jdhmnovel Chapter 306 Pregnancy Part 2
Chapter 306 Pregnancy Part 2
In the springtime, the Nanzhao Royal Palace is filled with intoxicating fragrance. In the Imperial Garden, cherry blossoms fall like snowflakes, and the delicate crabapple blossoms, set against the backdrop of verdant leaves, create a dreamlike and enchanting scene. In this season of blooming flowers, the abdicated Emperor Emeritus Xiao Jingchuan and the current Emperor Xiao Han are playing chess in a secluded pavilion.
On the chessboard, black and white pieces crisscrossed, like thousands of troops facing off on a battlefield. Xiao Jingchuan picked up a black piece and gently placed it down, breaking the brief silence: "Han'er, how have things been going with handling state affairs lately?"
Xiao Han frowned slightly, pondering the chess game, and slowly said, "Father, everything is fine. However, recently there have been differing opinions and heated debates in the court regarding the repair of water conservancy projects in Jiangnan."
Xiao Jingchuan gazed intently at the chessboard, his eyes deep, and said earnestly, "Jiangnan is the prosperous land of our Nanzhao Kingdom. Water conservancy is crucial to people's livelihood and must not be taken lightly. You must listen to advice widely, weigh the pros and cons, and make the most appropriate decision."
Xiao Han nodded in agreement: "Your subject understands. By the way, Father, I have heard that Jiangnan is at its most beautiful at this time of year, with peach blossoms and willows in full bloom, a truly breathtaking sight. I would like to take Wanqing to Jiangnan for a trip, firstly to inspect the water conservancy projects, and secondly to relax. Father and Mother may also come along, so that our family can enjoy some quality time together."
A flicker of interest crossed Xiao Jingchuan's eyes. He turned to look at the flowers swaying in the breeze outside the pavilion, lost in thought. After a long while, he nodded slightly: "Han'er, that's a good idea. Your mother and I haven't left the palace in a long time. It's a good opportunity to go to Jiangnan and experience its customs and culture."
Having reached an agreement, the two returned to their respective palaces to inform their wives. Xiao Jingchuan returned to his bedchamber, where Gu Liuli was pruning flowers by the window. Sunlight shone on her, as if draping her in a golden veil.
"Liuli, I have good news for you."
Xiao Jingchuan walked to Gu Liuli's side and said with a smile, "Han'er suggests that our two families travel to Jiangnan together and take the opportunity to inspect the water conservancy projects there. What do you think?"
A look of surprise flashed in Gu Liuli's eyes as she put down the scissors in her hand: "Really? I've always wanted to go to Jiangnan to see the beautiful scenery of 'the sunrise over the river is redder than fire, and the spring river is greener than blue.' It would be wonderful if I could go with my family now."
Meanwhile, Xiao Han returned to the Jiaofang Palace. Lin Wanqing was sitting at her desk, reading a book about the customs and culture of Jiangnan. Seeing Xiao Han enter, she rose to greet him: "Your Majesty, how did the court affairs go today?"
Xiao Han stepped forward and took Lin Wanqing's hand: "Wanqing, everything is fine. I have good news to tell you. I plan to take you to Jiangnan to inspect the water conservancy projects. Moreover, Father and Mother will also be going."
Lin Wanqing's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes filled with anticipation: "I would be more than happy to go to Jiangnan with Your Majesty. I've heard that Jiangnan is picturesque, and has many unique delicacies and handicrafts. I've long wanted to see it for myself."
A few days later, preparations for the trip were complete. A grand procession set off from the palace, heading towards Jiangnan. Along the way, the weather was fine and the spring sunshine was bright. On both sides of the road, the wheat seedlings were green and the rapeseed flowers were golden, like a golden sea.
After several days of travel, the group finally arrived in Jiangnan. The spring scenery of Jiangnan was even more enchanting than they had imagined. The lake water was crystal clear, shimmering in the sunlight. The willows on the banks drooped their tender green branches, swaying gently in the breeze, like a group of green-clad fairies dancing gracefully. In the distance, the mountains stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting.
