Yi Shiyin let out a gentle "oh".
Han Anniang, unfamiliar with military matters, glanced at Yue Ruyan, sitting across from her with a large belly, and with elegance held within and a cool composure, she spoke worriedly, "It’s just that sister Ruyan is about to give birth soon, I’m afraid His Majesty will miss it."
Yue Ruyan was diagnosed as pregnant in late February this year, which means it should have happened in early or mid-month, expecting to give birth around mid to late December, and now it’s late November, less than a month away.
"The important matters of His Majesty must take precedence, with so many people around me and Her Majesty the Empress also present, it’s alright," Yue Ruyan said softly.
Although she said it was alright, when Xia Zhining, Yi Shiyin... and Chu Ran gave birth, Chen Mo accompanied them. During her own delivery, if he wasn’t there, she would inevitably feel somewhat regretful in her heart.
"A Divine Power Realm Martial Artist is truly different. When I was pregnant with Nu’Er and Youyou of this size, I was lying in bed every day, not daring to get up and walk around." Xia Zhiqing, sitting beside Yue Ruyan, laughed, gently touching Xue Ruyan’s belly, joking, "It’s so big, maybe they are twins."
Speaking, Xia Zhining even leaned over to listen.
Yue Ruyan’s belly wasn’t actually that large, but her figure was slender, and being a martial artist, there wasn’t an ounce of extra flesh on her body, so it appeared relatively large.
"Then let me borrow the auspicious words of Sister Princess Consort Xian." Xia Zhiqing and Zhining, both gave birth to twins, and Yue Ruyan couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.
Xia Zhiqing didn’t quite understand, just pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "This time when His Majesty returns, the officials will probably again petition for His Majesty to perform Fengshan."
"Fengshan? Didn’t Erlang refuse it before?" Han Anniang asked in confusion.
Wu Mi glanced at Han Anniang, lips slightly apart, explaining, "The last time His Majesty refused because he felt his accomplishments were not yet worthy of Fengshan, in order to avoid future criticisms and bring himself shame."
"But this time, His Majesty advanced north against Jin Xia with overwhelming momentum, beheading the Grand General Wanyan Xiaji of Jin Xia, capturing the Jin Xia Capital, forcing Jin Xia to surrender, expanding territories. Such outstanding military achievements far surpass those of the previous dynastic Grand Ancestor. If this time His Majesty conducts Fengshan, no one will criticize."
"So there is such a nuance." Han Anniang learned something new.
The group of women suddenly opened the conversation.
Not long after, the Weiyang Palace was filled with the lively chatter of birds.
However, the atmosphere turned a bit awkward with Xia Zhining’s words.
"It’s said that the Jin Xia Kedun, known as the Queen, is stunningly beautiful. Originally a slave, she was adopted as a sworn sister by the former Kedun, quickly becoming a consort of the previous Khan. Just after the last Khan passed away, the current Khan immediately took her as his Kedun. It shows that the rumors of her exceptional beauty are not empty words.
With His Majesty’s virtues, this time after capturing the Jin Xia Imperial Palace, he won’t let her go. When His Majesty returns, there will be new additions to the Harem." Xia Zhining said.
"Zhining..." Xia Zhiqing chided lightly, as if saying why bring up such a topic when everyone was talking so well.
Wu Mi and Han Anniang’s faces slightly stiffened, not refuting, knowing this matter was indeed plausible, and quite likely.
Wu Mi said, "Just a woman, as long as His Majesty is happy."
"Yes, even if our husband is... somewhat unfaithful, he has never mistreated us," Yi Shiyin laughed.
Regarding this, Xia Zhiqing had the most authority to speak.
His Majesty not only appointed her as Princess Consort Xian, but also appointed her sister as Princess Consort De.
He even issued a decree to posthumously honor their father.
This favor in the Harem, only the Empress could compare.
Xia Zhiqing tugged at her sister again, her red lips silently muttering, as if saying, didn’t you say before that you would let His Majesty be?
Xia Zhining had said that, but old habits die hard.
This thought held back felt uncomfortable for her.
Yue Ruyan didn’t take it to heart, it was still early in the process.
In theory, at this time, His Majesty should be selecting noble maidens nationwide to enrich the Harem, to complete the World Consort and Seventy-Two Beauties.
