Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Princess Capture Plan. Total: 177 chapters and 12 epilogue so 189 chapters .

11. 101 to 110

101

.

Xiao Hua's days were extremely idle. Every day she would eat and walk around while chatting with Nana He or Ding Xiang and the rest.

Although her stomach wasn't showing any signs yet, it was still wrapped up by others as though she were a bodhisattva.

Xiao Hua kept feeling that she wasn't that delicate, but Nana He had said: "The first three months require special attention. After three months, even if you didn't say anything, Nana would also arrange some physical activities for you."

Nana He was very experienced. It was said she had served many imperial concubines in the past. The previous emperor had many imperial concubines who gave birth. Thus Xiao Hua was even more at ease.

This day, Ding Xiang, Ding Lan and Chun Cao were taken aside by Eunuch Fu for a talk.

Xiao Hua was accompanied by Nana He and didn't notice anything strange. After Ding Xiang returned with a normal expression, Xiao Hua wasn't able to notice any clues.

Ding Lan and Chun Cao didn't understand why Eunuch Fu would say such things. It was as if madam was too shameful for others to know about. Ding Xiang understood more than them despite the astonishment in her heart. She was also given the heavy responsibility of not only instructing the other two, but also paying attention to the madam's situation.

Ding Xiang stewed over it for two days before figuring out her thoughts and suppressing her shock. She explained to Ding Lan and Chun Cao that the current situation was different and naturally required more caution. For example, the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao's side.

Ding Lan and Chun Cao were certainly clear what those two wanted. Just based on what the Jing Consort was like, they didn't want madam to get swallowed up. Even if Eunuch Fu could provide some protection, safety wouldn't be guaranteed. It was still better to keep things secret.

Ding Lan and Chun Cao both had faith in Ding Xiang, and naturally trusted her without any doubts. As for madam's side, Ding Xiang didn't worry too much about it. She understood madam the most, and knew that she never went out unless she had to.

It could be said that she was calm, or it could also be said she was cautious. Because she rarely went out, there weren't many unexpected things that cropped up.

Ding Xiang didn't know that Xiao Hua had experienced too many struggles in her past life. Since she wanted to change her way of doing things in this life, she naturally knew what was most beneficial for her.

All this wasn't expressed on the surface, and Xiao Hua finally overcame the first three months.

Within this short period of time, it wasn't like people prevented her from doing things. But every time she moved, everyone would appear extremely nervous. There were also some private matters that made Xiao Hua a little restless.

The latter needed to be explained from the beginning.

A pregnant woman and her man were supposed to sleep in separate rooms. But the Jing Prince didn't understand and Xiao Hua also wasn't willing. After the two remained in the same bed for several days, those around stopped mentioning it. But they were inevitably separated and told to be mindful of certain things. Apart from not putting pressure on the stomach while sleeping, they also couldn't do the deed during the first three months.

The Jing Prince was never a lustful person, and he had gone for several years without touching a woman. But being together daily and rubbing against each other nightly, his fuse was inevitably lit and he had to endure in misery.

The Jing Prince also thought about returning to sleep in the Hall of Splendor, but he was held fast and stared at with eyes full of tears. Being stared at like this, his heart softened and he never had the thought again.

Xiao Hua admitted that she was being a little domineering, but she didn't want to let him sleep by himself. Not only would he be lonely, the nights were also long. He was apathetic in the past, but what if he had gotten a taste for things? If he ended up finding someone else to relieve his desires, wouldn't she be losing out massively?

She still took care of her own body. Although she wasn't able to do the deed, she still could help him in certain ways.

During this period, the two naturally did many embarrassing things in secret. Xiao Hua's guilty conscience didn't need to be mentioned. Even if she could hide it from Eunuch Fu and Nana He, she couldn't hide it from Ding Lan and her other personal servants.

The few people who paid close attention to things were at first a little worried, but seeing no harm come of it they allowed it. The two of them weren't immature, and knew what was good and what was bad for them.

While she was able to help him, it wasn't the proper experience after all. Therefore, not only was Xiao Hua happy once the three months were over, the Jing Prince could also hardly conceal his excitement.

It just wasn't apparent on the surface. Xiao Hua was the one who wasn't able to keep her calm, and the last few days before the three months were up she would secretly glance at the Jing Prince with watery eyes.

The Jing Prince wildly erupted from her glances and she ended up suffering quite a bit.

Such things definitely couldn't be said out loud. After Doctor Hu took her pulse and declared her stable, Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang prepare a bath that night. Ding Xiang knew what was up, but it wasn't convenient to say anything directly. Only after she dried madam's hair and was about to take her leave did she mumble 'madam should be careful with your body."

The Jing Prince was in the bathroom as well. Xiao Hua's face immediately turned red.

The two of them got in bed. The Jing Prince half embraced her waist as her back leaned against his chest. The two of them were curled up together on their sides. Ever since Xiao Hua became pregnant, this became their sleeping position.

Xiao Hua waited for a while but the Jing Prince didn't move.

She was a little shy and a little disappointed. She couldn't resist rubbing her body against him. She rubbed against him again. Before she was able to rub a third time, she was held fast.

At that moment, something extremely hard and warm pressed against her from behind.

But he still didn't move.

Her embarrassment reached the limit and became anger. Xiao Hua grabbed his hand and was about to give it a bite, but ended up kissing it instead. The Jing Prince's hand tightened. Xiao Hua rubbed against him again.

This hint was too obvious. The Jing Prince said hoarsely in her ear: "Is it possible?"

"Highness just needs to be a little gentler."

The Jing Prince's movements were indeed very gentle. Everything he did was with the utmost care. Only when he entered her did his movements turn slightly rougher.

Xiao Hua let out a sigh. Actually she had missed him quite a bit.

The two of them maintained this position, rubbing and grinding slowly. This also had its own unique flavor.

The Jing Prince's heart trembled with excitement but had to control himself not to be too rough. He was completely tensed up. Xiao Hua was the same way, wanting to go a little harder but afraid of hurting her stomach…..

This lasted an extremely long time. After things were done, both their eyes had turned red from enduring. This sort of feeling truly made one suffer and was extremely torturous. But apart from this, it also had a wonderful flavor.

Ding Xiang had kept an ear out the entire time. She was deathly worried in her heart. She thought about what she should do if things started up in the room, but she also didn't have the guts. Luckily there weren't any movements inside, which made her feel relieved.

Only when they called for water and she saw the large stains on the bedding when she went to clean up did she realize what had happened. She was panicked to death but couldn't say anything. When Xiao Hua had her take her leave, Ding Xiang's eyes stared at her. After she left, she stood guard outside for half the night. Only after seeing nothing bad happen did she feel relieved.

The next day after the Jing Prince left, Ding Xiang implicitly spoke a few words to Xiao Hua. Xiao Hua's face was red as she nodded repeatedly in agreement.

But the same thing continued to happen afterwards. Ding Xiang secretly asked Nana He about it, and only after hearing that it wasn't harmful was she able to let out a breath.

The garden in the western pavilion was completed very quickly.

The Jing Province's climate actually wasn't suitable for the southern-styled gardens because it was too cold and the winters were too long. No matter how sturdy the flowers, trees and grass were, they couldn't endure such a long cold period. Therefore the Jing Prince Estate's trees were usually those that were resistant to cold. There were also flowers for viewing, but they were extremely few and only contained within the flower beds of each pavilion.

The Jing Prince Estate was initially constructed according to specification. After construction, everything else would be filled in according to personal interest. But the Jing Prince was someone without any interests and kept putting it off. Although the Hall of Splendor and the Changchun Pavilion looked majestic and grand, they were actually quite bare without any greenery.

Once Eunuch Fu took over the task of constructing a garden, he pondered over the climate issue and spent a lot of effort. He placed emphasis on rare rocks, constructed hills, small bridges and flowing water. A small and exquisite artificial lake was dug in the center of the garden. In the middle was a small covered viewing platform connected by a stone bridge. The lake was surrounded by plum trees.

Once the garden was completed, Xiao Hua came over for a look.

Turning the corner from the first western pavilion, the long, narrow pathway was paved in various designs with cyan and light yellow cobblestones. The sides were filled with green trees for shade as well as various rocks and fake mountains. The surroundings were filled with scattered flowers and grass for decoration. Stone benches occasionally lined the sides as places to rest.

After turning another corner, the view of the lake filled one's eyes, along with the stone bridge that led to the viewing platform. There were also awnings and railings constructed on the edges of the lake. There was even a dock. The view was extremely spacious, making one's spirit instantly rise.

"Madam, this climate isn't optimal. The view is definitely more beautiful in April or May."

That was indeed the case. October had just arrived and the Jing Province's weather was turning cold. Xiao Hua could tell many flowers had been planted but it currently wasn't visible.

"There's also a plum tree forest over there. Viewing it in the snow would be the most satisfying."

"I like it very much. Thank you General Manager Fu." Xiao Hua looked at Eunuch Fu and said, her smile very sincere.

"This old servant's just doing his duty." Eunuch Fu said and lowered his head.

"It's a pity about the cold. Otherwise sitting by the lake would definitely be very nice."

Before coming, Nana He had already made it clear. The weather was cold and the air around the lake would be chilly. Xiao Hua shouldn't stay long, and should only take a look around this time.

"Once the weather warms up, it wouldn't be too late for madam to come take a look."

"That's also true. It's just a little unfortunate."

Xiao Hua was quite depressed that she couldn't enjoy the newly constructed garden due to the weather and her body's condition. However, she also knew clearly what the Jing Province's climate was like. Once she gave birth, the garden could be used properly. But that was something for next year.

"Madam can't come to the lake, but the earlier parts can still be visited as long as it isn't snowing." Ding Xiang spoke on the side.

Xiao Hua nodded her head, and didn't dare to linger. She had Ding Xiang support her as she headed back.

After four months of pregnancy, Xiao Hua's stomach swelled up like a balloon.

At three months, there was a slight bump, but soon after it had grown not just by a little. At first Nana He was a little worried about the lack of swelling in Xiao Hua's stomach, and only now did she feel relieved.

But after a brief period of relief, she started worrying again. This was because Xiao Hua's stomach grew too fast. It was almost changing on a daily basis. She had planned on properly nourishing her during this period, but now Nana He no longer dared to take any rash actions.

After five months, Xiao Hua's stomach already appeared as though she were seven or eight months pregnant. Nana He was a little restless.

She didn't dare delay and asked Eunuch Fu to invite Doctor Hu over.

Doctor Hu examined the situation and took her pulse, "Madam's physical condition is extremely good. But her stomach does seem a little big….."

Eunuch Fu looked at Doctor Hu's hesitant appearance and couldn't help but say impatiently: "Say whatever you have to say. Stop hemming and hawing."

Doctor Hu saw Eunuch Fu's expression and couldn't help but laugh. He stroked his beard and said: "It might not be a bad thing. It looks a little like twins to this old man, but it's not clear yet from the pulse. Wait awhile. I'll check again after a few days. No need to be too worried."

"Twins?" Eunuch Fu sounded astonished.

"It's just a guess. After all, madam's stomach truly doesn't look normal, but these things cannot be seen with the naked eye. Some women just have larger stomachs during pregnancy. We can only be sure after taking her pulse."

"Alright then. I will invite you over after ten days."

Once Doctor Hu left, Xiao Hua stroked her own stomach and was dazed for a long while.

She was caught up with the possibility of it being twins, and couldn't quite snap out of it.

"Madam shouldn't worry too much. Doctor Hu also said it wasn't clear yet, and needed some time to tell."

"En."

After a brief moment of silence, Xiao Hua suddenly felt her stomach with a frown and said: "Ding Xiang, my stomach is itchy and sore. Help me apply some lotion."

Ding Xiang grabbed some lotion and put it on for her.

Ever since her stomach grew big, it started itching and swelling. There were even little red spots and thin tears.

Nana He saw this and said it was normal. Pregnant women would all experience this. Especially since Xiao Hua's stomach grew extremely fast. This situation was unavoidable. She instructed Ding Xiang to apply some lotion every now and then. Moisturizing the skin this way would relieve the pain.

"Madam, Nana said she ordered people to concoct some tea oil. Once we apply it things would feel better."

Looking at her own stomach which was no longer as fair and flat, and was instead extremely swollen with faint marks, Xiao Hua's face was dejected.

"It's so ugly. Who knows if it will turn back to normal?"

"It's fine. Nana He said that after giving birth, it will be back to normal after some treatment."

"Hopefully that's the case." Xiao Hua hadn't given birth before, and had never seen anyone give birth. She could only believe Nana He's words. Hopefully it can really turn back to normal.

"Does madam feel a little better now?"

Xiao Hua let out a sigh, "It feels a lot better after the lotion."

Author's notes:

It seems the idea of mixed gendered twins was most popular, so we can only do it this way. One baby Jing and one baby Hua.

Xiao Hua's situation is something encountered in all pregnancies. The skin tears up since the cells can't divide fast enough due to the swelling. I've heard friends say it hurts and itches but can't be scratched at. Putting on some Vaseline makes it better. But according to the experts, it's best to apply some tea oil or various plant oils for the best results.

Writing about this is this author's malicious intention. Don't those female leads who have given birth several times get these little stretch marks? The first time already makes one cry due to ugliness, after several it would be too ugly to show the male lead. But they never bring it up.

It's really concerning. Must let Xiao Hua find some secret remedy that makes it not apparent, even if she wore those low-waisted pants.

102

The imperial palace.

Within Senior Concubine Xu's Chunluan Palace.

Whenever Senior Concubine Xu was mentioned, everyone's first impression was that she had never fallen out of favor. For a woman that was over forty, being able to be favored by his highness for decades was something everyone had to smack their lips over and praise.

But actually Senior Concubine Xu wasn't very beautiful. At least, there were many imperial concubines within the palace that was better looking than her. But she was able to occupy his majesty for his favor. One couldn't help but be impressed by this.

She used to be the daughter of a small common household, and was one day chosen to be placed by the monarch's side. Her road from an attendant to the most favored concubine within the six palaces wasn't just due to her face and her schemes, but also because she had caught the emperor's eye.

While others couldn't get used to Senior Concubine Xu's daily tearstained appearance despite her age, his majesty was very taken in by this act.

Senior Concubine Xu was oval-faced and had willow leaf shaped eyebrows. Her eyes contained amorous feelings and her appearance seemed too frail to withstand the wind. Her physique was slender like a weak willow against the wind. Her face and body were extremely well maintained for a woman over forty. Especially when she cried like teardrops on a pear blossom, her appearance really made one's heartache.

"Majesty, this concubine really misses Jin'er a lot. Just summon him back so this concubine can see him."

Senior Concubine Xu had been weeping for a long time, both crying and acting pampered. This ended up grinding down the originally insistent Emperor Xi's resolve. His face even some hints of sympathy.

"Alright, don't cry anymore. We1 will find a day to summon him back to the capital."

"Really?"

Senior Concubine Xu's face was full of joy. Her face was tearstained, but it had to be said this half smiling half crying appearance suited her quite well, adding some moving freshness and charm.

"Would We speak falsely?" Emperor Xi acted angry.

Senior Concubine Xu laughed between her sobs and cuddled up to him, "This concubine naturally trusts your majesty. Your majesty's words are golden."

