"And your plan is?" Feng Jiu said surprising them both.

"Jiu'er what are you doing up?" Dong Hua surprisingly asked her. He was shocked that he wasn't able to sensed her coming in. "She is getting really good with her stealth powers." He thought.

"Dong Hua please don't play naïve; it doesn't fit you." Feng Jiu crossed her arms looking at Dong Hua seriously annoyed.

"First of all, I'm not playing anything here. Second, you are not going..." Dong Hua sternly began his reprimand but Feng Jiu cut him off. "Fight in the war? I perfectly know my boundaries Dong Hua. Our child is my priority. We already talked about this."

Dong Hua stared at Feng Jiu not quite sure how to follow her response. He was expecting her to defy his instructions but instead, Feng Jiu expressionless face gave nothing to Dong Hua to guess about her course of action. He knew she heard him. He simply nodded at her.

"Xiao Jiu darling, don't be upset." Zhe Yan interjected.

"I'm not upset. I just want to know your plan. I need to be prepared too." Feng Jiu serenely replied.

"She has a point Dong Hua." Zhe Yan said.

Dong Hua walked over her and placed his hands on her shoulders to offer her some sort of comfort. "Jiu'er, I need to send you away from Qing Qui. Miao Lou is bringing the war here and we have to be ready to eliminate her for good."

"I understand." Feng Jiu met his gaze.

Dong Hua carefully proceeded. "You will stay at Tai Chen Palace with your mother, so she can take care of you. Zhong Li will be there too and will tend your needs. I will enforce Tai Chen security for your protection."

"I understand." Feng Jiu nodded.

Dong Hua tilted his head to study her reaction. He gave her a weary sigh "I promise you that I will be with you no matter what and I intend to keep this promise to you my sweet Jiu'er. Nothing will separate us little fox, please don't worry. Come here." Dong Hua extended his arms for her, but Feng Jiu turned around and left the room instead. She never reacted like that before. Dong Hua was speechless. "Did she just left me hanging?"

"Let me talk to her Dong Hua. She'll come around. It must be the pregnancy hormones that are making her act like this. For her sake don't make any rash decisions. Let us wait on Mo Yan."

Dong Hua nodded. He knew that his little fox was worried about him and the whole situation. Zhe Yan went after Feng Jiu. She was sitting on her bed with her knees up and her arms around herself thinking. Zhe Yan heart saddened when he saw her like this. He knew she was desponded so he carefully approached her. "Xiao Jiu darling, let's have a chat."

Feng Jiu looked at him. "Where is Dong Hua fùqīn?"

"He's making arrangements for your stay. You are unusually quiet darling. Care to share with me what is troubling you?"

Feng Jiu wanted to trust her father at this moment, but she knew he'll persuade her from following her instincts. "I'm just worried about the whole scenario. I'm Qing Qiu Queen and I feel impotent at this moment."

"Sometimes we have to restrain ourselves for the greater good darling. You have priorities that need to be addressed first. As a monarch you should know to take care of your health above all things. You're bringing forth your future heir darling. This is important too."

"I know " Feng Jiu lowered her face and placing her hands on her belly.

"Don't reject Dong Hua intentions kittling. He's making sure that you and the baby are protected. Trust him, Xiao Jiu."

"I trust him fùqīn but it seems that we can't have a moment of peace. All I want is to have a tranquil life with him. And when we think we can breathe at ease, there is always something that drives us away from each other."

"And he's working on that too Xiao Jiu. Hang on darling. Let him handle this war. He didn't became the first emperor for nothing. He knows what he is doing. Miao Lou days are numbered. He'll ensure once again the peace of all realms."

"Does he always have to do it alone?"

"He's not alone this time sweetheart. He has backup. We are working together to reach this common goal. Dong Hua has you now. He wants to see his child growing up too. You knew about his responsibilities when you decided to be with him. This shouldn't be a surprise to you."

"Is not a surprise to me fùqīn; but I promised to share his burdens."

