Doctor Lu Always Wants To Steal My Baby! Chapter 36
byChapter 36 Freeloading
“Just choose Pinglin Base, that garrison point of Xia Zhenye’s. It’ll absolutely infuriate him, haha.” On the way to the audience hall, Chu Yunqi was still giving He Chen advice.
He was practically begging for chaos by suggesting He Chen choose the Xia family’s garrison, almost having “I want to watch the drama” written across his face.
He Chen remained silent. After entering the hall, he paid his respects according to protocol. When he heard the Emperor call He Leyan forward to the imperial seat, he hesitated for a moment, unwilling to let go of his son’s hand.
It was Lu Changqing who walked down and took Leyan’s hand. He Chen exchanged a look with Lu Changqing before finally releasing his grip.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.” He Leyan was led to the imperial seat by Lu Changqing. After Lu Changqing whispered something in his ear, the boy, looking very proper, bowed to the Emperor in his sweet, childish voice.
“Good, good child, haha.” The Emperor was quite fond of the small boy, who spoke clearly and had bright eyes. He casually instructed a close attendant to select a suitable treasure set for a child from the private vault as a reward.
“How is one set enough?” Elder Fang joked. “First there was Changqing, and now Leyan. Such exceptionally talented Healers were rare to see even over a century, yet now they appear one after another. This shows the Empire is blessed with good fortune, and that Your Majesty’s virtue is flourishing.”
The older the ginger, the spicier the flavor—or in this case, the sweeter the flattery.
Elder Fang’s words delighted the Emperor, who indeed added another set of rewards.
Chu Yunqi seized the opportunity to speak: “Father Emperor, Leyan is a treasure to our entire nation! He is so young, and following his father at Hanhe Base is too difficult! You must—”
“Cough!” The Emperor cut him off with a fake cough, finally looking at He Chen. “Is Hanhe Base very difficult?”
He asked in a deep, slow tone, his eyes sweeping over the son of a traitor.
His identity was unfortunate, but his talent and appearance were truly outstanding. It was just that his identity was too unfortunate…
“Reporting to Your Majesty, although Hanhe is remote, it is under the care of Your Majesty and the military. Your subject does not find it difficult,” He Chen replied dutifully, head bowed.
“You don’t find it difficult, but Leyan does!” Chu Yunqi pushed aside the man speaking in officialese and looked at He Leyan. “Leyan, tell us, is Hanhe difficult or not?!”
He Leyan paused, then shook his head. “Not difficult.”
Papa said it wasn’t difficult, so of course it wasn’t difficult. Furthermore—
He looked at He Chen, who was standing at the foot of the steps, and said seriously, though not loudly, “With Papa, it’s not difficult.”
He Chen was momentarily stunned. Ignoring the etiquette of facing the Emperor, he raised his head and glanced at the little boy.
“Oh my, this child! Come here and let your Great-Aunt embrace you!” Consort He, looking moved, led He Leyan away from the imperial seat and wrapped her arms around his small body.
For a moment, she was genuinely touched, reminded of Chu Yunqi when he was small.
People are better when they are children; you don’t have to worry about them causing trouble!
She subtly glared at Chu Yunqi. Despite her warnings, the boy was determined to win over He Chen, but He Chen’s identity was sensitive. Her husband on the dragon throne might appear magnanimous, but he was no more broad-minded than anyone else, especially holding a grudge against the one who had contested the throne with him back then. Even a slight connection to that person was enough to make him feel uneasy about He Chen.
However… He Chen’s identity might not be genuine.
Years ago, Consort He had seen He Yayun being intimate with a man in the backyard. Although she and He Yayun were sisters, they had different mothers and had been at odds since childhood. He Yayun was arrogant, often adopting the air of someone involved in great matters, and mocked Consort He for her petty concerns.
When she accidentally stumbled upon He Yayun and the man being intimate, in a rather… intimate manner, Consort He suppressed her embarrassment and watched for a moment longer, hoping to use it as leverage against He Yayun later.
