“Yes, we’re having a child.” Shen Xihe smiled, her obsidian-like eyes glistening with moisture.
Her heart surged like waves in a storm. She had stubbornly wanted a child of her own with Xiao Huayong, hoping that someone as remarkable as him could leave more memorable traces in this world.
Now that her wish was fulfilled, she hoped the child in her womb would be a boy. She would raise him to become an extraordinary ruler, praised through the ages. Whenever people mentioned him, they would think of his father. What his father didn’t have time to accomplish, the son would complete.
Although… it might be somewhat unfair to this child, having to shoulder such burdens from birth. However, since he chose her and Xiao Huayong as parents, he was destined for greatness. This was the path he must walk, with glory and splendor.
“Is the Crown Princess’s child doing well? How should the Crown Princess care for herself going forward? What should I pay attention to…” Xiao Huayong bombarded Zhenzhu with questions.
Having cared for pregnant women during her time with Baitouweng, and having paid special attention to these medical principles since Shen Xihe planned to conceive, Zhenzhu detailed all the precautions, combining them with Shen Xihe’s current condition, and explained everything to Xiao Huayong.
Xiao Huayong listened with intense focus and even prepared a small notebook to record everything meticulously.
From that day forward, he kept detailed records of everything Shen Xihe ate and did, saying he would show it to their child when they grew up, so they would know how much their mother sacrificed to deliver them safely and raise them strong.
Shen Xihe’s heart melted with warmth and sweetness upon hearing this.
Though she was pregnant, they didn’t announce it. After discussing with Xiao Huayong, they decided to wait until three months when the pregnancy was stable before alerting those evil spirits, using these two months to prepare all possible precautions.
The usually commanding Xiao Huayong became unexpectedly cautious, making Shen Xihe both amused and exasperated: “Bei Chen, I hope we, mother and child, won’t become your burden.”
This man who was usually as deep as water, suddenly became so hesitant, carefully considering each step multiple times. His composure and decisiveness that had once impressed Shen Xihe had completely vanished.
“You’re not a burden, nor have I lost my composure and confidence,” Xiao Bei Chen supported Shen Xihe. “I simply cherish you too much to allow any mishaps.”
If thinking things through multiple times and spending extra effort could help identify and fix oversights, making everything proceed more smoothly and comprehensively, Xiao Bei Chen was willing to put in this worthwhile effort for Shen Xihe and their child.
“The Bei Chen in my heart determines fate with a smile, changes the winds and clouds with a glance, and is a magnificent man who can block the sky with a raised palm,” Shen Xihe turned to look at him, her gaze particularly gentle, perhaps due to her pregnancy. “I know your current state comes from love-born worry, but when you’re like this, I can’t help but become vigilant too.”
It was an emotion difficult to control, influenced by Xiao Huayong’s actions.
After hearing this, Xiao Huayong composed himself. He had never thought Shen Xihe would be affected by him – she was too calm and rational. The sage’s teaching of “not being moved by external things nor personal sorrows” was something Xiao Huayong had only seen in Shen Xihe.
Yet his heart softened as if tickled by a feather, causing an irrepressible smile of joy.
“So… I’ve become this important to Youyou…” he murmured to himself.
Shen Xihe heard and understood, nodding seriously: “Yes, as my closest family, you are most important.”
Closest family – Xiao Huayong wasn’t entirely satisfied with this. She had many close family members. He wanted to be her beloved, but knowing Shen Xihe was shy and had already admitted to loving him, he decided not to nitpick over words. He would simply consider himself her beloved.
Thinking this way, Xiao Huayong became even more pleased.
Seeing him smile in a self-indulgent and somewhat foolish way, Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow, not knowing what he was thinking about. It must have been about her to make him smile so unusually, though she had grown accustomed to it.
Xiao Huayong never revealed to Shen Xihe his habit of self-interpretation. He wouldn’t tell her, fearing she might give him that indescribable look again.
However, after learning that his actions could affect Shen Xihe’s emotions, Xiao Huayong, while delighted, also became more mindful. He concealed his anxious side and returned to being that casual Crown Prince who seized every opportunity to flirt with Shen Xihe.
Previously, Shen Xihe had truly thought Xiao Huayong’s opportunistic flirting was mere sweet talk, but now, perhaps having grown used to it, she found herself smiling involuntarily each time, her feelings having evolved from rejection to acceptance to current joy.
The couple spent a month in the Eastern Palace, with no one knowing of Shen Xihe’s pregnancy. In April, Bu Shulin’s wedding approached. Shen Xihe had to attend – firstly because the bride was the Princess Imperial’s daughter, making it a royal wedding requiring Shen Xihe’s presence as a royal representative.
Secondly, everyone knew of her friendship with Bu Shulin. Missing a friend’s wedding would be inexcusable.
Combining these reasons, she couldn’t make excuses to decline. Moreover, doing so might raise suspicions among those watching her every move.
Xiao Huayong understood this and wanted to accompany Shen Xihe, but she stopped him: “This isn’t a prince or princess’s wedding. As Crown Prince, your attendance would be too grand. Besides, with you beside me constantly worrying, we might give ourselves away. I’ll return quickly, and with Mo Yuan and Zhenzhu accompanying me, nothing will go wrong.”
Xiao Huayong could only reluctantly see off the determined Shen Xihe at the Eastern Palace gates.
Bu Shulin’s wedding was organized by the Ministry of Rites according to royal prince standards, with the Minister of Rites officiating. It was more grand than ordinary noble families could achieve. The Princess Imperial had only this one daughter, and the ten-mile wedding procession was spectacular, even more impressive than Xiao Chang Min’s wedding two months prior.
Yu Sangning attended the wedding banquet with Xiao Chang Min. As the eldest royal daughter-in-law, she shared a table with Shen Xihe, who sat in the middle with Li Yanyan and Yu Sangning on either side. Both women had previous unpleasantness with Shen Xihe and avoided conversation with her.
Unable to chat across Shen Xihe, the three most noble royal daughters-in-law maintained silence, making nearby princesses and senior clan members somewhat tense.
Until a bowl of soup was served, when Yu Sangning lifted the ceramic lid and turned away retching, drawing everyone’s attention.
An experienced noble lady couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise: “Could the Zhao Wang Princess be with child?”
After retching several times, Yu Sangning’s face flushed slightly, and she nodded modestly: “Yes, it was just confirmed yesterday. It’s still early, only one month, not suitable to announce widely.”
Congratulatory voices immediately filled the air, with some praising Yu Sangning’s good fortune, becoming pregnant just one month into her two-month marriage.
Shen Xihe silently raised her eyebrows, somewhat surprised by Yu Sangning’s pregnancy, but thought it was good – another person to divert attention.