. Sure enough, standing amidst the courtyard filled with the fragrance of golden osmanthus were a tall man and a small child. Fearing he might have recognized the child incorrectly, Sheng Yuli grabbed the little fellow’s round waist and lifted him into the air. Squinting against the sunlight, he confirmed it was indeed his nephew, Sheng Ke. His brows relaxed, and he immediately pulled the child into a hug. “Why are you here?”
Clearly, Sheng Yuli often played with the boy like this. The round headed little fellow was not afraid of being lifted; instead, he waved his hands, giggling happily and asking to be lifted higher. Hearing Sheng Yuli’s question, the boy tilted his head. “Where Mother is, Ke’er is!”
Sheng Yuli was confused. “What?”
Before they could figure it out, the child pointed excitedly behind Sheng Yuli and shouted, “Mother! Mother!”
Sheng Yuli spun around to see two figures standing silently at the entrance of the courtyard. They were a man and a woman, specifically Sheng Yuesheng and Shi Yunhe.
“Sister?” Sheng Yuli asked, stunned.
Sheng Yuesheng was equally surprised to see him. “Zhige? Why are you here?” She looked up and realized Shi Hanshang was standing right beside him. Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. She bowed toward Shi Hanshang from a distance. “Greetings, Prime Minister Shi.”
Shi Hanshang nodded in acknowledgment. A second later, Shi Yunhe entered the courtyard. Seeing the scene, his gentle expression momentarily froze. “General Sheng?” he asked in confusion.
“Ahem,” Sheng Yuli bowed. “Minister Shi.”
It was an awkward moment; they had been caught red handed. However, the definition of being caught was vastly different in each of their minds.
“Um, I still have matters to attend to at the Imperial Academy of Medicine. I will take my leave first!” Song Qing gave a strained laugh and was the first to flee the scene. He did not see the identical looks of resentment from Sheng Yuli and Shi Hanshang behind him, nor did he notice the look of bewilderment in Shi Yunhe’s eyes.
Sheng Yuli cursed Song Qing in his heart for being a deserter. Shi Hanshang simply massaged his forehead in silence.
It was Ke’er who finally broke the silence. “Mother! Mother! I want a hug!”
A toddler’s fussing can be quite chaotic. Sheng Yuli could not dodge in time and took several kicks to the chest from his nephew. With a darkened face, he handed the child over to his sister. Rubbing his aching ribs, Sheng Yuli winced and thought to himself, “Good heavens, I hope my own child is never as mischievous as Ke’er. It would be better if the child were like Shi Hanshang, steady and quiet.”
Thinking this, he involuntarily glanced at Shi Hanshang again. By then, Shi Hanshang was already standing beside Shi Yunhe, whispering something to him. Noticing the gaze, Shi Hanshang’s pale eyes shifted toward him briefly before indifferently looking away.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of his distraction, Sheng Yuesheng stepped behind Sheng Yuli and gave him a hard pinch. “Are you looking for trouble with the Prime Minister again?” she hissed.
Sheng Yuli turned, shocked. “I am not!”
“Still lying!” Sheng Yuesheng pinched him again in anger. “Then tell me, what were you doing in the Prime Minister’s room? I saw you coming out of his study with my own eyes. Do you still dare to deny it?”
“But I was clearly,” Sheng Yuli’s blood rushed to his head, but he cut himself off just in time. He swallowed hard and finally waved his hand in resignation. “Oh, Sister, trust me! This time, I really was not here to look for trouble with Shi Hanshang!”
“Still making excuses!” Sheng Yuesheng assumed he was simply refusing to admit his faults. She tightened her grip. “I told you not to provoke him anymore, yet here you are. Do my words mean nothing to you?”
Sheng Yuli cried out inwardly in pain. He quickly pointed at the little fellow who was busy biting his own finger. “Wait, Sister! Ke’er is right here! Using force like this sets a bad example!”
Sheng Yuesheng gritted her teeth. “I am your sister. Is there something wrong with disciplining you?” She raised a fist.
As they bickered, Shi Hanshang and Shi Yunhe finished their conversation and walked over. Sheng Yuesheng immediately let go, acting as if nothing had happened. She put on a bright smile and said gracefully, “Have you two finished your discussion?”
She looked as though she had not just been a terrifying force of nature seconds ago. Sheng Yuli was stunned by his sister’s speed in changing faces. Before he could speak, his arms were suddenly weighed down as Sheng Yuesheng shoved Ke’er into his embrace. “Zhige, watch him for me. I will be right back,” she said. After a few brief words with Shi Yunhe, she followed him out without looking back. Before leaving the courtyard, she did not forget to turn and give Sheng Yuli one last warning look.
Sheng Yuli was speechless. Shi Hanshang was equally silent.
Sheng Yuli felt he had a grievance he could not voice. Once the figures of his sister and Shi Yunhe disappeared, he pouted and said, “See? I clearly was not looking for trouble with you!”
