Pregnant with the Empress’s Alpha Heir - Chapter 24.2

Her thoughts turned to Yu Zhitao, who had mentioned this very subject during their last call.

Was the little one feeling anxious because they were separated?

While mentally calculating when she might temporarily leave the capital to visit Academic Star, Zhen Qianqiu’s expression revealed nothing.

After consideration, she declared: “Since the Empress Dowager is so concerned, we should move forward with preparations.”

Wan Qing hesitated momentarily before responding: “Her Majesty previously proposed gathering eligible Alphas from prominent families across the star systems for a selection banquet in the capital.”

“Does Your Majesty wish to proceed with organizing such an event?”

Zhen Qianqiu pondered briefly: “First host one within the capital.”

True to her decisive nature, she immediately ordered: “In two days’ time, issue invitations to nobility and officials’ families under the pretext of a routine social gathering.”

“Let her make preliminary selections while I observe their attitudes toward the Empress Dowager and Eldest Princess.”

Wan Qing understood perfectly: “This subordinate comprehends.”

She bowed deeply: “With Your Majesty’s permission, I shall take my leave.”

Preparing a banquet on two days’ notice would require immediate, uninterrupted effort.

Recognizing this, Zhen Qianqiu nodded her dismissal.

With state affairs temporarily concluded, she retired to her chambers.

Xiao Jiu, who hadn’t seen her in days, immediately abandoned the feather toy in the maid’s hand and scampered over upon her entrance.

Noticing the kitten struggling to climb her boots, Zhen Qianqiu bent down and scooped the tiny creature into her palm.

Xiao Jiu mewed plaintively at her.

At over three months old, the kitten now weighed about two kilograms just enough to fill Zhen Qianqiu’s single palm.

Expressionless, the empress pronounced: “You’ve gotten fat.”

Xiao Jiu blinked up at her with innocent eyes.

The kitten had grown noticeably larger in just the few days Zhen Qianqiu was away for treatment, a testament to how well it had been cared for in the palace.

Zhen Qianqiu scratched under its chin the way Yu Zhitao used to love doing.

Little Nine immediately rolled onto its back, purring contentedly as it enjoyed the attention.

Thinking back to how Yu Zhitao used to play with it in the apartment, a rare smile appeared on Zhen Qianqiu’s lips.

She carried Xiao Jiu to the bedside, took a photo of it, and sent it to Yu Zhitao.

[It’s gotten chubbier and misses you a lot.]

Yu Zhitao had just finished dinner when she saw the message, and a knowing smile spread across her face.

[You’ve taken really good care of Xiao Jiu.] she replied.

She couldn’t help but think, if raising a kitten together had gone so smoothly, what if they could raise a child together someday?

Rubbing her belly, she had a feeling that day might not be too far off.

After chatting for a bit, drowsiness overtook Yu Zhitao, and she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Yu Zhihuai barged into her room, frantically knocking on the door with the latest news.

Forced awake, Yu Zhitao freshened up quickly, threw on a coat, and opened the door to let him in.

The moment he stepped inside, Yu Zhihuai cut straight to the point: “Big sis, Father’s really busy, he won’t be coming home for the next few days.”

Yu Zhitao’s sleepiness vanished instantly. “How long will it take?”

The deadline for the signature was only a month. If the documents weren’t returned by then, it would automatically trigger a leave of absence.

And now, several days had already passed.

Yu Zhitao couldn’t afford to wait. If her father didn’t return, she’d have to find another way.

Yu Zhihuai shrugged. “No idea. But don’t worry, I know how to track him down!”

He continued, “Father told me the palace sent an invitation, there’s going to be a banquet there the night after tomorrow.

“We can find him there!”

Yu Zhitao frowned. “A banquet? That doesn’t seem appropriate.”

“No, it’s the perfect opportunity!” Yu Zhihuai raised an eyebrow smugly. “You know how I used to get Father to sign my failed exams?”

Yu Zhitao had no idea he even had such a shady past.

Her lips twitched. “How?”

“I’d specifically wait until he was entertaining guests!” Yu Zhihuai grinned proudly.

“Father cares about his reputation more than anything. He always acts all magnanimous in front of outsiders.

“Back then, if I needed his signature, I’d pray for guests to show up. The moment they started talking, I’d rush in, shove the paper and pen at him.

“And bam! He’d scold me a little, barely glance at it, sign right away, and shoo me off!”

Yu Zhihuai had so much experience with this that even his doting mother eventually refused to sign for him.

Left with no choice, he’d steel himself and go straight to his father.

Over time, he’d perfected this method.

“Of course, he’d come after me later,” Yu Zhihuai gulped. “But hey, the signature was already there.

“And if you grab it and bolt, he won’t even be able to find you!”

“Flawless!” he declared, clearly pleased with himself.

