Chapter 198: Chapter 197: Changkong’s Warning
The observatory was empty, and Qing Yuan had much to attend to, so he did not linger long to speak with the two, hastily departing to tend to his affairs.
Mu Xi sprang out like a noble guest hound, elusive as a dragon, wedging himself between the two: “You’ve made Young Master search high and low for you.”
Qin Liuxi: “Why haven’t you left yet? The Young Master Heir is tender and precious, and now that the weather is starting to get cold, the waterways might freeze, and there’s snow accumulating on the roads. It’s only sensible to return to the capital sooner.”
“I’ve spent over a decade in Shengjing, knowing every rat hole there is—boring to the extre. How could that compare to the fun here?” Mu Xi, chin lifted, said, “However, if you accompany Young Master back to the capital, I’ll set out imdiately. How about it?”
The sa old spiel; Qin Liuxi couldn’t be bothered to waste words in response, treating it as re barking.
“Hey, hey, don’t go.” Mu Xi tried to reach out to grab him but was blocked by Yu Changkong, who shot him a warning glance.
Mu Xi inexplicably found himself sowhat short of breath, saying, “Move aside, I have sothing to say.”
He darted in front of Qin Liuxi, inquiring, “You practice dical skills?”
“What, you’re ill?” Qin Liuxi eyed him up and down, glancing at his abdon: “Sothing not functioning right there?”
Mu Xi leapt up: “Nothing’s wrong with , everything’s functional!”
With a sly smile, Qin Liuxi remarked, “Oh really? I’d say you seem a bit deficient in kidney yang, sowhat weak.”
Mu Xi wailed, “I’m very potent, I can satisfy seven won in one night!”
Yu Changkong found their conversation distasteful, coughing heavily in disapproval.
Worried that Qin Liuxi might continue on this topic, Mu Xi quickly changed the subject: “Your dical skills are quite exceptional? Then let ask, can a woman in her forties still bear children?”
Qin Liuxi’s eyes narrowed.
Yu Changkong also looked over, signaling to Qin Liuxi with his eyes.
“You must have heard the saying about the old clam nurturing a pearl. It’s not impossible for won in their forties to conceive and give birth, but it’s all a matter of fate. How many children one has also entirely depends on personal fate—people with a weak affinity for offspring might not conceive even in their twenties, but those with a strong affinity will eventually have children, no matter how late. However, pregnancy and childbirth for won are akin to passing through Ghost Gate; it’s already challenging for young won, let alone those of advanced age. Elderly won giving birth are most prone to fatal outcos for both mother and child. It’s a matter of whether they can survive the struggle!” Qin Liuxi explained: “Nevertheless, childbirth is a precarious trial, as risky as traversing Ghost Gate. Not only is it perilous for young won, but imagine the heightened danger for older won? Giving birth at an advanced age greatly increases the risk of mother and child both perishing, so it all depends on one’s determination to battle through it!”
Mu Xi’s expression flickered variously.
“If it were you, could you ensure a safe delivery for such an aged woman?”
Qin Liuxi let out a soft laugh: “If I claim I can, would the Young Master believe ? Would others believe ? Young Master Heir, when one’s ti cos, who can snatch them from the grasp of King Yan? Even if I could, why would I, a stranger with no ties to you, intervene and take on the Five Disadvantages and Three Deficiencies associated with cheating fate? There are countless mortals in this world, but who could be more important than my own self?”
Mu Xi stood stunned.
Her tone might have been cold and indifferent, but her words held undeniable truth; at her young age, who would believe in her exceptional dical skills and entrust their life entirely to her?
There are the Five Disadvantages and Three Deficiencies; he didn’t quite understand them, but they sounded like nothing good.
“The Young Master Heir should stop thinking about having children. A woman in her forties, just the ten months of pregnancy would take a great toll on her spirit, not to ntion the act of giving birth itself. Only when soone is present, can a family have peace, and even if you manage to have a child, it’s uncertain whether a child without a mother can grow up safely!” After saying this, Qin Liuxi left with Yu Changkong.
