Pregnant with the Empress’s Alpha Heir - Chapter 20.2

With these thoughts, Yu Zhitao turned over, her back facing Ah Jiu.

Once she sensed Ah Jiu had fallen asleep again behind her, she solemnly opened her smart wristband and began secretly searching.

After what felt like an eternity, sleepiness returned, and she finally succumbed to deep slumber.

Amid her steady breathing, Ah Jiu propped herself up slightly, leaned over her, and quietly closed the search page.

The screen flashed with keywords like “dreams” and “others’ memories” before disappearing. Ah Jiu paid it no mind, lying back down immediately.

The sleeping Yu Zhitao, now accustomed to Ah Jiu’s embrace, turned again, nestling into her partner’s arms.

Ah Jiu had no choice but to open her arms and adjust to a comfortable position for her.

In the dimly lit bedroom, the faintly musty scent of wood mingled with the sweet aroma of cherry cream.

She knew she should let go of the girl in her arms sooner.

She knew she couldn’t allow their bond to deepen any further.

But every time she meant to pull away, the girl’s warmth lingered against her like a tender kiss.

She was too addicted to this feeling. In her decades of life, only her father had ever shared such physical closeness with her. The two women who should have been most important to her had never wanted to touch her.

But her father left too soon, leaving her to endure over twenty years alone.

Now, Yu Zhitao had appeared.

The time they could spend together was visibly shorter than what she’d had with her father.

Beautiful, yet deadly.

“If only it had been earlier perhaps!” Ah Jiu’s eyes gleamed faintly in the dark before she sighed silently.

Several days later.

That night, Yu Zhihuai reappeared at the bar.

Ah Jiu brought him backstage to meet Yu Zhitao, where the three discussed matters concerning the Yu family.

Yu Zhihuai said, “I told Father everything. He was furious and immediately kicked me out of his study.”

“But the next day, after breakfast, he told me that he, ahem wouldn’t interfere with you anymore.”

Father Yu’s exact words had been: “Just pretend I never had that disgraceful child.”

Of course, Yu Zhihuai didn’t dare repeat that verbatim, so he softened the phrasing considerably.

Yu Zhitao sighed in relief. “That’s good.”

Ah Jiu also nodded in satisfaction.

“Recently, those guards from your family haven’t been showing up.”

“I just hope your father won’t go back on his word.”

Yu Zhihuai lowered his head: “Ah,  probably not.”

“But lately, father might genuinely be too busy to pay attention to eldest sister. By the way, eldest sister, I won’t be able to come watch your performances every day from now on.”

He looked at Ah Jiu: “You’d better protect my eldest sister well recently, stick to her like glue, understand?”

Ah Jiu ignored him.

Yu Zhitao tapped his head: “What are you doing? No respect at all, what kind of attitude is this?”

Yu Zhihuai rubbed his head: “But it’s true!”

After some banter, Yu Zhitao casually asked: “You said both you and father are too busy recently?”

“Um has something happened at home?”

“Nothing at home.” Yu Zhihuai stretched. “But something major did happen recently.”

Yu Zhitao’s eyes sparkled with curiosity: “What major thing?”

Yu Zhihuai glanced warily at Ah Jiu.

Telling Yu Zhitao was fine, if she were still in the Yu family, she would have known anyway. But Ah Jiu.

“Speak!” Yu Zhitao urged.

Yu Zhihuai had no choice but to cast aside his concerns and lower his voice: “Something major happened in the imperial palace.”

“Eldest sister, did you know? The current Emperor isn’t the late Emperor’s only daughter! She has an elder sister!”

“An elder sister?” Yu Zhitao’s eyes widened.

She hadn’t expected her casual inquiry to lead to royal gossip.

“And then?” Yu Zhitao pressed.

Yu Zhihuai adjusted his collar awkwardly: “Father said the Empress Dowager seems intent on holding a banquet in the second half of the year, inviting nobles and elites from all-star domains to gather on the capital planet to select a husband for the Eldest Princess.”

