On the tenth day of the seventh month, Lu Zhuo specially accompanied Wei Rao back to Duke Ying Mansion on his day off.

As soon as the young couple returned, they first went to pay their respects to Duchess Ying.

By calculation, Wei Rao had lived at the princess mansion for two months, returning every half month to pay respects to the elders. To Duchess Ying, it seemed like her grandson’s wife hadn’t been away for very long.

In Loyalty Hall, Second Madam and the Qiao mother-daughter-in-law pair were also present.

Qiao Shi sat beside Second Madam with a rosy complexion, watching the couple who entered side by side. Lu Zhuo remained as handsome as a clear breeze and bright moon, while Wei Rao had become even more radiantly beautiful. One could tell at a glance that these past two months had been particularly carefree and joyful for them. Qiao Shi felt that Wei Rao’s practice of living away from home didn’t conform to the proper conduct of a daughter-in-law, yet she couldn’t help feeling a trace of envy toward Wei Rao.

If only she, too, could possess a princess mansion that belonged entirely to her, with a mother-in-law who allowed her to live freely outside with her husband—how wonderful that would be.

Second Madam was naturally a good mother-in-law, skilled in raising children with an excellent reputation, and had never imposed any harsh rules on Qiao Shi. Yet Qiao Shi always felt like she was facing a stern father when confronting her mother-in-law. Whatever she wanted to do, she would first seek Second Madam’s permission, fearing she might make mistakes and displease her mother-in-law. Wei Rao’s mother-in-law, He Shi, though not of distinguished birth, clearly appeared to be a very easygoing elder, and in truth, the inner quarters of the Lu family’s main branch were managed by Wei Rao.

Before marriage, Qiao Shi had some little temperaments unknown to outsiders, which her family naturally wouldn’t mind. But after marrying into the Lu family, without anyone needing to remind her, Qiao Shi herself restrained the willfulness she’d had as a maiden, striving to satisfy her husband and mother-in-law in every way. She had indeed achieved this, but occasionally, when her heart grew quiet, Qiao Shi would miss that former self from her maiden days.

Qiao Shi knew that almost all married girls were like her, having two different appearances—one at their natal home and another at their in-laws’. Yet right before Qiao Shi’s eyes, there was an elder sister-in-law who remained as unrestrained as in her maiden years, with eyes that rippled like water, looking no different from a carefree young girl.

“Grandmother, may you be well. Second Aunt, may you be well.” Wei Rao smiled as she paid respects to the two elders.

Duchess Ying smiled warmly, beckoning Wei Rao to sit beside her.

Wei Rao leaned over affectionately: “Grandmother, I had people dig fresh lotus roots from the lake and sent portions to you, Mother, and all the aunts. When stewed with pork ribs, the soup tastes delicious and dispels cold.”

Duchess Ying laughed: “Good, good, good! I’ve long heard Shoucheng praise the beautiful lotus scenery at your mansion. Though I haven’t seen those fresh, lovely lotus flowers, being able to eat fresh lotus roots satisfies my cravings.”

Wei Rao looked toward Second Madam: “I wonder if Second Aunt enjoys eating lotus roots?”

Second Madam smiled: “I do enjoy them. The princess is very thoughtful.”

Qiao Shi sat beside her mother-in-law with a gentle, warm smile.

After sitting for a quarter hour, Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo took their leave first, heading to He Shi’s Spring Harmony Hall.

Only upon reaching Spring Harmony Hall did Wei Rao learn from He Shi of some news—just yesterday morning, Qiao Shi had experienced morning sickness and been diagnosed with pregnancy.

The child in Qiao Shi’s belly would be Old Madam’s great-grandchild. No wonder Second Madam, usually busy with household management, had leisure time to chat with Old Madam.

Just now, Old Madam, Second Madam, and Qiao Shi hadn’t revealed the happy news, probably to avoid making Wei Rao feel awkward, since after all, she was the elder sister-in-law.

He Shi lacked Old Madam’s thoughtfulness. Eager to hold a grandchild, He Shi immediately suggested that Wei Rao should also have a physician check her pulse—perhaps she was pregnant too.

Wei Rao knew He Shi meant no harm; she was simply envious that the second branch had good news, but Wei Rao was uncomfortable with this kind of comparison, especially when she was the “lagging” one in such comparisons. Just like how people used to praise Miss Xie as a peony while mocking her as only worthy of being a peony’s companion flower, Wei Rao appeared indifferent on the surface, but how could she truly have no thoughts about it in her heart?

Wei Rao glanced at Lu Zhuo.

