> Chapter 22: Unexpected Heir
Winter descended upon Beijing with frigid breath, turning the Forbidden City into a ndscape of pristine white and silent courtyards. Snow bnketed the vermilion walls and golden rooftops, muffling the usual sounds of court life beneath yers of crystalline ice. Inside the imperial chambers, braziers burned day and night, their glowing coals casting dancing shadows across jade-inid screens and silk tapestries depicting dragons soaring through celestial clouds.
Empress Zhu Youzhen sat alone in her private study, surrounded by scrolls containing genealogical records of noble families throughout the empire. Her slender fingers, adorned with jade and gold rings signifying imperial authority, traced characters with thoughtful precision as she studied bloodlines stretching back generations. The winter chill had prompted additional yers of clothing—deep crimson silk beneath imperial yellow outer robes, both embroidered with phoenixes and dragons in gold thread that caught the mplight with her slightest movement. Despite the extra garments, she maintained the elegant silhouette expected of imperial beauty, her posture perfect after years of rigorous training.
"Your Majesty," came Lady Lin's respectful voice from the doorway. The middle-aged attendant entered with practiced grace, her simple blue silk robes marking her elevated status among pace servants. She carried a porcein pot of steaming tea, its aromatic fragrance filling the chamber as she approached. "It's time for your evening refreshment."
Youzhen gnced up from her studies, dark eyes revealing momentary weariness before imperial composure reasserted itself. "Thank you, Lady Lin," she acknowledged, gesturing for the attendant to pce the tea service on the nearby table. "Has there been word from the northern garrisons?"
"Not yet, Your Majesty," Lady Lin replied, pouring tea with precise movements that revealed decades of service in imperial household. "Though merchants arriving from Shandong report increased military presence along coastal regions, exactly as you anticipated."
The Empress nodded thoughtfully, accepting the delicate porcein cup with a subtle gesture of appreciation. Before bringing it to her lips, she paused, noticing Lady Lin's uncharacteristic hesitation—a slight tension around her eyes, hands csped too formally before her.
"Something troubles you," Youzhen observed, setting down her untasted tea. "Speak freely."
Lady Lin gnced briefly at the closed door before leaning slightly closer, voice dropping despite their apparent privacy. "Your Majesty, I've noticed you've missed your monthly bleeding. It has been more than a week beyond the expected time."
The direct reference to such intimate matters—even from her most trusted attendant—would normally have drawn reprimand. Instead, Youzhen remained silent, her expression revealing nothing as she absorbed the confirmation of her own suspicions. She had noticed the absence but had dismissed it as stress or perhaps seasonal changes affecting her cycle.
"I am aware," she finally acknowledged, her voice perfectly steady despite the implications swirling beneath simple words. "Though I consider it unlikely to signify what you appear to be suggesting."
Lady Lin's expression revealed cautious concern. "Forgive my presumption, Your Majesty, but the patterns are consistent with early pregnancy. Perhaps the imperial physicians should—"
"Master Zhu himself assured me such outcome was impossible," Youzhen interrupted, her tone carrying unusual finality. "His understanding of such matters has proven consistently reliable in all other aspects."
The statement hung between them, both women understanding the peculiar implications without requiring explicit eboration. Sam's inhuman nature—whatever it might actually be—had revealed itself through countless impossibilities during his residence at court. His casual dismissal of reproductive compatibility had seemed merely one more inexplicable certainty from a being who apparently transcended normal human limitations.
"As Your Majesty wishes," Lady Lin conceded with a formal bow, though her expression suggested lingering concern beneath perfect servant's neutrality. "I've brought the updated list of potential consorts as requested."
Youzhen accepted the carefully prepared scroll, grateful for the subject change despite its reted implications. The list contained names gathered according to her unusual specifications—men from respectable but not highest-ranking families, individuals with demonstrated intelligence and practical skills rather than merely impressive pedigrees.
"You've eliminated those with excessive family connections," she observed, scanning the carefully prepared document. "Good."
"As Your Majesty instructed," Lady Lin confirmed. "I also removed any with known associations to your brother's household or your uncle Liu's political faction."
The Empress nodded approval, continuing her review of remaining candidates. After Sam's departure nearly four weeks earlier, she had begun implementing his suggestion regarding "fresh blood" for the imperial line—a concept heretical to traditional court genealogists yet consistent with his peculiar insights regarding human bloodlines. The conventional approach would have involved selecting consorts from highest-ranking noble families with centuries-long connections to imperial governance. Instead, she sought men whose family trees included practical achievements rather than merely aristocratic titles.