The group first arrived at a water conservancy project site. Xiao Han and Xiao Jingchuan carefully inspected the progress of the project, exchanged views with local officials and craftsmen, and learned about the problems encountered and their solutions. Gu Liuli and Lin Wanqing listened attentively, occasionally offering their own insights.
After the inspection, the group arrived at a waterfront restaurant. The restaurant was elegantly decorated in a classic style. Outside the windows, the lake rippled gently, and occasionally, painted boats would glide by. The group savored the specialties of Jiangnan, such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar's Chicken, praising them highly.
"The delicacies of Jiangnan are indeed well-deserved; they are delicious and leave a lasting impression."
Gu Liuli picked up a piece of West Lake Vinegar Fish, put it in her mouth, and said with a smile.
Lin Wanqing nodded in agreement: "Yes, the food here is not only delicious, but also exquisitely presented, like works of art."
After the meal, everyone took a boat trip on West Lake.
On the lake, a gentle breeze caresses the face, carrying the fragrance of flowers.
The Leifeng Pagoda in the distance looked particularly magnificent in the afterglow of the setting sun.
The legend of Lady White Snake and Xu Xian seems to echo in my ears.
"I never imagined that the scenery in Jiangnan would be so enchanting; it's truly captivating." Xiao Jingchuan exclaimed, gazing at the beautiful scenery before him.
Xiao Han smiled and said, "Father, this trip not only allowed us to inspect water conservancy projects, but also let us appreciate the beautiful scenery and culture of Jiangnan. In the future, we should take more opportunities to travel around."
Gu Liuli and Lin Wanqing also expressed their agreement.
The last rays of the setting sun gradually faded from the lake, replaced by a bright, clear moon. Moonlight spilled across the water, as if draping West Lake in a silver veil, creating a dreamlike scene. Inside the painted boat, candlelight flickered, and the guests remained immersed in the beauty and delicious food of Jiangnan, enthusiastically discussing their day's experiences.
"The scenery of West Lake is breathtaking during the day, but I never expected it to have such a unique charm at night." Lin Wanqing leaned against the window, gazing at the shimmering lake surface, and sighed softly.
Gu Liuli walked to her side and said with a smile, "Yes, the nights in Jiangnan are always so enchanting. By the way, I heard there is a Lingyin Temple nearby, which is very popular with worshippers. Why don't we go there to pray for blessings tomorrow?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. The next morning, as dawn broke, the group set off for Lingyin Temple. Nestled among the mountains and forests, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and shrouded in mist, Lingyin Temple resembled a fairyland. Inside, incense smoke curled and chanting filled the air, instantly creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Han devoutly offered incense and prayed before the Buddha statue, wishing for favorable weather and peace for the Nanzhao Kingdom. Gu Liuli and Lin Wanqing silently prayed beside them, hoping for their family's safety, health, and happiness.
After leaving Lingyin Temple, the group strolled along the mountain path. Wildflowers bloomed in vibrant colors along the way, and butterflies fluttered among them. The air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, making everyone feel exceptionally relaxed.
"I never imagined that the scenery around Lingyin Temple would be so enchanting," Xiao Jingchuan exclaimed, taking a deep breath.
“Father, the scenery in Jiangnan is beautiful everywhere. I’ve heard that there’s a tea garden not far away that produces the famous Longjing tea. Why don’t we go and take a look?” Xiao Han suggested.
The group happily headed to the tea plantation. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of tea bushes stretching across the hillsides, resembling a green ocean. The tea farmers were busily picking tea leaves, their faces beaming with the joy of a bountiful harvest.
"Welcome to the tea garden, everyone!" A warm tea farmer greeted us. "I am a tea farmer here, and you are welcome to visit freely. If you are interested, you can even experience the fun of tea picking yourself."
Led by the tea farmer, the group entered the tea garden. Gu Liuli and Lin Wanqing enthusiastically picked tea leaves, experiencing the joy of labor. Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Han chatted with the tea farmer, learning about the planting and processing of tea.
"The picking of Longjing tea is meticulous, and the processing is also very complex. From picking to the finished product, it requires many steps," the tea farmer explained while demonstrating.
