Pregnant with the Empress’s Alpha Heir - Chapter 23.1

One day ago.

Capital Star.

After several days of delay, Zhen Qianqiu finally went to the royal-affiliated hospital for a medical checkup, urged repeatedly, albeit tactfully by Wan Qing.

Xi Shuwen, the Emperor’s chief personal physician, escorted her into the examination room and inquired about her condition over the past three months.

Holding the medical record, Xi asked numerous questions about her daily routine.

After being framed and injured by Zhen Wuyou, Zhen Qianqiu had spent a long time hospitalized for treatment.

These were questions she had answered dozens of times back then.

Xi Shuwen was also well-acquainted with her situation, so the initial questions were completed swiftly, with seamless cooperation between the two.

Until,

“Has Your Majesty engaged in sexual intercourse within the last three months?”

When she asked this, Xi Shuwen’s finger hovered directly over the [No] option.

She was fully prepared for Zhen Qianqiu to give her an answer so she could skip this line of questioning altogether.

But Zhen Qianqiu fell silent for a moment.

“Yes.”

Xi Shuwen replied, “Understood.”

Her finger had already tapped the screen.

Two seconds later, she froze.

“My apologies.” Xi Shuwen took a deep breath, clicked [Undo], and reset the answer.

Then, hesitantly, she selected [Yes].

Throughout this process, she moved slowly, repeatedly glancing at Zhen Qianqiu, waiting for her to stop her and correct the answer.

But that didn’t happen.

Xi Shuwen sucked in a sharp breath.

After selecting [Yes], the medical record refreshed with several new questions.

As a top-tier physician who had witnessed countless major situations, Xi steadied herself and continued the inquiry.

“What is the gender of the partner?”

“Female. Omega.”

“Frequency?”

“…Initially, about two to three times a week. Over the past month, it’s been more frequent more than five times a week.”

“Were marking behaviors performed each time? Has deep marking occurred?”

“Marking, yes. No deep marking yet.”

“Were contraceptive measures taken?”

“…No.”

“…”

“Very well.” Finally done, Xi Shuwen gently reminded her, “The data has been recorded, and the testing equipment is being calibrated. Please proceed to the adjacent changing room, Your Majesty. We’ll begin the full-body scan in the examination pod shortly.”

Zhen Qianqiu gave a quiet “Mm” and stood to leave.

She was familiar with this procedure and knew how to cooperate with the medical staff.

Once she was gone, Xi Shuwen finally exhaled in relief, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead.

She transmitted the data to the equipment room, then dragged her weak legs as she shuffled out.

Wan Qing, who had been waiting outside, was startled by her pale, dazed expression.

“Has Her Majesty’s condition worsened?” she pressed, stepping forward.

As the Emperor’s adjutant, Wan Qing was responsible for overseeing certain aspects of her daily life, including her health status.

Xi Shuwen shook her head.

She turned to Wan Qing and said, “Major General Wan… did you know… that Her Majesty has been… well, not been defiled, but rather, has defiled someone else’s cabbage?”

Wan Qing’s expression cracked slightly.

“…What do you mean by that?”

Xi Shuwen looked down at the printed medical record. “During the three months Her Majesty was missing… it seems she found a… sexual partner.”

Wan Qing was stunned.

“How is that possible… Back when we were fighting on the front lines, Her Majesty would rather inject suppressants than touch anyone else.”

“I know,” Xi Shuwen said as they walked. “But His Majesty just admitted to having quite an active sex life over the past three months.”

Wan Qing felt a mix of joy and concern.

“Yet His Majesty never mentioned this to me.”

“At His Majesty’s age, it’s about time to consider marriage,” Xi Shuwen mused, counting on her fingers. “I just wonder what kind of Omega could catch His Majesty’s eye.”

Wan Qing stiffened. “Doctor Xi, we shouldn’t speculate about such things.”

Setting aside her curiosity, Xi Shuwen asked instead, “Then, has His Majesty shown any unusual behavior since returning?”

Wan Qing thought for a moment. “Almost none.

“If I had to say, His Majesty adopted a cat.”

Xi Shuwen couldn’t make sense of it either.

They walked in silence for a while before Wan Qing caught up and asked the crucial question: “Doctor Xi, will this… sex life affect His Majesty’s health?”

“It’s hard to say,” Xi Shuwen shook her head. “Let’s not jump to conclusions here.

“For now, we’ll wait for the test results before making any judgments.”

Wan Qing nodded. “Understood.”