After obtaining the outcome she wanted, Senior Concubine Xu flattered him for a while. Emperor Xi looked at the sky outside: "Alright, it's getting late. We have to go sit at the Fengqi Palace for a while. Imperial Physician Xu said the empress's royal body is slightly unwell."

"Respectfully seeing your majesty off."

Only after Emperor Xi left did Senior Concubine reveal the indignation on her face.

It's the empress again. That old woman still won't die off after struggling with her for several decades. She would often use the excuse that her royal body was slightly unwell to coax his majesty over to her!

The key was that she couldn't expose the empress's false appearance because what his majesty hated most was the jealous bickering between women. He could favor you however he wanted, but you couldn't smear "other people's" name in front of him.

This "other people" referred to the current empress Xiao-Shi.2

Empress Xiao-Shi was born within the Jing County's Governmental Estate, and was Emperor Xi's first partner. She went from the crown prince's concubine all the way to empress. If Senior Concubine Xu was said to be favored for several decades, Xiao-Shi had been favored for an even longer period of time. She and the current emperor were married at a young age, and their affections ran deep.

Xiao-Shi was magnanimous and tolerant. As the nation's matron, she treated all of the harem equally and cherished all the princes, making Emperor Xi extremely grateful and respectful. Of course, even though he respected her, with so many concubines in the rear palace there were bound to be some that caught his eye. Senior Concubine Xu was one such outstanding concubine.

As Empress Xiao's old opponent for so many years, no one understood her better than Senior Concubine Xu. If Senior Concubine Xu was someone who pretended to be delicate, Empress Xiao was someone who was extremely fake.

On the surface she appeared to treat all the concubines equally and cared for the princes they gave birth to, but in reality countless concubines had died by her hands, as well as those princes and princesses who died prematurely. Of course, the number of miscarriages were even more countless.

When Senior Concubine Xu entered the palace that year, she didn't know the situation and suffered quite a bit due to Empress Xiao. She even miscarried once. From then on, she and Empress Xiao could no longer coexist and struggled fiercely in the open and in the dark. Of course, this was all done in private.

On the surface, everyone said Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu's relationship was harmonious, as close as sisters.

Of course, anyone who could stand out amongst so many women and be favored wouldn't be simple. Anyone who said their hands were clean would be speaking absolute nonsense.

Seeing Senior Concubine Xu's ugly expression, the palace maid in charge of the Chunluan Palace Qin'er said on the side: "Congratulations imperial concubine. His highness the Jin Prince can once again reunite with imperial concubine in the capital."

Hearing this, Senior Concubine Xu's expression turned a little better, but she still said: "What reunion? We can only see each other briefly. He can't stay long before having to return to his vassal state."

"Being summoned to the capital indicates his majesty's bountiful affection. Look at the Yun Prince and the Jing Prince. Ever since they left, they have never been summoned back. Who isn't aware that they aren't favored by his majesty?"

Senior Concubine Xu smiled disdainfully, "How can they be compared to my Jin'er and Qi'er?" Her brows immediately knitted again, "It's just unfortunate this seat can only ask for one son to come back at a time. Poor Qi'er. Both times it was Jin'er who was summoned. Would Qi'er have complaints about this seat?"

"His highness the Qi Prince would definitely understand imperial concubine's efforts. After all, we are also doing this for his sake."

Senior Concubine Xu looked at the nail polish on her hands with a profound smile.

At the Fengqi Palace.

After Emperor Xi left, Empress Xiao leaned against the phoenix recliner and rubbed her brows.

Thinking of his majesty who stubbornly insisted on summoning the Jin Prince back to the capital, she felt endlessly worried.

After sitting for a while, Empress Xiao called her personal eunuch and said: "Personally go to the eastern palace. Summon the crown prince over."

"Yes."

The crown prince came very quickly.

"Mother Empress, what have you summoned your son over for?"

Empress Xiao brought the crown prince in front of her and told him in detail about the Jin Prince being summoned to the capital.

The crown prince furrowed his brow, "Royal father is summoning him to the capital again? It hasn't even been that long since the last time!"

Empress Xiao naturally understood this reasoning, but his majesty had made up his mind and her attempts at persuading him hadn't worked. They could only take the necessary precautions now.

From Emperor Xi's perspective, summoning the Jin Prince back was just to relieve the senior concubine's suffering. From Empress Xiao's perspective, that bitch was scheming something again.

It's just that the last time the Jin Prince returned to the capital it was all very aboveboard. Apart from accompanying Senior Concubine Xu and occasionally fulfilling his filial duties with Emperor Xi, there hadn't been anything abnormal. After staying for less than half a month, he had requested to return to his vassal state. They couldn't find anything to use against him.

That they couldn't find anything suspicious naturally wasn't convenient to mention to his majesty. Therefore, when Emperor Xi planned on summoning the Jin Prince to the capital this time, Empress Xiao only spoke a few words on the surface and didn't say any words of absolute refusal.

After all, the senior concubine had even cried from missing her son so much!

This was Emperor Xi's words, but Empress Xiao was able to understand his meaning. The crown prince was in the capital so you naturally won't miss him. But Senior Concubine Xu's sons were both in their vassal states, and she rarely saw them. You naturally wouldn't understand her suffering.

Well, Empress Xiao couldn't say anything to that.

Seeing the crown prince pacing back and forth, Empress Xiao said: "Alright, don't panic. You are the crown prince and your position is unshakeable. Mother Empress telling you this isn't to stir up your emotions, and instead is to have you keep an eye on him. Vassal princes aren't allowed to interact with court officials. As long as they show any abnormality, we can preemptively strike at them."

Empress Xiao had spoken these words countless times before, and the crown prince naturally understood their meaning. However, always being on the defensive made one feel extremely sullen. But what else could they do? If they brought it up to his royal father, he and his mother empress would only be labelled as intolerant. After all, the senior concubine and the Jin Prince hadn't done anything!

To put it plainly, it was pure bias!

The crown prince had long since been filled with anger.

"Your son understands."

"If anything comes up, discuss it with your grandfather. Don't be rash."

Empress Xiao was clear about her own son's personality. He was hot tempered, and she would feel more relieved with her father watching over him."

The two spoke a while longer before the crown prince hurriedly departed the Fengqi Palace.

The Jing Prince naturally knew about the deadlock between the crown prince's side and Senior Concubine Xu's side in the capital.

After thinking about it for a long time, he still wasn't able to rationalize the Jin Prince's frequent trips to the capital. But to say something was fishy, none of his subordinates were able to find any useful information.

The situation was ghoulishly abnormal.

Towards the Jin Prince, due to his past life's experience, the Jing Prince had put several times his effort.

Huang Qin also didn't think the senior concubine was fumbling about aimlessly. It wasn't easy for a vassal prince to enter the capital. Senior Concubine Xu wouldn't have put in all this effort just because she missed her son.

Everyone understood this reasoning, but those who felt it was fishy were only a few. This was because the senior concubine had always maintained the appearance of a mother who missed her son, and the Jin Prince truly appeared to be visiting his mother upon returning.

The Jing Prince had always kept an eye on the capital, and had spent a lot of effort with Huang Qin trying to figure things out. After a lengthy discussion, they still weren't able to get anywhere and temporarily set it aside.

Within a northwestern pavilion in the Jing Prince Estate.

"Sister-in-law shouldn't think too much about it. Since you've come you should be at ease. Even if you don't see anyone else, you should see your son and grandson." An old woman over fifty years old was speaking.

The old woman being persuaded had a face full of anxiety, "This I also understand, but he hasn't sent a letter in over half a year. I'm worried. He's also a recluse. He rarely comes home to begin with, and never tells me anything."

"You still shouldn't overthink things. Perhaps he feels this is a little more appropriate. After all, you are also aware of his situation. An imperial physician lives a perilous life. If our household's old man hadn't come to the Jing Province, our whole family would also be living in fear."

"Ai. Sister-in-law Hu, it's all thanks to your family. I've really troubled you."

"No trouble at all. We're all one big family. Since you've come you can be at ease in staying here."

"That's true, I shouldn't be overthinking things."

The two of them spoke a few more words before going back to their own business. After all, they both had grandchildren. Although they lived under the same roof, neither of them were idle.

Every time the Jing Prince saw Xiao Hua, his heart would feel alarmed.

Not because of her, but because of her stomach. Such a slender person carrying such a large stomach looked truly frightening.

But Xiao Hua was quite composed. The Jing Prince occasionally saw her caress her stomach while smiling.

The Jing Prince had never understood what motherly love was. He had seen it in books before but was never able to understand. Seeing such a scene, he seemed to have gotten some idea.

"Highness, what's wrong?" Seeing the Jing Prince seem a little dazed, Xiao Hua opened her mouth and asked.

The Jing Prince snapped out of it and used his fingertip to carefully touch her stomach.

Xiao Hua smiled and placed his hand on top of it. "Isn't it really big? This servant concubine also feels it's a bit too big. Doctor Hu said it looks normal, and that it might be twins. He's just unable to tell at the moment and needs to wait a while."

"Twins?"

"That's right." Xiao Hua was all smiles, "But we don't know for sure. Doctor Hu only said that's what it looks like, and needs to wait for the pulse to be sure. It would be good if there's two. This servant concubine can save some effort."

"Like it?"

"En. Doesn't highness like it?"

"This humble prince is very happy."

"Highness, do you know the baby can move now? Yesterday it moved a little. This morning it moved a little. It's a pity it's only a couple of times. However, Doctor Hu also said they would start moving more and more….."

Right as she spoke, she suddenly let out an "aiya".

"What is it?"

"It moved again. You can feel it."

This sort of novel experience made Xiao Hua excited like a child. She grabbed the Jing Prince's hand and placed it on her stomach, but the movements seemed to have stopped.

"Aiya, how about moving again? Let daddy also feel it."

Daddy? The Jing Prince spaced out once again.

Right at this moment, there was a movement under his hand.

"You see? It's moving."

While she was extremely excited, the Jing Prince's nose actually felt a little sour. This feeling was extremely unfamiliar, making him a little helpless.

The Jing Prince suddenly stood up, "You be careful. This humble prince still has some business in the front court."

Xiao Hua looked at the Jing Prince doubtfully. What business was there at this hour? Normally the Jing Prince returned in the middle of the afternoon after finishing everything in the front court. However, Xiao Hua also knew that the Jing Prince had been very busy recently, and didn't think too much about it.

"Will highness return for dinner?"

"Eat first if you get hungry." The Jing Prince knew that after she became pregnant, her appetite had grown a lot and would get hungry very quickly. Sometimes she would hold it in and wait for him despite being uncomfortably hungry.

"Alright."

After the Jing Prince left, Xiao Hua stared at her stomach to examine the movements within.

She had been rather happy about these movements ever since they started yesterday. In the past she didn't know about such things, and felt it was extremely mysterious.

Especially since those small movements somehow seemed to vaguely transmit the small fetus's emotions to her.

That sort of feeling was extremely mysterious, and made one's heart melt…..

The royal "We" used by the emperor to address himself.

Reminder that this translates to "surnamed Xiao". The Jing Consort is called the same because she's of the same clan.

103

The Jing Prince's hands were still trembling after he left the western pavilion.

Only after balling up his fists did it get a little better.

The western pavilion now had two doors instead of one. After leaving the western pavilion doors, there was another set of doors after around ten zhang. Someone was always standing at these outer doors, and apart from a few people, no one was allowed entry. Those entering and exiting were strictly examined, and the security wasn't any less than the Hall of Splendor.

The servants within the Jing Prince Estate all thought that the western pavilion's Madam Hua was really favored. Such a large pavilion wasn't enough for her, and the surrounding area had to be walled off as well. This was larger than the Jing Consort's Changchun Pavilion by many times.

Someone with insight would think that this Madam Hua was becoming more and more arrogant. It was even hard to get through the doors now.

This someone was Senior Concubine Qiao.

After her body recovered, her thoughts had started stirring once again. She still had some knowledge regarding the rear court's current situation. That person was still the only thriving branch on the tree, and the Jing Prince had basically moved into the western pavilion.

Her jealousy and resentment naturally didn't need to be mentioned. But after her bout of jealousy she still needed to come up with a plan. Senior Concubine Qiao couldn't think of anything, and wanted try her old method. However, she was stopped at the door every time.

"Senior concubine, please go back. This lowly one has announced your presence already, but Madam Hua isn't willing to see you."

It was the same words every time. At first Senior Concubine Qiao had felt a little embarrassed, but after a few times the embarrassment had faded.

"Hey you servant, senior concubine's relationship with Madam Hua is so good, how could she not be willing to see us? Are you just giving an excuse because you're too lazy to go report it?" Die'er scolded on the side.

That eunuch only showed a blank face and didn't have any other expressions. "This lowly one has truly reported it. Senior concubine, please go back."

After speaking, he no longer paid any attention to them.

At this time, the Jing Prince walked over. Everyone knelt in salute. Senior Concubine Qiao was ecstatically hopeful, and even before she was asked to rise she had already started complaining. She didn't say anything bad about Xiao Hua. She knew that much. Instead, she said that the eunuch wouldn't let her see little sis Hua.

The Jing Prince gave her a glance and didn't stop walking.

"Don't come again in the future."

His voice fell, and his person also left.

Senior Concubine Qiao was stunned, and then was sad and heartbroken. The eunuch guarding the door stood there with a mocking expression.

"Senior concubine, let's head back." Die'er said quietly.

Senior Concubine Qiao didn't say anything else, and let Die'er support her as they stumbled away.

Eunuch Fu was following behind the Jing Prince and said quietly: "This old servant personally picked out the people guarding this door. Those who shouldn't enter will directly be blocked. They wouldn't even report it inside."

The Jing Prince didn't speak and merely nodded.

As the capital entered a deadlock, the Jing Prince felt his heart burning with anxiety.

There was definitely something fishy going on, but what was it?

In his helplessness, Huang Qin finally suggested using retroactive reasoning.

Retroactive reasoning was, as the name implied, using the outcome of a situation to deduce its cause. It was mainly used to analyze cause and effect.

Senior Concubine Xu's goals had always been obvious: the emperor's throne. The current emperor was old, but not to the extent that he was preparing to abdicate and pass away. According to tradition, the crown prince would inherit the throne. If the Jin Prince wanted it, the first one he had to surpass was the crown prince.

In that case, how was the senior concubine planning on accomplishing her goals?

Apart from the emperor's favor overcoming the crown prince's status, the only other way was if the crown prince was impeached based on his moral conduct. Yet Crown Prince Luo Zhao had already been the crown prince for over twenty years without any issues regarding his moral conduct. Although it was said his personality was a little unsteady, with Empress Xiao and her governmental estate's grandfather behind him, his position was as stable as Mt. Tai.

The remaining option was to raise an army and rebel.

But with the current emperor still present, a rebellion was out of the question. Even if he rebelled he would be committing the greatest crime under the heavens.

The Jing Prince thought back to his past life. The Jin Prince's rebellion had happened after the death of their royal father.

At that time, he had received news about his father's passing, and was preparing to return for the funeral. Halfway through the journey, he received news from the capital that things weren't stable, and every vassal prince was ordered to return to their vassal states. News of the Jin Prince's ascension came shortly after.

Only then did he realize the Jin Prince had revolted as he returned to the capital for the funeral. The crown prince had died, though no one knew how it had happened. The empress died shortly after.

According to the Jing Prince's memories, the emperor would pass away four years later. In his past life, the Jin Prince had always been very "content with his place", and only in the final years before the emperor's death did he often get summoned back to the capital.

