Upon returning to the Marquis’ Mansion, Xia Chunyu was immediately summoned over by Xia You.
After a long talk, Xia Chunyu left his mother’s room feeling like he was just handed a death sentence. He walked to the entrance of their courtyard and for the longest time just stood there, staring blankly into space even as it started to rain.
He still couldn’t believe what his mother said. His Yaoyao has little chance of getting pregnant. Even if she gets pregnant, it would be difficult for the baby to survive to full term. How difficult is ‘difficult’? They still have a chance, right? Even if it’s not much, there’s still a chance.
He’s always wanted to have babies with Yaoyao. Ever since he realized that he’s in love with her, he has imagined having a son and a daughter to spoil. He wanted to see her swollen with his baby. He wanted to raise little critters that he’d love and pamper.
He knew without a doubt that Yaoyao would be a great mother. He sees it with the way she takes care of their bunnies, his little brother, and even other kids. If she never gets the chance to become a mother, she’d be devastated.
Yaoyao’s a kind person. Why is heaven being unfair to her?
He couldn’t help but think that this was because he wasn’t sincere enough when he released his lotus lantern. Of course, he did want a baby, but when he wrote his wish, he was simply humoring his wife. He didn’t believe in all that wish nonsense. Did the river god catch his insecurity and is now punishing him?
Xia Chunyu let out a long sigh and pasted on a smile. He couldn’t let Yaoyao find out about this. Besides, her condition might change after she’s rested enough.
Ye Jiayao was lying on the bed, her body weak, but her mind active. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something’s seriously wrong with her.
Suddenly, she heard Qiao Xi greet, “Heir-son Lord, you’re back!”
“Is the Second Young Mistress better today?” Chunyu asked, his voice low and gentle.
Despite how crappy she was feeling, she couldn’t help but smile. She’s always his top priority.
She then turned around to take a look at the hourglass by the corner of the wall. He’s getting in late today.
Xia Chunyu went to the bathroom first to shower and change. He was soaked from head to due to the rain. He doesn’t want to risk getting Yaoyao sicker than she already was.
After changing, Xia Chunyu clasped the hot pack, something he seldom does and walked into the bedroom. “Let me warm my hands first before giving you a rub.”
Seeing the gentleness in his eyes turned Ye Jiayao’s heart into mush. She told him softly, “You’re back late today.”
He beamed proudly. “Your husband got a promotion today.”
“Really? What rank?”
Xia Chunyu held up two fingers.
Ye Jiayao was elated. “Second-grade imperial bodyguard?”
“Mmmh. I might even get promoted again soon.”
He was so excited to share this news with her. However, his happiness and excitement have now been tainted.
“I don’t understand His Majesty. What’s the point in all of these? If he’s just going to promote you, why did he demote you in the first place?” she grumbled. If they hadn’t gotten married, Chunyu would have already been Huai Song’s youngest first-grade imperial bodyguard.
“We don’t know how His Majesty thinks. Sometimes, demotion is a form of protection,” he said.
She just harrumphed. Of course, she knew that the Emperor demoting Chunyu was a mere show to appease the Empress Dowager.
In any case, she doesn’t mind his status. Whether he’s a first-grade imperial bodyguard, an Heir-Son Lord, or a commoner, she likes him all the same. She just wanted Chunyu to receive all that he deserves because he’s such a hard worker.
“Have you told Father and Mother?”
“I will tell them when I go over to greet them later,” Xia Chunyu said, not daring to tell her that he’s already seen his mother.
With his hands already warm, he leaned in, slid his hands under the blanket, and touched her lower abdomen. He badly wishes that by doing so, he could expel all the cold air in her body.
His palm was warm and the pain in her belly slowly faded away as he rubbed it. Hesitantly, she started, “The Elder Princess visited today and when she found out that I was ill, she insisted on having Imperial Physician Li look me over.”
“Mm… what did Imperial Physician Li say?” Xia Chunyu asked.
“I don’t know. They went to the main house to talk and I wasn’t able to listen.” Ye Jiayao’s voice carried all her worries and concerns. “Chunyu… what if we find out that I can’t bear you a son? What should we do?”
In modern times, this wouldn’t be that big of a problem. She could try adoption or IVF. However, in ancient times, her options are very limited. She has to rely on their outdated medicine and prayers.
There are three acts of unfilial conduct in this time, and the biggest of them is to be without a male offspring. Carrying on the family lineage is a woman’s basic duty, especially with a wealthy family like the Xias. Would they want a woman who cannot bear children? Even if Chunyu likes her and wouldn’t divorce her, she was afraid that the elders would pressure him to take a concubine.
