Leaving a bloodline?
Hearing Lin Jingzhi’s words, Bai Bing and Qin Wan were momentarily stunned, then both nodded.
Ye Qiu faced a life-and-death crisis, and they couldn’t help him. The only thing they could do was ensure he didn’t leave this world without a legacy.
Ye Qiu was deeply moved by Lin Jingzhi’s words.
He knew she had three intentions.
First, to ensure he didn’t leave without descendants.
Second, to give his mother a reason to keep living.
Qian Jinglan had suffered greatly, losing her husband over twenty years ago. If Ye Qiu died, her despair might drive her to end her life. But if Ye Qiu left a child, she would persevere to raise them, no matter her grief.
Third, to ease the pain of Bai Bing and the others.
Their love for Ye Qiu was deep. His death would be a devastating blow, leaving them in endless sorrow. But a child would become an emotional and spiritual anchor for them.
Lin Jingzhi had thought of everything.
“To have a woman like Sister Lin is the greatest fortune of my life,” Ye Qiu thought, casting her a grateful look.
As if she didn’t notice, she continued, “Ye Qiu, I don’t know how strong the Forbidden City’s people are, but you mustn’t lose confidence or shrink from the fight.”
“Go to the capital, give it your all, and fight without reservation.”
“In desperate situations, human potential is limitless. You must believe in yourself.”
“You’re someone who creates miracles. I believe you can do it again this time.”
Her tone softened, “As for home, don’t worry.”
“Whether you return or not, I’ll care for Auntie forever.”
“Just remember, no matter what you face, never give up.”
“Because I, Auntie, Bai Bing, Sister Wan, Luoying, Xiaoxiao, and everyone who cares about you will be waiting for your return.”
“Do you understand?”
Ye Qiu nodded solemnly, “I understand. Rest assured, I’ll fight to come back alive.”
“Good,” Lin Jingzhi turned to Qian Jinglan, “Auntie, anything to add?”
Qian Jinglan stood silently, then went to her bedroom.
Moments later, she returned with a small leather case.
Ye Qiu was surprised.
He’d seen this case before. Since he was a child, it had been in Qian Jinglan’s wardrobe. Sometimes, he saw her holding it alone in her room, smiling or sobbing softly.
Once, he tried to open it to see what was inside, but she scolded him harshly.
After that, he never touched it again.
He hadn’t expected her to bring it out today.
Qian Jinglan opened the case and took out a pure white robe.
Though old, it was spotless.
She spread it out, revealing two golden characters embroidered on the chest—Wushuang (Matchless).
Ye Qiu realized this was his father’s robe.
Qian Jinglan said softly, “Qiu’er, I made this robe for your father when we first met.”
“Wushuang only wore it once because I made it, and he couldn’t bear to wear it out.”
“After that turmoil, with Wushuang’s fate unknown, this robe became my only keepsake.”
“Now, I give it to you.”
“Wear it to the capital. May your father’s spirit protect you and bring you back safely.”
She placed the robe back in the case and handed it to Ye Qiu.
He took it.
Her expression turned serious, “Qiu’er, I have words for you.”
“A true man, even facing life and death, must remain calm and composed.”
“When paths cross, the brave prevail.”
“No matter how strong the Forbidden City’s people are, you must charge forward.”
“Life and death are fated, wealth and honor lie in heaven. Fight with all you have. If you can’t change fate, let your heart be clear.”
“Live as a hero, die as a mighty spirit.”
“Remember, you are Ye Wushuang’s son. Die standing, never live kneeling!”
“Qiu’er, have you remembered?”
Ye Qiu nodded, “Mom, I’ve got it. Don’t worry, I know what to do.”
“Good,” Qian Jinglan smiled, “I’ll wait at home with Jingzhi and the others for your return.”
“Mm,” Ye Qiu affirmed.
The conversation ended.
That afternoon, everyone stayed at Ye Qiu’s house, keeping Qian Jinglan company.
After dinner, Lin Jingzhi said, “Sister Wan, Bai Bing, come with me.”
With the air of an empress, her command was followed as Bai Bing and Qin Wan obediently left with her.
Ye Qiu naturally went along.
Back at the villa, as they prepared to head upstairs, Ye Qiu stopped Lin Jingzhi, “Sister Lin, wait. I have something to say.”
She told Bai Bing and Qin Wan, “You two go up and get ready.”
The two women, blushing, hurried upstairs.
“What is it?” Lin Jingzhi asked.
Ye Qiu said, “Sister Lin, I have a request.”
“Qianshan Xue is pregnant with my daughter.”
“If I don’t return, please take care of her and the child.”
“Alright,” Lin Jingzhi asked, “Have you chosen a name?”
Ye Qiu nodded, “Yes, Ruyi.”
“Ye Ruyi?” Lin Jingzhi said, “A life smooth and as wished—good name.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll look after them.”
“No time to waste, let’s get to business. I want to bear your child too.”
She pulled Ye Qiu upstairs.
As they reached the second floor, the sound of running water came from the bathroom—Bai Bing and Qin Wan were inside.
Lin Jingzhi, without hesitation, undressed in front of Ye Qiu and walked in.
Soon, her giggles echoed from the bathroom.
Ye Qiu stood outside, watching the three graceful silhouettes through the glass door, pondering a serious question.
“Should I go in?”
Just then, Lin Jingzhi poked her head out, beckoning him, “Husband, I order you to come in now.”
“Sister Wan says Bai Bing and I are smaller than her. I disagree. Come judge.”
“Hurry.”
Ye Qiu stripped in seconds and rushed in.
As for the details…
All remains unsaid.
The next few days, Ye Qiu stayed at Lin Jingzhi’s villa, enjoying their shared intimacy.
On the 29th of the lunar twelfth month, morning.
Ye Qiu set off for the capital.
