Her implication was clear: he had caused this.
So it wouldn't happen on its own.
Lu Jingzhe's ears felt warm, but his face remained expressionless: "You didn't inform me in advance."
She kept everything to herself, all the various changes that occur during pregnancy. She never spoke of them, otherwise he wouldn't have allowed her to become pregnant in the first place.
But how could Chu Yin bring up such a topic like milk leakage on her own initiative? Pressing her lips together, she said, "I'm telling Your Majesty now. Please refrain from touching next time."
Lu Jingzhe didn't agree outright: "I will be mindful of the extent."
His tone was serious, but the content was enough to make one blush.
Chu Yin didn't want to ponder over what "extent" meant and turned to pick up a book nearby, pretending to read.
Her hair was disheveled, with a few strands falling beside her peach-tinted cheeks, adding a touch of languor. Her curled eyelashes fluttered, betraying her distraction.
His thoughts, previously disrupted by her fervor, had now settled. Observing her, he pondered over her reaction to the coronation ceremony news, still filled with doubt: What really mattered to Chu Yin? He genuinely didn't know.
Perhaps he shouldn't overthink it. If he yearned too much for Chu Yin's response, he might become like his mother, prone to losing control.
This was what he had been avoiding since he became sensible.
He could allow himself to feel affection, but he needed to remain composed.
Of course, this composure referred to his emotions, not his body. Glancing at his wife's exposed, slender and fair neck, he leaned down to kiss it.
Chu Yin's skin immediately goosebumped.
She had thought that after what just happened, he would stop, but to her surprise, he continued...
The book slipped from her fingers, falling to the ground.
His movements were gentle yet deliberate: "This should be fine, right?"
"......"
"Why aren't you speaking? Isn't it not leaking?"
His breath on her ear was hot and steamy, making her tremble.
"Don't ask me..."
It was so embarrassing; how could she possibly respond?
"What will happen after the child is born?"
"......"
Seeing his wife's cheeks flush red, he found a certain joy in it: "If I don't ask you, how can I know if it's right, how can I understand you... Ah Yin, is this okay?" His voice was husky and teasingly bad.
Her eyelashes fluttered wildly, and after a moment, she said, "If you keep this up, my stomach will start to hurt..."
He finally stopped, silent but still active.
The already crumpled garment was cast aside on the floor, drying quickly in the warm winter chamber.
...............
This year, the Empress Dowager decided to spend New Year's Eve in the Eastern Palace.
With her daughter-in-law due to give birth in just over a month, she was afraid of any mishaps with Chu Yin and didn't want her to risk the journey to the Ci'an Palace.
Therefore, on this day, six additional palace lanterns were lit in the Eastern Palace, while the other halls remained shrouded in darkness.
Sitting at the banquet table, Lu Zhu looked around: "Mother, why isn't Third Uncle here? He was here last year."
Due to their shared interest in paper folding, he had grown closer to Lu Jingrui.
"Third Uncle is in mourning; it's not appropriate for him to leave the palace," Chu Yin explained.
Their ability to celebrate together was also because Lu Jingzhe was not in mourning, and as his wife, she was exempt as well.
Lu Zhu tilted his head, not quite understanding the concept of "mourning," but looked at his father: "How long before we can see Third Uncle again?"
"One to two years."
Listening to this, Lu Zhu felt it was a long wait. He wanted to ask more, but seeing his father's reluctance to answer, he closed his mouth.
However, his son mentioning his third uncle prompted Lu Jingzhe to speak to his mother: "Third brother's injury has greatly improved; he can now write and fold paper."
The Empress Dowager was astonished: "When did he get treated? Who treated him?"
"Last year, Ah Yin persuaded him to seek treatment from Physician Ma."
Why hadn't anyone told her before? The Empress Dowager was puzzled yet relieved.
She had always carried guilt, thinking she ruined Lu Jingrui's life. Who would have thought a decade-old injury could still be healed? Grasping Chu Yin's hand, she said, "How did you think of getting Jingrui treated? I'm so grateful for you. I thought... Is Physician Ma's medical skill that miraculous? I had consulted many renowned doctors in Qingzhou for him, but none could help!"
Chu Yin vaguely replied, "I felt Third Brother shouldn't give up, so I encouraged him. As for Physician Ma's skill, I was also surprised. Logically, such a quick improvement shouldn't have happened, considering it's been so many years."
"As long as he's healed," the Empress Dowager joyfully drank her wine, "Jingrui should have told me too!"
