未知の運命: 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐲

As the days passed, the news of the Empress’s pregnancy spread throughout the empire. The palace was brimmed with excitement, though there was an unspoken undercurrent of tension as everyone awaited the birth of the second imperial child.

Rumors buzzed in the marketplace, and courtiers speculated on the significance of the new heir. Some whispered of omens, while others debated over potential names, completely unaware that the Emperor and Empress had already decided on one.

Within the palace walls, however, life carried on. Minhao, now more adventurous than ever, continued to explore the palace grounds, often accompanied by Mei Ling. At just over a year old, he was beginning to form simple words, but his favorite activity remained chasing after Mei Ling in the imperial gardens.

One afternoon, as the golden light of the setting sun bathed the palace, Minhao and Mei Ling played near the lotus pond. The Empress watched them from a shaded pavilion, her belly now noticeably round with the new life she carried. Mei-Ru, as always, remained by her side, silently attentive to the Empress’s needs.

A sudden shout broke the calm.

“Mei Ling!” Minhao called out in his small, unsure voice, stumbling as he tried to run toward her. But his legs, still wobbly, failed him, and he fell onto the soft grass. For a moment, he was silent, but then his little face crumpled, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Língxiāo smiled gently, her heart both amused and filled with tenderness. She motioned for Mei-Ru to let the children be.

Mei Ling, showing maturity beyond her years, knelt down beside him. “It’s okay, Minhao,” she said softly, helping him stand. “Don’t cry.”

The young prince sniffled, wiping his face with his small fists. He looked at Mei Ling with teary eyes, still upset but trying to be brave. “Hurts...,” he whimpered.

She gave him a firm nod and smiled brightly. “But you’re strong! Strong like a tiger!”

Minhao blinked, his tears slowing. “Strong?”

“Yes,” she affirmed. “Just like your father!”

Minhao looked toward the pavilion, seeing his mother watching, and in that moment, he seemed to forget his pain, puffing his little chest out as if trying to imitate his father’s strength. "Strong!"

The Empress laughed softly, delighted by their innocence.

As the sun dipped lower, the serene atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of the Emperor.

Yuan approached with measured steps, but his eyes sparkled as they landed on his family. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Língxiāo, both of them knowing that, soon, their family would grow larger.

"How are you feeling, my love?" Yuan asked, his tone warm as he sat beside her, his hand gently resting on her belly. "Is the little one restless today?"

Língxiāo chuckled softly. "He has been quiet. Perhaps he’s saving his energy for the days ahead."

Yuan smiled but turned serious for a moment. "The court has been pressing for more details about the birth. They’re restless—worried about the future, as always."

Língxiāo met his gaze, her own expression steady. "They have little to fear, Yuan. Minhao is healthy, and if this child is anything like him, we will be doubly blessed. The empire will thrive."

"I know," Yuan replied. "But there are still those who question our strength, especially with tensions rising along the northern borders."

Mei-Ru, sensing the weight of the conversation, spoke quietly. "The people believe in your rule, Your Majesty. Both you and the Empress have shown them what strength truly means."