Chapter 93

Chapter 93

You Nan spent several days playing with Maomao in the capital, feeling much more relaxed and at ease.

When he saw Chen Mingzhou again, he was no longer as wary as before, even willing to show the man a warmer countenance.

Chen Mingzhou, seeing You Nan’s bright, smiling eyes, was almost flattered.

That day, Chen Mingzhou was impeccably dressed, his appearance handsome, radiating nobility and elegance. He carried the commanding presence of someone in power.

Yet, in front of You Nan, he softened his demeanor, displaying a side of himself that was different from how he treated others, which drew curious glances from his subordinates.

This was the first time in a long while they had seen their master act so properly.

Chen Mingzhou had come to invite You Nan to a banquet that evening.

"Now that the Song State’s imperial family has fallen and the realm is secure, why not join me for the banquet, Xiao Nan?"

You Nan was somewhat tempted. He had never attended such a banquet before and wanted to take his son along to see the world.

After pausing briefly, You Nan asked, "Is it appropriate for me to go?"

"I was once Fu Lingtan’s crown prince's consort. With my status, wouldn’t they arrest me?"

You Nan fixed his clear, luminous eyes on Chen Mingzhou, a hint of anticipation hidden within them.

Chen Mingzhou noticed it.

However, he had been trying hard to erase from his mind any memories related to You Nan and Fu Lingtan from that year or so. He had even deceived himself into forgetting, but You Nan’s words undid all his efforts, making him remember again.

Chen Mingzhou’s heart filled with bitter jealousy, regretting that when he fought Fu Lingtan, it ended too quickly—he hadn’t had the chance to properly settle things with his rival.

Chen Mingzhou had forgotten that, back when he faced Fu Lingtan, he had been so eaten up with jealousy it was as if he had been soaked in a vat of vinegar, his entire body reeking of bitterness. He had been desperate to eliminate the obstacle standing between him and You Nan.

The corners of Chen Mingzhou’s lips remained upturned as he gave a light chuckle. "Fu Lingtan’s crown prince's consort died long ago in the East Palace fire during the third prince’s coup. You are You Nan, the biological father of the new emperor’s crown prince. Of course, you are qualified to attend."

You Nan’s heart leaped upon hearing this, followed by shock.

"So, the new emperor everyone is talking about is you."

Had Chen Mingzhou quietly achieved so much without him realizing?

You Nan felt rather stunned.

It was only then that he realized how well the man had been protecting him.

Chen Mingzhou smiled without answering. "If you are willing, you will be the empress in the future."

Chen Mingzhou nervously tried to sound out You Nan’s feelings, his heart tightening with anticipation.

You Nan understood his meaning. He pressed his lips together but did not respond immediately.

Chen Mingzhou, however, was in no hurry. From now on, You Nan would have only him by his side. He, Chen Mingzhou, had all the time in the world to win over You Nan’s heart.

The man bent down and picked up the son standing beside them, who was looking up at him with innocent eyes, completely unaware.

He then extended his hand to You Nan. "My queen, will you accompany me?"

You Nan looked at his son in Chen Mingzhou’s arms.

His son was close to Chen Mingzhou and showed no fear when the man picked him up. Instead, he smiled, wrapping his plump little arms around Chen Mingzhou’s neck, cuddling into his father’s arms, and gazing at You Nan with bright, clear eyes.

You Nan’s heart softened instantly at the sight of his son’s bright expression.

He placed his hand in Chen Mingzhou’s palm. The man’s throat moved nervously as he firmly clasped You Nan’s hand.

The generals and scholars attending the banquet had all contributed to the emperor’s ascent. Though they came from different paths and regions, they had all secretly served Chen Mingzhou.

General Kangping was also in attendance, accompanied by the wife who had stayed by his side throughout his journey.

A smooth-talking courtier approached them with a cup of wine, toasting General Kangping. "General Kangping, please accept this toast. You have performed outstanding service to His Majesty. Today, His Majesty will surely reward you generously."

General Kangping, with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, still carried an unrefined manner from his bandit days. His first reaction was not to raise his cup in response but to glance at his wife sitting beside him.