Shi Hanshang said helplessly, “That only matters if they believe it.” He rolled his eyes. “Who told you to have such a notorious reputation, Grand General?”
Sheng Yuli’s eyes widened. “I have a notorious reputation? I am the one who suffers defeat every single time!”
Shi Hanshang opened his mouth to ask if he were not exactly like this as a child, but Ke’er spoke first. His big, watery eyes stared up as he pulled at Sheng Yuli’s hem with a finger he had just been sucking on, leaving a smear of saliva behind. “Uncle, what is a defeat? Is it delicious? Ke’er wants to eat it!”
Sheng Yuli shook his head, looking like he wanted to cry. “It is not delicious. It is the most unpleasant thing in the world.”
Shi Hanshang let out a soft laugh. Ignoring Sheng Yuli’s mock aggrieved expression, he stepped forward and picked up the round little boy. Feeling the child’s weight, he asked gently, “Are you hungry?”
Ke’er was momentarily dazed by the sight of such a handsome uncle. Hearing the question, his hunger overcame his awe, and he nodded his little head vigorously. Shi Hanshang chuckled and patted Ke’er’s belly, which already seemed quite full. Recalling that there were still some pastries left that Sheng Yuli had brought a few days ago, he adjusted the boy’s collar and smiled. “It is cold outside. Let us go in.”
The words were directed at Sheng Yuli. Sheng Yuli, however, was momentarily dazed by Shi Hanshang’s smile. In that moment, he finally understood the poem from his youth: “Suddenly a beauty stands beneath the flowers; all the blossoms bow their heads in shame.”
Shi Hanshang was already as beautiful as peerless jade. This smile, gentle and clear, made the surrounding flowers seem dull by comparison. In the decade they had known each other, Sheng Yuli had never seen him look so tender. Staring blankly, Sheng Yuli blurted out, “So you actually know how to smile?”
Shi Hanshang’s smile vanished instantly. He gave him a fleeting look and said sternly, “If you do not want to come in, you can stay outside.”
“Hey, do not do that!” Fearing Shi Hanshang would truly lock him out, Sheng Yuli dashed up the steps and dived into the room before the door could be closed.
The room was much warmer than the outdoors. After a moment, Sheng Yuli took off his cloak. The pastries on the table were scattered. Sheng Yuli picked up a piece that was still intact and gave it to Ke’er. While the boy ate happily, Sheng Yuli could not contain his curiosity. “What did your brother say to you just now?”
Shi Hanshang did not hide it. “Nothing special. It was about the matter in Xuyi at court today. The Emperor appointed my brother and General Yuesheng to assist Lu Hong. Since they met after the court session, they came here to discuss it.”
Given their roles, the three of them should have discussed it together. Yet Shi Yunhe and Sheng Yuesheng had chosen not to find the main person in charge, and they had not brought any attendants with them. The meaning was clear: it was a secret meeting.
Sheng Yuli tapped his finger on the table. “So you have noticed that something is wrong with Lu Hong as well?”
“Yes,” Shi Hanshang replied. Fearing Ke’er might choke, he poured a cup of tea for the little boy. “Lu Hong has always been cautious and quiet, never seeking the spotlight. He has been a Fourth Grade official for many years without moving up or down. Yet in recent years, he has repeatedly gained merit and acted much more boldly, rising to the First Grade within the Six Ministries. This style of behavior is completely different from his past self.”
Sheng Yuli nodded. “You suspect someone is helping him from the shadows?”
“Yes,” Shi Hanshang lowered his eyes. “We do not know who is behind him or what their purpose is. If he is simply seeking advancement through the help of a talented advisor, that is one thing. But if it is something else,” Shi Hanshang’s pale eyes turned sharp, reflecting a cold light. His entire face became as icy as frost.
Sheng Yuli tapped the table and finished the thought. “Then we must pull him out by the roots.”
The two looked at each other, their eyes reflecting an identical clarity. No matter how much they clashed in court, they had to admit they were the most compatible partners. Suddenly, Shi Hanshang felt a weight on his shoulder. It was Ke’er. The little fellow was likely tired of eating. He had a mouth full of pastry crumbs and was about to wipe them on Shi Hanshang’s pristine white sleeve.
Sheng Yuli jumped in alarm. He grabbed the boy’s collar, stopping the bold move. Sheng Yuli thought with lingering fear that he knew exactly how much of a perfectionist Shi Hanshang was regarding cleanliness. If Ke’er had succeeded, neither of them would have left the room unharmed today!
To his surprise, Shi Hanshang only gave him a cool look. He turned slightly, took a clean handkerchief from his sleeve, and gently wiped the crumbs from the corner of Ke’er’s mouth without any sign of annoyance.
Sheng Yuli clicked his tongue in amazement. “When will you ever be this gentle with me?” he asked suddenly.
