"Of course not!" the Empress declared firmly, "When your birth mother entered the palace, she was already pregnant with you!"
"That's impossible!"
King Yan burst into tears.
The Empress took a deep breath and said, "Nothing is impossible. Your birth mother comes from a line of generals. Your grandfather brought your uncle—your real uncle, that is—into the army. After they left, your grandmother stayed home with your mother. Later, their home was destroyed, your grandmother was killed by marauders, and your mother nearly faced assault while searching for your grandfather and uncle. Fortunately, a general from the Zhou Army passed by and rescued her.
"And the general who saved your birth mother, his surname was Lin, he is your father!"
King Yan stopped crying.