"And by taking care of yourself is sharing part of his burdens. Think about his long existence being by himself. Now he has a reason to feel alive. You gave him that chance. You're his greatest treasure darling. He will do what needs to be done to ensure that you and your child will be free of harm. As your father, I want the same. You are my valuable gem, Xiao Jiu. I made ways to be always around you and see you grow and guide you the best way I could even from a distance."

"It most have been painful for you."

"Come here kittling, I will tell you a secret." Feng Jiu came to his embrace. "Tell me" She smiled at Zhe Yan.

"When you were born, I knew that my life will never be the same. It changed me forever. Although I couldn't be closer that I wanted to be, but life always gave me the blessing to be around you. So, when you always came to my house full of mirth and curiosity, I simply enjoyed those days. Having you around and helping you getting out of trouble, which was often, was a way for me to learn your mischievous personality and help you curve your ill traits. I have to admit that it was painful at the same time, but I had the chance to see a part of me blossomed right in front of my eyes. Your mother and I vowed to protect you with our lives darling. Just like Dong Hua vowed the same with you."

"Did it bothered you when I called you great uncle?"

"It did for a little bit, but I knew who I was to you and the relationship we shared. So, in time, I adjusted perspectives and continued to offer you my support when you needed it. That way I felt more at ease with our situation. In my heart you will always be my kittling. And I will do anything to see you happy even when I had to sacrificed my love life with your mother. So, you see Xiao Jiu, Dong Hua and I are not different from one another. We share your life in different angles but we'll always treasure you above all things. That is why I understand why he wants to send you away from here."

"So, you are here to persuade me?"

"I'm here to advise you not to be harsh on Dong Hua darling. Trust him more, he truly loves you. Anybody can see he's not the same Dijun. Plus, not to brag, but you sweetheart, have my phoenix essence running thru your core making you a powerful unique immortal. I've shown you what our phoenix powers are capable of. This is the greatest gift that I have given you kittling. Don't doubt yourself. You are more capable than you think." Zhe Yan reassured her.

Feng Jiu understood his words. Zhe Yan was redirecting her drive subliminally. "How many times have you come back fùqīn?"

"In my long existence I haven't had the need to come back yet. Phoenixes have the capability of resurrecting from death, when we turn into ashes. Is a powerful transformation. For what I know, each lifetime will depend on the condition of what bereavement came by. And each time that we rise from ashes, will cause our powers to expand further. It's a unique trait that only us possess. No other immortal can come back from the realm of nothingness, only a phoenix can. Not even Dong Hua can."

"I gave him a gift fùqīn."

"What type of gift?" Zhe Yan curiously asked her.

"The true essence of immortality. He might get badly hurt but he would heal faster. Death doesn't have power over him. Dong Hua will never fall into the realm of nothingness."

"You must love that old rock so much to give him that. Only a phoenix can bestow that gift to another."

"I do fùqīn. I'm not complete without him."

"I know sweetheart, but at what price? Have you ever considered that maybe you exchanged your immortality duration with his when you bestowed him with your gift?"

"I sealed his destiny fùqīn. And mine is intertwined with his. I don't know how many lifetimes I'm allowed to have with Dong Hua, but if there is only one, I want this one to make it count."

Zhe Yan knew that she was determined. He couldn't persuade her from her course of action. "My kittling!!" Zhe Yan earnestly hugged her to his chest. "Even I don't know that, but I can assure you darling that you are indeed blessed. The child in your womb will surprise us all. It will be more powerful than you and Dong Hua altogether. And that is as an understatement. I can't wait to spoil him or her rotten."

"You and mother are the only ones who could. If anything happens to me..."

"Hush don't say nonsense child. Nothing is going to happen to you."

"I want you to promise me that you guys will help Dong Hua raise of our child, please for my peace of mind."

"Darling..."

"Please fùqīn. Promise me, it's important to me that you do."

"Ok Xiao Jiu, I swear it." Zhe Yan hugged her firmly. He suspects that she is onto something dangerous.

"Xièxiè fùqīn."

"Promise me that when Dong Hua come and see you that you will behave."

"I'll be good fùqīn do not worry."