Shi Hanshang rolled his eyes and questioned coldly, “How old is he, and how old are you? Picking a fight with a child, that is indeed your style, Grand General.”
“Tch.” Sheng Yuli picked up a melon seed, popped it into his mouth, and then let the remaining seeds fall back into the silver plate. He rested his chin on his hand, thinking for a while before saying, “There is one person I will not compete with, though.”
“Who?” Shi Hanshang asked casually as he finished cleaning Ke’er’s face.
“Naturally it is,” Sheng Yuli looked up, his brow suddenly furrowing. “Ke’er, do not press against Uncle’s stomach!”
Ke’er looked up while biting his finger. Half of his body was leaning against Shi Hanshang. He liked this handsome uncle and wanted to be close to him. Suddenly being shouted at by his own uncle, he tilted his head in confusion. “Why?” he asked in a milky voice.
His brow still furrowed, Sheng Yuli reached out and pulled the little fellow back into his own arms. “There is no why. You cannot press against Uncle’s stomach. Do you understand?”
“Then can I press against your stomach?” Ke’er asked innocently.
Sheng Yuli’s expression softened, but he still said sternly, “You can press against my stomach. You cannot press against his.”
Shi Hanshang looked up at him.
Ke’er was even more confused. He scratched his head. “If I can press against yours, why can I not press against his?”
They were back in a circle. Sheng Yuli was stumped. How could he explain this to a three year old? He struggled for a long time while the boy stared at him expectantly. “That is because,” he began, but then he hesitated. Just as he was struggling, Ke’er suddenly clapped his hands happily. “I know! I know!”
“What do you know?” Sheng Yuli asked, bewildered.
Ke’er put his hands behind his back like a little adult, swaying his head. “Because, inside Uncle’s belly, there is a little baby!”
Hearing this, both men froze simultaneously. Before Sheng Yuli could speak, Ke’er continued with a giggle, “Sister Qin’er will not let me press against her stomach either. Uncle Qin said it is because there is a little baby in her belly! Since you will not let me press against Uncle’s stomach, does that mean Uncle has a baby too?”
Qin’er was a concubine Qin Zhen had recently taken. She had become pregnant over six months ago and was due to give birth soon.
Shi Hanshang was momentarily stunned. He looked up and met the equally dumbfounded gaze of Sheng Yuli. Both were speechless. By some sheer stroke of luck, Ke’er had actually guessed the truth. Ke’er did not notice the complicated expressions of the adults. Taking advantage of Sheng Yuli’s distraction, he slipped out of his uncle’s arms and happily pounced toward Shi Hanshang. He placed his small hand on the belly Shi Hanshang had forgotten to cover. “A baby! A baby! Uncle has a baby in his belly!”
A child does not know the weight of his words. Fearing that someone might overhear the shouting, Sheng Yuli quickly made a shushing sound and covered Ke’er’s mouth. Once he calmed his racing heart, he lowered his voice and coaxed the boy gently. “Shh, be a good boy, Ke’er. Keep your voice down. You cannot let anyone else know about this, especially your mother. Do you understand?”
“Why?” Ke’er asked. “Sister Qin’er has a baby, and Uncle Qin and Grandma Qin are very happy. Uncle has a baby, so is my own Uncle not happy?”
Sheng Yuli was momentarily speechless, caught between laughter and tears. “Uncle is happy, but if your mother found out, she would probably be scared to death!”
The young boy could not understand the complicated worries of adults, and further explanation would have been useless. Shi Hanshang let out a soft sigh and beckoned Ke’er over. Under Sheng Yuli’s bewildered gaze, he leaned in and whispered a few words into the little fellow’s ear. When he pulled away, Ke’er’s expression had completely changed; his tender face was filled with a touch of secret joy and excitement.
Shi Hanshang tilted his head, raised his pinky finger, and said softly to Ke’er, “Then it is a deal. This is a secret between Uncle and Ke’er. We cannot let a third person know, alright?”
“Yes!” Ke’er excitedly hooked his own little finger around Shi Hanshang’s, shaking it as he giggled. “Pinky swear, hang it high, for a hundred years, never change!”
“Indeed,” Shi Hanshang smiled. “Pinky swear, hang it high, for a hundred years, never change.”
Sheng Yuli, feeling ignored, watched the pair laughing happily and finally could not resist trying to reassert his presence. He asked curiously, “Hey, what are you two talking about? What secret? Tell me too!”
Shi Hanshang held Ke’er, shot him a look, and scoffed, “I will not tell you.”
“I will not tell you either!” Ke’er mimicked Shi Hanshang by putting his hands on his hips as if he had accomplished something magnificent. He held up two small fingers and said, “This is a secret between me and the Pretty Uncle!”
“Fine then,” Sheng Yuli watched his nephew’s “betrayal” with mock shock, clutching his chest in theatrical pain. “In just this short time, you two have become a team?!”