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Even though he grew up in the palace as a prince, he was not pampered. Instead he began his military duties in his teens and as a result of hard work, determination, temperament and some natural talent, he quickly rose up the ranks and became a national war hero.

After finally washing off the dust that had collected over the past few days of travelling, Chu Beijie felt refreshed and comfortable.

Despite his physical fatigue, Chu Beijie was nonetheless quite energised. Wearing some lightweight and casual clothes, he stood on the balcony and gazed at the plum blossom courtyard. He stood against the wind, clothes billowing and hair flying, confident and bold. The younger palace maids could only sigh, hearts pounding at the sight.

The plum blossoms were currently in full bloom, just like those back at his secluded estate a faint fragrance floating in the air.

However, the courtyard was missing something or rather someone. The setting would never compare with that secluded mountain estate.

On this trip back to the Royal Residence of Dong Lin, it seemed that the most familiar sights were the most distant. In the past, all his palace guards were handpicked. After a year, not a single familiar face remained. His sister-in-law treated him coldly, unable to forget his role in the death of her two sons. In a way it was all for the best. Since his Brother was ill, Chu Beijie needed only to prepare for the war and await the command flag.

Over the next few days Chu Beijie noticed there were no young soldiers, only elderly court officials. When he mentioned this Chu Zairan, he replied, "Currently all the younger soldiers are either stationed at the border or awaiting deployment at home."

As per Dong Lin military protocol, in the event of war, all soldiers must await orders at home so that their whereabouts are always known. Chu Beijie was unable to find any faults in Chu Zairan's explanation.

The image of Pingting leaning on the couch, her black hair spreading casually over the pillow, seemed to be imprinted at the back of his mind and would surface frequently.

"Pingting passed her birthday alone, so as for Duke's birthday, could we be together?" Her face flushed and bearing a gentle and loving smile.

"I will try my hardest."

Chu Beijie did not in fact promise Pingting anything, but he recalled her eyes alight with happiness. He secretly counted the days until his return.

Unknowingly as he awaited the return of the command flag, it was already his third night in the palace.

Chu Beijie's patience was at an end when he finally received word from a court messenger. Jumping out of bed he muttered, "To think that someone would dare to delay military matter. When I meet him..."

Dressed in formal attire, Chu Beijie strode towards the King's residence. On his way, he was interrupted by a kneeling servant, "Duke, please Concubine Li begs for an audience."

Chu Beijie stopped, gripping the handle of his sword, he looked down at the palace maid. Under the moonlight, it was difficult to discern the features of the girl but she appeared to be young, only fifteen or perhaps sixteen. To think that she would dare to block his path.

"How did you know I would be here?" Chu Beijie's gaze was cold.

Hearing his deadly tone, the maid was terrified and shaking uncontrollably. Nonetheless she explained, "Ever since Duke's arrival at the palace, Concubine Li has asked me to wait here for you since you must walk along this past to get to the King's residence. Since Duke is alone, I managed to pull up my courage and approach you."

"I am currently busy and have no time for some concubine." Chu Beijie spat out before continuing towards the King's palace.

Despite her young age, the maid was extremely loyal to her mistress and grabbed Chu Beijie's legs to stop him. "Duke, this matter is extremely important, more so than the military affair you dealing with. Please grant my mistress an audience."

Chu Beijie had met countless different people in his life and was a good judge of character. Upon seeing the maid daring to meet his eyes, he sensed no deception. However, once again he felt a very strange sense of unease, looking back at the King's residence he finally agreed with a gruff. "Lead the way."

The maid was surprised and stunned for a while before saying, "Yes." After standing up, she led Chu Beijie through a maze of courtyards and corridors.

In the dark, they walked along a long and winding path and headed towards the harem. Chu Beijie could vaguely recall this area of the palace. He used to come here and play as a child. Since he knew that his brother had absolute trust in him, Beijie followed the maid confidently.

The maid stopped in front of a newly built residence, which Beijie guessed probably housed the private quarters of his brother's concubines. However he had never heard of a Concubine Li before.

The maid looked back at Chu Beijie before stepping into the residence and quietly announcing, "Madam, the Duke of Zhen-Bei has arrived."

"Please come in." The woman inside appeared to have many worries, unable to fall asleep even in the late hours of the night. She sounded very relieved about Chu Beijie's arrival as if he could solve all of her problems.

Chu Beijie marched inside and quickly scanned the room.

A small charcoal stove was lit near the centre of room, providing some comforting warmth. A beautiful young woman sat towards the back of the room. Upon seeing Chu Beijie, she smiled, "Duke of Zhen-Bei, since it would be difficult for me, I unable to offer a formal greeting. Please indulge me." The woman gently rubbed her protruding belly as she spoke.

Chu Beijie finally understood why that maid had the courage to drag him here.

He sat down without a word and assessed Concubine Li. After a moment he finally announced, "I am very busy so if Madam have anything to say to me please do so."

"The Duke of Zhen-Bei's demeanour is as they say, confident and direct." Concubine Li began, her hand sweeping her hair behind an ear and frowning as if uncertain as to how she should continue before carefully choosing her next words, "I was canonised 7 months ago, as to the reason I'm sure you already know," she said as she gazed lovingly at her bump.

"To give birth to the King's child is the greatest honour for a woman in the harem. I was blessed with this honour and my greatest desire is to safely give birth to this child. However living here in the harem, I have begun to fear for my life and the life of this child. Ever since I heard of your return I have waited to see you. Duke, you are the pillar of Dong Lin, our support and protector, please help me protect my unborn child so that I may safely give birth."

Chu Beijie was rather surprised and asked "Who on earth would dare to harm a woman pregnant with the King's child? If you say you are so terrified, why don't you just tell the King about your concerns?"

"The King is very ill, I have not seen him in many months now."

"Who would dare harm you?'

Concubine Li looked down and remained wordless.

Chu Beijie came to a realisation, "The Queen?"

"Hahaha..." Seeing Xoncubine Li nod her head in answer, Chu Beijie burst out in laughter before glaring at her and coldly responding, "What type of person do you think my sister-in-law is? If she does not like you, you would not have the luxury of speaking to me here today. I am very busy today and I can't be bothered dealing with your nonsense so I will let this one time slip. Never send people to block my path again." Following this warning, Beijie turned to leave.

As he stepped out of the room, Concubine Li quietly whispered, "It's because of Bai Pingting."

At this Chu Beijie suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned around and pierced her with a sharp gaze.

"What did you just say?"

"At first the Queen was overjoyed over my preganancy, even more so than the King since there would be an heir. The Queen would constantly visit me and care for me, almost like the older sister I've always wished for. However in the past few days, she has become very cold to me. I can see hatred in her eyes. I fear for the life of my child." She sighed, "This is all because of Pingting."

Chu Beijie walked back into the room and stared at Concubine Li trying to find any signs of deceit before finally asking, "What on earth does Pingting have to do with all of this?"

"I don't know who told the Queen about my connection to Pingting." Concubine Li said with a bitter smile, "When Pingting poisoned the two princes, the King lost his heirs. My unborn child is his last and yet the child is connected to Pingting. If you were the Queen, how would the Duke of Zhen-Bei feel in this situation?"

"You know Pingting?" Chu Beijie squinted his eyes at her, assessing.

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