Zhe Yan looked her straight into her face. "I know that look in your eyes darling. You can't fool this old phoenix."

Feng Jiu knew what he was referring to. "I said that I'll behave."

Dong Hua summoned Zhong Lin to escort Feng Jiu and his mother back to Tai Chen Palace. A retinue of imperial soldiers accompanied him for their security. Zhe Yan informed Dong Hua that Feng Jiu was ready to go. "You may go and see her now; she is more approachable." Zhe Yan smirked at his comment.

Dong Hua went to their room. Feng Jiu finished writing a letter when he came in. She saw him at the door hesitant to enter. "Don't worry I won't bite" Feng Jiu said.

Dong Hua smiled at her comment. "My vicious little fox is so menacing right now." He thought.

An awkward silence filled their space. Dong Hua was uncertain to speak and Feng Jiu kept staring at him emotionless. He was not used to see her being like that with him. Feng Jiu wanted to know how long he will remain unspeakable and Dong Hua was waiting on Feng Jiu to speak first. Finally, she broke their silence. "I could do this as long as you husband."

"I highly doubt it Jiu'er. Are you going to let me touch you before you leave?" Dong Hua teasingly asked her.

"If I remember correctly, I'm under restrictions, but I can make an exception, knowing that you are asking me nicely." Feng Jiu sarcastically said.

Dong Hua breathed in and gave her a playful smile. "I might make an exception to the rule too since you're being the obedient wife" He moved closer to Feng Jiu.

"Obedient? I taught that you like my challenging side?" Feng Jiu moved closer to Dong Hua.

"It depends on what type of challenge. And I know that you have no obedient bone in your sweet little body my lovely Dihou." Dong Hua grabbed her by her waist pulling her closer to him.

"In that case why don't I follow suit my Dijun." Feng Jiu prevocalically said.

"What do you propose little fox?" Dong Hua moved closer to her face.

"Move closer and I will show you." Dong Hua fell into her spell. He couldn't resist her any longer. Her powerful sweet peach blossom scent aroused him. Feng Jiu took advantage of his submissive bearing and gave him a rough passionate kiss, exciting him further. She magically effulged him into her seduction. They teared their clothing and ended up on a passionate tryst. Feng Jiu bite his body with fervor and Dong Hua was taking her attack willingly. His moans were fueling Feng Jiu fervent desire for him. They made love like there was no tomorrow. Raw magic pulsed from their bodies being connected.

Outside their courtyard Zhe Yan noticed their surroundings changing. He smiled. He knew they were together. "These two couldn't wait any longer." He told Feng Jiu's mother. "Can you blame them Zhe Yan? Nature reflects how powerful their love is. I have never seen anything like it"

"You unman me little fox." Dong Hua was panting under her. Feng Jiu dominance stance astounded Dong Hua, he loves to see this side of her. Undeniably she was his equal in every aspect, so strong and beautifully breathtaking. Only Feng Jiu could bring the almighty Dong Hua Dijun to submission.

"So much for abstinence" Dong Hua mentally shrugged.

He felt her inner muscles clenched; she was ready to release. They climaxed together. Their moans and screams were the only thing they could pronounce. Feng Jiu laid down on his chest seeking comfort, when he embraced her. This was their way to calm down themselves after prolonged lovemaking sessions. "My bold, sweet and shameless little fox, you tricked me." Dong Hua playfully said.

"Husband don't ruin the moment, I'm in total bliss now." Dong Hua smirked and spanked her bottom laughing at her words. "I missed you." Feng Jiu told him, kissing his chest.

Dong Hua caressed her bare back. "I could tell. You left your love marks all over me. You said you wouldn't bite me yet you did. You're getting rougher with this old man. What was that all about?"

"Old man? You have no old man bones in your rock body husband. I taught you said that you like it rough too. I just missed you too much. You know how much I crave you Dong Hua." Feng Jiu pulled her teeth on his nipple, earning a soft moan from him.

"It's hard to keep up with you Jiu'er. You're an insatiable and sensual creature. I don't want you to complain that you're not getting satisfied. But I confess that I can't get enough of you. You're mine, little fox."

