Liang Xiao deduced that Bai Longying's genes were strong, and that the divine steed must also be passed down solely within the Tian Ri clan.
"I wonder who has that Bai Longying now," Liang Xiao muttered, "It seems necessary to take it back, lest someone impersonate General Tian..."
"Whoever has it, they are no match for Brother Xiao~" Xiao Qing replied absentmindedly. She then touched her abdomen and murmured, "Brother Xiao, my period is late, it's been several days..."
Liang Xiao's expression changed, and he exclaimed with surprise and joy, "Could it be that you're pregnant??"
"It's possible..." Xiao Qing nodded, blushing, but with a hint of worry. "Just in case, we need to prepare early to avoid the suspicion of the ministers."
Her already impressive figure was becoming more pronounced day by day, and it was quite uncomfortable to try and conceal it with binding.
At eighteen, she still lacked an Adam's apple, which could be somewhat hidden by clothing.
But if she were pregnant for a long time, her belly would grow larger and larger...
If the secrecy could not be maintained, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Even if Gu Hong and his faction still supported royal authority, the suppressed Three Great Families and powerful clans would likely seize the opportunity to make a fuss, perhaps even supporting the Southern King!
After increasing the share of the屯田 (Tun Tian - agricultural settlements) peasants and giving benefits to the people, he had also offended the landlords and gentry across the country.
"When your belly starts to grow, I certainly won't be able to stay in the capital for long. It will be the right time to lead the Yan Zhou troops to Xichuan," Liang Xiao said solemnly.
If he remained in the capital, and Xiao Qing, with her visibly growing belly, began to cancel court sessions and handle state affairs through other means, and later announced her identity as Empress to the world.
Even with the late Emperor's will, it would be difficult to avoid the suspicion of everyone in the realm that Liang Xiao had conspired with the princess to harm the Emperor and have the princess take his place.
The imperial family was the most ruthless. Such things could certainly happen. The Great Zhou Dynasty had a history of a princess killing the crown prince and then ascending the throne. The common people wouldn't bother to consider whether the late Emperor's will was reliable; perhaps it was all fabricated!
Thinking that she might be pregnant, Xiao Qing pouted, her expression full of reluctance.
How she wished Liang Xiao could stay by her side when she was pregnant, to make her less afraid.
Liang Xiao saw through Xiao Qing's thoughts at a glance and comforted her, "Don't worry, your sister Qingxue and the others will accompany you, as well as Granny Ning, Eunuch Ding, and Mi'er. The old Prime Minister is also here."
Only then did Xiao Qing nod obediently.
"But if that's the case, relying solely on the Prime Minister to help you cover up won't be enough!" Liang Xiao sighed.
"We can't let the old Prime Minister work himself to death..." Xiao Qing said with shame.
Wang Canghai had always worked diligently, handling too many matters for her without complaint. However, he was already in his seventies.
Liang Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "If you are truly pregnant, I will be transferred to the position of Shangshu Pushe (Minister of State), and the position of Shangshu Ling will be handed over to Zhuo Lingjun. At the same time, it's time to reveal the truth to Minister Gu and the others. Only with their cooperation can this matter be temporarily concealed! Simultaneously, all the Shadow Guards throughout the country should be recalled to the capital as much as possible to protect you."
Having just defeated the barbarians, and needing to manage and protect the Hexi Corridor and Hetao regions, the Great Qian nation could not afford to deploy too many troops to suppress potential rebels everywhere. At this critical juncture, Xiao Qing's identity absolutely could not be exposed.
Xiao Qing also realized the seriousness of the situation and quickly drafted an imperial decree for backup.
A few days later, Xiao Qing indeed began to experience morning sickness.
Mu Xueqin, who was in the capital, personally felt Xiao Qing's pulse and exclaimed with surprise, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! It is indeed a joyous pulse!!"
Mu Xueqin was immensely grateful to this Empress, who had bestowed upon her a daughter and heir.
Xiao Qing happily cradled her face, nestled in Liang Xiao's embrace, her eyes filled with tenderness.
That day at court, the imperial decree was promulgated.
"Reinstating Zhuo Lingjun?" The civil and military officials were greatly astonished.
Dugu Qun and others, after their initial shock and anger, quickly voiced their support.