In his past life, the Jing Prince was merely someone who wasn't remembered by Emperor Xi. Due to his two royal brothers being favored and often summoned back to the capital, the Jing Prince had even secretly been envious before. This was why he had such a deep impression of it.

Thinking to this point, the Jing Prince was shocked. Could some problem have occurred with his majesty's body?

According to his intelligence reports, his majesty didn't have any major illnesses. That time he fainted in court was also due to his age and from being overworked. But putting the evidence together, the Jing Prince concluded that something was wrong with his royal father. Otherwise the Jin Prince wouldn't act so abnormally.

The Jing Prince had been caught up in the tiny details of his past memories and felt that the senior concubine had been acting strangely. He hadn't able to figure it out, but if something was wrong with his majesty and he might not make it past a couple of years, then everything could be explained.

Huang Qin was still trying to come up with various conspiracy theories when the Jing Prince said: "Mister Huang. This humble prince is thinking. What if the emperor's health isn't good?"

Hearing this, Huang Qin was shocked. He was intelligent to begin with, and soon understood his meaning.

"According to highness's words, this seems quite possible."

"This humble prince will send someone to investigate."

Theories were theories. They needed to know the truth.

Imperial Physician Zhou was a court appointed major sixth grade official within the imperial hospital. His medical skills were extremely high and he was deeply trusted by Emperor Xi.

There were no problems with his medical skills, but his character and how he handled things was a little problematic.

He was extremely rigid and inflexible, and didn't get along with others. There was no one in the entire imperial hospital that he got along with, and he always came and went by himself. As time passed, everyone started viewing him as a blight. They respected him, but that was it.

"This Imperial Physician Zhou has thoroughly offended the hospital's director."

"That's right. No idea how he managed to catch his majesty's eye."

"Who knows? In the past he didn't stand out at all. Who knew he would be so trusted by his majesty within this half a year."

Imperial Physician Zhou had suddenly sprung up from the imperial hospital. Although he had always been responsible for his majesty's health, there were several other more prestigious imperial physicians doing the same thing, and he naturally didn't stand out.

When his majesty fainted in court half a year ago, all the imperial physicians were in danger themselves. Many of those who went to take his majesty's pulse that time had been chopped up. In the end, only Imperial Physician Zhou remained.

After the fact, the emperor was furious. He cursed those in the imperial hospital for being a bunch of quacks, and that Imperial Physician Zhou was the only decent one.

As expected, after Imperial Physician Zhou's treatments, the emperor immediately recovered. Ever since then, he received the emperor's respect, and became responsible for doing his checkups.

The emperor's health had always been of vital importance. In the past, those who performed checkups on him were all famous physicians with outstanding skills who would collaborate, jointly discussing before prescribing medicine. The prescriptions all had to be carefully recorded, the dregs carefully preserved for future investigation.

Ever since that event, this Imperial Physician Zhou had created a new precedent. He was extremely favored and no one dared to raise any doubts. Since his majesty had entrusted his body to Imperial Physician Zhou, who would dare to meddle?

While they didn't dare talk about it in the open, there were many remarks made behind his back.

Imperial Physician Zhou had never cared about those idle rumors, and went inside his office. After entering, he sat down behind his desk.

His hair was grizzled, the lines on his face extremely cold and stern. There were three clear furrows between his brows, as though he was often deep in thought. He was extremely difficult to get along with.

Recalling how someone had just tried to ask him about the emperor's health, Imperial Physician Zhou furrowed his brows.

Actually he didn't need to guess to know who it was. There were only a few who would care so much about the emperor's health. On the surface they pretended to be concerned about his majesty, but everyone knew the truth.

Would anyone else come investigating? Imperial Physician Zhou truly didn't know, but no matter what he only had one path left before him. That was to keep his mouth tightly shut without telling anyone anything.

He could still drag it out for a while if he didn't speak. If he spoke, he would immediately die.

Dying earlier or later was still dying. A decision that would easily lead one to the yellow springs either way was an extremely hard decision.

The Fengqi Palace.

The crown prince reported the situation to Empress Xiao during the paying of respects.

"Mother Empress, we couldn't get anything out of Imperial Physician Zhou. Your son has sent many waves of people to investigate, but he would always act astonished and then furious, saying that they were cursing the emperor and threatening to bring them before him." The Crown Prince hesitantly said: "Perhaps we were overthinking things?"

Empress Xiao frowned: "Imperial Physician Zhou is strict and inflexible, and doesn't seem like someone who would lie."

After a long silence, she spoke again: "But this situation really doesn't make any sense. Ever since that time, everything concerning your royal father's health had all been handed over to him. If there truly weren't any problems, why would it remain so exclusive?"

"Perhaps the people in the hospital offended my royal father. Otherwise he wouldn't chop up so many at once."

"The people in the hospital are extremely professional, and their skills are pretty good. They just like to push around the blame when something occurs, and are eager to take credit for the smallest thing. Your royal father had long since been furious about this. This Imperial Physician Zhou is inflexible, but has always been very direct and upright. Perhaps this was what caught your royal father's eye."

Empress Xiao sounded uncertain, and the crown prince was also able to tell. He sighed in disappointment, "Since he is someone who my royal father holds in regard, this son doesn't dare to overdo things."

"Has your grandfather found anything?"

At the mention of this, the crown prince's expression turned even uglier, "This person truly is the leper of the imperial hospital. He comes and goes by himself and never interacts with anyone. Not only does he not have any friends, it's said that he's never been married before. He's also an only child. There's only an old servant in his residence outside."

"Forget it, forget it. Perhaps we're overthinking things. This person has been like this for several decades. You should just focus your attention on the Jin Prince's side. Has there been any developments in the Jin Province?"

"We haven't found where they've hidden the secret militia. Every time our spies get close we lose contact."

"Intensify the efforts."

"Alright."

Translator's notes:

I noticed some confusion regarding the random old women in the Jing Prince Estate last chapter. I was also a little confused but after translating this chapter I think it's a little clearer. My interpretation is that Imperial Physician Zhou's older sister should be ex-Imperial Physician Doctor Hu's wife. In order to keep his family safe, Imperial Physician Zhou sent his wife, son and grandson to live at the Jing Prince Estate with their in-laws. As for why she addressed Dr. Hu's wife as "sister-in-law Hu", it's because in Chinese the husband's surname is used in the term, similar to how we would say Mrs. Hu in English.

104

It was like imperial physician zhou had put on a turtle shell, making others not know where to start with him. Not only did the crown prince's side have a huge headache, the Jing Prince was the same.

If he wanted to understand Emperor Xi's condition, Imperial Physician Zhou was the only link in the chain. But he was impenetrable.

Since he couldn't do anything in the open, the Jing Prince could only use underhanded methods. Someone hid inside Imperial Physician Zhou's residence and interrogated him at knifepoint. However, the answer obtained was: "The emperor's body is healthy, and no matter how you ask it'll be the same answer. Kill me if you don't believe it."

There weren't any openings, so the person could only leave.

As for who would get blamed for this incident, it wasn't the Jing Prince's problem. He was just a small vassal prince far away. No one would suspect him.

But the next day Imperial Physician Zhou acted completely normal, and didn't seem to have reported it to the emperor. Or perhaps it was reported but the emperor didn't take any actions. Outsiders wouldn't be able to tell, but based on various small details from his past life, the Jing Prince became even more suspicious.

Sometimes, acting overly normal was a sort of cover-up.

The Jing Prince looked over the information on Imperial Physician Zhou he received from his subordinates. After looking and pondering over and over, he still couldn't find anything to act upon.

"This person doesn't seem to be simple." Huang Qin said on the side.

It wasn't just the Jing Prince who didn't know where to start, he himself had a toothache from looking.

"Is there anyone who understands him slightly better?"

The Jing Prince heard this and shook his head.

"It's impossible for there not to be. We just haven't discovered it. Even if there isn't anyone who's close to him, is there anyone who doesn't get along with him? Any enemies?"

They had to find breakthrough point, and couldn't just sit here at a loss. Only after understanding his majesty's condition can they decide how to proceed.

Huang Qin muttered to himself as he flipped through the information in his hands. The Jing Prince also lowered his head.

"Doctor Hu?"

The two of them looked at each other. Huang Qin was the first one to blurt it out.

When Doctor Hu was an imperial physician, he was a very sly person and was well versed in the secret art of survival.

What was the art of survival?

It was to be smart and cautious enough, as well as having a good deal of luck and also not offending anyone. To survive within the palace, especially in a place like the imperial hospital, this was absolutely necessary.

Those who understood this would say it was the mark of a wise person. But those who actually possessed this art knew that it meant they had no bottom line as a person.

Someone upright and direct would naturally not look kindly upon this kind of person without a bottom line. But one couldn't say the other was wrong. They could only say their characters were different.

The current Doctor Hu would look back and say a lot of his actions in the past were laughable. But ten years ago, as he was proud of his accomplishments and reaping his rewards, someone had spoken unpleasant words about it and they ended up forming an enmity.

Since they were both young with some ambition, quarrels were inevitable, and the two would inevitably not get along.

But no one knew that long, long ago, these two could be described as fellow apprentices.

Doctor Hu came from a family of doctors. His ancestor was a famous doctor, and his elders worked in the imperial hospital for many years. Imperial Physician Zhou was an apprentice of Doctor Hu's father long, long ago. Although he was an apprentice, he was taught the knowledge but not given the official status. That Imperial Physician Zhou was initially a servant bought by Doctor Hu's household to be used as a medicine boy. Doctor Hu's father saw that he was quite talented in medicine and secretly accepted him under his tutelage. Once he had finished learning everything, he was released from the estate in order to hide his lowly birth.

Once Doctor Hu finished his apprenticeship, he followed his father's footsteps and entered the imperial hospital as a physician. As for Imperial Physician Zhou, he had wandered outside helping others for ten years before being brought into the imperial hospital due to his reputation.

These two fellow apprentices' relationship had been buried in the river of time. Within the palace, some relationships were better kept hidden. Both of them were well aware of this.

Therefore, when the Jing Prince summoned Doctor Hu and mentioned Imperial Physician Zhou, Doctor Hu's heart suddenly trembled.

"Speak about your relationship with Zhou Jin."

Zhou Jin was Imperial Physician Zhou's name. This name was given to him by Doctor Hu's father.

The Jing Prince's words were just his way of expressing himself. He merely wanted to ask whether the two of them had ever had any contact or if he had any useful information.

Doctor Hu however misunderstood and thought about many things. He was immediately dripping with sweat.

The Jing Prince could be said to be an observant person. Those who spoke little often saw much. Of course, this was only with regards to matters he was already focused on. Things he was oblivious to naturally wouldn't enter his eyes. Things he was focused on wouldn't be able to slip by him.

At least he could tell that there was something fishy going on between Doctor Hu and Imperial Physician Zhou. Otherwise this old man's expression wouldn't be so weird.

"This subordinate doesn't have much of a relationship with Zhou Jin. Back at the imperial hospital, everyone knew that the two of us didn't get along well."

This was another slip-up. The Jing Prince had only mentioned Zhou Jin by name. If there wasn't anything on his mind, how would Doctor Hu have instantly connected Zhou Jin to Imperial Physician Zhou?!

To say it was just due to their past enmity was complete nonsense. That had been formed over twenty years ago and they hadn't interacted ever since. Even during their time at the imperial hospital, the two of them avoided each other.

What the Jing Prince didn't know was that after seeing the dangers of the palace, these fellow apprentices became afraid of dragging each other down, and decided to become "enemies" and stay away from each other.

Doctor Hu seemed to instantly realize his words had been inappropriate. His head lowered even more.

Doctor Hu was naturally counted as one of the Jing Prince's people. Although he hadn't been when he initially came to the Jing Province, the Jing Prince had roped him in once he started establishing himself.

To put it plainly, this meant that his entire family had been fully investigated, and currently all of Doctor Hu's family, from young to old, were all within the Jing Prince Estate.

Since he already revealed some hints, how could he continue to hide things? Especially since he thought that the Jing Prince had come asking about it so he naturally already knew their relationship. Therefore, he honestly told him the entire truth.

The Jing Prince's expression was normal but his heart was continuously shocked.

Many people have said his expression wasn't good before. When he was younger, many people called him a dumb block of wood. After he grew up and was bestowed a prince's status, his subordinates didn't say anything on the surface but he was still clear about how they viewed him. Regardless, there had never been any good things said about his expression.

At this moment, the Jing Prince felt that this sort of expression wasn't without benefits. Being of few words also wasn't without any uses. Weren't they able to extract a confession all by themselves?

In the future, the Jing Prince would often put his "innate gift" to good use. But of course, that was something for the future.

"Zhou Jin is responsible for the emperor's health. This humble prince wishes to know the actual situation."

At these words, Doctor Hu started dripping with even more sweat.

He was an intelligent person, and knew what it implied for a vassal prince to be concerned with the emperor's health. No matter what, it wasn't anything good.

"Highness, although this subordinate has some relationship with Zhou Jin, he has never listened to my words. His personality can be described by a single phrase: like a stone in the latrine, both hard and foul smelling. Otherwise our initial relationship wouldn't have been so rigid.

The Jing Prince looked at Doctor Hu's expression, which was as though his father had just passed away, and said, "He has family, right?"

The meaning behind these words was profound. Doctor Hu's expression froze and his face turned even paler.

The Jing Prince understood and stopped speaking.

"When he left the Hu household back then, he had a family in the southwest. After entering the imperial hospital, he secretly brought them into the capital. But since there were too many disturbances in the palace, he kept them hidden. Only a few know about them."

"They're in the Jing Prince Estate?"

Over half a year ago, Doctor Hu's family suddenly received a family of three as well as an elderly woman. Doctor Hu had said they were a cousin's widow and her children. The Jing Prince Estate had investigated and found that he did indeed have a cousin who passed away from illness. But now the Jing Prince put two and two together and had some realization.

Was this the so called "delivering themselves to the door?"

Doctor Hu's expression turned uglier, but the Jing Prince said: "This humble prince won't mistreat them."

No matter how impenetrable someone was, once their own wife, son and grandchildren were in the other person's hands, they would no longer be stubborn.

Especially since Imperial Physician Zhou had known his number was up ever since he examined the emperor that time.

The Jing Province was far from the capital, the Jing Prince was a calm person and his fellow apprentice brother was there to take care of them. He had initially thought it was safe.

Who knew that they ended up being lambs in a tigers den? The calm person turned out to be not so calm after all.

The emperor's health was, sure enough, not too good. Actually, it wasn't just not too good, it was too not good. In his earlier years, the emperor liked to dabble with alchemy in pursuit of immortality pills. Recently, for some reason, he had thrown away everything he was once fond of.

At that time it seemed like Emperor Xi had realized that these pills weren't anything good.

Although he had realized it, eating so many pills over the years had left serious medicinal poison within his body. Furthermore, his body had become extremely hollowed out, leaving just an outer husk. Even if he no longer touched the stuff and got treated by imperial physicians for a long time, they could only treat the symptoms but not the cause.

That time he fainted was merely the beginning. From what Imperial Physician Zhou saw based on his pulse, the emperor had at most a couple years left to live.

With this, everything became clear. This was why the emperor executed several imperial physicians in his rage, and also why he had left his health to Imperial Physician Zhou alone.