His wife, sensing his gaze, seemed slightly puzzled and gave him a faint, questioning look.

This made General Kangping’s throat move again as he declined the offer. "No need, thank you for your kind words. I no longer enjoy drinking. Please return to your seat."

Only after saying this did General Kangping feel the pressure of his wife’s gaze ease from him.

He quietly sighed in relief.

His wife wasn’t angry!

The attendee, seeing that General Kangping refused to drink and kept sneaking glances at his wife, quickly caught on.

Could it be that the brave and mighty General Kangping was whipped? How could he be so obedient to his wife?

When the attendee returned to his seat, others asked him how it went. Without holding back, he shared his observations, astonishing those around him.

"General Kangping came from a bandit background. Originally, he had no wife. I heard he was just a low-ranking follower under a mountain bandit leader. His wife was originally captured by the bandit chief and later given to him."

Someone with good sources of information, having inquired about many things beforehand, spoke up softly when the topic turned to them.

In truth, this was not particularly secret information. Since the day General Kangping and his wife began their rebellion, they had never tried to hide their past. Neither of them cared.

With a little effort, anyone could uncover these details.

Those hearing it for the first time were astonished. "A small underling? Then how did he become a general?"

"Of course, it was because General Kangping and his wife had great foresight. They rallied local bandits and refugees to rise up, driving out enemies and securing Kangping City. That’s how they achieved their current glory."

Just then, the attendees noticed someone approaching and immediately returned to their seats, bowing respectfully.

"Your humble servants pay respects to Your Majesty."

Their voices were loud and filled with excitement.

You Nan looked at Chen Mingzhou in surprise. He had vaguely guessed that Chen Mingzhou might ascend the throne, but he hadn’t expected it to actually happen.

Chen Mingzhou did not turn around. Hidden by his wide sleeves, he gently squeezed You Nan’s fingers, reminding him to snap out of his daze. "Rise," he said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The guests accepted the gesture and watched the ruler they served take his seat at the head of the hall.

Chen Mingzhou never let go of You Nan's hand the entire way, leading him to sit beside him at the high table.

Holding his son in one arm, Chen Mingzhou silently made clear the child's status to his future court officials.

General Kangping and his wife took their seats, and like everyone else, they turned their gaze to the front.

At this sight, Madam Kangping's calm and composed expression faltered; she looked at the royal consort in shock and astonishment.

Tears immediately welled up in her eyes.

General Kangping split his attention, half listening to the ruler's speech and half focused on his wife.

The strapping soldier, seeing his wife shaken with leftover fear, her face filled with sorrow, surprise, and overwhelming emotion, grew extremely anxious.

"Madam?"

"Madam, what's wrong?"

General Kangping immediately reached out to support her.

You Nan did not recognize the court officials and generals at the banquet. His eyes were unfocused, appearing to look downward but not actually focusing on anyone.

Hearing the commotion below, he curiously followed the sound and, upon meeting a pair of familiar eyes, his whole body shuddered.

He had actually seen the original body's birth mother.

The original body's mother was not dead. Not only had she survived, but she had also become General Kangping's wife!

You Nan immediately realized something and turned to look at the man beside him. At that moment, Chen Mingzhou was observing his expression, his face showing no surprise.

Apparently he'd known this all along.

This banquet was not just to introduce him to the ministers who helped him rise to power but also to let him see his long-lost mother.

You Nan's tears fell. He was truly touched by Chen Mingzhou's consideration and attention to detail.

These were not only his own tears but also those of the original body.

"Mother!"

The commotion around General Kangping quickly drew the attention of others. They noticed Madam Kangping's emotional display and were somewhat flustered and surprised. The lady seated closest to her got up to help.

Unexpectedly, they all heard the voice of the person at the head table call out.

Everyone was stunned.

They looked up and saw the consort, whom they were meeting for the first time, hurriedly descending from above, supporting Madam Kangping's arm and steadying her.

"Mother!" You Nan called out again.

Hearing her child's voice, Madam Kangping broke down crying, tightly embracing her child and crying uncontrollably. "My child! My child!"