The current number of concubines in the Harem is fewer compared to previous emperors of the dynasty.
...
Early December, The Second Year of Zhenghe.
Chang En led the army and reached Datong Pass in time, stopping Tuoba Ai’s group outside the pass, preventing them from crossing the river south.
December 10th.
Chen Mo led the army to maneuver around Tuoba Ai’s group from behind.
December 15th.
With the army commanded by Chen Mo and Chang En attacking from both front and rear, Tuoba Ai’s group faced the Wei Army in a decisive battle eighty li beyond Datong Pass in Donghuang City.
That afternoon, Tuoba Ai was beheaded by Chen Mo.
The group of Tuoba Clan members coerced by Tuoba Ai were also all killed.
The remaining tribes, seeing the lost cause, surrendered one by one.
Chen Mo was unwilling, and after decimating the leaders of these tribes, he accepted their surrender.
By this point, the only organized Jin Xia army left was the garrison in Gao Liao.
After this day, in the area of Datong Pass, the drizzling rain fell upon the Datong River, the once beautiful landscape losing its color under the waves of the Wei Army, making this winter even colder.
Rainwater washed away the blood in and around Donghuang City, as if heaven was sweeping away traces, or perhaps serving as the final ode to the Jin Xia Tuoba Clan, letting the rain pass, for spring to arrive, and this world to step into a brand new era with a complete name change.
Along the Datong River, warships, merchant ships, and fishing boats berthed.
These ships were originally waiting for Tuoba Ai’s group to cross the river.
After Chang En’s timely arrival at Datong Pass, he took control of these ships.
Now that Tuoba Ai and his men were eliminated, the Wei Army could use these ships to cross the river and admire the southern scenery of Jin Xia.
Chen Mo didn’t follow Chang En across the river, instead taking the Imperial Guard back to Yu Xi City, ready to return to the country.
With Tuoba Ai and his men gone, there was no concerning power left in Jin Xia.
After all, he was the Emperor, and couldn’t stay here forever, so the aftermath could be handled by Chang En and his men.
Moreover, this time Chen Mo also brought Diwu Fusheng along, though leaving him in Youzhou.
After resolving issues at Datong Pass, Diwu Fusheng could be called over to assist Chang En with post-war duties.
Additionally, Chen Mo hadn’t forgotten the matter of Yue Ruyan’s pregnancy.
Calculating the time, it’s due this month.
He might not make it back before she gives birth, but could return to celebrate the New Year.
On December 19th, Chen Mo arrived at Yu Xi City.
The present Yu Xi, after being cleansed by Zuo Nian, had citizens whose eyes were much clearer, without the hostility seen when the Wei Army first entered the city.
Chen Mo was very satisfied with Zuo Nian’s performance.
Truly, people need a little reprimand to obey.
Chen Mo rested for a night in Yu Xi City, the next day ordering Luo Yong to lead five thousand soldiers staying in Yu Xi, while he had Sun Meng lead the Imperial Guard to return home with the captured beauties and plundered treasures.
On December 26th, Chen Mo arrived at Haiyan Pass.
Hmm, it was just Chen Mo, Nalan Yiren, Yu Zhu, and a dozen Imperial Guard soldiers who arrived first.
The main force led by Sun Meng, carrying the wealth, was still behind; in this harsh winter, they just couldn’t move any faster.
Plans couldn’t keep up with changes.
Chen Mo had intended to return to the Capital City for the New Year.
Now it was definitely too late.
On the afternoon of December 29th, Sun Meng’s group finally arrived at Haiyan Pass.
Chen Mo and his group ended up celebrating the New Year in Ying City, Youzhou.
On New Year’s Eve that evening, Chen Mo walked towards the courtyard where Wanyan Ya was held.
...
Inside the room.
Wanyan Ya was soaking entirely in a bathing barrel, with even her head submerged until the limit of her breath forced her to emerge from the warm water, gasping heavily, her long hair clinging to her wheat-colored fragrant shoulders, droplets of water beading on the fair skin that seemed to bounce at a touch, sliding along her shoulder, past her smooth soft bosom, before dripping into the water.
She blankly stared at the clothing prepared by the Wei Kingdom people on the rack beside her.