Pregnant with the Empress’s Alpha Heir - Chapter 32

Arriving at the center of the banquet hall, Zhen Qianqiu finally set her down.

Yu Zhitao trembled like a timid little squirrel, having given up struggling and letting Zhen Qianqiu arrange her as she pleased.

Zhen Qianqiu smiled as she adjusted Yu Zhitao’s veil.

“What’s wrong? Still not recovered?”

Yu Zhitao pouted tearfully.

Her voice was faint as she murmured, “Was my performance really that bad?”

First, she couldn’t catch the flower wreath in the car, and then, just as they were about to step onto the red carpet, her legs went numb at the worst possible moment forcing Zhen Qianqiu to carry her.

Yu Zhitao felt utterly humiliated.

Yet, Zhen Qianqiu was in an exceptionally good mood.

She countered, “Why would you think that?”

Yu Zhitao puffed her cheeks, unable to respond.

Zhen Qianqiu leaned in, gently rubbing Yu Zhitao’s flushed earlobe.

“I think you were perfect today. Every little thing you did felt like it was straight from my heart.”

Yu Zhitao finally lifted her gaze hesitantly. “Really?”

The radiant joy on Zhen Qianqiu’s face was unmistakable. She cupped Yu Zhitao’s cheeks, pressing their foreheads together.

“Really.”

Yu Zhitao couldn’t help but smile, her eyes crinkling slightly.

Seeing this, Zhen Qianqiu leaned in and brushed a kiss against the corner of her lips.

In front of them, the royal uncle invited to officiate the wedding looked on with a stiff expression.

“Your Majesty, this is not the time to kiss the Empress!”

Zhen Qianqiu ignored him, indulging herself before reluctantly pulling away from Yu Zhitao’s lips.

She hadn’t completely lost her senses, she knew the wedding protocols had to be followed.

So, straightening up, she cleared her throat. “Yes, I know.”

The royal uncle forced an awkward smile while inwardly cursing: You’ve already had your fill, what do you mean, ‘I know’?!

Yu Zhitao remained flushed the entire time, too embarrassed to even register the surrounding commotion.

What followed was a series of ceremonial formalities.

Yu Zhitao drifted through it all in a daze, but thankfully, the staff guided her every step of the way, sparing her from having to think too much.

It wasn’t until Yu Zhihuai escorted her and placed her hand into Zhen Qianqiu’s that her heart, which had been floating in uncertainty all day, finally settled into a tangible sense of reality.

She and Zhen Qianqiu had truly gotten married.

The final segment required them to take turns stepping onto the stage, where they would recite a royal declaration before the live broadcast.

The script had been prepared in advance, outlining their commitment as Emperor and Empress to safeguard the Huaqi Star System.

Yu Zhitao had memorized it well and delivered it flawlessly. The moment she finished, thunderous applause erupted in the venue, while the livestream’s comment section exploded with unprecedented activity.

Throughout it all, Zhen Qianqiu’s gaze never left her for even a second.

The way Yu Zhitao spoke, the little scrunch of her nose, her unwavering smile to Zhen Qianqiu, every detail was dazzling, something to be treasured.

The only regret was that this side of her new wife wasn’t hers alone to keep. A simple search online in the future would flood the screen with countless images of this moment.

By the time Yu Zhitao finished and returned to her side amidst the applause, Zhen Qianqiu couldn’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy.

“Why was everything you said directed at the audience? Don’t you have anything just for me?” she asked.

Yu Zhitao blinked, still caught in the lingering excitement of her speech. “That… was just the script.”

Zhen Qianqiu replied, “I know.”

“Anything else? Do you have something you’d like to say just to me?”

“Huh?” Yu Zhitao’s mind went blank.

She replied foolishly, “What should I say? I don’t know…”

Zhen Qian Qiu silently gazed at her.

Yu Zhitao swallowed hard and tentatively offered, “Then… Ah, Ah Jiu, happy wedding?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt embarrassed.

“Happy wedding” shouldn’t be said by the bride herself; it sounded more like a guest’s congratulatory remark.

Just as Yu Zhitao was racking her brains to think of something else to say, Zhen Qian Qiu quietly turned her head away.

She seemed satisfied and didn’t press Yu Zhitao for more words.

Relieved to no longer be under scrutiny, Yu Zhitao secretly sighed, glad to have dodged a bullet.

After that came the free time of the evening banquet.

