Seeing Mu Zixuan dry-heaving, Lu Chen immediately guessed what was happening.
After all, he had received a system notification days ago, and it was precisely because Mu Zixuan was pregnant that he had been granted the soap-making method.
Still, even though he already knew she was expecting, it was best to have a doctor confirm it.
Since he had yet to start cultivating his Rejuvenation Hand technique, he couldn't personally check Mu Zixuan's condition, so calling a doctor was the only option.
Mu Zixuan was soon moved back to her room, where she lay on the bed, looking at Lu Chen beside her. "Your Highness, I'm fine."
Lu Chen gently stroked her cheek and smiled. "Just rest. Let's wait for the doctor's confirmation."
Before long, the doctor arrived. After a brief pulse diagnosis, he immediately stood up and bowed. "Congratulations, Your Highness! The princess consort is with child!"
At these words, excitement filled the entire room.
Zhou Xiaoxiao turned to Mu Zixuan, overjoyed. "Sister, this is wonderful! His Highness now has an heir!"
Lu Chen, equally delighted, called out, "Xiao Rou, bring two taels of silver for the doctor!"
The doctor quickly responded, "Many thanks, Your Highness!"
Two taels of silver was no small sum in these times. The doctor had no idea how many patients he would have to see to earn that much otherwise.
After the doctor left, Lu Chen placed a hand on Mu Zixuan's stomach, smiling. "My dear consort, all our hard work these past days has paid off."
Mu Zixuan's face flushed with embarrassment—there were so many people watching, and yet Lu Chen spoke so bluntly!
She cleared her throat and said, "Your Highness, for the time being, I won't be able to serve you."
Lu Chen reassured her, "That's fine. Just focus on nurturing the baby."
Mu Zixuan then asked, "Your Highness, when do you plan to officially bring Xiaoxiao and Youyou into the household?"
Although Zhou Xiaoxiao and Zhou Youyou were already his women, they had yet to hold an official ceremony.
Since Lu Chen was a prince, a formal banquet was necessary for taking concubines.
After some thought, Lu Chen replied, "We'll hold the ceremony in a few days."
Mu Zixuan smiled. "May I handle the arrangements?"
Lu Chen nodded. "If you'd like to, then I'll leave it to you."
Watching Lu Chen and Mu Zixuan exchange affectionate words, Chu Yuqin felt an inexplicable discomfort in her heart. Without a word, she turned and quietly left the room.
She had always been the one by Lu Chen's side. But now that he had a princess consort, it seemed as though he no longer needed her. The thought left her feeling a deep sense of loss.
A Few Days Later
News spread that the Northern King was taking concubines.
Upon hearing this, the various factions in Northern Commandery began preparing their gifts.
Hundred Flowers Pavilion
A woman dressed in a flowing red robe sat by the window, gazing at the bustling streets below.
Her robe was loosely draped, revealing a hint of her collarbone and fair skin. Anyone who saw her would find themselves mesmerized.
Her stunning beauty was flawless, with a delicate blush gracing her cheeks, making her all the more alluring.
A slight smile played on her lips, and her captivating eyes shimmered with a hint of mischief, making her look irresistibly seductive.
Her long, silky hair was styled into an elegant bun, secured with a phoenix hairpin, while loose strands cascaded down her shoulders, emphasizing her graceful and curvaceous figure.
Just then, a masked woman entered the room and spoke from behind a curtain. "Saintess, the Pavilion Master urges you to complete your mission and leave Northern Commandery as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, the woman let out a soft, mocking laugh. Her voice was crisp and melodious, like a songbird in the forest.
"The Northern King has been holed up in his manor. We still can't confirm if the grandmaster protecting him has left. How can I possibly complete the mission so easily?"
The masked woman replied, "The Pavilion Master says this order comes from His Highness, and he has no choice in the matter. If you require any assistance, you may request it."
Wang Qingci responded indifferently, "Forget it. Just tell them I will find an opportunity to approach the Northern King soon. Tell them to stop rushing me."
She was getting frustrated. She had arrived in Yan City two months ago and had even gone as far as posing as a courtesan to get close to the Northern King. But ever since his arrival, he hadn't set foot in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion even once.
Rumors claimed that the Northern King was an ignorant and debauched playboy, someone who loved sneaking off to pleasure houses.
Yet ever since he arrived in Northern Commandery, he seemed like a completely different person—staying locked in his manor and never going anywhere.
She had even tried sending spies to gather intelligence, but the manor was heavily guarded, with Chu Yuqin personally overseeing security. Infiltrating the estate was nearly impossible.
At this point, they had no idea what was happening inside the Northern King's residence.
Just then, a blue bird flew in through the window and landed before Wang Qingci. She quickly caught it and retrieved the note tied to its leg.
After reading it, a playful smile curved her lips.
So the intelligence was correct—he was a lecher.
The Northern King had barely been in Northern Commandery for a few days, and he was already taking concubines.
This was great news for her.
She had to find a way into the Northern King's manor. If she could catch his attention, it would be perfect.
Seduction had always been her best weapon—especially when it came to assassination.
A Few Days Later
Northern King's Manor
The day of Lu Chen's concubine-taking ceremony had arrived.
The entire estate was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and a steady stream of guests arrived with gifts.
Mu Zixuan had overseen all the arrangements, sending invitations to every major power in Northern Commandery.
She also planned to use this occasion to promote the newly developed soap, which was why she had invited so many influential figures.
As guests presented their gifts, Lu Chen sat in the training courtyard, listening to his attendants report on the tributes while casually scanning the women who had come for the banquet.
In the Great Xia Dynasty, unmarried women typically wouldn't attend wedding banquets.
However, many noble families had deliberately brought their unmarried daughters today, hoping to catch the Northern King's attention and secure a marriage alliance.
But after scanning the room, Lu Chen was disappointed—none of them had a beauty rating above 90.
He sighed. "Yan City is just too small and poor… even finding a woman with a rating above 90 is difficult."
Just as he was about to give up, a woman in a flowing purple dress entered his sight.
[Name: Wang Qingci]
[Identity: Ninth-rank martial artist, adopted daughter of the Wang family in Jiangnan, Saintess of the Misty Rain Pavilion, temporary head of Hundred Flowers Pavilion. She has come to the Northern King's wedding banquet in order to assassinate him by using seduction.]
[Rating: 95]
[Favorability: 0]
Lu Chen was momentarily stunned.
A ninth-rank assassin had managed to slip in.
No—she hadn't sneaked in; she had entered openly.
Gazing at Wang Qingci's mesmerizing figure and her fair, exposed skin, Lu Chen felt a bit dazed.
Finally, a woman with a 95 rating—only for her to be an assassin. What rotten luck.
Finding a woman of this caliber wasn't easy. He had to find a way to make this deadly beauty his… and have her bear his children.
He fell into deep thought.
The Dragon-Phoenix Tree should have sprouted by now. He would test the effects of its tea later.
If the Dragon-Phoenix Tea was as potent as he expected, then the roles between him and Wang Qingci might soon be reversed.
A sly smile formed on his lips.
Sometimes, the hunter appears in the guise of prey.