With that settled, they parted ways, returning to their duties with quiet efficiency.

Soon, Zhen Qianqiu arrived at the examination room, changed into medical attire, and was placed inside the scanning pod.

Wan Qing stood behind Xi Shuwen, watching intently.

With no medical background, she couldn’t decipher the data flashing across the screen—only Xi Shuwen’s expression.

Her heart clenched as the doctor’s frown deepened, her face growing graver by the minute.

When the readings finally stabilized, Wan Qing couldn’t hold back. “Well?”

“It’s strange. Truly strange,” Xi Shuwen murmured.

Wan Qing bit her lip in guilt. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have helped conceal this. If His Majesty had been found sooner,”

“Wait, that’s not what I meant,” Xi Shuwen cut in. “Ahem. When I say ‘strange,’ I mean unusually good.

“His Majesty’s condition has improved!”

Wan Qing froze for three full seconds before snapping back. “Really?”

“If the equipment isn’t malfunctioning,” Xi Shuwen said, typing rapidly. “But such a drastic improvement might not be entirely positive.

“I’ll need to run additional specialized tests.”

She promptly contacted her colleagues, issuing orders with practiced calm.

Not wanting to disrupt her further, Wan Qing retreated to a quiet corner.

What was supposed to be a routine two-hour checkup stretched well into the evening.

Xi Shuwen gathered specialists, reviewing results and debating diagnoses as they came in.

Yet no matter how they analyzed it, no one could explain it.

Zhen Qianqiu’s condition was well-documented among the medical staff.

Zhen Wuyou had struck to kill Zhen Qianqiu’s survival was sheer luck, and the aftermath had been devastating.

After initial treatment, the hospital had shifted to palliative care, focusing solely on preventing deterioration, with no hope of recovery.

They could only wait, hoping for a medical breakthrough to revisit treatment options.

Against all odds, Zhen Qianqiu’s three-month disappearance had somehow turned the tide.

After several hours of debate, one young expert looking at the medical report’s highlighted “sexual activity” section suddenly thought of something.

“I have a friend who’s currently preparing an academic paper,” he said.

“The topic seems to be… exploring the impact of ‘AO pheromone fusion’ on Alpha’s mental domains.”

An elderly professor asked, “Which platform published it? Let’s take a look.”

The expert blushed slightly: “It hasn’t been published yet, he’s just started writing.

“But I remember his research was based on a special patient their hospital admitted.”

After recalling for a moment, the young expert continued: “A male Alpha accidentally ingested several psychiatric medications including Suquntexi. Upon hospitalization, he was diagnosed with irreversible mental domain damage, doomed to permanent intellectual disability with no cure.

“His wife had no choice but to take him home and care for him diligently.

“Later during follow-up examinations, his condition inexplicably improved.

“The patient’s mental capacity progressed from initially resembling a three-year-old’s to that of a seven or eight-year-old, and in recent months had nearly reached normal intelligence levels.”

The elderly professor frowned: “Such a thing exists?”

The young expert said: “I’m not certain if this relates to His Majesty’s improvement, but medically speaking, these past three months, aside from poorer dietary quality, the only new factor has been sexual activity.

“It can’t possibly be the cheap nutrient solutions that helped, right?”

The conference room erupted in discussion.

Xi Shuwen massaged her temples.

“Enough debate.”

She addressed the young expert: “Contact your friend immediately. Regardless of his paper’s progress, have him bring all research materials and that couple to the palace at once. We’ll cover all incurred losses.”

The young expert stood promptly: “Understood.”

Xi Shuwen surveyed the others.

“Setting aside the cause of improvement, I believe we should seize this opportunity to facilitate His Majesty’s next recovery phase immediately.

“My proposal is to first place His Majesty in a healing pod for restorative treatment. After five days, we’ll assess results before deciding between Gu’s Mental Therapy or Lang’s Electrotherapy.

“Any objections?”

As seasoned experts, the group quickly refined the plan through lively discussion.

After some time, the finalized treatment plan received unanimous approval.

Xi Shuwen immediately brought the finalized proposal to Zhen Qianqiu, who was still waiting in the examination room.

“You’re saying… my condition might now be curable?” Even the normally composed Zhen Qianqiu momentarily blanked upon hearing this.

Xi Shuwen nodded.

“All tests are complete, Your Majesty. We’ll require five days of healing pod treatment where you’ll be unconscious.”

Zhen Qianqiu frowned: “Five days?”

“Affirmative,” Xi Shuwen confirmed.

