Chapter 1794 – No Sacrifices to Heaven This Time
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow, looking at Liu Zhao’s determined expression, suddenly feeling an impulse to avoid the conversation.
“Big Sister, Big Sister—this is a matter of life and death!” Liu Zhao reached out to grab Jiang Pengji as she prepared to step away, lamenting their plastic sibling relationship with a pitiful face, “I beg you for just a moment, let me complain a bit.”
Jiang Pengji restrained her urge to roll her eyes or lose her temper.
Liu Zhao was always here with nothing but trouble, either crying poor or weak, his pitiful demeanor making it seem like someone was bullying him. Who in Wanzhou, or even in Dongqing, Beizhou, or Nansheng, would dare trip up Liu Zhao, the pampered one? Crying weak was utterly pointless.
“Speak!” Jiang Pengji halted, raising her hand to signal the attendants to withdraw, then faced Liu Zhao, “Now that it’s just the two of us, can you say it?”
Liu Zhao, however, shrank back, stammering and failing to spit out a single word, which frustrated Jiang Pengji enough to scold him.
“Be a man and speak clearly, afraid of too much pent-up feelings?”
Liu Zhao: “…”
Big Sister, little brother knows you enjoy joking around, but can we keep a bit of purity between siblings? No need to be so crude.
“I’ll say it, but Big Sister has to promise not to get angry and hit me…”
He pitifully begged for a promise, wanting that life-saving token in hand first.
Jiang Pengji replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t hit you.”
If Liu Zhao dared to cross the line and anger Jiang Pengji, hitting him wouldn’t be an option—she’d simply annihilate him.
Liu Zhao cautiously asked, “Big Sister, is your health okay?”
If it was unfortunate enough that she had issues that prevented her from having children, she shouldn’t shy away from seeking help, like consulting a legendary obstetrician.
Jiang Pengji, confused, thought Liu Zhao worried about the wounds from her last assassination attempt, her expression softening a bit.
“My injuries from last time weren’t deep; just a few days of rest and I’ll be as good as new. Nothing serious.”
Liu Zhao was exasperated, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Who mentioned that? He was asking if she could bear children!
He wasn’t suited to take a roundabout way, so he’d have to go straight to the point.
“Big Sister, I was asking if there’s anything wrong with your body… from those years on the battlefield, did it interfere with your ability to have children!” Seeing Jiang Pengji’s face cloud over, hints of thunder rumbling, he quickly added, “Big Sister, I’m not trying to offend; it’s just that life is unbearable. If you don’t give me a nephew or niece soon, I might just die from the pressure.”
Jiang Pengji laughed instead of getting mad, “Who’s trying to force you to death?”
Liu Zhao pointed at his fingers, cautiously saying, “Those people… who can’t be named… I don’t want to appear as the instigator. A few days ago, I asked Father, and he said you’re fine, but having been healthy for years without a child has really got me anxious. I even consulted experienced midwives and doctors, and they say the risks of childbirth increase greatly after thirty. I’m counting on you to help me support my family; if anything happens to you, our little household will be doomed…”
Jiang Pengji frowned, “Speak plainly!”
Liu Zhao dropped his pitiful act, replying seriously, “Big Sister, in a few years, you’ll be thirty. It’d be wise to think about children. Not to mention, having a child could deter many with ulterior motives; plus, it’s also good for your health. The older you get, the more demanding pregnancy becomes. Having a child at this age would make things easier for you down the line.”
Jiang Pengji noted meaningfully, “It’s a hassle to bear your own; wouldn’t it be better to adopt one from you? Don’t tell me you won’t spare a child?”
That single sentence struck Liu Zhao like a bolt from the blue, making his scalp feel numb.
Terrified, he knelt and clutched Jiang Pengji’s skirt, sobbing in a way that made him seem like a helpless victim—Liu Zhao committing so easily to his role made one wonder if he had practiced acting for years, “Big Sister, I’d dare to sell my child for glory, but Mother would be the first to kill me!”
“Do you think I’m scaring you or testing you?”
Liu Zhao shook his head, “Dragons produce dragons, phoenixes produce phoenixes; a mouse’s son surely knows how to dig holes… If my nephew follows me, your future children will likely follow you. If the age gap between the two is not great, they’ll probably end up fighting each other to bits. He should just learn to enjoy life like me—this dangerous and complicated life isn’t meant for him…”
Liu Zhao believed in the truth of Jiang Pengji’s words, but was more concerned about the future scenario.
If Jiang Pengji decided not to have kids, adopting one would be great, allowing her to raise the child. But if Jiang Pengji had her own, the adopted son would be like a sharpening stone; once the knife is sharp enough, it gets tossed aside.