Yu Zhitao hesitated. “Are you sure this’ll work?

“Maybe I should just wait for him to come back and talk to him properly.”

“No, big sis, listen, if Father hears about this in his study, he won’t negotiate. He might even force you to give up the baby!” Yu Zhihuai warned. “But if there are outsiders around, he won’t dare let family drama spill out.

“Just wear him down, act like you won’t leave without that signature, he’ll cave to save face and sign just to get rid of you.

“Trust me on this.”

Yu Zhihuai spoke with such conviction that Yu Zhitao was convinced.

At least she knew Yu Zhihuai was genuinely helping her.

So she began asking about the banquet: “Can I sneak into the palace banquet with the documents?”

“Why sneak in? You’re the eldest daughter of the Yu family. This time, our entire household received an invitation,” Yu Zhihuai said. “Mother and I are both going. Second sister can’t make it back from the Academy Star, so she’s forced to miss it.”

“When the time comes, I’ll have the driver take Mother ahead, and I’ll drive you there myself!”

“We’ll walk right in bold and unashamed!”

Yu Zhiyu pressed a hand to her chest.

Just hearing the plan was thrilling enough to make her heart race.

But for the sake of her child, she had to take the risk.

“Alright! Then it’s decided!” Yu Zhiyu steeled herself.

Yu Zhihuai nodded in satisfaction. “Trust me, nothing will go wrong. Once we’re inside the banquet hall, we’ll regroup immediately and find Father to settle the matter.”

With that, he stood up, ready to leave. “You should rest for now and prepare for the banquet.”

“Father said this banquet is most likely being held for the Grand Princess. We might even get a glimpse of her.”

Yu Zhiyu smiled and nodded.

Infected by Yu Zhihuai’s confidence, the tension in her heart eased considerably.

Seeing this, Yu Zhihuai waved and slipped out.

Everything seemed to unfold exactly as Yu Zhihuai had predicted.

The next day, at six in the evening, Yu Zhihuai dressed in a sleek suit with his hair slicked back, gently knocked on Yu Zhiyu’s door.

When she opened it, he peeked in. “Big sis, ready to go?”

“Mhm.!” Yu Zhiyu tugged at her dress.

As the original owner was a noble young lady, her wardrobe still had several unworn custom evening gowns. She had chosen a relatively modest, fitted white dress.

But having never worn this style before, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Her makeup and hair had been done by an all-purpose smart robot using a basic template. Though it lacked any distinctive flair, it suited Yu Zhiyu’s desire to avoid drawing attention.

Yu Zhihuai stared at her stomach. “Big sis, you’re showing.”

Yu Zhiyu immediately swatted him.

“Showing, my foot! It’s way too early for that!”

Yu Zhihuai eyed her waistline. “Then why?”

Yu Zhiyu sucked in a sharp breath, tucking in her slight belly.

“Did I pick the wrong dress? This one’s way too fitted.”

Truthfully, she did have a tiny bit of a tummy, but it wasn’t noticeable. Yu Zhihuai had only mentioned it because he knew about her pregnancy and had instinctively focused on her stomach.

Seeing her dismay, he quickly bowed his head in apology, admitting he’d misspoken.

Yu Zhiyu couldn’t be bothered to change, so she simply said, “Alright, let’s just go.”

She clutched her handbag inside, the important document was neatly folded. “We’ll come back as soon as the papers are signed!”

Yu Zhihuai led the way, replying, “No need to rush.”

“The current Emperor doesn’t like hosting banquets, so we’ve hardly ever been to the palace. This is a rare opportunity, I’ll take you around afterward!”

“Father probably won’t be back after the banquet anyway. He’s been swamped lately.”

Yu Zhiyu burst into laughter. “Alright, then I’ll trouble you to show me the sights.”

“Don’t mention it,” Yu Zhihuai shamelessly replied, strutting ahead with an extra spring in his step.

The two of them got into the latest model of a high-speed luxury car and, after passing through multiple security checkpoints for over an hour, finally arrived at the outer perimeter of the imperial palace.

Yu Zhihuan was still young and lacked counter-surveillance skills.

So he didn’t realize that at the first checkpoint, he had unintentionally shaken off a car that had been tailing them for a long time.

“Damn it, we’ve really lost them this time!” The suited bodyguard in the driver’s seat said to the person in the passenger seat. “Captain, what do we do?

“We can’t go any further, they require entry passes up ahead.”

The captain was momentarily stunned.

After a pause, he said, “Pull over somewhere. I’ll make a call to Miss Heng.”

He was calmer than the others. “The person we were assigned to protect has lived in the noble district for so long, and now they’re entering a restricted zone in a luxury car. They must either be someone important themselves or have connections to someone important.

“This mission isn’t a complete failure.”

The subordinate nodded and turned the car around as instructed.

