When Cao Mao heard the news, he felt as though he had been struck by lightning.
He could scarcely believe what he had heard.
Lady Zheng was pregnant.
Didn't that mean he was going to be a father?
Seeing Cao Mao standing there dumbstruck, Old Eunuch Xu hurriedly took out a register and handed it to the emperor.
The eunuchs of the Inner Palace were responsible for recording the dates and frequency of the emperor's visits to the beds of his various consorts, among other things. In short, they recorded everything they should-and everything they shouldn't.
This was to ensure that the children were truly his, and that the imperial bloodline remained untainted.
At the same time, if the emperor indulged too frequently in such matters, the eunuchs were supposed to dissuade him.
At this moment, Cao Mao suddenly seemed lost in a daze, bewildered and at a loss.
Old Eunuch Xu did not know what to say either. This was good news.
A ruler had to have children. If he had none, he needed to adopt one immediately. Having no descendants meant that after his death, the power structure would change, dealing a tremendous blow to the interest groups that followed him.
Thus, the Son of Heaven had to have an heir. Nothing mattered more.
Old Eunuch Xu had expected the emperor to be delighted, perhaps even to bestow rewards, but Cao Mao merely stood there, motionless.
He had never seen the emperor look so bewildered.
In his impression, this emperor had always been formidable and meticulous, forever calm and wise.
Cao Mao probably realized that he had lost his composure.
"Mm... this is good news. Reward everyone in the Inner Palace, and send Lady Zheng some things to nourish her health."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Old Eunuch Xu bowed