He hadn't informed him either. If not for Chu Yin's initiative, he would have been clueless. Lu Jingzhe glanced at his wife, her affection and concern for his third brother indeed resembling the saying, 'elder sister-in-law is like a mother'.
"Ah Yin, eat more," the Empress Dowager then turned her attention to her daughter-in-law, "You're not overweight; you can afford to gain some more weight for more strength."
Giving birth requires one's own effort.
Chu Yin nodded: "Alright."
Hearing the word "strength," Lu Jingzhe's heart skipped a beat.
He was completely ignorant about childbirth, but from what he understood from Physician Liu, it wasn't something that guaranteed smooth sailing.
He wondered if Chu Yin would be able to handle it...
Suddenly, the sound of firecrackers erupted in the distance, wave after wave, as households celebrated the New Year.
Lu Jingzhe had some set off too, though it was less lively than last year, which had fireworks.
The two children vaguely knew it must be related to the passing of their great-grandfather and didn't ask.
After the Empress Dowager left, Lu Jingzhe squeezed his wife's arm: "Is your strength greater or lesser than before? You used to be able to shoot arrows with a bow."
"I don't know," Chu Yin was puzzled, "Why does Your Majesty ask this?"
"Giving birth requires strength, right? Mother just mentioned it."
"...Then I should be sufficiently strong." Her health was better now than when she was in Qingzhou, where she had given birth to twins. This single child should be easier. Besides, Physician Liu often checked her pulse; both she and the baby were doing well.
Lu Jingzhe was still unsure: "Do you want to try pulling a bow to see?"
"......"
The suggestion was a bit odd, but Chu Yin knew he was concerned. After thinking, she replied, "Alright."
Lu Jingzhe instructed the maids to bring the bow and protective gear he had given to Chu Yin.
He carefully helped her strap on the armguard and handguard, then assisted her in putting on the thumb ring.
The actions, though long unused, were done gently.
She looked up at him, "Are you very worried about my labor not going smoothly?"
He paused: "Yes."
He made no attempt to hide it.
Chu Yin placed her palm over the back of his hand: "I shouldn't have any problems."
"Shouldn't?"
"I won't have problems," even if she did, it should only happen the year after next, like in her previous life. She hoped she wouldn't be so unlucky as to face it earlier. Chu Yin clenched her hand into a fist, "I definitely won't have problems."
"Try pulling the bow first," he said.
Chu Yin took a deep breath, grasped the bowstring, and slowly pulled it back.
She easily drew the bow.
"See?" She smiled triumphantly.
Her strength in this area hadn't diminished; Lu Jingzhe felt somewhat relieved.
As a maid came to collect the bow and other items, Chu Yin kept the thumb ring: "I'll wear it from today on and even during labor, like having Your Majesty by my side. Is that alright?"
How could he possibly object?
"Okay."
He leaned down to gently kiss her lips, feeling joy in his heart.
Chu Yin said, "You should wear yours too."
Aren't they a matching pair?
"Hmm," he agreed.
The next morning, Chu Yin looked at his fingers, but he wasn't wearing it.
She wasn't sure if he had forgotten or was just too busy.
Chu Yin deliberately waved her hand in front of his eyes several times.
Lu Jingzhe had already instructed Dong Ling to fetch it, but seeing her act this way, he didn't rush to put it on.
It wasn't until she pouted her lips several times, nearly unable to contain herself, that he had Dong Ling bring it out.
"Help me put it on."
Chu Yin playfully hit him: "So His Majesty was doing this on purpose."
He didn't deny it.
Her anxious appearance was quite adorable.
It showed she cared about him to some extent.
"What would you do if I never wore it?"
As she put the ring on his finger, she said, "Then I wouldn't wear mine either, never again."
Her words were spoken with playful petulance, but they also revealed a hint of her feelings.
He pondered over her statement, twirling the ring on his thumb.
Knowing about Lu Jingrui's improved condition, the Empress Dowager personally visited the Hongyi Hall.
It was customary for the younger generation to visit their elders for the New Year, and since he was in mourning and couldn't leave, he hadn't expected her to come.
Lu Jingrui hurriedly paid his respects, "My unfilial behavior has troubled you to come here, Mother."
"Get up," the Empress Dowager instructed Chen Momo to help him, "Jingrui, I'm so happy. I heard yesterday about your recovery from Physician Ma. I was so excited last night I could hardly sleep... Jingrui, are you really better?"