When Heng Ying heard the news, she was also taken aback. “The Yu family,  I’ve heard of them. It can’t be that much of a coincidence, can it?

“But if it really is someone from the Yu family,  why would she need me to protect them in the first place?”

After some thought, she decided to send another message to Zhen Qianqiu’s private account.

Unlike last time, this call went through but no one answered.

Heng Ying turned off her smart device like a resigned fish. “Whatever. It’s her own turf on the capital planet anyway. Nothing bad can happen.

“Besides, just a little girl,  probably not that important.

“…Right?”

Having reassured herself, Heng Ying went out to enjoy herself with a clear conscience.

Meanwhile.

Following the guards’ directions, Yu Zhihuan found a place to park the car.

Alphas and Omegas were required to enter from separate locations, so Yu Zhihuan first escorted Yu Zhitao to the Omega entrance.

He reminded her of some banquet etiquette, agreed on a meeting spot, and then turned to leave.

Though Yu Zhitao had attended various banquets in her past life, this was her first time seeing such a grand occasion.

Not to mention, she had a “mission” today.

She walked nervously, forcing vague smiles whenever noble Omegas who knew her original self greeted her.

Gradually, she deliberately let herself fall to the back of the crowd.

This way, she didn’t have to face the scrutiny of others and could move more freely.

The palace was opulent beyond measure, exuding grandeur and prestige at every turn.

Following the flow of people, Yu Zhitao gradually forgot her worries and, like a tourist visiting a massive museum, began looking around curiously.

As an antique restorer, her aesthetic and appreciation skills were sharp.

Though this wasn’t Earth, precious things had universal appeal. Along the way, Yu Zhitao was dazzled and thoroughly satisfied.

It even sparked a bit of curiosity in her.

What kind of life did the people who lived here lead?

And what did the highly anticipated Eldest Princess actually look like?

Fortunately, most of the banquet attendees weren’t regulars here either, so her behavior didn’t stand out.

The banquet hall was located in a historic white building at the center of the palace.

Even though identities had been verified outside, multiple security checkpoints were set up along the way to ensure no guests carried dangerous items.

At the second checkpoint, an elderly noblewoman ahead of Yu Zhitao grew visibly displeased.

“I’ve attended banquets at the palace before, but I don’t remember it being this troublesome,” she complained.

The guard’s response sounded rehearsed: “The Grand Princess has delicate health and is allergic to many common substances, so the inspection will be more thorough this time. We appreciate your understanding.”

The noblewoman’s expression softened considerably.

She retrieved her inspected handbag with a nod. “Understood.”

Yu Zhitao also found the process somewhat tedious, but she cooperated fully throughout. However, to her surprise, she was stopped at the final checkpoint.

This last checkpoint involved body scanning. A female Omega guard used a device to scan each person front and back similar to subway security checks in Yu Zhitao’s memory, though the equipment here was noticeably larger and more professional.

When Yu Zhitao’s turn came, the guard first scanned her back, then tapped her shoulder to indicate she should turn around. Yu Zhitao complied readily.

But when the scanner reached her waist area, the guard suddenly paused.

As the last person in the Omega line with no one waiting behind, the guard took her time. She retracted the scanner and slowly looked up.

Meeting Yu Zhitao’s eyes, she asked, “Miss?”

“Hmm?” Yu Zhitao instinctively covered her abdomen.

Unlike Yu Zhitao who lingered at the back of the procession, Yu Zhihuai practically raced to be first through the gates. By the time he cleared all security checks and entered the banquet hall, Yu Zhitao had barely passed the halfway point.

Knowing the Omega line always took longer, Yu Zhihuai wasn’t in a hurry to reach their meeting point. With the hall still sparsely populated, he wanted to locate his father first and if possible, give him some advance warning.

Grabbing a champagne flute, he began circulating through the venue. Many familiar faces dotted the crowd. Never one to be shy, Yu Zhihuai exchanged pleasantries with a few guests and soon obtained the information he sought.

“Minister Yu certainly wouldn’t mingle with idlers like us. I’d wager he’s up front preparing to receive His Majesty and the Grand Princess.”

With a grateful smile, Yu Zhihuai headed toward the front. As he progressed, the crowd indeed grew.

These were influential figures holding real power.

Fortunately, they all recognized Yu Zhihuai and knew he was likely looking for his father, so they didn’t pay him much attention.

Before long, he spotted his father.

Yu’s father was speaking with a colleague when the latter suddenly remarked, “Hey, your young master has come looking for you.”

Yu’s father turned his head.

He looked at Yu Zhihuai. “What are you doing here? Where’s your mother?”

“Mother is with Madam Chen and the others. I felt awkward just standing there,” Yu Zhihuai said, rubbing his nose. “Father, do you have a moment? There’s something I need to tell you.”

