When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 64.2.1

What an utterly clueless person this was, to even consider such a question.

“Don’t we already have Qin Shun? Why give birth to so many more? Besides, we’re going to travel the mountains and rivers in the future. How inconvenient would it be to bring a child? Stop overthinking. Next time someone brings up the matter of heirs, just bring them directly to me. Let’s see who dares to talk nonsense.”

All the knots in Baili Qi’s heart were untied at that moment, and she felt completely relieved.

She had been too timid before, always worrying that her willfulness would trouble the person beside her, which made her stuck in a rut. In fact, what if she was a little willful? As the officially chosen Empress of Great Qin, sanctioned by the ancestors and the gods, she didn’t have to listen to anyone’s opinion.

As long as this person continued to love her.

“Will you always love me?”

Jiang Yan was momentarily confused by the question.

Was this still the cool and capable female assassin? Why was she acting more and more like a young girl?

“Of course. No matter how much time passes, I will always love you.”

Baili Qi pulled her into her arms, her eyes filled with smiles.

Three days later, when the officials returned from their break, Jiang Yan specifically warned them at morning court not to say any nonsense to the Empress. If the Empress was in a bad mood, she would take the Empress and run away, and whoever wanted to sit on the throne could have it.

The ministers were thoroughly terrified and all expressed that they wouldn’t dare. The Grand Tutor’s face was ashen, and he feigned illness again the next day.

Jiang Yan immediately gave him a month-long leave to rest and recuperate, and even bestowed some precious medicinal herbs and tonics, making everyone praise the King’s benevolence.

On Qin Shun’s second birthday, Jiang Yan formally made him the Crown Prince, intending to have him move to the Eastern Palace. However, the child cried heartbreakingly, refusing to leave her.

“Is Older Sister abandoning Shun Shun?”

He looked at Jiang Yan with wide eyes, tears clinging to his long lashes. Anyone would want to hug him and comfort him.

Jiang Yan’s heart softened. She whispered to Baili Qi, “How about we let him stay for another year and send him over when he turns three?”

Baili Qi picked up the child from the wet nurse, her gaze suggesting she had long seen through everything. “I told you that you wouldn’t bear to do it, but you insisted on tempting fate. You made the child cry for nothing. What was the point?”

“Are you saying this is my fault?”

“No, no, I just said it casually. Since the Crown Prince isn’t going to the Eastern Palace, let’s go in and eat.”

Baili Qi quickly changed the subject, holding Qin Shun with one hand and leading Jiang Yan with the other, making all the palace maids envious.

“His Majesty and the Empress have such a good relationship.”

“I think the Empress truly dotes on His Majesty, allowing His Majesty to act like a child. If I could meet someone who treated me like that, I would die without regrets.”

Su Yi, standing nearby, listened to their discussion, her heart a mix of feelings. She had always been jealous of Baili Qi before, which led her to do many childish things. The other party had never held it against her or mentioned it to His Majesty. It seemed she had always been the petty one.

Baili Qi placed Qin Shun in a chair and sat beside Jiang Yan. Before they could start eating, Su Yi knelt down in front of her.

Jiang Yan’s chopsticks paused. She asked, puzzled, “Su Yi, what’s wrong? Osteoporosis?”

Su Yi said solemnly, “No, Your Majesty. This servant wishes to apologize to the Empress.”

Baili Qi didn’t speak, watching her quietly.

“Empress, this servant was previously jealous that you had His Majesty’s favor and did many inappropriate things. If you harbor any resentment, please punish me.”

Baili Qi’s expression relaxed. She conveniently placed a shrimp on Qin Shun’s plate and then said calmly, “You are His Majesty’s personal maid and have served His Majesty for many years. This Palace has never been angry with you. Just don’t repeat the mistakes you made before.”

Jiang Yan was still wondering why Baili Qi hadn’t given her a shrimp when a peeled shrimp was fed to her mouth.

“This servant promises to serve His Majesty and the Empress well in the future and will definitely not repeat the same mistakes.”

Baili Qi fed the shrimp to Jiang Yan and began peeling the second one. “Get up. Don’t kneel.”

Jiang Yan disliked people kneeling unnecessarily, so she had specifically exempted everyone in Zhaoyang Palace from the kneeling ritual.