As for why the emperor decided to cover it up, it wasn't something that others could guess at. How Senior Concubine Xu found out was also not important. The Jing Prince just knew that he didn't have much time left.

All along, the Jing Prince had merely thought to do his best to defy fate. Although he worked continuously, he actually didn't have much confidence in his heart. He knew how big the distance between himself and the Jin Prince was.

Two favored vassal princes and a senior concubine who was favored for several decades. Without even mentioning the emperor's thoughts, just their foundations were already immeasurable.

But after experiencing the mysterious movements of his unborn child, he suddenly no longer had such thoughts. He wildly wanted to live on. He had to live on, and she had to live on, and then he could hear that baby call him daddy.

It wasn't his first time being a father, but in his past life the situation with his offspring was extremely dire. Senior Concubine Qiao's son had been his first son, and he had died when he was very young. He was only a little over three months and the Jing Prince had only held him once. Following which Xiao-Shi's son also died at a few months of age.

At that time he thought he had been cursed by the heavens. Otherwise why would he be mute and have so much difficulty with his offspring? The women who had lost their sons both cried crazily. He only had this impression because he soon ran from the situation.

When he reappeared once more, the two had already recovered, as though their sadness was merely a flash in the pan. They had recovered, but he was not able to. Although his expression was still apathetic as though made of clay, he had never been able to forget what he had felt.

Heng'er and his two daughters were born but he didn't pay them any attention. As expected, the children he didn't pay attention to managed to survive.

He thought that he was truly cursed. Only after dying once did he realize that was complete nonsense. There was no curse, only "demons" causing mischief.

He suddenly missed her a lot. What was she doing at this moment? Was she holding her stomach and smiling?!

Thinking of this, the Jing Prince lay aside the pile of work in front of him and went towards the western pavilion.

Author's notes:

Without being madly focused he cannot survive. The Jing Prince is serious enough, intelligent enough, but is still missing a little something.

Translator's notes:

Need to update regarding the relationship between the two old women. Turns out it was their husbands who were "brothers" under that same family and master. The reason they refer to each other as "sister-in-law" is because in Chinese they follow their spouse's way of address. So their husband's sister-in-law is also their sister-in-law. In English, the term in-law can also be used the same way and refer to your spouse's in-law (according to Wikipedia), but there's also a term called co-sister-in-law, though that seems less used. In English we usually just refer to each other by name once the relationship gets that far removed…..

105

Once Doctor Hu confirmed that Xiao Hua was pregnant with twins, her duties became more burdensome.

Just the required amount of daily exercise alone was hard to bear.

Ever since the first three months, Nana He made Ding Xiang and the rest accompany Xiao Hua in walking around the courtyard. It was at a leisurely pace and didn't have to be all at once, but she had to walk at least half an hour every day.

As her stomach grew larger and larger, it became harder and harder to walk. But the amount of daily exercise required had more than doubled.

Furthermore, the days had grown cold. Snow had already started falling here and there by the end of October. Xiao Hua's walking location was switched to be inside the house. The chairs and tables in the reception hall had been moved to make room for her to walk.

"Ding Xiang, can we take a break?"

"Madam, endure a little longer. We're almost done."

Nana He was extremely clear with Xiao Hua. She would help her properly adjust her body but her instructions had to be followed to the letter. Since she was going to have twins, if she didn't properly adjust it would be a very difficult birth.

First of all she had to improve her stamina. Walking more every day would also be beneficial for the child.

Nana He said that when some women had a hard time giving birth, it often wasn't actually a difficult birth. It was more due to living a pampered lifestyle for too long and having grown frail. They merely ran out of stamina at the end.

People were usually pregnant with one child but she was pregnant with two. She needed twice the amount of stamina. Therefore, Xiao Hua did her best to follow Nana He's instructions.

Her meals had also been adjusted by Nana He, and she now ate less with every meal but ate more frequently. Furthermore, the amount of nutrition wasn't added all at once, but rather was slowly increased.

Xiao Hua cooperated quite well. She ate less when she had to and exercised when she had to.

The kiln was burning inside the residence, and there was also a charcoal basin in the corner. Xiao Hua had only walked a little bit before being covered in a layer of sweat.

"This won't do, it's too hot. Ding Xiang, how about I take some clothes off."

"That won't do, Madam. You're already wearing very little. You cannot afford to catch a cold."

Walking around in circles inside was the dumbest thing, but the seemingly simple exercise was actually a little strenuous for Xiao Hua.

It was because her stomach was too big and the time required was too long.

The time would drag on for Xiao Hua every time. She would be extremely tired but had to bear with it. After several times, Xiao Hua realized that although she was extremely tired, it wasn't unbearable. She was able to last longer and longer over time. Seems like Nana He's stamina training had some use.

Therefore, despite Xiao Hua complaining about her tiredness, she would still continue doing it.

After walking for another while, Ding Xiang supported the tiredly panting Xiao Hua over to sit down. Ding Lan and Chun Cao brought over hot water and a hand towel to wipe her sweat. Only after changing into a dry and clean set of clothes did Xiao Hua sit down on the kiln.

"My stamina is really awful at the moment. I'm already exhausted after walking for such a short time."

"Madam, how can your current condition be compared to the past. You have to support your stomach, of course you would be tired."

"Originally I thought being pregnant with twins was something to be extremely happy over. But seeing Nana He seemingly prepare for a huge battle these days makes me a little afraid."

"No need to be afraid Madam. Doctor Hu is watching over you, and Nana He is as well. Everything will definitely be fine."

"Is that true?"

Alright, Xiao Hua could only comfort herself this way. She had dug her heart out in her past life and wasn't even able to give birth to one child. In this life, her first pregnancy already resulted in two. Perhaps it could be seen as a sort of compensation for her.

Ignorance was bliss. Regardless, Xiao Hua only occasionally worried now, unlike Nana He who seemed to be treating it extremely seriously.

What Xiao Hua didn't know was that Doctor Hu had recently begun making preparations for all sorts of possible scenarios. Eunuch Fu was even busier, searching all over for a midwife with experience in helping deliver twins.

The Jing Prince entered and saw her resting sideways upon the kiln. Her bright red little mouth opened and closed as she chatted with the palace maids next to here. He then saw her towering stomach.

"Highness…."

Her eyes lit up when she saw him. The Jing Prince's mood immediately improved.

Ding Xiang and the others greeted him and served tea before taking their leave.

"Your face is so red."

Xiao Hua smiled, her peach blossom eyes gleaming, "Just took a walk around the house. Nana He said exercise is required every day. I wore too much and it was very hot. I only just changed clothes."

"Very tired?" The Jing Prince understood her point.

"Could be worse. But carrying this stomach while walking is really tiring."

The Jing Prince stroked her stomach. She didn't look much different after getting pregnant. In fact, her body appeared even fuller, but she didn't noticeably gain any weight. But her stomach was the opposite, and seemed to have gotten bigger again.

The Jing Prince also knew that she was pregnant with twins.

"Highness has been busy lately?"

The Jing Prince was very busy. He would return almost every night, but she would be asleep by the time he returned. He also left before she awoke, and she felt that she hadn't seen him for a while.

She actually missed him a lot, but due to her pregnancy she didn't have the spare energy to worry about it. She was busy exercising and eating every day, and recently had been feeling sleepy a lot. There wasn't that much time to miss him.

Seeing the Jing Prince at this moment, she felt she couldn't get enough of that jade-like face. She grabbed his hand and caressed it, unwilling to let go.

The Jing Prince made a sound of affirmation and said, "Busy."

Xiao Hua cuddled against his arm. The Jing Prince shifted and pulled her into his arms. "I miss highness a lot. Why doesn't highness wake me when you get back?"

The Jing Prince stroked her hair, "You were asleep."

"You still have to wake me. I feel like I haven't seen highness in a while. Next time you return at night, you must wake me up."

"Alright."

The Jing Prince agreed very straightforwardly, but Xiao Hua knew he was just placating her. She had told him the same thing several times, but it would also go in one ear and out the other.

Thinking of the intent behind his actions, and thinking of the indented spot on the bed next to her when she awoke, Xiao Hua's gaze softened, and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around his neck. The two of them kissed.

After a long while, both were out of breath as they separated.

The stomach that was between them suddenly moved. The Jing Prince and Xiao Hua both felt it, and their gazes were drawn to it.

"Hahaha…." Xiao Hua laughed very happily, "The baby seems very happy as well."

The Jing Prince stretched out his hand and placed it on her stomach. His heart filled with a tenderness that he himself was unaware of.

"Doctor Hu said that there are two inside my stomach. How wonderful. If it was a boy and a girl, it would be even better."

"Very good."

After staying a little longer, the Jing Prince remembered the things on hand and said: "This humble prince still has work to do."

Xiao Hua grabbed his hand and was a little reluctant, "Is it that busy?"

The Jing Prince nodded his head. After a pause, he spoke again, "Back after work. Don't wait up."

Seemingly noticing the reluctance in her eyes, he said: "Take care of yourself."

"En."

After the Jing Prince left, Xiao Hua started pondering.

His highness was really busy these days. She didn't know what he was busy with, but felt he wasn't able to catch a break. Of course, Xiao Hua wasn't pondering over what he was busy with, but merely worried about his health.

His meals were taken care of by Eunuch Fu and Nana He so she could only think of something else. Thinking of the Jing Prince's issues with his bones and muscles, Xiao Hua called Ding Xiang and Xiao Xia Zi over.

"Greetings to the madam."

Xiao Xia Zi's gaze was bright whenever he saw Xiao Hua. The future little heir was in the madam's stomach, so who could still say that Xiao Xia Zi was wrong to come to the western pavilion. Didn't they see that even Eunuch Fu treated this place as priority?!
"Xiao Xia Zi, have you done any manual labor in the past?"

Xiao Hua looked at Xiao Xia Zi's delicate figure and was a little worried he wouldn't be able to handle this task.

She knew that there were different types of eunuchs. Some were only responsible for serving people and have never done manual labor. They weren't even as good as some sturdy women. Some people looked delicate, but due to often doing manual labor their stamina was quite good. She herself was an example.

Xiao Xia Zi was shocked. Manual labor? Could madam be planning on having him do manual labor? However, he was still willing to do so as long as it made the madam happy.

He didn't forget how he had gotten to this position. It was all due to catching the madam's eye.

"In the past, Xiao Xia Zi did manual labor in the palace. Only after getting to the Jing Prince Estate was I chosen to serve in the hall."

"Oh, that's good then." Xiao Hua nodded her head. "I want to teach you some massage techniques."

Xiao Xia Zi heard this and was stunned at first before kneeling and performing a few kowtows.

"Thank you for madam's promotion."

Promotion?

Xiao Hua really didn't think that far ahead. She just felt that the Jing Prince needed someone who could massage him. He was tired every day, and having someone massage him would be more comfortable. Those people had been sent away. If she were to arrange someone, she would naturally pick the safest option. Therefore, a eunuch was the most suitable.

However, Xiao Hua didn't say too much and merely said: "Then you have to properly learn in the future."

Ding Xiang spoke on the side: "Madam, you're pregnant. You'll wear yourself out."

Xiao Hua waved her hand, "It's fine. I'll just teach a little every day. Especially since I don't have to personally demonstrate. I can just teach with words." She said to Xiao Xia Zi: "Head over to the medical center in a bit and bring back an acupoints and meridians map. I will teach you from the basics."

Therefore, Xiao Hua had another daily task. That was to teach Xiao Xia Zi the basics of massage.

However, her energy was limited and couldn't teach for too long. Xiao Xia Zi knew this was an opportunity for him and put in a lot of effort.

The person Eunuch Fu found was finally delivered to the western pavilion. She was an old woman of over fifty years who was surnamed Xu.

This Matron Xu's ancestor was a doctor. Her household fell into decline with her father's generation. When she was young, she learned some medical skills from her father. Unfortunately, women doctors weren't accepted in society so she developed herself as a midwife.

Midwives, as the name implied, specialized in treating women. They were especially good with matters concerning childbirth and gynecology. Matron Xu's skills were quite good, and she was most proficient in helping deliver babies.

Nowadays, there were many midwives and many doctors. But a midwife who had medical skills was very rare. Therefore, Matron Xu was very popular within rich households.

Since she was someone under their jurisdiction, after Eunuch Fu heard about her he invited her over.

Matron Xu had entered many rich households before, but a place like the Jing Prince Estate was a first for her. When she was first invited, she had thought it was another wealthy household. Only after arriving did she realize this was the Jing Province prince's residence.

Those wealthy households couldn't be compared to the Jing Prince Estate in status. Matron Xu was naturally cautious with her words and actions. She was reverent and respectful, and also full of excitement.

She heard that it was the estate's madam that was expecting, and it was with twins. She volunteered to go take a look at the situation the moment she arrived. She also had a discussion with Nana He who was responsible for the madam's nourishment.

Matron Xu's skills were good, and there was still some arrogance in her heart. Although a midwife wasn't high in status, didn't she still get invited by a prince's estate?

But only after her discussion with Nana He did she realize that just a random old woman inside the estate was already extremely skilled. Furthermore, even with such a skilled person on hand the estate had still searched for someone else for the sake of ensuring the madam's birth was smooth.

This was to say that while Matron Xu was useful, she wasn't indispensable. Furthermore, she could tell from that old eunuch's attitude that if this madam could smoothly deliver the babies, it was naturally wonderful and there would be rewards all around. However, if the slightest issue occurred, than her life would be worth as much as an ant to be stepped on.

Only now did Matron Xu realize that this wasn't a path to heaven, but rather an extremely dangerous situation.

But since she had already come, she could only hope for a smooth delivery. Luckily this Nana He's adjustments were extremely proper. She had examined this madam previously and saw that there were absolutely no problems.

Therefore, she was able to let out a breath in relief. It wasn't like she hadn't delivered twins before. As long as things were adjusted properly, it wasn't anything difficult.

Author's notes:

It was very dangerous for women in ancient times to give birth, and they could only forcibly endure it. Everyone wanted twins, so Xiao Hua will definitely have to suffer a little. Exercising more to improve the baby's condition is a must. Asking for name ideas. This author is useless at coming up with names. If this author chooses the name, it will definitely be called tacky by you guys. One male, one female. Both proper names and nicknames are needed….this author felt that calling them baby Jing and baby Hua was pretty good, but perhaps it's a little inappropriate?

106

In the blink of an eye, New Year had come again.

The Jing Prince was still the same as last year, entertaining the various officials on the 29th and spending New Year's Eve in the rear court.

According to convention, the Jing Prince would spend the New Year's Eve banquet with the "entire family". Unfortunately the Jing Consort had been confined and the other three didn't show any movements, so he left it at that.

Of course this was all noticed by Xiao Hua. As the date approached, she had started feeling anxious. Without considering anything else, when the Jing Consort saw her appearance it would only be a matter of time before she was swallowed up.

Regarding the matter of her pregnancy, Xiao Hua had also discussed with Ding Xiang whether she should keep it hidden. Ding Xiang smiled and told her to focus on her health. Everything else can be left to Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi.

Since Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi had interfered already, Xiao Hua didn't say anything else. Regardless, it was fine as long as she didn't go out. Her thoughts happened to coincide with the Jing Prince's, so there weren't any issues.

Snow was falling heavily outside. The western pavilion's lamps were all lit.

Within the main reception, a square table full of food was placed in the center. Only Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince were seated there. Eunuch Fu, Ding Xiang, Xiao Xia Zi and the rest were serving on the side.