"And you are mine husband. Are you ready for another round?" Feng Jiu purposely caressed him to get him excited.

Dong Hua shamelessly smiled at her "I'm going to leave you so sore that you will remember me when you sit down." Dong Hua grabbed her tiny bottom with his hands.

"Is that a challenge husband?" Feng Jiu teasingly asked him.

"Oh, it's on little fox!!" Dong Hua quickly moved on top her pinning her tiny frame down with his body.

"Bring it old man!" Feng Jiu blatantly said giggling. Dong Hua gave her a loud growl and they went at it again and again and again. Hours later, much, much later....

Both of them were sweating and panting, and sure enough Feng Jiu was so sore that it was hard for her to move. "How are you feeling?" Feng Jiu cutely pouted at him. He knew she was sore. "Did I met your challenge?"

"Yes, husband you did. You're so shameless."

"And you love it little fox." Dong Hua gave her a chaste kiss and got up while Feng Jiu stayed in bed.

"I will carry you so we can soak a bit and get you ready." Dong Hua prepared the bath and placed healing oils into it to relieve Feng Jiu's soreness. While Dong Hua was busy at their bath chambers, Feng Jiu was cleaning herself with a magical gauze. She hid it into her aura before Dong Hua came and got her. He delicately placed her inside the water and she winced in pain.

"You'll feel better after you soak in for a while. Are you okay? Is the baby, okay?"

"Yes, we are fine Dong Hua." Feng Jiu relaxed herself while Dong Hua was giving her a sponge bath. He positioned himself in front of Feng Jiu. "I'm going to have a conversation with our baby Jiu'er."

"No huh, not after we've been together Dong Hua, I will not allow it."

"Jiu'er since when we hold decency after our intimacy?"

"That is our time Dong Hua. I'm sure the baby felt everything that we did. How in the world we're going to explain this to the baby?"

"Jiu'er, the baby will not remember our passionate trysts. You have nothing to worry about. Now let me talk to our child." Dong Hua delicately placed his head on Feng Jiu's tummy. He smiled. He could feel that the baby was well and healthy. "Little one, please take good care of your mother. I'm going to miss you both. Your father has to go to war to fight the bad guys to ensure peace in all realms. I will be thinking of you all the time. Please behave and don't make your mother worry too much. I will be all right. I can't wait to have you in my arms little one, until then, stay safe inside your mother's womb. I love you." Dong Hua tenderly kissed Feng Jiu's tummy. He felt Feng Jiu's tears coming down her cheeks wetting his face.

"I don't want to see you cry little fox. Everything will be all right." Dong Hua wiped her tears away and embraced her into his chest. Feng Jiu continued crying her heart out until she felt calm again.

"Promise me that you will behave little fox." Dong Hua pull her chin up and lovingly met her teary eyes.

"Dong Hua I'll promise if you promise me the same." Feng Jiu responded. Dong Hua was tenderly looking at his little fox knowing that she'll be worried about him. But he needed to have a clear mind to engage Miao Lou. "Come let's finish here, we let them wait too much already."

After they dry each other up, Dong Hua dressed Feng Jiu and did her hair. "Thank you, husband, for taking care of me."

"I love doing this for you Jiu'er. My Dihou needs to be impeccable when she enters Tai Chen again. Here have this." Dong Hua placed in her hand a small object wrapped in a delicate purple cloth.

"What is it?"

"Open it." Feng Jiu unwrapped it to uncover a beautiful glowing band.

"This ring will offer you my protection too. It has my essence in it. He placed the ring on her index finger and kissed her knuckles. "Don't take it off for my piece of mind, please." Dong Hua gave her a sly smile.

"I will treasure it with my life Dong Hua. Thank you." Feng Jiu gently kissed his lips.

"When this is over, I will be with you at all times. Nothing and nobody will separate us again. I promise you that it will be just us."

"The three of us." They merged their foreheads together and breathed in each other scents. Time stood still gifting them a moment of solace and bliss. They didn't want to bid their good byes.

