Veil of Darkness: The Enchantress's Revenge

Chapter 1: The Demon Fetus (1)

In the imperial garden, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, competing for beauty, and a gentle breeze carried delightful fragrances.

"Your Highness, be careful." A palace maid draped a cloak over the lady admiring the flowers in the pavilion.

"Hehe... I'm not that delicate," she replied, her soft voice like a spring breeze, uplifting those around her.

The woman was stunning, with skin like snow and a face like a lotus flower. Her bright, laughing eyes sparkled beneath arched brows, and her delicate hands caressed her pregnant belly, radiating maternal warmth.

Her kind treatment of the servants made them less fearful of her, prompting one to complain, "My good lady, the little prince is about to be born. You mustn't make any mistakes now; otherwise, the emperor might have us executed!"

At the mention of the one she loved, the woman's smile grew wider, her eyes shining with happiness. Despite the burdens of being a queen, he loved her deeply, pampered her, and protected her as best as he could. She felt content.

"Alright, let's go back!" It was a bit windy, and she didn't want to harm the child in her womb due to her recklessness.

Meanwhile, in the imperial study, an elderly man with graying hair reported solemnly to the man on the dragon throne, "Your Majesty, I observed the celestial signs last night and discovered that the demon fetus is about to be born. This demon fetus is both righteous and evil, with unfathomable power. If it is not eliminated, it could threaten the state and lead to chaos."

The handsome man on the throne, dressed in a yellow dragon robe, looked serious as he furrowed his brows.

The man before him was Sima Yu, the national master of the Silver Moon Kingdom. The Sima family had served the royal family for generations, possessing the ability to predict fortunes and disasters. The Silver Moon Kingdom had risen from a small vassal state to one of the two great powers alongside the Cang Kingdom, largely thanks to the Sima family.

However, in Sima Yu's generation, he had only one daughter. Women were not allowed to hold political office, so Sima Yu made an exception and took on a disciple. But since ordinary people lacked spiritual power, their accuracy in stargazing and divination could not compare to that of the Sima family. Fortunately, Sima Yu's daughter, Sima Wan'er, had exceptional talent. Although she couldn't participate in politics, she was in love with the current emperor, Gong Mingxuan, and had entered the palace as a consort, which could be beneficial at the right moment.

Gong Mingxuan understood the gravity of the situation and asked seriously, "Can you predict the exact location of the demon fetus's birth?"

Sima Yu paused before replying, "It is within the harem."

"What?" Gong Mingxuan stood up in shock, "Are you sure, National Master?"

He knew Sima Yu had never been wrong, especially regarding Sima Wan'er.

Indeed! The matter was closely tied to Sima Wan'er, for the only consort in the harem carrying the dragon seed was the emperor's most favored consort, Wan Fei! Moreover, the little prince was indeed about to be born.

"How could this be? How could my son be a demon fetus?" Gong Mingxuan sank back into the throne in despair.

Then, as if struck by a thought, a glimmer of hope crossed his face, "National Master, you said the demon fetus is both righteous and evil. If it is guided correctly, perhaps..."

"Your Majesty, absolutely not..." Sima Yu said firmly, "Wan'er is my only daughter, and the child in her belly is my grandchild. However, I have observed for some time, and as the demon fetus grows, the evil energy associated with it increases, overshadowing the light of the Ziwei star. If the demon fetus is born, I fear I will be unable to control it!"

He loved his only daughter, Sima Wan'er, and was shocked when he calculated the position of the demon fetus. However, loyalty to the royal family was the Sima family's duty, and he could not let their reputation be tarnished by his actions; he could not become a historical sinner!

After a long silence, Gong Mingxuan finally spoke, "National Master, you decide what to do about this matter." He knew his decision would hurt Sima Wan'er's feelings, but he would compensate her; they could have more children. He could not ignore the state.

"Your Highness, the National Master has come to see you." The palace maid reported with a smile, knowing the lady would be pleased.

Sure enough, the person in the reclining chair immediately beamed a beautiful smile, "Father..." and waved her hand to dismiss the attendants.

Sima Yu looked lovingly at his daughter, his eyes filled with unwavering determination, "Wan'er... your mother made you chicken soup; you must let me bring it to you." He placed the food box on the table and personally served her a bowl, "Drink it while it's hot!"

Sima Wan'er laughed, "Mother always worries so much!" What could she possibly lack in the palace? Yet, this maternal love made her feel happy, especially as her child grew day by day in her belly; she could better appreciate a mother's love for her children.

After Sima Wan'er finished a small bowl, Sima Yu finally spoke, "Wan'er, this child cannot be kept. You must understand your father and the emperor."

Sima Wan'er stiffened, "What do you mean?" A sense of dread filled her heart.

Sima Yu sighed, "I was puzzled about how your pregnancy could affect your abilities. Now I understand; it is because the child in your belly is a demon fetus, which is why it has affected your abilities!"

Sima Wan'er felt icy dread wash over her, "Demon fetus?" Her gaze fell on the bowl of chicken soup. Suddenly, a sharp pain gripped her stomach, and her face turned pale, yet she calmly asked, "Does the emperor know?" This indicated that she was not as weak as she appeared.

Sima Yu nodded and urged, "Do not blame the emperor; the demon fetus cannot be kept!"

Sima Wan'er chuckled lightly, "Demon fetus? I only know he is my child!" Hehe... Her brother was right; the emperor always prioritized the state over personal feelings. Loving an emperor would not bring happiness, so she had never dared to ask for too much, teaching herself to be content and happy. But unexpectedly...

Sima Wan'er looked at her father and suddenly burst into laughter. This is her father! Back then, to determine the rightful heir for the previous ruler, he had used her mother as a pawn, causing her mother to lose the ability to bear children, thinking that not taking a concubine would make up for it. Now, for the sake of the state, he was personally killing his own grandchild. Should he be called selfless or cold-blooded?