"This one," she decided after thorough consideration, indicating a name approximately midway through the document. "Zhang Wen. Grandson of Zhang Juzheng, though from a secondary branch with less political entanglement. His schorship record suggests considerable intelligence without accompanying arrogance."
Lady Lin studied the selection with careful neutrality. "A respectable choice, Your Majesty. His family maintains suitable dignity without excessive political ambitions. His appearance is reported as pleasant though not exceptional."
This bnd description—focusing on practical considerations rather than romantic potential—perfectly suited imperial requirements. Youzhen needed a consort to provide legitimate appearance for a child potentially already growing within her womb, not a love match or political alliance that might threaten her authority.
"Arrange preliminary meetings according to proper protocols," she instructed, setting aside the scroll with decisive finality. "The wedding should proceed before spring festival if his character proves acceptable upon personal assessment."
"It shall be done exactly as Your Majesty commands," Lady Lin acknowledged, bowing deeply before raising a hesitant question. "If I may inquire... should preparations include consultation with Master Zhu upon his return?"
The question revealed remarkable courage from the typically cautious attendant—directly addressing the silver-eyed demon's potential reaction to imperial marriage arrangements represented dangerous territory few courtiers would willingly approach.
Youzhen's expression revealed nothing despite inner uncertainty about exactly this question. "Master Zhu's advice regarding fresh bloodlines prompted this selection," she replied with diplomatic precision. "His return date remains unspecified, and imperial business cannot pause indefinitely awaiting his convenience."
The careful phrasing—implying Sam's blessing while asserting imperial autonomy—represented the delicate bance Youzhen had cultivated since formal ascension to the Dragon Throne. Maintaining appearance of independent authority while acknowledging the reality of Sam's overwhelming power required constant vigince in both word and deed.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Lady Lin agreed, accepting this expnation without further question despite clear understanding of complex power dynamics underlying simple statement. "Shall I bring the evening reports regarding Portuguese trade representatives?"
"Not tonight," Youzhen decided, one hand rising unconsciously to massage her temple where pain had begun forming with increasing frequency in recent weeks. "I require rest before tomorrow's military council."
Lady Lin's observation missed nothing, her concern visible despite servantry restraint. "Your Majesty has experienced these pains more frequently of te. Perhaps the imperial physicians—"
"Basic fatigue, nothing more," Youzhen dismissed with imperial finality. "Court matters have required additional attention during Master Zhu's absence."
The half-truth—acknowledging increased workload while concealing worsening symptoms—served immediate purposes of dismissing concern while maintaining imperial appearance of perfect control. In truth, the headaches had intensified steadily since Sam's departure, sometimes accompanied by unusual nausea and occasional dizziness that made maintaining court composure increasingly challenging.
Lady Lin bowed in acceptance, recognizing dismissal despite obvious concern. "As Your Majesty wishes. I'll prepare your evening chambers and notify the appropriate officials regarding tomorrow's schedule changes."
With practiced efficiency, the senior attendant departed, leaving Youzhen alone with thoughts she dared not fully examine even in private. Her hand dropped to her ft abdomen, fingers spreading across silk robes covering the area where impossible life might be forming despite Sam's absolute certainty regarding reproductive incompatibility.
"It cannot be," she whispered to empty chamber, yet found herself wondering about the peculiar symptoms that increasingly resembled cssical descriptions of imperial pregnancy. "He has never been wrong about such matters."
Dismissing these disturbing specutions, she returned attention to practical governance matters requiring immediate decision regardless of personal circumstances. Court politics continued unabated despite Sam's absence, with several factions growing increasingly bold without his terrifying presence to enforce compliance.
Her brother particurly had begun testing boundaries despite reduced stipends and restricted movement permissions, his communications with northern commanders representing dangerous overreach. Likewise, her uncle Liu had established new connections with maritime merchants, potentially positioning himself to control valuable trade retionships with European representatives.
"I should have let Sam kill them," she murmured with uncharacteristic fatalism, the momentary ruthlessness revealing stress beneath imperial composure. "His methods are brutal but undeniably effective."
Shaking off this dark thought, she gathered scrolls containing military reports that would require thorough review before tomorrow's council meeting. The headache intensified as she worked through complex logistics issues, pain forming a tight band around her temples that made concentrating increasingly difficult.
By the time midnight approached, Youzhen found herself unusually exhausted despite having accomplished less than typical evening work sessions. As attendants helped prepare her for sleep—removing eborate court attire and repcing it with simple sleeping robes of finest white silk—she dismissed growing concerns about physical symptoms with practiced imperial denial.
