“It’s fine!” Gong Xing’er waved her hand. “I’m the one who should apologize! I knew full well Sister Qiao isn’t in an easy condition right now.”

“I’m not in any difficult condition!” Qiao Mu frowned and shook her head.

“I can eat, I can sleep — isn’t that enough? Now go on, you two still have plenty to discuss with the Night Prince, don’t you?”

“Go handle your business properly. You’re about to be a father — go on.”

Only then did Feng Jiang release Qiao Mu’s hand, ruffling her hair.

“Then I’ll head over first. Rest well, don’t overexert yourself, understand?”

Qiao Mu shook her hand free and turned to walk away.

“Where’s my room arranged? Take me to see it. Where are Jiu’er and the others? Why aren’t they back yet?”

“Right this way.” Gong Xing’er caught up, taking Qiao Mu’s hand.

“Jiu’er and Xiao Yingtao and the others went out shopping — they’re not back yet. It shouldn’t be too long before…”

Before Gong Xinyue could finish speaking, a different set of footsteps sounded from outside.

“Has our bride finally arrived?” Feng Jiu’er said, spotting Qiao Mu, teasing her with a smile.

“Qiao Mu, Xinyue, Xing’er, come look at what we bought for the dowry,” Yue Qinchun called, waving them over as she turned back.

“Two carriages weren’t even enough to hold it all. We happened to be passing by, so we came straight in.”

“Let’s go inside — Qiao Mu just got here.” Gong Xinyue pulled Qiao Mu along, not letting her turn back.

Qiao Mu turned to look at her.

“You just got back — go rest first,” Gong Xinyue said softly.

“I’ve had an appetite-stimulating soup prepared for you — want a couple sips?”

“Is it greasy?” Qiao Mu asked, continuing to walk forward.

“Definitely not,” Gong Xinyue shook her head. “I sent word home to have them set aside whatever herbs suit you and send them over.”

“With so many people here looking after you, you can rest easy.”

“Mm,” Qiao Mu nodded slightly. “I only just realized — being pregnant gets you treated like an Empress Dowager.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” Gong Xing’er chimed in cheerfully.

“Sister Qiao is our Grand Empress Dowager now — all of us have to pamper her and wait on her.”

“You’ve only been gone a few days and already Xing’er’s learned how to flatter people?” Feng Jiu’er, approaching, raised an eyebrow at Gong Xing’er.

“Sister Jiu’er, it’s not flattery — it’s what my sister said,” Gong Xing’er shook her head.

“The child in Sister Qiao’s belly is the eldest grandson and heir of the family — we have to take good care of Sister Qiao.”

“How do you know it’s a boy in Qiao Mu’s belly? It could be a girl,” Xiao Yingtao asked.

“It can’t be a girl,” Gong Xing’er shook her head. “My sister said…”

“Ahem…” Gong Xinyue covered her mouth, coughing hard.

But Gong Xing’er pretended not to notice and kept talking.

“My sister said Sister Qiao isn’t meant to raise a daughter — she’s bound to have a son.”

“Gong Xinyue, what kind of talk is that?” Qiao Mu shot a glance at Gong Xinyue.

Gong Xinyue coughed again, murmuring, “It does seem… probably true though, don’t you all think… isn’t it likely?”

She didn’t quite dare look at Qiao Mu and turned instead to the others.

“Um…” Xiao Yingtao studied Qiao Mu carefully for a moment. “Actually… that does seem about right!”

“See, I’m not the only one who thinks so,” Gong Xinyue said, finally gaining some confidence.

“Maybe it really is a girl,” Qiao Mu said, rubbing her belly. “Jiu’er, can you tell?”

“Do you think I’m some kind of immortal?” Feng Jiu’er rolled her eyes.

“Aren’t you though?” Xiao Yingtao teased.

“I think Jiu’er’s basically an immortal too,” Yue Qinchun agreed.

“Me too,” Gong Xing’er nodded rapidly, like a little chick pecking at rice.

“Jiu’er is even more amazing than an immortal!” Duan Liuyang said, somewhat clumsily raising a thumb.

Feng Jiu’er sighed, walked over, and looked Qiao Mu up and down for a moment.

“As long as you’re healthy, boy or girl, it’s all the same.”

“Right,” Xiao Yingtao nodded. “It’s all the same.”

The group of women walked into the courtyard to one side.

“Sister Qiao, do you want to see your new room first, or eat something?” Gong Xing’er asked with a smile.

“Let’s see my room first,” Qiao Mu said, looking ahead.

“Okay!” Gong Xing’er nodded and strode forward.

She came to a stop in front of the chamber in the very center of the courtyard, glanced back, then turned and pushed open the large door.

“Sister Qiao, take a look — do you like it?”

Qiao Mu looked at the large “Double Happiness” character on the door, the corner of her mouth lifting.

“Not bad!” She stepped forward and walked in.

The main hall had several potted plants, dotted with red flowers, and the decorations all around were primarily red as well.

The décor was simple yet elegant — just the way Qiao Mu liked it.

On the floor, a red carpet caught the eye.

The red carpet ran from the entrance all the way in, splitting into two paths partway through.

One path, wider, led to the main seat; the other, somewhat narrower, led toward a room.

Qiao Mu followed the red carpet with her gaze, her pretty crescent brows lifting slightly.

“This is your bridal chamber.” Gong Xing’er walked over eagerly and pushed the door open.

Once Qiao Mu stepped inside, the other women followed her in.

Inside the room, red remained the dominant color.

The most striking feature was the bed — enormous, with brand-new curtains and bedding.

Qiao Mu came to a stop not far from the bed.

Xiao Yingtao hurried over and helped remove the cloak draped over her shoulders.

“Bride, want to try it out? The bed’s so soft, so comfortable.”

“It’s comfortable enough for one night’s sleep — you all went way overboard.”

“It’s not a waste at all.” Gong Xing’er came to her side, turned, and swung her small feet.

“If Sister Qiao doesn’t come back to live here often, I want to stay in this room myself. Someday, I want to marry out from right here too.”

Qiao Mu turned her head, reaching out to pat Gong Xing’er gently. “So you’ve decided you’re marrying Long Shiyi?”

“Yep.” Gong Xing’er nodded with a smile. “But it’s not time yet — we’re both still young. Once the great cause is complete, we’ll see.”

“Once the great cause is complete, I’ll arrange a wedding for every one of you — whatever style you like,” Feng Jiu’er said, glancing around at everyone.

“Really?” Gong Xing’er shot to her feet.

“I can have my own wedding too, just like Sister Qiao?”

“Of course,” Feng Jiu’er said, looking at Gong Xing’er before her gaze settled on Gong Xinyue nearby.

“So — for those of you who don’t have a fiancé yet, better hurry and find one.”

“These days our army is mostly men, and in times like these, when there are more men than women, the ladies can take the initiative when appropriate. Understand?”

“Why are you looking at me?” Gong Xinyue frowned.

“Who else would I look at?” Feng Jiu’er’s gaze shifted, landing on someone else. “And you too!”

“Me?” Duan Liuyang blinked, pointing at herself.

“Of course it’s you. That fool Zhao Yusheng spends all day obsessed with strange arts and techniques — you can’t expect him to make the first move.”

“Liuyang, you’ve got a lot going for you! Have some confidence in yourself.”