The two of them ate a little before clearing away the table.

They then went to the eastern side room, leaving a single person with them for service. The others went to the auxiliary residence, which also had two tables filled with New Year's Eve dishes. This was suggested by Xiao Hua. They couldn't prevent the servants from eating at the end of every year, right?

This year, Eunuch Fu's gang also ended up eating in a different location. They were gathered within the main residence's side room where Eunuch Fu often stayed.

Eunuch Su was here today as well. The people sitting there were all full of joy.

"Big bro Fu is finally satisfied!" Eunuch Su had a cheerful personality to begin with, and also spent most of his time running about outside. His words were naturally extremely unrestrained.

Eunuch Fu's face was full of smiles. He didn't look different from before, but everyone seated here knew that his smile was genuine this time.

The people chatted idly for a bit before Eunuch Su asked: "That side is still being confined?" He pouted his lips as he spoke, and they all knew whom he was referring to.

Eunuch Fu smiled, "His highness has been busy recently. Since the master didn't bring it up, how can us servants speak out of turn."

Eunuch Su chuckled in understanding.

Eunuch Fu spoke again: "Especially since this side has her hands full recently. Her stomach is huge, she's carrying two and is also being forced about every day. Why would I seek problems for myself and make her unhappy."

Everyone laughed at these words, their smiles were rather meaningful.

Eunuch Fu was a little angry from shame as he said, "This is for the sake of the young master in her stomach, not for her sake."

Eunuch Su patted his shoulders, "Aiya, big bro Fu, no need to explain. We all understand."

In the eastern side room.

Xiao Hua sat on the kiln with two pillows propped behind her back. A light blanket covered her body.

Her stomach was already very big at six months, like a wash basin strapped to her body. At this time it was hard to stand yet also hard to sit. The only slightly comfortable position was to half recline.

The most comfortable spot on the kiln had long since been yielded to her. The Jing Prince sat on the side.

"Ate too little." The Jing Prince even remembered how many bites she had eaten just then.

Xiao Hua pulled his hand over and smiled as she explained: "I'm not hungry, and Nana He also said I can't eat too much in one sitting. Instead, I have to eat more frequently."

"So complicated?" Wasn't it enough to eat well for a pregnant woman to be healthier?

Xiao Hua nodded her head, "If one doesn't pay attention to this when having twins, they would grow too big and the birth would be harder."

The Jing Prince frowned and decided to ask Eunuch Fu about it the next day.

"If you're sleepy, you should go turn in." The Jing Prince saw that Xiao Hua started yawning after sitting for a short while.

"No, no. Isn't it tradition on New Year's Eve to stay awake until after midnight?"

They actually weren't that picky about tradition. No one had stayed up for it last year either. However, Xiao Hua said it because she had seen less of the Jing Prince during this period of time. She wanted him to stay a little longer, and chat with her or something.

Although she said this, Xiao Hua fell asleep soon after.

Her small face seemed as if covered in a layer of gold muslin under the lamplight. That palm-sized little face was fuller than before, but she still seemed as slender. This sort of slenderness contrasted with her large stomach made one feel worried she wouldn't be able to endure the weight.

The Jing Prince looked at her silently. He stretched his hand out and stroked her hair, and then touched her face. Finally, he placed his hand on her stomach, his heart filled with limitless warmth.

He had been very tired recently. Not just physically, but mentally as well. There were things he had been unwilling to do in the past, and things he ignored or couldn't be bothered about. Now he had to start changing his attitude.

But this sort of tiredness mysteriously vanished after seeing her. The Jing Prince temporarily didn't understand what this meant, but he didn't reject this sort of feeling.

Only after waiting another while did he carry the fast asleep person to the bedroom.

The next day when Xiao Hua naturally awoke, she realized the Jing Prince was still there.

"Highness?"

She was a little surprised. These days it was rare for him to still be there when she woke up.

Every day she would sleep until late in the morning before waking up. According to Ding Xiang, he would wake very early these days, and sometimes would even leave before dawn.

The Jing Prince had woken very early, but had lay there without getting up. He had silently enjoyed this rare moment of idleness.

"Today is the first day of the year. No official business."

Actually there still was official business, and he had a lot to do. But it was the New Year. If he didn't take a break, all his subordinates wouldn't be able to either. After working for an entire year, they needed some time off.

"Really?"

Seeing that she was very happy, he spoke again: "No need for several days."

It was as though spring had come and the flowers were blooming. Xiao Hua's smile was extremely resplendent. All her happiness was distilled into a single phrase, "How wonderful."

The two of them prepared to get up. Only after the Jing Prince got off the bed did he realize that she hadn't sat up yet.

He had never seen such a situation before since he would always leave before she woke up. He didn't realize that it was so hard for her to move.

The Jing Prince went over and picked her up, placing her on the side of the bed. Xiao Hua blushed, "Stomach's too big, moving isn't convenient."

The Jing Prince stroked her hair and called for service.

After the two washed up and changed, breakfast had already been placed on the eastern side room's table.

After the meal, Xiao Hua sat for a quarter of an hour before starting her daily walk with Ding Xiang accompanying her. The Jing Prince had planned on going to the study, but didn't go after seeing this.

Xiao Hua couldn't have anyone supporting her while she was walking. Ding Xiang could only follow along next to her. Xiao Hua's steps were very heavy, taking one step at a time. She didn't feel it at first since it hadn't been that long, but after a quarter of an hour her face started getting red and her steps became unsteady. It seemed like she didn't have the strength to drag her feet anymore.

Even so, she didn't stop and continued walking. Ding Xiang kept glancing at the hourglass on the table.

The Jing Prince knew that being pregnant was hard work from her sitting and sleeping postures. However, he never expected this.

"Take a rest." He said.

Xiao Hua turned her face and flashed him a smile, "The time's not up yet."

The Jing Prince's brows involuntarily furrowed.

After walking another while, Xiao Hua started panting. The Jing Prince thought it was time to stop already, but then heard that palace maid on the side encouraging her, "Madam, keep it up. There's only half the time to brew a cup of tea left1."

Xiao Hua's body was slender to begin with, and carrying that large stomach made one afraid she was about to fall over. The Jing Prince was constantly afraid of disaster occurring, and could no longer endure at this time. He didn't say anything before going over, lifting her up and placing her onto the chair.

"What's going on here?!"

This was the first time the Jing Prince's tone was so strict.

Ding Xiang's face instantly paled. She knelt to the ground with a thud, "Highness, madam is building up her stamina. It's like this every day."

The Jing Prince's expression was a little frightening. Chun Cao explained with a trembling voice, "Nana He said this would help with the birth…."

Before she finished speaking, she heard the Jing Prince say: "Go invite Nana He over."

Seeing this situation, Ding Lan, Xiao Xia Zi and the rest all shrunk their necks down out of fear. Chun Cao hurriedly went to invite Nana He over. Xiao Hua was a little stunned at the moment and didn't know what to say either.

Nana He came very quickly. Seeing the Jing Prince's expression, she felt a little fearful.

"Greetings to highness."

"What's going on here?"

Chun Cao had summarized everything to her on the way there. Nana He had some understanding as she logically spoke: "Highness, this is this servant's idea. Madam is young and is pregnant with twins. Moving about more will help with the birth."

"Including eating less with every meal?"

The Jing Prince still remembered what happened the day before. He had eaten with Xiao Hua in the past, and knew how much she normally ate. But he didn't expect that after she got pregnant with twins, she would eat so little last night.

"Yes." Nana He elaborated: "Although she eats less with every meal, she also eats more frequently so she gets enough nutrition. If the babies get too big, it would be much harder to give birth."

After listening, the Jing Prince understood the point. He spaced out for a moment before his expression eased up. He waved his hand and let them take their leave.

"Highness, I'm really fine. Nana He set the perfect amount of time. It's enough for me to train my body without being too exhausted."

The Jing Prince gave her a glance and didn't speak, merely stroking her hair.

When Xiao Hua took a nap in the afternoon, the Jing Prince went to the western room's study and summoned Eunuch Fu, Nana He and Doctor Hu over.

"Tell me about the overall situation."

When the Jing Prince had her leave without saying anything in the morning, Nana He predicted he would come find her again. As expected, he already came in the afternoon.

Eunuch Fu was actually here to listen to the situation, so Nana He and Doctor Hu summarized everything. As for Matron Xu, she didn't have the qualifications to meet the Jing Prince.

The situation was like this: Madam Hua was currently in a good condition, and if things were maintained the birth shouldn't be difficult.

But the Jing Prince caught the fact that "shouldn't" implied some degree of danger.

The Jing Prince had never understood these things. All he knew of women giving birth was when Xiao-Shi screamed her head off both times while giving birth in her past life. He couldn't remember how he felt at the time, and could only remember that her cries were very tragic. When he thought of Xiao Hua'er in that state, his heart shivered.

After spending over an hour to understand the situation, the Jing Prince sat at the desk. His expression was normal but the hands on his knees were gripped tightly into fists.

He had everyone take their leave and sat in the study for a long time.

After that time, the Jing Prince never said anything during Xiao Hua's daily walks. He only sat and watched on the side. During meals, he also didn't mention how she ate less, and instead in a rare display would put some of Nana He's specialty dishes into her bowl with his chopsticks.

These idle days passed in the blink of an eye. The Jing Prince started leaving early and returning late once again, and Xiao Hua continued to maintain her health.

He was busy and she was also busy, both struggling towards their own goals.

According to expert translators, the time to brew tea is around 3.5 minutes, so…a couple minutes in this case.

107

Mt. Yingzui1 was located in the west of the Jing Province. It was overgrown with trees and extremely desolate.

Within the depths of the great mountain was garrisoned a troop that was rarely seen by people.

There were no identifying marks or banners, and at a glance they looked like a bunch of mountain people gathered together. But another glance would reveal some irregularities. The Jing Prince had his own private troops. Some private troops can be left in the open, such as the prince estate's honor guard. Some troops weren't suited to be in the open, such as this one. There were many such places in the Jing Province.

"Commander Lin, we've caught another two spies."

Lin Qin Ting's face instantly turned dark at his subordinate's report.

Recently, this had happened several times to this area under his jurisdiction. He was definitely under a lot of pressure, but in the end he ended up not knowing whether to laugh or to cry.

The entire situation was incomparably weird. The concealment skills of the spies who were caught were extremely awful. They were caught the moment they approached the mountain. That could still be attributed to temporary slipups, but what happened next was weird as well. These people were extremely scared of death. Before they were even interrogated, they had voluntarily given up who they got their orders from.

Lin Qin Ting had quite a few spies of his own, and they all underwent meticulous training. Let's not mention how their concealment, tracking and disguise skills were all extremely good, even if they were caught they would kill themselves on the spot. They definitely wouldn't even reach the interrogation step.

But to say these weren't spies was also a little strange. If they weren't spies, why were they wandering about in the wilderness?

Furthermore, the superior they ratted out also made sense, and this person truly did have such motives. But for such a person to send out such a level of spies, no one would believe it. Could they have been sent before they finished training?

Anyone would feel this was complete nonsense!

That was just the first time. After the second and third times, with the exact same things happening, it became even weirder.

As expected, not long after Lin Qin Ting ordered someone to question them, a subordinate came and reported.

Just from his expression, the answer was already clear.

"Commander, the two have already confessed. They said that they were from the Yun Province."

Lin Qin Ting's face sunk, and he muttered to himself for a moment. He summoned his vice-commander to send the prince's estate a report.

The exact same thing had also happened in other places, giving the Jing Prince quite a headache.

It didn't really seem like they had ill intent. If they were intending to target him, who would send such spies and throw away their face. The key was that after putting together the reports from all over, it gave one the feeling that the Yun Prince was teasing them for fun.

But was this something that could be joked about?

If this sort of secret base was revealed, the only outcome would be death. Raising private troops was a crime worthy of executing all nine generations, especially if it was done by a vassal prince. Even if not all nine generations were executed, the outcome still wouldn't be a good one.

Although these spies failed to do anything, the fact that they could so accurately wander about in the area was enough for the Jing Prince to feel restless.

The Jing Province had never attracted much attention. This was the same for its vassal prince, the Jing Prince. Their advantage all this time was that they remained hidden. But if they were now revealed, they would be like rats who weren't able to see in the light, making one inevitably feel fearful.

"What is this Yun Prince trying to do? Does he have some illness in this area?" Huang Qin's finger pointed to the back of his head as he continued to pace around in the house.

Since the Yun Prince was also the emperor's son, it made sense for him to be making some moves. What Huang Qin couldn't understand was why he would target the Jing Prince, whose status was just as bad as his own.

The Yun Prince was the emperor's fourth son, and was currently twenty-six years old. If the Jing Prince was hated for being mute, the Yun Prince was hated for his innate stupidity. It would have been fine if he was just stupid, but he was also born fat. This brought about the saying "dumb and fat, like a pig". Furthermore, after he came of age, he married his consort Yan-Shi, and added the reputation of being whipped. He would often be beaten by the fourth prince consort into fleeing like a rat. The rumors ended up spreading, causing the imperial family to lose quite a bit of face.

This consort was picked by Emperor Xi and the marriage was also ordained by him. If he switched her out, it would be hitting his own face. He had already disliked old four to begin with, so once he became of age he was thrown far away. As of today, the Yun Prince had become like the Jing Prince, both characters who were not loved by their father.

Everyone had their own protective camouflage. The Jing Prince's was innate. Perhaps he truly couldn't speak at first, and perhaps he subconsciously knew that if he was able to speak his life would be in danger. Regardless, the Jing Prince had never been able to speak in his past life, and only after he reincarnated did he open his mouth to speak.

The Jing Prince always felt that the heavens had taken pity on him and gave him the ability to speak the second time around.

As for the Yun Prince, the Jing Prince's impression of him was quite deep. In his past life, the Yun Prince wasn't like this. Although he was still dumb and fat as a pig, he didn't have the reputation of being afraid of his wife. Instead, he was extremely frivolous with women.

In his past life, the Yun Prince had the most concubines out of all the princes. Even the lecherous Qi Prince couldn't compare to him.

After reincarnating, some things didn't change yet others had changed. The Yun Prince was such an example.

The Jing Prince was currently calm, unlike Huang Qin. He sat on the side, his expression unperturbed as he held a teacup with his hand.

"Those spies of his hadn't been able to get any information. He has to have a reason for doing this."

What was the reason?

Huang Qin stroked his beard and pondered. The only possible reason was to tell them that "I'm watching you", and then the Yun Prince's large, fat face would pop into his mind.

Because of the Yun Prince's weird actions, Huang Qin's thoughts started turning weird as well. Although he felt his own thoughts were weird, he still felt that this was the most likely explanation.

The Jing Prince listened to Huang Qin's theory and muttered: "If that's really the case, there should be some movement soon."

As expected, the movement came very quickly.

The Yun Prince's side sent over a person just as suspicious, but also just as clumsy, to deliver a message: a request from the Yun Prince to meet with the Jing Prince. When his subordinates caught this sort of messenger, the Yun Prince's reputation of making one not know whether to laugh or cry increased once again. The Jing Prince's expression was weird, and permitted it.

Huang Qin did his best to stop him, feeling that it might be a trap.

The Jing Prince was aware of this, but still had to see the person.

This was true. They had to figure out the Yun Prince's goal. Even if he hadn't been able to discover anything, it was still annoying.