"Merely court stress," she assured herself, settling onto the massive imperial bed with uncharacteristic relief at horizontal position. "Nothing Sam's return cannot remedy."
As sleep cimed her consciousness, one hand curled protectively over her abdomen where impossible life might be forming despite every logical certainty to the contrary.
---
Four weeks stretched into six, then eight, with no sign of Sam's return despite his estimated absence of "about six weeks, maybe longer." Winter tightened its grip on Beijing, snow falling with unusual persistence that pace geomancers interpreted as heavenly endorsement of imperial governance despite whispered concerns about prolonged absence of the silver-eyed demon who had become inextricably associated with dynastic stability.
Empress Zhu Youzhen sat perfectly composed upon the Dragon Throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, imperial yellow robes gleaming with golden thread in morning light filtered through paper windows. Her eborate headdress—featuring golden phoenixes with pearl strands swaying gently with her slightest movement—crowned the intricate arrangement of her ebony hair, creating the perfect image of imperial dignity despite increasing difficulty maintaining composure during lengthy morning audiences.
"The imperial physicians await Your Majesty's convenience," announced the senior court eunuch, his wrinkled face revealing nothing as he reyed this information with practiced neutrality. "They have prepared the traditional examinations in the Hall of Celestial Purity as requested."
Youzhen inclined her head with measured acknowledgment, neither revealing anticipation nor concern regarding the upcoming consultation. After weeks of increasingly obvious symptoms, she had finally conceded to necessary medical confirmation of what her body had been telling her with increasing crity. The morning nausea, persistent headaches, subtle changes in breast sensitivity—all pointed toward conclusion she had initially dismissed as impossible given Sam's absolute certainty regarding reproductive incompatibility.
"Court is dismissed until afternoon audiences," she announced, rising from the Dragon Throne with practiced grace that revealed nothing of inner turmoil or physical discomfort. "Minister Chen will continue reviewing agricultural petitions in the Eastern Hall."
As she departed the throne room, imperial guards and attendants formed precise formation around her, maintaining careful distance that emphasized sovereign authority while providing necessary protection. The ceremonial procession moved through grand corridors with measured pace, every participant performing their role with precision born from centuries of imperial tradition.
The Hall of Celestial Purity—traditionally used for important imperial medical examinations—had been prepared with appropriate elegance and privacy. Screens carved from precious woods and inid with mother-of-pearl created secluded examination area, while braziers burned special herbs said to purify air and promote accurate diagnosis. Three imperial physicians awaited her arrival, their formal dark blue robes marking them as among the highest-ranked medical practitioners in the empire.
"Your Imperial Majesty honors us with your presence," intoned the eldest physician, his white beard and stooped posture suggesting decades of service to the imperial household. "We have prepared thorough examination according to cssical methods."
Youzhen gestured for attendants to withdraw beyond hearing range before addressing the physicians directly. "Complete honesty is required," she instructed, imperial authority hardening her tone. "Your observations must remain between us until formal announcement is deemed appropriate."
"Of course, Your Majesty," the elderly physician assured her, bowing deeply to demonstrate absolute understanding regarding required discretion. "Imperial medical matters remain sacrosanct under heavenly mandate."
The examination proceeded with dignified efficiency, physicians asking appropriately indirect questions regarding symptoms while performing traditional diagnostic methods including pulse assessment, tongue examination, and careful observation of complexion and eyes. Though their expressions revealed nothing, Youzhen noticed significant gnces exchanged between them as examination progressed.
"Your Imperial Majesty exhibits all cssical signs described in ancient texts," the elderly physician finally confirmed after thorough assessment. "The imperial pulse demonstrates the distinctive pattern associated with pregnancy, approximately two months advanced."
Despite having anticipated this conclusion, hearing it stated with medical certainty sent momentary shock through Youzhen's carefully maintained composure. Sam's absolute confidence regarding reproductive incompatibility had seemed unquestionable given his demonstrated omniscience regarding countless other matters beyond human understanding. That he could be wrong about something so fundamental challenged countless assumptions she had built regarding his nature and limitations.
"You are certain?" she inquired, maintaining imperial dignity despite momentary disorientation.
"Completely certain, Your Imperial Majesty," the physician confirmed without hesitation. "All signs align with cssical descriptions of imperial pregnancy at early stage. The headaches you've experienced are common during this period, though perhaps more severe than typically expected."