“All adult Alphas from noble families must attend. Ahem, I’ve come of age, so father’s been forcing me to learn some imperial etiquette in advance.”

Yu Zhitao was puzzled: “This, the Eldest Princess just appeared, and now they’re selecting a husband for her?”

She rubbed her face: “Has her identity been confirmed? Is she really the Emperor’s sister?”

Yu Zhihuai gave her an equally confused look: “The Empress Dowager personally vouched for her, how could it be fake?”

Yu Zhitao asked: “What about the Emperor? What did she say?”

The Emperor of Huaqi Star Domain was enigmatic her subjects didn’t even know what she looked like.

Yu Zhitao only knew this Emperor was extraordinary. Decades ago, when the late Emperor died on the frontlines, the young female Emperor immediately rushed to the battlefield to take up her father’s duties.

In the following years, she led the imperial forces to fiercely repel the invading enemies and the insectoids.

There was only one short video of her pre-battle speech on the star network, but during the address, the Emperor wore a high-tech visual aid that covered most of her face.

Hearing this, Yu Zhihuai shrugged: “The Emperor didn’t say anything.”

Yu Zhitao raised an eyebrow: “Nothing?”

“The Emperor never interferes in such matters.” Yu Zhihuai spread his hands. “As long as she doesn’t oppose it, it means she tacitly approves, so it must be true.”

Yu Zhitao nodded resignedly: “I suppose so.”

She patted Yu Zhihui’s shoulder: “Then you’d better work hard and strive to enter the imperial family.”

Yu Zhihui’s face turned red again.

“I’m so much younger than the Eldest Princess, I don’t stand a chance. I’m just there to make up the numbers.”

“Not necessarily.” Yu Zhitao playfully blinked. “Maybe the Grand Princess prefers them young?

“After all, you’re quite the handsome young man, the male face of the Yu family. You should have more confidence in yourself!”

Yu Zhihuai brushed her hand away. “I’m not talking to you anymore!”

With that, his face flushed red, and without even saying goodbye, he hurriedly ran off the backstage.

Yu Zhitao laughed heartily at his flustered retreat.

Once she finished laughing, she turned to look for Ah Jiu, only to find her standing rigidly to the side, her expression grave as if carved from clay.

Yu Zhitao called out, “Ah Jiu? Ah Jiu?”

Ah Jiu snapped out of her daze.

Yu Zhitao frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Ah Jiu replied flatly.

She remained rooted in place, unmoving.

Yu Zhitao picked up her coat. “Well,  shall we head home now?”

Only then did Ah Jiu remember their original plan. Mechanically, she began packing the guqin case and nodded. “Mm, let’s go.”

Having spent so much time together, Ah Jiu no longer guarded herself around Yu Zhitao and didn’t suppress her emotions completely in her presence.

Yu Zhitao took in her distracted state, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Mother, elder sister, a powerful Alpha younger sister.

Strangely enough, some of the key figures from the royal gossip Yu Zhihuai had shared tonight seemed to align eerily with the people in Yu Zhitao’s dreams.

The realization struck Yu Zhitao dumb for a moment.

But the next second, she laughed at herself.

“Ah Jiu, the Emperor? No, no, that’s way too big a stretch.” She stole a glance at Ah Jiu.

As the person she had chosen, Ah Jiu was, in Yu Zhitao’s eyes, perfect in every way exceptionally talented and admirable.

But Ah Jiu was also incredibly down-to-earth and, admittedly, quite poor in material terms. There was no way she could be connected to the imperial palace’s ruler.

Yu Zhitao shook her head, dismissing the absurd thought.

Though the idea was laughable, Ah Jiu’s emotional shift was real.

On the ride back, Yu Zhitao tried probing gently, but Ah Jiu remained unwilling to share. Respecting her privacy, Yu Zhitao didn’t press further.

When they arrived at the apartment, Ah Jiu cupped the back of her head and said, “Go in first. I need to make a call.”

This was the first time since they’d met that Ah Jiu had mentioned contacting someone else.

Yu Zhitao was surprised but nodded. “Alright.”

