Imperial Prison.
After the truth was revealed, everyone in the Empire knew that Shen Qingli was the true culprit of treason and collusion. Everyone wished to execute her! But with Yun Family blood in her belly, even those in prison dared not neglect her, arranging the best cell for her.
A single room with a dedicated bathroom, meals delivered three times a day.
Itâs not as luxurious as her previous days, but the conditions are certainly not bad.
It seemed less like serving a sentence and more like being confined under house arrest.
When Shen Qingli was first imprisoned, she was still fearless, confident in the child she bore with the Yun Family. Even using the child as leverage would secure her life.
But this morning, the system dropped a bombshellâthe child in her belly was not of Yun Family blood.
"How is that possible?!" Shen Qingli was in disbelief, nearly collapsing, "Didnât you say that the elixir would most likely get me pregnant with Yun Hanâs child?"
The system rolled its eyes speechlessly, "Yes, most likely. But probability isnât something I can guarantee 100%. Unfortunately, you werenât lucky and hit the small probability event."
Shen Qingli fell down on the bed, her face growing paler, biting her lower lip until it almost bled.
The die was cast; no matter how terrified she was, she couldnât change the facts!
The truth about the child could never be discovered.
As she was racking her brains on how to continue the pretense, she heard chaotic footsteps outside the door.
Soon after, the door was pushed open.
Several doctors wearing white uniforms came in, carrying various sophisticated instruments.
Behind them were several tall Beastman guards, standing at the door, ensuring she couldnât take the chance to escape.
Shen Qingli backed away in panic, "What do you want?"
Goya, wearing a mask, adjusted the glasses on his nose and spoke gently, "Please remain calm, we are sent by His Highness to perform a prenatal examination for you."
Shen Qingliâs eyes widened; a prenatal exam would reveal that the child was not of Yun Family blood!
That bastard was really setting her up!
Shen Qingli shouted angrily, "Get out! I donât need your fake sympathy! Get out! Get out!"
She picked up the makeup mirror and other items on the table and smashed them around.
The doctors stepped back, alarmed, even the good-natured Doctor Goya was impatient.
His Highness was so kind to even arrange a prenatal examination for a traitor, but what was her attitude? Such ingratitude!
Disregarding etiquette, he called the guards to hold Shen Qingli down on the bed.
"I donât need this, get out! Youâre forcing me, violating my will!" Shen Qingli struggled desperately, but how could she alone match the strength of several strong men? She was soon pinned on the bed, unable to move.
Goya approached with the doctors and equipment, "For the safety of you and the child, please cooperate with the examination."
After much chaos, the prenatal exam was finally completed.
When the results came in.
The doctors were shocked, thinking they had misread something.
The thing in Shen Qingliâs belly...
Was not like a wolf, nor a cat.
It didnât even seem mammalian!
How could it be oviparous?!
A doctor exclaimed in disbelief, "Could it be an error with the instrument? Should we check again?"
The doctors knew it couldnât be wrong, and after several checks, the result remained the same.
This was definitely not the Yun Familyâs child!
Recalling those leaked scandalous videos at the wedding, everyone had their own thoughts, fearing thatâ
Oh.
The Yun Family had really been made fools of, oh how pitiful.
After Goya returned, he reported this to Shen Tang.
Shen Tang was long aware of the result, showing no surprise. She sent the report to the Head of Yun Family.
Upon learning this, the old Head of Yun Family was both furious and vexed, all excitement was in vain!
That vile female used the child to threaten the Yun Family for so long, only to find there was never Yun Family blood within her, deceiving them entirely!
His son was truly foolish, wrapped around that femaleâs finger and angering the future Monarch, only to achieve nothing in the end, what a waste!
Thinking of Yun Han, Yun Hong was filled with frustration, that son born into the Yun Family had been the most talented Beastman in history, so diligent in cultivation, never causing him much trouble, breaking through Eighth Rank right after adulthood, now reaching Ninth Rank, always an object of envy.
Yun Hong always felt proud of his son, never remarrying after losing his wife, planning to hand over the familyâs wealth to Yun Han when he grew old.
But the mistake was in this foolish son encountering no setbacks all his life, failing to learn a lesson!
Living over twenty years without wisdom or wits, blinded by a female, it was his own fault!
Yun Hong pressed his temples in distress, sighing, "How is that ungrateful child now?"
A servant quietly replied, "Young Master is still unconscious, though his leg wound was treated and bandaged, but the bullet shattered the leg bone, it will take days to heal."
"Keep him confined in his room, let him recover and reflect!"
"Yes!"
...
Meanwhile, after finalizing shop plans, Shen Tang and her Beast Husbands purchased a plot of land, discussing renovation.
Someone came to report that the City Lord of Greenfield City had returned with the City Lordâs Wife.
Upon hearing this, Shen Tang put aside her work, bringing her Beast Husbands to personally greet them at the city gates.
Shi Ye arrived with his wife, Song Wan, beaming with joy, accompanied by Hu Yun and others, making quite the impressive group!
For a small, unknown City Lord, a personal welcome by the Monarch was grand indeed!
In his long life, Shi Ye never imagined such a day would come!
It was also his first time in the Imperial City, sighing with both wonder and envy at its bustling prosperity, dreaming of the day Greenfield City might reach such heights.
Fearing he might lose face on this trip, he had dressed to the nines.
His graying hair was dyed and slicked back with gel, wearing a flashy pink bespoke suit, making him look younger by over a decade.
Every time Shen Tang saw him in that loud pink suit, she couldnât help but twitch a smile, and seeing Song Wan in a matching dress, she suddenly understoodâcould it be their wedding attire?
Through time and care, Song Wanâs complexion greatly improved, no longer as thin as before, gracefully pretty with enduring charm.
Upon seeing Shen Tang, gratitude and excitement filled Song Wan; if it werenât for Shen Tang back then, she might not be standing alive today.
She said happily, "Xiao Tang, long time no see, everyone in the city misses you greatly!"
Shi Ye subdued his breezy demeanor, showing great respect, softly rebuking, "My dear lady, you shouldnât call him that; heâs now the future Monarch, we must not forget the courtesy due!"
"Oh dear, itâs such a habit, hard to change."
Shen Tang chuckled lightly, "No need to mind such details, address whichever way feels natural! If it wasnât for the City Lordâs Wife and the citizens of Greenfield City, I wouldnât be here today."
"Your Highness, youâre being too modest! Reaching today is all due to your own efforts!"
Shi Ye felt sentimental; in just two short months, Shen Tangâs demeanor was more dignified and radiant than before, commanding instinctive respect.
Who could have guessed that little girl from back then would transform into the figure she is today, displaying the presence of a true ruler!
He also felt immensely grateful; his decisions back then were indeed wise!