Song Yi was still somewhat afraid to see Song Chuyi, even more afraid of interacting with her.

He didn’t know when it started, but when Song Chuyi looked at him, her gaze no longer held any of its former filial affection—only coldness and distance. He himself had a guilty conscience and wished to stay as far from Song Chuyi as possible.

Though things had eased somewhat for a while, once they were apart for a bit, he, already harboring guilt, felt even more estranged from Song Chuyi. Hearing Old Master Song tell him to relay a message to the palace, he was stunned for a moment before reacting, softly acknowledging with a sound.

When he returned to his room, Yin Yunduan was already holding their child at the courtyard gate to welcome him. Since marrying Yin Yunduan, they had always been harmonious and compatible. Seeing his wife, his heart was happy. He walked up to her in a few steps, first glancing at his son in Yin Yunduan’s arms.

Brother Shi could already call for mother, calling out with his mouth missing teeth through which air whistled. Song Yi bent down to play with him, seeing him smile with eyes curved like crescents, then put a hand in his mouth. He also laughed. “What a little glutton.”

Clearly someone who had never cared for a child. Yin Yunduan smiled and glanced at him, smiling as she called to Song Yan, “Yan’er, come quickly to see your father and ask what gifts he brought you.”

How similar this scene was.

Song Yi felt somewhat dazed, his movement to turn his head somewhat stiff.

He remembered one year when he went from Jinzhong to bring Song Yan back. At that time, Li Shi had also been like Yin Yunduan now, with children in tow, welcoming him at the main courtyard gate.

At that time, what he saw was Song Chuyi’s complete transformation. Now what he saw was Song Yan’s renewal.

These two siblings were both changing for the better. Without his knowing, they no longer needed him as a father.

His heart felt somewhat uncomfortable, but he still forced a smile. “Yan’er has grown much taller.” He then had people bring in the things for Song Yan, asking Song Yan many questions—how was life in Shu, how did he get along with his teacher and classmates? He asked very carefully.

Before, he hadn’t dared approach out of guilt. Now he wanted to become close.

Song Yan kept his head lowered, answering very respectfully, with not half a mistake in his speech. But his attitude was simply not affectionate.

In the end, Song Yi had nothing more to say and let Song Yan return to his room. He himself remained in Yin Yunduan’s room playing with Brother Shi.

Yin Yunduan brought tea for him. Seeing him covered in dust from travel, she told him to drink tea first, then bathe and rest for the night.

But Song Yi couldn’t feel at ease. He asked very carefully about Song Chuyi and Song Yan’s affairs. Hearing everything, he coughed somewhat dazed and woodenly instructed Yin Yunduan, “When you enter the palace on the first, tell Xiao Yi for me that in the past… I wronged her and wronged her mother.”

Yin Yunduan knew Song Yi’s temperament. Smiling, she acknowledged. When she entered the palace on the first, she indeed told Song Chuyi, looking at Song Chuyi’s swollen belly and advising her on how to take care of herself.

Yin Yunduan was someone who wanted to live a good life, and she had always been working hard toward this goal.

Song Chuyi liked her forthright attitude very much. She had Nanny Xu bring out the rewards already prepared for Song Yi, then told Yin Yunduan, “Tell Father I understand his words and ask him to take care of his health as well.”

Clearly legitimate father and daughter, yet estranged like strangers.

Yin Yunduan knew these matters couldn’t be resolved by her efforts alone. She didn’t say much, smiling as she agreed, then spoke of interesting stories about Brother Shi. Seeing Song Chuyi enjoyed listening, she spoke at length. “Boys are more mischievous. Since he started learning to walk, my heart has been suspended day and night… He’s also terribly naughty. In the time it takes me to turn around, if the wet nurse isn’t paying attention, he tumbles headfirst from the bed, scaring me out of my wits…”

Song Chuyi had raised children before in her previous life and smiled knowingly. “Boys are indeed harder to care for than girls.”

After finishing discussing children, when Yin Yunduan took her leave from the palace, Song Chuyi had someone summon Zhou Weizhao.

Recently she was approaching her due date. Zhou Weizhao was very nervous. Usually, unless there were important political matters, he would remain in the Eastern Palace to handle business. People from the Crown Prince’s Household Administration often came to the Eastern Palace to report.

Qing Ying went out to relay the message that Song Chuyi requested Zhou Weizhao, but happened to run into the simpleton Qing Zhuo. Seeing Qing Ying finish speaking and leave, he stood frozen in place for a full half-quarter hour before crying out with a wail and sprinting forward. Running until he was gasping for breath, unable to even breathe evenly, he told Zhou Weizhao, “Her Ladyship, Her Ladyship is going into labor!”

This frightened Zhou Weizhao so much that the brush in his hand fell without warning onto the desk, creating a blob of black ink on the snow-white memorial. He bolted toward Yong’an Palace.

Even Han Feng rarely became anxious.

His Highness refused to take other consorts, wanting only to stay faithful to the Grand Princess Consort alone. Who knew how much gossip he endured? If the Grand Princess Consort could give birth to a healthy son this time, His Highness would have more confidence.

Zhou Weizhao ran like the wind. Qing Ying had just entered the Yong’an Palace gate when she heard the Grand Prince had returned. Somewhat bewildered, by the time she reacted, Zhou Weizhao had already swept into the inner hall like a gust of wind. She couldn’t help but stand dumbfounded.

This… why was His Highness running as if dogs were chasing him?

Song Chuyi was looking at the little bellyband Nanny Xu and Nanny Xu had made for the child, just saying the lotus leaf pattern on top looked good and they should embroider two more fish at the bottom, when she heard Zhou Weizhao had returned. Before she could stand, Zhou Weizhao was already nearby. She couldn’t help but ask, “How did you come so quickly?”

Zhou Weizhao had run up a sweat. He hadn’t paid attention before, but now he realized—if she were truly going into labor, could Yong’an Palace be this quiet?

But his mind was very chaotic now. For a moment, he didn’t know how to answer. He stared unblinkingly at Song Chuyi until she turned her head away, then suddenly stepped forward several paces to embrace her.

Nanny Xu and Nanny Xu exchanged glances, both hastily and carefully withdrawing. But in their hearts, they were both happy. His Highness the Grand Prince treasured the Grand Princess Consort like a pearl—those of them following the Grand Princess Consort shared in the glory.

Through her clothing, Song Chuyi could sense Zhou Weizhao’s suddenly accelerated heartbeat. Somewhat confused, she patted his back. “What’s the matter?”

Zhou Weizhao said nothing, sullenly burying his head in her neck. After a long while, he kissed her forehead. “You should just continue being a matchmaker. You don’t know—that guy Qing Zhuo’s impetuous nature can’t be changed…” He rarely showed some grievance. “Without asking anything clearly, he just ran over saying you were going into labor, scaring me…” He was somewhat gritting his teeth. “This time I must find him a wife!”

Two updates. Tomorrow I absolutely must try my best to finish the story, or I won’t be able to control myself anymore… Then continuing to ask everyone for subscriptions, and advertising for the new book “Spring Chamber Secrets” again, seeking bookmarks and recommendation votes… Love you all, mwah mwah.