Noticing her subdued expression, Ah Jiu leaned down, pressing her forehead against Yu Zhitao’s. “Don’t worry. I’ll be in soon.”

Yu Zhitao nodded, opened the door, and thoughtfully closed it behind her.

Once Yu Zhitao was settled, Ah Jiu stepped into a blind spot of the surveillance cameras outside and opened her communicator.

The account was flooded with unread messages, the earliest sent four days prior.

After a brief pause, Ah Jiu initiated a video call.

Fang Qing answered immediately.

“Your Majesty!”

Ah Jiu gave a slight nod and cut straight to the point. “Has Mother pushed her into the public eye yet?”

“Not yet!” Fang Qing, assuming Ah Jiu had learned of the matter from her messages, quickly explained, “For now, the news has only been circulated among the noble circles of the capital planet.

“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager likely wants to gauge their reactions first.

“But from what I’ve gathered, the responses from the major families align with Her Majesty’s expectations. If all goes smoothly, she plans to announce it to the public next month!”

Ah Jiu rubbed her temples. “Choosing a husband for her. Hah, what are they thinking?

“Is she willing to accept another person’s protection now?”

Fang Qing lowered her head. “This matter was negotiated between the Empress Dowager and the Council of Elders.”

Taking a deep breath, she continued, “Your Majesty knows that ever since your medical report was released the Council has been obsessing over the royal lineage. They fear the empire will descend into chaos without an heir.

“They believe that since you can’t produce an heir, someone who shares your bloodline could serve the same purpose.

“That’s why the Council fully supports revealing the Grand Princess’s identity and selecting a husband for her.”

Ah Jiu gently massaged her knuckles. “How patriotic of them.”

Fang Qing’s brow relaxed slightly. “The good news is, regarding the child’s status, the Council hasn’t reached complete agreement with the Empress Dowager.

“At least seventy percent believe any child born to the Grand Princess should be registered under your name, raised by you, and legitimately inherit the throne.”

Ah Jiu curled her lips. “Seventy percent?

“Then it seems my mother and sister still have work to do.”

Fang Qing bit her lip anxiously. “Yes, the Empress Dowager has been frequently meeting with Council members to gain their support.

“With Your Majesty absent from the palace, no one can restrain her actions.

“Please conclude your journey soon and return to take charge.”

“I’ll return next month,” Ah Jiu told Fang Qing.

Next month, when Yu Zhitao would leave the capital planet for her new school.

That would be when they parted ways.

Fang Qing looked troubled. “Next month.”

Not daring to press further, she compromised, “Could Your Majesty at least return for a day? Or meet me somewhere to personally sign an executive order?

“Only then can we restrict the Empress Dowager’s movements.”

Ah Jiu shook her head. “No need. Don’t interfere with her.

“Just guard Zhen Wuyou well, don’t let her leave the forbidden palace. As for my mother,  let her do as she pleases.”

Fang Qing was stunned. “But Your Majesty!”

“No buts. Follow my orders.”

With that, she ended the communication.

Standing still for a moment, she gave a bitter smile.

“I have no attachments left in this world, Mother.

“Perhaps my final worth lies in letting you and Elder Sister achieve your desires.

“Would that settle my debt to you?”

Even months later, she could still vividly recall that scene when she closed her eyes.

Having narrowly escaped death and returned severely wounded to the palace, she was about to execute Zhen Wuyou for treason when her ever-partial mother lunged at her with a murderous glare, as if wishing to strangle her on the spot.

Zhen Wuyou stood by, smirking, confident she wouldn’t act.

These were the people her father had made her promise to protect on his deathbed telling her that as a powerful Alpha, she must tolerate her Beta sister’s shortcomings and her delicate Omega mother.

The thought brought no sadness, only a near-laughable irony.

Just then, a faint sound came from the apartment behind her.

With her sharp senses, Ah Jiu quickly noticed and turned to look.

By the apartment’s front window, Yu Zhitao was holding Xiao Jiu, waving at her from a distance.