Feng Jiu's mother saw them from a distance. She could feel their emotional anguish. Zhe Yan joined her. "These two are hurting already. They can't be away from each other for too long. Don't let her act rashly. I know she is up to something."

"She will be all right Zhe Yan. I will make sure she is safe."

"And I will take care of Dong Hua too, is not easy for him either to be away from our Xiao Jiu."

"I know, I can feel his disquiet from here too. He truly loves our daughter Zhe Yan."

"He does. Take good care of yourself too, you are still healing. Be ready to be questioned by Xiao Jiu."

"I know, don't worry, we'll be fine." Zhe Yan took her hand and earnestly kissed it. "Summon me if you need me."

"I will"

Dong Hua opened a portal so everyone will arrive at Tai Chen Palace at no time. Feng Jiu was the last one to go thru, she tearily look at Dong Hua while he closed the portal from the other side.

"Wǒ ài nǐ" Feng Jiu mentally told him. She heard him respond "Wǒ yě ài nǐ my sweet Jiu'er"

A buddha flower came thru the portal and landed on Feng Jiu's hand. "As an immortal you must follow your heart, follow your purpose and face the circumstances. Sadness and fear will eventually end." Feng Jiu thought. She saw this confinement in a new light. "Must remain focused Feng Jiu" She told herself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Mo Yan organized Qing Qiu army into formations. Tianjun Ye Hua and his uncles were in charge of the Celestial army. The Bai Clan were ready for battle, Dijun Bai Zhi was at the front of their battalion. The leaders have gathered in Mo Yan's tent.

"Mo Yan, we have received reports that Miao Lou and her army are near our borderlands. She will try to break our security forcefield." Bai Zhi said.

"We still have to deal with the Eagle Clan rebels that joined her." A general said.

"I sent Zi Lan as our envoy to get information. He told me that Cang Yi's father assured him that he acted alone. Cang Yi disappeared from their region after they left Qing Qui. His general sworn Zi Lan that they will join us in battle." Mo Yan replied.

How trustworthy is this information? Lian Song asked.

"We have to give Cang Yi's father the benefit of the doubt. In war a friend can turn into an enemy and an enemy can turn into an ally. I don't discard any possibilities; I have prepared to act on whatever circumstances their army would bring." Mo Yan said.

"Is Dijun coming?" Bai Zhen asked. Precisely at that moment, Dong Hua and Zhe Yan appeared among them.

"Ready everyone?" Dong Hua asked

"We are ready." Mo Yan answered.

"Is our Queen safe?" Bai Yi asked him.

"She is already back at Tai Chen Palace Bai Yi along with your wife. They will remain there until this is over."

----------------------------------------------------------------

At Miao Yi Hui Ming Realm...

One of Yan Chiwu spies discovered a hidden cave, when he entered, he saw a woman laying down on a bed surrounded by miasma. It was Ji Heng. She was being held captive by Miao Lou. He quickly left the cave to inform Yan Chiwu of his discovery.

"Demon Lord we have found your lady wife Princess Ji Heng."

Yan Chiwu and Lord Xu Fang followed him to the cave. They sensed Miao Lou essence. "We have to be careful Yan Chiwu, Miao Lou nasty aura is powerful. Recently I learned a spell to break her connection with Ji Heng.

Lord Xu Fang produced a black dagger with a red sapphire encrusted on the hilt. "I need to stab Ji Heng in the heart to break their connection. We have to act quickly since Miao Lou will sensed their broken linking. I'll take Ji Heng to our sorcerer to finish the incantation and save her from dying. Make sure that we don't get followed. After that leave with our army to join the rest to battle. I will send news to you when Ji Heng is out of danger."

Yan Chiwu agreed with Lord Xu Fang arrangements. After he finished doing the first part of the ritual, he quickly vanished with Ji Heng to a secret location to complete what was started. Yan Chiwu received another missive, his special forces had found the traitor whereabouts.

"Use these ropes to bind him, he will not get away this time." Yan Chiwu ordered his general. "Bring him to me alive."

