MTCCP Chapter 7

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

      The Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager were indeed people from the last century. They were not even used to using the computers in the palace. They usually watched TV and changed channels with servants. Naturally, they were much slower than people outside the palace.

　　Same-sex marriage was legalized in this Country in 2020, and it was only five years ago that it was truly popularized and accepted by the public.

　　As long as they pass the registration and review, homosexuals can also use sperm and skin cells to cultivate fertilized eggs, and the children born will also be healthy and cute, and will also inherit half of the genes from each father.

　　Yue Yiwan has completely gotten used to the straightforward nature of this old lady, and explained it briefly.

　　"Giving birth is indeed very dangerous," he wanted to take out his mobile phone and show the current equipment to the Queen Mother. After thinking about it, he sat up straight: "Nowadays, couples with some assets at home will choose a baby cabin."

　　The fertilized egg will stay in the baby cabin for about ten months and then go through a simulated birth. The popularity of artificial uterus not only completely isolates pregnant women from various risks during pregnancy, but also more intuitively and comprehensively protects the baby's entire growth. It can be said to be one of the greatest inventions of this century.

　　The Empress Dowager black hair was adorned with pearls and jade, which looked decent and elegant.

　　She opened her eyes slightly and confirmed again: "Women don't have to give birth by themselves?"

　　"If there is a need, it is indeed the case." 

         The Queen Mother was stunned for a few seconds and looked at her son and daughter-in-law. The latter two nodded slightly, indicating that this is indeed the current situation.

　　"Xiao Yue is here for the first time, and still unfamiliar with everything; discussing heirs seems a bit early," Hua Muzhi said leisurely, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "The clothes he sent—those should’ve been delivered by the court attendants this morning, right?"

　　The empress smiled and nodded, "The material and tailoring are very good. Is he a tailor hired by the Yue family?"

　　Hua Muzhi smiled at Yue Yiwan, looked at the elders in the family and said, "They were all made by him."

　　- What?

　　The youngest son of the Yue family can make clothes?

　　Hua Hongyuan seemed completely taken aback, asking in disbelief, "Even the trench coat?"

　　"He also made a skirt for the little princess, it's so beautiful."

　　The Emperor and Empress exchanged a glance, clearly stunned. How could the youngest son of the Yue family, a family that's risen to prominence in recent decades, be like this? They had heard that Yue Yiwan was an unconventional child, with his strange dyed hair, but when he came to speak with them, he was so poised and polite—almost as if he had already finished his etiquette training.

　　

　　The Empress couldn’t help but praise him a few more times, to which Yue Yiwan responded with humility, not forgetting to flatter the Empress Dowager, making sure to strike the right tone and navigate the conversation skillfully.

         Once the greetings were over, the Empress Dowager waved her sleeve. "You may leave now, no need to wait any longer."

         The four of them rose simultaneously and bowed once more. After the elders left, the two younger ones excused themselves and exited the Wenqing Palace together.

　

　　During that hour-long exchange, Yue Yiwan managed to suppress five yawns without giving in to them.

        As they exited the palace gates, he ruffled the big white dog’s head and got back into the carriage to return home.

       The whole thing felt like a routine, almost like doing morning exercises—bowing, greeting, lowering one’s head—once he got used to it, he could probably do it in his sleep, no big deal.

　　The sound of hooves echoed on the white marble steps, though the carriage itself was quite steady.

         Yue Yiwan glanced at WeChat and then at Weibo, focused on replying to messages, his fingers moving quickly on the keyboard.

　　Hua Muzhi turned his head to look at the scenery outside the window, and suddenly said: "You have adapted into this place much faster than I thought."

　　Not just in terms of manners and etiquette.

　　Yue Yiwan’s behavior showed typical traits of someone from a business family. He could crack a joke, read the room, and adjust the atmosphere perfectly—he seemed to get along with everyone right away, leaving an excellent first impression.

         It was obvious that he had grown up accompanying his father and brothers to various social events.