Lu Zhuo wasn’t at all anxious about having children, especially now that Wei Rao had agreed to accompany him on his external assignment. If she were diagnosed with pregnancy now, Wei Rao couldn’t possibly follow him to the frontier, and for her and the child’s sake, Lu Zhuo would have to remain in the capital for several more years.

“Mother, I know how to read pulses.” Lu Zhuo smiled. “Every morning, I check Raorao’s pulse. If you want to become a grandmother, you might have to wait a bit longer.”

He Shi was surprised: “I know you understand some medical arts, but you can also read pulses?”

Lu Zhuo: “Yes, when I studied pharmacology years ago, it covered all aspects.”

He Shi: “But you’re a grown man—do you understand pregnancy pulses?”

Faced with his mother’s doubt, Lu Zhuo calmly explained the differences between pregnancy pulses and ordinary pulse patterns.

He Shi listened intently, her gaze toward her son filled with admiration and pride. So her son was not only skilled in martial arts but also proficient in medical principles.

As mother and son questioned and answered each other, Wei Rao sat beside them, suppressing laughter. Lu Zhuo had never actually checked her pulse—only He Shi was so easily fooled.

He Weiyu, hearing that her cousin and cousin-in-law had returned, brought her maid to pay respects.

Lu Zhuo gestured for Wei Rao to chat with He Weiyu while he called He Shi aside privately, saying in a low voice: “Mother, I plan to take an external assignment next year, bringing Raorao to the frontier with me.”

He Shi had just been wondering what her son wanted to discuss with her when she heard these words. Her expression changed, revealing a kind of sadness and reluctance that she tried hard to hide, not wanting to make her son feel troubled.

Lu Zhuo suddenly felt guilty—he hadn’t failed his grandfather’s teachings and expectations, but he wasn’t a good son.

He Shi seemed able to read her son’s thoughts and forced herself to smile: “Good, good! You’re like your father, with grand ambitions. How could this small place in the capital possibly confine you?”

Lu Zhuo promised his mother: “Your son is still young and wants to gain more experience outside, but please rest assured, Mother—when your son returns next time, unless there’s warfare or unless His Majesty commands it, your son won’t request external assignment again.”

In the next three years, Wei Rao should conceive, and by then, Grandfather should be ready to enjoy his twilight years. When Lu Zhuo returned to the capital again, he would shoulder his responsibilities as heir apparent, officially taking over the Shenwu Army externally, and overseeing the education of sons and nephews internally. As for inner quarters affairs, Lu Zhuo believed Wei Rao could manage everything at Duke Ying Mansion well.

He Shi was comforted by her son’s words. What she feared most was her son leaving for another eight years.

“Mm, that’s good. Previously, when you were alone at the frontier, Mother worried. This time bringing Raorao along, with her taking care of you, Mother won’t worry.” Though still reluctant, at least He Shi could hide it well.

Lu Zhuo paused, then said: “Mother, since I’m bringing Raorao along, I won’t let her conceive during the next six months.”

He Shi was stunned. Could this be controlled by her son? Did her son plan to temporarily avoid sharing a bed with his daughter-in-law?

He Shi wanted to ask but was too embarrassed to discuss such private matters with her son, so she vaguely nodded: “Alright, as long as you have it planned out. You’re both still young—having children after reaching the frontier will be fine too.”

Lu Zhuo smiled: “Thank you for your understanding, Mother.”

His smile was irresistible to young ladies, and even He Shi, as his mother, found it hard to resist. She felt that whatever her son wanted to do, she would happily support.

On the way back to Pine Moon Hall, Wei Rao curiously asked Lu Zhuo: “What did you discuss with Mother?”

Before the mother-son conversation, He Shi’s thoughts had been entirely focused on her belly, but after their talk, He Shi didn’t mention it at all. Moreover, Wei Rao could tell that He Shi genuinely didn’t want to bring it up, rather than being reluctantly silenced by Lu Zhuo’s scolding.

With no one around, Lu Zhuo told her truthfully.

Wei Rao, being so intelligent, immediately understood that Lu Zhuo didn’t want her to be nagged by He Shi about pregnancy, so he told He Shi that he didn’t want her to conceive this year.

He Shi’s nagging in her ear was annoying but not a big trouble. Given He Shi’s temperament, if she just showed a slightly cold face, He Shi wouldn’t dare continue, but that way, He Shi would still feel somewhat unhappy, and Wei Rao didn’t want to show He Shi a cold face.

Having Lu Zhuo handle this matter was the most appropriate solution.

She had merely glanced at Lu Zhuo, and he immediately resolved it on the spot.

