CHAPTER 667: CHAPTER 667: PREGNANT? YOU MEAN I’M PREGNANT? ME?

Mu Yan turned a deaf ear to Mu Cheng’an’s words.

Mu Yan’s contemptuous gaze angered Mu Cheng’an, "You’re just an illegitimate child born to the Princess, you don’t even know who your father is!"

"Shut up!" Zhan Lan kicked Mu Cheng’an in the chest.

Mu Yan held Zhan Lan’s hand, his Lan’er cared about his feelings, warming his heart.

His eyes, carrying a smile, suddenly turned cold when he looked at Mu Cheng’an, "Mu Cheng’an, you’re just a child who was unwanted by the great-grandfather!"

"Do you want me to reveal your lineage?" Mu Yan’s gaze lowered.

Mu Cheng’an’s face changed dramatically upon hearing Mu Yan’s words.

Mu Yan’s expression was cold and filled with disgust in his eyes, "The reason you were abandoned was because you don’t carry the Mu surname, nor do you have the Imperial Family lineage!"

Mu Cheng’an was struck at his sore spot by Mu Yan, he finally didn’t remain so calm; his mother, although a palace maid, was still part of the Imperial Family—how could Mu Yan speak of her so contemptibly.

He saw the mockery in Mu Yan’s eyes; Mu Yan countered the rumors with a taste of one’s own medicine.

Mu Yan did it on purpose!

"Mu Yan, you’re speaking nonsense!"

Mu Yan ignored his roar.

"Take him away, watch over him carefully." Mu Yan’s voice was icy; Mu Cheng’an dared to target Lan’er, he wouldn’t let him die so easily.

Mu Yan wanted to execute Mu Cheng’an right away, but Lan’er felt nauseated by the smell of blood, so he wouldn’t act here.

"Yes, Master." Vermilion Bird emerged from the shadows, taking the man away; Qin Ming sighed in relief seeing that Zhan Lan was unharmed.

Ye Xiuhan witnessed Vermilion Bird and Qin Ming, internally cursing; Mu Yan truly was a cunning thief, he obviously had his own subordinates, yet let others catch them.

Mu Yan knew well he wouldn’t remain indifferent about Zhan Lan’s matters, it felt very uncomfortable being under someone’s control.

Ye Xiuhan didn’t even spare Mu Yan a glance, instead speaking to Zhan Lan, "The matter has been settled, I’m leaving."

Before Zhan Lan could respond, Mu Yan turned to Moye and asked, "Where’s the Jade Seal?"

Moye nodded, "Reporting to Master, it has been secured."

Ye Xiuhan’s eyes suddenly darkened, Mu Yan intended to take Beiyue’s Jade Seal, his voice turned cold, "Mu Yan, don’t go too far."

Mu Yan felt no embarrassment, his demeanor calm, "Thank you, General Ye, for your assistance in capturing the man; don’t worry about the Jade Seal matter, it would be useless even if given to Xiao Luobai."

Ye Xiuhan drew his sword, although Xiao Luobai couldn’t defend the realm, he couldn’t allow Beiyue’s Imperial Jade Seal to fall into Mu Yan’s hands.

Next, Zhan Lan witnessed Ye Xiuhan and Mu Yan suddenly engaging in combat.

Both were swordsmanship experts, approaching each other cautiously, neither intending to cause serious harm.

Mu Yan used his sword to block Ye Xiuhan’s strike, speaking from his side, "General Ye, how about becoming my Great General?"

"Dream on!" Ye Xiuhan’s expression remained cold, swinging his sword again.

Mu Yan smiled serenely, "Why not make a bet, you’ll change your mind!"

Ye Xiuhan, being mocked by Mu Yan, genuinely grew furious; his sword swung toward Mu Yan’s neck.

Mu Yan sidestepped the attack, restraining his sword’s hilt, "General Ye, I genuinely don’t care for Zhongzhou’s restoration; I want to unify the world so that Lan’er will never need to fight or be threatened by anyone!"

He spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear, telling Ye Xiuhan this.