Once the messenger handed over his message, he received the reply very quickly.

The location had yet to be decided, but the meeting itself was set. All that remained was to arrange the meeting place.

Vassal princes couldn't leave their vassal states without an imperial order. One was in the Yun Province and the other was in the Jing Province. What sort of place should be arranged for them to meet?!

Therefore, some further discussion was required.

In the recent days, Xiao Hua who had been getting bigger and bigger started giving people a hard time.

It wasn't on purpose, but pregnant women would be like this. Unable to sleep soundly at night, she would get up frequently. In order to avoid disturbing the Jing Prince's sleep, Xiao Hua would do her best to drink less water before bed. But how could someone pregnant hold it in? In the end she had to go anyway.

Since Xiao Hua wasn't able to sleep soundly, she felt uncomfortable no matter how she slept, but it was also hard for her to toss and turn. The person beside her was busy all day and could only rest at night. Having been disturbed a few times, Xiao Hua started getting worried and suggested the Jing Prince sleep in a separate room.

The Jing Prince refused.

His method of refusal was different from others. He didn't agree or disagree, and didn't say anything at all. Xiao Hua thought things were settled, but she realized that he was there as usual the next night.

She was very sleepy, but had to get up due to her bodily functions.

The moment Xiao Hua moved, the Jing Prince spoke.

"Thirsty? Want to get up?"

The Jing Prince had been perceptive enough to tell Xiao Hua was awake on several occasions, but she had remained unmoving. Only when he once opened his eyes and saw her strange expression did her realize that she needed the bathroom but held it in because she was afraid of waking him.

Since then, the Jing Prince would sleep lightly. The moment Xiao Hua moved, he would wake up.

"En."

The Jing Prince slept on the outside, so he lifted the curtains and called for service. Then he helped her up and lifted her to the side of the bed. Ding Lan and Chun Cao who were on the night shift came in and helped Xiao Hua put on her shoes before supporting her over to the bathroom.

After Xiao Hua relieved herself, she cleaned her hands and rinsed her mouth. Her stomach rumbled with hunger but she couldn't eat.

As she grew bigger every month, Nana He and Matron Xu grew stricter with her diet. She would get hungry very quickly, and despite eating frequently she still felt like she was in a constant state of hunger.

After drinking some water, Xiao Hua returned to the bedroom.

The Jing Prince still sat on the side of the bed. His eyes were half closed and he was leaning against the pillow. When she walked up, his eyes immediately opened. Xiao Hua's nose felt a little sour.

"Highness, it's all my fault."

The Jing Prince didn't respond and silently gave her a glance before lifting her back up in bed and placing a pillow under her head.

"Highness, you don't have time to rest during the day, and now you have to do this during the night. This can't go on….actually Ding Xiang and the rest are able to take good care of me.

The same old words were once again met with silence. The Jing Prince helped her shift her posture and held her from behind.

This posture was the most comfortable for someone several months pregnant. It wasn't clear how the Jing Prince knew this, but it often made Xiao Hua feel astonished and touched.

"Hurry and sleep."

"En."

Despite saying this, Xiao Hua didn't feel sleepy. The person behind her was very close, as though she could hear his heartbeat.

Thump, thump, thump…..

She felt very at ease.

Although she clearly had many moods and emotions, her mind was completely blank and unable to say anything. But her heart was full of this sort of feeling that couldn't be suppressed.

After another while, she fell deeply asleep.

The next day, the Jing Prince unexpectedly hadn't left. He accompanied Xiao Hua in eating breakfast.

Only after eating did the Jing Prince say: "This humble prince needs to patrol the vassal state."

Xiao Hua froze and asked: "How long?"

"Around ten days." The Jing Prince chose to give an overestimate.

His meeting with the Yun Prince was set in a small town at the border of the Jing and Yun Provinces.

The process they went through to come to this agreement was incomparably complicated. At least, the Jing Prince felt this way, but also felt that the Yun Prince had been messing around. But in the end it turned out unusually smooth. The Yun Prince expressed a lot of good faith and chose to meet within the Jing Province.

"Then when does highness leave?"

"Today."

"So soon. Then I'll have Ding Xiang help you pack."

"Don't worry about it. Someone will take care of it."

"But…"

"Madam, this old servant will take care of things properly." Eunuch Fu spoke on the side.

"Alright."

"Take care of yourself."

Xiao Hua grabbed the Jing Prince's hand as he brushed the hair by her temples, and nodded.

Yun Province.

Yun Prince Estate.

"Highness, is it really ok to play around like this?" Li Wei spoke on the side.

The Yun Prince smiled and bantered, "Don't you feel this is very interesting?"

Interesting? Li Wei was dripping with cold sweat.

This thing had been personally arranged by him, but the orders had all come from his master the Yun Prince. Why would someone send spies repeatedly to unspeakable places as a game? He even instructed them to act clumsily, and that it'd be best if they were revealed at a glance. They weren't supposed to discover anything, but instead their objective was to get caught.

Therefore, Li Wei was dripping with cold sweat for his unfortunate subordinates. When the Yun Prince saw this, he had laughed at him at told him blindly not to worry and that everything would be fine.

Let's not mention all this for now. They were actually able to get in touch with the other side, and they had also agreed to meet. But the Yun Prince had started playing around even more, continuing to play hide and seek. Who knew if the Jing Prince had gone crazy due to his antics?

"Hahaha, this humble prince's little bro has had that wooden face ever since he was young. This humble prince always tried my best to make him show some different expressions. Unfortunately there were too many taboos when we were young, and we couldn't fully enjoy ourselves. Who knows if his expression ended up changing this time around?"

Li Wei continued to drip with sweat.

After a while, he spoke again: "Highness, that Chengan Town is within the Jing Province's borders after all. This subordinate feels it's still better to be careful."

"It's fine, it's fine." The Yun Prince carelessly waved his hand.

"We can't just say it's fine. If the consort found out about it, this subordinate is done for." Li Wei didn't dare finish the rest of the thought, which was that the Yun Prince would be done for as well.

The Yun Prince's face turned rigid, and he said: "Then you go arrange things."

Author's notes:

Don't be impatient everyone, the birth is coming soon. Xiao Hua has only been pregnant for 7 or 8 chapters, and there was even the interlude with the Jing Consort in between. There needs to be some fillers, otherwise only having plot developments would be too monotonous. Only having the male and female leads would also be too lovey-dovey. She will give birth tomorrow.

Eagle's/Hawk's Beak

108

Chengan Town was a small town on the border of the Jing Province. It was extremely ordinary, similar to countless other small towns.

This small town had one slightly more flourishing main street in the center. There were several shops and bars on either side. The town's market was also in this area.

On this day, the market was filled with hustle and bustle bright and early. The people coming and going were all townsfolk as well as people from the nearby villages.

Later in the morning, a few men walked into the town's only restaurant. They wore regular clothes but were all large and sturdy with extraordinary bearing. The one in the lead was a tall and slender man with a jade-like face. His posture was straight like a jade tree against the wind, his appearance truly extraordinary.

It was around lunchtime but the restaurant was completely empty. There was only a middle-aged person who looked like the owner keeping watch behind the counter.

Seeing someone come in, the owner swiftly came to greet them with a smile and a bow, saying: "Are these customers looking for someone?"

The man in the lead didn't respond. Someone next to him said: "Yes."

"Second floor."

The owner was also a smart person. Seeing the strange situation, he didn't dare speak too much and returned behind the counter after pointing the way.

The wooden stairs led directly to the second floor. Lin Qin Ting, who was the one that responded just now, led the way.

Although this was within his own territory, since the Yun Prince had chosen this place it was best to be careful.

These people went up to the second floor and saw a tall man standing outside the door of a private room. Seeing the people arrive, that person's expression changed and entered the room to report.

After a moment, a rotund ball of a person appeared outside the door, smiling at the Jing Prince so hard it was difficult to make out his features.

The Jing Prince froze, his expression unchanged.

"Fifth little brother, how's it going?"

"Going well." The Jing Prince replied, his gaze mild.

"Please come in."

Everyone entered. The other side had around the same number of people: five, including the master.

Each could bring up to four others, this was what they had agreed upon. Although they were brothers, familial bonds had always meant little within the royal family. It was naturally best to be cautious.

There was a table in the center with two seats. Two cups of tea were already placed upon it.

"Please."

The Jing Prince sat down. The Yun Prince did the same.

Regular chairs were completely unable to support his weight. However, the special chair under his buttocks was clearly twice the size of a normal chair. But it could be imagined that the Yun Prince would have nowhere to sit if he didn't bring this special chair.

"Drink some tea."

The Jing Prince nodded his head, but didn't touch the teacup on the table at all.

The Yun Prince smiled faintly, lifting his own cup for a drink.

"Fifth brother is still as cautious as ever."

The Jing Prince turned his gaze over, "Likewise."

This was indeed the case. The palace had always been a dangerous place. Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu had control over the entire harem, and the two princes were completely without backing. If they hadn't been cautious, the grass on their graves would have already grown knee-high.

The Yun Prince continued to leisurely drink his tea. The Jing Prince started looking out the window once again.

The room was very quiet. Although there were quite a lot of people, it seemed like no one was present. Only the sound of the lid on the teacup rang out.

Only after another long while did the Yun Prince break out in laughter, "This prince's stubbornness still can't be compared to yours."

The Jing Prince withdrew his gaze and gave him a glance.

"You may all take your leave."

The Yun Prince's people all withdrew. The Jing Prince moved his gaze and his people left as well.

The room fell silent once more.

"Aren't you curious about my motivations?" The Yun Prince's voice broke the silence.

"If you want to tell me, you will naturally do so."

The Yun Prince tutted a couple times, "When I learned that you could speak, I didn't believe it at first. But now I have no choice. What a divine doctor!"

The last part was spoken rather mockingly, but the Jing Prince ignored it.

"Get to the point."

"What's wrong with us two brothers sitting and chatting?"

The Jing Prince didn't speak again, and his gaze turned away once more.

The Yun Prince ended up stamping his foot a little in anger, the flesh on his face bouncing around, "This guy, still that same damned appearance despite being able to speak now."

"Can't you change a little?"

"Fine, I guess I can't convince you."

The other party hadn't responded at all, ok? You're the one speaking in succession.

"Actually, this prince was just messing around with you."

The Yun Prince opened his eyes wide. He looked at the Jing Prince's face, hoping to see something that would make him feel satisfied.

The Jing Prince gave him a glance and nodded. "This prince knows."

That's it? No other reactions?

"Aren't you scared?"

"Why should I be?"

"If I spread the word, you would be put to death without a proper burial."

"If this humble one was scared, would it prevent you from spreading it?"

Furthermore, it wasn't like he hadn't made any preparations against it. The places the Yun Prince discovered had long since been moved.

The Jing Prince looked at the other's sluggish expression and didn't say anything else.

Seeing this person's apathetic face that hadn't changed in decades, the Yun Prince suddenly burst out laughing, "Alright, alright, alright. As expected, you still make one feel so speechless….."

The two parties outside who were guarded against each other heard the laughter and were all a little at a loss.

Did they come to a happy agreement?

"Fine, fine. Let's get to the main topic. I have some idea of what you've been doing in the Jing Province. You've made some big moves."

The Jing Prince wasn't surprised by these words. Since the Yun Prince had sent people over, it meant that those places weren't hidden from him. Of course, he hadn't discovered anything concrete, or perhaps the Yun Prince never had the intention to do so. This was also why the Jing Prince hadn't killed those spies.

"You should be keeping an eye on the crown prince and the Jin Prince instead of me."

"I'm not curious about them. I'm curious about you."

These words sounded rather roguish.

"Main point."

"Fine, fine. Anyone can tell what you're up to. This time I'm here because I want to cooperate."

"Cooperate?" The Jing Prince wasn't surprised, but he was curious about what he meant by it, "How do we cooperate?"

"I will give you my utmost support. If you end up succeeding, the Yun Province will still be my vassal state. I will maintain it peacefully. Also, my mother will be sent to me." Speaking to this point, the Yun Prince's face finally turned serious.

The Yun Prince's mother, Attendant Ma, was still within the palace to this day.

Speaking of this woman, she was also a pitiful one. She used to be a palace maid within the palace. Emperor Xi once got intimate with her after getting drunk. There were many girls in the palace who this happened to, but this palace maid surnamed Ma coincidentally managed to get pregnant.

In theory, to be pregnant with the emperor's child was a blessing. However, Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu were struggling fiercely at the time. Even Attendant Li, who was a proper concubine, had been on edge after getting pregnant. There was no need to mention how Palace Maid Ma felt.

She didn't have the ability to keep it secret. After the emperor found out, he conferred her a status so she could give birth properly. The child was born a prince, but a prince whose mother had a lowly background wasn't a threat. Furthermore, the struggle between the empress and the senior concubine had intensified, so they didn't have the time to pay attention to a lowly attendant.

Once things had wrapped up, the fourth prince was already five years old. By the time Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu spared him a glance, they realized he had grown into someone dislikable.

He was fat like a mountain of meat at such a young age, and he was extremely cowardly. He would be scared into hiding at the sound of a raised voice.

They felt that he was even less of a threat now, and they came to a mutual agreement. There had been rumors flying about in court that even the empress and the most favored senior concubine couldn't suppress. Thus they allowed it, and this was also the reason news of Attendant Li giving birth to a fifth prince burst forth later.

Honestly speaking, the Yun Prince and the Jing Prince were both extremely fortunate to have managed to grow up. The Venerated Concubine had gone insane and passed away early. Concubine Ma was demoted to an attendant due to the emperor's anger at the fourth prince's increasingly stupid appearance. She lived secluded within the palace, and her days were spent only slightly better than a servant's.

Princes could leave for their vassal state once they came of age, but they couldn't take their own mother with them.

The Jing Prince didn't speak for a long time after listening to these words. The Yun Prince seemed a little impatient, "You don't have to be afraid of me lying to you. My reputation is bad, but you are different." You're only stigmatized due to your status as a mute, but it's not an obstacle at all.

The Yun Prince didn't say the last part out loud, but both of them understood.

A prince who was known as a stupid, fat coward from a young age, and then got the reputation of being scared of his wife, would never be the one to sit on that seat. The Luo family's ancestors would be turning in their graves. Even if his royal father agreed to it, the civil and military court officials would not.

His reputation was too deeply rooted!

The Yun Prince would sometimes think back and wonder if he hadn't done too good of a job in ruining his image. He was now trapped in an impossible situation. If that wasn't the case, he wouldn't have come to the Jing Prince, and instead would just do it himself despite the difficulties.

The Jing Prince looked faintly at the Yun Prince seated across from him, seemingly trying to see if his thoughts were true or false.

"Why would you bet on me? You might as well bet on the Jin Prince."

These words were spoken from the Jing Prince's heart. After all, didn't the Jin Prince manage to succeed in his past life?

As for the Yun Prince, his outcome was similar to the Jing Prince's. He remembered that when he was placed under house arrest, the Yun Prince had met a similar fate in his past life.

The Yun Prince smiled mockingly, "I haven't forgotten having suffered quite a bit in his hands back at the palace. That grudge will never be forgotten. Furthermore, with his sort of character, he will definitely destroy the bridge after crossing the river."

"Then why would you trust me?"

"You are different from him."

You are different from him.

After leaving the town and getting on his horse, the Jing Prince was still thinking about this.

