After carrying the little cub for so long, this was the first time Ye Shu truly felt its existence.

He placed his palm on his lower abdomen and unconsciously held his breath.

As if sensing his father's movements, the little cub in his stomach moved again.

The strength was very light, like a kitten's paw. It scratched Ye Shu's palm across his abdomen, but it didn't make him feel uncomfortable. In fact, it was very novel.

Ye Shu was so shocked that his voice trembled. "He, he, he — he really moved!"

Jin Wang was also very surprised.

Ye Shu had been pregnant with this cub for almost four months, and his belly was already showing a little.

It was just that his winter clothes were thicker, so it couldn't be seen. But if he changed into lighter summer clothes, it could be clearly seen that his originally flat belly was bulging a little.

Jin Wang reached out and placed his hand on it. As if he was afraid of disturbing something, he used very little strength.

However, there was no movement in his stomach at all.

Ye Shu frowned and said, "Move a little. Didn't you move just now?"

There was still no movement.

The two of them were in a deadlock for a moment. Ye Shu looked up at Jin Wang and said seriously, "He's afraid of you."

"…" Jin Wang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Am I that scary?"

Ye Shu nodded. "Yes."

Jin Wang: "…"

"Forget it." Jin Wang said, "Go to sleep. It's too late."

Ye Shu was still a little unsatisfied.

However, no matter how he coaxed or scared, or even wanted to get out of bed and walk around, the little cub in his stomach didn't move.

Ye Shu was tired and sleepy from playing, so he could only give up for now.

Jin Wang hugged Ye Shu and lay down. The latter quickly fell silent.

Perhaps because he had something on his mind, Ye Shu didn't sleep well that night. His brows were tightly knitted, and from time to time, he would turn over in Jin Wang's arms.

Jin Wang was worried that he would press down on his stomach, so he tightened his grip on Ye Shu's waist and pulled him into his arms.

Ye Shu leaned against Jin Wang's chest. Under Jin Wang's comfort, he gradually stopped moving.

Jin Wang's hand naturally landed on Ye Shu's abdomen.

Ye Shu's waist was slender. Even though her pregnancy was starting to show, it wasn't too obvious.

Jin Wang placed his palm on Ye Shu's lower abdomen and gently stroked it.

Suddenly, a slight fluctuation came from the skin under his palm.

Jin Wang opened his eyes in shock.

It was an indescribably wonderful feeling.

He could clearly feel that there was a small, lively life under his palm that was slowly growing.

And this little life was his and Ye Shu's flesh and blood.

Jin Wang couldn't help but rub her bulging stomach again. The little cub in her stomach seemed to have woken up completely and was moving about restlessly in her Ye Shu's stomach.

"Ugh …" Ye Shu seemed to be a little uncomfortable from the disturbance and frowned as he let out a low moan.

Jin Wang reprimanded him in a low voice, "Don't move around. Go to sleep."

As if Jin Wang's deterrence had taken effect, the fluctuation under his palm quickly stopped.

… Am I really that scary?

Jin Wang reflected on this in his heart.

At this moment, Ye Shu turned over and snuggled into Jin Wang's arms. He rubbed his head against the crook of Jin Wang's arm, "Don't disturb me …"

"En, I won't disturb you." Jin Wang stroked his hair and said gently, "Go to sleep."

It was a dreamless night.

When Ye Shu woke up the next morning, Jin Wang was indeed no longer in the hall.

A palace maid came in with some toiletries. Ye Shu couldn't help but ask, "Last night … did you notice anything strange?"

A young girl dressed in palace attire was rolling up the bed curtains. She was stunned for a moment, "This servant kept watch outside the hall last night and didn't notice anything strange.

What is young master referring to? "

"… It's nothing."

It seemed that Jin Wang had indeed left before dawn, just as he had said.

Ye Shu sighed. He felt an indescribable sense of discomfort in his heart.

The palace maid pushed open the window that Jin Wang had opened and closed last night. Outside the courtyard, several eunuchs were holding red silk lanterns and busying themselves.

The end of the year was approaching. The palace eunuchs had to start decorating the palace from now on.

Everyone became busy that night, and the cold and cheerless palace had a new year's atmosphere as a result.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. On New Year's Eve, His Majesty held a banquet at Fragrant Fragrance Pavilion and invited all of the officials.

When Ye Shu arrived at Fragrant Fragrance Pavilion, not all of the officials had yet arrived.

There were people coming and going outside Fragrant Fragrance Pavilion. Ye Shu was helped out of the imperial carriage by an eunuch. He looked up and saw a figure standing outside the hall.

It was Xiao Huan.

Xiao Huan walked over with a smile and bowed to him, "Greetings, Imperial Concubine."

Ye Shu returned the greeting.

After not seeing him for a few days, the youth's complexion looked worse than before. It could be seen that the dog emperor had not let him off just because the end of the year was approaching.

