Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li traveled slowly, not only considering the child in Ye Li’s womb but also observing the lives of common people in the Western Ling territories now under the Mo family army’s control. What should have been a journey of just over ten days at full speed didn’t see them reach Western Ling until November. By November, not just Western Ling but the entire northern region was quite cold. The northwestern Li City had already seen two heavy snowfalls. Under Xu Hongyu’s capable governance and the dedication of Northwestern officials, even though battles raged outside, the people of the Northwest still lived in peace and contentment.

When the group returned to Li City, they hadn’t sent word ahead for a welcome. By the time the Stabilizing King’s manor received news, the carriages were already at the gates. Dismissing the guards who were startled by their lord’s sudden return, Mo Xiuyao supported Ye Li as they walked into the manor, naturally leaving other matters to Feng Zhiyao, Qingfeng, Zhuo Jing, and others who followed behind.

“Mother!” From far away, Mo Xiaobao’s call carried through the somewhat desolate garden from the inner courtyard. Ye Li had just steadied herself when she saw Mo Xiaobao, wearing black brocade robes embroidered with silver dragons, running quickly toward them. Though it had only been a few months, Mo Xiaobao seemed to have grown considerably taller.

Just as Mo Xiaobao was about to rush up to Ye Li for a passionate embrace with his beloved mother, Mo Xiuyao’s hand easily caught his collar from the side. Unable to move forward, Mo Xiaobao twisted his body dissatisfiedly but couldn’t break free from his father’s grip. He could only pout and look longingly at Ye Li, “Mother…”

Ye Li smiled gently. Mo Xiuyao pulled Mo Xiaobao in front of him and looked down at him saying, “Your mother is pregnant.”

Mo Xiaobao froze for a moment, blinking his round black eyes for quite a while before understanding what “pregnant” meant. He suddenly became awkward, staring at Ye Li’s now-visible belly, and stammered, “Mother… is Xiaobao… is Xiaobao going to have a little brother or sister?”

Ye Li nodded, stroking her son’s little head as she asked, “Yes, does Xiaobao prefer a brother or sister?”

Mo Xiaobao wrinkled his brow in contemplation before finally nodding seriously, “I like both brother and sister.” He preferred a sister more, but a brother wouldn’t be bad either. He could teach him well, and his brother would surely be much smarter than Little Leng Dull. Then they could work together against Father and win Mother back. Yes! Didn’t Uncle say that brothers working together can cut through metal? It would be even better if his little brother didn’t compete with him for Mother’s attention. Of course, being a magnanimous older brother, he would share a tiny bit of Mother with his brother.

Ye Li watched amusedly as Mo Xiaobao’s expressions changed rapidly, sometimes nodding, grinning mischievously, lost in thought. Beside them, Mo Xiuyao watched his son’s unconcealed scheming smile and curved his lips in a faint cold smile. He could guess what the little one was plotting without asking. He lightly flicked Mo Xiaobao’s forehead, causing him to yelp and cup his forehead with teary eyes, glaring accusingly at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, looking at him coolly: So what if I flicked you?

Wuu… Mother and father are bullying Xiaobao.

Being small means being bullied—Mo Xiaobao was filled with resentment.

“Alright, let Mother see if it hurts?” Seeing her son’s pitiful look, Ye Li threw Mo Xiuyao a helpless glare. She bent down to rub Mo Xiaobao’s forehead where no mark could be seen and said, “Be good, Xiaobao, don’t cry.” Mo Xiuyao hadn’t used any force, and Mo Xiaobao didn’t feel much pain—what hurt more was his pride. That feeling of being weaker than his opponent and being bullied without any ability to fight back once again deeply wounded Mo Xiaobao’s self-esteem.

“Brother Yuzhen…” The short-legged Little Leng Dull finally caught up with his tiny steps. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao after so long, he froze for a moment, then smiled shyly at Ye Li, “Aunt Consort…” The small child scurried behind Mo Xiaobao, clutching his clothes and refusing to let go. Children’s intuition was always especially keen, which was why in Li City, whether it was not-yet-four-year-old Leng Junhan or almost-five-year-old Xu Zhirui, they were all afraid of Mo Xiuyao.

