158 Unexpected Good News

worthy of being Mo Liufang’s son. What I mean is that His Highness’ body simply won't allow him to wake up at this point. There are still toxins in his system and he has been weak from illness for a...Sudden Good News

Hearing Ye Li's words, Feng Zhiyao's expression twisted in pain. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Mo Jingqi! His Excellency is simply too soft-hearted. I told him earlier that if even Mo Jingqi doesn't want the Chu Empire, why should we care so much We could just attack the capital city and see what tricks he has left!" Ye Li shook her head and sighed. "Interfering with Mo Jingqi now will only make our situation more difficult." No matter how sinister and vicious Mo Jingqi was in his mind, he wasn't a tyrant who ignored moral principles, and there were definitely many people loyal to the royal family in this world. There was also talk about how if their sovereign wanted them dead, they had no choice but to die. If Mo's army suddenly turned against Mo Jingqi now, it would only drag those armies stationed across various regions into this chaotic war situation as well. Furthermore, if anyone else took advantage of the opportunity, then not only would Chu be finished off, but Mo's army might also be wiped out.

Feng Zhiyao was not clueless about what Ye Li meant, though he was still filled with rage.

"What should we do now"

Ye Li looked up at the clear blue sky and said softly, "At all costs, delay Prince of Southern Peace. Under no circumstances can we allow him to interfere in the war between Chu and Yi." Feng Zhiyao's heart shook a little as he watched the somewhat fragile yet straight-standing figure before him. He knew what she meant when she talked about doing anything at all costs: They would be facing the Prince of Southern Peace, who was known as the Western Li War God, along with the endless reinforcements from Western Li that could keep coming in. However, the only army Mo family had left in Northwest was this twenty thousand soldiers. "This subordinate accepts the mission!"

When Ye Li dismissed Feng Zhiyao, she couldn't help but furrow her brows. These few days, her body had become extremely prone to fatigue; it was now just late September, and after standing on the city wall for a while, she started feeling slightly dizzy and uncomfortable. If this were any other time, anyone could have bad health from time to time, but now was not the moment when she could afford to fall ill easily. She held onto the city walls with one hand and lowered her gaze, waiting for this wave of dizziness to pass. Ye Li rubbed her temples as she felt increasingly impatient.

"Are you unwell" Han Mingyue's voice came from behind. These few days, Han Mingyue had been very obedient; Ye Li only asked someone to monitor him secretly and didn't bother with him otherwise. Han Mingyue was also quite sensible most of the time and stayed in his own courtyard or accompanied Su Zuodie in conversation. She had no idea what he said to her that made Su Zuodie behave herself these few days without causing any trouble. Turning around, she saw Han Mingyue standing a little distance away with some worry on his face as he looked at her. Ye Li replied coolly, "It's nothing; I'm just tired. How did you come up here"

Han Mingyue sized her up and approached, saying, "If your Excellency trusts me, let me take a look."

Ye Li looked at him sideways and said in surprise, "Does Master Han also know medicine"

Han Mingyue smiled faintly. "I know some." She stepped forward to hold Ye Li's hand for her pulse. Ye Li did not struggle but watched quietly as he felt her pulse. He frowned slightly when he touched her pulse and then looked up at Ye Li before pressing her wrist again. After a while, he let out a soft sigh and released his grip on Ye Li’s wrist.

Ye Li stared at him with a smile, asking, "Master Han, this expression of yours indicates that Your Imperial Highness has an incurable disease"

Han Mingyue shook her head and said in a complex tone, "I don’t know whether it is good news for your Excellency."

Ye Li smiled slightly as if she could accept any kind of news. Han Mingyue said solemnly, "Your Excellency has conceived but is not yet one month into the pregnancy."

Ye Li was stunned; her mind seemed blank and at the same time full of thoughts. The news from Han Mingyue was too shocking for her despite having two lives’ worth of experiences that most people could not have in ten lifetimes. She had never given birth before, either this life or last one.

Even if she were to take a parallel view, she was still not ready to give birth. Even though everything went smoothly according to her original plan and she should be at least eighteen before giving birth. But now… This child came too early and at the wrong time. Yet in her heart, she could not help but feel an odd joy and excitement.

Han Mingyue observed Ye Li’s expression calmly as he saw shock, doubt, happiness, worry, and finally determination flash across her face.

He understood what decision Ye Li had made. Looking at her slender figure, Han Mingyue said sincerely for the first time ever, "Your Excellency, this child was not meant to come at such a time."

Ye Li stared into his eyes and after a long pause she finally asked, "Can your Excellency take it as certain that Master Han will not tell anyone else about this"

Han Mingyue frowned with anxiety. “Your Excellency should understand the situation clearly does not allow you to keep this child. Even if His Imperial Highness was here, he would think likewise.” Ye Li shook her head and said, "You’re wrong; Xiu Yao and I will choose to protect our child." Han Mingyue said, "That’s because Xiu Yao is by your side and can protect you. But now, as a woman commanding an army of more than 100,000 men and with the pregnancy, if there was any misfortune… I believe His Imperial Highness would not wish to trade your life for one that has yet to be born." Ye Li lowered her eyes and looked at her flat abdomen. She said calmly, "I know what to do. Thank you for Master Han’s concern."