Xiao Huan sighed in her heart. She looked at the youth with a trace of sympathy in her eyes.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, Xiao Huan took a step forward and asked in a low voice, "Imperial Concubine, have you thought about it? Don't forget our agreement."

Ye Shu naturally didn't forget.

Not only did he not forget, but because of this matter, he had been thinking about it day and night. He hadn't been able to sleep well for a single night.

Before Ye Shu could answer, Jin Wang's voice came from behind him, "What are you talking about?"

Ye Shu was so frightened that he trembled. He quickly turned around, "Your, Your Majesty …"

Jin Wang naturally pulled the youth into his arms, "The banquet is about to start. Come upstairs with me."

"Yes …"

Jin Wang ignored Xiao Huan, who was still standing to the side. He hugged Ye Shu and walked straight towards Fragrant Fragrance Pavilion.

Xiao Huan's face revealed her displeasure, but she didn't dare to say anything. She coldly snorted, then turned around and walked towards the side door through which the officials entered the hall.

Fragrant Fragrance Pavilion was the tallest building in the Imperial City. Jin Wang pulled Ye Shu up to the top of the building. He leaned against the railing and looked out over the entire Imperial City covered in snow.

It was currently dusk and the sky was about to turn dark. The red lanterns hanging all over the Imperial Palace were already lit, and decorations could be seen everywhere.

However, Ye Shu wasn't in the mood to enjoy the scenery.

He carefully looked at the person beside him and felt an inexplicable sense of guilt.

He didn't know if this person had heard Xiao Huan's words just now.

Jin Wang's expression didn't seem out of place. However, this person had never shown his emotions on his face, so this didn't mean anything.

As expected, he heard Jin Wang leisurely ask, "What did Xiao Huan say to you just now?"

Ye Shu suddenly looked away and said in a small voice, "No … nothing."

Jin Wang didn't say anything and quietly looked at him.

His expression was calm, but there seemed to be something extremely deep hidden in his eyes. When Ye Shu looked at him, he felt a chill run down his spine.

After a while, Jin Wang calmly withdrew his gaze and said, "Let's take our seats."

The curtain of night fell, and singing and dancing filled the air.

The officials toasted each other, and the atmosphere was joyous and harmonious.

Jin Wang didn't seem out of place tonight. As usual, he was considerate to Ye Shu, but it was obvious that he drank more wine than usual.

Not long after, there was a pile of wine jars by his feet.

After hearing Jin Wang ask the eunuch to bring more wine, Ye Shu finally couldn't help but say, "You shouldn't drink anymore."

Jin Wang paused, and the eunuch next to him was also stunned.

No one had ever dared to say the word "no" to the Emperor.

Ye Shu lowered his eyes and reminded in a low voice, "It's almost nine o 'clock. The banquet should end."

After New Year's Eve, it would be the New Year. The banquet would usually end early to allow the officials to go home and reunite with their families.

Jin Wang's eyes were no longer as clear as before. He paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's fine."

Everyone left, and the officials left one after another. Only Jin Wang and Ye Shu were left on the tall building.

Jin Wang supported himself on the table and stood up. His body swayed, and he fell back down.

Ye Shu hurriedly supported him.

"I told you you drank too much …" Ye Shu complained in a low voice.

Jin Wang was much taller than him, so it was difficult for him to support him. Ye Shu had no way of pulling him up.

Without waiting for Ye Shu to decide whether to do it himself or have the eunuch carry him away, Jin Wang suddenly pointed to the sky and said, "Look over there."

There was an explosion of fireworks in the distant sky.

Fang Xuan Restaurant had a wide view. Ye Shu looked up and saw a dazzling display of fireworks in the sky. It was so close that it seemed like he could touch it if he raised his hand.

The night sky was lit up as if it was daytime. Amidst the noise, Jin Wang turned around and gently stroked Ye Shu's cheek with his finger.

The touch was very light, so Ye Shu didn't notice.

At the same time, he did not notice the gloom that flashed across Jin Wang's eyes.

After a short while, the fireworks stopped.

Ye Shu was about to speak when he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder.

Jin Wang was leaning on his shoulder.

Ye Shu turned his head to look. Jin Wang's eyes were slightly closed, as if he had already fallen asleep.

… He fell asleep?

"Your Majesty?" Ye Shu called out softly, "… Jin Wang?"

There was no response.

He really did drink too much.

Ye Shu felt a little helpless. He pressed the space between his eyebrows and called for the eunuchs to help him up.

Several eunuchs hurriedly helped Jin Wang down the stairs. The imperial carriage was already waiting outside the hall.

Jin Wang really did seem to be very drunk. He didn't even open his eyes after being helped into the imperial carriage. His expression looked a little uncomfortable.

The eunuchs helped Jin Wang settle down, then turned around to help Ye Shu into the carriage. Ye Shu shook his head.

