As autumn arrived, Qi Mingyue's pregnancy became increasingly obvious, and her movements grew slower. Yao Xiuyan moved all official business back to the Prince's residence and specially added a chaise lounge to her study so that she could rest at any time.

He was reviewing border documents when he suddenly heard a soft groan from the person on the couch. Looking up, he saw Qi Mingyue frowning and rubbing her lower back, and immediately put down his pen and went over: "Is it sore again?"

"It's alright." She forced a smile. "The little one is unusually lively today."

Yao Xiuyan then sat down and began massaging her lower back, his technique surprisingly skillful. Qi Mingyue asked in surprise, "When did Brother Xiuyan learn that?"

"I consulted the imperial physician." His ears turned slightly red. "We can't just keep worrying like this."

Just then, the gatekeeper came to report: The Third Princess and the Crown Princess have arrived.

Xiao Chengyu entered carrying a brocade box and, upon seeing the scene, joked, "Oh, we've come at an inopportune time?"

Su Wanqing smiled and said, "Xiuyan is quite considerate."

Qi Mingyue tried to rise to greet them, but the two held her down. Xiao Chengyu opened the brocade box, which contained a set of exquisitely crafted baby clothes: "The Empress Dowager led the palace embroiderers to make these, saying that the first child should be made with extra care."

Su Wanqing took out another sachet: "I prepared some calming herbs; it's best to wear it during pregnancy."

Qi Mingyue was deeply moved and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty and Sister."

The three were having a private conversation when they suddenly heard a commotion in the courtyard. Ashina Yun burst in with Lin Qiuyan, carrying a huge Northern Di cradle: "Mingyue! Look what I prepared for my nephew!"

The cradle was carved with a wolf totem and covered with a snow leopard skin, exuding a grand and imposing air. Xiao Chengyu sighed, "Yun'er, this cradle is big enough for a three-year-old to sleep in."

Ashina Yun declared confidently, "This is how we Northern Di children all sleep! It's sturdy!"

Lin Qiuyan then proudly presented a small wooden sword: "My brother made it! He said boys should learn martial arts from a young age."

Yao Xiuyan couldn't help but chuckle: "I'm afraid this will frighten the imperial physician."

Amidst their laughter, Qi Mingyue suddenly frowned again. Su Wanqing, noticing this carefully, asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm having trouble breathing..."

Xiao Chengyu immediately ordered, "Open the window quickly! Summon the imperial physician!"

After a flurry of activity, the imperial physician examined the patient's pulse and said, "It's nothing serious. It's just that the growing fetus is pressing on the lung meridian. Move around more often and avoid sitting for long periods."

So every morning, a strange sight would appear at the Prince's Palace: the Prince of Zhenxi would personally help his princess to take a walk in the garden, followed by maids carrying ginseng soup and servants carrying chairs, making quite a grand procession.

On that day, Qi Huaihe happened to come to visit his daughter. Upon seeing the scene, he shook his head and said, "This is too much of a fuss."

Xin Xiyao replied, "It's my duty." She personally helped her daughter up, saying, "Mother will accompany you today."

The mother and daughter strolled slowly along the lotus pond. Xin Xiyao suddenly said, "When I was pregnant with you, your father was just as nervous."

Qi Mingyue exclaimed in surprise, "My father is such a serious person..."

"He's just cold on the outside but warm on the inside." Xin Xiyao smiled. "On the day you were born, he held you tightly and almost dropped you."

Qi Mingyue could hardly imagine such a scene, and her eyes welled up with tears: "Your daughter has caused your parents so much worry."

"Being a parent is a joyful experience," Xin Xiyao said, gently stroking her pregnant belly. "Now you will experience it too."

…………

On the Double Ninth Festival in September, the Prince's Mansion held a banquet to appreciate chrysanthemums. Because of her heavy illness, Qi Mingyue only stayed in the waterside pavilion to chat with the female guests.

Ashina Yun and Lin Qiuyan were having an archery contest in the courtyard, startling the chrysanthemums into falling. Xiao Chengyu shook his head: "Two crazy girls."

Su Wanqing was feeding Qi Mingyue Chongyang cake when she suddenly said, "I think I saw Miss Yue standing by the pond in a daze?"

Qi Mingyue looked over and saw Qi Yue sitting alone on a stone bench, gazing at the fish in the pond, lost in thought. She gestured for her maid to invite her, and soon Qi Yue came over timidly.

"Is something on your mind, Yue'er?" Qi Mingyue asked softly.

Qi Yue twisted her handkerchief: "My mother said... it's time to arrange a marriage."

The room fell silent. Xiao Chengyu raised an eyebrow: "Which family's young man is this?"

"It's not decided yet..." Qi Yue's voice was barely audible. "I've only heard that a few families have come to sound out our opinions."

Ashina Yun said nonchalantly, "What's there to be afraid of! Let your brother-in-law oversee the selection! Throw out any bad ones!"

Lin Qiuyan chimed in, "Exactly! We, the daughters of the border region, should marry heroes who stand tall and upright!"

Qi Yue blushed and stole a glance at her sister. Qi Mingyue understood: "Do you have someone in mind?"

The youngest daughter's eyes immediately welled up with tears: "He is...he is the son of the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy...I saw him once at the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet..."

Su Wanqing gently patted her hand: "Is it the Zhou family? I've met that child before; he's extremely learned."

Xiao Chengyu frowned: "A weak scholar like me is probably not a good match for Yue'er."

As they were discussing this, Yao Xiuyan and the Crown Prince arrived. Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince smiled and said, "Young Master Zhou... I do know him. He is of upright character, but a bit reserved."

The second prince exclaimed, "What's so interesting about being a scholar! You might as well marry one of our military generals' sons!"

Yao Xiuyan pondered for a moment: "Tomorrow I will invite Young Master Zhou to my residence to appreciate the painting."

Knowing he was going to a matchmaker, Qi Mingyue smiled faintly. Qi Yue, blushing, hid behind her sister.

The following day, Young Master Zhou indeed visited the residence. He was a handsome young man, reserved in speech and manners yet well-mannered. Yao Xiuyan discussed poetry and painting with him, then suddenly asked, "Do you know how to ride and shoot?"

The boy blushed and said, "I know a little bit..."

Yao Xiuyan then took him to the drill ground. In less than half a day, they had a very pleasant conversation and returned home.

In the evening, Qi Mingyue asked how it went, and Yao Xiuyan said, "He has solid knowledge and a pure heart. Although he is a bit weak, he is a good match for Yue'er's temperament." He then smiled and said, "Today he taught me how to appraise paintings, and I benefited greatly."

The marriage was thus arranged. Qi Yue secretly came to thank her sister, her eyes and brows beaming with joy.

Qi Mingyue stroked the top of her head: "Come to the Prince's Mansion often in the future, and have your brother-in-law teach Young Master Zhou more riding and archery."

…………

As winter approached, Qi Mingyue's health deteriorated further. The imperial physician took her pulse daily, and Yao Xiuyan remained vigilant every night; the entire Prince's residence was on high alert.

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