"What good news?" What could be better news than her safe return?
"Mother, I'm pregnant!" Liu Qingxi couldn't hold back any longer and eagerly shared this good news with her family: "It's been two months!"
"What?" The Wen Family stared wide-eyed in astonishment: "Pregnant?"
The surprise came so suddenly that she stood there in a daze, feeling more flustered than when she had first discovered her own pregnancy.
"No, no, you can't stand right now. Quickly sit down, sit down. I need to think carefully about this. You can't eat anything randomly from now on, and you need to take care of yourself. It's your first child; you can't be careless."
Immediately, the Wen Family began to chatter like an old woman: "No, we should find a doctor to check; that would be more reassuring."
With that, they stood up and walked outside.
At that moment, Yang Yichen pushed the door open and walked in, just in time to hear the conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Completely bewildered, he felt like a child who was clueless about the world: "I'm going to be a dad!"
A dad!
In this life and the last, the feeling of becoming a father for the first time made him stand in front of Liu Qingxi, afraid to move at all, fearing he might accidentally hurt the child in her womb.
"There's no need to be so dramatic. Don't worry; everything is fine. I don't feel uncomfortable at all."
However, Yang Yichen couldn't hear her words at all. His eyes were fixed on Liu Qingxi's unchanged belly as if he could see a flower blooming there.
Suddenly, his expression darkened: "You're pregnant, and Dugu Hao actually kept you in the palace?"
The hatred of a man who steals another's wife made them panic day and night; it couldn't go unpunished!
The grudge against Dugu Hao had been temporarily buried deep within him, but now? All his anger erupted—because of the suffering his wife had endured, because of her fears, and for the fragile life within her.
Revenge is a man's duty!
Liu Qingxi had nothing left. After all, this time, Yang Yichen and Dugu Hao had completely torn apart their relationship. Although she was not physically harmed in this incident, the emotional trauma and the fear experienced by the child in her womb were truly cruel.
It was one thing to hurt her, but she could not tolerate harm coming to her child! Even though Dugu Hao did not know the truth, the damage had already been done.
At the same time, she understood a man's dignity. As for Dugu Hao? She had saved his life once, and he had returned the favor; they were even.
The only thing that remained unsettled was Dugu Hao's imprisonment of her.
Moreover, the man was seeking revenge for himself. If she tried to persuade him, it would not only betray Yang Yichen's goodwill but also disrespect his love and his dignity as a man.
"Be careful!"
In her eyes, nothing was more important than the safety of her family.
As for the safety of others? When it conflicted with her family's safety, what did it matter to her?
Liu Qingxi's gentle words echoed in his ears, and a warm feeling rose from deep within Yang Yichen, instantly lifting his spirits.
As for safety? He considered it very important; he wanted to grow old with her.
Many things did not require direct action or risking his own safety as a gamble. As for other matters? He would resolve them in a way befitting a man.
Liu Qingxi nodded and did not ask many questions about what would happen next; instead, she focused on taking care of herself.
At the same time, everyone at Yang Residence, including the maids, knew the good news that their Young Lady was pregnant.
Since Liu Qingxi's disappearance, the household had never been this happy. With two pieces of good news coming in succession, the young boy was overjoyed and walked with a spring in his step.
Wen Family specifically instructed, "From now on, be more mindful. Don't make too much noise in the morning and disturb Young Lady. She's pregnant now and can't get up early like before. Also, about the meals in the kitchen..."
Every detail was attended to, and Wen Family wished they could handle everything themselves without relying on anyone else.
Although Liu Qingxi thought this was a bit exaggerated, she couldn't help but feel delighted inside.
"Mother, you are going to tire yourself out like this!"
Wen Family waved her hand casually, "Not tired at all! Why would I be tired? I'm happy! Once the baby is born, if you want to run a business, go ahead. If you don't want to, just rest at home. It's all fine; I'll take care of the baby."
Due to a series of good news, the frown on Wen Family's face disappeared, and she looked ten years younger instantly. Her spirit was so vibrant that it was hard to believe she was nearly forty.
"Alright, that's enough for you to worry about. Right now, just focus on resting and taking care of your health. You've been through a lot recently; it's crucial for you to recuperate at home."
