Chapter 167: Mother and Child Safe

Chapter 167: Mother and Sons Safe

"So ugly."

Xie Zheng said disdainfully, but the affection on his face was unmistakable.

But both kids looked like Wei Xun, which left him somewhat disappointed.

"Uncle takes one, father takes the other."

Mrs. Liu, oblivious to their tension, handed the child in her arms to Wei Xun.

His ribs were broken, his back badly burned—Wei Xun couldn’t hold the child and could only lean in to look as Mrs. Liu held him.

The baby kept its eyes shut, letting out little whimpers like a newborn kitten.

Wei Xun lifted a hand, wanting to touch the baby, but afraid his rough palm might hurt it, he only dared to lightly stroke the baby’s cheek with his finger.

The baby stirred, peeking open an eye and quirking its lips at him.

Wei Xun froze, then flooded with joy.

The normally stoic Marquis of Anning now looked like a grinning fool. "Did he just smile at me?"

Mrs. Liu laughed, dampening his excitement. "Newborns don’t smile this early. I think the little master is just hungry."

"It’s too windy out here—don’t let them get cold."

Mrs. Liu called for Chun Tao to take the children back inside. Wei Xun, still wanting one more look, watched helplessly as his son was carried away.

Xie Zheng shot him a sideways glance, about to mock him, but seeing Wei Xun’s pitiful state, he held his tongue.

After all, Wei Xun had gotten injured saving A Yuan. Xie Zheng had later returned to the side hall and seen the spot where A Yuan had been buried under collapsed bricks and tiles.

Without Wei Xun, A Yuan would’ve died.

"Why are you out here in your condition? Aren’t you afraid of scaring the children?"

Wei Xun pressed his lips together, saying nothing, taking the scolding.

After a few more barbs, Xie Zheng gave up.

"What do you plan to do once we return to the capital?"

They couldn’t hide the children forever. Though Xie Zheng could afford to raise them, he couldn’t shield them from the capital’s gossip.

Moreover, judging by his sister’s attitude toward Wei Xun, it wasn’t like they’d never speak again.

Especially since Wei Xun had nearly died saving her—Xie Zheng knew the two would inevitably remain entangled.

Wei Xun noticed Xie Zheng relenting. It seemed he no longer intended to stand between him and A Yuan.

Wei Xun lifted his head, and Xie Zheng, unnerved by his gaze, abruptly looked away and snapped, "What? Don’t tell me you don’t want to claim these two children?"

How could Wei Xun refuse? He nodded firmly, his eyes even growing slightly moist.

"I claim them! Thank you... Brother."

Xie Zheng grew even more uncomfortable at being addressed as "Brother." He muttered under his breath, "You don’t waste any time, do you?"

"Then upon our return, you must ask the Emperor to arrange the marriage and safeguard A Yuan's reputation."

He accepted Wei Xun solely for his sister's sake. Should Wei Xun ever dare to treat her poorly, he would personally make him regret it.

But how could Wei Xun bear to mistreat A Yuan?

As a new mother, A Yuan must avoid drafts, so Wei Xun made sure to visit her daily.

When A Yuan didn't ask him to leave, he stayed without complaint.

Knowing a new mother needed nourishment, he consulted Mrs. Liu about beneficial foods and restrictions, hiring a matron through Chang Yuan to see to her care.

For A Yuan's private matters like dressing and bathing, he attended to them himself.

Wei Xun's severe injuries meant every movement pulled at his wounds.

Yet he never uttered a word of complaint, no matter the pain.

A Yuan had already considered forgiving him, and seeing this, she was moved.

She knew of her brother's agreement with Wei Xun. Perhaps for their children's sake, marrying him might be for the best.

...

The twins thrived, reaching their month-old celebration in what seemed like moments.

Though Wei Xun's wounds remained unhealed, it was time to return to the capital.

Prince Jing and Shen Qiuyu had been reduced to ashes. Xie Zheng had their remains enshrined in urns, while the rebel soldiers were clapped in irons for transport to the capital.

News of Prince Jing's rebellion sent shockwaves through the court, leaving Emperor Chengyuan livid.

"Forging weapons secretly, raising troops, overstepping authority—splendid! Just splendid! This is my exemplary son!"

The Su household was purged, and Prince Jing's former allies renounced allegiance.

They'd merely backed a faction, not pledged to gamble with their necks.

With Prince Jing's cause clearly doomed, continued loyalty served no purpose.

"Your Majesty, General of the Valiant Cavalry Xie Zheng and Marquis of Anning Wei Xun seek audience."

A eunuch scurried in with the announcement. The Emperor waved a hand. "Admit them!"

Moments later, the two men entered the throne room.

Despite two months of recovery, Wei Xun moved stiffly from unhealed wounds.

Xie Zheng held an infant, drawing knowing looks from ministers aware of the truth.

"Your servants Xie Zheng and Wei Xun kneel before Your Majesty."

"Rise. You've served well in suppressing the rebellion."

"We merely fulfilled our duty, undeserving of reward."

Xie Zheng maintained a loyal demeanor as he presented the urn.

"Here lie the traitor Zhou Jing's ashes. His rebel forces await in chains. Their fate rests with Your Majesty."

Xie Zheng's maneuver was merciless, completely extinguishing any trace of Emperor Chengyuan's compassion.

Prince Jing had been reduced to a handful of ashes, no longer able to compete with the Crown Prince for the throne.

The Crown Prince lowered his gaze, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes—Wei Xun and Xie Zheng had indeed proven to be valuable allies.

Emperor Chengyuan stared at the box, his heart in turmoil, though sorrow and disappointment weighed heaviest.

He had given Prince Jing a chance, even sending him away from the capital to preserve his reputation, yet he had chosen rebellion.

With a quiet sigh, the emperor visibly aged right then.

"You have done well," Emperor Chengyuan said slowly. "This traitor dared to rebel—his crimes are beyond pardon."

"Imperial Guards, step forward!"

"Your Majesty!"

"Seal Prince Jing's residence and exile his entire lineage to Qiongdi!"

"As for the other rebels, exterminate their nine clans—carry it out immediately!"

"Yes!"

The court stood silent. None dared intercede under Emperor Chengyuan's wrath—nor did anyone try.

In the rear palace, Consort Su collapsed when she heard she was to be exiled to Qiongdi.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! His Majesty would never exile me to Qiongdi! Fetch my Jing'er!"

She ranted wildly in the cold palace, but no one acknowledged her.

"Consort Su, face reality. You are no longer the reigning favorite of the inner court. As for Prince Jing—if you wish to see him, petition Yama himself!"

"You—!"

She wanted to curse the palace maid, but the messenger had already left. Consort Su slumped to the ground.

"My Jing'er can't be gone! This must be a lie!"

Yet silence was her only answer.

Back in the court, Emperor Chengyuan turned to Xie Zheng and Wei Xun having pronounced judgment.

"What boon would you claim?"

Xie Zheng shook his head. "Your servant asks for nothing."

He only wished for his sister's safety—he wanted for nothing else.

Were there one thing, it would be that woman.

"And you?"

Emperor Chengyuan then looked at Wei Xun.

Wei Xun raised his head, holding the emperor's gaze steadily. "Your servant loves Lady Xie. As she remains unwed, I beg Your Majesty's gracious permission for our marriage."

Emperor Chengyuan was well aware of the complicated history between Wei Xun and A Yuan. He glanced at Xie Zheng first and, taking his measure, understood.

"It gladdens Our heart to see lovers united. We grant you permission to wed at an auspicious date."