Chapter 721: Finale (Part 1)

Lin Miao was considering giving the Emperor a few more An Gong Niu Huang Pills to consolidate the effect, but thinking about how he used the royal marriage to scheme against him,

he decided not to give them.

“Congratulations, Mr. Lin.” As he came out from Yangxin Hall, Fu Qingzhu congratulated him with cupped hands.

“Thank you, Mr. Fu.” Lin Miao could only muster a slight smile. Fu Qingzhu had no ill intent, he was genuinely happy for him, celebrating his fortune.

It’s not like he could resent others for it.

“I know you have matters to discuss with the Crown Prince, so I won’t intrude. Mr. Lin, when you have the time, please visit my humble abode. I would love to have a deep conversation with you.”

“Certainly, this time coming to the capital, I was also planning to consult with Mr. Fu…”

“Sir, the Crown Prince awaits you.”

“Hey, Master, please don’t shout that, I’m not yet…” Lin Miao hurried to correct. Here he was, troubled by not being able to marry, and now troubled by having too many wives, not to mention not knowing what sort of temperament this princess had. If he ended up marrying a hard-to-please ancestor, that would be troublesome.

Most importantly, how was he supposed to explain this to Sun Youwei and the others when he returned?

East Palace·Changxin Hall.

“Mr. Lin, today’s imperial decree of marriage was something even I did not anticipate, but truly, I feel for my sister…” Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze spoke earnestly to Lin Miao.

Lin Miao was not unreasonable. The Crown Prince could not have foreseen that the Emperor would have such a great result after taking the An Gong Niu Huang Pill, much less know that the Emperor would suddenly decide on granting him a marriage, and announce it outright, without even discussing it with the Crown Prince.

Evidently, the Emperor was used to making decisions on his own.

Having seized the throne, the failed ones met their end with sorrow, leaving behind a lonely daughter, whom he raised in the palace, clearly fearing someone might use this lonely girl for some scheme.

And when she came of age, he still delayed her marriage, making people suspect he might have some ulterior motive.

Anyway, he is the Emperor. Whatever he wishes to do, even if he really did it, what could be done?

The niece is not his own daughter after all.

Nevertheless, this niece was raised by the Empress’s side. Her mother was the once renowned beauty, and she herself was also blossoming. The Emperor, fortunately, still exhibited some humanity by not transferring his unsatisfied ambitions for a woman onto her daughter.

If it were some other man, it might very well have been different…

“Your Highness, the Emperor is whimsically matchmaking. I have never even seen Princess An Yang. How could I, a rural and uncouth man, be a match for a noble lady of the royal family? Your Highness should ask the Emperor to reconsider this decree.”

“Once the Emperor declares his golden words, how could I have him retract them? I’m afraid the decree has already been delivered to my mother’s palace!” the Crown Prince said.

“This…”

“Brother-in-law, my little sister excels in all arts, she is both talented and of stunning beauty. No matter whom she marries, I would worry she might be mistreated, but with you, I have full confidence in her future happiness.” The Crown Prince was extremely pleased.

Father’s move was brilliant, providing a decent future for this sister and securing a talented physician into the royal family. If Lin Miao became a member of the royal family, his future promotions would face no obstacles.

“The Crown Princess Consort is here!”

“My love, weren’t you feeling unwell? Why have you come out?”

“Mr. Lin is here; not coming out to meet him would be discourteous.” The Crown Princess Consort replied with a gentle smile.

“Just perfect, brother-in-law. Could you check on her, as she hasn’t been eating well or sleeping properly these days? Perhaps she is ill?”

“Oh, didn’t Your Highness have an Imperial Physician examine her?” Lin Miao asked in surprise.

“Since my brother-in-law is coming, why have those mediocre physicians take a look? I fear they might prescribe randomly and harm her.”

“Okay, then let me take a look.” Lin Miao nodded, stepped forward to check her tongue coating, inquired about her condition, and took her pulse.

“Your Highness, have you and the Crown Princess Consort been together?”

“After finishing the medicine you prescribed, we thought we’d try…,” the Crown Prince’s face flushed.

“How long has it been?”

“About twenty days. I’ve been restraining myself as per your instructions, only those two days… otherwise, conserving energy.”

“Then I must congratulate Your Highness and the Crown Princess Consort; according to my diagnosis, the Crown Princess Consort is pregnant. However, to confirm thoroughly, we still need to wait a while longer. This period is critical, any mishap could lead to a miscarriage risk.”

“Understood, understood, I’ll arrange everything immediately.” The Crown Prince hurriedly replied, excited.

“Your Highness, with so many eyes and ears in the palace, this news about the Crown Princess Consort’s pregnancy should not be spread. Today’s diagnosis by me should be explained as the Crown Princess Consort catching a cold, needing bed rest, nothing more.”

“Should medicine be prepared?”

“Medicine is indeed needed, and it needs to be for cold symptoms, but this medicine is for you, Your Highness,” Lin Miao said.

“For me…”

A prescription for cold treatment wouldn’t be harmful to you, Your Highness.

“I understand, I understand.” The Crown Prince naturally knew of the palace’s treacherous intrigues, how many eyes were on the Crown Prince’s residence. Even if the opportunity had been lost for the old fifth, no guarantee others wouldn’t harbor illicit intentions.

“And about my love…”

“No worries, I’ll prescribe a medicated diet for her. Eat according to it, and she’ll feel more appetized while nourishing herself.”

“Good.” Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze rubbed his hands in excitement. The Crown Princess Consort was finally with child, and he now had an heir.

However, this news couldn’t be revealed to the outside yet, and he understood the reasons better than anyone. This was his first child; should anything happen, it would be irreparably regrettable.