Yu Zhitao, arm in arm with Zhen Qian Qiu, made their rounds among the royal family members and high-ranking officials.

Finally reaching the area where her close friends like Gu Ying Ying were gathered, Yu Zhitao visibly relaxed.

She immediately let go of Zhen Qian Qiu’s arm and excitedly went to chat with her friends.

“Shu Da! Ying Ying! Long time no see.” Yu Zhitao stepped forward, hugging each of them.

“Zhitao!”

“Peach…”

The three Omegas laughed and embraced, all equally thrilled.

Gu Ying Ying held Yu Zhitao’s hands. “It feels like just yesterday we first met in the dorm. Who would’ve thought I’d be on the capital planet attending your wedding?”

“Pfft!” Yu Zhitao covered her mouth, laughing. “Sorry, but honestly, I didn’t expect it either.”

Shu Da adjusted her veil over her shoulder.

“So, at the bar, you still didn’t know Ah ahem, didn’t know the Emperor’s true identity?”

“Of course not.” Recalling those days, Yu Zhitao couldn’t help but blush. “Back then, I thought Ah Jiu was just a stray I picked up, haha.”

She then turned to Gu Ying Ying. “So when I first came back from the academy planet, I just thought, if there was a chance, I could get a marriage certificate with Ah Jiu to settle the paperwork.

“I never imagined we’d actually have a full wedding ceremony.”

Gu Ying Ying nodded.

She said, “But congratulations all the same!

“Marrying the Emperor means you and the baby will be well taken care of!”

When she first heard about Yu Zhitao’s pregnancy, she had been worried. Now it seemed her worries were unnecessary

Not only had Yu Zhitao found a suitable partner, but that partner was also the most powerful figure in the star system.

The effort the Emperor had put into the wedding ceremony spoke volumes about her devotion.

Shu Da also nodded. “Zhitao! Congratulations!”

She stuck out her tongue. “I just wonder if we’ll still get to hear you play the guqin.”

“Of course!” Yu Zhitao nodded emphatically. “I’ve been too busy lately to practice properly.

“But as long as you don’t mind, I’ll definitely play for you when I have time.”

Both friends happily agreed.

Yu Zhitao glanced toward the center of the banquet hall.

Having memorized the entire wedding schedule, she knew exactly what came next.

She invited them, “The dance is about to start! The Emperor and I will lead it soon!

“You two must come join us.”

“Just stand beside me, and we’ll jump together!”

Shu Da hesitated.

The Huaqi Star System had a unified ballroom dance, so dancing itself wasn’t difficult, but…

“Zhitao, isn’t the next dance a partner dance?”

“I came alone this time, so finding a partner might be tricky.”

Yu Zhitao waved it off. “No problem!”

She glanced around and quickly spotted Yu Zhihuai, beckoning him over.

Yu Zhihuai approached with a champagne glass in hand. “Big sister, what do you need?”

For the wedding ceremony, he had changed into a formal suit, now looking every bit the gentleman.

Yu Zhitao patted his shoulder with a smile. “For the dance later, do you have a partner?”

“How about pairing up with Shu Da?”

Their eyes met, and both immediately turned away in disgust.

“No way!”

“I refuse!”

They spoke in unison.

The two had a “history.” Back when Yu Zhitao’s guqin performance video went viral on the StarNet, Yu Zhihuai had provocatively challenged Shu Da.

Though things were later smoothed over and Yu Zhihuai had backed down, there was still tension between them.

Exchanging greetings was fine, but dancing together at such an important event? Neither was keen on the idea.

Yu Zhitao was at a loss.

Fortunately, Gu Ying Ying and Gu Zhilan stepped in.

Gu Ying Ying tugged at her brother’s arm. “Let Lan-ge dance with Shu Da-jie.”

She cheerfully pitched him. “Shu Da-jie, my brother’s a doctor, very gentle by nature. You can lead him during the dance.”

Shu Da glanced at Gu Zhilan and nodded graciously.

“Sure!”

Gu Zhilan had no objections either and moved to stand beside Shu Da.

Yu Zhihuai then turned to Gu Ying Ying with a grin. “Then I’ll dance with Ying Ying-jie.”

Gu Ying Ying waved her hands. “I’m not very good. I’ll just watch you all dance.”

Originally, Gu Zhilan would have guided her, but with him now paired with Shu Da, she felt nervous.

Yu Zhihuai puffed out his chest and approached her. “No worries, I can teach you!”