To be honest, Wen Family's attitude towards her made Liu Qingxi feel genuinely touched.
Moreover, after being kidnapped by Dugu Hao and just returning with the news of her pregnancy, the impact of such events on a woman is unimaginable. Yet Wen Family didn't ask a single question and completely believed her while showing such meticulous care and affection.
Her eyes gradually became moist; how long had it been since she felt this way?
From Wen Family, she felt a deep maternal love. At that moment, like a lost lamb, she nestled tightly in Wen Family's embrace and said, "Mother, you are so wonderful!"
It’s so good to have you! It’s so good to have all of you!
The unconditional belief and trust—such rare emotions in this world—and the warmth of a loving family.
"Alright, alright, my child." Wen Family gently patted her back. She was such a pitiful child, without parents and facing such great calamity. She hoped that fate would keep its eyes open and not let any more disasters fall upon this child.
Fortunately, this time it was a close call. Although Dugu Hao was annoying, he didn't do anything too outrageous.
Otherwise, she would have risked her own life to seek revenge on him.
What is happening with the royal family? What is happening with the people? Can they just take what they want without consequence?
Is there no justice left? Do the common people have no good days ahead?
These were the true feelings of the Wen Family. When Liu Qingxi was not around, she felt as if life had lost all hope. If it weren't for her constant anticipation of Liu Qingxi's return, she didn't know how she would cope.
But now things were better; she had returned and was even pregnant!
In the days that followed, Liu Qingxi was incredibly happy. She enjoyed countless meals prepared by the Wen Family, each step taken with utmost care, so delicious that she felt like she could swallow her own tongue.
"Mother, how did you make this? It's so delicious!"
She had to admit that due to the recent turmoil, her body wasn't as strong as before. Within three months, morning sickness had started to set in.
While in the palace, to avoid arousing Dugu Hao's suspicion, she forced herself to eat despite feeling nauseous. As soon as he left, she would immediately throw up everything.
But the food made by the Wen Family was different; the chicken soup had no fishy taste at all. All the grease had been skimmed off, and the rich chicken broth emitted an enticing aroma. She could drink a whole bowl.
Even the fish soup was enjoyable; she didn't know what secret ingredient they used.
"As long as it's tasty! I was worried you wouldn't be able to drink it. If you like it, I'll make it for you in different styles from now on. I promise you won't get tired of it."
As for the secret? There wasn't anything particularly special. When she was pregnant with Yang Yichen, she also suffered from severe morning sickness. Later, she discovered a trick: using less vinegar when cooking or adding a bit of sour juice helped eliminate any fishy taste. For pregnant women, especially those who craved sour flavors, it was truly a lifesaver.
However, the combinations were important; not everything sour worked well together. Each ingredient needed to be paired with different seasonings in precise proportions: "Just focus on eating; I'll handle the cooking."
Watching Liu Qingxi finish a bowl, the Wen Family couldn't be happier.
They had raised Liu Qingxi to be plump and healthy, which gave them a great sense of accomplishment.
At the same time, there were undercurrents in the court. For some unknown reason, people felt that the atmosphere between Departmental Official Yang Yichen and the Emperor was particularly strange, so strange that it sent shivers down their spines.
How much Dugu Hao had favored Yang Yichen back then! But now? No one knew what was going on.
However, even more shocking news followed. Three days later, Yang Yichen submitted his resignation!
The civil and military officials were instantly stunned. A resignation?
For someone of Yang Yichen's age to reach such a position was indeed a promising future; he was destined to be a high-ranking official. But now? To give up such a hard-earned position? To abandon a bright future?
What could be the reason? The civil and military officials were left in the dark.
Only a few close individuals knew the truth, while everyone else looked bewildered.
However, at this point, things had developed to an irretrievable state.
Even though Lin Shurong valued Yang Yichen greatly and admired his talent, he did not step forward to persuade him to stay.
For a man, what Dugu Hao had done was the most intolerable thing.
If Yang Yichen endured it, he would surely carry a burden in his heart, and this burden would inevitably limit his future and become an obstacle.
A man must be decisive and act swiftly; those who are indecisive will not achieve great success.
