The news of pregnancy again was not ordered to be kept secret by either of them.
That day, it spread throughout the Capital City.
The next day at the early court session, an imperial edict was read aloud, announcing to the entire court, both civil and military officials, and to all the people of the world, that the Crown Prince of the Great Khan was established.
Born of the Empress, from rightful heritage and as the eldest, even though he wandered outside for four years, no one dared to question the bloodline because of that face that was exactly like Lu Ziyuan’s.
This is the Emperor’s only son and, in any respect, he is undeniably the choice for Crown Prince.
The turbulent world that had been in chaos for more than a hundred years, came to an end with Lu Ziyuan’s efforts, and the establishment of the Crown Prince means there will be no more battles for succession, which greatly benefits the country.
This is good news.
Particularly for the Xie family.
Their family produced an Empress, the only woman in the Emperor’s harem.
The Eldest Prince has already been established, the position of Crown Prince formally decided, and now the belly is once again expecting.
The extent of the emperor’s favor is truly unprecedented.
As the maternal family of the Empress, and the external family of the future Emperor, the Xie family rides the tide and rises, originally an aristocratic family of distinguished status, now they are among the top-ranking noble clans.
Lu Ziyuan is very generous and shows no reluctance in bestowing favors on the Xie family.
The Marquis Xuanping Mansion, since he insisted on holding the grand ceremony for Xie Wanqing’s ascension, was elevated from a First-Grade Marquis to a Super Duke.
Xie Wanqing’s father, brothers, uncles, and cousins all received promotions in various ways.
The Xie family has a hundred years of heritage, flourishing branches, and many talented individuals among distant relatives, now at a time of revival and renewal.
Many descendants of the Xie Family have been sent to various places, benefiting all sides.
It’s like the oil boiling in a hot fire.
As the head of the household, Xie Shu, from the initial joy, gradually grew a bit concerned.
The power of the maternal family being too strong is ultimately not a good thing.
However, Lu Ziyuan reassured him with a smile, clearly stating he would never suspect them.
The Xie family’s power is mainly in civil servants, while the military commands are still in the hands of Lu Ziyuan’s trusted generals.
Ming Feng and Mingjian, respectively holding the positions of General of the Western Expedition, and General of the Northern Expedition.
The Northern Border Royal Court has already been conquered, with constant migrations of the Great Khan’s people there, and the court has sent civil servants for governance, though occasional unrest still occurs, with Mingjian stationed in the Northern Border maintaining stability for development.
While Ming Feng is currently attacking the Qiang Clan on the Southwest Border.
The elite soldiers of the Great Khan are mostly under these two commands.
The rest are the various local Military Governors and the imperial guard in the Imperial Capital.
Furthermore, there is a Qingtian Guard, originally in Pei Yuqing’s hands.
After Lu Ziyuan ascended the throne, everyone thought he would take back the Qingtian Guard.
Unexpectedly, he seemed to forget about it and showed no intention of reclaiming military power.
Later, after Xie Wanqing returned to the Capital, he treated the Pei family as if they were air.
So now, the Qingtian Guard remains in Pei Yuqing’s hands.
Yet, the Pei family continues to be gradually marginalized.
They have long been absent from the court.
Thus, everyone tacitly agrees that the Qingtian Guard is probably only in name now.
......
Guanju Palace.
After the news of the pregnancy spread, Mrs. Zheng and Aunt Liu entered the palace, along with cousin Xie Ruyu.
At the end of last year, Xie Wanqing returned to the Capital, and Mrs. Zheng was thrilled to see her eldest grandson, still not over the excitement this year, and now hearing her daughter is expecting again, she was full of smiles.
Upon entering, seeing her daughter coming over, she hurriedly reached out to support her, "You’re pregnant, you must be steady, don’t be startled."
In her eyes, her daughter was still that lively, cute little girl.
For a moment, she even forgot this was the second child.
Xie Wanqing did not argue, letting her mother support her, and greeted her aunt and cousin, "Come in and sit."
Then she instructed the palace attendants to serve fruits and refreshments.