Dugu Jingyao is reborn as Li Chu's beloved

After the banquet, Dugu Jingyao returned to the Chu Prince's residence with the "Wind-Slaying Robe" and her sword. On the way, Dugu Jingyao felt a headache coming on, the same one she had felt suffocated in the Zhaoyang Palace, and rubbed her temples.

Shi Jian asked, "Does Your Highness have a headache?"

Dugu Jingyao didn't speak, but simply nodded. Shijian then silently sat down beside Dugu Jingyao, who turned to the side as Shijian massaged her head.

Upon returning to the Chu Prince's residence, Dugu Jingyao first went back to Wangyue Pavilion to settle the two children, and then changed her clothes.

"Feng Shengyi" naturally returned to Chenxiang Pavilion, but he wasn't taking care of "Li Chu." Instead, he swapped faces and clothes with "Li Chu," who was lying in bed.

That's right, because Li Chu had woken up without anyone knowing. So he could only disguise himself and Feng Shengyi to accompany Dugu Jingyao to the banquet without arousing too much suspicion.

After the two had changed, Feng Shengyi went out to stand guard. About fifteen minutes later, Dugu Jingyao arrived with Shijian.

Seeing Feng Shengyi's respectful bow and tone, Dugu Jingyao assumed that the two had switched places.

So she said, "No need for formalities. It's cold today, so you two don't need to stand guard at the door. Go and rest in the side hall. I'll call you if I need anything." The two agreed in unison, and after watching Dugu Jingyao enter the room and close the door, they went to the side hall.

Inside Li Chu's bedchamber, the charcoal fire burned brightly, making it very warm. Li Chu lay on the bed with his eyes slightly closed, waiting for Dugu Jingyao.

Dugu Jingyao also noticed this, so she sat down on the edge of the couch and deliberately shook Li Chu vigorously with her hand.

Li Chu couldn't take it anymore and said, "Ayao, be gentle, you're making me dizzy. Besides, you're pregnant now, so it's better to be gentle."

Dugu Jingyao suppressed a laugh and said, "Who told you to pretend to be asleep? I thought you had fallen asleep again, and I was scared, so I shook you hard."

Li Chu, defeated by Dugu Jingyao, sat up and said, "Ayao, I heard you say you had a headache outside the carriage. Are you feeling better now?"

Dugu Jingyao shook her head and said, "I've been inside for too long, and I'm feeling a bit suffocated and have a headache."

While massaging Dugu Jingyao, Li Chu said, "Next time, even if I'm not around, don't make yourself suffer. If you feel unwell, tell your father and mother. Now that you're pregnant, they probably won't be harsh on you."

Dugu Jingyao smiled slightly and said, "I know, Donglang. Today is the Emperor's birthday, so we can't spoil his mood."

Li Chu didn't say anything, but shook his head helplessly.

Suddenly remembering something, Dugu Jingyao asked, "By the way, did you notice what Li Xi and Consort Du were discussing?"

Li Chu said, "Have you forgotten? When Li Xi went to find Consort Du, Shi Jian lost track of him. Just as I was about to go, he returned?"

Dugu Jingyao turned to look at him, and said with some regret, "Then our trip today was a waste?"

Li Chu laughed and said, "Of course, it wasn't all for naught. You remember I went to the restroom once, and at that time the Uyghur prince Yehu also went out. When I came back, I found that the maid had taken him to the Imperial Garden, where he also ran into Consort Du."

Dugu Jingyao asked, "I'm afraid it wasn't a coincidence, was it?"

Li Chu said, "A Yao is indeed clever; it shouldn't be a coincidence. Because later I saw that only Prince Yehu and Consort Du went to Xiaoxiang Pavilion; that maid didn't go."

Dugu Jingyao asked curiously, "So Donglang went along to check?"

Li Chu nodded and said, "If I go, what if Consort Du tries to harm Protector Ye? But I only observed outside for a while. After all, if I stay out too long, it will arouse suspicion. So I left after only a short while."

Dugu Jingyao turned around, and Li Chu, afraid that she might twist herself if she moved too much, pulled her close and leaned her against the bedside, saying, "When I was there, the two of them didn't talk much. It just seemed like Ye Hu had been drugged, because he was clinging to Du Jieyu and wouldn't let go. Du Jieyu actually pushed him away. She even pushed him aside, poured him a glass of water, and told him to calm down. But I didn't stay long, and I don't know what happened after that."

Dugu Jingyao said, "Even a fool could figure it out. Since we didn't hear any news from the moment Prince Yehu left Zhaoyang Palace until the very end, Consort Du and Prince Yehu are probably already..."

Thinking of this, Li Chu slapped the couch with his right hand and said, "This woman is really dishonest, daring to have an affair with another man during the Emperor's birthday celebration!"

Dugu Jingyao was startled, but she didn't dare to raise her voice. She glared at Li Chu and said, "What are you doing! Aren't you afraid of scaring the child!"

Realizing his lapse in composure, Li Chu quickly comforted Dugu Jingyao, stroking her lower abdomen and saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it was Father who was too excited and frightened you and Mother. Don't be afraid."

Dugu Jingyao composed herself and continued, "This Consort Du is so audacious; there might be a bigger conspiracy behind her. Prince Yehu's status is special; it's one thing for her to have an affair with him, but if she becomes pregnant with his child, things will be very bad. However, I don't understand why she would have an affair with Yehu. I don't believe it's a coincidence. Especially since she already has Father's child. What good would it do her to become pregnant with Yehu's child? If Father finds out she betrayed him, she won't get away with it."

Li Chu pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "A Yao is absolutely right. This matter should not be underestimated. However, without conclusive evidence, we cannot act rashly."

Dugu Jingyao leaned against Li Chu's chest, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the bed as she pondered, "We can secretly send people to keep an eye on Consort Du and Prince Yehu's movements and see what other actions they might take."

Li Chu agreed, "Alright, I'll arrange for someone to take care of it right away. Also, you should pay more attention to your own safety. Consort Du is malicious and might do something wicked."

Dugu Jingyao patted Li Chu's hand and smiled, "Don't worry, with you by my side and Shi Jian and the others protecting you, nothing will happen. You should also be careful and not let anyone find out that you've woken up."

Li Chu hugged Dugu Jingyao tightly and said, "Yes, I understand. No matter what happens, I will protect you and the child." The two nestled together by the warm charcoal fire, plotting their next move.