The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

"Good children, you've finally arrived." The old lady stood up with the help of Madam Ning, and even the old Duke stood up and looked Gu Qingwan up and down. He was relieved to see that the child had a rosy complexion.

"We've kept Grandpa and Grandma waiting." Gu Qingwan said, holding the old lady's arm. "Please sit down, Grandpa and Grandma. The Prince and I will pay our respects to you."

The old Duke waved his hand dismissively, "There's no need for that. Besides, Your Highness is of noble status, so it's unnecessary."

Ultimately, they couldn't resist Gu Qingwan's insistence, and the two of them accepted the prince's greetings. However, although the Duke of Ningguo and his wife were Qingwan's maternal uncle and aunt, they did not accept the prince's greetings.

Under Madam Ning's arrangement, everyone gathered around a table for a reunion dinner, and no one mentioned returning to the Northern Border.

After the meal, Lao Guo spoke up, since someone had to bring up this topic.

"Qingwan, after you leave, your uncle and I should also set off back to the Northern Border."

“Grandfather, do you really have to go? Qingwan thinks it’s fine for you to enjoy your retirement in the capital. There’s no need for you to go to the border.”

"That's what I tried to persuade your grandfather, but he insisted on going."

The old Duke shook his head and said, "That Hu Yuankui is not an easy opponent. This time he did not come to the capital with us, but sent his son instead. I suspected he had no good intentions, so I must go and see for myself to be at ease."

Gu Qingwan breathed a sigh of relief; it turned out her maternal grandfather just wanted to take a look.

"Don't be nervous. I have already retired from the army and returned to my hometown with the Emperor. There is no need for me to hold onto military power anymore. I am going there under the pretense of traveling with your second brother. I will see if your uncle can handle it. If he can, I will come back with your second brother. If he can't, I will offer advice to your uncle."

The Duke of Ningguo looked somewhat ashamed, realizing that he was already so old and still caused his father so much worry.

"The son is unfilial."

"It has nothing to do with you. It's just that your father is worried about the Northern Territory and doesn't like living in the capital. It's not like we don't have our own residence in the Northern Territory. I can stay there for a few days."

The King of Chu said, "If the old Duke is in charge, there shouldn't be any problems."

"Your Highness is a seasoned warrior, and you must understand my thoughts. But when will Your Highness depart?"

Gu Qingwan was taken aback, as were the Ning family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

"What? Is His Highness also returning to the Southern Frontier?"

Gu Qingwan had never heard the prince mention this matter before, but thinking about it, it made sense. He had been away from Southern Xinjiang for a long time. If nothing was wrong in Southern Xinjiang, that would be fine, but since he had decided to go, there must be a problem there.

The King of Chu shook Gu Qingwan's hand and said, "The general from the southern border sent a letter saying that the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border has come up with some kind of trick again. Soldiers who are like walking corpses have appeared one after another. These soldiers seem to know no pain and are charging around recklessly. Some of my people from Daqing have also been captured. I am worried about this."

"Are the people of Southern Xinjiang so vicious? Using the people of my Daqing to attack my Daqing, they are truly shameless!" the Duke of Ningguo angrily cursed.

Gu Qingwan was pondering what method the Holy Lady of Southern Xinjiang used to control these people. The people of Southern Xinjiang were skilled in using poison and even more so in using Gu. Could it be that they used Gu worms?

“Then I’m going too,” Gu Qingwan said.

“No, I need you to stay in the capital to keep watch. Besides, I’m only going and coming back soon, so don’t worry about me.” The King of Chu refused without thinking. “We can discuss this when we get back to the palace. My maternal grandfather and uncle are leaving immediately, so we shouldn’t delay them.”

"Your Highness is right." Gu Qingwan finally realized what was happening and looked at her maternal grandfather and the others with some annoyance, only to see that they were all smiling at her.

"Seeing how well Your Highness treats Qingwan, we have nothing to worry about. However, we will still need to trouble you to look after Qingwan in the capital."

“What are you saying, Uncle? The Ning family is my family. Even if I get married, the Ning family will still be my family.”

"Uncle didn't mean anything by it. It's just that once your maternal grandfather, your brothers, and I left, only your maternal grandmother, your aunt, and your younger brother were left at home. Now that you are a princess, I'm sure no one outside would dare to cause us any trouble."

"That's right. If anyone causes trouble for the Ning family, Qingwan will definitely whip their mansion gate to pieces."

"Hahaha, you little rascal, why do you need to chase after people with a whip and smash their gates?" The old lady laughed so hard she almost fell over. "You men can leave without worry. Over the years, no one has dared to bully the Ning family, even though we are the women. It's alright, we can just keep the gates closed."

It was a done deal for the Duke of Ningguo and his son to go to the northern border. The four of them, spanning three generations, set off together.

"Has your uncle given any explanation from your brother-in-law?"

“Yesterday I went to the Imperial Study to report to the Emperor. The Emperor also allowed my father to travel with us, but repeatedly told me to take good care of my father. Your Highness can rest assured. If there is nothing wrong in the Northern Border, I will have Ze’er send my father back.”

"You're so long-winded. I'm still used to life in the North. Staying cooped up in the capital is really uncomfortable. If it weren't for the circumstances, I would definitely bring your mother with me."

"I'm not going. What's so great about the North? We're perfectly content in this luxurious capital. If you want to go out in the cold, go by yourselves, but don't take me with you."

The old lady quickly refused, saying that it wasn't a joke; the North was truly cold, with howling northwest winds and waist-deep snow that was unbearable.

"Alright, you two can chat first. Your Highness, please come with me to the study. I have something to tell you."

No one could refuse the old king's offer. Gu Qingwan helped Madam Ning pack her things and had Siqi and the others sort and stuff the things she had brought from the palace into her luggage.