Ye Xiuhan’s gaze softened somewhat, ensuring that Zhan Lan would not have to fight, not be threatened by other nations or past dynasties.

Though Mu Yan spoke of protecting Zhan Lan from warfare, the deeper meaning was peace in the realm, safety for the people; he wished to give Zhan Lan a peaceful world.

Also, a peaceful world for all the citizens.

"I may not be a good person, but because of Zhan Lan, I wish to be a good emperor." Mu Yan pressed against his sword, gradually feeling Ye Xiuhan’s grip on the sword lightening.

Mu Yan curved his lips, "Consider well, General Ye; come find me when you’re ready."

Ye Xiuhan’s mind was complex; should he trust Mu Yan? Xiao Luobai’s issues had already shown him the complexity and cruelty of human nature.

While he hesitated, Mu Yan withdrew his offensive stance, looking at Ye Xiuhan, "I have important matters to attend to; if Xiao Luobai is eager to retrieve the Jade Seal, let him come see me!"

Zhan Lan watched the two’s battle, understanding that neither truly engaged, rather using it as an opportunity to test each other’s strength.

She saw Ye Xiuhan turning to leave; it seemed she would have to repay his kindness another time.

...

The gates of Beiyue’s imperial city had been relieved of blockade, Mu Yan’s group entered the city.

Throughout the journey, Zhan Lan’s stomach felt uneasy; though wanting to vomit, she couldn’t. Mu Yan simply carried Zhan Lan on his back all the way back to their private residence.

Mu Yan walked very slowly, very steadily; Zhan Lan fell asleep on his back.

Upon reaching the private residence’s entrance, under the red lanterns, Mu Yan saw Xiao Luobai standing alone, looking at him and Zhan Lan.

Zhan Lan felt Mu Yan stop walking and woke up, seeing Xiao Luobai, she got down from Mu Yan’s back.

Mu Yan protected Zhan Lan with himself, saying, "Lan’er, go inside first."

Zhan Lan felt thoroughly disappointed with Xiao Luobai, nodding gently to Mu Yan and turned away.

Xiao Luobai saw that Zhan Lan didn’t even glance at him, he felt an emptiness within; ultimately he had lost the sibling relationship he should have had.

Mu Yan gave Moye some instructions, and Moye immediately followed Zhan Lan inside.

Upon entering the residence, Doctor Jiang came forward to examine her, knowing this was arranged by Mu Yan.

Moye sensibly guarded outside the door, aware that the master’s illness was private, and so refrained from listening.

Zhan Lan watched Doctor Jiang frown occasionally, then relax, asking, "It’s nothing serious, right? I’ve been eating a bit much lately, my stomach feels uncomfortable."

Doctor Jiang chuckled, "Madam’s increased appetite is natural, your discomfort isn’t merely stomach-related, but because you are pregnant! Congratulations, Madam!"

Zhan Lan was stunned for a moment upon hearing Doctor Jiang’s words, before reacting, "Pregnant? You mean I’m pregnant! Me?"

Doctor Jiang’s smile reached his crow’s feet, "Indeed, it’s you who’s pregnant, not this old man; you’re slightly over a month, but not yet two months pregnant. Congratulations, Madam!"

For a moment, Zhan Lan remained uncertain whether the news was real or false; she feared false joy and thus admonished, "Don’t tell your Family Head yet, I’ll tell him personally!"

"Yes, Madam! I’ll prepare some medication for a safe pregnancy." After speaking, Doctor Jiang left in good spirits.

Moye noticed Madam sitting alone inside, wisely refraining from asking questions.

Zhan Lan felt her heart race; Doctor Jiang’s words, that she was pregnant, echoed repeatedly in her mind.

She touched her abdomen, suddenly realizing the impossibility of her pregnancy, with Mu Yan supposedly infertile due to cold syndrome and her own infertility due to injury.

How then had she become pregnant with this child?

Reviewing the timeline, it happened on the day Mu Yan skipped court.

Could it be that Mu Yan wasn’t afflicted with such a condition at all?

She suddenly thought of this possibility and immediately pushed open the door, heading outside.