Chapter 2: Check-in Rewards Explode! Power Surge!
Li Yunrui’s voice sounded from outside the courtyard, carrying a deliberately measured gentleness that failed to mask the detachment and scrutiny beneath.
Inside the warmth of the amniotic fluid, Li Changsheng’s heart tightened. Princess Li Yunrui—the infamous “mad beauty” from the original story—was not here with good intentions.
He could “hear” the movements outside. Light footsteps paused just beyond the door.
“Qingmei-jie, it’s me, Yunrui,” the voice came again, much closer this time.
Then came Ye Qingmei’s voice, slightly languid yet still clear: “Come in, the door isn’t locked.”
Li Changsheng could feel an invisible pressure enveloping the Peaceful Villa as Li Yunrui entered. Through his innate talent, Heart of Flora, he even vaguely sensed the plants in the courtyard momentarily shrinking back.
“Sister, carrying twins must be exhausting. What a tremendous blessing,” Li Yunrui said with a smile, as if genuinely happy for Ye Qingmei. “His Majesty will surely be overjoyed when he finds out.”
Overjoyed? More like wary, Li Changsheng thought sarcastically.
Ye Qingmei chuckled softly, her tone revealing little emotion. “As long as the children are healthy, it doesn’t matter if they’re boys or girls, twins or not.”
“Sister has always been so indifferent to worldly matters,” Li Yunrui replied, a trace of something unreadable in her voice. “Unlike me—I’ve always envied your freedom and ease. By the way, your belly looks so big. The little ones must be thriving. I can’t wait to see them after they’re born. They’ll surely be as brilliant as you.”
Her gaze seemed to pierce through the walls, settling on Ye Qingmei’s swollen abdomen.
Li Changsheng sensed a probing intent. This woman wasn’t just jealous of his mother—she was scheming something. Her obsession with the Emperor, combined with her resentment toward Ye Qingmei’s talents, made her an enemy. If the Emperor planned to strike, she would not only welcome it but likely fan the flames.
“Thank you for your kind words,” Ye Qingmei replied, still calm.
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries—typical pregnancy advice, diet, daily routines. Li Yunrui played the role of the caring sister perfectly, fussing over details as if she truly cared.
But Li Changsheng heard the hidden calculations beneath her words. This woman has too much internal drama. What a waste she didn’t become an actress.
Finally, Li Yunrui took her leave.
Peace returned to the villa—for now.
But Li Changsheng didn’t relax. Li Yunrui’s visit was a warning—the storm could break at any moment.
I must grow stronger, fast!
He focused his mind and connected with the system.
An excellent reward! Without hesitation, Li Changsheng “swallowed” the pill with his mind. A warm, immense energy instantly suffused his tiny body, filling every limb and vessel. His already-enhanced physique (thanks to transmigration and the system) grew even stronger.
Hiss—the Netherworld Lotus Flame! Even in seed form, its potential was terrifying. Li Changsheng felt a scorching presence settle deep within his consciousness, bound to his soul.
A life-saving trump card! Though one-time use, it could turn the tide at a critical moment.
The consecutive rewards bolstered Li Changsheng’s confidence. He could clearly feel his vitality surging, and even his innate talents—Heart of Flora and Peerless Comprehension—seemed invigorated, growing more active.
He wiggled his tiny arms and legs. The space around him felt a bit more spacious.
Huh? Did I just bump into the guy next to me?
Fan Xian—his nominal older brother—seemed… smaller in comparison.
Li Changsheng could sense his own life force far outmatched the other’s, likely due to the Yin-Yang Longevity Pill and his enhanced constitution.
The other fetus shrank back slightly, shifting away.
Li Changsheng almost laughed. Well, looks like we’re redefining the pecking order right here in the womb. From now on, I’m the big brother!
Fan Xian, just relax and be the little brother. I’ve got your back.
Meanwhile, at the distant northern border.
A bitter wind howled, whipping up sand and dust.
The Emperor stood atop a high slope, cloaked in black, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His posture was straight, his expression cold, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
Hong Sixiang stood behind him like a shadow, head bowed, aura restrained.
“Are the arrangements in the capital complete?” The Emperor’s voice was quiet but carried undeniable authority, dispersing in the wind yet lingering in the air.
“Your Majesty, Fan Jian has been transferred to the Ministry of Revenue to oversee grain logistics. Chen Pingping… under the pretext of unrest in the south, has gone to Jiangnan,” Hong Sixiang reported dutifully. “The capital’s defenses have also been replaced with our men.”
The Emperor gave a slight nod, his eyes still on the distant land—his domain, the symbol of his power.
“Ye Qingmei… her ideas are too dangerous,” the Emperor said slowly, his tone unreadable. “Equality for all? Women in court? Factories and merchant guilds? Hmph. She’s undermining the foundations of the state.”
Hong Sixiang remained silent. He knew what truly unsettled the Emperor wasn’t just these “heretical” ideas, but Ye Qingmei’s own unfathomable power—and the mysterious forces she commanded, forces that could threaten imperial authority.
And… the child in her womb.
“She shines too brightly—so bright it blinds me,” the Emperor said, turning to Hong Sixiang. “I gave her chances. Pity she never learned restraint.”
Hong Sixiang kept his head lowered. “Your Majesty is wise.”
“Let the Empress and her faction ‘act’ this time,” the Emperor said, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “They’ve always despised Ye Qingmei, seen her as a thorn in their side. Fine. Let them have their chance. Once it’s done, I’ll have justification to purge the restless nobles and relatives.”
A single move to kill multiple birds. Eliminate a threat, cleanse the court, and consolidate power—all in one stroke.
Hong Sixiang suppressed a shiver. This ruler’s mind was as deep as the ocean, his methods ruthless.
“What about Wu Zhu?” Hong Sixiang reminded.
“A blind man, no matter how strong, has limits,” the Emperor said, disdain flashing in his eyes before turning solemn. “But we must prepare for all possibilities. Go yourself. Ensure… nothing goes wrong.”
“Your servant obeys.” Like a shadow, Hong Sixiang melted into the wind and dust, as if he had never been there.
Alone on the slope, the Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his icy gaze fixed on the direction of the capital.