New buds are sprouting, a mix of joy and sorrow.
The shadow of Princess Fenghua's distant marriage hung heavy over the capital like a leaden weight, lingering for a long time. A sense of oppressive grief and humiliation permeated the court and beyond. However, life must go on, and the cycle of life never ceases despite the vicissitudes of the world.
Just as the early autumn was becoming somewhat gloomy, a joyous occasion quietly arrived, adding a touch of brightness to the somber atmosphere—Liu Mianying, the wife of Feng Yanshu, a compiler at the Hanlin Academy, was pregnant.
The news first spread from the Feng residence. Madam Feng (Qin Yuti's aunt) personally went to Prince Yi's mansion to deliver the good news, her face beaming with undisguised joy. Although she had initially had some reservations about the marriage, Liu Mianying's behavior after marrying into the family had completely won her heart. This daughter-in-law not only managed the vast Feng household impeccably, but was also filial and considerate to her elders. More importantly, she understood and respected the Feng family's refined traditions, never using her wealth or power to oppress anyone. Instead, she often used her connections to subtly facilitate Feng Yanshu's arduous job at the Hanlin Academy, doing so discreetly and preserving her husband's dignity. Now, pregnant with a Feng family child, how could Madam Feng not be overjoyed?
Inside Prince Yi's residence, Qin Yuti was genuinely happy for her cousin and his best friend upon hearing the news. She immediately instructed Jinshu to prepare generous gifts and personally visit them at the residence.
Inside the Feng residence, a warm and inviting scene unfolded.
Liu Mianying looked radiant. Although she was nearly two months pregnant, her figure was not yet showing, only a gentle glow about her impending motherhood shone in her eyes. She was overjoyed to see Qin Yuti and took her hand to sit down on the warm couch.
"Sister Yuti, it's so good to have you here." Liu Mianying smiled gently, her hand unconsciously stroking her lower abdomen.
"How could I not come to such a joyous occasion?" Qin Yuti smiled as she looked her over. "I'm relieved to see how well you look. Your aunt must be overjoyed!"
Liu Mianying smiled and said, "My mother-in-law is happy. She makes me nourishing soup every day in different ways. It's just that Yanshu..." She paused, a blush rising on her face, with a hint of sweet helplessness, "He's even more nervous than I am. He spent all night yesterday flipping through medical books, and this morning he was talking about 'prenatal education' and said he wanted to read the Book of Songs to me."
Qin Yuti imagined her old-fashioned cousin holding the Book of Songs and reciting it solemnly to his wife's belly, and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "It seems that my cousin is going to raise a little scholar."
After the two sisters chatted and laughed for a while, Qin Yuti gave them some detailed instructions on pregnancy precautions. Liu Mianying listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future. This child was the fruit of her love with Feng Yanshu, and also the strongest bond connecting the "scholar" and "merchant" families.
However, beneath the joy lies not a complete absence of worries.
That evening, Zhao Jingyi returned from the yamen and was happy to hear that Liu Mianying was pregnant. However, he immediately frowned and said to Qin Yuti, "I wonder if it is a blessing or a curse that Mianying is pregnant at this time."
Qin Yuti was taken aback: "Why do you say that, Your Highness?"
Zhao Jingyi lowered his voice: "The Northern Frontier has just suffered a major defeat, and then Fenghua... The court is holding its breath, secretly preparing military supplies to avenge this humiliation. Although Feng Yanshu is a bookworm, he is indeed talented and a staunch advocate of war. I think the Emperor and several Grand Secretaries seem to intend to promote him; he may be of great use in the future. Now that Mianying is pregnant, he will inevitably have to devote time to taking care of her. Moreover..."
He paused, his tone heavy: "This capital city may seem peaceful, but countless eyes are watching it from the shadows. The Feng family is known for its integrity, the Liu family for its wealth, and now they have another child. I wonder if this will attract envy or resentment."
Qin Yuti's heart sank upon hearing this. She understood Zhao Jingyi's concerns. With the court in turmoil and power shifting, even the slightest disturbance could be magnified. Her cousin was straightforward and not adept at scheming, and while Mianying was intelligent, she was confined to the inner quarters and unable to intervene in many matters. The arrival of this child, while bringing joy, could indeed draw them into a more complex vortex.
But she quickly rallied, took Zhao Jingyi's hand, and said firmly, "In any case, this is a joyous occasion. We should keep an eye on things and help out as much as we can. We can't let a minor setback deter us from doing anything. I believe that Mianying and my cousin can handle these matters well."
Zhao Jingyi nodded and pulled his wife into his arms: "You're right. What's meant to be will be. Let's just wait to be cousins! Then, our Yuanbao Nuannuan can take care of our little cousin (or cousin)!"
Liu Mianying's pregnancy was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples of joy and stirring up the undercurrents beneath the surface.
Will this flower of love, growing between the "scholar" and the "merchant," bear the fruit of peace and joy?
Perhaps only time will tell.
But in any case, the sprouting of new life always carries hope and illuminates the way forward.
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