Just how was he different from the Jin Prince?

He really couldn't figure it out. He had asked the Yun Prince again after, but that person had merely insisted on his words.

The Jing Prince didn't have any reason to doubt the Yun Prince. The two of them grew up under similar circumstances, and understood each other's thoughts. He knew that the Yun Prince was speaking the truth. To put it plainly, they were both trying to survive.

Furthermore, the Yun Prince had shown plenty of good faith…..

No matter what, the chips in his hands had increased a little once again. The Yun Prince was unexpectedly not simple.

The Jing Prince had analyzed his advantages before and felt his chance of success wasn't high. But after adding what the Yun Prince had handed over, he felt several times more confident.

Thinking of that person who was his "fourth older brother", the Jing Prince felt a little at ease.

Actually he was a little envious of him. The Yun Prince still had his mother. Even if he couldn't see her, he could still think about her. He himself didn't have this.

The Jing Prince's only impression of his mother was an unhinged woman who held him tightly while looking at everyone suspiciously….

Luckily he still had Xiao Hua. Thinking of that person back home, he suddenly felt in a rush to get back.

Chengan Town was quite a distance from the Yun Prince Estate. The Yun Prince's group only got back after three days.

As soon as they entered the gates, they felt the jittery atmosphere. The entire front court seemed empty. The estate's general manager Li An brought quite a few people to greet them, and they were shooting glances at him while they walked.

Seeing this, the Yun Prince silently cried out "oh crap" in his heart.

"Where's the consort?" He forced a smile and bid them to rise with his hand.

Li An walked to his side and said respectfully: "The consort is waiting for you in the rear court."

Hearing the word "waiting", the Yun Prince's legs trembled but he let out a booming laugh on the surface: "Since the consort missed this humble prince so much, this humble prince will go see her."

Li An silently thought on the side: Oh yes, she missed you. She missed you to death!

They went all the way back to the Embroidered Cloud Hall. The moment they entered, an unknown object came flying at them. The Yun Prince covered his ear and dodged it at the speed of lightning. Not only did he cut a sorry figure, he even fell flat on his face.

There was a loud bang, and the ground seemed to tremble.

"I'm dying, I'm dying, I can't hold on any longer…." The Yun Prince crawled on the floor hopelessly, acting extremely pitiful.

A girl in red rushed out from the hall. She appeared around twenty years old, her appearance incomparably beautiful. A pair of slanted phoenix eyes contained a hidden chill.

"Such a great Luo Huai Yuan. Have you eaten a leopard's guts? You actually dared go to the Jing Province. Did you not take my words to heart?"

The Yun Prince played dead as he snuck a glance at the hall. He only saw Li An who had come in with him standing on the side with his head lowered, as though he wished he could find a hole to burrow into.

This damn eunuch, he must have sold this prince out.

Li An repeatedly sent glances at the Yun Prince: highness, this servant didn't betray my master for glory. It's just that the consort is also a mistress, and cannot be offended.

"Aiya, my leg, it hurts…."

The round Yun Prince tried his best to hug his leg to elicit some sympathy, but unfortunately he was too fat. His stomach was too large and his hands couldn't reach his leg after trying for a long time.

The Yun Consort Yan Yan wouldn't fall for his act. She pounced over and started pinching and squeezing.

Only after a while of beating and cursing did the Yun Consort let out a "wahh" and start crying.

Those within the hall immediately scattered like birds. Li An remained on the side with his neck shrunken.

"You scared me to death. Vassal princes aren't allowed to leave their vassal states. Those that get caught will have to be escorted back to the capital. Aren't you afraid of dying in the Jing Province?"

The Yun Prince flipped over with difficulty and sat up. He pulled her into his arms and smiled bitterly as he consoled: "It's not as bad as you make it out to be."

"I'm not afraid of the expected, but I'm afraid of the unexpected. Who knows what that Jing Prince is like? What if he was the sort of person to stab you in the back?"

"He isn't as bad as you think."

"How do you know that?!"

He couldn't win against his wife in an argument, so the Yun Prince could only hug his leg and cry out in pain, "Aiyo, my leg is really hurting…"

"It's really hurting?" Yan Yan said doubtfully, teardrops still hanging on her face.

Thinking of the large bang from earlier, she hurriedly got up and called for people to help the Yun Prince up.

"I really don't understand why you have to bet everything on the Jing Prince. Why not the Jin Prince? I feel that he's more capable. Of course, the crown prince is also an option."

The Yun Prince didn't want to explain it to her, and could only use the same old argument, "I have grudges against both of them."

"I always hear you say that, but who knows what kind of grudge you have. Can't you put it aside temporarily?"

The Yun Prince was still smiling but he said: "I can't."

The grudge of being humiliated and the grudge of one's life being threatened would never be forgotten. They couldn't coexist under the same sky!

Yan Yan said restlessly: "Whatever, whatever, I can't convince you. Just do as you please."

"Yan Yan, I knew you still worried about me." The Yun Prince squeezed over and spoke while licking his lips, his fat face rubbing directly against the Yun Consort's charming face.

This rubbing scene was too horrible to endure. Li An directly covered his face.

The Yun consort tried to push him away but wasn't able to, and could only give him a pinch, "Who's worried about you, huh? I'm worried about myself. I'm worried about Niu Niu and Jian'er."

"And me as well."

"Whatever, whatever. At most, us family of four will die together in the end."

Hearing this, the Yun Prince's face turned rigid before resuming his smile.

How could I bear to die now that I have you!?

Author's words:

Matching the fatty with a beauty, forgive this author's maliciousness.

See you tomorrow. Xiao Hua gives birth tomorrow.

109

Madam, this pregnancy is looking good. Luckily the fetus is towards the back, otherwise the stomach will be even larger."

Matron Xu's skill at feeling the fetus was quite good. Every few days she would feel if it was in the correct position.

After coming to the Jing Prince Estate for a few days, she had pretty much figured out the situation. She knew that although Madam Hua's status wasn't high, she was the most important person within the estate. Most commoners would think that the consort and his highness was the married couple, but this Madam Hua and the Jing Prince was actually more like the married couple.

Matron Xu often mingled with rich households, and naturally understood what was good for her. Therefore, whenever she had the chance to appear in front of Xiao Hua these days, she would do her best to curry favor. Matron Xu felt that the limits on how often she could see the madam was imposed by that old women surnamed He. She must be jealous, trying to push her aside after seeing her skills.

She didn't realize that "outsiders" had always been strictly regulated within the Jing Prince estate. There was no need for Eunuch Fu to specially give the orders for the subordinates to act this way. However, Eunuch Fu had still given the orders anyway. After all, it was better to be cautious since this was an important affair.

Xiao Hua could naturally see that Matron Xu was trying to curry favor. This old woman was born with a round face. She was tall and was always smiling as she spoke. Her words were straightforward and clear, and she was dressed very neatly. Overall, she was quite likeable.

"Matron Xu is really skilled. You're able to tell after feeling a couple of times." Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang help her get dressed while she spoke to Matron Xu.

"Thank you for madam's compliment. This woman relies on this to put food on the table. If I didn't have this skill I can't support myself."

Ding Xiang saw Matron Xu's barely concealed pride and spoke with a slight smile: "Then we'll be relying on Matron Xu during our madam's birth. If things go well, our highness will naturally bestow rewards."

"That's a given."

Ding Lan escorted Matron Xu out. Ding Xiang supported Xiao Hua to sit on the kiln and said: "This Matron Xu is an interesting one. She feels that not being able to appear in front of madam often is due to Nana He making things difficult for her."

"But she's also a refreshing person, and doesn't make others hate her. It's inevitable she has some little thoughts. Have Ding Lan find someone to give her a hint, don't let her continue thinking this way. Our Nana He doesn't need to make things difficult for her in front of me." Saying this, Xiao Hua couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes."

Xiao Xia Zi came in and reported that his highness had returned.

Xiao Hua was overjoyed at the unexpected news. She urged Ding Xiang to help her tidy up her hair and put on her shoes.

Before she got off the kiln, the Jing Prince had already come in.

The ten days she hadn't seen him seemed like a lifetime. Especially since she had gotten used to sharing a bed with him. She already had trouble sleeping, and with him gone it had gotten worse. Xiao Hua had really missed him a lot these past few days.

Seeing him return, seeing that familiar apathetic face and gaze, Xiao Hua's eyes couldn't help but turn red.

"Highness…"

"Keep sitting."

After the Jing Prince spoke, he went to take a bath and change. When he reappeared, he was wearing a cyan indoor outfit, his waist-length long hair was draped behind him and still dripping with water. His ink black brows seemed painted on, and his gaze was extremely calm.

Xiao Hua seemed to be in a daze from staring. Only after the Jing Prince sat across from her did she snap out of it. She grabbed a hand towel and wanted to dry his hair for him, but the Jing Prince didn't let her. He had Xiao Xia Zi do it instead.

"I thought you still needed a couple more days before you would be back."

"Things were completed so this humble prince came back."

"Is highness hungry? Want to eat something?"

The Jing Prince shook his head. He usually didn't eat outside of mealtimes.

The servants all left and only the two of them remained. Xiao Hua wanted to cuddle over to the Jing Prince's side, but her stomach was now too big and she wasn't as nimble as before, making it quite difficult for her. Luckily the Jing Prince was more observant than before, and he lifted her over.

Her face was red and she pulled at his hand in embarrassment, "I'm deathly clumsy at the moment."

He stroked her face, "It'll be fine after."

Was he comforting her?

"And I don't look good."

"This humble prince feels you look good."

At these words, the small worry in Xiao Hua's heart completely faded.

How could he not mind it? She transformed from a young girl into a large woman. Her cute little face was no more, her slender body was also gone. Although she had acted normal this whole time, she was actually a little worried in her heart. But these worries were dispelled by the Jing Prince's actions.

These days while he was gone, she would occasionally look at herself in the mirror. She didn't dare believe the person in the mirror was her. Her whole shape had changed.

Nana He had comforted her by saying that everyone looked this way when they were several months pregnant. She could only tell herself that she would be back to normal in the future.

But how could other people's words compare to his. As long as he didn't mind it, then everything was fine.

Xiao Hua mumbled: "Highness is really good."

After dinner, the Jing Prince accompanied Xiao Hua as she exercised before the two of them went to bed.

After they lay down, the two of them chatted randomly. It was mostly Xiao Hua speaking and the Jing Prince listening. What she spoke about were merely little things that happened during her everyday life. Although the Jing Prince didn't reply, he would let out an "en" every now and then to show that he was listening.

It was quite impressive of the Jing Prince to be able to last this long. He had ridden overnight in his hurry to get back, and had long since been tired.

Xiao Hua spoke another few words before seeing that the breathing of the person next to her had become steady. Having slept in the same bed for so long, she was already able to tell when he was fast asleep. Therefore, she stopped talking and closed her own eyes.

In the middle of the night, Xiao Hua awoke.

She was awoken by her hunger.

Recently she got hungry especially quickly, and would want to eat all the time. Unfortunately, her diet had been restricted by Nana He and Matron Xu. Not only was the time restricted, even the menu was restricted. Although Matron Xu liked to compete with Nana He, they were in complete agreement on this matter.

Ding Xiang and the others hadn't given birth before, and thus naturally deferred to those with "experience". Therefore, Xiao Hua could only suffer. Early on, Ding Xiang would still occasionally slip her a pastry. Now, even this benefit was gone.

She grew hungrier the more she thought about it, and thought more about it the hungrier she grew. As her thoughts ran wild, Xiao Hua's tears started flowing.

As the birth approached, the pressure on her was very big. She wasn't a fool, and was naturally able to tell Nana He and the others were worried.

She just didn't want to let them know she realized, and pretended not to understand. She ate when she could, drank when she could and exercised when she had to.

She didn't slack off, didn't cut corners….but sometimes she felt it was very difficult….

She was suddenly embraced, "What's wrong?"

Ever since Xiao Hua had gotten pregnant, a lamp would be left on inside the room. The Jing Prince was woken up by the faint sound of weeping, and saw the person by his side crying by herself.

"I'm hungry."

The Jing Prince heard this and released his hand to lift the curtains, but was pulled back.

"I can't eat."

As these words came out, her heart soured and more tears flowed out. The Jing Prince didn't insist on calling for people, turning around and silently embracing her.

They both understood why she couldn't eat.

The Jing Prince understood as well.

Because he had clarified the situation early on, he understood her suffering. He knew about everything. Watching her pitiful appearance, the Jing Prince felt his heart ache as though someone was ruthlessly crushing it.

"There, there. It'll be over soon."

"En."

After struggling for another while, Xiao Hua no longer felt as unbearably hungry.

"Highness, hurry and sleep. It's all my fault."

Although she said this, after Xiao Hua had fallen asleep, the Jing Prince remained awake. The next day, when Nana He's appointed time arrived, breakfast was already placed in front of Xiao Hua who had just gotten up.

Maybe "mommy brain" was a thing. Seeing the piping hot, seemingly delicious breakfast, Xiao Hua's face instantly lit up.

"Ding Xiang, you've truly, deeply grasped my heart."

Ding Xiang laughed on the side: "Madam, this wasn't arranged by this servant. His highness had arranged it bright and early."

Xiao Hua's astonished gaze landed on the Jing Prince's unperturbed face. His face seemed to have a rare hint of red on it.

She half lowered her head and pretended to busy herself with eating but her eyes were tearing up.

Once Xiao Hua's pregnancy entered the ninth month, everything had been arranged ahead of time.

Apart from Matron Xu, Eunuch Fu had found two more midwives for the delivery. A wet nurse had also been found. All that was left was for the babies to be born and brought into the estate. The delivery room was also being set up.

The western pavilion's eastern wing had been converted to a delivery room. Everything was of the highest quality.

After it was all set up, Matron Xu mentioned some other things that were required. Eunuch Fu asked in detail, and after some discussion they switched the bed in the delivery room.

The Grand Xi Dynasty mostly used framed beds or palanquin beds. This new bed was much lower, and was surrounded by what looked like a stage. It wasn't like a palanquin bed which was enclosed and had a door. The area around the bed was wide open. The bed was surrounded by a set of thick curtains, and several uneven beams were suspended above it.

When Nana He saw this, her expression was filled with doubt.

"What is this?"

She touched the wooden poles suspended above the bed and the various cotton ropes tied to them. The height was uneven. Some could be grabbed when standing up. Others were much lower.

Matron Xu smiled meaningfully, "Madam needs these things for her birth."

"These things are used in giving birth?"

"What, haven't seen it before? At that time you can broaden your experience."

Nana He couldn't help but laugh and say: "Sure."

Matron Xu looked at her in surprise. This old lady was always very opinionated. All her suggestions had been refused one by one. She was clearly supposed to be in charge of the delivery, but had to listen to this old lady from the kitchen. Unexpectedly, things went very smoothly this time.

However, Matron Xu also understood Nana He's background. A nana who had come from the palace, and had served the Jing Prince since he was young. She was quite respected within the estate, so she wouldn't normally be at odds with her.

While she did sometimes feel indignant, Matron Xu still knew who couldn't be offended.

How could Nana He not understand this old lady Xu's thoughts? She said: "As long as it's beneficial for madam's birth, I would never oppose it. In the past I only opposed your ideas that were not suitable for a prince's estate. I believe in your abilities. Therefore, we will be relying on you when the time comes."

