Bi Linglong’s concern wasn't unfounded. Any rational politician knew what the right thing to do was. Sparing such a person and having them around was a ticking time bomb.
Zu An, as a transmigrator, knew that better than anyone. There were too many examples in history. Dorgon from the Qing dynasty had accrued tremendous power, but despite his many years of dedication, he'd still failed to conquer a woman with a child. Furthermore, he was also a regent.
Sensing Zu An’s hesitation, Bi Linglong continued with a hushed voice, “Ah Zu, I know this would make it hard for you to face Concubine Bai. You can entrust it to your subordinates and blame it on the Shadow Group and Zhao Yuan. It wouldn’t be surprising if they pulled something while you were trying to rescue the imperial grandson. Concubine Bai wouldn’t be able to blame it on you.”
Zu An shook his head. “I know you’re doing this for me, and under normal circumstances, I should heed your advice. However, I don’t have to worry about such things anymore. Others don’t have the power to threaten me. You don’t have to be too worried about it.”
Bi Linglong was taken aback. She belatedly remembered the strength he had displayed—he seemed more like a god than a mortal. Unlike the other politicians in history, he didn’t have to worry about others stabbing him in the back, as no one could threaten him anymore.
Despite knowing that, Bi Linglong remained worried. “But I still think that...”
Zu An gently grabbed her hand and said, “Linglong, I don’t want to be a cold-blooded machine of politics. If that’s how I treat Concubine Bai and her child today, won’t I do the same to the rest of you if a conflict of interest occurs in the future?”
Bi Linglong was startled. A gentle smile slowly formed on her lips. “I understand. I was too narrow-minded. You’re more like a being of flesh and blood than the others.”
Being from a major clan and selected to be the crown prince consort from a young age, she often dealt with hypocritical officials who wanted to exploit her value. Over time, she'd become a political machine that acted to prioritize her interests and constantly questioned others’ motives. It was a tiring way to live, but she hadn't thought there was anything wrong with that...
...until she met Zu An.
His unusual way of handling situations and his incredible vibrance had made her realize what it meant to be human. That was the trait that had attracted her. She hadn’t expected him to remain the same despite having grown so much.
She suddenly felt fearful. Earlier, she hadn’t realized that she had tried to change the man whom she loved so much. It was a relief that he'd held onto his beliefs.
Many people had seen her entering Zu An’s room. While there were no lack of rumors speculating her relationship with Zu An, she still felt embarrassed dwelling in the same room with him for too long. Then, it just so happened that a guard reported Concubine Bai’s request for an audience, so she took this opportunity to take her leave.
While she was heading out, she passed by Concubine Bai, and directed an amicable smile at the latter. She felt apologetic to the latter for her earlier suggestion.
Concubine Bai reflexively responded with a smile of her own. Before she entered the room, she couldn’t resist the urge to look at Bi Linglong’s departing figure. Worry flickered in her eyes. Even though the two ladies were amicable on the surface, there was bad blood between them due to their rivalry in the Eastern Palace. This seemed to be the first time Bi Linglong was taking the initiative to smile at her. Why did she smile at me? And why do I sense an apology in her gaze?
Concubine Bai had dwelled in the imperial palace for many years, and her association with the Devil Sect and the Shadow Group made her extremely sensitive to her surroundings. A thought surfaced in her mind. In truth, this worry had been on her mind all this time, but she knew Zu An and didn’t think he was such a person. But a person’s conviction can be slowly eroded by pillow talk, and my son’s birthright must be extremely troublesome for them.
Her heart was gripped by nervousness. The first thing she did upon seeing Zu An was to drop to her knees.
Zu An was dumbstruck. “Concubine Bai, what are you doing?”
Tears glimmered in Concubine Bai’s eyes. “Big brother Zu, please spare the child’s life. I’m willing to devote my life to you to repay this favor.”
She didn’t address him as the regent—she was hoping to use their ties to move him.
The women of the imperial palace can’t be underestimated. Concubine Bai must have realized the danger her child is in.
“Concubine Bai, you need not do this. I won’t make things difficult for a child.” Zu An tried to pull her up to her feet.
But Concubine Bai remained on her knees. “Big brother Zu, I’ll take my child into the mountain forest and live out our lives in seclusion. We won’t become a threat to you.” She had seen far too many broken promises in the imperial palace to believe his words.
Zu An smiled. “You don’t have to do that. It wouldn’t do for a child to live in seclusion in the mountains.”
Seeing Zu An’s refusal to budge, sorrow welled up in Concubine Bai’s heart, and tears flowed from her eyes. “Big brother Zu, I know his existence itself is a threat, but he’s my flesh and blood. I don’t know what to do either. Wuuu...”
The tear stains on her cheeks when she first walked in had been a performance. As an elite assassin, she knew there was nothing more formidable than a woman’s tears. She knew how to use her frail appearance to her advantage to evoke a man’s desire to protect. But she was truly undergoing a mental breakdown now. She understood the severity of the matter, and she could find no reason for Zu An to spare her child. As she spoke, she lost her confidence and eventually succumbed to despair.
Seeing the weeping Concubine Bai, Zu An sighed. “You must be curious about what Linglong told me earlier.”
Concubine Bai cried even harder. She could fathom a guess, as she would have made the same suggestion had she been in Bi Linglong’s place.
“She advised me to spare you and your son. She said that I’m already powerful enough not to have to worry about the two of you. It would also settle the rebellion,” Zu An consoled her.
“Ah?” Concubine Bai was dumbstruck. She hadn’t expected her long-time rival to speak up for her.
Zu An pulled her to her feet and wiped off her tears. “We've known each other for many years. Do you seriously think I'm a vicious person?”
Concubine Bai finally believed his words. She hugged him in delight as she said, “Thank you, big brother Zu.”
Feeling her tears on his robes, Zu An knew she was letting her true emotions through. He didn’t push her aside, and instead patted her shoulder to console her.
Concubine Bai suddenly lifted her head and looked at Zu An with teary eyes. “Big brother Zu, I want to have your baby.”
Zu An was stunned. Hold on! I helped you out of goodwill, but you’re lusting over my body?