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It has been a month since they have decided to take the child bearing pill. For most part, Xie Lian doesn’t notice any changes in him, he looks at himself in the mirror, his neck is marred with various shades of red and violet, he can’t even help but blush at the fierce session they had last night.
His beloved husband, Hua Cheng, had been more than enthusiastic about making sure his seed takes and it feels like every night their sex life becomes more and more intense. Xie Lian still feels full from last night, he enjoys the feeling of being full, filled with San Lang’s loving essence inside of him.
“Good morning Gege,” Hua Cheng greets, as soon as he sees Xie Lian entering the dining table. It looks like breakfast has been fully prepared, as much as Xie Lian wants to make breakfast, it has become more and more difficult for him to get up so early considering how they barely sleep at night.
Gosh, even thinking about it makes his face blush. He slowly sits beside his loving husband and Hua Cheng immediately kisses his forehead. "Good morning San Lang.”
“How are you feeling? Not too sore I hope.”
“No, I’m fine. This fullness… it’s comforting.” he admits shyly and holds his stomach lovingly.
Large hands envelop his smaller ones and in a swift motion, Hua Cheng places him on his lap. “Oh, don’t worry gege, even if it doesn’t take now. We can always try again later tonight.” he teases and plants multiple kisses all over his face.
Xie Lian giggles and welcomes the act. “San Lang, it’s early in the morning.”
“But I’m just showing my love to my beautiful gege.” San Lan teases and holds him tighter.
It’s moments like this that Xie Lian cherishes the most and he’s certain that once their little one arrives, this kind of love will multiply a hundred fold.
…
..
.
A few months later.
Xie Lian is in the Heavenly Capital. It’s been a few years since they’ve defeated Jun Wu but they still couldn’t appoint a new Heavenly Emperor. No one was unanimous with who they wanted to be the new emperor. Whenever a god is nominated, chaos ensures. So, the temporary and sadly the most peaceful solution is to have a short term election to lead. It’s what the majority have agreed upon. A lot would whisper such a tiring item wouldn’t have happened if Xie Lian just agreed to be the new Heavenly Emperor but it is something that Xie Lian had never wished upon.
Especially now that they’re trying for a child.
Therefore, he has to endure these long boring meetings and appointments to make sure the election is fair and just. Sooner or later, this type of system won’t work and they’ll have to think of another reform.
Yehey for bureaucracy.
Xie Lian is sitting at the corner, trying his best to listen to the debates. It’s just that… something sharp hits his head, he tries to be calm about it but as the discussion continues, the headache persists. He’s starting to feel dizzy, his vision spinning.
He initially thought it was just the lack of rest but he took a nap earlier before ascending to heaven. The ringing in his head becomes stronger, he doesn’t want to intrude or cause any attention but just as he’s about to stand up, he loses his balance and the last thing he sees before blacking out is the world shifting on his side.
…
..
.
By the time he opens his eyes, he notices he’s not in the Grand Avenue Hall. It looks like he’s been moved to his own palace. The stinging stops but is then replaced with a dull hum. He tries to move but he’s stopped midway. Someone is guiding him to sit up right.
“It’s alright your highness, take it easy. Please drink your water first.”
The cool sensation of a porcelain cup soon reaches his lips and he gladly accepts the hydrating sensation of the water. It slowly eases his headache and slowly gets his bearings straight. He notices various eyes staring at him worriedly.
“Your highness, are you alright?” Feng Xin asks worriedly.
“We have to call that husband of yours, we know that he’ll have our asses because you fainted.” Mu Qing adds.
“I’m sorry, it’s just a minor headache.” he tries to pacify but a hand stops him from getting up.
“I’m sorry your highness but please lay down for a bit.” a new voice tells, he’s not sure who this is but it seems that the others are familiar with her.
“How is he, doctor?” Lang Qianqui inquires, his eyes looking worriedly.
“I think it would be better to wait for Lord Crimson Rain to appear before announcing.” the doctor replies. She checks on his pulse and meridians making sure that everything is in place but stops when a couple of eyes continue to stare at her. “I don’t want to intrude but do all of you need to be here?”
“Yes.” Everyone responds in unison.
Xie Lian is surprised. Having Feng Xin and Mu Qing present is a given but the fact Lang Qianqui, Yuan Qizhen, Pei Ming, and even Ling Wen present is something he didn’t expect. Didn’t they have a meeting earlier? Did it get postponed? Oh goodness, he did cause a commotion. It’s so embarrassing.
“What’s this ruckus, what did you heavenly officials do to my gege?” Hua Cheng appears, striding so confidently along with Yin Yu following him silently at the back.
“Relax Crimson Rain, his highness just felt a little dizzy. You know these long meetings go.” Pei Ming jokes.
“Then take that damn position as the new Heavenly Emperor. Then, there’ll be no more long meetings, Ming Guang.” San Lang snaps before gently cupping Xie Lian’s face. It must have been a reflex at this point because Xie Lian immediately leans into his touch. “What happened to my beloved?”