Later, she met Chu Jianheng, who had not yet ascended the throne, and her young, naive heart was devoted to him, causing her to forget the incident.
Years later, when He Siyuan grew up and his features matured, she recalled the man again.
She hadn’t thought of him until one time she saw He Siyuan smile with a slight lift of his lips—a smile that looked gentle but also calculating. That smile instantly reminded her of the man from back then, because the subtle expression was almost identical!
It was at that moment that she recalled a sentence the man had said to He Yayun while wearing that smile: “How is he better than me? Just because he belongs to your He family?”
That sentence, combined with He Siyuan’s smile, made Consort He suddenly consider an utterly absurd possibility:
Could it be that the man was the traitor later exiled, and He Siyuan was actually that man’s child?
Because it was so absurd, Consort He hadn’t taken it too seriously herself—too much time had passed, and she had almost forgotten what the man looked like. She wasn’t sure if He Siyuan truly resembled him or if it was just her own delusion.
But when she spontaneously tested He Yayun that day, her sister’s reaction made her heart leap.
Yes, what was so absurd about it? He Yayun had the kind of arrogant, self-centered personality that would elevate what she liked to the heavens and trample what she hated underfoot. What was she incapable of doing?
It was from that time onward that Consort He harbored a different scheme, turning a blind eye to Chu Yunqi’s “rebellious” behavior of trying to win over He Chen.
Since the He family was preparing to play both sides behind her back… Her eyes swept over the honest-looking Second Prince, Chu Yunlan, and her elder brother, He Hongyi. Her fingernails, stained with red polish, pricked her palm.
Just then, she sensed something. Looking up, she met Lu Changqing’s gaze.
It seemed like a coincidence. Lu Changqing nodded to her kindly, then his gaze slid toward He Leyan, as if communicating with the child across the distance.
He truly cared about this child.
Consort He lowered her head and gently and carefully placed a piece of food on He Leyan’s plate.
At this point, the Emperor had finished questioning He Chen about Hanhe’s defenses and the Sirius Tribe. The conversation moved to the main topic: “You took first place in the martial competition. Ask for any reward you want.”
“Cousin!” Chu Yunqi was even more excited than He Chen upon hearing this. He stood to the side, whispering reminders and shaking the “cheat sheet” in his palm.
This caused several family heads in the hall to look at the slip of paper with speculative eyes.
However, the Emperor spoke: “If it concerns the garrison point, do not mention it. Hanhe Base is crucial, a vital gateway. You are familiar with the environment and have defended it well, so you shall continue to guard it for another rotation.”
“Father Emperor!”
“Yes.”
Chu Yunqi and He Chen spoke simultaneously, one anxious, the other calm.
He Hongyi and the others quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Maintaining the status quo was good; it meant they didn’t have to worry about this matter. The distribution of Blood Crystals was the real priority.
“You are willing?” The Emperor was somewhat surprised to see He Chen being so compliant, saving him the trouble of persuasion.
“Willing. Your subject just finished renovating a house for Leyan, and we haven’t lived in it for many days. I would hate to move,” He Chen said, looking at Chu Yunqi. “The Third Prince also promised to sponsor a sum to help install a small playground for Leyan.”
A playground is nothing! Can’t you aim higher?!
Chu Yunqi was extremely anxious.
“It is commendable that you, at such a young age, possess such a loving father’s heart.” The Emperor narrowed his eyes at him, then suddenly glanced at Lu Changqing. “Director Lu once mentioned to Us in passing that your hasty elimination of the Star Bandits might have been because of Leyan. He said that the Medical Academy informed you that you could take Leyan back, which prompted you to quickly clean up your home.”
“We initially didn’t believe this, but now We feel Director Lu might not have been guessing wildly.”