The girl and the cat wore identical adorable expressions, jumping with joy when they saw her looking their way.

Ah Jiu paused for a moment.

Through the thin pane of glass, Yu Zhitao was waiting for her at home.

She could almost picture what would happen when she returned, how Yu Zhitao would chatter away, follow her step by step, pester her to make a late-night snack, and find excuses to sleep beside her, using her arm as a pillow.

Strangely, Ah Jiu felt a faint warmth thawing the frozen expanse of her heart.

She took a deep breath and turned to head inside.

Yu Zhitao immediately approached.

Trailing behind her, she bombarded her with questions was she hot? Thirsty? Did she want to eat something together?

Ah Jiu turned and cut her off.

“Earlier backstage, you told Yu Zhihuai to work hard and strive to become the Grand Princess’s consort.”

Meeting her gaze, Ah Jiu asked, “What about you? Do you want to enter the royal family?”

Yu Zhitao blinked in confusion. “Huh? Wasn’t that about Yu Zhihuai? What does that have to do with me?”

Ah Jiu replied, “I thought you might also desire to be connected to that world.”

“The royal family? Well, sure, it’d be nice to bask in that glory if given the chance.” Yu Zhitao pushed away Xiao Jiu’s paw, which was nudging her nose, and propped her chin on her hand. “But if I had to live there.”

She tried to imagine it, then shook her head vigorously like a rattle drum.

Back on Earth, she’d occasionally see news about foreign royalty.

That kind of life, though luxurious, was full of restrictions, Yu Zhitao couldn’t picture herself living like that.

Ah Jiu’s hand, reaching for a cup, froze midair for a split second before resuming naturally.

“Maybe one day you’ll change your mind,” she said as she poured juice.

Yu Zhitao gave her a puzzled look.

She didn’t understand why Ah Jiu was bringing this up, so she joked, “As if changing my mind would actually get me into the royal family.

“Too bad the Grand Princess wants an Alpha guess I’m out of luck for this lifetime.”

Ah Jiu handed her the filled glass.

Yu Zhitao accepted it happily, thanking her sweetly.

After taking a sip, she looked up. “Ah Jiu, this juice is so sweet! You should try some too.

Ah Jiu complied readily, pouring another cup.

“The Empress hasn’t taken a wife yet.”

Yu Zhitao had just taken a sip of juice when she heard this. Choking unexpectedly, she erupted into a fit of violent coughing.

Xiao Jiu, who had been peacefully curled at her feet, was so startled by the sudden outburst that it leaped half a meter into the air before fleeing in a panic.

Ah Jiu silently handed her a tissue, gently wiping her face and patting her back to help her catch her breath.

Once she finally calmed down, Yu Zhitao clutched her chest, panting.

She shot Ah Jiu a reproachful look. “Ah Jiu, don’t say nonsense.”

Ah Jiu tilted her head. “Do you think I’m wrong?”

Yu Zhitao leaned her head against Ah Jiu’s shoulder.

“I wouldn’t dare covet the Empress.

“Besides, isn’t it said that nobles won’t accept a woman who’s already been marked by someone else? The imperial family must be even stricter, right?”

Ah Jiu paused for a moment before softly replying, “Mm.”

Yu Zhitao then wrapped her arms around Ah Jiu’s waist, still leaning against her.

“See, you’ve delayed me for so long, you have to take responsibility for me.”

She said this in a teasing tone, half-joking, half-serious.

She knew she liked Ah Jiu. In this unfamiliar world, Ah Jiu had given her an immense sense of security and belonging.

But she didn’t know how Ah Jiu truly felt.

Even though they shared a bed every night, she still felt an immeasurable distance between them.

So, she deliberately said this, giving Ah Jiu ample room to reject her.

But the next moment, she heard Ah Jiu speak.

“Okay.”

Yu Zhitao jerked her head up, doubting her own ears. “Huh?”

Ah Jiu, for once, curved her lips into a genuine smile.

“Okay.”

“No nobles, no imperial family, I’ll take responsibility for you.”