Seeing his little brother, Mo Xiaobao naturally couldn’t continue acting pitifully and damaging his image, so he reluctantly put away his pretend crying expression, secretly throwing Mo Xiuyao a resentful glare.

Ye Li helplessly took Mo Xiaobao’s hand in one hand and Leng Junhan’s in the other as they walked toward the main hall. They had barely reached the entrance when Xu Hongyu, Xu Hongyan, Xu Qingze, and others, who had just received the news, hurried out from the study. The two uncles examined Ye Li and only relaxed when they saw she hadn’t lost weight and had good color. Ye Li smiled gently, “First Uncle, Second Uncle, Li’er has returned.”

Xu Hongyu nodded and said deeply, “It’s good that you’re back.”

After entering the hall and taking their seats, Xu Hongyu finally asked, “Did you have any trouble on the road? Li’er now…” Though news of Ye Li’s pregnancy was kept from the outside world, the Xu family had received word in advance. Since giving birth to Mo Xiaobao, Ye Li hadn’t shown any signs of pregnancy. Although Shen Yang and Doctor Lin both said everything was normal and to let nature take its course, and neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao were obsessed with having more children, outsiders felt that the Stabilizing King’s manor having only one child seemed somewhat thin. Now that Ye Li was pregnant again, although the timing was somewhat off, it was still good news.

Ye Li nodded, “Li’er is perfectly well, sorry to have worried Uncle.” She also spoke about matters in Western Ling and Xu Qingbai’s injuries to reassure everyone. Xu Hongyu saw signs of fatigue on Ye Li’s face and was about to suggest she return to rest, saving further catching up for another day, when they heard someone outside paying respects, “Greetings to the Old Master.” It was Master Qingyun, who had hurried over upon hearing of Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s return.

Everyone quickly rose to welcome him, with Xu Qingze stepping forward to support Master Qingyun inside. Ye Li stepped forward and curtsied gracefully, “Grandfather, Li’er has returned.” Master Qingyun reached out to steady her, his smile loving, “You’re with child now, how can you be so careless? Those rules and ceremonies can be dispensed with when possible—we’re family, so why bother with such empty formalities?”

Understanding her grandfather’s loving concern, Ye Li straightened up and smiled, “Grandfather is too careful, Li’er isn’t so delicate.” Master Qingyun looked at her complexion and nodded, “Hmm… you look quite well, but you still need to take good care of yourself. Your pregnancy with Yuzhen was quite dangerous; this time should be peaceful and safe.” Ye Li and Xu Qingze supported Master Qingyun one on each side as he took the seat of honor. Master Qingyun was not only highly respected for his virtue but also of the highest generation. Generally, on less formal occasions, such as private family gatherings in the manor, even Mo Xiuyao sat in a lower position as the granddaughter’s husband.

“Li’er was just thinking of going to pay respects to Grandfather, why did Grandfather come personally?” After sitting down, Ye Li asked with a smile.

Master Qingyun waved his hand, “My health is robust now, a little walking doesn’t hurt. I’m relieved just seeing you—sit for a while and then go rest. Those welcome-home ceremonies can wait a few days. Besides, outsiders don’t know you’re back yet.” This arrangement naturally came from Master Qingyun’s concern for his granddaughter’s fatigue. With the Stabilizing King and his consort’s return to the city, there would be countless matters to attend to, and now that Ye Li was almost five months pregnant, she really shouldn’t be so exhausted.

Xu Hongyu frowned and said, “The welcome banquet and such might have to be put aside—Your Highness needs to hurry to Great Chu.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and asked, “Isn’t Brother Xu commanding the front? I heard things were going smoothly—what happened?”