After the tour, the tea farmers invited everyone to the tea room for a tea tasting. Steaming hot Longjing tea was served, its fragrant aroma intoxicating. Everyone savored the delicious tea, experiencing the unique charm of Jiangnan tea culture.
After leaving the tea plantation, the group arrived at an ancient town in Jiangnan. Built along the water, the town features white walls and black tiles, with winding stone paths, exuding a rich historical atmosphere. Shops line both sides of the street, displaying a dazzling array of handicrafts.
Lin Wanqing was drawn to an embroidery shop. Stepping inside, she was greeted by a series of exquisite embroidery works. The flowers, birds, fish, and insects depicted on the embroidered pieces were so lifelike that they seemed to come alive.
"These embroideries are so beautiful!" Lin Wanqing exclaimed. "I never imagined that the embroidery craftsmanship in Jiangnan was so exquisite."
The shop owner smiled and introduced, "This is Suzhou embroidery, a traditional embroidery technique from the Jiangnan region with a history of over two thousand years. Each piece embodies the hard work and wisdom of the embroiderers."
Lin Wanqing chose an embroidered handkerchief as a souvenir. Afterwards, the group visited the ancient town's winery and oil-paper umbrella shop, appreciating the charm of traditional Jiangnan handicrafts.
As night falls, the ancient town is illuminated, and the boats on the river are brightly lit, like twinkling stars. People dine at riverside restaurants, enjoying the town's local delicacies and the beautiful night view.
"My trip to Jiangnan these past few days has given me a deeper understanding of the region. It not only boasts beautiful natural scenery but also a rich cultural heritage," Xiao Jingchuan remarked.
Xiao Han nodded in agreement: "Yes, the prosperity and culture of Jiangnan are worth learning from. When we return, we can apply some of Jiangnan's advanced experiences to the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom."
Gu Liuli and Lin Wanqing both agreed. Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, the group concluded their day's itinerary. Over the next few days, they visited other famous historical sites in Jiangnan, sampled more local delicacies, and experienced the rich and diverse folk culture.
As the day of departure drew closer, everyone felt a pang of reluctance. On the last day of their trip, the group returned to West Lake, quietly appreciating its picturesque beauty.
"This trip to Jiangnan was the most unforgettable experience of my life," Lin Wanqing said, tears welling in her eyes. "I hope we will have the opportunity to come again in the future."
Xiao Jingchuan patted her shoulder: "We definitely will. Let's go out and travel together again next time we have the chance."
Springtime in the Nanzhao Kingdom always brings a unique vitality and hope. The morning sun filters through the carved wooden window lattices, gently illuminating the golden bricks of the Jiaofang Palace, draping the entire palace in a hazy golden veil. Lin Wanqing, dressed in a light pink palace gown, slowly walks towards the courtyard, supported by her maids. A gentle breeze stirs, and the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard flutter down like a pink snowflake, their rich fragrance filling the air.
On this beautiful spring day, Lin Wanqing suddenly felt extremely unwell. Her stomach churned, and waves of dry heaving made her face grow increasingly pale. Seeing this, the maid beside her panicked instantly, her voice trembling as she said, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Quickly, fetch the imperial physician!"
The news arrived like a thunderclap in spring, quickly reaching Xiao Nanyi's ears. He was handling state affairs in his study when he heard the news; immediately he put down his vermilion brush, his dragon robes billowing, and strode towards the Jiaofang Palace. Entering the palace, he rushed to Lin Wanqing's side, grasped her hand tightly, and asked with concern in his eyes, "Wanqing, what happened? Hasn't the imperial physician arrived yet?"
Lin Wanqing smiled weakly, trying to comfort Nan Yi: "Your Majesty, I'm fine. I just ate something bad. I'll be alright after a rest." Before she could finish speaking, she retched again.
Before long, the imperial physician arrived in haste. His expression was solemn as he carefully took Lin Wanqing's pulse. His fingers lingered on her wrist for a moment, then a joyful smile instantly bloomed on his face. He knelt down and loudly congratulated her, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is pregnant!"
