Chapter 200

C200 – Bootlicking

“Is His Highness planning to delay things?” Yueyang Marquis stood on the steps, wearing a somewhat displeased expression. “I wonder how much longer His Majesty’s patience will last.”

No matter how much the Crown Prince wanted to prolong matters, it wouldn’t be feasible at that moment.

“Father-in-law, please don’t worry. When the time is right, we will be forthright. We can devise a strategy when necessary.”

Yueyang Marquis gazed at him for a while. Their five-year pact was merely verbal. According to Yueyang Marquis, five years provided ample time for Tang Yue and Crown Prince Zhao to become adversaries. Their relationship could easily shift, a fact Yueyang Marquis was well aware of.

Perhaps even before that time arrived, they would have already engaged in endless disputes over various issues and eventually gone their separate ways.

“Since His Highness’s eldest son was born at the border, I won’t pursue this matter any further. I hope you’ll treat my son kindly.”

“Certainly.” Crown Prince Zhao chose not to disclose the matter of the child to Yueyang Marquis. The more people who knew, the greater the risk.

Presently, in this world, apart from himself, Tang Yue, and Yangu, there was no fourth person privy to this information. If the visitor had been Madam Luo, perhaps the guards accompanying her might have noticed. However, Madam Luo had died during childbirth, perhaps as fate would have it.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince’s Palace, Crown Prince Zhao found Tang Yue playing with their child and a small drum. Tang Yue had a warm smile on his face, treating the child no differently than his own.

When he noticed Crown Prince Zhao’s return, he beckoned. “Come here quickly. Your son has started talking.”

Your son...

Crown Prince Zhao inwardly sighed. To outsiders, it would seem that the Crown Princess should be heartbroken at this moment, overwhelmed by sorrow and indignation. Little did they know that he was the first one in this family to elicit a child’s smile.

However, now that the little rascal recognized Tang Yue but not him, he couldn’t hide his displeasure when facing the child.

He approached and looked down at the small, chubby baby. He spoke authoritatively, “Say ‘Royal Father’!”

Little Luoyuan gazed at him and pouted. Tiny teardrops welled up in his eyes, and he began to cry inconsolably.

Yangu witnessed the scene and hurriedly picked up the infant to soothe him. She harbored some resentment toward Crown Prince Zhao. Why would he frighten a child when he was so advanced in age?

Tang Yue followed suit, attempting to console the baby. “Come on, little one,” he cooed. His gentle words quickly captured the attention of Little Luoyuan.

Observing that the child had ceased crying, Tang Yue turned to Crown Prince Zhao and playfully remarked, “It appears your fatherly demeanor is a bit too imposing. The child finds you intimidating.”

Crown Prince Zhao huffed and turned away, leaving the scene.

Tang Yue reached out and took the child into his arms. He had been carrying and nurturing the baby for the past few days, and he could still handle the task of feeding.

The household servants couldn’t help but shower praise upon Crown Princess upon seeing her actions. Crown Princess indeed displayed virtue and compassion!

Even Crown Prince Zhao had to acknowledge Tang Yue’s competence. When it came to domestic skills, even ten Crown Prince Zhaos couldn’t match a single Tang Yue.

Expressing the other complete sentences would prove to be a challenging task for him.

As the king and queen exchanged glances, just when everyone expected the King of South Jin to become angry, he erupted into laughter.

“Haha... this innocent child... Grandma may no longer be with us, but she lives on.” The King of South Jin pointed at the queen and chuckled.

Young Luoyuan was utterly baffled. He turned to look at Tang Yue, who could only nod. He had anticipated that Luoyuan would change his target immediately, but instead, the child only released one hand and pointed at the King of South Jin. “Floating... Floating...”

It turned out that Tang Yue had informed him that the most beautiful person was his grandmother. However, the young one fixed his gaze on the gem atop the King of South Jin’s head. The gem was as large as a pigeon egg, dazzling and glossy, captivating the child’s attention.

However, when everyone saw that he was pointing at the King of South Jin’s face, they silently praised Little Wang’s grandson for his bootlicking skills.

The King of South Jin was momentarily taken aback before breaking into laughter again. He then stooped down and lifted Little Luoyuan. Despite his awkward posture, it was an unusual sight.

“What’s your name?”

“Luo. Lou...”

“Do you know who I am?”

“Floating. Floating, grandmother.”

“Haha... wrong, I am your grandfather.”

“Boiled husband?” Little Luoyuan struggled to keep pace, his limited understanding evident.

This disruption significantly improved King of South Jin’s mood. He no longer harbored his initial aversion toward the child and even showered him with numerous gifts.

“Have you adopted the name Wang Sun?” inquired the King of South Jin, addressing Tang Yue, who stood before him.

Tang Yue responded, “Yes, he is named Li Luoyuan.”

By tradition, the king usually bestowed a name upon the crown prince’s eldest son, but it was evident that Li Luoyuan did not meet that standard. The King of South Jin nodded, signifying his understanding. He had no intention of giving him another name.

Fortunately, he did not linger for long. After a brief stay, he departed, advising Tang Yue before leaving, “Choose a suitable day to bring the child to the ancestral temple and record him in the family tree.”

A smile formed on Tang Yue’s lips. “Thank you, Master.”

The King of South Jin cast a deep, contemplative gaze upon him. He was genuinely pleased but pondered within, “He isn’t your biological son. Why are you so happy?”

As soon as the King departed, the atmosphere in the hall eased. The queen embraced Little Luoyuan tightly, unwilling to let him go. She ordered various delicious dishes and amusements, eager to lavish the child with care.

Observing this scene, Tang Yue understood that every mother, regardless of her circumstances, longed to witness her son wed and bear children. Just as his own parents had done in the past, they had never wavered in their support of his sexual orientation and remained committed to his happiness.

In their eyes, only offspring could bring enduring joy and maintain the continuity of the family lineage. Such a legacy was beyond what any man or woman could provide.

This outcome was satisfactory. It alleviated some of the Crown Prince’s burdens. Even though Tang Yue recognized that the child could not resolve all their issues, the King of South Jin and his courtiers remained steadfast in their determination to select a concubine for the Crown Prince. Nonetheless, they had passed this particular trial.