When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 63.1

Qin Ji entered and his eyes narrowed upon seeing Wanqirong lying prostrate on the ground. Turning to face Jiang Yan, he immediately reverted to the guise of a gentle older brother.

“Yan’er, why did no one inform me that the Royal Father had collapsed?”

Jiang Yan’s hands, hanging at her sides, clenched tightly, but her face remained unfazed. “I just found out myself. I was just about to send someone to summon Crown Prince Elder Brother, but you’ve already arrived.”

Qin Ji paid no mind to the implication in her words. He stepped closer, his voice growing softer. “I will take care of things here. You should go back and rest.”

Jiang Yan knew that although he sounded gentle, if she were to contradict him, he might not remain a “good brother.”

Jiang Yan glanced at Wanqirong on the floor, and ultimately could not bring herself to abandon her.

After all, the child she carried was the King of Qin’s.

“Then I shall leave first. Consort Rong looks a little unwell; allow me to escort her back to her palace.”

She bent down to help Wanqirong, but Qin Ji quickly pulled her up.

“Yan’er, you may return by yourself. I will send someone to escort the Consort back to her palace.”

Wanqirong clutched her belly and looked pleadingly at Jiang Yan. Once she fell into Qin Ji’s hands, the child in her belly would surely not survive.

Jiang Yan closed her eyes. She still couldn’t bear to watch this innocent child die with her own eyes.

“No need to trouble Crown Prince Elder Brother. It would be better for me to take Consort Rong back, as we are both women, and it will be more convenient for us to talk.”

Qin Ji met Jiang Yan’s gaze, his deep eyes flickering with an emotion Jiang Yan couldn’t decipher.

Jiang Yan felt a little scared. If Qin Ji were to lose control, no one would be able to stop him, and they could only resign themselves to fate.

But no matter what, she had to save this child. It might be the only leverage she had against him.

“Crown Prince Elder Brother, if there is nothing else, Consort Rong and I will take our leave. The Consort is heavily pregnant, and it is best for her to go back and rest as soon as possible.”

Having said this, Jiang Yan shook off Qin Ji’s hand, helped Wanqirong up, and walked out without looking back.

She knew what kind of expression Qin Ji must have had, but Jiang Yan ignored him and led Wanqirong out. At the entrance of the hall, she ran into the Right Chancellor.

The two exchanged a look and passed each other.

Jiang Yan took Wanqirong directly to Zhaoyang Palace and had Su Yi leave the palace with her token to find a reliable midwife. She also gave Xuan Di a heads-up early on.

Xuan Di was the Imperial Physician who had previously treated Baili Qi’s throat. Since Jiang Yan trusted him, he had become one of her loyal supporters, and she had faith in his abilities.

In the afternoon, the King of Qin woke up and summoned many ministers to the palace, giving the distinct impression that he was giving his final instructions.

Jiang Yan did not have the time to attend, as Wanqirong was going into labor.

The entire palace was shrouded in gloom. Jiang Yan stood in the courtyard, frowning as she listened to Wanqirong’s painful cries.

Baili Qi stepped forward and held her hand, gently comforting her. “It’s alright. Everything will be fine.”

Jiang Yan turned her head and gave her a reassuring smile, indicating she was fine, and squeezed her hand back.

“Qi Qi, I once said that I would roam the jianghu with you, go to places we’ve never been, and eat food we’ve never tasted. It seems I must go back on my word now.”

No matter what, she couldn’t let Qin Ji ascend to the throne.

“That can be done anytime. The important thing is to overcome this crisis first. Yan Yan, have you thought about who you would let sit on that throne if we win?”

Baili Qi’s question tore open the issue Jiang Yan had been avoiding. She rubbed her head in distress and said in a deep voice, “Fourth Elder Brother, Sixth Elder Brother, and Eighth Elder Brother would all be acceptable. Even if their talent is not as outstanding as Qin Ji’s, as long as they are diligent and care for the people, it will be fine. With so many capable ministers in the court, they can all assist them.”

Baili Qi had had this idea for a long time but hadn’t mentioned it for fear that Jiang Yan would disagree. However, the situation was urgent, and a decision had to be made quickly.

Instead of handing the hard-won throne to a group of mediocre men, it was better to keep it firmly in her own hands. At least she had the ability to govern the country well.

“Yan Yan, you know the character of your Imperial Elder Brothers. They are timid, cowardly, and without ambition. Giving the State of Qin to them is creating opportunities for the States of Chen and Chu. When those states grow strong, and war breaks out, how many citizens will be displaced? Have you considered this?”

Of course, she had. Because of these questions, she hadn’t had a restful night’s sleep for a long time.

But who else could she give the throne to besides them? Could it be Consort Rong’s unborn child?

“My Royal Father does not have many sons. The only one with a little ability is Qin Ji. Must I really let him ascend to that supreme position for the sake of the populace?”

“Ninth Sister, this is where your vision falls short.” Qin Xu entered from outside and walked up to the two. “The Royal Father has three daughters besides his sons. Why can’t a female ruler succeed to the throne?”