"Yes, Demon Lord."

------------------------------------------------------------

At Tai Chen Palace...

Feng Jiu glanced the newly renovated palace. She reminisced the time they spend together that caused the renovation, she shrugged at her thoughts remembering their torrid trysts and her cheeks flushed. Zhong Lin noticed a gave her a timid smile.

"Dihou, would you like to rest in the garden? Perhaps the cool breeze will help alleviate your uneasiness. I'll send some refreshments for you and your mother."

"Thank you Zhong Lin, that will be perfect." Zhong Lin left them alone.

"Darling this place is absolutely peaceful. You have outdone yourself. Dijun is so fortunate to have you, Xiao Jiu. You are so talented; this palace is elegantly flawless. I'm in awe with its beauty."

"I'm glad that you like it mother. This was a special project that I shared with Dijun. I incorporated both of our likes and preferences into the design phase. Later on we're also planning to renovate Bihai Cangling and build a cabin in the forest for us at Qing Qui. My favorite place here is the pagoda that Dijun build for me, I hardly touched it, I just made some small designs to elevate its beauty. The view there is spectacular."

"Dijun build you a pagoda?"

"Yes, he did, he even build a seat for me to sunbathe whenever I want."

"What a doting husband you have darling." Feng Jiu smiled hearing her mother words.

"Come let me show you the garden." When they arrived her mother eyes widen, the garden was revamped with a waterfall. "Is this the same garden that Zhe Yan and I had tea with you when you arrived from your honeymoon?"

"Same garden, only upgraded."

"Xiao Jiu...I'm speechless. I knew that you are capable of doing so many things, but seeing the product of your work is a different story. I'm so proud of you kittling. You have a build a beautiful nest here."

Zhong Lin arrived with a tea tray and some cakes. "Dihou if you need anything else, just let us know. We want you to feel relaxed and pampered. Your mother room is ready at the west wing. Dijun left instructions with me to take care of all your needs. We are glad to see you back at Tai Chen, Dihou. Our chef is cooking a special meal to welcome you home."

"How thoughtful. How is everyone doing?"

"Everyone is fine and pleased with your return Dihou."

"Thank you Zhong Lin for overseeing the overhaul. Everything came out perfect."

"If Dijun and Dihou are pleased, then I accomplished my duty. I merely followed instructions; the credit is only yours Dihou. You created this beautiful retreat to please our Lordship. Tai Chen Palace has never looked this good before, and is all due to you Dihou. It's an honor to serve my Mistress." Zhong Lin bowed to Feng Jiu in gratitude.

"I know how much you care for Dijun. It's my pleasure to please him Zhong Lin. I'm glad to know that everyone here is content with the changes. But I might have to modify the design on one of the rooms within our courtyard. I hope is not a bother to everyone."

"Dijun already took care of it Dihou. He left specific instructions to show it to you. He said that you can change it as you like."

"Did he?"

"Of course, Dihou. Is the corner room on your courtyard, the one facing east."

"Thank you Zhong Lin, I will inspect the room later on."

"As you wish Dihou."

"You may leave, we are fine for now."

"Yes Dihou."

"Truly Tai Chen personnel are quite special, they love you darling."

"I treat them with respect and dignity like you taught me mother. They are just happy to see Dijun's transformation. It's hard to get authentic service in Nine Heavens where everyone is extremely competing for a position. Dijun trusts Zhong Lin choices when it comes to employ new personnel. He's been working with Dijun for so long and is very loyal to Dong Hua. Zhong Lin is strict with the palace operation. I don't want to disrupt his implementation since it has worked so far, so I entrusted him with the rest of the tasks. I only take care of Dijun personal needs, when we are here. If there are any problems within running the palace I'll get involved, otherwise Zhong Lin is a proficient steward."

"Great service and protection."

"Indeed. Speaking about protection mother, I haven't thanked you for what you did for me. It most have been hard for you to endure all the pain after you decided to nurture my health the way you did. I owe you my life mama. Please receive my bow as a way to honor your sacrifice." Feng Jiu got on her knees and kowtowed to her mother.