And Dugu Hao watched this former partner who once fought alongside him, reminiscing about the years they had shared and the storms they had weathered together.
For some reason, deep in his heart, a faint sadness swept through him.
If that incident hadn't happened, perhaps the two of them could have become true friends.
He didn't know whether what he did was right or wrong, nor did he know if he should regret it.
Perhaps the days spent with Liu Qingxi would become the most beautiful memories of his life.
But they were merely memories.
Perhaps these memories were the last remnants of nostalgia and ties accompanying his solitary existence.
As for other women, he might never feel anything for them again.
Matters of the heart were too painful, and the world he shared with Liu Qingxi was ultimately a mistake made by him alone.
He was the only one who invested his feelings, but unfortunately, he realized it too late.
He only regretted that they had known each other before she got married! He regretted that when he finally understood his own heart, Liu Qingxi was already married.
What if it had been a little earlier? Perhaps if it had been a bit sooner, he could have competed with Yang Yichen!
But he didn't have time to mourn; several of the greatest challenges since his ascension to the throne came rushing in one after another.
Yang Yichen's departure meant that the court lost a pillar of the nation, and there was no one to supply advanced weapons; all they could rely on were the previous blueprints.
In the Imperial Study, several urgent battle reports arrived at the Dragon Table in quick succession. Dugu Hao immediately mobilized troops to resist foreign invasions; war was imminent.
At the Yang Family, there was a joyful atmosphere.
"Yichan, are you really not going to be an official anymore?" Only now did the Wen Family realize that Yang Yichen had resigned from his position and given up on the political arena.
"Mother, being an official is not as comfortable as doing what I love." Most importantly, he realized that no matter how high his position was, there would always be someone above him as long as he wasn't the ruler in control.
By changing his perspective, he could remain unrestrained while still achieving something beyond his current status.
Moreover, the memories of his past life were so vivid that everything made sense.
No wonder he always had strange ideas; no wonder he felt an inexplicable affinity for weapons. It turned out that in his previous life, he was involved in this field.
Yes, he was born for this.
If it weren't for that invention patent capable of shocking the world, he wouldn't have suffered a deadly attack and met his untimely demise at such a young age.
He knew that the technology he possessed was far too advanced; just one of his inventions could potentially destroy the world.
After reflecting on everything, his pursuit of fame and fortune, and power had faded.
Nothing was more important than living happily and joyfully with family.
At the same time, the forces affiliated with Inorganic Gate were quietly shifting, gradually distancing themselves from the center of politics.
Over the years, due to internal decay, many people had engaged in political affairs across various countries, leading to the gradual disintegration of Inorganic Gate's influence. If they had been united in the past, they could have maintained stability in their territory.
But now? Yang Yichen analyzed the current situation of Inorganic Gate and decisively changed their original strategy.
"Yicheng, are you sure you want to do this?" The old man was thin but full of spirit, his eyes shining brightly.
"Master, I am sure! You have managed Inorganic Gate your whole life and must see many things more clearly than I do. Our previous choices were not wrong; however, my decision this time is not only due to personal reasons but also because it is a better choice."
Who doesn't wish for stability? However, the unique skills of the Inorganic Gate destined them to be anything but ordinary, and it was inevitable that they would step into the center of power in the future.
Without a wise leader, countries would quickly consume each other.
The old man certainly understood the consequences of the situation. If it weren't for the chaos surrounding the Inorganic Gate, he wouldn't have taken such risks.
"Enough, I am old and cannot compare to the youth. You decide for yourself; Master believes in you!"
Sometimes, it is indeed necessary to let go of power and allow the younger generation to venture forth.
After a lifetime of hard work, having such a disciple is a blessing!
Time quietly passes, autumn brings a chill, and how quickly time flies.
The summer heat seems to have faded away without notice; more than half of the year has already passed.
At this moment, Liu Qingxi's belly was slightly rounded, and as she received careful nurturing from the Wen Family, her skin glowed with a rosy hue, tender enough to seem like it could be squeezed for water.
Most of the time, the women of the Wen Family envied her: "I don't know how you grew like this." However, raising Liu Qingxi to be fair and plump was no small feat; the Wen Family took great pride in it.
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