Jiang Yan was momentarily astonished and asked, “Does Seventh Sister mean you want to be the Emperor?”

Qin Xu sighed helplessly, thinking that her younger sister was sometimes terrifyingly clever and other times could be maddeningly foolish.

“I, naturally, cannot, but you can.”

Jiang Yan was even more surprised, her mouth agape. She felt Qin Xu was joking. How could she become the Emperor? Wasn’t that ridiculous?

“Seventh Sister, you aren’t trying to make fun of me, are you?”

Qin Xu did not answer immediately but looked at Baili Qi next to her.

“Isn’t this what you were thinking as well?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Yan glared at her, gripping her hand tighter and trying to calm herself.

“Why are you joining in the mischief? Seventh Princess is fooling around, and you are, too.”

“It’s not fooling around. We have long had this plan, and we’ve already discussed it with Kong Xiu and the other officials. They unanimously agree that this is feasible.”

Baili Qi looked serious; there was no hint of a joke.

Jiang Yan grabbed her shoulders, nearly shouting at her. Why would she and Seventh Sister play such a joke on her? Was it appropriate to entrust such an arduous task to someone who just wanted to eat and live a simple life?

“Qi Qi, did Seventh Sister bribe you? Tell me honestly, I won’t blame you.”

Baili Qi put her arm around Jiang Yan’s waist without regard for anyone else and said firmly, “We are not joking with you. This is what everyone has long agreed upon. We didn’t tell you because we were afraid you would feel burdened.”

Jiang Yan was completely speechless. She wanted to escape this heartbreaking planet, but Baili Qi held her tightly, giving her no chance to run.

Seeing this, Qin Xu covered her mouth and smiled, handing a jade pendant to Jiang Yan.

“This is the token that will allow the Imperial Army to follow your command. You must keep it safe.”

She turned to leave, and Jiang Yan quickly called out to her.

“Where are you going, and why are you giving such an important thing to me?”

Wouldn’t it be better for Qin Xu to keep the military power firmly in her own hands? Why was she doing this?

Qin Xu raised her head, her back straight, and said proudly, “I should go and see the Royal Father, too. After all, I am his daughter. It is only right that I attend to his illness.”

Jiang Yan looked at her expression and felt a mix of emotions, as if she was finally worthy of being a Princess of Great Qin.

Wanqirong’s labor process was quite long. The baby was too big, and the fetal position was wrong. Even an experienced midwife had to spend considerable effort to correct the fetal position, and that was only the beginning.

As the hours passed, Wanqirong’s cries became weaker, and Jiang Yan grew anxious.

The eunuch sent to scout the Hall of Diligent Governance returned to report that His Majesty was in a secret consultation with the Right Chancellor, and no one knew what they were discussing.

Another half hour passed, and the palace maid serving inside came out to say that Wanqirong was having a difficult labor. Jiang Yan could no longer hesitate and rushed directly into the delivery room.

Wanqirong was covered in sweat, and her eyes had started to lose focus. The midwife, her hands bloody, shook her head at Jiang Yan.

“Ninth Princess, Consort Rong has no strength left, but the baby’s head has not come out yet. If this continues, the baby will suffocate.”

Jiang Yan walked up to Wanqirong and said to her, “You went through thousands of hardships to protect this child. Do you want him to die inside your belly? Wanqirong, you are a sinner of the Qin family, and a sinner of the entire State of Qin. If you don’t want to descend to hell and be reviled by the Qin ancestors, pull yourself together and give birth to this child safely! If it is a boy, I will give the throne to him. If it is a girl, she will be a Princess of Qin and enjoy infinite glory.”

Wanqirong’s eyes slowly refocused, and she began to try again. She let out a desperate cry, and the midwife exclaimed with delight, “Consort Rong, push harder! The baby’s head is out!”

Encouraged, Wanqirong made a final push and delivered the baby.

“Ninth Princess, it’s a little Prince! He is two months larger than an ordinary baby!”

Jiang Yan cautiously took the baby from the midwife and held him in front of Wanqirong. “This is your son. He looks very spirited.”

Wanqirong smiled, her voice hoarse. “Ninth Princess, thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. I didn’t do it for you.”

Wanqirong’s face was pale. She looked as if she had been pulled out of the water. Her voice was weak, barely audible if one didn’t listen closely.

Jiang Yan handed the child to the wet nurse and leaned close to Wanqirong’s ear to hear what she was saying. She said:

“Let me see His Majesty. Let me… see him.”

Jiang Yan looked at the large pool of blood on the bed, then turned away and instructed the palace maids to wrap Wanqirong in a thick blanket and carry her onto a sedan chair.

Jiang Yan accompanied her. Before leaving, she placed people in every corner of Zhaoyang Palace—not even a fly could enter.

Baili Qi followed her, while Su Yi stayed in Zhaoyang Palace to look after the child.

Jiang Yan actually wanted to bring the child to the King of Qin, as it was their only chance to meet, but fearing that Qin Ji might harm the child, she decided to leave him in Zhaoyang Palace.