“He Chen, tell Us, was this the reason you suddenly eliminated the Fire Fox and Glorious Dragon Star Bandits?” The Emperor asked He Chen seemingly casually, but his eyes were fixed on He Hongyi, noting the fleeting look of distress on his face, and a slight curl of contempt appeared on the Emperor’s lips.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, no,” He Chen replied, lowering his head, his peripheral vision catching Lu Changqing’s direction. He spoke righteously, “Star Bandits are a great menace to our Empire. Eliminating them is your subject’s duty. I have always done my utmost, but my capability was insufficient until recently when I seized the opportunity and finally—”
“Enough,” the Emperor interrupted his lengthy explanation impatiently. “No need to be nervous. Director Lu was not speaking ill of you; he was praising your genuine nature to Us.”
Speaking of which—the Emperor glanced again at Lu Changqing, who was watching He Chen, and his heart stirred.
He had previously noticed that Lu Changqing, who usually seemed unconcerned with everything, paid extra attention to He Chen, but he had attributed it to He Leyan. Now, seeing He Chen’s appearance, he suddenly understood a thing or two.
Even the esteemed Lu Changqing had a mortal side.
Chuckling inwardly, the Emperor grew serious again: A hidden danger remained in his Spiritual Domain from his youth, and he needed Lu Changqing to ensure a long life.
Although He Chen’s identity made him uneasy, giving him face for Lu Changqing’s sake was acceptable.
“It is rare to have Director Lu vouch for you. Tell Us, what do you want? Excluding the garrison point, We will grant it,” he said, looking at He Chen.
He Chen paused.
He wanted—
He curled his cold alloy knuckles, instantly feeling the impulse to disregard everything, present the evidence, and drag certain people to hell.
His heart pounded, his chest expanded. Because of this sudden, intense urge, He Chen’s breathing became heavy, and his Spiritual Domain subtly vibrated.
Just then, he felt an inexplicable mental pull.
Slightly raising his head, He Chen met Lu Changqing’s gaze.
Calm, steady.
A thread of concentrated mental energy, accompanying that gaze, pierced He Chen, like a tiny icicle melting into his glabella.
The burning impulse subsided, and He Chen regained most of his composure.
Straightening his fingers, he spoke in a steady, flawless voice: “Thank you, Your Majesty. The request your subject wishes to make—”
He Chen paused for a moment, glancing at Lu Changqing.
“The request your subject wishes to make concerns Leyan’s godfather.”
“You don’t need to mention that. We have already agreed that Leyan will choose his own godfather,” the Emperor said.
“Your subject is not referring to that.”
“Then what is it?” The Emperor looked up.
“Your subject requests an imperial decree allowing Leyan not to choose a godfather,” He Chen stated.
Not choose? Chu Yunqi and Consort He frowned, and a low murmur arose in the hall. Even Lu Changqing frowned for a brief moment, but his expression quickly returned to calm, as if he was no longer perplexed.
“Why not choose? Are you afraid of offending people?” The Emperor suddenly felt a bit of schadenfreude.
He especially looked at his own son, Chu Yunqi: You spent all that effort, and the man doesn’t care for you at all.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is because he cannot choose.”
“Too many people care for Leyan, such as my elder brother, the Third Prince, and also the Healers of the Medical Academy.”
As he spoke the last part, He Chen looked at Lu Changqing again.
“Especially the Healers of the Medical Academy. Leyan has been cared for by them since childhood and holds deep affection and dependence for them. They, too, show pure, unadulterated kindness toward Leyan.”
He Chen withdrew his gaze from Lu Changqing and continued his report: “Your subject believes they are all Leyan’s godfathers, in substance if not in name.”
“If Leyan needs Spiritual Domain stabilization, they would all surely be willing to help. Therefore, your subject humbly requests Your Majesty’s permission for Leyan not to select a godfather.”
“So you mean you want Leyan to be a ‘sea king’ and freeload off the Medical Academy?” Chu Yunqi huffed after He Chen finished his logical explanation.
What “sea king,” what “freeloading”—how could he phrase it so harshly!
He Chen had absolutely no malicious intent. The reason he made this request instead of directly naming Wen Yi was because of… Lu Changqing.
