Returning to the Prime Minister's Residence, Jiang Yan headed straight for the backyard. The sun was shining brightly, and Su Jinli was sitting in a rocking chair in the yard, basking in the sun. She was wearing a loose, plain long dress, the hem of which flowed lightly on the ground like a cloud. She held a storybook in her hand, a gentle smile on her face, and under the sunlight, she exuded a soft and peaceful beauty. Jiang Yan watched this scene, his heart filled with warmth and peace of mind. He quickly walked over, sat down on the stone bench beside her, and whispered, "Madam, there was a big joke in the court today."
Afterwards, he recounted to Su Jinli the hilarious story of how Lord Zhang from the Ministry of Revenue had misheard Jiang Yan shouting, "I'm going to be a father," and had followed suit, knocking over Censor Li's tablet. Su Jinli was so engulfed in laughter that she collapsed, wiping tears from her eyes with a handkerchief. "It seems our good news has spread faster than wings; the whole court knows about it," she said.
As they were speaking, the housekeeper came hurriedly and said respectfully: "Madam, Master, the Queen Mother's reward has arrived again. This time there are as many as ten carts, all piled up outside the Lanyue Pavilion." Jiang Yan and Su Jinli looked at each other, got up and went to the Lanyue Pavilion.
Outside Lanyue Pavilion, ten carts of supplements piled high like a mountain, from precious bird's nests to rare snow frogs to various nourishing herbs. Su Jinli gazed at the mountain of gifts and rubbed her forehead with a headache. "If I keep eating like this, I'm afraid my baby will be called 'Fatty' when he's born," she said helplessly.
Jiang Yan walked over to her with a smile, reached out and gently massaged her shoulders, saying, "The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are also very thoughtful. Their generous gifts are a testament to their love and care for our child."
Just then, Young Marquis Su ran in excitedly, carrying a wooden horse. His sleeves were still stained with wood chips, and his face was filled with excitement as he shouted, "Sister! Look at the wooden horse I made!"
Su Jinli turned around and saw that the wooden horse was distorted, with its legs of varying lengths and its head tilted, looking rather comical. She said, feeling both amused and helpless, "Brother, can you sit on this wooden horse?"
"Of course!" Young Marquis Su patted his chest confidently, "I have specially reinforced several places! When my nephew is born, I will take him to ride the wooden horse every day and make sure he has fun!" Looking at his brother's serious and expectant look, Su Jinli was deeply moved.
At this moment, Su Qingyao walked in gracefully, carrying an exquisite porcelain box. She curled her lips slightly and said, "You always do useless things. Sister, take a look at my new 'Antaihong' rouge. It's specially formulated for pregnant women. It will improve your complexion a lot." As she spoke, she opened the porcelain box. The rouge inside was bright in color and exuded a faint floral fragrance.
Su Jinli felt a surge of warmth as she watched her sister, so proud yet caring. In this life, she was no longer as lonely and isolated as she had been in her previous one. Now, she had a family that loved her, a lover who knew her and was there for her, and a baby on the way. All the grievances and hardships she had experienced had now vanished like a passing cloud, leaving behind only a flood of happiness and warmth.
Su Jinli took the rouge box, gently dipped her finger into a little rouge, and applied it to her cheeks. The delicate touch and elegant fragrance instantly improved her complexion. She smiled at the mirror and turned to look at Jiang Yan, her eyes filled with love and happiness. Jiang Yan looked back at her affectionately, as if time had stopped at this moment, and the whole world was just them.
Young Marquis Su watched from the side and said with a smile, "Sister, when my nephew is born, I will teach him horseback riding and archery, and take him to see the prosperity of the world." Su Qingyao also said, "I will teach him poetry and songs, so that he can become a cultured person."
Jiang Yan listened to their words, his heart filled with longing for the future. He knew that this soon-to-be-born little life would carry the love and expectations of the entire family. And together, in this mansion filled with love and warmth, they would write their own chapter of happiness.
As the days passed, Su Jinli's belly grew larger and larger, and her movements became increasingly difficult. Jiang Yan took meticulous care of her. Every day after court, he would immediately return to the Prime Minister's Residence to walk and chat with Su Jinli, telling her interesting stories from the court to keep her entertained.
As the due date approached, the entire residence became bustling with activity. Maids busied themselves preparing the baby's clothes and bedding, servants kept the room spotlessly clean, and the housekeepers scoured the streets for baby supplies. The entire residence was immersed in an atmosphere of both tension and excitement.
On a quiet night, Su Jinli suddenly felt a stomachache. Jiang Yan immediately panicked and quickly sent for a midwife. The midwife arrived quickly, and Jiang Yan paced anxiously outside the room, his heart filled with worry and anticipation. He alternately glanced at the closed door, then up at the night sky, praying to God for the safety of Su Jinli and the child.
Inside the room, Su Jinli gritted her teeth, enduring the excruciating pain of labor. Her heart was filled with anticipation for her child, and she knew full well the responsibility she bore as a mother. The midwife beside her constantly encouraged her, urging her to push harder.
After a long period of agony, the clear cry of a baby broke the tranquility of the night. When Jiang Yan heard this cry, the stone in his heart finally fell to the ground, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. The midwife opened the door and said with a smile: "Congratulations, master, it's a little boy, and both mother and child are safe!"
Jiang Yan hurried into the room and saw Su Jinli, who was frail but full of happiness. He felt a surge of heartache and gratitude. He walked to the bedside, took Su Jinli's hand, and whispered, "Madam, you've worked so hard." Su Jinli raised her head slightly, looked at Jiang Yan, her eyes full of love, and said, "We are having a child."
Jiang Yan looked at the baby in the cradle. Its tender little face, closed eyes, and slightly moving mouth filled his heart with fatherly love. He gently picked up the child, feeling the miracle and weight of life.
Upon hearing the news, Young Marquis Su and Su Qingyao also rushed over. They gathered around the bed, looking at the new life, their faces filled with joy. Young Marquis Su excitedly said, "I finally have a nephew! I'm going to teach him lots of fun things." Su Qingyao looked at the child tenderly and said, "This child is so cute! I'm going to make him beautiful clothes."
With the birth of the little boy, the prime minister's residence was filled with joy and laughter. Jiang Yan named the child Jiang Yi, implying a life of ease, freedom, and ease. With the addition of this new life, the family became more complete and happier. Jiang Yan knew that the days ahead might be filled with ups and downs, but as long as the family worked together and supported each other, they would overcome all difficulties and obstacles and usher in a brighter tomorrow. Their story, too, would continue to unfold in this loving home, becoming a heartwarming and moving legend.
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