Zhong Muyu thought about it. She realized that she needed to be careful in this situation, but doing nothing would be too boring. Ancient times were different from modern times; without something to do, there really wasn't much entertainment.

So she nodded: "I won't do those tiring things, but there are some things I still need to pay attention to. You know, just eating and sleeping is too boring."

Seeing Zhong Muyu's dissatisfaction, Lu Ziyuan smiled and said, "Then let's just deal with some accounts tomorrow. I'll have someone send the ones from outside here, and we'll handle them all at Xiuyu Residence. I'll keep an eye on you personally so you don't get enough rest."

Lu Ziyuan looked serious. He knew that if no one was watching over him, Zhong Muyu would definitely not care. But since it concerned his own child, he had to keep an eye on things himself to feel at ease.

Zhong Muyu said helplessly, "Alright, alright, I'll do whatever you say. But I've heard that pregnant women tend to be a bit temperamental, so don't be so upset that you kick me out first!"

"Since I dare to say it, I am prepared to do so."

Lu Ziyuan pulled her into his arms. He couldn't bear to leave his wife, who was already his wife.

...

News of the Princess Consort's pregnancy quickly spread throughout the city. In the past few days, congratulatory gifts and tonics from outside have been delivered to the Prince's mansion in a steady stream, but Zhong Muyu has not even glanced at them, focusing on both her pregnancy and her own affairs.

She didn't want to deal with the people who came to congratulate her, and Lu Ziyuan agreed. As for the tonics, she felt nauseous at the sight of certain foods, let alone being curious enough to look at them.

Having no other choice, Lu Ziyuan personally went to search for various ingredients and selected some light foods that Zhong Muyu could eat.

In the study, Zhong Muyu had just finished dealing with some things when he heard Qiao'er come in.

"Your Highness, this is a bird's nest porridge that His Highness recently had someone make. Please try it and see if it suits your taste."

Zhong Muyu laughed and said, "Ziyuan has been finding some good things lately. As long as it doesn't have an oily smell, I can try eating a little bit."

She took the bowl and took a bite. Lu Ziyuan carefully watched her and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Hmm, not bad. It seems a bit different from regular bird's nest porridge?"

Lu Ziyuan said, "Based on what the physician and the cook said, I added some tonics to help with pregnancy. The physician said that this would have a similar effect to pregnancy-stabilizing medicine. Since you don't like taking medicine, I think this is better than taking medicine."

"Of course, since we have this to drink, why not skip the pregnancy-preserving medicine?"

"We need to consult the physician again; in short, we must not be careless."

Seeing Lu Ziyuan's cautious demeanor, Zhong Muyu felt quite helpless. She wasn't some delicate young lady with a weak constitution; there was no need for her to be so careful in everything she did.

Just then, Zhiyu came in.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, this is a personal letter from the Emperor that arrived this morning from Yuanjing."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Muyu felt her head spinning. Ever since the peace treaty with Wuzhao, Lu Ziying had been sending messages to Lu Ziyuan every few days, mostly about border issues.

In the past, fighting against the Xi Rong cost a considerable amount of money every year. Now that the fighting has stopped, the emperor feels that the military generals are spending too much money. Although he doesn't say it outright, he implies the same thing.

Lu Ziyuan understood that he had been trying his best to cope for several months, but now he could no longer cope.

Lu Ziying wanted to summon them to the capital.

That's right, including Zhong Muyu.

Zhong Muyu was quite puzzled: "It would be fine if you were asked to go, but why am I included?"

"His Majesty said that the Empress Dowager has been thinking of you ever since your father passed away, and hopes that you will go and see her."

Thinking of the kind old man who had treated her so well, Zhong Muyu sighed.

She took the letter from Lu Ziyuan, which said that the Empress Dowager missed her, so it must be true.

Lu Ziyuan added, "Your current condition is not suitable for long-distance travel. Even if your grandmother misses you, it won't work. How about I think of a reason so you don't have to go?"

Zhong Muyu knew this trip wouldn't end well. She also knew that if she turned it down this time, there would be another time, and as her belly grew bigger, it would be even more dangerous.

So she refused, saying, "No need, I'll go. Given the Emperor's current state, refusing him wouldn't be a good thing. Let's be careful, and also, we shouldn't let anyone else know I'm pregnant."

Lu Ziyuan understood immediately: "I understand, what you said makes sense. Let's not delay, I'll go and make the arrangements right away."

Zhong Muyu nodded, and Lu Ziyuan put down his work and sent someone to handle it.

A few days later, a brand-new carriage appeared in front of the Prince's Mansion. Lu Ziyuan helped Zhong Muyu out, and the two carefully walked out.

Zhong Muyu was somewhat incredulous: "Is this carriage newly made?"

"No, this is a modification. The interior of the carriage has been modified by craftsmen according to your previous drawings. This carriage will be much more comfortable than before."

Zhong Muyu climbed up out of curiosity and found that the room was not only spacious but also fully equipped with all kinds of things, just like a small room.

Lu Ziyuan sat next to her, and the carriage moved very smoothly when it started, without any bumps.

It seems that Lu Ziyuan has put a lot of effort into this trip to the capital.

The two of them did not ask Yin Ruixin to see them off when they went to the capital. Now that Yin Ruixin's status is awkward, they basically do not ask her for anything, and she is also very sensible and rarely leaves Tingfeng Hall.

Although she never leaves her home, she knows everything she needs to know, including their trip to Beijing this time.

She knew that the Emperor was about to make a move.

...

Zhong Muyu had a fairly comfortable journey. They spent a considerable amount of time on the road and slowly arrived at Yuanjing.

Upon arrival, the two went to the palace to meet the emperor. After they parted, Zhong Muyu wanted to visit the Empress Dowager, but the little eunuch led her to the Empress Dowager's residence instead.

"etc!"

Zhong Muyu stopped the eunuch: "This is not the way to the Empress Dowager's residence. Where are you taking me?"

The young eunuch had no expression, but bowed and said, "Now the Empress Dowager is in charge of this inner palace. If the Princess Consort wants to see anyone, she must first greet the Empress Dowager."

That makes sense, Zhong Muyu thought. The Empress Dowager didn't like her and Lu Ziyuan to begin with, so it was better not to disobey her at this time.

So she agreed and gestured for the little eunuch to continue leading the way.

The current Empress Dowager no longer lives in the former palace, but has moved to a different place. Unlike the Grand Empress Dowager, Zhong Muyu knows that she likes wealth and liveliness, so even after becoming Empress Dowager, she will not move to a quiet place.

After the servant announced her arrival, Empress Dowager Rongning let Zhong Muyu in. It had been several months since their last meeting, and the Empress Dowager looked very well; the late Emperor's death seemed to have had little effect on her. Zhong Muyu composed herself and, as usual, bowed and greeted her.

"It's been a long time. How has Princess Ling been?"

"Reporting to Mother, everything is fine."

Zhong Muyu sat there, looking quiet and obedient.