His father’s colleague tactfully waved a hand. “Go ahead. I’ll go chat with Director Wang.”

With that, he discreetly walked away.

“Brat, couldn’t this wait until I got home?” Yu’s father scolded out of habit before asking, “What is it? Speak.”

“Well,” Yu Zhihuai said quickly, “Elder Sister needs a parent to sign a document for school. She was hoping you could help with that.”

Yu’s father glared. “So she remembers I’m her father now?”

“She left with such pride before, but now that she needs a signature, she finally thinks of me.”

“Come on, Father, it’s not a big deal,” Yu Zhihuai said with a smile. “How could you hold it against her?”

“I’ll bring the document over later for you to sign. Once it’s done, I’ll have someone send it back to her immediately, no need for her to trouble you further.”

Yu’s father felt his blood pressure rise but dared not lose his temper in public.

“I must owe you all a debt in my past life,” he muttered.

Still, he wasn’t unreasonable. Since it concerned education, he nodded.

Before Yu Zhihuai could feel relieved, his father pressed, “What kind of document? Is Zhiqiao back too? Does she need my signature for anything?”

“Elder Sister and Second Sister don’t even attend the same school. Second Sister, probably doesn’t? I don’t know,” Yu Zhihuai replied awkwardly. “It’s just some routine academic paperwork.”

Yu’s father frowned.

Yu Zhihuai’s demeanor was identical to the time he’d brought home a doctored math test, originally scored 20 but altered to an 80 to trick him into signing.

Back then, he’d been mid-conversation with his superior and had no choice but to sign and send the boy away.

He’d been furious for three whole days afterward.

Now, seeing Yu Zhihuai’s evasive gaze, his guard went up. “Tell me the truth. What exactly is this document?”

“They’re both studying on Academia Star. I refuse to believe your second sister has no news while your elder sister had to travel all the way back.”

“Just for my signature?”

Yu Zhihuai panicked slightly.

He tried to maintain a neutral expression. “Like I said, their schools are different.”

Yu’s father scoffed. “Don’t think you can fool me with the same trick twice!”

“If you don’t explain clearly today, don’t expect me to sign anything later.”

Just as Yu Zhihuai was about to respond, a commotion erupted around them.

Startled, Yu’s father turned to look.

The source of the disturbance was at the northern end of the banquet hall, where a previously closed door was now being slowly opened by a team of guards working in unison.

Yu Zhihuai, unfamiliar with such a spectacle, asked, “Father, what’s happening?”

“Is the Emperor making an appearance?”

The Emperor’s life story was a legendary tale adored by every Alpha youth in the Huaqi Star Sector.

Yu Zhihuai was no exception. His goal was to join the military, so he didn’t accompany his sisters Yu Zhitao and Yu Zhiqiao to study on the Academic Planet.

He remained on the Capital Planet, undergoing private military training, hoping to pass the special examination next year and be admitted to the Imperial Military Academy.

And the Empress, who also served as the Empire’s First Marshal, was his one and only idol.

During his previous visit to the palace with his father, he had only met the Empress Dowager, which left him deeply disappointed. Tonight, he secretly harbored excitement and anticipation at the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Empress up close.

“The Empress rarely makes public appearances,” Yu’s father said calmly. “Besides, haven’t you noticed there’s not a trace of Alpha pheromones over there? It’s probably the Empress Dowager, or that Eldest Princess.”

“Oh.” Yu Zhihuai immediately retracted his eagerly craned neck and lowered his tiptoes back to the ground.

His father smacked him in frustration. “You brat! Since when did you become so picky? Isn’t the Eldest Princess perfect? Did everything I say go in one ear and out the other?”

Yu Zhihuai rubbed his arm where he’d been hit, sulking. “I remember.”

He turned his gaze back.

The grand doors had opened, and dozens of palace maids filed in, lining both sides.

Then, the Empress Dowager, whom Yu Zhihuai had met before, appeared at the entrance, surrounded by attendants.

At her side, a woman in a cream-colored court dress held her arm.

The moment Yu Zhihuai caught a glimpse of the blurred figure, a thought flashed through his mind: “So it really is the Eldest Princess.”

The Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess were of similar height, their steps perfectly synchronized as they gracefully walked down the red carpet toward the center of the banquet hall.

Wherever they passed, all the nobles and officials bowed in respect.

When the two finally approached where the Yu father and son stood, Yu’s father discreetly tugged at his son’s sleeve, signaling him to prepare for the bow.

Yu Zhihuai responded with an “OK” gesture, as if assuring he wouldn’t cause any trouble.

But unfortunately, just before he bowed, his peripheral vision caught the Eldest Princess’s face.

Yu Zhihuai froze as if struck by lightning. The next second, his entire body trembled like a leaf in the wind.