Spring arrives and the land smiles

Chapter Twenty-Five: Pregnancy (Part Two)

Having received Emperor Longqing's decree, Qingyan was overjoyed and hurried towards Xuanhua Palace, completely forgetting that she was now a first-class protected animal known to everyone in the palace.

"Princess, please slow down and take care of yourself." Zhui'er followed behind, trembling with fear, and kept loudly reminding Qingyan to slow down, to slow down even more.

Upon hearing Zhui'er's call, Qingyan suddenly realized her current role as a pregnant woman under protection, and had no choice but to slow down and walk forward step by step with Zhui'er's support.

"Princess, you're carrying two people now. What if you fall? Even if you don't fall, what if such a big commotion affects the baby?" Zhui'er kept nagging in Qingyan's ear, making Qingyan find it amusing.

However, upon closer reflection, this was indeed a very thorny issue. If she couldn't give birth after ten months of pregnancy, it would be a crime of deceiving the emperor; if she used a trick to accidentally miscarry the child, her attendants would certainly be accused of neglecting their duties, and given Emperor Longqing's strong will, they would likely all be implicated. Unable to come up with a perfect solution, Qingyan's good mood was dampened by half.

"Alright, I can manage on my own." It wasn't until they entered Xuanhua Palace and Caiyi Hall that Qingyan dared to let go of Zhuier's hand, truly afraid of her nagging.

"Then Princess, please rest for a while. I'll go and stew some bird's nest for you." Zhui'er had been with her since she was little and had always taken good care of her, so Qingyan let her go.

"Siyou and Siwu," Qingyan called the two women over after Zhuier left. Seeing how unsteady they were on their feet, Qingyan felt a pang of sadness. "You've suffered. Tomorrow I will ask the First Prince for both of you."

"Thank you, Princess."

"Alright, you two can go and rest now." Qingyan waved for them to leave, preparing to call someone else to serve them, but after a while, neither of them moved. She then understood their intention. "Alright, don't worry, Sicheng will come too."

"Siyou (Siwu) thanks the princess for her great kindness." The two looked at each other and kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude, which made Qingyan shake her head helplessly. Indeed, they were siblings with deep affection.

"Alright, hurry up and heal your injuries. I have things for you to do," Qingyan said with a smile, raising her hand to help the two of them up.

The two tactfully withdrew, leaving Qingyan alone to ponder how to bring it up with Qingheng.

After giving instructions on preparing various nourishing meals, Zhuier hurried back to Caiyi Palace to attend to Princess Qingyan. She was quite worried about the current state of Princess Qingyan. Sure enough, Qingyan was reclining on the chaise longue, completely uncovered. On a small table beside the chaise lay a bowl of medicine that had gone cold; Zhuier guessed it was a prescription for pregnancy support recently written by the imperial physician. Zhuier shook her head, tiptoed over to cover Qingyan with a light blanket, and then instructed that the underfloor heating be turned up stronger before leaving Caiyi Palace.

"How have you served her? If the princess is even slightly unwell, you'll all be in big trouble." Zhui'er usually greeted everyone with a smile. Although she was the head maid of Xuanhua Palace, she was extremely kind to her subordinates. However, this time was different. The princess was in a delicate state and could not be treated perfunctorily as before.

"The eldest maid is disciplining the younger ones." Qingyan took a short rest and came out of the bedchamber. She saw Zhuier disciplining several palace maids and thought Zhuier was making a fuss over nothing, so she teased her.

"Princess." Upon seeing that it was Qingyan, everyone knelt down to pay their respects, and no one dared to be disrespectful.

The kneeling people were all personal palace servants who had come from Chuyou Pavilion and were well-liked by Qingyan: "I had them serve in the outer room. Alright, that's all, you may all leave."

Knowing that the princess was always kind, Zhui'er remained silent.

Zhuier carefully helped Qingyan into the room and helped her lie down on the chaise longue. She glanced at the bowl of cold medicine on the small table and said, "Princess, the medicine is cold. I'll have the pharmacy brew another bowl."

"No need," Qingyan said, stopping her, but seeing Zhuier's puzzled look, she thought for a moment and explained, "Every medicine has some toxicity. I'm fine now, so let's leave the medicine for now."

"But, princess..."

