Chapter 118 – Mother-in-law visiting son-in-law

Translator: ChuRen/ YuQiChen

At the dining table, Xie Qingzhi picked up a piece of fish for Tang Qing, while Tang Bo picked up a piece of crab for Tang Qing. Not to be outdone, Xie Qingzhi then skillfully peeled a large shrimp…

Tang Qing looked at his bowl, already full, and helplessly placed his hand over it, “Please, you guys eat. I can’t eat anymore.”

Tang Bo stopped his hand, as if to conceal his immaturity. He asked calmly, “Duke, you and Tangtang are in a marital relationship. Tangtang isn’t an Omega, so would you be disappointed that he can’t soothe you during your rut?”

Xie Qingzhi answered without hesitation, “Of course not. Tangtang and I are family now. Let me tell you, I’m an SSS-level Alpha. Normal Omegas can’t soothe me; their pheromones only disgust me. However, being with Tangtang and his subtle fragrance is comforting to me.”

Tang Qing was slightly surprised. Although he had already guessed that Xie Qingzhi’s level was higher than S, he never thought he was an SSS-level Alpha. That explained his intense rut; normal pheromones couldn’t calm him. Tang Qing lowered his eyes slightly, concealing his heartache.

In comparison, Tang Bo’s emotions were more complicated. On one hand, he admired Xie Qingzhi for his remarkable strength, which enabled him to protect his brother so well. Tang Qing, despite being a Beta, deserved the best. Only the most powerful Alpha would be worthy of his brother.

On the other hand, as a male Alpha himself, Tang Bo had thought that as an S-level Alpha in the Empire, he was already well-regarded. Unexpectedly, the man before him concealed his true power, with a level higher than his own.

Tang Bo couldn’t help but glance at Xie Qingzhi again.

He asked, “Since you know Tang Qing is a Beta, can you explain why I saw so many bite marks on his neck a few days ago?”

“Gege, what are you talking about?” Tang Qing pushed him away, somewhat embarrassed. “I told you, I had a fever that day.”

Tang Qing had been trying hard to selectively forget the incident of his fever a few days ago, but Tang Bo brought it up unexpectedly.

Xie Qingzhi answered seriously, “General Tang, there was a reason for that incident. That day, Tangtang was running a high fever and emitting a scent similar to Omega pheromones. I consulted the Empire’s top doctors, and they said Tangtang’s condition was very unique.”

Tang Bo immediately tensed up, sitting upright and asking, “What’s wrong with Tangtang?”

Tang Qing also looked at Xie Qingzhi in confusion, as he had been too embarrassed to bring up the incident again.

Xie Qingzhi said, “The doctor mentioned that Tang Qing’s condition resembles a pseudo-Omega differentiation.”

Tang Bo immediately exclaimed, “That’s impossible. Tangtang has long passed the age of eighteen. If he were to differentiate into an Omega, it would have happened by now.”

Xie Qingzhi explained, “Normally, Omega differentiation occurs before 18, but there’s a special circumstance.”

“That is S-level or above Omega.”

Both Tang Qing and Tang Bo were stunned.

It had been many years since an S-level or above Omega had appeared in the Empire.

Tang Bo couldn’t help but turn to look at his brother. With his rosy lips, exquisite features, and skin as smooth as a freshly peeled egg, Tang Qing was more beautiful than any Omega renowned for their beauty. He indeed fit the characteristics of an S-level or above Omega.

Tang Qing immediately frowned, nervously asking, “The doctor’s diagnosis isn’t necessarily accurate, right? I…I don’t want to differentiate.”

Xie Qingzhi reassured him, “Tangtang, because it has been many years since an S-level or above Omega appeared in the Empire, the experts are unsure of what will happen. But in any case, you don’t need to worry. The Duke’s residence has the best medical team in the Empire, and nothing will happen to you.”

Knowing Tang Qing’s concerns, Xie Qingzhi had refrained from discussing this matter with him. However, it couldn’t be hidden from Tang Qing forever. Thankfully, Tang Qing’s brother had woken up, and having family around would make it easier for Tang Qing to accept.

Tang Bo also comforted him, “Tangtang, don’t worry. Whether you are an Omega or a Beta, it won’t change anything. You will always be my dearest brother.”

In his heart, Tang Bo was considering the high probability of Tang Qing differentiating into an Omega based on their family’s secondary gender composition. If Tang Qing did become an S-level or above Omega, he feared he wouldn’t be able to protect him.

He would be burdened with guilt.

Although Tang Bo held a high position, his health had declined over the years, no longer shining as brightly as before. Moreover, during an Omega’s heat, only an Alpha above S-level could soothe them. Even Tang Bo wouldn’t be able to help Tang Qing in that situation.

Xie Qingzhi, being an SSS-level Alpha, was not only capable of soothing Tang Qing but also held a high position of authority, with no one daring to offend him throughout the Empire. Unlike other princes who engaged in power struggles, Xie Qingzhi avoided these, reducing the risk of Tang Qing getting caught up in conflicts and getting hurt.