"I don't need it. Send His Majesty back to the palace first," Ye Shu said.

The eunuchs looked a little hesitant, "But Young Master …"

Ye Shu interrupted, "This place isn't far from the Everlasting Palace. I'll just walk around for a bit and will be back soon."

The eunuchs still wanted to say something, but Ye Shu coldly snorted, "What, are you going to ignore my orders?"

"… I wouldn't dare."

Ye Shu turned around to leave, but then he thought of something and turned around, "Remember to boil a bowl of hangover soup for His Majesty to drink before he sleeps."

The eunuchs replied, "Yes."

He took one last look in the direction of the imperial carriage.

The curtains outside the imperial carriage had already been lowered by the eunuchs. Under the illumination of the palace lanterns on both sides of the road, one could vaguely make out a blurry figure inside.

Ye Shu silently let out a sigh of relief, then turned around and walked into the night.

Jin Wang's drunkenness tonight made it easier for Ye Shu to take action.

On New Year's Eve, the palace was livelier than usual. The eunuchs were in groups of twos and threes, admiring the lanterns and lighting up the fireworks. The quiet and desolate Imperial City was also filled with a bit of smoke and fire.

Because of Jin Wang's tolerance and love for him recently, Ye Shu's journey was unimpeded. When he arrived at Chongde Gate, there was still quite a bit of time before the appointed time with Xiao Huan.

However, the person was already waiting there.

Xiao Huan was dressed in black and walked out from behind a tree. The moment she saw Ye Shu, her eyes lit up.

Xiao Huan said, "I knew you would come. I've already prepared everything. In a bit, we'll —"

"Young Master Xiao," Ye Shu said softly, "I came to tell you that I don't plan on leaving with you."

Xiao Huan was startled.

Ye Shu said seriously, "I appreciate Young Master Xiao's good intentions, but I can't implicate you."

"You don't need to worry about this," Xiao Huan said, "Didn't I tell you before? Even if we were discovered, that dog of an Emperor wouldn't —"

"That's only the first reason."

Ye Shu interrupted him, "The second reason is that His Majesty and I … still have some unfinished business. I can't leave him right now."

"What do you mean by unfinished business?"

Xiao Huan's brows furrowed slightly as she suddenly understood. "You can't … you can't really be interested in Jin Wang, right?

Don't you know very well that his treatment of you isn't sincere at all? He's only … "

In the end, he didn't say those words out loud.

On the horizon, fireworks turned into scattered specks of light that fell down. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

The two of them stood under the fireworks. After a moment, Xiao Huan said softly, "Sometimes when I talk to you, I really think that Older Brother Ye Shu has returned."

"I met Older Brother Ye Shu five years ago. At that time, I told him that Jingdou was full of danger and that he should leave with me.

But he refused. "

"He said that he still had things he had to do here, that there were people he couldn't let go of.

His expression and tone when he spoke were exactly the same as you are now. "

"… Perhaps it's because you're so similar to him that I want to take you with me."

Xiao Huan laughed mockingly. "These past few days, I've even suspected that you really aren't Older Brother Ye Shu, right?"

Ye Shu fell into a strange silence.

The smile on Xiao Huan's face gradually faded.

But Ye Shu quickly shook his head. "I'm not him."

"Sometimes, if you pretend to be someone for too long, even I will suspect you."

Ye Shu lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "But a fake is a fake. I'm not him. I know this very well."

Hearing this, Xiao Huan's expression relaxed.

"It's good that you're not him."

Xiao Huan turned her head. Most of her face was hidden in the darkness, so her face couldn't be seen clearly, but her voice was a bit hoarse. "I don't want to see Older Brother Ye Shu with that dog emperor at all. He's not worthy."

Ye Shu opened his mouth, not knowing how to explain.

"Forget it," Xiao Huan said. "Since you don't want to go, I won't force you."

He paused for a moment, then said in a serious tone, "But you have to think carefully. After today, you won't have such a good opportunity.

That dog emperor is so abnormal. He won't let you go. Don't let your feelings get to your head. "

"… …" Ye Shu smiled helplessly, then said seriously, "I won't go. I won't regret it."

"Alright … …" Xiao Huan's expression looked a bit unwilling, but she didn't say anything else. "Then I'll go back first. I'll sneak out when my father isn't paying attention. If I don't go back now, he'll find out."

He cupped his hands in greeting to Ye Shu. "Take care."

Ye Shu: "Take care."

Xiao Huan's figure quickly disappeared into the night. Ye Shu turned around and was about to go back the way he came, when he saw a figure turn the corner of the palace wall not far away.

It was Jin Wang.

The person was still dressed the same as before, but his eyes were clear and he didn't look drunk at all.

He looked at Ye Shu from afar, and the corners of his mouth rose in a smile that Ye Shu was very familiar with.

Ye Shu: "… …"

Was it too late for him to regret it now?