Under the meticulous care of Imperial Physician Zhang and the almost constant attention of Shen Yuewei, Xiao Chengjing's injuries improved day by day. The excruciating pain in his chest was gradually replaced by a persistent dull ache, and some color finally returned to his pale face. However, he remained weak and needed to rest in bed most of the time.

"Your Highness, it's time to take your medicine." Shen Yuewei carried the warm medicine bowl to the bedside.

Xiao Chengjing frowned, looking at the bowl of dark, bitter-smelling medicine, and even showed a childlike resistance: "I feel... I'm much better today, this medicine..."

"Imperial Physician Zhang said that this medicine cannot be stopped even for a day; it must be taken for ten full days." Shen Yuewei's tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable insistence as she scooped up a spoonful and brought it to his lips. "Your Highness is the Crown Prince of the country; are you afraid of such a little bitterness?"

Seeing the mischievous smile in her eyes, Xiao Chengjing reluctantly opened his mouth and drank it. The bitter taste made him frown. Shen Yuewei magically pulled a small brocade pouch from her sleeve and poured out two candied plums: "Here, these are plums from Jiangnan that Second Brother asked the caravan to bring. They'll help to reduce the bitterness."

Xiao Chengjing looked at the plums she offered, then at her smiling face, and the slight resistance in his heart instantly vanished. He picked up a plum and put it in his mouth; the sweet and sour taste instantly washed away the bitterness, reaching straight to his heart and soul. He looked at her, his gaze deep: "Next time... bring more."

"Okay," Shen Yuewei replied, the curve of her lips deepening.

As his strength recovered, Xiao Chengjing was able to walk short distances with assistance. That afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, and Shen Yuewei suggested going to the courtyard for some fresh air.

A guard pushed in a specially made, lightweight wheelchair. Xiao Chengjing looked at the wheelchair, his expression stiffening. Why would he, the Crown Prince, need such a thing?

“Your Highness’s injuries have not yet healed, and it is not advisable for you to stand for long.” Shen Yuewei seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke naturally, “The summer heat in Jiangnan is getting stronger, and a few lotus flowers have bloomed in the pond in the courtyard. Why don’t you go and take a look? Consider it as… accompanying me to relax.”

The last sentence eased Xiao Chengjing's tense expression. He stopped insisting and allowed the guards to carefully help him into the wheelchair. Shen Yuewei naturally walked to the back of the wheelchair and gently held onto the backrest: "I'll push you."

Xiao Chengjing's gaze fell on Shen Yuewei's hands pushing the wheelchair. Her hands were fair and slender, yet they possessed a resilient strength. He then looked at her high, protruding belly, his eyes filled with an unprecedented tenderness and anticipation.

"How much longer?" he suddenly asked, his voice low.

Shen Yuewei was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was asking about the child: "Mother Zhang said there are about two more months."

"Hmm." Xiao Chengjing responded, paused for a moment, and then said, "Names... I've thought of a few, would you like to hear them?"

Shen Yuewei's heart stirred slightly, and her hand pushing the wheelchair paused. In her past life, the Ministry of Rites had drafted the child's name, which he had casually chosen. In this life, he had actually brought it up himself, and... even considered a few names?

"Please speak, Your Highness." Her voice unconsciously softened.

“If it’s a boy, how about ‘Xiao Heng’? Heng means beautiful jade, and it’s also the horizontal jade pendant. It’s chosen for its gentle and upright nature, and it represents the virtues of a gentleman.” Xiao Chengjing said slowly. “If it’s a girl… ‘Xiao Yue’. Yue means divine pearl. It’s chosen for its preciousness, beauty, and inner radiance.”

Xiao Heng, Xiao Yue… Shen Yuewei murmured to herself. The names were good, and the meanings were good too. More importantly, it was the thought that went into it… She looked down at her growing belly; sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows that danced on the back of her hand. The little one inside seemed to sense her parents' discussion and stirred slightly.

"Everything is fine," Shen Yuewei replied softly, a gentle smile curving her lips.

The wheelchair made a soft rolling sound on the bluestone pavement. Shen Yuewei pushed it steadily, and Xiao Chengjing leaned back in his chair, feeling the gentle force from behind and the faint fragrance emanating from her body. The boredom of being confined to his sickbed for days was swept away.

In the small lotus pond, several pink lotuses stand tall and graceful, blooming elegantly among the green leaves, their fragrance wafting in the air.

"It really has opened." Shen Yuewei stopped her wheelchair, walked to the edge of the pond, and bent down to pick a branch that was close to the shore.

"Careful!" Xiao Chengjing instinctively reached out to help her, which aggravated his wound, causing him to groan.

Shen Yuewei quickly turned around: "Your Highness, don't move!" She walked back to his side, looking at his furrowed brows due to pain, her eyes filled with concern and a hint of self-reproach, "I was reckless."

"It's alright." Xiao Chengjing breathed a sigh of relief, but his gaze remained fixed on her. "The lotus flowers... are very beautiful." It was unclear whether he was referring to the flowers or the person.

Shen Yuewei's cheeks flushed slightly. She avoided his gaze and instead pointed to the lotus pond: "Your Highness, look at that twin lotus blossom..."

The two of them, one sitting and the other standing, whispered to each other by the lotus pond. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, and the passage of time seemed to become exceptionally peaceful at that moment.