Upon arriving at the Hall of Diligent Governance, Jiang Yan’s first sight was Qin Ji standing at the front of the ministers. He kept his eyes downcast, emanating a feeling of gloom, though she didn’t know why he was angry.

The King of Qin’s personal attendant was waiting by the throne and rushed to greet Jiang Yan when he saw her. “Ninth Princess, His Majesty has been waiting for you for a long time.”

She was let in without announcement, causing many of the Princes to feel envious.

Jiang Yan entered. The King of Qin was half-lying on the bed. Seeing her, a slight smile appeared on his face. “Yan’er, come closer.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yan felt inexplicably teary-eyed. She walked over and held the King of Qin’s hand, comforting him. “Royal Father, you will get better.”

“Yan’er, there is a small button on the side of my bed. Press the button and take out the item inside.”

Jiang Yan found the button, retrieved the long, rectangular box inside, and handed it to the King of Qin.

The King of Qin opened the box with trembling hands and took out an Imperial Edict that had been prepared a long time ago, which he handed to Jiang Yan.

“This is the task I entrust to you. You must complete it. Otherwise, I will not be able to rest in peace in the Nine Springs.”

Jiang Yan nodded, holding the Imperial Edict in her hand. “Royal Father, rest assured. Your daughter will not disappoint you.”

The King of Qin showed a look of relief and took a Tiger Tally from under his pillow.

“You should know what this is, so I won’t explain it to you. Half a month ago, I summoned your Imperial Uncle back to the capital. Even if he met with the Crown Prince’s obstruction, he should have arrived by now. After my death, if the Crown Prince makes things difficult for you, take out the Imperial Edict I gave you. The Right Chancellor and the Grand Tutor will help you. Do not be afraid.”

Jiang Yan held the Imperial Edict in her left hand and the Tiger Tally in her right. She felt the weight of the moment and didn’t know how to respond.

“Yan’er, my only wish is that you treat your siblings kindly. Can you do that?”

Jiang Yan burst into tears, leaning by the King of Qin’s bed, and solemnly nodded.

“Rest assured, Royal Father. I will not let the Crown Prince harm them.”

The King of Qin let out a sigh of relief and slowly said, “I trust you. You will surely protect them.”

Seeing that he was already showing signs of exhaustion and his eyes were dull, Jiang Yan quickly said, “Royal Father, Consort Rong has given birth to a little Prince. He looks just like you. I wanted to bring him for you to see, but the wind outside is too strong, and I was afraid the little Prince would catch a cold, so I didn’t bring him. Once you are feeling better, I will bring him to see you.”

The King of Qin opened his eyes and asked, “Where is Rong’er?”

Jiang Yan immediately had Wanqirong carried in and placed beside the King of Qin’s bed.

“Your Majesty, our child is a boy. He is very blessed-looking.”

Wanqirong’s voice was extremely weak. Her eyes were half-closed, and she turned her head to speak to the King of Qin.

The King of Qin said nothing, only offering a smile.

“Your Majesty, you always knew I was deceiving you. Why did you not expose me?”

“One must always pay for one’s wrongdoings. I have lived long enough. It’s time for me to apologize to Mei’er.”

Wanqirong shed two lines of clear tears and struggled to move closer to the King of Qin, finally resting her head on his chest.

“Your Majesty, I want to go and see Noble Consort Mei now.”

Her voice grew weaker and weaker. Her last words, accompanied by a tear from the corner of her eye, ended with a slight curve of her lips.

The King of Qin’s lips moved, but no sound came out. He gently stroked Wanqirong’s hand and closed his eyes.

Jiang Yan couldn’t bear to look at the two of them any longer. She turned her back to wipe away her tears, hid the Tiger Tally and the Imperial Edict, and walked out to address the crowd. “His Majesty has passed away.”

The Princes and ministers began to weep. Qin Ji walked closer, his face sinister. “What did the Royal Father tell you?”

“What else could he say? Just trivial matters. Why does Crown Prince Elder Brother ask?”

Qin Ji walked inside, glanced at the King of Qin on the bed, and his sullen eyes gradually became maniacal.

The sound of footsteps came in quick succession from outside. A troop of Imperial Guards, never before seen, poured in and surrounded the ministers tightly, standing ready for battle.

The Right Chancellor stood up and rebuked Qin Ji, “Qin Ji, what is the meaning of this?”

Qin Ji stood in front of him, giving a maniacal smile. “What else could it mean? Of course, it is to kill all of you.”

The sinister edge in his voice made Jiang Yan shiver. Everyone present, except those on his side, looked at him with horror, seemingly never expecting him to be so deranged.

“Ninth Sister, what did the Royal Father give you? Hand it over obediently, and Crown Prince Elder Brother will be gentle with you.”

The Right Chancellor stepped forward to shield Jiang Yan behind him, angrily declaring, “Qin Ji, you dare not touch a single hair on the Ninth Princess’s head!”