Han Mingyue wanted to persuade her further; he understood Mo Xiuyao and knew the feelings he had toward Ye Li. If anything happened to Ye Li because of this child… He could not imagine how Mo Xiuyao would react.

But seeing the determined expression on her delicate face, Han Mingyue closed his mouth.

He had seen many women do whatever it took for their children in these past years. Ye Li was different from other women he knew and she would never listen to anyone's persuasion. Sighing, Han Mingyue promised, "Without your Excellency’s permission, I will not tell this news to anyone else. But... Your Excellency should call a doctor as soon as possible; tonic medicine and tonics are also necessary."

“Thank you.”

Returning to the study room, Ye Li sat by the desk in deep thought. The sudden news still had not come into her mind, and the calmness and composure she displayed before Han Mingyue were just an habitual disguise.

After a long period of contemplation, she raised her hand to gently caress her flat stomach with no changes at all yet. Her graceful face became even softer as she thought.

Here… She and Mo Xiuyao had their own child. Those who never experienced it could not possibly understand how miraculous this feeling was. Perhaps in a few months’ time, she would feel his growth, and the times when her baby kicks inside her belly.

A gentle smile appeared at the corner of her lips, while the determination on her face became firmer.

"Come in."

The person who entered was Wei Lin, who walked to the doorway and respectfully said: "Lady Wang."

"Go get a doctor." Wei Lin was taken aback and asked with some concern, "Is Lady Wang not feeling well"

Ye Li shook her head and said, "Go ahead."

Thinking that Ye Li was truly unwell, Wei Lin did not hesitate to leave at once. Soon he returned dragging a young man in his early twenties into the room. Looking at the overly youthful doctor before her, Ye Li raised an eyebrow. In truth, doctors who accompanied armies were usually not too old as they could not bear the hardship of military life. However, this young man was perhaps too young. Whether acknowledged or not, traditional Chinese medicine relied more on experience than just natural talent. Wei Lin obviously understood Lady Wang’s doubts and explained to her, "Lady Wang, Doctor Yang is a disciple of Mr Shen's senior uncle. His medical skills have also received praise from Mr Shen. He has been with the Black Cloud Cavalry in Northwest for two years, accompanying them as they were stationed at Xiangyang."

Ye Li nodded and smiled apologetically to the young man, "If that is so, please examine me then, Doctor Yang."

The young doctor was apparently used to others doubting his skills and did not mind sitting down to take Ye Li's pulse. After a while, he relaxed and stood up, bowing to Ye Li and saying, "Congratulations Lady Wang, from what I see, you are indeed with child."

Upon hearing this, Wei Lin was taken aback and at a loss for how to react. If it were any other time, the news that Lady Wang was pregnant would be joyous news throughout the Ding王府 and even the entire Black Cloud Cavalry army. But now, being pregnant meant that Lady Wang's safety and even the young Prince’s could not be guaranteed entirely. Ye Li lowered her eyes and murmured softly to herself, "I really am…" The young doctor nodded firmly in confirmation, “Lady Wang is indeed with child.” Ye Li looked at him and asked, “Do I need any medicine”

The young doctor shook his head and said, "The Viscountess is in good health, and her pulse indicates that she’s fine. At the moment there’s no need for any pregnancy medicine, as all medicines are slightly toxic. Since it isn’t absolutely necessary to take them, it would be best if they were avoided. However, essential tonics are still needed. Additionally, I would advise the Viscountess to exercise extra caution in the first few months and not do anything that might cause a miscarriage."

"The first few months What about later"

"After three or four months when the fetus is more stable, there won’t be any major problems. However, it’s still necessary to remain cautious for safety reasons. Moreover… starting from April or May, the Viscountess will likely find movement difficult…" At this point, the young doctor couldn't help but feel worried as well. He was not a physician who sat at home all day and did nothing. As a military medic, he knew how dangerous war was and how many unforeseen accidents could happen on the battlefield. After looking at Ye Li for a moment, he said, "I would advise the Viscountess to be extra careful."

Ye Li nodded and said, "This Duchess understands. May I ask Doctor Yang to stay in the Prefectural Residence these days"

The young doctor bowed and said, "It’s an honor for me to take care of Young Master Xiao. This subordinate will follow your orders."

"Thank you for your efforts. Please keep this matter a secret for now. I don’t want anyone else to know about it temporarily except the people around me."

Although the young doctor was somewhat confused, he still agreed and said, "I will prepare a list of necessary tonics and hand it over to someone close to the Viscountess."

"Thank you. Wei Lin, please escort Doctor Yang out."excitedly and shouted, "Quick! Let me see what my little nephew looks like!" The midwife smiled and said, "Surely, Young Master Xiao will grow up to be as magnificent as his father and mother." Xu Qin...