Su Yi was the head maid and had been exempt from kneeling from the start, so Jiang Yan was a little confused when she suddenly came in and knelt down.

After the interlude during the meal, the family of three happily ate lunch. Then, Jiang Yan had to start the bitter task of dealing with state affairs again. To make Qin Shun understand her suffering, Jiang Yan specifically hired several tutors for him, teaching a variety of subjects. He had no free time all day long. She wanted to see him break down and cry, but the child was serious about everything he studied and remained completely fine after a full day. Jiang Yan refused to believe it, thinking he would surely collapse over time. He continued like this for a full ten years.

Aside from the time she told him to move to the Eastern Palace, which caused him to be sulky and cry, he had never caused them any worry in any other matter.

The sunset lingered in the sky, turning the entire expanse red. Jiang Yan lay on a rattan chair, enjoying a rare moment of peace.

“After working hard for so many years, this is the first day I don’t have to deal with various affairs, a leisurely and comfortable day. I feel like I’ve finally reached the end of the tunnel.”

Baili Qi lay on the other rattan chair, a look of worry on her face. “Today is the Crown Prince’s thirteenth birthday. Is this your birthday gift to him?”

In the morning, Jiang Yan had let Qin Shun handle the state affairs himself.

She usually guided him, but this was the first time he had independently attended court and discussed matters with the ministers. Although she was still subtly worried, it was the first step in the child’s growth.

When a young eagle wants to soar, the eagle mother must let go, or it will never grow up.

Jiang Yan’s feelings for Qin Shun were similar. She wanted him to stand on his own, so she had to be firm.

“Isn’t this good? The first lesson at thirteen is independence. But why hasn’t he returned yet? Could those old fellows be making things difficult for him?”

“Aren’t you still worried? Why pretend to be so cold-blooded? If you’re really uneasy, go and see. The Grand Tutor is vigorous in his old age and not an easy person to deal with.”

Jiang Yan thought about it and decided to go see. Moderation in training was key. She shouldn’t let the child develop a sense of aversion, or else how would she be able to run away later?

The two got up from the rattan chairs. Just as they were about to head to the Hall of Diligent Governance, Qin Shun’s voice rang out at the door.

“Older Sister, I’m back!”

Jiang Yan immediately lay down, pretending to be indifferent. She waited for him to come in before saying lazily, “How was it? Did you cry?”

Qin Shun shook his head. “No. The Grand Tutor even praised me.”

Jiang Yan felt resentment towards the Grand Tutor again. So he praises everyone, but he just can’t stand me. In the thirteen years she had been on the throne, she had been criticized daily.

“Then you can attend court alone from now on. I can finally rest and enjoy a few years of peace.”

Qin Shun had the refinement of a young man. He had grown very tall, inheriting the best features of his parents, and one could foresee what a handsome man he would become when he grew up.

Hearing Jiang Yan’s words, his beautiful eyes drooped, and his voice was full of disappointment. “Is Older Sister leaving?”

Jiang Yan was startled. She had only ever discussed this with Baili Qi. How did he know?

“I’m just going out for a walk. Older Sister has been cooped up in the palace for so long and is about to suffocate. Now that you’ve finally grown up, I naturally have to go out and get some fresh air.”

“Will you come back? Will you come back for my birthday, and for the death anniversaries of Royal Father and Mother?”

To avoid giving the child any trauma, Jiang Yan had changed the death anniversaries of the King of Qin and Wanqirong to coincide with the seven days after their passing. She also never told Qin Shun what kind of person his mother was, only that she was very beautiful and loved him very much.

“Yes, I will come back. We will come back every year to celebrate your birthday.” But if we can’t make it sometimes, there’s nothing that can be done.

Qin Shun was still unhappy and remained downcast all evening. Jiang Yan couldn’t bear to see him like this, so she took him out for a whole day of fun the next day. Afterward, she handled all the necessary remaining matters, chose a beautiful, sunny day, and left the palace with Baili Qi.

“From today on, we will wander the jianghu. Are you excited?”

“As long as it’s with you, I look forward to anything.”

Jiang Yan smiled at her, her eyes curving, her obsidian-like pupils twinkling as if stars had fallen into them.

Baili Qi smiled back. Her already beautiful features became even more radiant.

Holding hands, the two walked towards the vast mountains and rivers.