"Darling please get up quickly, there is no need for this."

"Thank you, mother."

"You're such a filial daughter, Xiao Jiu. I couldn't ask for a better daughter. I did what it needed to be done to helped you recovered faster. I will do anything for you kittling, just know that. You're too precious to me, I dearly love you darling."

"I love you too mama. I'm happy that you are here with me. I hope I don't take you away from anything important."

"Nobody is more important than you sweetheart. The rest can wait. Now are you going to give me a tour of this place? I can't wait to see the baby's room."

"Come let's see it together." The room was splendidly decorated. The wooden floor was adorned with some intricately patterned rugs. The white walls gave a feeling of peace and tranquility. A dark wooden crib with golden dragons on each corner was next to a spacious bed with all types of comfortable pillows surrounded by light purple and sky-blue curtains. A golden rocking chair ornated with golden phoenixes was in the corner of the room next to the window to enjoy the sunlight and the cool breeze, among other exquisite furnishings. It had a bookcase filled with scrolls for bedtime stories reading. A small bais was behind to a small table next to the bookcase. It looked like a small throne with gems encased on the arm rest. A beautiful panel served as a divisor wall for the bathroom chambers. The room was spacious and inviting. Sandalwood incense was lit to perfume the room.

Feng Jiu's mother gasped at the superbly decoration. "This is your baby's room? Wow. Dijun went overboard with all this Xiao Jiu. Sky-blue curtains? Does he know is going to be a boy?"

"He says is a boy. And to tell you the truth mama, I had a dream that it was a handsome boy just like Dong Hua."

"Are you pleased with this room?"

"Yes. I don't want to change anything in it. It perfectly captures Dong Hua sense of exquisiteness. I will leave it the way it is. Our baby will love it too."

"I love it also. In that case I will start working on making the baby's clothing. I will fill this huge closet with some intricate robes for him. I'm so excited already. Oh darling I will spoil him rotten." Her mother rubbed Feng Jiu's belly. "You are going to be so loved little one. Grandma will dress you with the best Qing Qui silk, like a prince that you are." Feng Jiu giggled at her mother actions. "We can design his robes while I'm here with you."

"I like that very much mama."

Night fall on Nine Heavens...

It was late at night and Feng Jiu couldn't sleep without Dong Hua being next to her. Their bed was cold without him. Not even the incense with his white sandalwood aroma was able to calm her anxiety. She got up and brew some fresh chamomile tea. She looked at ring that he gave her. She rubbed it and it began to glow with his energy. "Dong Hua my love, I miss you" She said. Feng Jiu was bored. She remembered Dong Hua's library, so she went to his study. The guards greeted her when they saw her walking around.

"Mistress do you need anything?" One of the guards approached her.

"No. I'm fine thank you." Feng Jiu started to look for some material to read but Dong Hua's study only had his collection of buddhist sutras. The topics were not appealing her interest at this time. She continued to look around and suddenly she felt a slight current coming from a wall. She got closed to it and used her magic to identify the hidden passage behind it. "Hmm I wonder where this passage leads to?" Feng Jiu lit a torch and walked thru a tunnel that led her to another immense library. Feng Jiu gasped at the number of scrolls gathered around her. "This must be Dong Hua's secret library. I remember laoshi mentioned to me that Dijun possess the biggest library that ever existed. I wonder if I will find a solution to our problem here."

Feng Jiu called out her inner phoenix powers to scan the area and locate where the ancient magic scrolls were hidden. "I finally found you" Feng Jiu took an old scroll written with ancient language. Luckily, she was exposed to Mo Yan's library and studied this topic during her training. She did some hand movements to decipher the scroll writings. It contained ancient spells which magic was powerful and never heard of. She closed the scroll and placed it on her aura. She proceeded to look for magical weaponry until she came up with another scroll that listed a specific weapon to seal a soul. A ray of new hope ignited her heart.

"Thank you laoshi for your lessons"

Morning time at Tai Chen Palace...