Lu Zhuo simply narrated in a calm voice without any intention of claiming credit, as if he hadn’t done her any great favor, but Wei Rao felt very comfortable and pleased inside. This was a different kind of pleasure from hearing his sweet words in bed. Sweet words might just be casual utterances, but actions taken were real.

After lying down that night, Lu Zhuo unusually didn’t press over to her.

Wei Rao teased him: “Before departing for the frontier, do you plan to become a monk?”

Lu Zhuo pinched her hand, jesting: “Last night we had three rounds—is the princess still not satisfied?”

Wei Rao’s face heated up. She shook off his hand and pinched him hard.

The two playfully chased each other for a while before finally ending up together again.

Wei Rao finally learned about Lu Zhuo’s contraceptive method—it did not affect her, while Lu Zhuo had to take some trouble on his end.

Lying down again, Wei Rao poked Lu Zhuo’s chest: “Second Brother is about to become a father. As the eldest brother, aren’t you envious?”

Lu Zhuo caught her hand: “Envious. Once we reach the frontier, I’ll catch up diligently. Princess, please don’t refuse.”

Wei Rao pinched him again.

Lu Zhuo continued his duties at the Shenwu Army camp while applying for an external assignment. As he waited for Emperor Yuanjia to review his petition, Wei Rao’s woodcarving shop was nearly ready.

In April, she had obtained detailed drawings of ten sets of woodcarvings. Before that, Eunuch Wei had already found three master woodcarvers and over ten apprentices. During Wei Rao’s two months of summer retreat, the masters led their apprentices in dedicated carving. The first batch of fine and simple carved finished products had already been shown to Wei Rao, and next came carving more sets.

In early August, Wei Rao’s woodcarving shop “Leisure Interest Pavilion” opened with great fanfare on the capital’s most bustling street.

Ten sets of simply carved woodcarvings were displayed outside the shop, visible to all adults and children passing by. Simultaneously, Wei Rao’s restaurant, Guangxing Restaurant, held promotional activities—all customers dining there could receive one or a complete set of figurines based on their bill amount. Even if these adults didn’t like them, once they brought the items home, no child who saw them wouldn’t want them.

Before long, children took pride in owning Leisure Interest Pavilion woodcarvings. When playing together, one would boast about having two sets, and another would boast about having three sets. As for children without woodcarvings, they would go home and beg their elders to buy them some.

Lu Bin, the young master of Duke Ying Mansion, happily received a complete set. From then on, besides his parents, his favorite person changed from his elder brother, Lu Zhuo, to his elder sister-in-law, Wei Rao.

At the end of August, Fourth Madam gave birth to another son, Lu Huan. Mother and child were both safe.

With this, Lu Zhuo now had seven cousin brothers in his generation, and all seven brothers were legitimate sons.

In military families, nothing was more worthy of celebration than thriving descendants. When Lu Zhuo’s seven brothers each married and had children, the Lu family would only become more prosperous. Even if some proved incompetent, with enough descendants, they could always cultivate two or three outstanding sons.

In the blink of an eye, it was October, and the third brother, Lu Cong, was getting married too!

With the third son marrying and the second son’s wife already pregnant, everyone who came to congratulate the Lu family praised Old Madam for her thriving descendants.

Old Madam Qi from Marquis Pingxi Mansion envied Duchess Ying so much that her eyes nearly turned red.

Counting it up, Duchess Ying had seven grandsons while she only had two. Her eldest grandson had only gained one son and one daughter, and her second grandson Qi Zhongkai hadn’t even married yet!

“Elder sister, don’t be envious. Weiyu will marry over in the first month—with her figure, she’s good for childbearing.” Duchess Ying smiled, comforting Old Madam Qi.

Old Madam Qi could only hope for this.

In the front courtyard, seeing Lu Cong depart in bright red wedding attire to fetch his bride with a proud expression, Qi Zhongkai couldn’t help feeling envious.

Not wanting to be envious alone, Qi Zhongkai sidled up to Lu Zhuo and asked: “Second Brother is about to become a father. Aren’t you anxious?”

Lu Zhuo: “Not anxious.”

Qi Zhongkai snorted: “I’m anxious. Second Brother is honest, but Third Brother is quite insufferable. If he gets ahead of me in having children, he’ll come to show off in front of me.”

Lu Zhuo’s heart stirred slightly. Third Brother wouldn’t dare show off in front of him, but if cousin Weiyu conceived before Wei Rao, what would Qi Zhongkai do?

Fortunately, after cousin Weiyu married, he and Wei Rao would also depart. If he worked hard, he should be able to stay ahead of Qi Zhongkai.