"Qingwan, you have a good memory. Can you help your aunt think if there's anything we're missing? We need to prepare everything, otherwise it'll be hard to get anything we're missing in the freezing cold of the northern border."

“Oh, Mother, all you need to do is prepare things to keep warm,” Ning Chengze chimed in from the side.

"Yes, yes, I remember there were a few good pieces of leather in your grandmother's storeroom that I had made into garments. How could I have forgotten about them? Look at my memory."

Madam Ning left in a flurry.

After Ning Chengze saw his mother leave, he approached Gu Qingwan and asked, "Cousin, is there anything else you want to say?"

"I didn't give any instructions. My cousin still has to look after the business in the North. I've already instructed Shishu to tell the caravan to leave first. My next step is to open a medicine shop in the North."

"You're too reckless. What if the Northern Border finds out?"

"The Northern Territory is rich in natural resources and has many precious medicinal herbs. Only by infiltrating the enemy can we possibly obtain these good things. Don't worry, cousin, I have already made arrangements. I expect to receive news soon. However, my men will need to consult with you for advice. Please take a look."

"That's easy. Leave it to me. If necessary, I'll personally go to the North to check on our business."

"There's no need to put yourself in danger. Even if you're not the heir apparent, you're still a descendant of the Duke of Ningguo. There are quite a few people who want to capture you, so you should be careful."

"Don't even mention it. My father told the Emperor that I wanted to go into business, but the Emperor rejected me outright and even issued an edict reprimanding me for being unambitious and not following the right path. He told me to study hard with my grandfather, father, and brother, serve my country on the battlefield, and not go sightseeing or anything like that."

Gu Qingwan smiled, knowing full well that the Emperor would not allow male heirs of the Ning family to engage in business instead of defending the country on the battlefield.

"By the way, where's Hao'er? Why can't I see him?" Gu Qingwan asked.

"He's probably hiding inside the convoy. I'll go and bring him back!"

Ning Chengze went to capture Ning Chenghao, leaving only Gu Qingwan and Ning Chenglin. Ning Chenglin suddenly felt his mouth was dry, so he picked up the now-cold tea and took a big gulp.

"Cousin, please take good care of yourself on your journey."

"Ok, I know."

“My cousin is the heir apparent, and he bears a heavy responsibility. My maternal grandmother and aunt are already looking for a husband for him…”

“I know.” Ning Chenglin was silent for a while, looked deeply at Gu Qingwan, and stood up: “Cousin, please help Mother take a look. I won’t refuse again. I’ll trouble you to take care of the family from now on. I’ll go and check on things at the front.”

As Gu Qingwan watched the man's departing figure, she couldn't help but sigh. Overcoming the hurdle of love is easier said than done. Oh well, let him have some time.

Gu Qingwan and Xiao Jingchen escorted the Duke of Ningguo and his entourage all the way to the city gates, only stopping when the old Duke forbade them from seeing them off.

Without Gu Qingwan and the others, they rode off at full speed, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.

Gu Qingwan leaned against him and asked, "What did Grandfather say to you?"

“Tell me… not to bully you, or he’ll come from the North with a big sword and chop me down.”

"Pfft, you're just being cheeky." Gu Qingwan knew that Xiao Jingchen had something he couldn't tell her, and she was sensible enough not to ask questions if it wasn't something she was supposed to know.

"Let's go back."

When Gu Qingwan and the others returned, the housekeeper summoned everyone to the courtyard. Seeing that she had things to do, Xiao Jingchen went to his study and left Xiao Yi with her to help.

"Your Highness, everyone has arrived," the steward said. "Should we also call over the guards from the Prince's residence?"

"No need, let the prince handle those. I'll only manage the inner courtyard; the steward can arrange the rest."

Uncle Hua nodded, "Then everyone in our household is here."

When Gu Qingwan looked over, she saw only male servants and a few old women. The number of people was pitifully small. No wonder the steward and Xiao Yi were so happy to see her marry into the family.

The steward explained, "His Highness doesn't like having young women serving him, so there are a few junior servants who either help in the kitchen or the laundry room. His Highness's daily life is taken care of by his servants and Xiao Yi."

The butler almost blurted out, "Your Highness, look how virtuous our Prince is! He only serves men, and no female animals come near him."

Gu Qingwan was speechless for a moment. She thought for a moment and said, "Baoqin, come and register."

"Hello everyone, I'm sure you're all familiar with me, Princess Consort. Now that I have the Prince's trust, you will all be under my management from now on."

"I will obey the Princess's orders."

Gu Qingwan nodded in satisfaction and said, "Our Prince's Mansion is so big, it shouldn't be just a few of you serving. You're all working too hard. Here's what we'll do: if there are any suitable candidates in the family, you can register with Baoqin. There are no gender restrictions. Women can serve in the inner courtyard, doing cleaning, washing, or serving tea. We'll discuss the specifics later. Men can go to the outer courtyard. It all depends on your abilities."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized that the princess was making them her children's servants, which would give their children the opportunity to find work in the royal household. The royal household offered very good benefits, and in this way, they could be considered as long-time servants of the princess.

"Thank you, Your Highness. This servant will certainly do his best."

"I have only one condition: you are not allowed to have any improper thoughts. If you do, don't blame me for being ruthless and kicking you all out!"

"We servants dare not."

"Baoqin, you and the steward should reorganize their information and thoroughly investigate the people they recommended. Anyone who is dishonest should be expelled. If there aren't enough people, we can buy some from outside. The same requirement applies: they must all have a clean background."

"This servant understands." In fact, they would be careful even without the Prince's instructions, especially when purchasing people from outside. If they were not careful, they could accidentally infiltrate someone else's spies into their own household, which would be too dangerous.