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Moran arrived not long after, his clothes were neat and tidy and not a hair was out of place. He looked nothing like something who had just been roused from bed. Stepping into the room he looked toward Pingting and asked, "Is there anything I can do for you Miss Bai?"

"It's already quite late, why are you not resting?" Pingting assessed him, "Has something happened?"

Moran replied, "As the commander of the guards, I make my rounds at this hour every night. A while ago a flock of birds were shocked into flight. I ordered a few of the guards to investigate; everything should be fine but it is better to be cautious." With a sudden change in expression he asked, "Was Miss Bai awoken by the birds?"

Upon hearing that he had already sent guards to investigate, Pingting appeared noticeably calmer and nodded, "I have accompanied armies to battle before. In the dead of night, the sudden flight of birds usually indicates enclosing enemy soldiers."

Moran revealed a smile and nodded, "Indeed. After spending years in the army, hearing the sound of birds inevitably puts one on guard. Miss Bai need not worry. Myself and the guards will look after this matter. The night wind is chilly; you should rest soon."

With more tasks awaiting him, he offered a few words of comfort and departed.

Zuiju yawned and tiredly said, "You heard from Moran himself; everything is fine. He is looking after the matter. The night wind is chilly, may I close the window now?"

Pingting had always been a light sleeper, after this commotion she was unable to fall back asleep. She felt full of spirit and so was understandably unwilling to lie back down. "The winter full moon is so beautiful, shining down on the glittering snow like a quilt. It will not be cold."

Zuiju shook her head at Pingting's stubbornness. Knowing that there was no way she could possibly convince her to sleep, she sighed, "You're usually so mature. Where is this sudden burst of childishness coming from?" Crawling under the covers next to Pingting, she also looked up at the moon.

"The Duke should be back soon right?" Staring at the moon, Pingting softly asked with a tender look in her eyes.

Zuiju giggled at this and gleefully said, "I just knew you would say that. I bet you have been thinking about it constantly." Moving to hold Pingting's wrist and check her pulse she sighed, "Love is such an interesting thing. The Duke is such a feared and admired man yet you are a calm and easy going person. After encountering love, you have both become so foolish at times."

Pingting turned to look at Zuiju, "Sure, laugh at me now. Love is something you won't understand until you encounter it." Turning away to gaze into the moonlit night again, she whispered tenderly, "Such a beautiful moon. If I could sit on the snow covered ground and play the zither accompanied by its gentle rays, it would be so perfect."

Zuiju immediately stopped her train of thought, "Don't ever think about it. It's such a cold night. If you sit out in the snow playing the qin, you might get sick again. You finally got better after taking medicine for so long. Are you really going to risk it?"

Pingting understood that she was right and said nothing more.

Although it was nice to play music by moonlight, the desired listener was not present.

Silently admiring the snow covered ground, Pingting suddenly recalled that day in the Hua Residence when Chu Beijie first visited to request a song. Granted one, he then asked for another.

At the time she had no idea who Chu Beijie was but already guessed that he was using an alias . "Mister wanted a piece from me so I did you a favour. Of course you should use your real name."

"Does My Lady not want anything?" Chu Beijie asked.

"What do I want?

"What My Lady wants is naturally a music critic."

The sound of his pleasant laugh, full of confidence and ease, echoed in her mind.

So determined as if nothing in the world could bring him down.

Looking back she realised that she has not forgotten a single word or act by Chu Beijie from that day. She could recall every second together vividly.

She never would have thought that things would unfold to bring them to this day.

If this were a gift from the gods, then they would indeed generous. She had a tiny child inside of her, growing with each passing day, quietly sleeping in her womb.

The first pregnancy is always the hardest, in another two months it will become clear that another life is growing inside of her.

Pingting caressed her lower abdomen, it is still flat and the warmth spreads from her fingertips to her heart as if that tiny life inside of her was already protecting her like his father.

She turned around and whispered, "Zuiju, thank you."

"For what?"

"Thank you for allowing me to personally tell the Duke this news." Her gaze was tender and full of dreams, "It will no doubt be the happiest moment of my life."

Pingting looked out the window towards the east. It is calm. The tall trees formed a wall, blocking her sight.

That is the direction from which Chu Beijie would be returning.

The sky was slowly lightening.

A baby's cries interrupted the tension in the room, faint but creeping through the gap in the door. The sound made its mark on everyone's hearts.

The Dong Ling King jumped up from his seat.

"The child is born?"

The doctor ran out of the room, his face pale with fatigue, and immediately kowtowed to the King and Queen announcing, "Congratulations, both mother and child are well."

"Is it a boy or a girl?" The Queen interrupted.

All eyes were focussed on the imperial doctor's mouth.

"Dear Queen, it is a beautiful little princess."

The faces of nearly everyone present darkened.

Not a prince.

Dong Lin remained without a crown prince.

The doctor understood that it was not the anticipated news and so sneaking a look at the King quietly continued, "Concubine Li and the baby are well, would King like to see them?"

"Yes." The King nodded, relaxing his furrowed brow "It has been hard on Concubine Li." He then turned his gaze onto his younger brother.

"Congratulations Brother," Chu Beijie walked over and bowed before continuing, "The war is still looming. There is no time to waste; I have received the command flag and shall now head to the frontlines. Once I return victorious we can have some celebratory drinks together."

The King was noticeably startled by this but quickly collected himself, "Brother there is no need to be so hasty. For such an important battle you should at least allow me to send you off at the city entrance."

Chu Beijie gravely replied, "Military matters are of utmost importance. There is no luxury for grand motions at this moment." Although he was speaking to the King, Beijie's eyes were assessing the Queen's every expression.

The Queen felt uneasy but managed to maintain a façade of calm and addressed the King, "King, Chu Beijie's words are not without merit. Military matters are of utmost importance. He has already stayed in the palace for several days now. I'm sure the soldiers are awaiting his command."

The King exchanged a quick glance with the Queen and nodded, "Then let you be off brother. Stay safe. I will await your triumphant return so we may celebrate together."

Chu Beijie hummed in agreement. He turned and left his footsteps loud and heavy.

After his figure finally disappeared in the distance, the Queen gestured for the newly appointed captain of the guard. "Immediately block off Zhao Qing Residence. Do as I previously ordered."

"Queen, everything has been prepared as ordered. The arrows have been exchanged for practice unsharpened ones. These will only penetrate a maximum of half an inch. None of the guards on duty have been trained by the Duke before."

"Good." The Queen nodded before looking up at the King, her eyes shining with determination, "Go then."

"Yes!"

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