The healing pod represented cutting-edge technology, patients regressed to a fetal-like state during treatment, allowing physical and mental wounds to mend. Previously, Zhen Qianqiu’s condition had exceeded the pod’s therapeutic limits; a prior two-week session yielded negligible results.

But now circumstances differed.

Test results confirmed Zhen Qianqiu’s improvement had reached within the healing pod’s effective treatment range.

This timing was crucial, and Xi Shuwen’s attitude had also turned firm.

After some discussion, Zhen Qianqiu conceded: “Alright, I understand.

“Go ahead and make the arrangements. I need to handle some matters before entering the healing pod tomorrow morning.”

Xi Shuwen was visibly excited.

She nodded: “Understood, Your Majesty. Please attend to your affairs first.

“I will bring the team promptly at eight tomorrow morning.”

Zhen Qianqiu gave a slight nod.

Instead of returning to her chambers, she summoned Wan Qing and began delegating tasks one by one.

“Xiao Jiu… that cat is still in my bedroom. Make sure to instruct the staff to take good care of it.

“As for my mother, let her stay in her palace these next few days without leaving. If she refuses to cooperate, have my uncle come to keep her company. No one else is permitted to visit.

“I’ve already discussed all the details with the official spokesperson. If any needs arise, just coordinate with them as necessary.

“The Third Corps previously submitted a proposal regarding…”

Their discussion lasted well into the night, and by the time they finished, it was already 2:30 a.m.

Wan Qing said with concern, “Your Majesty, I’ve noted everything down.

“You should rest now. You have the healing pod session tomorrow.”

Zhen Qianqiu nodded. “You’ve worked hard too. Go and get some rest.”

Wan Qing bowed and withdrew.

Once alone, Zhen Qianqiu activated her smart wristband.

The only person she still communicated with on this account was Yu Zhitao.

Their last exchange dated back to two nights ago, when Yu Zhitao had excitedly recounted her campus tour with her roommate and chattered about her packed schedule for the coming week.

At the time, Zhen Qianqiu had replied:

[You might be even busier than the Empress in the palace.]

She had deliberately dropped hints, hoping Yu Zhitao wouldn’t be too shocked when the truth came out.

But Yu Zhitao remained oblivious, replying cheerfully:

[Yeah, I’ve officially joined the ranks of those swamped with responsibilities~]

Their conversation had ended with Zhen Qianqiu urging her not to overwork herself and to rest, while Yu Zhitao sent a clingy goodnight.

Yesterday, while Zhen Qianqiu was undergoing medical examinations in various pods, Yu Zhitao had sent several messages, but Zhen Qianqiu hadn’t had the chance to respond.

Hesitating briefly and ignoring the possibility of disturbing her lover’s sleep, Zhen Qianqiu typed out a message:

[I’ll be extremely busy over the next few days and won’t be able to reply promptly. Once things settle, I’ll reach out to you.

[Take care of yourself. Wait for me.]

After sending it, she lingered, tracing Yu Zhitao’s profile picture on the screen before finally turning it off and forcing herself to sleep.

The next afternoon, an excited Yu Zhitao tried calling, only to be met with an automated response.

“The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”

“The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”

After two failed attempts, Yu Zhitao finally calmed down.

She opened the messaging app and saw the note her “Ah Jiu” had sent late last night.

“I was too impatient,” she sighed. “The pregnancy test hasn’t even arrived yet, and I was already rushing to share the news. It’s a good thing Ah Jiu was busy and didn’t answer otherwise, if this turns out to be a false alarm, how could I ever face her again?”

Regaining her composure, she splashed some water on her face in the bathroom.

When she stepped out, Gu Yingying returned with groceries.

She carried a pile of fresh groceries: “Peach, I bought lots of your favorite dishes. Come help me carry them~”

Yu Zhitao ran to the door, delighted: “So much! Thank you, Yingying!”

Gu Yingying smiled: “I feel like I’m hungry enough to eat a whole cow. You must be too, right?”

Yu Zhitao nodded.

Gu Yingying sighed in relief, her eyes crinkling with joy: “Your complexion looks much better, so I don’t have to worry anymore.”

She reassured: “Medical technology is extremely advanced these days. No matter what that test showed earlier, Peach, you don’t need to be afraid!”

“We’ll just follow the doctor’s orders, attend follow-ups properly, and get treated properly!”

Yu Zhitao was moved: “Wuwu, Yingying, having you as my roommate is the best!”

