Chapter 74 Twins
Chapter Seventy-Four: Twins
Time flies, and Su Su's baby is now five months along. During the first three months, the Emperor strictly ordered her to rest, and although the Empress Dowager was worried about her, she adhered to the rules and did not personally visit Yongshou Palace to disturb her. Instead, she frequently sent people to deliver various rare tonics and items to help with the pregnancy, showing her utmost care. Now that the pregnancy is stable, the Empress Dowager often comes to visit.
On this day, the Empress Dowager, supported by palace maids, stepped into the palace. Seeing that Su Su had a rosy complexion and, although she moved somewhat clumsily, was in excellent spirits, she smiled sincerely.
She took Su Su's hand and sat her down on the warm couch. She lovingly reached out and gently stroked Su Su's noticeably protruding belly, feeling the vitality of life within. Her eyes were filled with undisguised joy and anticipation.
"Good, good child," the Empress Dowager said repeatedly, her tone filled with relief at the weight of her burden. "With the continuation of the royal bloodline, a great weight has finally been lifted from my heart. You are now of utmost importance; do not think about anything else, just focus on taking good care of your pregnancy. If there are any troubles or trivial matters, or if anyone dares to disturb your peace, just tell me, and I will take care of it for you." Her words were filled with undisguised protectiveness.
However, as the months progressed and her body grew heavier, Su Su's deep-seated fear and uncertainty about childbirth began to quietly grow.
In the quiet of the night, she often had wild thoughts, worrying about all sorts of unforeseen events during childbirth. Li Qianche noticed her unease, and after finishing his official duties each day, he would always take a lot of time to stay by her side, gently comforting her: "Su'er, don't be afraid. There are many experienced imperial physicians and midwives in the palace. I will always be there for you and will never let anything happen to you."
……………………
That day, Su Su was feeling listless due to her wandering thoughts when a palace servant reported that Madam Pei, Mu Wanyan, and Young Madam Su, Pei Yunxi, had submitted their names and come to pay their respects.
The news was like a spring breeze, sweeping away some of the gloom in her heart.
The identity that Mu Hanyan currently uses to the outside world as "Madam Pei Mu Wanyan" is actually a fabrication she made to facilitate her movement inside and outside the palace—she claims to be her non-existent twin sister.
Mu Hanyan held her newborn son, Pei Jingnian, in her arms. The little guy was wrapped in soft swaddling clothes, his big, dark eyes looking around curiously. He was very well-behaved, neither crying nor fussing.
Pei Yunxi's lower abdomen was already slightly protruding, indicating that she was three months pregnant.
The three women gathered together, and naturally, their conversation revolved around the child. Su Su and Pei Yunxi couldn't resist teasing the exquisitely beautiful baby. Su Su reached out her fingertip and gently touched the child's soft cheek, her heart softening as she exclaimed with delight, "What an adorable little one!"
Pei Yunxi's eyes were also full of affection. She looked up and asked Mu Hanyan, "Sister-in-law, when you gave birth to Niannian... did it hurt a lot?" This question reflected the same worry and fear in Su Su's heart.
Looking at the two slightly tense faces in front of her, Mu Hanyan smiled gently and said calmly, "My situation is different from yours."
"When Huai Jing was young, she was poisoned, which damaged her health. Naturally, her childbirth was much more difficult than usual. At that time… she also suffered postpartum hemorrhage and almost…" She paused, skipping over the dangerous part, "It must have terrified your brother. But Your Majesty and Yunxi are both healthy, and their pregnancies have been well-managed, so it certainly won't be like that. There are renowned physicians in the palace and at home, so there's no need to worry excessively."
Upon hearing the words "hemorrhagic hemorrhage," Su Su's face paled slightly. She subconsciously touched her stomach and murmured, "Ah? Then... I'm still scared."
Pei Yunxi quickly grasped her hand and gently advised, "Your Majesty, don't be afraid. There are so many imperial physicians in the palace; everything will be perfectly safe."
Mu Hanyan nodded in agreement: "That's exactly right. Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, in good health, and has no old ailments. As long as you put your mind at ease, you will surely have a peaceful and smooth life."
She looked at Su Su closely and then smiled, "Speaking of which, Your Majesty is only seventeen this year, isn't she? You're in the prime of your life, so just take care of yourself and don't worry too much."
Hearing this, Su Su felt a little relieved, but then she noticed something else. She looked down at her round belly and asked in confusion, "Sister Mu, why does my belly... seem so much bigger than when you were five months pregnant, and also like my sister-in-law's now?"
Although she became pregnant almost two months earlier than Pei Yunxi, the curve of her bulge was indeed particularly eye-catching.
