Iron Bull was talking with spittle flying when his backside suddenly went numb, and he went flying.
The fall left him seeing stars. When he got back up, he saw that Chen Shi'an had risen from his recliner and was staring straight at him. "Whose third leg did you say you were going to cut off?"
Iron Bull blinked, then exclaimed in shock, "The child Fang Ruyu is carrying is yours?"
Chen Shi'an glared. "Keep your voice down!"
Iron Bull swallowed. "Commander, a good horse doesn't turn back to graze on old pasture. What you've done rather spoils the scenery."
Chen Shi'an sighed helplessly. "You think I wanted this?"
Iron Bull was utterly bewildered. "Don't tell me Fang Ruyu forced herself on you?"
The corner of Chen Shi'an's mouth twitched. "I can't explain this clearly to you. All you need to know is that you're the only one who knows about this right now.
"If you let Pi Hou and the others hear about it, I won't let you off."
Iron Bull immediately thumped his chest. "Commander, for those of us in intelligence, keeping a tight lip comes first!"
Chen Shi'an nodded. "Keep people watching Fang Ruyu at all times. Don't let anything happen to her."
Iron Bull beat his chest with resounding thuds. "Don't worry, Commander. I'll make sure mother and child stay safe."
Chen Shi'an's heart was in turmoil. He waved a hand. "Go attend to your work. The plan remains unchanged. We march for Blackwater Stronghold first thing the day after tomorrow."
Iron Bull gave a firm fist-and-palm salute, then turned and withdrew.
Chen Shi'an sat back down in his recliner and looked up at the sun hanging overhead, gloom weighing heavily between his legs.
That single day's deed had actually flowered and borne fruit. He had