Shen Yanxia and Zheng Nian, although they held decent positions among the Empire’s new elites, had questionable connections with the illegitimate siblings. According to Tang Qing, when he faced trouble from Tang Xiaobai and others in the past, Xie Qingzhi was the one who stood up for him and helped him vent his frustrations.

Compared to Tang Qing’s previous two marriage prospects, this infamous Xie Qingzhi was much more reliable.

From this perspective, Xie Qingzhi was indeed the most suitable marriage partner for Tang Qing in the entire Empire.

“If Tangtang differentiates into an Omega, will you be able to soothe him? Will you drop everything to be with him during his heat period?” Tang Bo inquired.

“Of course, whether Tangtang is an Omega or a Beta, I will continue to take care of him as always. Whenever he needs me, I will be by his side,” Xie Qingzhi responded.

Tang Bo observed Xie Qingzhi and asked, “You two are married in name, but as far as I know, you haven’t consummated the marriage yet.”

“I want to ask you, Duke, would you bully Tang Qing?”

Tang Qing’s face blushed uncontrollably once again.

In the context of the conversation, anyone could understand the implication behind Tang Bo’s use of the term “bully”.

Xie Qingzhi replied, “General Tang, though I may be ruthless and cruel, I only torment those who deserve it.”

“I won’t bully him until Tangtang consents.”

Satisfied with this response, Tang Bo finally nodded reluctantly.

Having been unconscious for a long time, he then inquired about the latest power shifts in the Empire.

Although Xie Qingzhi hadn’t openly participated in the power struggle, he had numerous informants and a thorough understanding of the current situation.

After listening to his analysis, Tang Bo couldn’t help but secretly admire the Duke, who outwardly appeared mad but was actually deeply shrewd.

Unconsciously, as he looked at Xie Qingzhi, his gaze carried a hint of approval.

It was almost like a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, growing increasingly satisfied with each passing moment.

After a pleasant meal, Tang Bo and Xie Qingzhi raised their glasses in a toast.

Leaving Tang Qing to sit on the side, his face flushed with heat, watching the two of them discuss various shameless topics as if nothing had happened.

After dinner, Tang Qing and Xie Qingzhi took a stroll together, heading back to the main residence.

Passing by the orchid tree, Tang Qing remarked casually, “The flowers are blooming and quite fragrant.”

Xie Qingzhi fell silent for a moment.

He didn’t know what came over him, but inexplicably, he had someone plant a yard full of orchid trees.

Tang Qing raised his head, smiling as he looked at Xie Qingzhi. “Sir, thank you for coming earlier. I didn’t expect you to visit my brother as well.”

Xie Qingzhi blinked and replied, “No need for thanks. I just didn’t want your brother to think I was mistreating you.”

“I’m not sick, how could I mistreat my own spouse?” Xie Qingzhi had thought it through.

He had evaluated all the prominent Alphas in the Empire, some were weak-willed, unable to protect Tang Qing; some were mama’s boys with complicated mother-in-law relationships; some were too short, affecting their genetics…

Recently, every time he visited the royal family, he had scrutinized all the eligible unmarried Alphas.

Of course, those individuals were all intimidated by Xie Qingzhi’s viper-like gaze, wondering if they had somehow offended the Duke, revealing their ugliest sides even more.

And then, they received even more disdainful looks from Xie Qingzhi.

Thinking about the possibility of divorce and those people pursuing Tang Qing, he felt disgusted at the thought.

How could they be a match?

After much contemplation, Xie Qingzhi surprisingly felt that no one was worthy of Tang Qing.

Recalling Tang Qing’s past failed relationships, along with his fame for attracting bad luck and a father who sought fame through his son, Xie Qingzhi worried that once Tang Qing left his protection, those useless Alphas outside might deceive him.

Therefore, until Tang Qing’s true love appeared, it was better for Xie Qingzhi to protect him himself.

Moreover, if his plans with Austen succeeded, he believed that no Alpha in the entire Empire would be more suitable for Tang Qing than himself.

His collection truly needed to be kept under his watchful eyes for peace of mind.

As they walked together, they encountered a few experts rushing over.

They were the doctors Xie Qingzhi had invited to take care of Tang Bo.

“Duke, good evening… I apologize for delaying your and your esteemed spouse’s appointment,” the doctor seemed quite afraid of Xie Qingzhi, speaking hesitantly.

“Get to the point,” Xie Qingzhi impatiently demanded.

“Sir, we’ve discovered something very serious that we need to report to you.”

Tang Qing glanced at Xie Qingzhi, wondering if he should step aside.

Xie Qingzhi said, “Speak freely, there are no outsiders here.”

Summoning his courage, the doctor said, “We found out that General Tang Bo has been in a prolonged state of unconsciousness due to long-term ingestion of a substance that induces unconsciousness.”

Tang Qing stared in disbelief, urgently asking, “Doctor, what substance is it? How could my brother be taking these drugs?”

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