“You’re being silly. What nonsense are you spouting? They didn’t let you listen because they are afraid that you would be worried. If there is a problem, wouldn’t Mother have already told me?” he assured her, pretending that he himself wasn’t worried.
Ye Jiayao fiddled with the tassel on the jade pendant hanging on his belt. She has never been so terrified and no matter how much she tried to reassure herself, it was no use. Her sense of security and confidence was gone.
“I just want to know what you’d do if it’s true,” she said. She wanted assurance from him. She’s ashamed to admit it, but she was seeking comfort from him.
Xia Chunyu felt a sharp prick in his heart. He hugged her to him tightly and said, “I love you, all your strengths and faults. If that happens, it doesn’t matter. Our marriage is for forever. I will give up my title as the Heir-son Lord if I have to. Big Brother can have it. I think that just the two of us for the rest of our lives sounds pretty good too.”
Ye Jiayao felt the back of her throat stinging. She wanted to cry. How did she get so lucky to have a man so sweet and so devoted to her? He’s willing to change his future to accommodate her!
“Now, stop overthinking. You’re letting your imagination run wild because you feel unwell. The stress of all that is not good for your body. No matter what happens, I will be here for you!” Xia Chunyu smiled at her but his heart was aching. Hopefully, heaven would not be so cruel to them. If anything should happen, he wishes that it just befalls on him. He doesn’t want Yaoyao.
Ye Jiayao nodded. Only now did she come to realize that the most romantic words are not ‘I love you’ but ‘I will be here for you’. With him by her side, she believed that she could endure anything.
Meanwhile, Liu Li couldn’t stop laughing at Jinxuan’s plight. For so long, Jinxuan has beaten her at every aspect, who would think that the only thing she’s not good at is being a woman?
Imperial Physician Li followed her orders to exaggerate her condition, but it was still a fact that it would be difficult for Jinxuan to conceive. Xia Chunyu must be extremely upset at this moment! He must be feeling bad because he jumped through all those hoops just to be with a hen that cannot lay eggs. Liu Li knew that Jinxuan must be devastated by this and she couldn’t help but smile at that thought.
“Princess, shouldn’t you keep a low profile?” Little Ya reminded her.
At that moment, Xia Chunfeng entered. “What are you talking about? You seem very happy.”
Liu Li gestured for Little Ya to leave and reached her hands out for Chunfeng. He walked over to her and clasped her hands, commenting, “You’re looking better today.”
Liu Li laughed gently. “Imperial Physician Li’s medicine works wonders. On top of that, Mother’s meticulous care has served me well.”
When she smiled, her dimples deepened and Chunfeng got lost in her charm and cuteness. He never imagined that a spoiled, evil girl like her could turn into a gentle and virtuous wife. If he hasn’t seen it himself, he wouldn’t have believed it either.
His mother was right. As long as a husband treats his wife right, no matter how incorrigible she is, she would change.
Seeing Liu Li’s transformation filled Chunfeng’s heart with joy and pride. He had a hand in that.
“Mother is always doting on you, I am losing my place in this house now. I don’t even know how long I have to sleep in the study for,” Chunfeng said with a pout. Suppressing the desires of a young fellow who just got awakened by love was unbelievably cruel.
Liu Li’s face flushed red as she whispered a few words to him.
His eyes brightened. “Really? I just have to wait until after three months?”
She nodded shyly. “That is what Imperial Physician Li said.”
He quickly did some calculations in his head. “You’re two months pregnant, so I just have to wait for another month?”
She punched him softly in the arm, whining, “Is that the only thing you think about?”
He let out a mischievous laugh. “I’m only thinking about it because I like you. It’d be bad if I stop thinking about it…”
The two of them continued with their sweet nothings for a while before Chunfeng said, “I heard that Second Sister-in-law is not feeling well for the past few days. If you feel like eating anything, get the imperial chef to make them. Let’s wait for Second Sister-in-law to get better.”
Liu Li felt a little angry. Why does he keep speaking up for Jinxuan? However, she played her part. “I don’t wish to bother Second Sister-in-law too. It’s just that this pregnancy always makes me feel like eating food that others don’t know how t make. I feel bad about bothering Second Sister-in-law, but I don’t know what else to do.”
Chunfeng found her so cute. “Looks like you are pregnant with a little greedy cat!”
