Though initially, some had grumbled about his marriage to the Han princess, Zong Jun’s obvious adoration for her silenced any lingering dissent. The Great Khan’s elation was evident. 

First, he ordered a lavish distribution of coins for three days, followed by a continuous ten-day feast. The little prince—or princess, as it was still too early to tell—had yet to be born, but the tribe was already reveling in the joyous anticipation.

Yao Ji, though delighted, gently cautioned Zong Jun, “Such extravagance! I fear this child, so young, may not be able to withstand such fortune.”

“Nonsense,” Zong Jun scoffed, dismissing the Han superstitions. “My child can withstand any amount of good fortune.” He placed his hand on Yao Ji’s belly, tenderly caressing it. “Here… lies my little barbarian.”

Yao Ji giggled, “What little barbarian? If it’s a girl, I won’t allow you to call her that.”

Zong Jun, his heart overflowing with contentment, embraced his beloved wife, resting his chin on her shoulder. “If it’s a girl, she’ll be a beautiful little princess, just like you.” His expression shifted, a new thought taking hold. “I must start preparing her dowry early.” 

Then, the realization that his daughter would one day marry caused him to grit his teeth. “I’ll also raise ten wolves for her. That way, no unworthy brat will dare to even think about courting our daughter.”

The attending maidservants struggled to suppress their laughter. Who could have imagined their usually composed Great Khan transformed into a doting father, already fantasizing about pummeling future suitors?

Influenced by this joyful anticipation, even when Zong Jun realized he would have to abstain for several months, a smile still played on his lips, and his interactions with his attendants remained unusually gentle. 

Abstinence was abstinence. He had managed before meeting Yao Yao. It was just that his little darling was so intoxicating; once tasted, he could no longer resist. Yao Ji, however, distressed him. She had already denied him intimacy for half a month, and now, with her pregnancy, Zong Jun dared not even touch her.

But the kind-hearted beauty, having witnessed Zong Jun relieving himself in private, offered him the tender ministrations of her mouth. Zong Jun had considered this before, initially planning a gradual approach. 

However, after a significant argument with Yao Ji, he had come to understand his own feelings and resolved not to cause her any discomfort. Now, with Yao Ji willingly offering this intimate service, a shiver ran down his spine, and, much to his embarrassment, he cl1maxed in mere moments.

Yao Ji teased, “The Great Khan’s weapon seems to have weakened after a few days of absence.”

Little minx, Zong Jun thought, grinding his teeth. Just wait until you’ve given birth, then we’ll see!

Meanwhile, oblivious to Zong Jun’s plans for future retribution, Yao Ji was enjoying a life of blissful contentment. Zong Jun showered her with affection, denying her nothing. Though pampered, Yao Ji was not one to abuse her privilege, always maintaining a sense of propriety.

With Yao Ji’s pregnancy, Hu Lan became increasingly withdrawn. Yao Ji, now content with her impending motherhood, no longer bothered with Hu Lan’s jealousy. She was unaware, however, that Hu Lan had formed an alliance with Moroha.

“Zong Jun has wronged you so deeply. Have you never thought of revenge?” Hu Lan stood over Moroha, who was hunched over, twisting straw ropes, ignoring her. Undeterred, she continued, “I am not like you. I am a daughter of the heavens. Zong Jun dared to humiliate me, and I will not let him go unpunished!”

“Hmph,” Moroha scoffed. “If one’s skills are inferior, one should accept defeat.”

“You!” Hu Lan’s eyes burned with rage. She understood Moroha’s implication: that she was less desirable to Zong Jun than the Han enchantress and thus deserved her neglect. 

“You think I don’t know about your relationship with that little vixen?” She sneered. “She used to come to you often, didn’t she? Now, she doesn’t even bother. You think you’re something special?” She spat the words with venom. “She only used you as a plaything to pass the time.”

Moroha remained silent for a long moment. Hu Lan watched him, his head bowed, his hands clenched white. She instinctively took a few steps back. Suddenly, Moroha looked up, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. “B1tch! I won’t allow you to insult her!”

“Hah!” Hu Lan retorted, trying to maintain her composure. “Did I say anything wrong? I’ve simply spoken your mind.” She considered Yao Ji her enemy and had meticulously gathered information about her. Though resentful, Hu Lan acknowledged the little vixen’s allure. She had merely been testing Moroha, and his reaction confirmed her suspicions. “Moroha,” she purred, her gaze fixed on the young man, “don’t you… want her?”