Feng Jiu's mother went to look for her. "Xiao Jiu darling are you up?"

"Huh? Mama, I'm here."

"I hope that you are hungry, because I cooked a healthy breakfast. Come and eat before it gets cold."

"Mama, it smells good. Let's eat together."

"What were you doing?"

"I was doing my Tai Chi routine. Fùqīn said that I needed to mediate more."

"You look tired darling. Did you sleep at all?"

"I got used to sleep with Dong Hua next to me. When he's not around it takes me sometime to fall asleep."

"Oh sweetheart, did you try chamomile tea before night time?"

"I did, but it didn't work."

"Soak on lavender before you to bed it will help you to relax. I will prepare a bath later on so you can take a nap. You need your rest. Come, eat. I made you a small portion just like Zhe Yan instructed."

"All right mama, I will eat. After we finish here let's visit Gugu. She must know that I'm here already. I miss her"

"Sweetheart, I know that you want to see Bai Qian, but you need to keep your pregnancy hidden from her."

"Right. Never mind mama. It's hard for me to hid things from her. She will smell my nervousness."

A maid came in to greet them. "Dihou, your highness. The Heavenly Lady is here to see you."

"Send her into the study. I will be there shortly. Send the breakfast there too and add a tea tray with loquat fruit. It's her favorite."

"Yes Dihou" The maid left to carry out her orders.

"Great timing!!!" Feng Jiu protested.

"Don't worry darling I will help you distract Bai Qian, use the concealment spell that Zhe Yan taught you, until she leaves."

"I hope it works mama. Gugu senses are unusually highlighted. She can uncover hidden spells." Feng Jiu used the concealment spell and went to Dong Hua's study where Bai Qian was waiting on her.

"Feng Jiu greets Heavenly Lady Bai Qian."

"Xiao Jiu, lassie. Come here let me see you. I heard that you were kidnapped and your lord husband sent you here to recuperate. You don't need to be formal here. Please get up."

"Please have a seat. Mother is here with me."

"Gugu is so nice to see you. How have you been?" Bai Qian greeted Feng Jiu's mom.

"I'm fine Bai Qian. Thank you for asking. How is Ali?"

"Ali is fine too. He's at school taking his lessons. He's studying hard. He has big shoes to fill. What have you been doing? You look tired lassie."

"I need to get use to sleeping alone" Feng Jiu sadly answered.

"Ayyyiaaa. That bad huh? I know how you feel Xiao Jiu." Bai Qian opened her fan to hid her face. "I love what you done to this place. Is simply gorgeous. You must design and renovate our courtyard lassie, is dying for an update."

"Thank you Gugu. How have you been?"

"Anxious. Ye Hua prohibited me to get involved in the war. For what I hear they are ready to start at any time."

"Is it because you are taking care of Ali, is the reason why you are not allowed to go?" Feng Jiu mom asked her.

Bai Qian was quiet. Feng Jiu noticed a slight change on her breathing. Her heartbeat accelerated. This was a hint that she was nervous.

"Yes. Ye Hua doesn't want to leave Ali alone with his mother, so he asked me to stay behind."

"That is a good reason." Feng Jiu mother replied.

"Mother will come to organize the crisis relief for the war victims. She mentioned to me that you volunteered Tai Chen Palace personnel to help us with the organization. Knowing that your situation has changed, I wonder if the offer still stands."

"I can ask Zhong Lin to take my place and assist you and grandmother with this task. He's capable enough to handle this task. He will inform me with all the details." Feng Jiu serenely replied.

"I see. I will let mother know that you are undisposed at this time. Please take good care of yourself Xiao Jiu, you need your rest. If you need anything from me don't hesitate to contact me lassie. I'm here for you, don't forget that. You might be Dong Hua Dijun Dihou, but I'm the Heavenly Lady and nobody will mess with my family."

"Thank you Gugu" Feng Jiu got up and hugged Bai Qian. They both gasped at each other. Their eyes widen.

"Xiao Jiu!!"

"Gugu!!"

"YOU ARE PREGNANT!!!" They both yelled at the same time.