Seeing her joy, Lu Jingrui felt a mix of emotions.
His injury as a child seemed severe mainly due to his youth, the amount of blood, and his pretense. People believed it was crippling, but due to his young age and growth, he actually recovered quickly.
Receiving care from his stepmother and elder brother, he continued the deception to maintain their protection and sympathy.
As for guilt, it's hard for anyone to be completely unfeeling. He felt guilty, but seeing his elder brother burdened as the crown prince from birth, while he himself was despised by his father and disliked by his mother, his guilt diminished in comparison.
He got used to exploiting their concern, until he realized there was someone who cared for him selflessly, not out of guilt or pity, but with the genuine wish for him to be healthy. Only then did he want to break free from this pretense.
Seeing his stepmother's joy, he suddenly felt a sense of relief.
It was good like this; he didn't need to pretend anymore.
"Mother, it's true. My injury has indeed improved significantly. In a little while, I might be able to relearn horseback riding and archery."
"Wonderful, wonderful! I'm so happy!" The Empress Dowager's eyes welled up with tears. "Jingrui, as long as you are healthy, I have no regrets in this life!"
"You shouldn't say that; it wasn't your fault what happened back then."
"No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have taken you out that day. It was my lack of foresight," the Empress Dowager sighed deeply, "You've suffered for so many years because of that. You were always..." She dabbed at the corner of her eyes.
"Please don't blame yourself. I am well now, aren't I? From now on, let's not bring up the past," he walked to her side and knelt down, "It pains me too when you mention it, and you've suffered over these years as well."
It was indeed time to let it go.
The Empress Dowager placed her hand on his shoulder: "Alright, I'll listen to you. We won't talk about it. Let's look forward... After your mourning period next year, I'll find a good match for you. Oh, and we must have Jingzhe grant you a title and a fief, just like your second brother."
Like Second Brother?
He wondered if Second Brother would be sent away by Elder Brother to govern a fief.
But from their stepmother's attitude, he definitely wouldn't be sent away from the capital.
Lu Jingrui smiled, "Thank you, Mother."
After the Lantern Festival, the day of Chu Yin's childbirth was drawing near.
According to the imperial physicians' predictions, Chu Yin was expected to go into labor before January 10th. Therefore, after January 5th, Lu Jingzhe stopped attending morning court. If there were state affairs to discuss, he would summon officials to Qianqing Palace.
One day, while reviewing memorials, he heard that Chu Yin seemed to be in labor and hurried to the Eastern Palace.
It turned out to be a false alarm.
Her abdomen had only pained briefly before calming down again.
So they waited until January 10th.
Lu Jingzhe thought she would give birth that day and didn't go to Qianqing Palace in the morning.
It turned out to be another long wait in vain.
The little rascal!
He couldn't help but curse under his breath. The child had caused so much commotion earlier but now seemed reluctant to make an appearance.
Chu Yin suggested, "Perhaps Your Majesty should resume attending the morning court... The exact time of delivery is uncertain, and a delay of a few days is quite normal."
Lu Jingzhe rubbed his brow, "Are you feeling any discomfort?"
"No," Chu Yin replied with a smile. "The side hall is full of imperial physicians, midwives, and healers. Your Majesty need not worry." She felt that her current condition was no different from when she carried the twins, so she wasn't overly anxious.
Of course, it wasn't possible to say she wasn't afraid at all.
But the child was already ten months along; what use was fear now? She had to give birth.
"Alright, I'll heed your advice. But you must send word immediately if anything happens."
She agreed.
The next day, Lu Jingzhe went to the morning court.
Due to previous cancellations, there was a backlog of issues, and the court session lasted longer than usual, ending only around the hour of Si.
Just as he returned to Qianqing Palace, he heard that Chu Yin had gone into labor and hurriedly rushed back to the Eastern Palace.
Chu Yin had been moved to a side hall.
She was dressed in plain white garments, prepared for childbirth.
"How are you feeling? Has it been painful all this time?" he asked, taking her hand.
Seeing his ring, she smiled faintly: "It hurts, but seeing Your Majesty eases it somewhat."
His heart ached and swelled with sweetness at that moment.
Watching her slightly damp forehead, he felt a surge of emotions but swallowed his words, fearing they might instill fear in Chu Yin.
Gently kissing her forehead, he reassured her, "I'll be right outside. Don't be afraid."