After all, they now only wished to pledge loyalty and ensure their own safety. For them, Zhuo Zifang had influence in Jiangnan, and his presence in the capital would be the same!
As for Liang Xiao, being changed from Shangshu Ling to Shangshu Pushe, a position that had been vacant for a long time, serving as the deputy to the Shangshu Ling of Great Qian, was effectively a demotion rather than a promotion, so they had no objections.
With Dugu Qun and others expressing their support, the rest also readily agreed, and the matter did not cause any significant upheaval.
After the court session, Xiao Qing summoned several loyal officials.
Prime Minister Wang Canghai, Minister of Revenue Gu Hong, Minister of Rites He Jingyun, Minister of Works Huang Xing, Governor of Jingzhao Mu Lingming, Vice Minister of Works Zhang Yang, Vice Minister of War Mu Hong, Vice Minister of Revenue Gu Shaoyan.
These eight ministers, led by Wang Canghai, proceeded to the Imperial Study.
Gu Hong, with his keen eyes, noticed as soon as they reached the entrance of the Imperial Study that there were twice as many Shadow Guards outside as usual.
Upon entering the Imperial Study, they found Liang Xiao, Ding Wuyi, and Ning Xuejun already present.
After Xiao Qing granted them seats, she looked at the eight ministers and praised, "All of you, my esteemed ministers, are the pillars of my strength and the cornerstones of the state."
"Your subjects pledge their lives to repay Your Majesty's grace!" everyone declared.
Only then did Xiao Qing beam, sighing, "After observing you all these years, I have confirmed that you can indeed be trusted!"
The ministers looked at Xiao Qing, puzzled. Why would such a matter need special emphasis?
Especially Zhang Yang, Gu Shaoyan, and Mu Hong, the three younger men. They were bewildered when Xiao Qing issued the decree to reinstate Zhuo Zifang.
Today, His Majesty seemed somewhat unusual?
"The He family of Jiangnan will have more descendants in the future who will enter officialdom in the capital," Xiao Qing said with great solemnity.
He Jingyun was overwhelmed with gratitude and quickly pledged, "Your humble servants will do our best. If we are unworthy, we will never hold positions passively, nor will we be a powerful clan!"
Xiao Qing nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Gu Hong and Mu Lingming. "The Gu and Mu families, as long as you consistently uphold your current family principles, I can guarantee your families' prosperity for generations."
The two were also taken aback and hastily pledged, "Your humble servant will certainly rectify the family's conduct, taking the Three Great Families and the Gongyang clan as a warning, and will support Your Majesty for generations to come!"
Xiao Qing then looked at Mu Hong and Gu Shaoyan. "Both of you, not yet thirty, have already shown the talent of a king's advisor. You are steady in your work, and I intend to promote you."
The two said with trepidation, "Your humble servants still require more experience and cannot hold positions beyond our merit, lest we fail to command respect!"
Xiao Qing shook her head. "You are worthy."
Everyone was bewildered and cast questioning glances at Liang Xiao. Was she planning to further promote these families?
But Liang Xiao only smiled and remained silent, walking over and sitting beside Wang Canghai.
Wang Canghai also remained silent.
"I require all of you to guarantee that no matter what happens next, it must absolutely not be disclosed to the outside," Xiao Qing's tone became increasingly grave, and she was also nervous.
However, the moment she saw Liang Xiao, her nervousness vanished, replaced by infinite confidence.
He was here, and so were the three auxiliary ministers!
Gu Hong understood and immediately swore an oath, "If any of your humble subjects leak any information, Your Majesty may exterminate my entire clan!"
Everyone followed suit and swore their oaths.
Only then did Xiao Qing relax and give Ding Wuyi a look.
Ding Wuyi turned and walked to a bookshelf, taking out a pre-prepared ancient golden box.
Under the puzzled gaze of everyone, the golden box slowly opened, revealing three imperial decrees within.
Xiao Qing then took off her crown, untied the ribbon from her hair, and her three thousand strands of black silk cascaded down.
"In truth, I am Princess Ning Shuang, and Princess Ning Shuang is me."
Xiao Qing's soft words, however, struck like a thunderclap, making Gu Hong and the others' minds buzz!