Chapter 110: Let It All Out

A pulse of joy! Liu Ling'er felt her head explode as if struck by lightning. How could it be a pulse of joy? Could she have made a mistake? To avoid any error, Liu Ling'er took Tan Cai'er's hand once more and carefully checked her pulse. This time, she was even more meticulous. There was no mistaking it—it was indeed the pulse of joy.

Oh my, Liu Ling'er couldn't help but recall the day she returned to her maiden home after marrying into the Prince Xian's residence. Upon learning that Tan Cai'er was her young stepmother, she had joked with her father about who would have a child first and whose child would run errands for soy sauce.

Could it be that her father, Liu Rufeng, had taken that joke to heart? Liu Ling'er felt embarrassed. Her father was so vigorous, while she and Bai Li Xian were barely even acquaintances; she was bound to lose this contest completely!

She had spent a fair amount of time checking Tan Cai'er's pulse, lost in thought, so much so that Liu Rufeng grew anxious. "Daughter, look at Cai'er—does your aunt's health show any irregularities?"

No sooner had he asked than Liu Rufeng realized something was amiss. He was so desperate he was grasping at straws. He had never heard his daughter knew medicine—why let her diagnose Tan Cai'er?

"Oh!" Liu Ling'er snapped back to herself. No matter what, this was wonderful news. She excitedly grabbed Liu Rufeng's hand. "Father, you’re going to have a child!"

Liu Rufeng didn't react at first, but all the guests present sprayed their tea in surprise. What! General Liu is pregnant? Even Bai Li Hai, seated upon the imperial throne, and Empress Dowager Chu Mei'er were overcome with delight.

Only then did Liu Ling'er realize she hadn't clarified that it was Tan Cai'er who was expecting. She hurried to correct herself. "No, no, it's not that! Father, you’re going to have a child!"

The guests burst into laughter again. Though no one knew how the father could be pregnant, as a child you shouldn't say such things!

Liu Rufeng's expression twisted in confusion. Daughter, he thought, I only married a young concubine. Even if you’re angry at me, you need not tarnish your father's reputation so! His mouth twitched. "Ling'er, you said I’m having a child—are you sure you didn't misspeak?"

The more they talked, the more ambiguous it became, as if wandering into a dark alley with no way out. Liu Ling'er thought her father doubted her medical skills and grew anxious. "Father, if you are, then you are! How can you deny it? Where is your courage as a man? This sort of thing should be acknowledged proudly! Aunt, am I right?"

Tan Cai'er was completely muddled by their conversation and replied, confused, "Yes, that's right!" Liu Rufeng was so flustered the veins on his neck stood out. Heaven help him! How could he admit to such slander? If he acknowledged it, how could he continue as a person, let alone as a general?

The entire room was roaring with laughter. Even Bai Li Xian, with his frosty demeanor, trembled as he held his teacup, barely suppressing his amusement.

Fortunately, Liu Rufeng was a calm man. After collecting himself, he looked at Liu Ling'er. "Daughter, you say I’m having a child. Where is the child?"

Everyone waited expectantly, hoping Liu Ling'er would point to Liu Rufeng's belly and solemnly declare, "Right here!"

Forgive them their penchant for amusement. If things were as they imagined, it would become the talk of every meal and gathering: "Did you hear? Our national general Liu Rufeng is going to give birth!" "Ha, stop teasing. It's his wife who’ll give birth, surely." "I’m not kidding! His daughter herself said so!"

"Child..." Liu Ling'er drew out the word, and Liu Rufeng grew anxious, fearing her next words would be, "Guess!"—in which case nothing could clear his name, not even jumping into the ocean.

Luckily, Liu Ling'er didn't tease, instead pointing at Tan Cai'er's belly. "Of course it's here! Aunt's belly is so promising, Father, you'd better treat her well. And, Father, do you think I’ll soon be an older sister?"

"What? I’m going to be a father again!" Liu Rufeng grabbed Tan Cai'er's hand, then turned to Liu Ling'er. "Ling'er, you aren’t joking, are you?"

Liu Ling'er only smiled, and seeing her father so happy, like a child, she felt joy for him. Having crossed into this world, her only relative was experiencing more happiness; this was what she hoped for, and surely what the departed Liu Ling'er had wished for as well.

The civil and military officials in the hall all congratulated Liu Rufeng with cheerful faces, but since it was the Empress Dowager's birthday, they kept their congratulations discreet, promising to visit the general’s estate privately to offer their best wishes. Liu Rufeng gladly accepted each promise.

An hour later, the last of the five great nations of the Yunfeng Continent arrived—the envoys from the northern Beikang Kingdom, finally appearing. Outside, the master of ceremonies called, "The Supreme Emperor of Beikang has arrived!"

Everyone in the hall was surprised. Though the Supreme Emperor did not participate in governance, his power was boundless. To put it bluntly, if he disliked the reigning emperor, he could dismiss him with a word and install a new one; the former emperor would be demoted to a prince, or worse, imprisoned.

His status was equal to the Empress Dowager, perhaps even surpassing her. For him to represent his nation at the Empress Dowager's birthday was a great honor indeed. No wonder he took his time and arrived so late.