Xu Hongyu took a letter from his sleeve and said, “This was rushed here by Leng Haoyu’s messenger. Your Highness, please look. Qingchen isn’t skilled in warfare and can’t help much commanding the front. Though South Marquis’s military prowess hasn’t diminished from his prime, the opposing Northern Rong and Western Ling armies are showing signs of withdrawal. While holding Flying Swan Pass is sufficient, it’s impossible to lead troops to the imperial capital’s walls in just over a month. Moreover… whether the capital’s defenders can hold out for a month and a half remains unknown.”

Mo Xiuyao read Leng Haoyu’s letter with interest and smiled, “Leng Haoyu truly hasn’t wasted all these years learning business.” He had indeed planned to lead troops east after returning to the northwest and saving the imperial capital would naturally mean claiming it as his own. Now with Leng Haoyu’s letter, it was even more legitimate. But now Li’er was pregnant… He glanced at Ye Li sitting beside him, his brow slightly furrowed.

Ye Li took the letter from Mo Xiuyao’s hand and looked it over, smiling faintly, “Well said. Leng Haoyu has seized a good business opportunity this time. If the imperial capital is saved, even Mo Jingli’s side will have nothing to say in the future. That being the case, Your Highness should rest for two days and then go to Flying Swan Pass to relieve my brother.”

Mo Xiuyao frowned and said softly, “But Li’er…” Ye Li smiled gently and said, “I’ll stay in Li City—surely that can’t be more dangerous than the battlefield? It’s only four or five months anyway.”

Mo Xiuyao felt gloomy inside and carelessly pulled the letter back, placing it on the table as he said, “Very well, I’m somewhat tired and will rest for a few days before deciding. The imperial capital isn’t in such a hurry for a day or two.” Everyone present looked at him simultaneously—what did he mean the imperial capital wasn’t in a hurry? The imperial capital was clearly in imminent danger; even saving an hour would be good. Ye Li understood Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts and didn’t point it out, only responding with a faint smile.

After chatting for a while, Master Qingyun and the others urged Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao to go rest, and even the two little dumplings Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan were taken to the study by Master Qingyun for lessons. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao didn’t stand at the ceremony, bidding farewell to everyone and returning to their courtyard. Servants and maids had already prepared tea, snacks, and warm water. Over these years, Ye Li’s attendants had remained constant—though her former personal maids had all married and found their own lives, only Qingshuang remained unmarried and continued serving at Ye Li’s side, along with two elderly nursemaids. However, since Ye Li was often away from Li City, they mainly helped care for Mo Xiaobao.

As soon as they entered, Qingshuang, leading the attending maids, came forward to welcome them. Now in her early twenties, she was no longer the somewhat playful and naive little maid she had once been. Seeing Ye Li, her face broke into a smile, “Qingshuang greets Your Highness and My Lady, congratulations on expecting another young master.” Ye Li gave Qingshuang a gentle smile, always feeling closer to this little maid she had bought from outside and who had grown up serving her. She said softly, “I’ve been away so much this year, you’ve worked hard.” Qingshuang smiled, “This is what this servant should do, it’s no hardship. Being able to serve My Lady is a blessing this servant must have earned from a previous life. This servant has already had warm water prepared, please wash up and then have some hot porridge, the weather is quite cold.”

Qingshuang spoke these words with complete sincerity. From a homeless orphan to becoming one of the most trusted maids of the mighty Stabilizing King’s consort, Qingshuang felt there could be nothing more fortunate. Unlike Qingyu and Qingluan who still had parents and family, she was an orphan who had long forgotten even who her parents were. The lady had always treated her extremely well—though she was just a maid to the Stabilizing King’s consort, she lived more graciously than some ordinary wealthy young ladies in Li City. Qingshuang felt that even if she never married and served at the lady’s side for life, it would be worthwhile. So in these years, after Qingyu, Qingluan, and even Qingxia had successively married, Qingshuang turned down several marriage proposals, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to serving Ye Li. She was the earliest to serve at Ye Li’s side and now had served her the longest.

After Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao washed up and changed clothes, sure enough, Qingshuang had prepared their favorite nourishing hot porridge. Over these years, as Qingshuang had grown older, she had become increasingly steady and thorough in her work, no longer showing her former liveliness and occasional absent-mindedness. After dismissing everyone, Ye Li fell into contemplation while eating. Mo Xiuyao looked at her, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “What is Li’er thinking about?”

Ye Li smiled, “Nothing much, just suddenly realized Qingshuang has already passed twenty.” She had held back Qingshuang’s marriage all these years.

Mo Xiuyao said, “If Li’er wants to arrange her marriage, let’s wait a while longer.” Generally, married maids couldn’t continue serving at their lady’s side. It wasn’t that Mo Xiuyao particularly cared about keeping Qingshuang, but rather that in recent years, she had served Li’er very attentively, and Li’er found her reliable and easy to work with. Now that Li’er was pregnant and needed special care, they could wait until after the child was born.

Ye Li nodded and said, “We should ask Qingshuang’s opinion. Previously we arranged for Qingyu and Qingluan to marry into First Uncle’s household, allowing them to reunite with their families. They had originally come from Yun Province to the imperial capital for my sake, and Qingxia is living quite well now. But Qingshuang grew up serving me since childhood, so we need to be more thoughtful.”

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and said, “If that’s the case, let her stay by your side even after marriage. What do you think about Ajin?”

“Ajin?” Ye Li was startled. Though Ajin had grown up following Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li hadn’t interacted with him much. Shortly after her marriage to Mo Xiuyao, Ajin had been sent out on missions and was rarely home. Unlike the eloquent Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu, he was such a silent youth that one might mistake him for mute if not careful, so Ye Li wasn’t familiar with him.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, “Ajin is Uncle Mo’s nephew, though his personality certainly won’t allow him to take over Uncle Mo’s position. Uncle Mo’s family and Ajin’s parents all died for the Stabilizing King’s manor. These years I sent him out to gain experience hoping he could become capable enough to set Uncle Mo’s mind at ease. Though he can’t compare to people like Feng San and Leng Er, it wouldn’t be unfair to that maid.”

Ye Li naturally understood. Though unfamiliar, she knew what kind of person Uncle Mo was, and Ajin had grown up with Mo Xiuyao. Given Mo Xiuyao’s personality, it was quite rare for him to say so much about Qingshuang’s matter. She frowned slightly and said, “I’ll ask Qingshuang later, but Ajin is away from the manor year-round, even if Qingshuang is willing…”

“After the child is born, the imperial capital should be taken. Then Li’er can come to the imperial capital to meet me, and I’ll bring Ajin back together. I’ll tell Uncle Mo in advance,” Mo Xiuyao said intently, gazing at Ye Li.

At this point, Ye Li’s hand paused while eating. In a few days, Mo Xiuyao would set out again for Flying Swan Pass. Gently stroking her belly with some helplessness, Ye Li smiled wryly, “The baby came at an inconvenient time.” During five or six years of peace there had been no sign of a baby, but now barely a year into the troubles, she was pregnant.

Mo Xiuyao was also somewhat dissatisfied, placing his hand on her slightly protruding belly and saying deeply, “Just as troublesome as Mo Xiaobao!”

Ye Li couldn’t help but smile—indeed, just like Mo Xiaobao, coming to trouble people right when things were busy.

“I’m about to leave, won’t Li’er miss me at all?” Mo Xiuyao said quite resentfully. It was a pity Li’er was pregnant, otherwise he would take her along to Flying Swan Pass, though he would prefer to stay and accompany her. Ye Li looked at him with a smile and asked, “If I say I’ll miss you, will you not go?” The lives of hundreds of thousands of Mo family troops, millions of imperial capital citizens and defenders, Mo Xiuyao’s years of careful planning and management—how could all these things be changed by mere words of missing someone? Moreover… Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a half-smile, “Doesn’t Your Highness think we’ve been together too long?” Since she returned to the northwest pregnant with Mo Xiaobao, their longest separation in these years had been those few days in Bian City when she left camp alone to deal with Zhu Ling.

