Chapter 74: How Did You End Up in My Bed?

Boom—a shock like a bolt of lightning struck Liu Ling’er. Could it be any more obvious? They wanted her to have a child, yet her relationship with Baili Xian was nothing but a contract! Stumbling out of the pavilion in a daze, Liu Ling’er felt her life was shrouded in gloom. What was she to do now? Where on earth would she go to steal a child?

As dusk fell, it suddenly occurred to her that she still hadn’t found the luminous pearl. When night came, it would glow, and if someone picked it up, her heart would ache beyond bearing. She hurried off to search, but the pearl had vanished without a trace. Not even a hint remained. Frustrated, Liu Ling’er returned to her room, threw back the bed curtains, and resolved to sleep away her sorrows.

But as the curtains parted, the entirety of Baili Xian appeared before her. Startled, Liu Ling’er clutched her chest. “What are you doing on my bed? Don’t you know how frightening that is?!”

To her surprise, the mischief-maker Baili Xian merely gave her a look, his meaning unreadable, then let out a cold laugh. “Is that so? Perhaps you should have thought of the consequences before inviting the Empress Dowager to the prince’s manor. Complaining now is pointless.”

Why did this have anything to do with the Empress Dowager again? Liu Ling’er’s mind worked quickly, and after a moment’s thought, she blurted, “Don’t tell me—did the Empress Dowager send you here? How could she do something like this?!”

Right! Earlier today, the Empress Dowager had made it clear how eager she was for grandchildren. If she and Baili Xian continued to sleep in separate rooms, even if the world ended or seas dried up, children would be out of the question.

But to have Liu Ling’er bear a child, and for a man she barely knew—after only a few days together—heavens! Just kill her first!

She mentally replayed the entire situation, but Baili Xian shook his head. “The Empress Dowager didn’t send me. I came on my own.”

What?! Liu Ling’er froze, then her cheeks flushed red. “Baili Xian, I actually thought you were a gentleman! Who knew you’d covet my beauty? Ugh, I really misjudged you! How did I fail to see your beastly nature?”

With each word, Baili Xian’s face darkened further. She really had an imagination. Did she forget how she’d swooned at the sight of his face not long ago? Besides, could she just let him finish speaking for once?

Ahem! Baili Xian cleared his throat. “You’re overthinking it. The Empress Dowager didn’t send me, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been up to anything. She’s had people watching me, so I can’t sleep anywhere else tonight.”

The thought of a man sleeping in her room made Liu Ling’er’s skin crawl. “That’s easy enough to solve. I have a way, and I guarantee the Empress Dowager wouldn’t dare trouble you.”

Hearing Liu Ling’er’s confident tone, Baili Xian couldn’t help but ask, “Oh? What brilliant idea do you have? Let’s hear it.”

Liu Ling’er playfully patted his shoulder. “Aren’t there six concubines in the manor? Go to them. I swear on my honor, they’ll be overjoyed. You won’t have to worry about the Empress Dowager meddling, and you can get in some… exercise. It’s a win-win!”

“And what about the fundamental issue of the child?” Baili Xian was so infuriated by this woman’s words he almost wished he could sew her mouth shut. Exercise, indeed! Did she take him for a studhorse?

Oblivious to his anger, Liu Ling’er continued, “That’s simple! Rotate among the six ladies, one each day, and rest on the seventh. With such diligent plowing, children are sure to follow!”

Baili Xian’s lips twitched. This damn woman really thought him a breeding animal. He gave her a sinister smile. “You’ve certainly thought this through. Should I thank you for your thoughtfulness?”

Ha! Ha! Liu Ling’er forced a dry laugh. She understood now—Baili Xian’s gratitude was certainly not something she could afford.

When Liu Ling’er fell silent, Baili Xian began to explain, “It seems you don’t know how the Baili family line is continued. In every generation, only the children of the principal wife inherit. If a concubine becomes pregnant, it means she’s been unfaithful.”

Liu Ling’er raged inwardly. She knew of this curse—the culprit was her own senior, Ma Ling’er. Who knew what she’d been thinking, setting up such a torment, only for it to come back and bite her own people? What a mess!

But she really didn’t want to have a child. She’d been dragged into this for no reason at all! Her body wasn’t even eighteen yet. Though ancient girls often became mothers at fourteen or fifteen, she simply couldn’t accept it.

Her face fell, and she snapped, “Whatever the case, we’re only together because of a contract. If you want me to have your child, Baili Xian, you’d best just go to sleep and forget about it!”

Baili Xian yawned. “Of course. That’s what I was thinking. Just to be safe, I’ll sleep here tonight. But don’t worry—I said sleep here, not sleep with you. I’m not that desperate. Frankly, it’s you I’m worried about. Who knows what you might be plotting—maybe you’ll try to force yourself on me!”

Liu Ling’er was so angry she could hardly breathe. What kind of unreliable prince was this? She almost admired his wild imagination. How could she, Liu Ling’er, so pure and innocent, be the depraved sort he imagined?