Spring Heart Stirred

After winning the war, I entered the capital, and the Old Emperor asked what reward I wanted. I pointed at the handsome man in purple robes and a golden belt standing in the hall. “I beg Your Majesty to grant me a marriage. I am carrying his child, and he promised he would marry me!” The elderly eunuch beside the emperor hurriedly tried to stop me. “General, mind your words. This is the Second Prince.” A faint, languid voice sounded behind me. “Whose child are you carrying? “Isn’t your belly full of roast duck, roast chicken, candied hawthorn, red bean pastries, dried sweet potatoes…” I turned to look, only to find that the handsome man who had just spoken looked exactly like the Second Prince. I made a split-second decision and cupped my fists toward His Majesty. “If that one won’t marry me, this one will do!” The elderly eunuch was beside himself with panic. “My dear ancestor, this is the Crown Prince!”