Upon hearing this, Mu Hanyan examined the woman carefully for a moment, a glint of judgment flashing in her eyes. She said softly, "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, may I take your pulse?"
Su Su naturally nodded in agreement. Mu Hanyan was once a female physician, and her medical skills were quite excellent.
She focused her mind and gently placed her fingertips on Su Su's wrist, carefully feeling it for a moment. Her eyebrows twitched slightly, and she switched to the other hand to examine it again.
After a long while, she withdrew her hand, a genuine smile of joy blooming on her face, and stood up to bow to Su Su:
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your pulse is smooth and strong, indicating that you are not carrying a single child—you are carrying twins!"
"Twins?!" Su Su's eyes widened in astonishment, followed by a surge of immense joy. She was suddenly pregnant with two children!
Pei Yunxi was both surprised and delighted, and repeatedly exclaimed, "This is truly a great joy! I wonder how happy His Majesty will be when he finds out!"
After the initial surprise, a lingering worry quietly crept into Su Su's heart. She stroked her belly and asked softly, "If... if they are both boys... wouldn't that be an ominous sign for the royal family?" In the history of the imperial court, twin princes were often seen as a hidden danger that threatened the succession and the foundation of the country.
Knowing her worries, Mu Hanyan gently comforted her, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. The auspiciousness of a dragon and phoenix is a good omen, and it doesn't necessarily mean two princes. Even if they are both sons, it would still be a blessing for the Emperor and Your Majesty. His Majesty is wise and decisive, and he will surely make proper arrangements. Your Majesty's most important task now is to relax and focus on your pregnancy."
Pei Yunxi nodded in agreement.
The three talked for a long time, mostly Su Su and Pei Yunxi asking the experienced Mu Hanyan for advice on pregnancy, precautions, and childcare. It wasn't until the sun was setting that Mu Hanyan and Pei Yunxi got up to say goodbye.
During their evening rest, Su Su told Li Qianche everything about the twins and her worries.
Upon hearing this, Li Qianche was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, his joy overflowing. He embraced Su Su tightly, his tone resolute: "Twins! My Su'er is truly my lucky star! Don't overthink it. Whether it's two princes, two princesses, or a dragon and a phoenix, I love them all! As for the court officials' discussions?"
He snorted coldly, his imperial majesty naturally radiating outwards, "I'd like to see who dares to speak ill of my heir! Su'er, just rest assured, I'll take care of everything."
Hearing him say that, Su Su felt a little more at ease.
By the time Su Su was seven or eight months pregnant, her belly had grown surprisingly large.
Li Qianche knew that childbirth was like passing through the gates of hell for women, and he was worried. So he specially issued an imperial decree to bring his mother-in-law, Tang Wanqing, into the palace to stay temporarily.
Tang Wanqing had given birth to two children, Su Su and Su Jizhi, and was very experienced. With her by his side to take care of and comfort him, Li Qianche could finally feel a little at ease.
Su Su was overjoyed to see her mother enter the palace. With her dearest mother by her side, gently comforting her, taking care of her daily needs, and recounting anecdotes from when she was pregnant with her and her brother, most of her anxiety dissipated, and she became much more cheerful.
As Su Su entered her ninth month of pregnancy, her belly grew even larger, making movement increasingly difficult. The imperial physician advised her to engage in appropriate physical activity before delivery, as this would aid in the process.
Therefore, after each meal, no matter how busy he was with official duties, Li Qianche would personally help Su Su take a slow walk in the warm corridors of Yongshou Palace.
Because she was pregnant with twins, her belly was particularly swollen, making her limbs appear even more slender, while her front was even more plump and full due to the pregnancy.
When they slept soundly at night, Li Qianche had not been intimate with her for a long time. Sometimes, when he was overcome with passion, he would only restrain himself by caressing her full breasts or rubbing against her legs to relieve his emotions, but he never dared to take any further action.
Seeing how hard he was enduring it, Su Su felt sorry for him but couldn't bring herself to suggest that he go find other concubines. So, blushing, she suggested that they sleep in separate rooms for the time being.
These words were immediately and decisively refuted by Li Qianche. He held her close, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "Nonsense! You are now heavily pregnant, and you even need my help to turn over. How can you be separated from me? I will never sleep in a separate bed from you."
He took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness within him, and gently soothed, "I'm fine, you go to sleep, I'll be right back."
After saying that, he got up and went to the bathroom. A short while later, he returned, covered in cool steam, and carefully pulled her into his arms again.
As Su Su's due date approached, Li Qianche became even more vigilant. If Su Su stirred slightly or uttered a soft murmur at night, he would immediately wake up, anxiously check on her, and only dare to close his eyes again after confirming that she was alright, holding her even tighter in his arms.
The long night passed quietly as the emperor and empress leaned on each other, longing for one another.
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