Xiao Nanyi was taken aback at first, then his face lit up with uncontrollable joy, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He gently embraced Lin Wanqing, his voice trembling slightly, "Wanqing, we're going to have a child!" Lin Wanqing's cheeks flushed, tears glistening in her eyes, and she nodded gently, immersed in this sudden happiness.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the palace. Empress Dowager Gu Liuli was overjoyed upon hearing it and immediately rushed to Jiaofang Palace with carefully prepared tonics. She held Lin Wanqing's hand tightly, her eyes full of love: "Li'er, you must take good care of yourself and the baby in your belly. If you need anything, just tell your mother."
The retired Emperor Xiao Jingchuan also personally visited the Jiaofang Palace, a gratified smile on his face: "Nan Yi'er, Wan Qing, this is a great joy for the Nanzhao Kingdom. I hope this child will grow up healthy and become a pillar of the nation in the future."
To allow Lin Wanqing to focus on her pregnancy, Xiao Nanyi decreed that Empress Dowager Gu Liuli would temporarily manage all affairs of the inner palace, relieving Lin Wanqing of worries. Every day after court, he would rush to the Jiaofang Palace to be by Lin Wanqing's side. Sometimes, he would personally prepare nourishing soups for her. Although his skills were clumsy and the soups didn't look very appealing, Lin Wanqing always drank them with relish, because she felt Xiao Nanyi's deep love.
As her pregnancy progressed, Lin Wanqing's body became increasingly heavy, and her movements became extremely difficult. However, she still insisted on taking a daily walk in the courtyard to breathe fresh air. Xiao Han, worried she might fall, always personally supported her, step by step, carefully. The warm spring sun shone on the two of them, creating a heartwarming scene.
However, the pregnancy was not without its challenges. In the second trimester, Lin Wanqing suddenly caught a cold and developed a high fever. Upon hearing the news, Emperor Xiao was extremely anxious and immediately summoned all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital for a consultation. The physicians, their expressions grave, bustled about the hall, working diligently. After a thorough examination and treatment, they finally stabilized Lin Wanqing's condition.
During Lin Wanqing's convalescence, Xiao Nanyi stayed by her side day and night, never taking his leave. He personally prepared her medicine and fed it to her spoonful by spoonful; he told her interesting stories from the court to cheer her up; he gently stroked her forehead to cool her fever. Under Xiao Nanyi's meticulous care, Lin Wanqing's condition gradually improved.
Before she knew it, the day of delivery arrived. Inside the Jiaofang Palace, the atmosphere was tense and solemn. Midwives and palace maids bustled in and out, their foreheads dripping with sweat. Xiao Nanyi paced anxiously outside the palace, frequently inquiring about the situation inside, his hands clenching unconsciously until his nails almost dug into his palms.
"Your Majesty, the Empress's baby is in an abnormal position, and the delivery may be dangerous," the midwife reported hurriedly, her forehead covered in sweat.
Xiao Nanyi's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he said in a trembling voice, "You must do everything in your power to ensure the safety of the Empress and the child! If anything goes wrong, I will hold you all accountable!"
Inside the palace, Lin Wanqing gritted her teeth, enduring excruciating pain. She held only one unwavering belief: she must give birth safely and not worry Xiao Han. Under the midwife's guidance, she exerted all her strength in a desperate battle against fate.
Finally, a loud cry broke the tense atmosphere. "It's born! It's born! It's a prince!" The midwife held the baby, weeping with joy, her face beaming with a relieved smile.
Xiao Nanyi let out a long sigh, his eyes glistening with tears of emotion. He strode into the hall and saw the weakened Lin Wanqing, his heart aching. He walked to the bedside, gently took Lin Wanqing's hand, and said in a choked voice, "Wanqing, you've suffered so much."
Lin Wanqing smiled weakly, her eyes filled with happiness: "Your Majesty, our child has been born safely, it was all worth it."
The palace maid brought the child to Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing. Seeing the child's rosy cheeks and waving little fists, Nanyi and Lin Wanqing both smiled happily.