Yu Zhitao was about to chime in when Zhen Qianqiu arrived.

Behind her was Heng Ying, who had been speaking with her earlier.

Zhen Qianqiu took Yu Zhitao’s hand. “It’s about time. Let’s go ahead first.”

Yu Zhitao nodded.

She turned to Shu Da and the others. “Then Ah Jiu and I will head off first. Make sure you join us later!”

With that, the two left arm in arm.

Shu Da and Gu Zhilan, now confirmed as dance partners, followed them out.

For the moment, only Yu Zhihuai and Gu Ying Ying remained.

Eager to join the fun, Yu Zhihuai pleaded with Gu Ying Ying. “Ying Ying-jie, come with me.”

“It’s fine if you don’t know how, I’m not great either. We can just wing it.”

Gu Ying Ying was soft-hearted and nearly agreed.

But unexpectedly, Heng Ying intervened.

She stepped between them. “She’s not good, you’re not good are you two planning to embarrass yourselves out there?”

Yu Zhihuai was momentarily speechless.

After a pause, he frowned. “Well, it’s still better than not going at all.”

Heng Ying countered, “Find someone else. I’ll dance with Ying Ying.”

Turning to Gu Ying Ying, she extended an invitation. “Shall we?”

Gu Ying Ying averted her gaze. “No!”

If she really had to be with Heng Ying, she might as well have agreed to Yu Zhihuai earlier.

But that unreliable Yu Zhihuai seemed to have suddenly noticed something in the crowd and had already dashed off without a trace.

Heng Ying smiled gently. “Still angry?”

She leaned close to Gu Yingying’s ear. “I was in a hurry this morning and didn’t have time to apologize. Now, I’m sincerely saying ‘I’m sorry’ to you.”

“Don’t be mad, okay?”

Gu Yingying avoided her. “I’m not angry.”

In the banquet hall, the music shifted, the dance was about to begin.

Yu Zhitao turned around in the center of the dance floor and waved in their direction.

Then, Shu Da and Gu Zhilan also looked over. Judging by their lips, they were calling, “Yingying, come here!”

Gu Yingying wavered slightly.

Seizing the opportunity, Heng Ying tugged at her sleeve.

“Come on, it’s just one dance. We’re returning to the Academy Star tomorrow anyway.”

Gu Yingying looked at her.

After a moment, she relented.

After these two days, she and Heng Ying… probably wouldn’t cross paths again, right?

She placed her hand in Heng Ying’s. “Just one dance.”

Heng Ying turned back with a smile. “Alright, whatever you say.”

Meanwhile.

Yu Zhihuai found Wan Qing at the edge of the crowd and eagerly invited her, “Deputy Wan, may I have this dance?”

Wan Qing appeared relaxed, but in truth, she had been discreetly observing the situation in the hall.

At Yu Zhihuai’s words, she didn’t even spare him a glance. “No.”

“Come on, there are so many guards here they don’t need you,” Yu Zhihuai pressed closer.

Wan Qing raised a hand to stop him.

She rubbed her temples. “Setting aside the matter of security, you’re an Alpha inviting another Alpha to dance. Do you really think that’s appropriate?”

“Huh? Why wouldn’t it be?” Yu Zhihuai asked. “I just wanted to get closer to you.”

Wan Qing raised an eyebrow. “Why would you want to get closer to me?”

Yu Zhihuai’s eyes sparkled. “Because you’re my role model right now!”

“I want to train hard and serve Her Majesty in the future, ideally as her personal adjutant.”

Wan Qing could hardly believe her ears.

“So, you’re telling me to my face that you want to steal my job?”

Yu Zhihuai blinked. “Ah… you wouldn’t mind, would you?”

Wan Qing studied him for a moment. “Hmm… I suppose I don’t mind much.”

Yu Zhihuai grinned. “I knew you were magnanimous.”

Wan Qing suppressed a smile.

“Ahem. I just think… I probably won’t live to see the day you compete with me.”

Yu Zhihuai belatedly realized. “Ah… you don’t believe in my abilities?”

Wan Qing facepalmed.

“Go find some girl to dance with. Don’t get in my way here.”

Yu Zhihuai dug in his heels. “No!”

He stubbornly squeezed in and stood beside her. “I’ll prove it to you, I won’t give up so easily.”

Wan Qing sighed silently.

But she quickly composed herself.

Having this unpredictable loose cannon by her side was still better than letting him run wild elsewhere.