He didn’t want Lu Changqing to be Leyan’s godfather because he didn’t want He Leyan to be drawn into a power struggle, and this idea had never changed.
Beyond that, however, some of He Chen’s views had shifted—specifically after encountering the Beastkin and personally witnessing how Lu Changqing protected Leyan.
Just as he had said, Lu Changqing was the most qualified person to be He Leyan’s godfather, “in substance if not in name.” If He Leyan were allowed to choose, the child would undoubtedly choose Daddy Lu over any Father Wen or Father Wu.
He Chen was fundamentally a person who could not tolerate injustice. He couldn’t bring himself to ask Lu Changqing to be Leyan’s godfather, but he could ensure that neither Lu Changqing nor anyone else was chosen.
However, after Chu Yunqi’s comment, he did seem to be guilty of freeloading.
He Chen looked up, meeting Lu Changqing’s gaze once more.
He felt a little guilty.
“This is a rare opportunity. Are you sure this is your only request?” the Emperor asked.
“Yes, your subject is certain,” He Chen replied, bowing his head.
“Very well, We grant your request,” the Emperor said. He then glanced at the slumped Chu Yunqi and snorted. “However, Our son wholeheartedly recommended his cousin, and you have indeed performed meritorious service in guarding Hanhe. Merits must be rewarded. Chu Qingyu—”
The Emperor looked at the head of the military and ordered, “Promote his military rank to Major General. The soldiers at Hanhe who participated in the last patrol and protected the Third Prince shall all be promoted one rank, and their stipends for this year shall be doubled.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” He Chen’s voice was noticeably louder for the first time. He was also quite tactful, turning to Chu Yunqi. “Thank you also, Your Highness. Everyone at Hanhe will surely live up to the expectations of Your Majesty and His Highness.”
Chu Yunqi lifted his head and gave an arrogant huff.
Yet, for some reason, he felt a little happy inside.
A flicker of resentment crossed Chu Yunlan’s honest face.
Father Emperor seemed intent on suppressing the nobility and didn’t use Chu Yunqi as much as he used him, allowing Chu Yunqi to wander around like a dissolute noble.
But in reality, he still favored Chu Yunqi. If Chu Yunqi wanted to win over this He Chen, he would actually help him do it…
*
“Congratulations, Major General He.” As the banquet dispersed, Elder Fang deliberately slowed his steps, coincidentally meeting He Chen and his son outside the palace gates.
Promoted to Major General, He Chen was indeed worthy of the title “General,” though it felt unfamiliar.
“Thank you, Elder Fang,” He Chen said, glancing down at himself—he felt that Elder Fang’s gaze was strange, particularly scrutinizing, making him wonder if something was amiss with him.
“Does Elder Fang still think I resemble an old acquaintance of yours?” He Chen asked directly.
“Which acquaintance?” Lu Changqing walked over, seemingly out of nowhere, and looked at Elder Fang.
“Oh, nothing at all.” Elder Fang laughed it off. Since the matter was unconfirmed, he wouldn’t easily reveal it.
“You’re He Chen? I watched your competition; it was amazing!” Next to Elder Fang, Fang Wensong, barely containing his excitement, popped his head out, his eyes full of admiration. “Brother Chen, it’s a shame you almost became my brother-in-law!”
“But it’s not a shame, either. Fang Wen Zhuo is blind; being with him would be beneath you!”
“Ahem! That’s enough. I’m tired from drinking. Hurry up and take me home.” Elder Fang cleared his throat. This child, speaking such inconvenient truths in public.
Elder Fang bid farewell to He Chen and the others, forcefully pulling his grandson into the air car. Before getting in, he glanced at He Yayun and He Siyuan, who were preparing to board their own air car nearby.
He hadn’t found concrete evidence yet, but he increasingly trusted his intuition.
If his intuition proved true, he was determined to help his benefactor set things right!
———————–
Author’s Note: Little Wolf: What should I do about freeloading off Senior Brother?
Senior Brother: Everything in fate is already priced [patting head]