Shang Changge, unaware of Xiao Ji's thoughts, touched her warm stomach, which was no longer sunken after eating, and wondered:

"I can't taste any difference between your cooking and the cooking of other chefs, so why don't I feel nauseous after eating your food?"

Xiao Ji composed himself, and with the intention of making the little rascal happy, he first frowned and pondered deeply, feigning profundity, then nodded solemnly as if suddenly enlightened.

"It's probably because the food contains my love for my wife, hmm..."

Shang Changge: ...

6!

Love was part of the reason, and another part was that Xiao Ji had been sending people everywhere to find a cook for the past two weeks.

Today, I finally found a cook who specializes in cooking for pregnant women. The cook is an old woman who is nearly 80 years old.

He was stubborn and eccentric, refusing to cook himself or teach the household cooks.

Instead, she specifically requested that the pregnant woman's husband cook for her before she would teach him.

Just then, Xiao Ji returned home from court and, upon learning of this, went to the kitchen to see the old woman.

Afterwards, dressed in the general's court robes, and under the watchful eyes of Zhui Hun and his entourage, he cooked and prepared dishes according to the old woman's instructions.

The scene at the time was quite bizarre.

"Pfft."

After hearing the inside story, Shang Changge couldn't help but laugh out loud, and her already good mood became even more open and cheerful.

She casually pinched the ear of the man who was resting his face on her shoulder, and said sincerely with a rising tone at the end of her voice, "Thank you for your hard work, General Xiao."

Xiao Ji chuckled, feeling pleased that Shang Changge was finally able to eat properly and finally showed a relaxed smile again.

"You're the one who's suffered, you little rascal. We're not having any more children after this one. To be honest, I regret it."

The pale golden sunlight cast a golden glow on the flowers, plants, and trees in the garden, which were still thriving despite the cold winter.

Inside the garden attic, the couple poured out their hearts to each other, sharing their honest thoughts. Everything was peaceful, serene, and beautiful.

However, this wonderful period did not last long.

A month later, Shang Changge's early pregnancy symptoms disappeared, and she was able to eat and sleep well, and even practice sword dancing with great energy.

but!

She gets annoyed just seeing Xiao Ji, and she gets annoyed just hearing Xiao Ji's voice. Kissing and hugging are out of the question!

A cold night.

The two people sleeping in the same bed each covered themselves with their own blankets. Shang Changge wrapped herself up like a caterpillar and kept snuggling deeper into the bed.

She kept as far away from Xiao Ji as possible, and when there was nowhere left to retreat, she glared at Xiao Ji with her beautiful eyes, giving him a chilling warning.

"You surnamed Xiao, you're not allowed to press my pressure points to put me to sleep after I fall asleep and then sneak over to hug me to sleep. If I find out, I'll make sure you sleep on the soft couch and in another room!"

Xiao Ji: ...

What could Xiao Ji say? Besides agreeing and regretting his decision to have the child, he could say and do nothing else.

After an incense stick has burned, the night is deep and quiet.

Xiao Ji lowered his head and gently nibbled on the soft lips of Shang Changge, who was fast asleep in his arms.

His hand rested on his wife's slightly protruding belly, and his voice barely maintained the loving and peaceful tone a father should have for his child.

"Little one, you'd better be a girl."

The little guy, who just turned four months old: "..."

For a long time afterward, Shang Changge kept her distance from Xiao Ji, finding him annoying whenever she looked at him.

The way the princess and the general interacted—one avoiding her like the plague, the other relentlessly pursuing her—was so ridiculous that the servants found it amusing and couldn't help but gossip about it behind her back.

This remark inadvertently spread beyond the mansion.

Those with ulterior motives, upon hearing this, began to harbor thoughts they shouldn't have.

It was another cold night, inside a restaurant frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles.

Tonight, the entire restaurant has been booked by a fifth-rank military officer in the imperial court to celebrate his daughter's twentieth birthday.

The banquet was attended by many guests, including Xiao Ji.