Mu Xi stood in place for a long ti, and when he ca back to his senses, Qin Liuxi was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t chase after him, simply feeling sowhat discontented.
Qin Liuxi and Yu Changkong took a carriage back to the city.
“The forty-sothing-year-old woman ntioned by Heir Mu must be the current Empress. Fortunately, you were cautious and didn’t take on the responsibility,” Yu Changkong reminded while sitting in the carriage: “Heir Mu is careless with his words, and though you might have brushed it off for now, you can’t guard against his idle chatter leading to trouble.”
Qin Liuxi smiled and said, “You’re annoyed by him.”
Annoyance flashed across Yu Changkong’s face as he said, “He’s very noisy, and yet thick-skinned. He never takes into account whether people look favorably upon him or not; he just does whatever makes him comfortable.”
Qin Liuxi leaned casually against the carriage wall, saying, “Given his background and favor, why should he care about anyone else’s opinion? When one is doted upon, they beco fearless.”
“Indeed.” Yu Changkong brought the conversation back to the earlier topic, “Heir Mu talks too much. Even if you caution him, he may not control his loose lips. If soone were to relay his words to the Empress, and she cos looking for you, you must not take on this matter.”
Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow: “Brother Chang Kong seems to believe I would have the ability to make a woman in her forties pregnant and give birth.”
Yu Changkong chuckled lightly: “I wouldn’t believe this of anyone else, but you, I’m convinced you possess such Divine Skills. People say that my eyes were dood to darkness, yet you restored their light, allowing to see the world again. It proves your dical skills are exquisite, so how could a woman giving birth be any challenge for you?”
“That’s true, you aren’t wrong. If the lady is healthy, aiding conception wouldn’t be difficult, but the risks co hand in hand with the opportunity. For a woman in her forties, there’s no need to risk her life.” Qin Liuxi said: “Of course, my thoughts don’t represent all won. Prioritizing offspring is ingrained in many won to the bone; they believe only a son can strengthen their backbone, even if it ans risking their lives.”
“You’re right.”
Qin Liuxi continued: “If Heir Mu is asking this on behalf of his sister, the Empress, then he is indeed very attentive. However, if his sister were actually pregnant, it’s not certain whether everyone would want her to have the baby.”
While it is regrettable for the Emperor not to have a legitimate son, the Emperor, amidst his regrets, would be glad to see the result. For the Emperor, what matters most is securing his own position, and as for succession to the throne, who said it must be the legitimate son?
The current Emperor himself isn’t of legitimate son origin.
“Putting aside the disputes within the court and among political factions that the birth of an imperial legitimate son might cause, just consider the pregnancy itself. The Empress is advanced in years, and pregnancy is a matter of great concern. If both the mother and child are safe, that’s fine, but if not, not only you but also the people behind you won’t escape unscathed. Hence, no matter who cos to persuade you, you must never take on this matter. I know you have extensive Divine Skills, but there are so troubles it’s best not to get involved in,” Yu Changkong said: “The Mystic Sect laid low for decades because the great-grandfather once took the Holy Pill. As a Mystic Sect mber, you are surely more aware of the dangers than I am.”
He rubbed the Jade Talisman at his waist, saying, “The Mystic Sect might possess magical abilities to communicate with gods and spirits, but no matter how many Mystic Sect mbers there are, can they outnumber an army? Xiao Qin, fa and fortune are but fleeting clouds; I only wish for your utmost safety.”
Qin Liuxi’s eyes curved into a smile: “Okay.”
Yu Changkong’s voice softened: “Don’t mind my nagging. You are young, and as a person from the Mystic Sect, you’re naturally optimistic. I’m just worried that you might rely too much on your Divine Skills and underestimate the dangers of the Imperial Family, inadvertently digging a trap for yourself.”
Qin Liuxi laughed: “Don’t worry, I cherish my life more than anyone else, and I’ll certainly be careful. Besides, the Empress is exalted and surrounded by many Imperial Physicians; why would there be any need for a minor Daoist doctor like ?”
“You’re wise, and having a clear understanding in your heart is good.”
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