Youzhen absorbed this confirmation with outward serenity that concealed tumultuous thoughts beneath imperial mask. A child growing within her womb—a child conceived despite Sam's absolute certainty regarding reproductive impossibility—represented both political opportunity and potential danger when considering his likely reaction upon eventual return.
"Prepare appropriate tonics according to imperial tradition," she instructed after momentary contemption. "Though public announcement will be deyed until appropriate ceremonies can be arranged."
"As Your Imperial Majesty commands," the physicians acknowledged with synchronized bows, understanding perfectly the political complexities surrounding imperial reproduction that required careful management beyond mere medical considerations.
As Youzhen departed the examination chamber, her mind calcuted rapidly through implications of this confirmation. The marriage arrangements with Zhang Wen—already proceeding through preliminary stages following successful initial meetings—would need acceleration to provide appropriate appearance of legitimate conception. Though court mathematics regarding conception dates would remain questionable even with expedited wedding, maintaining minimal pusibility outweighed perfect chronological alignment when bancing imperial requirements against practical reality.
"Lady Lin," she summoned quietly when reaching her private chambers, imperial attendants withdrawing to appropriate distance while remaining within call. "Arrange private audience with Zhang Wen tomorrow morning. Inform him certain imperial matters require accelerated timeline regarding proposed union."
The senior attendant's expression revealed nothing despite clearly understanding significant implications of this instruction. "It shall be done exactly as Your Majesty commands," she confirmed with perfect servant's neutrality. "Shall I also notify the Ritual Bureau regarding necessary wedding preparations?"
"Yes," Youzhen confirmed after brief consideration. "Though emphasize discretion regarding timeline adjustments. Traditional ceremonies must be observed, merely condensed for imperial convenience."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Lady Lin acknowledged, adding after slight hesitation, "Has Your Majesty considered when Master Zhu should be informed regarding these developments?"
The directness of this question—addressing precisely the concern weighing most heavily on imperial calcutions—revealed remarkable courage from the typically cautious attendant. Few courtiers would dare directly reference potential complications regarding the silver-eyed demon's reaction to imperial reproduction without specific invitation.
Youzhen maintained perfect composure despite inner uncertainty regarding exactly this critical question. "Master Zhu's return timeline remains unspecified," she observed with diplomatic precision. "Imperial succession matters cannot await indefinite postponement regardless of advisor avaibility."
The careful phrasing—acknowledging Sam's position while asserting imperial autonomy regarding dynastic requirements—represented continued bance between acknowledging his overwhelming power while maintaining appearance of independent authority essential for court stability.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Lady Lin agreed, accepting this expnation despite clear understanding of potential complications left unaddressed. "Shall I prepare the special dietary regimen recommended by imperial physicians?"
"Yes," Youzhen confirmed, allowing momentary relief to show at this return to practical matters. "Though headache remedies take priority given their increasing frequency."
Lady Lin's observation missed nothing, her concern visible despite servant's restraint. "The pains have worsened despite rest periods?"
"Significantly," Youzhen admitted, one hand rising unconsciously to massage her temple where persistent throbbing had become constant companion in recent weeks. "Particurly following evening meals."
This specific detail drew subtle frown from the experienced attendant. "Perhaps separate preparation of imperial dishes might be advisable," she suggested with careful indirection that implied potential tampering without explicitly voicing such dangerous accusation.
Youzhen understood immediately the implied concern, nodding slight agreement. "A prudent precaution during Master Zhu's absence," she acknowledged, the statement containing multitudes within simple diplomatic phrasing. Without Sam's terrifying presence to enforce compliance, certain court factions might indeed have grown bold enough to consider methods beyond political maneuvering to advance their interests.
"I will personally oversee all food preparation beginning immediately," Lady Lin promised, her expression suggesting absolute determination regarding this protective measure. "Only most trustworthy kitchen staff will be permitted involvement."
"Thank you," the Empress replied with genuine appreciation beneath imperial formality. "Your service remains invaluable to the dragon throne."
As Lady Lin departed to implement these protective measures, Youzhen moved toward the window overlooking snow-covered imperial gardens. Her hand dropped unconsciously to her abdomen, still ft beneath yers of imperial silk yet containing what physicians confirmed as new life despite all logical impossibility.
"What are you?" she whispered, addressing both the child growing within her womb and its absent silver-eyed father whose nature remained fundamental mystery despite months of intimate interaction. "And what will he do when he discovers your existence?"
The questions received no answers, only winter silence broken by distant ceremonial gongs marking midday within the Forbidden City.
