The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 255 - Surprise

Now that Ye Yun was over two months pregnant, she didn't plan to hide it from Wang Shunyi and Zhou Wanrong any longer.

When they arrived, they noticed her rosy complexion and how healthy she looked. It even seemed like she had gained some weight. Seeing them both stunned, Ye Yun smiled. She dismissed the idle servants, leaving only Huiyue and Nanzhi to serve them in the room, and then revealed the truth.

"It wasn't that I wanted to keep this from you, but with so many people around, the more who know, the less safe the secret is."

Wang Shunyi was confused. "Sister, what's happened? I really can't make sense of it."

Clearly, Zhou Wanrong shared the same confusion, looking at Ye Yun with puzzled eyes.

"I'm pregnant, just over two months along," Ye Yun said softly.

But this news landed like a thunderclap in their ears, and both of them stared, mouths agape in joy.

"Oh, my dear sister! You've kept this secret so tightly! If I had known earlier, I would have visited you more often to share some child-rearing tips!" Wang Shunyi laughed.

Looking at her belly, she added, "By my calculations, it must be around the same time as Fang Jieyu's pregnancy. What good fortune!"

Zhou Wanrong also shared in the happiness, but before long, her smile turned to concern.

"Sister, you've kept this from others, but does the Emperor know? Will he be upset if it's revealed later?"

"How silly! The Emperor sends people to check on her every few days. Of course, he knows!" Wang Shunyi teased, poking Zhou Wanrong on the forehead, making her feel a little embarrassed.

Now that Wang Shunyi no longer sought favor and rarely attended to the Emperor, her heart was entirely devoted to her daughter. Looking at Ye Yun and Zhou Wanrong, she viewed them like sisters. If her "sisters" were doing well, it brought her happiness too, knowing she could share in their good fortune.

The two stayed for half an hour before leaving, worried about disturbing Ye Yun's rest, so they didn't stay for lunch.

Ning Chen arrived at midday.

When Ning Chen arrived, Ye Yun was embroidering a handkerchief. Though she hadn't enjoyed this kind of work before, she thought that after the child was born, she should personally make something for the baby. So, she decided to start practicing on a handkerchief. Huiyue had drawn a simple pattern for her, which she was following.

"Why are you doing embroidery? It's such a strain on your eyes. You need to rest more," Ning Chen remarked as soon as he came in.

Ye Yun put down the embroidery frame and stood up. "Why didn't the emperor have someone announce your arrival beforehand? I'm just doing this for fun and won't tire myself."

"I didn't want to tell you in advance, as I was afraid you'd go through the trouble of preparing lunch. So, I didn't let anyone inform you," Ning Chen said, taking her hand and leading her to sit by the window on a soft couch.

"Today is your birthday, and I know you've grown tired of all the gold and jewels, so I've prepared something special for you."

"What is it?" Ye Yun's eyes sparkled like a child eager for candy.

In fact, she had gained a bit of weight lately, and the extra fullness in her cheeks made her look even younger. Rather than resembling someone about to become a mother, she looked more like a young girl just stepping into adulthood.

Ning Chen couldn't resist gently pinching her plump cheeks—her skin felt so nice. There were other pregnant consorts in the palace, but none had the same healthy glow as Ye Yun. She was simply adorable.