The doctor moves uncomfortably, Xie Lian understands how scary it must be to be at the end of Hua Cheng’s glare, he tries to empathize with her but she somehow manages to stand her ground. “All right then, I'm not sure how to properly say this but his highness took a child bearing pill, correct?”
Xie Lian nods. He’s not liking how the doctor is going with this. Did something bad happen?
“May I ask how many you took?”
“Well I took one a few months ago and another one a month after. Just for good measure.” he explains. He still recalls the moment where Hua Cheng had tracked the ghost who gave him the pill and inquired if there are any side effects for taking more than one pill.
The doctor shakes her head. “That doesn’t add up.”
“What are you talking about?” Xie Lian asks worriedly. “Is this a side effect?”
The doctor scratches her forehead like she’s afraid to say something. “Well umm… I just want to state that taking a child bearing pill might take a while to have a result. Normally from what I've read, it might take a year but …ummm… yours… I would like to ask if you took anything else that would boost your chances like a fertility potion perhaps?”
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng stare at each other momentarily, trying to recount their encounters in Ghost City and remembering if anyone gave him something.
“I don’t think so.” Xie Lian responds.
“Then someone must have sneaked it in your food or maybe in your drink.” the doctor retorts.
“Why would it even matter anyway?” San Lang mutters, feeling impatient as to why the doctor is taking her time to tell them what’s going on.
“It’s because His Highness is carrying and it’s not just one. It’s three.”
Everyone gasps.
“San Lang…”
“Gege…”
“We’re having triplets!”
Hua Cheng holds him closer. Xie Lian could barely contain his excitement. He can’t believe they have been blessed with three little ones instead of one! He’s so happy!
“Now going back, did anyone in this room sneak a fertility potion to His Highness’ food?” the doctor asks, this time her attention is on the crowd.
There’s silence among them.
Soon Feng Xin and Mu Qing raise their hands.
“I’m sorry! I heard about the potion from one of my followers who prayed for a successful pregnancy after taking it. I figured His Highness might need it as well, after all he deserves to have a child even if it's with Crimson Rain.” Feng Xin explains.
“That’s noble of you.” Mu Qing sneers.
“Well, what about you? Why did you even give His Highness a fertility potion?”
“We’re friends, obviously and it’s only natural to help your friend if you have the power.” he explains like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Xie Lian swears he could see a vein popping in Feng Xin’s forehead and could feel an impending fight between the two. He needs to think of something to break the ice and then, “Wait. When did this even happen?” Xie Lian asks, a huge smile is already plastered all over his face. He could still recall the moment these two reacted when he announced they were trying for a baby and the fact that they've even helped him. “I don’t recall taking anything.”
“I slipped it on your tea when you visited my palace last month.” Mu Qing answers.
“I placed mine on the snack I gave you last time.” Feng Xin answers.
They both respond at the same time.
“This still doesn’t add up.” the doctor says and takes out a paper and pen from her sleeve. “That amount won’t be enough to produce triplets. Who else slipped something in His Highness’ food?”
Everyone, even Yin Yu, raise their hand.
“Mine tasted like strawberries.” Pei Ming admits.
“Everyone…” Xie Lian’s not sure if he should laugh or cry.
“Guoshi, you deserved to be happy. You raised me and I know your child will be in good hands.” Lang Qianqiu says with much conviction.
“You refused to take gold, so when I saw Shixong buying those fertility potions, I figured I might as well give you something that you really want.” Quan Yizhen replies.
“Don’t take me down with you!” Yin Yu elbows Quan Yizhen. “But it’s true your highness, you and Hua Chengzu deserve to have children.”
“I just want Crimson Rain not to bother Heaven even just for a bit.” Ling Wen adds.
And as soon as Pei Ming tries to share his reason,
“No one wants to hear from you Pei Ming.” San Lang interrupts.
Xie Lian lets out a loud laugh, he couldn’t help it, he truly appreciates the people around him.
“Well that tracks.” The doctor scribbles out something on her notes seemingly satisfied with what just transpired. “Good news is that your dizzy spell was just a symptom of your pregnancy, try to rest as much as possible and it would be better if you try to see me often. The symptoms might get worse over time and it would be good if you have a good and capable doctor on your side.” she then hands out a prescription and some suggestion of a new routine.
“You heard the lady, my beloved needs rest. He won’t be seeing you lot until the children can walk.” Hua Cheng announces and takes Xie Lian into his arms and carries him bridal style.
“San Lang!”
“What? I’m just taking my stand as an attentive husband and soon to be father.” he teases with a cocky smile.
Xie Lian can’t believe just how much in love he is with this man. He holds onto Hua Cheng’s handsome face and places a soft kiss on his lips which Hua Cheng lovingly returns.
“And since all of you are partially responsible for this, I'm expecting free babysitting whenever gege needs it.”
“San Lang!”
“What? I’m sure you’re thinking about it gege.”
“True but you don’t need to announce it now,” he whispers. “They might go into hiding once the babies arrive.”
Hua Cheng lets out a heavy laugh. “It’s fine, they can’t stay away from us even if they try. I’ll make sure of it.”