　　Although he was an outsider, he blended in so seamlessly that it felt like he had been in this world for many years, with perfect social grace.

　　If there were any deviations, they lay in his ear studs, his hair, and some of the things he did in the Eastern Palace—none of which had any precedent. But even without protection from others, he would likely be able to handle all of these matters himself, quite adeptly.

        Yue Yiwan’s warmth, charm, and familiarity seemed almost instinctive—he was effortlessly smart.

          "…Hmm?"

          The young man, still engrossed in his search for the latest gossip, looked up, locking eyes with Hua Muzhi.

          Hua Muzhi was still leaning against the window, gazing out, half of his face bathed in the soft morning light. It was so captivating that Yue Yiwan found himself almost lost in the sight.

　　The warm light outlined his contours, and the gorgeous satin set off his eyes. Even if he didn't look at him, Yue Yiwan felt that the whole world had quieted down for a moment.

        The words "clear as the spring moon over the willows" might seem too flowery when used on someone else, but they felt utterly fitting for the person sitting next to him.

         Graceful, composed, flawless in every way.

         Yue Yiwan turned his head and smiled at him. "What’s the matter?"

         Hua Muzhi glanced at him, a faint smile on his lips, as he murmured, "It’s nothing, just a bit surprised."

         Yue Yiwan, without hesitation, replied, "Because the outside world... is also tough."

          Even if one came from a prestigious family, even if one entered a top university, the grind and challenges one faced were endless.

          Hua Muzhi paused for a moment, clearly not expecting such an answer.

          "Actually," he said, unsure of why he was speaking his mind, "..."

        "I also want to see the outside world."

　　Not as the Crown Prince, surrounded by heavy security and attendants, nor as the symbol of the entire nation and royal family.

　　But like an ordinary young man, to go out and experience the lives of others.

        The carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Eastern Palace.

　　Yue Yiwan did not end the topic, but looked at him seriously: "Has the royal family restricted your personal freedom?"

　　"No, not really. It’s more about lifestyle and work," Hua Muzhi chuckled lightly. "Being born into this identity means you’re bound to it for life."

　　Whether it’s the annual celebrations, acting as a supporting figure for political leaders, or receiving the admiration and worship of countless citizens, he had already lost the ability to escape this role.

         Marriage, work, place of residence—everything was preordained.

　　He felt the topic was growing too heavy, so he stood up, ready to get out of the carriage and help Yue Yiwan down.

        But as he stood, Yue Yiwan grabbed his wrist.

　　"It's not like that."

　　Hua Muzhi turned around and saw a pair of eyes that were very different from before.

　　There was no performative friendliness or courtesy, no filter of affinity.

　　The look was firm and calm, and the sharpness was undisguised, like a plum blossom blooming in the frost.

　　"What did you say?"

　　"No, you can get in touch with the new world."

　　"And you can choose many new careers."

　　Yue Yiwan grabbed his wrist, his tone calm and serious: "This is a new era. There is the Internet, anonymity, and disguise - in the virtual space, no one knows who you are originally."

　　"You have a choice."

　　Hua Muzhi was stunned for a moment and opened his mouth to say something.

　　The next second, the etiquette teacher knocked on the wooden frame outside the car window.

　　"Mr. Yue, it's time to get off the car for class." 

         Yue Yiwan responded with a brief acknowledgment, swiftly exiting the carriage.

　　He stepped out in his wooden shoes, his balance much steadier now, the swaying reduced significantly.

        Before any attendants could approach, Yue Yiwan turned back, looking into the carriage and extending his hand to Hua Muzhi.

        "I’ll help you down this time."

　　Hua Muzhi suddenly felt that this person's disguise was deeper than his own.

　　He steadied his breath, stood up and held his hand.

　　"Okay."

....................

Please support me by buying me ko-fi guys: https://ko-fi.com/afeitransmtl

Thank youuu....

Previous | Table of Contents | Next