As they sat down at the dining table, Gu Yingying said: “I have an older brother working at the general hospital near campus. Should I go with you to see him in a couple days?”

Yu Zhitao shook her head: “It’s fine, I’m not sick.”

After saying this, she hesitated slightly: “Um… what department is your brother in?”

It suddenly occurred to her that while she wasn’t actually ill, if she really was pregnant, she’d need to arrange for all kinds of tests!

Ah Jiu had mistakenly believed herself to be infertile, and now she was actually carrying their child – she absolutely had to protect it properly!

Gu Yingying replied: “He’s in the information technology department.”

“But he’s familiar with people in all the other departments. No matter where you need to go for consultation, I can ask him to help.”

Yu Zhitao nodded: “Mmm…”

She said: “But don’t contact him just yet.”

“I’ve bought some things. After I confirm, then I’ll go.”

“Okay!” Gu Yingying nodded. “Don’t worry, the general hospital is very capable. All the doctors there are senior professors from the academic star. You’ll definitely be fine.”

Yu Zhitao held her stomach and nodded: “Yes, I hope so! Anyway, thank you!”

They shared a smile, and the dormitory atmosphere became lively again.

In this interstellar era, logistics were extremely efficient. After lunch, Yu Zhitao took a nap, and when she woke up, the pregnancy tests she’d ordered had already arrived at the dormitory door.

Under Gu Yingying’s puzzled gaze, she took three pregnancy tests and slipped into the bathroom.

Not planning to hide anything from her roommate, Yu Zhitao didn’t wait for the results in the bathroom after taking the tests, but came out holding them instead.

The three pregnancy tests worked on different principles and would take about ten minutes to show results.

Yu Zhitao placed them one by one on the bedside table, sitting on the edge of the bed with trembling hands as she waited for the results.

She was too excited.

Yu Zhitao couldn’t explain why her whole body was shaking. Logically, the school’s medical equipment was much more advanced, and if the doctor said she was pregnant, then it was absolutely certain.

But at that time, she had been too shocked, completely unprepared.

Looking back now, she even wanted to bow and apologize to the baby in her belly for her poor reaction back then.

So now, waiting for the pregnancy test results felt more like a welcoming ceremony, a ceremony she was preparing for the little life inside her.

Those ten minutes felt so long, so agonizing, yet so joyfully unbearable.

Finally, the last pregnancy test also showed the “pregnant” result.

Yu Zhitao clasped her hands together in front of her chest, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes.

“It’s true, it’s true, Ah Jiu, the baby is real.”

“Wuwu, you have a baby, I have a baby too… no, we have our own baby now!”

Gu Yingying came out of the kitchen with a glass of water and, seeing Yu Zhitao’s emotional state, hurried over. “Zhitao?”

Yu Zhitao finally found someone to confide in. She stepped forward and pulled the petite Gu Yingying into a tight embrace. “Yingying, I’m pregnant! Oh my god, I’m pregnant!!”

Gu Yingying froze for a moment before patting her back in response. It finally dawned on her this must have been the reason for Yu Zhitao’s unusual behavior that morning.

“Congratulations!” she said with a bright smile.

Unable to contain herself, Yu Zhitao let go and immediately opened her evening smart device. Direct communication wasn’t possible, so after a moment’s thought, she clicked open her chat with Ah Jiu and began leaving messages.

[Ah Jiu, Ah Jiu, contact me as soon as you’re free!]

[I have something very, very, very important to tell you in person!]

Not being able to share the news right away left Yu Zhitao feeling a bit regretful, but these messages at least provided some comfort.

In contrast to her joy, Gu Yingying remained much calmer. Clearly well-educated, she helped Yu Zhitao settle her emotions before guiding her through the important details.

“Taozi, have you and your partner registered your marriage?” she asked directly. “Our school doesn’t allow pregnancies outside of wedlock.”

Yu Zhitao snapped back to reality. “I think so.” She rummaged through the papers on the nearby table, pulling out the forms the doctor had given her that morning and examining them closely.

“The doctor said if I want to continue my studies, I need a signature from… um, my legally recognized partner or one of my parents.

“Legally recognized…”

She turned to Gu Yingying. “So that means Ah Jiu and I would have to register our marriage, right? Even if I can prove she’s the other mother, it wouldn’t be enough otherwise?”

“Right,” Gu Yingying nodded.

“I thought so. You’re the same age as me, barely two years into adulthood, you probably aren’t married yet, are you? And getting pregnant so young… does your family know?”

Yu Zhitao fell silent.