Back then, she had risked her life to lead the pursuing bandits away from the mistress, the young master, and their group, all so they could ensure her child's survival.

Even if her son had to live as a dependent, at least he would still be alive.

She was captured by the bandits but refused to serve the bandit chief like the other attractive servants. Instead, she attempted to end her life by ramming into a tree.

Near death, a young bandit, unable to bear the sight, stepped forward and persuaded the bandit chief.

The bandit chief then gave her to the young bandit.

She thought she would be humiliated even in her final moments, but the young bandit did not touch her. Instead, he treated her kindly.

There were no doctors in the mountains, so he found medicinal herbs to treat her.

She told him to forget about her.

But the young bandit's eyes reddened, saying the chief had already given her to him, and from then on, they would be husband and wife. He was also an orphan, taken by bandits. In the future, they could become a family.

She could neither chase him off nor yell at him until he left. Over time, she abandoned thoughts of escape.

As long as she could survive, she would someday see her child again.

Later, when war broke out, she secretly suggested that the young bandit start a rebellion.

The young bandit listened to her.

They killed the wicked bandit chief, successfully seized control of the mountain, and expanded their forces among the people.

When Chen Mingzhou's men came to make contact, she stepped forward and reached an agreement.

They could support the campaign north, but she had one condition: they must help her find her son.

They agreed.

Madam Kangping held her child she thought she'd lost and suddenly noticed the ruler, who had risen and descended alongside them.

She recalled their first meeting.

She and her husband traveled north, and the sovereign before his coronation met with them.

The sovereign had originally come to discuss important matters with her husband but paused upon seeing her.

She and her husband were both startled, unsure of his intentions and becoming cautious.

But the sovereign did nothing else.

It seemed he only wanted to see what she looked like.

Now, thinking back, there had been both surprise and happiness in Chen Mingzhou's eyes at that time.

It seemed he had already guessed her relationship with You Nan then.

You Nan nestled into the arms of his original body's mother, allowing the residual emotions of the original body to overwhelm him, weeping openly and fully.

Madam Kangping helped her son up and respectfully bowed to Chen Mingzhou.

Chen Mingzhou moved aside.

"What does this mean, Mother?"

Chen Mingzhou spoke.

No one could have expected Chen Mingzhou to say these words, to call Madam Kangping "Mother."

For a moment, the entire banquet fell into complete silence. Everyone kept their eyes lowered, yet they were all ears, afraid to miss a single word.

Madam Kangping reacted quickly. She gently dabbed her tears with a handkerchief, her voice filled with gratitude and joy, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for finding my child."

"After so many years apart, we are finally reunited as mother and child."

As she spoke, Madam Kangping’s eyes welled up with tears again.

You Nan, who had been watching Madam Kangping intently, also turned his teary gaze toward Chen Mingzhou upon hearing these words.

Chen Mingzhou could never refuse You Nan anything.

He could only sigh inwardly and said, "Perhaps this is fate. I never expected that my consort would be Madam Kangping’s child. It was truly fate that brought our family together."

Upon hearing this, the ministers offered their congratulations in turn.

After a brief reunion with Madam Kangping, You Nan soon returned to Chen Mingzhou’s side, accompanying him once more.

Holding their child, You Nan whispered his thanks to Chen Mingzhou, "Thank you. If it weren’t for you, I might never have found her again."

You Nan was not a heartless person. Life goes on, and one cannot dwell forever on the past.

Chen Mingzhou treated him with such kindness and care now. Moreover, Chen Mingzhou would be a powerful protector for his son in the future. You Nan no longer held any resentment toward him.

Love was something he yearned for, but love alone could not fill one’s stomach. Chen Mingzhou still loved him, was willing to provide him with everything, offer him benefits, and had even helped him find his mother.

You Nan couldn't ask for anything more.

Seeing You Nan so docile, Chen Mingzhou wanted to pull him into an embrace and comfort him, but with so many people around, he could only gently pat You Nan's hand to soothe him. "I will take care of everything that concerns you from now on. There’s no need to be so formal with me."

Warmed by these words, You Nan nodded and said, "I'll remember that."