By now, nearly all the guests had arrived, and the lights in the banquet hall dimmed.

As the music began, Yu Zhitao, guided by Zhen Qianqiu, started moving slowly.

The dance wasn’t particularly difficult, somewhat resembling modern dances from Earth’s era. To prepare for the banquet, Zhen Qianqiu had even taken time to practice with her beforehand.

Under the dim, ambiguous lighting, she gently rested her head on Zhen Qianqiu’s shoulder, stealing a moment of laziness.

The lighting was just right, the music soothing. Yu Zhitao let out a yawn.

“Tired?” Zhen Qianqiu asked.

Yu Zhitao replied softly, “Just a little.”

Zhen Qianqiu kissed the top of her head. “We’ll be heading back soon.”

Yu Zhitao perked up slightly. “Mm! I know.”

The crowd continued to shift around them, and she caught glimpses of familiar faces Shu Da, Gu Yingying among the passing couples.

Of course, there were also those she had never crossed paths with before.

Yu Zhitao couldn’t help but laugh.

Zhen Qianqiu asked, “What is it?”

Yu Zhitao shook her head. “Nothing. I just suddenly feel so happy.”

Zhen Qianqiu wrapped an arm around her waist. “Oh?”

Yu Zhitao leaned into her embrace. “You’re here with me, and the people I care about are here too. Isn’t that happiness?”

Her eyes sparkled.

“Ah-Jiu, we’re really married now!”

“Yes,” Zhen Qianqiu replied, a smile tugging at her lips.

But then she paused. “But,  on such an important day, you didn’t have anything to say to me.”

Yu Zhitao blinked. “Ah?”

Then she remembered, Zhen Qianqiu was referring to earlier, on the stage.

Back then, she had just finished reciting her script, her mind still a muddled mess, completely unaware of what Zhen Qianqiu had wanted her to say.

Even now, she wasn’t sure.

So Yu Zhitao asked sheepishly, “Uh… what was I supposed to say?”

The wedding traditions of the Huaqi Empire were vastly different from what she was used to. She had already put in great effort to familiarize herself with the entire ceremony.

But nowhere in the process had there been a moment where they were supposed to speak to each other.

Still, now that Zhen Qianqiu mentioned it, Yu Zhitao also felt like something was missing.

Zhen Qianqiu lowered her gaze to meet hers. “Want me to teach you?”

Yu Zhitao nodded earnestly.

She prided herself on being a quick learner.

The curve of Zhen Qianqiu’s lips turned sly. “You’ll have to pay the ‘tuition fee.’”

Yu Zhitao gritted her teeth.

After spending so much time together, she knew exactly what Zhen Qianqiu meant.

After a moment’s hesitation, she rose onto her tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to Zhen Qianqiu’s lips.

Their lips barely touched before parting, leaving no room for lingering.

Zhen Qianqiu’s voice dropped lower. “Not enough.”

“The rest…” Yu Zhitao’s cheeks flushed. “I’ll make up for it when we get back.”

She looked up pleadingly. “Okay?”

Zhen Qianqiu nodded, satisfied. “Okay.”

Yu Zhitao exhaled in relief.

Then she asked seriously, “So, what should the Empress say to the Emperor during the wedding ceremony?”

Zhen Qianqiu stared at her, momentarily dazed.

“Say you like me,” she murmured.

Yu Zhitao blinked, then parted her lips.

“I like you.”

Zhen Qianqiu continued, “Say you love me.”

Yu Zhitao felt as though she had been enchanted, unable to resist following her lead.

“I love you,” she whispered.

Zhen Qianqiu pressed further. “Say you’ll stay with me forever.”

Yu Zhitao reached up, wrapping her arms tightly around Zhen Qianqiu’s neck.

“Ah-Jiu, I want to stay with you forever.”

Zhen Qianqiu tightened her embrace, as if trying to meld her into her very being.

“Me too.”

In the banquet hall, the music faded, and the lighting returned to normal.

All the guests paused, turning their gazes toward the newlyweds locked in each other’s arms.

Applause erupted around them.

Yu Zhitao no longer felt embarrassed.

Since Zhen Qianqiu wasn’t letting go, she didn’t push away either. She stood there openly with her lover under everyone’s gaze, accepting their applause and blessings.

This moment lasted a long time.

Yu Zhitao thought that from now on, she and Zhen Qianqiu would surely create countless unforgettable moments together.

But right now, this very instant, she would treasure it deep in her heart.