"I'm just a little tired, nothing serious. The imperial physicians are making a mountain out of a molehill." Before Zhui'er could finish speaking, Qingyan interrupted her, closed her eyes, and lay down on the chaise longue.

Seeing this, Zhui'er didn't say anything more, so she bowed and left.

"Invite the two prince consorts to dine at Caiyi Palace," Qingyan instructed before Zhuier withdrew.

"Yes."

At dinner time, Ning Yuan and Yun Xuan had finished their business and returned to Caiyi Palace one after the other. When they saw Qing Yan resting on the chaise longue, they both fell silent and sat down to wait for her to wake up.

It was just a short nap, so she didn't sleep very soundly. Perhaps sensing that someone was beside her, Qingyan slowly opened her eyes from her dozing and met two pairs of concerned eyes.

"Why didn't you wake me up when you arrived?" Qingyan looked out the window at the sky. "Let's have dinner together."

The two nodded and followed Qingyan on either side of her in perfect unison, as if afraid that she might suddenly faint again like she did today.

"I'm fine, just a little tired. I'll be fine after a couple of days of rest." Qingyan was amused by their overprotective attitude.

"Ningyuan, is there any news from Ina?" Qingyan asked, placing a piece of steamed mandarin fish on his plate.

"I've sent people to guard Ina day and night. Even if they want to steal the nautical chart, they'll have to think twice." Steamed mandarin fish is Ning Yuan's favorite. He took a bite and thought it tasted pretty good.

"Yunxuan, is Haitu still behaving himself?" Qingyan asked Yunxuan after receiving a satisfactory answer.

"So far, there seems to be no movement. I have sent people to keep an eye on the Yibin Hotel day and night." Yunxuan took the bowl of soup that Qingyan served him. Although he had known for a long time, he still seemed unaccustomed to this way of eating without anyone serving him. However, seeing Ningyuan's matter-of-fact attitude, he accepted it gladly.

Indeed, unless necessary, Qingyan usually doesn't like anyone around when she eats. Her 21st-century way of thinking believes that: "I'm eating while you're watching" is a test and torture for both of them. So, when it's mealtime, Qingyan will send Zhuier and the others to eat, and she will either eat alone or with Ningyuan. Over the years, Ningyuan seems to have gotten used to it.

Hearing Yunxuan's words, Qingyan nodded, picked up a piece of mushroom from the bowl and put it in her mouth. Suddenly, she realized that there was a full bowl of food in front of her. Looking at the two people who kept serving her food, she couldn't help but feel awkward, thinking that the two of them looked like they were vying for favor.

"Are you trying to fill my stomach with food so I'll look like a pregnant woman?" Qingyan glared at each of them, annoyed.

"You're weak, you should eat more to nourish yourself." Yunxuan didn't take it seriously and, in full view of everyone, put another piece of rabbit meat into Qingyan's bowl.

Is this the legendary conspiratorial provocation? Qingyan picked up her bowl, walked out of the dining room without looking back, leaving the two bewildered people staring at each other.

"If you can't finish the rest, don't go back to sleep."

The light, airy sound behind her had barely faded when, with a clatter, Qingyan heard two chopsticks fall to the ground, much to her satisfaction.

The next morning, inside the Dream Garden.

Qingyan was reclining on a chaise lounge, enjoying the rare sunshine. It was Chen Shi (7-9 AM), and normally at this time, Qingyan would be either attending court or receiving instruction in the Imperial Study. For the Crown Prince to be so leisurely was perhaps thanks to the meddlesome imperial physician's prescription for rest, which had allowed Emperor Longqing to exempt her from morning court. It seemed she could sleep in for the next few months. Qingyan chuckled inwardly; she hadn't expected this misunderstanding about her pregnancy to bring such a benefit.

"Princess, Consort Cheng requests an audience." Zhui'er's clear voice broke the tranquility. Qingyan rubbed her forehead and sighed softly.

"Invite her in."

Yesterday, after Empress Shangguan announced the joyous news of Qingyan's pregnancy to the various palaces, she visited Qingyan several times that night despite the deep night and heavy dew. Qingyan was deeply moved by her heartfelt care and joy. This morning, almost as if by prior arrangement, the ladies of any standing in the various palaces either personally delivered congratulatory gifts or sent messengers with tonics. Following the establishment of the crown prince, Qingyan once again became the focus of the entire palace overnight. She had thought she could hide in the Dream Garden, but unexpectedly, there were still some who didn't know their place.