Hearing this, Matron Xu immediately smiled, "That's a given."

Seeing that Nana He recognized that she was skilled, the little bit of conflict towards her was put to the back of her mind. The two of them examined the room's various things as they discussed what else would be needed.

Nana He secretly thought that this old woman's heart was too shallow. She had been convinced with the smallest compliment. But the only thing Nana He cared about was that madam gave birth smoothly. They had done all they could, and madam had done all she should. They could only hope for the best.

As the date approached, the entire western pavilion was nervous. Even the Jing Prince rarely busied himself with official affairs these days. He spent most of his time accompanying Xiao Hua in the western pavilion.

"Highness, you really don't have to worry about me. I have Nana He and the rest here to accompany me."

"It's fine. There's no work recently."

"Really?"

The Jing Prince nodded his head. There truly wasn't any work, because he had delegated everything to his subordinates. The estate's affairs had been handed to Eunuch Chang and Mister Huang. The external affairs were allocated to the various departments.

Actually, they weren't the only ones who were worried. He was actually pretty worried as well. Especially since twins were not easy to deliver….

He stroked her hair with one hand as he clenched his other hand tightly into a fist.

110

Xiao hua entered d labor very suddenly. She was awoken in the middle of the night by the pain.

The western pavilion's lamps were immediately all lit, and everyone was running back and forth in preparation.

Eunuch Fu arrived right away, and stood there directing everything. Nana He, Matron Xu, Ding Xiang and the others started preparing for the delivery.

Xiao Hua was first given a wet towel bath, and then a meal. This time Nana He didn't limit how much she could eat.

After eating, she was supported by Ding Xiang and the others over to the eastern wing.

Once they got to the delivery room, Matron Xu first felt the position of the fetus before smiling and saying: 'Very proper. Have two people support madam and walk around for a while."

"She still has to walk?" Chun Cao exclaimed.

"Yes yes yes, walk, walk."

Xiao Hua didn't say anything and had Ding Xiang and Chun Cao support her while she walked in circles around the room.

After fifteen minutes, she sat down to take a rest before continuing to walk. Xiao Hua was already sweating all over from pain. Ding Xiang couldn't help but say to Matron Xu: "She doesn't have to exercise at this point, right? Madam is in a lot of pain."

"Walk some more, it'll be good for the birth." Matron Xu said.

Ding Xiang looked towards Nana He.

"Listen to her." Nana He said.

Hearing Nana He say this, Matron Xu couldn't help but give a satisfied smile. But thinking of this old woman's status, she hurriedly retracted it.

"Madam, you have to bear with it. Suffering more now means suffering less later."

Xiao Hua's face was pale as she nodded. She continued to walk with Ding Xiang's support.

The Jing Prince had been sitting outside ever since Xiao Hua entered the delivery room. Men were not permitted to enter, otherwise he would have long since gone inside to check on the situation. Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi accompanied him, and their faces were grave. Even Doctor Hu was standing by.

Ding Lan came out to report: "Nana He told this servant to come give an update and reassure highness. Madam's fetus is in a very proper position, but she still needs to wait a bit before giving birth."

The Jing Prince nodded his head and Ding Lan went back inside.

Auntie Qi said softly, "Highness shouldn't worry. It's not that fast for a woman to give birth."

The Jing Prince didn't speak but the tea saucer in his hand shattered.

Seeing this, Eunuch Fu hurriedly called someone over to switch it out.

Doctor Hu also comforted on the side: "Highness shouldn't worry. Based on madam's condition, there shouldn't be any issues."

Within the delivery room, Matron Xu asked Xiao Hua how frequent the pain was coming, and then felt the fetus position again.

"Good, good. It's still in the proper spot. The baby's head is also downwards. Walk a little longer, and it'll be easier to give birth."

After walking another fifteen minutes, Xiao Hua was unable to stand steady. She was completely leaning against Ding Lan and the others for support. Only then did Matron Xu allow them to support her over to the bed.

Xiao Hua lay in bed, her body covered in sweat.

Matron Xu instructed Ding Xiang: "Go prepare hot water for madam to clean her body, and help her change into clean clothes."

After wiping her body down, they helped her put on an undershirt and innerwear, leaving her bottom completely bare. After all that, Xiao Hua felt much more comfortable, and the pain was no longer bad enough to affect her breathing.

"Does madam want to eat anything? Eat a little more, otherwise you won't get a chance later." Nana He spoke by Xiao Hua's ear.

Therefore, Xiao Hua was fed a bowl of swallow's nest porridge by Ding Xiang.

The delivery process this time not only broadened Xiao Hua's experience, but also Nana He's as well.

She had only seen babies get delivered while lying down, and had never seen someone doing it while sitting, standing or squatting.

Although the methods were a little strange and seemed quite rough on the person, the effects were also clear. She had estimated that since it was Xiao Hua's first pregnancy, and also since they were twins, it would take at least a day. Unexpectedly, Xiao Hua only took around two hours.

She finally understood why this bed needed to be constructed in such a weird way. Matron Xu's proud expression was also not without any foundation.

"This old women really has some tricks up her sleeves!" Nana He said while wiping off her sweat.

"You said it!"

The first was a baby boy. After the first one came out, the second one came out not fifteen minutes later. It was a baby girl.

They held the babies by their feet, and with a light pat they heard the sound of crying. Matron Xu swiftly soaked them in warm water for a quick cleaning before wrapping them up in a bundle.

"Congratulations madam, it's the birth of a dragon and phoenix." Chun Cao's face was filled with smiles.

Xiao Hua only let out a breath in relief after hearing the babies cry. She finally revealed a weary smile.

Nana He and Matron Xu each carried one and opened the door to report the good news.

"Congratulations highness. Both mother and children are safe and sound. It's a dragon and phoenix pair."

The Jing Prince had already crushed several tea saucers, and seeing the door open he had rushed over.

The pink bundle contained two little faces. They were red and tender, their skin soft as though the slightest pinch would break it. The little faces were wrinkled and their eye bags were swollen. Their small mouths moved subconsciously.

The Jing Prince only took a glance before entering the room.

Nana He said urgently on the side: "Highness, men aren't allowed in the delivery room."

It wasn't clear if the Jing Prince had heard her or not, but his footsteps didn't stop.

"Alright, alright. His highness desperately wants to see the madam." Eunuch Fu stood watching impatiently on the side, "Hurry and let me hold them."

"Scram, the babies are still young and can't be exposed to the elements. Didn't you see that we haven't stepped outside?"

Eunuch Fu impatiently fidgeted before Nana He turned back and said: "Come inside if you want to hold them."

Only then did Eunuch Fu's face wrinkle into a smile before following them inside.

Hearing people come in, Xiao Hua opened her eyes.

"Why is highness in here? You aren't supposed to enter the delivery room."

The Jing Prince stopped her from sitting up, "This humble prince is here to see you."

"I'm very well."

Seeing the Jing Prince like this, the pain from before seemed no longer important. Xiao Hua's pale face let out a sweet smile.

"You sleep for a bit."

Xiao Hua nodded her head, and then said: "I haven't seen the babies yet."

Auntie Qi held one in her arms and the other was held by Nana He. Eunuch Fu was originally holding one, but his holding posture was extremely awful. Auntie Qi scolded him and stole the baby into her arms. Despite this, Eunuch Fu wasn't angry. He followed closely behind, smiling flatteringly.

Xiao Hua received the babies and took a look, before saying: "Why are they so ugly?"

The Jing Prince examined them from the side, and also nodded his head in agreement.

Auntie Qi looked at the two of them who were examining the babies, and hearing these words and seeing the movement, she immediately burst out laughing.

"Madam definitely can't say that. The little master and mistress are the most beautiful out of all the babies this woman has delivered. Look at these eyes and these brows, and the nose-bridge and little mouth. In the future the boy will be handsome and the girl will be beautiful."

Hearing Matron Xu's words, Xiao Hua seemed to feel that these wrinkly little faces whose eyes were partially concealed looked a little better.

She couldn't look at them enough, and her heart was melted by them.

"Which one is the older one?"

"The little master is the older brother. The little mistress is the younger sister."

Nana He opened her mouth and said, "Alright, madam has just finished giving birth and cannot waste her energy like this. She needs to rest properly."

"Madam, eat something before sleeping." Ding Xiang and Ding Lan brought over some easily digestible food.

Xiao Hua looked at the little things in her arms, and then looked at the Jing Prince. Her eyes were filled with reluctance. However, her feeble body was telling her that she needed to rest.

"Has the wet nurse been brought into the estate? Ding Xiang, pay some attention to this."

"Madam you don't have to worry. Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi have arranged it."

Hearing this, Xiao Hua felt relieved. After eating a little, she lay down.

Seeing her fall asleep, the Jing Prince left.

He didn't go far, and instead entered the residence on the side.

Seeing the Jing Prince come in, the four wet nurses knelt.

Eunuch Fu was already in the room. He was standing on the side, watching the swaddled babies. He only watched, and didn't dare touch them with his hand. His body was half bent, and even the Jing Prince felt he looked uncomfortable.

"Highness, look. The little master and mistress are so cute."

The Jing Prince stood on the side. He bent over and looked. He didn't say anything, but there seemed to be some imperceptible waves within his eyes.

"A little ugly."

Eunuch Fu urgently said with a pinched voice: "Not ugly, not ugly. Nana He said that they'll be even better in a few days. Newborn babies all look this way."

This Jing Prince twitched his lips.

"The left one is the little master, the right one is the little mistress."

"Can't tell them apart."

"Actually this old servant isn't able to tell them apart either. However, this old servant was observing when they were put in place. Is madam sleeping? She's really worked hard."

"En."

"Really great. Really great." Eunuch Fu wiped away his tears as he smiled.

The two of them watched for a long time, and also said many things. It was mostly Eunuch Fu doing the talking while the Jing Prince watched silently.

The wet nurses kept their heads lowered, and only dared to perk up their ears and listen.

It was already nighttime when Xiao Hua awoke.

Ding Xiang and Chun Cao brought her some easily digestible food. Xiao Hua looked around and asked: "Where are the babies?"

Ding Xiang answered: "In the side residence. The wet nurses are watching over them."

"Let me see them."

Ding Xiang and Ding Lan carried the babies over. The two crimson little bundles were around a foot long. Matron Xu and Nana He also followed them over.

Xiao Hua received and carefully held them. They still looked the same as before, their eyes closed in sleep, their little faces red and wrinkly.

"When do they get better looking? They're so ugly."

Matron Xu smiled and said: "Newborn babies all look like this. After ten days they'll be fine."

Nana He showed Xiao Hua how to hold the babies. Xiao Hua held the bundles in her arms and couldn't get enough of them.

"Aiya, they're a little too small. Why are they so small? They're tiny."

Xiao Hua didn't mean anything by her words, but Nana He and Matron Xu exchanged a glance.

"All newborn babies are this way. They'll be fine after a few days." Matron Xu's voice was clearly a little off. What was supposed to be an explanation clearly sounded a little weird.

Nana He frowned. This old woman didn't even know how to lie properly.

Xiao Hua didn't say anything, but after observing the situation she felt things were abnormal.

She had seen newborn babies before, and still felt that her own looked a little off. After repeatedly looking them over, Xiao Hua's face turned more and more grave.

"Madam…."

"Ding Xiang, help me unravel these bundles."

Seeing Xiao Hua's appearance, Nana He sighed and came to personally unravel them.

"Madam, newborn babies cannot catch a chill. It's fine if you just take a glance."

Once the bundles were opened up, Xiao Hua carefully took a look. It wasn't as clear when they were wrapped up, but now she could see the babies were extremely small. They were wrinkled all over and bright red. She estimated that they were only a foot long.

She looked at one, then at the other one. Xiao Hua's face was pale and her lips trembled as she said: "Why are they so small? Even though newborn babies are small, they wouldn't be this small." They were so small that she didn't dare touch them.

"Is there something wrong with them? How can it be this way?"

Her tears couldn't help but start flowing, her voice a little mournful.

The two sleeping babies seemed to have been awakened, and started crying as well. Their cries were very delicate.

"What's wrong?"

The Jing Prince came in. He saw Xiao Hua's pale face and panicked look, and hurried over to pull her into his arms.

"Don't cry. Why?"

Xiao Hua was focused on crying and didn't say anything. The Jing Prince looked around at the others.

Everyone was kneeling on the floor. Nana He and the Jing Prince went over to stand with Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi.

"Highness, madam is upset that the little master and mistress's bodies are too small."

"Small?"

At this point, Nana He didn't dare hide anything. "Yes, a little small. Although normal babies are small, they wouldn't be as small as the little master and mistress. But this couldn't be helped since they were twins after all."

"What about their health? Will there be problems?" Xiao Hua asked urgently.

"This servant and Matron Xu have examined them already. There shouldn't be any problems. It's just—" Nana He gritted her teeth as her eyes flashed, before forcing herself to say: "It's just that their bodies will be weaker than other babies."

It wasn't easy to raise babies. This was known by everyone. If these babies were even weaker than normal, then it was even more of a concern.

Hearing this, the Jing Prince's face changed on the spot. Eunuch Fu was the same. Xiao Hua also revealed an anxious expression.

Auntie Qi said to Ding Xiang in a panic: "Go invite Doctor Hu over."

Ding Xiang left to find Doctor Hu.

Nana He continued to explain on this side: "Madam was pregnant with twins, and she herself was also young. Her hipbones were too narrow, so the fetus couldn't be allowed to grow too big. If it grew too big, it would be hard to give birth and the survival of the babies would have still been in question. That's why this servant could only restrict the food intake…."

Currently, the birthing issue was already over. However, the babies were inevitably smaller and their bodies would be weaker.

"Everyone rise."

The Jing Prince wasn't someone who would take his anger out on his servants. He also understood the reasoning behind this situation.

Doctor Hu walked in. Auntie Qi summarized the situation for him. The room was scarily quiet, and everyone's expressions were not too good.

Nana He unraveled the bundles. Doctor Hu carefully examined the situation before saying: "It's not that big of a problem. Their bodies are just a little weaker, and they need to be raised a little more carefully."

"Highness, madam, no need to worry. This old servant will definitely keep a close eye on those wet nurses and have them carefully raise them. We definitely won't let the little master and mistress come to harm."

This was all they could do at the moment. Xiao Hua refused to believe that they weren't able to properly raise these two pocket-sized babies in an environment like the Jing Prince Estate.

She wiped her tears away and forced a smile, "Ding Xiang, have someone watch them as well. We must have the wet nurses care for them properly."

"Madam—"

Matron Xu who was standing on the side suddenly spoke.

Author's words:

Definitely won't bully the male and female leads. See, it wasn't a difficult birth. We'll have the two babies torment the Jing Prince a little before things turn around for the better. For the sake of not making Xiao Hua's birth difficult, yet also making it realistic, this author spent a lot of effort.

Xiao Hua is young after all, and isn't suited to give birth. Her birthing bones hadn't grown yet. And it's also twins. There wasn't anything to rely on in ancient times, and deliveries are all done naturally. Therefore, it was necessary to exercise more and restrict the food intake to avoid the fetus from getting too big.

Actually, most babies were delivered using the "standing" delivery method in ancient times. This author only knew about it after researching. It's not like in those dramas where the woman is lying flat and yelling her head off.

Didn't dare to go into detail about Xiao Hua squatting there giving birth. Was afraid you guys would punch me.