“Could it be Li’er has already grown tired of your husband?!” Mo Xiuyao exclaimed in “shock.”

Ye Li smiled and said, “Not tired, but people say… absence makes the heart grow fonder, and a brief separation is like a second honeymoon… occasional separation isn’t a bad thing.” Mo Xiuyao looked at her and said, “People also say one day apart feels like three autumns. Even before parting, I already miss Li’er.”

Ye Li laughed, “Then either come back quickly, or I’ll come find you after the baby is born?”

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and said seriously, “I will return quickly before Li’er gives birth to the baby.”

“Good, I’ll wait for you,” Ye Li said with a gentle smile.

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace and said softly, “Li’er, I’m sorry.” Ye Li was slightly startled and laughed quietly, “What’s this about?” Mo Xiuyao sighed, “You’re pregnant, yet I can’t stay by your side.”

Ye Li rolled her eyes and smiled, “What’s that to worry about? You have important matters to attend to, it’s not like you’re just wandering around aimlessly?” Rising from Mo Xiuyao’s embrace, Ye Li looked at him seriously and said, “Of course, I hope you can stay with me until the child is born since I’m pregnant. But when one holds a position, one must fulfill its duties. If you abandoned hundreds of thousands of troops and the defenders and citizens waiting for you in the imperial capital for my sake, would you still be the Mo Xiuyao I love?”

Hearing her words, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes brightened, “Li’er…”

Ye Li helplessly watched his delighted yet wanting expression. Though she wasn’t one to constantly speak of love, surely she hadn’t been so neglectful as to warrant such a joyful reaction? This made Ye Li quietly reflect—had she been overlooking him in daily life?

“Come back soon, Xiaobao, and I will miss you,” Ye Li said softly.

Mo Xiuyao was completely satisfied, and contentedly helped himself to another bowl of porridge, eating with relish.

After returning, Mo Xiuyao rested for only three days before preparing to set out for Flying Swan Pass. Even during this return, apart from the people in the Stabilizing King’s manor, most people in the city didn’t even know the Stabilizing King and his consort had returned. Naturally, few knew about her pregnancy either.

Outside Li City, Mo Xiuyao took only Feng Zhiyao and Yun Ting with him, the three traveling light and fast toward Flying Swan Pass. Though Mo Xiuyao had forbidden it, Ye Li still came with Xu Qingze to see them off. Seeing Ye Li climb down from the carriage wearing a thick cloak, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but frown, stepping forward to tighten her cloak, saying softly, “I said you didn’t need to come out of the city, the weather is so cold now. Go back quickly.”

Ye Li nodded and smiled gently, “I know, I’ll go back once you leave. Take care of yourself on the battlefield.” She certainly knew that Mo Xiuyao was happy she came to see him off, he was just worried about her catching a cold. Her health wasn’t poor, and even these two months of pregnancy hadn’t troubled her much.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, looking at Ye Li somewhat reluctantly before turning to Xu Qingze and saying, “I’ll trouble you with Li City and Li’er.”

Xu Qingze maintained his characteristically indifferent expression, nodding to indicate his agreement. Though Xu Qingze was a man of few words, he had always been steady and meticulous in completing what he agreed to do, which gave Mo Xiuyao some peace of mind. Though he knew Li’er was safer under the protection of the Xu family and everyone in the Stabilizing King’s manor than she would be following him to the battlefield, he still felt uneasy not having her where he could see her.

Taking one last look at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao stopped dawdling and mounted his horse cleanly, spurring it toward the distance.

Watching their figures disappear from view, Qingshuang said softly, “My Lady, it’s very cold outside, let’s return early, so His Highness won’t worry.”

Ye Li nodded, letting out a light sigh before saying, “Let’s go back.”