Of course, that child might even fight back and break the knife.
But could that really happen?
Looking at Jiang Pengji, he could already imagine how fiercely her child would be raised.
A woman with such a personality would undoubtedly raise a child of no lesser caliber, unless the child happened to be mentally deficient. Liu Zhao had self-awareness. Just because Liu Zhi always mocked Liu Zhao for playing the fool, he was sharp enough, just a little thespians in disguise.
Jiang Pengji: “…”
Liu Zhao was indeed the most survival-oriented person she had ever met.
“I’ve been having this thought lately…”
Now that Liu Zhao had broached the topic, Jiang Pengji simply shrugged and revealed a hint to help salvage Liu Zhao’s dignity.
“What thought?” Liu Zhao blinked in confusion, momentarily unable to respond. When he finally understood, he couldn’t help but exclaim. Seeing Jiang Pengji’s brows furrow, he promptly quieted down, lowering his voice, “Are you saying… you’re planning to have one?”
Jiang Pengji’s expression was plain, as if discussing an everyday meal, unable to grasp the excitement of others.
“Yes, I want one.”
This thought was the first time she had shared it, even before Wei Ci.
Liu Zhao caught the implication, looking strangely at her, “From your tone, are you saying you’ve been practicing contraception all this time?”
No wonder she’s strong and healthy but was still quiet; Feng Jin and the others had been worried sick without showing it.
“Why else?” Jiang Pengji countered, “If even you are here to rush me, how much longer can I put this off?”
She had been mulling over this decision, not driven by Liu Zhao’s urging, nor by a sudden whim. After days of deep consideration, she ultimately decided she wanted a child. After an argument with Wei Ci—despite no actual resentment—Jiang Pengji reflected seriously. She didn’t wish to have a child, initially hoping to keep the timing close to when Wei Ci first knew.
It would give him hope, let him believe this child was the much-missed “Jiang Yan.”
Later, if the opportunity arose to have a “Wei Cong,” at least it would somewhat satisfy him, but after that argument, Jiang Pengji realized that her approach would only stir up Wei Ci’s memories of his past failures and pain. Why put him through that again?
Since they had a second chance, considering they were different people now, why cling to the past?
She and Wei Ci would have new children, perhaps even name them Jiang Yan or Wei Cong—after all, those names sounded lovely, and discarding them would be a shame—but those two children would definitely not repeat the history of their previous lives. Since everything was different now, why not completely change it?
For ordinary women, wanting a child might be a natural thought, but for Jiang Pengji, it had been a long struggle.
People took childbirth for granted, but she came from an era with zero fertility.
To her, childbirth was more fearsome than a ferocious beast.
“Once I get home, I’m buying ten or eight artificial wombs!!!”
Old Commander dumped a bucket of cold water on her.
“Your Dad”: Strictly speaking, artificial wombs cost ten times your annual salary plus bonuses. How much do you have saved? Can you really buy ten or eight? Such equipment is strategic material for the Federation. Ownership requires strict approval; think about it.
Jiang Pengji: “…”
Why bring up cold truths like that now? It’s so annoying!
With her mind occupied, the day’s victory banquet went by in a blur, and when she returned home, Wei Ci asked concernedly.
“Is there something bothering you, my Lord?”
When Wei Ci heard Feng Jue saying Jiang Pengji had spaced out seven times during a feast, he was stewing in jealousy.
Since the Lord had changed names, Feng Jue had been flooding the affairs office more often, looking rejuvenated.
If it weren’t for Jiang Pengji being a key player, Wei Ci would have sent an anonymous letter to Feng Jue’s wife to have her discipline him properly.
Jiang Pengji remained silent, simply embracing Wei Ci.
The two rolled over together, and in the process, their clothes flew nearly off.
Wei Ci still had the presence of mind to feel under the pillow for the little raincoat, and after repeated use, he was getting quite skilled at it.
And then—
Looking at the little raincoat accurately tossed into the fire pit by his Lord, Wei Ci stared blankly for a long time.
This isn’t right; tossing it into the fire pit shouldn’t happen first!
Wasn’t it supposed to be after?
Now it was still too early.
Jiang Pengji quipped, “That thing is in the way.”
Before Wei Ci could even react, she proceeded to take care of business, completing matters before he could judge the appropriateness.
“Where are you going?”
Jiang Pengji pressed down on Wei Ci’s shoulder.
In the prime of their youthful vigor, playful antics could last long, but this late at night, where was he going if not cuddling?