"Congratulations, Princess." Consort Cheng entered with a fawning smile. Her alluring figure was as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze, making her appear pitiful. She then took the congratulatory gift from the maid and presented it to Qingyan herself.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Qingyan personally accepted the congratulatory gift and handed it to Zhuier.

Logically speaking, Qingyan, as the legitimate daughter and the crown prince, should have a status and position that a concubine could not match. Even though Consort Cheng's rank was second only to the Empress, she still had to address Qingyan as Her Highness the Eldest Princess. However, Consort Cheng was low-key and polite in her actions. Despite being favored for many years, she showed no arrogance or spoiled nature. Her methods and ability to manage people were naturally among the best of all the concubines. Otherwise, given that she had no children, even with a powerful family background, she could not have held the position of Consort for eight years.

"In a way, I am also the stepmother of the Eldest Princess, so it is only my duty to care for her. I feel truly guilty for not being able to accept this thank you," Consort Cheng said with deep emotion.

She's really shameless, actually using her status as a stepmother to try and get close to him, and she even chose this time. Her intentions are obvious. Qingyan could probably guess her purpose even with her toes.

"Your Highness is too kind," Qingyan said, gesturing to Zhuier to serve tea. Then, her mind raced, she added, "Your Highness is an elder, so it is only right that I, Qingyan, pay my respects. I am flattered that Your Highness has come to visit me." Qingyan subtly distanced herself from Consort Cheng, and seeing Consort Cheng's face stiffen, she inwardly snorted.

Six-year-old Shen Qingyan was pushed into the water, which shaped who she is today. The incident was never solved due to the lack of witnesses, but the real culprits pointed to Consorts Cheng and Liu, with Consort Cheng being the prime suspect. Consort Cheng is now the Imperial Consort Cheng. Later, according to Qingyan's investigation, Imperial Consort Cheng had three pregnancies before she became an Imperial Consort, but unfortunately, she miscarried all three, resulting in her inability to conceive for many years. Imperial Consort Cheng always suspected that the Empress was behind this, leading to the incident of her falling into the water. A woman who can't distinguish right from wrong, having bided her time for so many years, is probably even more difficult to deal with. Qingyan thought this, but smiled outwardly.

"Princess, what are you saying? Your health is precious now, and it is only natural for me, as your elder, to care for you. If you need anything, please just send someone to let me know." Consort Cheng was a sensible person. Seeing that Qingyan looked tired, she exchanged a few pleasantries and left.

Qingyan didn't try to keep her, and gave a few indifferent replies, leaving Consort Cheng completely baffled.

"You may all leave now." Qingyan waved her hand to dismiss the palace maids, preparing to close her eyes and rest alone.

"General Ning." The palace maids, who were about to leave, bowed in unison at the entrance of Zhimeng Garden.

Qingyan opened her eyes upon hearing the sound.

“Someone has been here.” Ning Yuan glanced at the teacups on the small table that hadn’t been cleared away yet.

"It is Consort Cheng," Qingyan replied with her eyes closed.

"What is she doing here?" The memory of the drowning incident years ago immediately put Ning Yuan on alert.

"She's just here to congratulate me. This isn't the first or second time she's been so attentive. Don't be nervous." Qingyan still didn't open her eyes, but smiled.

Ning Yuan, however, looked disapproving: "It's best to be careful. I heard that yesterday in court, Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Revenue strongly supported Shangguan Shaoqing's proposal. It seems that the two of them were only casual acquaintances before."

Upon hearing this, Qingyan opened her eyes. The Shangguan Shaoqing that Ningyuan had mentioned was her cousin, Shangguan Hexiu, the Shaoqing of the Court of State Ceremonial. She hadn't expected that the Cheng family's show of goodwill would involve both the court and the harem. Previously, Ningyuan had discovered that Li Chengyi, the secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, was quite close to the Prince of Jin, and this Li Chengyi was promoted by the Minister Cheng Xueli. Therefore, Qingyan naturally categorized the Cheng family as part of the Prince of Jin's faction. Now it seemed that the situation had changed, or perhaps it was another conspiracy.

