Free Web NovelChapter 217: Opposing Tides
After quite a long while had passed, all five doctors were done with inspecting my body. Ren returned back to my side before he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder as we all waited for the verdict from the doctors.
“So, what is your opinion regarding the Lady White Lotus,” the emperor asked impatiently.
Each doctor was asked to present his view one by one starting with the least senior and ending with Doctor Pai, who was the most senior of them all.
“Your Majesty, I believe that the Lady White Lotus is with child,” the first doctor stated before bowing deeply to the emperor.
The whole hall erupted in whispers and gasps of shock. Some members of court who had undoubtedly been eagerly waiting for the next royal heir cheered and clapped their hands.
“Silence. Next...” the emperor said firmly as he invited the next doctor to give his opinion.
“Your Majesty. The Lady White Lotus is indeed pregnant,” the second doctor said before bowing to show his respect. freewёbnoνel.com
“Next...” the emperor said. freewebnσvel.cѳm
It was now Doctor Kai’s turn, and I already knew what he was going to say. After all, it was Doctor Kai who first told me that I was with child.
“Your Majesty, the Lady White Lotus is with child. There is absolutely no mistake about it,” Doctor Kai said with certainty.
“I see. Next...” the emperor said.
The fourth doctor said the same thing as all the other doctors before him. Finally, it was Doctor Pai’s turn. Of all the doctors, the emperor believed in Doctor Pai the most and I silently prayed that he would give the same verdict.
“Your Majesty. After careful inspection, I am certain that the Lady White Lotus is pregnant. From my observations, she is almost three months pregnant,” Doctor Pai told the emperor before bowing low.
“I see. So, the Lady White Lotus is really pregnant,” the emperor said deep in thought.
The atmosphere in the hall shifted and so did the direction of the conversation. Talks regarding my punishment started to shift to discussion of the throne’s succession now that everyone was assured that I was pregnant with the crown prince’s child. However, not everyone had rested their case against me.
“Your Majesty, a pregnancy isn’t an excuse not to respect the laws and customs,” a senior high court member said sternly.
“Exactly. Laws must be upheld,” the empress quickly chimed in when she saw the chance.
“Please consider the Lady White Lotus’s punishment, father,” Prince Kin said firmly.
The opinions of the court members were clearly split. Although there seemed to be more people in favor of siding with us because of my pregnancy and their hopes of finally securing a royal heir, the people who opposed were very active in voicing their displeasure.
The emperor looked conflicted as he seemed deep in thought. Everyone had turned their attention from me to the emperor as we waited for him to make up his mind. As I was thinking that a meeting session between the emperor and the court members will probably be called to settle the matter, a loud announcement was made.
“The Dowager Empress has arrived! Please show your respect!”
Shin, you made it after all. I sighed loudly in relief...
...
**Before the officials arrived to summon the Lady White Lotus**
I was reading some medical textbooks at my palace before I heard the sound of impatient footsteps outside in the hall. Soon, Shin came into my living room. I was pleasantly surprised to see him; however, his worried and panicked expression told me that something was wrong.
“Come with me right now, Rin,” Shin said as he approached me.
“Where are we going?” I asked in confusion.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m taking you somewhere safe. Somewhere far away from here,” Shin replied in a hurry.
“Calm down, Shin. I’m not following what you’re saying at all. Why do we have to leave?” I asked while trying to calm him down.
“Listen, we don’t have time. Ren is meeting the emperor and the high court members right now. They are demanding for your execution as punishment for your town betraying the empire. Of course, Ren saw this coming and made me promise to take you away if this happens. The officials from court are on their way here to get you right now to bring you to court,” Shin explained, talking so fast that I had trouble taking it all in.
“But I didn’t do anything wrong. If I run now, wouldn’t that be like I’m admitting to doing something wrong? I don’t want to run away...” I protested at once.
What if I run away...will I ever see Ren again?
“You don’t have a choice. As things are, there’s a high chance that you’ll be executed and if Ren refuses, then he’ll be punished along with you!” Shin cried out and I could hear the urgency in his voice.
Shin had completely lost his cool and I haven’t seen him like this before.
“No...they won’t execute me. They can’t...” I replied firmly.
“What? What are you talking about? We don’t have time; we have to leave now!” Shin said as his hand reached towards my arm.
“I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant, Shin,” I told him as our eyes met.
“Huh? Is this true? Are you sure?” Shin asked, clearly not expecting to hear this from me.
“Yes, I’m sure. I’m three months pregnant now...” I replied with certainty.
“Does Ren know about this?” Shin asked with wide eyes.
“No...I haven’t gotten around to telling him yet,” I confessed a little sadly.
Shin was silent as his browed knitted together in a deep frown. His eyes darted all over the place as his brain processed this new piece of information and tried to think of the best solution.
“It’s too risky. You should not go to court. Let me take you somewhere safe while we figure something out,” Shin suggested.
“No. I can’t leave Ren. If I leave and they find out that I’m missing, Ren will be punished for helping me escape for sure. I don’t want Ren to be punished...” I said resolutely.
--To be continued...