Wei Ci begrudged, “I didn’t pay attention earlier. Now I need to get medicine for you, my Lord, to brew some contraceptive soup.”
Using a little raincoat for contraception was harmless, but drinking that soup was a different story; even the mildest contraceptive soup could be harmful.
All drugs have some poison in them.
Jiang Pengji turned over, “Just leave it.”
Wei Ci maintained his half-sitting position for a prolonged period, as if a string in his mind snapped.
Leave it?
“Lie down and sleep; I’m cold.”
Jiang Pengji’s voice was lazy and husky, the kind that makes one weak at the knees just hearing it.
Wei Ci dumbly nodded, awkwardly lying back in bed, extending his arms and legs straight like a plank of wood.
He stared at the ceiling beams until his eyes ached, finally gathering his thoughts again.
My Lord—
Does this mean the Young Master is coming soon?
When Jiang Pengji was dozing off, she felt Wei Ci’s hand hovering over her belly, wanting to touch yet hesitant to apply pressure.
She shifted a bit in her sleep, pulling just a tad further away from Wei Ci.
The following days continued in the same vein.
Jiang Pengji went about her usual business at work even more efficiently, while Wei Ci seemed to have been drained as if succumbing to a succubus.
Feng Jin relentlessly teased, “The Lord isn’t even thirty yet; how did he become so frisky?”
From Wei Ci’s appearance, it looked like he had been completely drained!
He wouldn’t dare say these things in front of Jiang Pengji, but Wei Ci was easily teased due to his thin skin; it was hilarious to bully him.
Wei Ci remarked, “What nonsense are you spouting? Recent matters have been worrying me, leading to insomnia and lack of sleep.”
Looking at the pile of accumulated workload, Wei Ci pushed it all onto Feng Zhen.
“Why am I the one doing it?”
“With you looking out of sorts, there could be oversights in the administration.” Wei Ci said, “We’re close friends; do I really need to spell everything out?”
Feng Zhen: “…”
Wei Ci continued, “The Lord is valuable, deserving constant respect. Your earlier jest was truly over the line.”
If the Lord were to find out, Feng Jin would probably have his skin peeled away!
Wei Ci balanced his appeal with emotional persuasion and veiled threats until Feng Jin succumbed.
As Feng Zhen struggled through political dealings, Wei Ci found a cushion and a table to lean on, napping for an entire afternoon.
“Choosing friends poorly, choosing friends poorly!”
Wei Ci slept like a baby, while Feng Zhen could only bite his teeth and watch.
Jiang Pengji, being perfectly aware of Wei Ci’s anxiety, smiled, “It’s not like this is our first time. What’s the fuss?”
Wei Ci replied, “It has nothing to do with how many times it is.”
As long as it was with this person, he couldn’t settle down with ease.
Jiang Pengji said, “Your anxiety is futile; you won’t see any signs for months.”
Her health was great, constantly in a robust state, often taking pulses, but never showing signs of pregnancy.
At this moment, even if she was pregnant, she’d probably struggle to tell. It seemed that way to outsiders, but Jiang Pengji’s powerful mental strength meant that she would instantly know if something foreign or another lifeform existed within her, no need for pulse-taking.
Wei Ci: “…”
In truth, even if the Lord were six or seven months pregnant, he still might not catch on.
_(:з)∠)_
Ordinary women show many signs when pregnant, often getting puffy and gaining weight. But the former Emperor was different; only in the last three months did her belly start to swell. Until then, she looked no different from when she was not pregnant—leading to her using “pregnant by feeling” as an excuse, and everyone accepted it with marvel—because, in their eyes, the Emperor’s pregnancy only lasted three or four months_(:з)∠)_
So—
“Is it a yes or a no?”
Jiang Pengji smiled sweetly, retorting, “What do you guess?”
Wei Ci: “…”
I really have no idea!
o(╯□╰)o
Jiang Pengji was as carefree as ever, eating, drinking, and sleeping, while Wei Ci had noticeably slimmed down.
When outsiders inquired, Wei Ci would use the excuse of preparing for the scholar examination and ended up garnering praise for his commitment.
It was Feng Jin who noticed something off.
“The past few days, it seems like Jiang Jun is quite focused on the reports from Zhong Zhao.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “The situation in Zhong Zhao is closely related to the maneuvers of Wen Zheng and Zai Dao; seeing Zhong Zhao on the verge of defeat, it’d be tragic if someone swoops in to snatch that meat away. Naturally, I have to keep an eye on it to prevent any changes.”
Feng Jin was perceptive, sensing she was hiding something more.
But—
What exactly was she concealing?