As if suddenly remembering something, Qingyan sat up from the chaise longue and asked, "Has the Ministry of Revenue delayed returning the disaster relief grain to Nanxia?"

"No, I heard that the Emperor ordered the Ministry of Revenue to procure grain the day he received your memorial. It seems that the Ministry of Revenue was prepared in advance, and the grain was distributed the next day."

"The next day?" Qingyan frowned. Thirteen thousand shi of grain, though not a large amount, was not something that could be prepared on the spot. Had the Ministry of Revenue received prior notice? Or had the Ministry of Revenue diverted other grain and funds for her? If they had received prior notice, who informed them? As the Minister of Revenue, Cheng Xueli had every reason to delay for several days, yet he not only did not take advantage of her misfortune but also chose to help Qingyan immediately. This could only mean that Cheng Xueli was not part of the Prince of Jin's faction, as she thought. But what was the purpose of so much grain that had been prepared in advance? Why did he help her like this, and afterwards, apart from the usual attempts by Consort Cheng to curry favor, he made no attempt to claim credit? This puzzled Qingyan greatly.

"Ningyuan, what do you think the grain and fodder prepared by the Ministry of Revenue will be used for?" Qingyan asked after frowning and thinking for a moment.

Ning Yuan thought for a moment, but to no avail, and shook his head again.

"Is the grain and fodder prepared by the Ministry of Revenue sufficient for your mission to quell the bandits of Qiu Rong in the north?" Qingyan's thoughts turned to the military rations.

Ning Yuan pondered for a moment and nodded.

If it wasn't military rations, could it be that the Ministry of Revenue had specially prepared this food for her? With the situation unclear, Qingyan couldn't find a clue for a while.

"Princess, it's time for your medicinal meal." Zhui'er walked in with a soup bowl, looking quite businesslike. Seeing that Ning Yuan was still there, she quickly greeted him.

When Qingyan came to her senses and saw Zhuier, she immediately made a bitter face. The accidental pregnancy brought the benefit of not having to get up early, but it had a side effect. Because the princess particularly disliked pregnancy-preserving medicine, the imperial kitchen sent five medicinal meals every day according to the doctor's orders, making Qingyan suffer terribly.

"Alright, go down now." Qingyan gestured for Zhuier to put down the soup bowl and sighed.

"Princess, His Highness Prince Rui said that he will personally deliver the next medicinal meal." Zhui'er withdrew, and Qingyan heard her words as she left, which sounded like she was gloating, because the Prince Rui she mentioned was none other than Qingyan's elder brother, the eldest prince Qing Huan.

“Your body is weak, this is a good opportunity to recuperate.” Ning Yuan handed over the soup bowl, and seeing Qing Yan’s helpless expression, he smiled.

Qingyan took the drink, drank a few sips, and then put it down. She stood up and took Ningyuan's hand. Even though they were already husband and wife, the slightest intimate gesture still made Ningyuan a little nervous. Qingyan suddenly felt like a bad older sister who was about to molest a little boy.

Qingyan wrapped Ningyuan's arms around her waist, met his gaze, and asked with gentle eyes, "Do you still remember what you said the night before you went to war?"

"Yan'er." Such intimate contact left Ning Yuan momentarily at a loss, and Qingyan's soft, charming eyes caused his face to flush involuntarily. He knew, of course, what Qingyan meant. He had already given up after repeatedly hinting at accepting Yunxuan; in terms of talent and family background, Yunxuan was far superior to him. Having him assist Qingyan would be ideal, but unexpectedly, Yan'er brought up that night—that night that brought him both joy and heartache. Yes, he had to admit that Yan'er only had him in her heart. Even after his repeated hints, Yan'er's feelings for him remained unchanged. If he were to betray such a sincere daughter's heart again, wouldn't he be struck by lightning?

"Yan'er, I will never let you down." Ning Yuan held Qing Yan tightly in his arms for a long time without letting go, until...

"Ning Yuan, I can't breathe," Qing Yan said in a coquettish voice.

"I'm sorry, I..." Ning Yuan quickly let go of her hand, like a big boy who had made a mistake, and stood in front of Qing Yan with his head down.

"Since you're sorry, then I'll punish you by making you stay with me all day." Qingyan chuckled, wrapped her arms around Ningyuan's waist, and leaned into his embrace again.