The sunlight streaming into the hall intertwined with the man's eyes, creating a bright and tender gaze. She couldn't help but tighten her grip on his fingers.
The two children, sensing the unusual atmosphere, clung to their father's robe, one on each side: "Daddy, is Mommy giving birth? Why does she look sick? Why are there so many people here?" They were confused.
Lu Jingzhe wanted to explain but wasn't sure how.
The Empress Dowager also arrived.
"Zhu, Zhen, come with Grandma, let's wait outside," she glanced at Chu Yin, "Ah Yin, you must stay safe."
"Yes, Mother, please take care of Zhu and Zhen for now."
The Empress Dowager nodded and led the children away.
"Your Majesty, you should go out too," Chu Yin released his hand, "It seems the child is eager to see you."
He knew it wasn't appropriate for him to stay.
But what about the child being eager to see him...
Lu Jingzhe said gravely, "I'm only eager to see you, Ah Yin. If you take too long inside, I'll come in!"
Chu Yin: "......"
As the door closed before her, she saw the reluctant look in his eyes.
It should be fine, she thought.
He thought the same.
Chu Yin had practiced martial arts and archery; surely she had enough strength.
It's just childbirth, after all. His mother, sisters, Consort Shu, Consort Hui – hadn't they all been fine? Lu Jingzhe paced the courtyard, never having heard of any woman in his circle encountering issues during childbirth.
Don't scare yourself.
Yet, as time passed, the wait became increasingly unbearable.
A nightmare he once had resurfaced in his mind, causing him so much distress it felt like being burned by fire, making it impossible for him to remain calm for even a moment.
It turned out that some emotions couldn't be controlled just because he wanted to.
No matter how much he tried to restrain himself, there seemed to be a massive black hole inside him, slowly consuming him, making him restless, worried, and scared, because he didn't know what she was going through. Everything felt beyond his control.
"Jingzhe," the Empress Dowager approached him from behind, "Why don't you sit for a while? It's only been a short time; these things don't happen so quickly."
"I'm fine," he said calmly, "I just need to walk."
He didn't know who he was trying to fool. The Empress Dowager gazed at her son's pale face, "Ah Yin has given birth before, it shouldn't be too difficult."
"Yes, I know," he paused, clutching the ring on his left hand, "You don't need to worry about me."
He didn't need any words of comfort.
They were of no use.
Only the opening of that door and the sound of joyful voices would matter.
The Empress Dowager understood, returning to continue talking with the grandchildren, who had many questions.
Fortunately, after about half an hour, the cry of a baby was heard from inside.
Lu Jingzhe, almost driven mad with waiting, rushed to the door.
Rendong opened the door, smiling with congratulations: "Your Majesty, the Empress and the Second Prince are both..."
He didn't wait for her to finish, barking, "Step aside."
Rendong quickly moved out of the way, startled.
The woman on the bed had disheveled hair, but her face wasn't as haggard as he had imagined. Her almond eyes were still as lively and beautiful, her lips faintly red, and when she saw him, the corners of her mouth lifted.
His heart finally settled back into place, beating steadily.
He approached her side, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Was Your Majesty very anxious?" she observed his pallor.
"A bit, but it doesn't matter," he said, kissing her hand, "Seeing you is all that matters."
In that moment, his eyes tinged slightly red.
She looked closely, but they quickly returned to normal.
Her fingertips lightly scratched his palm, "I'm also very happy to see you again."
She wasn't fearless just now. Clutching the ring in her palm, she had squeezed it tightly, thinking of him, relieved that everything went smoothly.
He kissed the back of her hand again.
The Empress Dowager generously rewarded the midwife and had Rendong bring the baby to her, then to the grandchildren.
"This is your little brother," she explained.
Lu Zhu immediately became excited, "I have someone to ride horses with now!"
Lu Zhen said, "He can also play shuttlecock and look at flowers and trees with me!"
The Empress Dowager smiled and handed the baby to Lu Jingzhe.
"He weighs over six jin. Ah Yin, you've worked hard," she praised, "He looks like a smart child."
Finally seeing the little rascal, Lu Jingzhe turned his head.
His first sight was of a wrinkled, red-faced baby...
He had always imagined their child would be as beautiful, fair, and adorable as Chu Yin, like Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen.
But the reality was...
How did his mother discern the baby was smart?
Seeing his silent contemplation, Chu Yin guessed this might be his first time seeing a newborn and explained, "Your Majesty, this is normal. The redness will fade in a few days."
"......"
Alright.
