Chapter 60 The Joy of Twins
The candlelight inside the hall was dim and warm, and the air was filled with her unique fragrance, mixed with the scent of ink and calming incense, making one feel incredibly relaxed.
"Sleep well, sweetie." He lowered his head and kissed the top of her head, gently patting her back with his other hand, as if coaxing the most precious treasure.
As he gently patted her rhythmically and held her in his warm, comforting embrace, Su Jingyu's eyelids grew heavy. The baby in her womb seemed to sense its father's protection and quieted down. She snuggled closer to him, finding a more comfortable position, her breathing becoming even and long.
Xiao Jingzhan gazed quietly at her peaceful sleeping face, her long eyelashes casting shadows, her cherry lips slightly parted, sleeping without any guard. His heart softened completely. He remained in that position for a long time, until he was sure she was fast asleep, before gently carrying her to the bed.
He lowered his head and gently placed a kiss on her forehead, whispering silently, "Sweet dreams, my love."
Then he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep amidst her soft breathing and faint fragrance.
A few days later, the autumn air was crisp and clear.
That day, Imperial Physician Liu, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, came to check Su Jingyu's pulse as usual. Xiao Jingzhan was processing several urgent reports when he heard that the imperial physician had arrived. He put down his vermilion brush and went to wait outside the screen in the inner room. Yu'er said that his aura was too strong, which made the imperial physician very nervous.
Physician Liu focused intently on taking the pulse, switching from his left hand to his right. His brow furrowed slightly, then relaxed, repeating this several times until a mixture of surprise and delight appeared on his face. He withdrew his hand, stood up, and bowed towards the screen: "Your Highness, this old minister has something... that needs to be confirmed again. I wonder if it would be permissible to take Consort Liang's pulse again?"
Behind the screen, Su Jingyu's heart skipped a beat. She subconsciously touched her lower abdomen and looked at Yun Shu beside her. Xiao Jingzhan, hearing this from outside the screen, also felt a pang of anxiety and immediately said in a deep voice, "Speak freely, examine me carefully!"
Physician Liu apologized and resumed taking the pulse, this time taking even longer. His expression grew more solemn, but the joy in his eyes deepened. Finally, he rose, walked around the screen, and bowed deeply to Xiao Jingzhan, who stood with his hands behind his back, his voice filled with excitement: "Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations! Her Highness's pulse is smooth and flowing, like a pearl, swift and clear... This is the ultimate smooth pulse, and the two pulses are close together, complementing each other! This old minister dares to speculate that Her Highness's pregnancy is not a single pulse, but... the joy of twins!"
"Twins?!" Xiao Jingzhan's pupils suddenly contracted, and his usually calm and composed face instantly flashed with immense shock and ecstasy, almost as if he had misheard. He abruptly looked at the screen, as if trying to see the people inside through it.
A soft gasp came from behind the screen; Su Jingyu had covered her mouth.
Xiao Jingzhan composed himself, suppressing the turmoil surging in his heart, but his voice still trembled slightly: "Imperial Physician Liu, this matter is no small thing, are you sure?"
Physician Liu hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, a slippery pulse indicates pregnancy, and such a smooth and flowing pulse with two pulses faintly visible is indeed a sign of twins!"
"Good! Good! Good!" Xiao Jingzhan said "good" three times in succession, his hands behind his back clenching slightly, his phoenix eyes gleaming with an unprecedented brilliance. He took a deep breath and looked at Imperial Physician Liu, his tone more solemn and authoritative than ever before: "Director Liu, this matter need not be publicized for now. I entrust the safety of Consort Liang and the Imperial Heir entirely to you and the Imperial Hospital. From today onwards, the Imperial Hospital must assign its most capable physicians to rotate shifts, and formulate the safest strategy for ensuring the pregnancy's health. All medications, diet, and daily routines must be carefully considered to ensure absolute safety! If there is even the slightest mistake, you will be held responsible!"
"Your humble servant obeys! I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of Her Majesty and the Imperial Heir!" Physician Liu's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed in agreement, knowing full well the gravity of the matter.
"Furthermore," Xiao Jingzhan added, his voice softening but carrying an undeniable force, "Consort Liangdi is currently pregnant with twins and needs even more careful care and a cheerful disposition. The procedures you and the Imperial Hospital draft must prioritize Consort Liangdi's comfort and well-being above all else, without any coercion. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand! I will certainly devise the most moderate and prudent solution!"
After Physician Liu withdrew, Xiao Jingzhan dismissed his attendants and strode into the inner room. Su Jingyu was still sitting blankly on the couch, her hand resting on her lower abdomen, her eyes filled with disbelief, surprise, and a hint of bewilderment.
“Yu’er…” Xiao Jingzhan squatted down in front of her, took her slightly cool hand, looked up at her, and said in a voice so gentle it could melt water, “Did you hear that? Physician Liu said that this time there might be… two children.”
Su Jingyu finally came to her senses, her eyes instantly reddening, tears welling up in them—a mixture of joy and helplessness: "Your Highness...is it true? I...I'm carrying two babies?"
"Yes, it's true." Xiao Jingzhan reached out and carefully placed his hand on her lower abdomen. "My goodness, you're really amazing." He lowered his head and kissed her lower abdomen tenderly, then looked up and kissed away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Don't be afraid, with me here, I will definitely protect you and your child."
Su Jingyu nodded vigorously, threw herself into his arms, and hugged him tightly. Xiao Jingzhan picked her up steadily, sat on the couch, and let her sit on his lap, gently rocking her as if she were a rare treasure.
"I must immediately tell Father and Mother this good news." He kissed the top of her head, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and pride.
As expected, when the news reached the Lizheng Hall, the Emperor and Empress were overjoyed! The Emperor immediately issued an edict to reward everyone in the Liuli Pavilion, and the Empress personally came to visit, holding Su Jingyu's hand and looking at her again and again, so happy that she didn't know what to do. She repeatedly said, "May our ancestors bless us, may Heaven bless Dasheng," and gave her countless instructions on how to ensure a safe pregnancy. Finally, after being urged by the Emperor repeatedly, she reluctantly left. Before leaving, she ordered the Imperial Household Department to send the best tonics and the softest fabrics from the storehouse to the East Palace.
Because of this joyous occasion, Xiao Jingzhan saw that Su Jingyu looked radiant and was in high spirits, so he decided to take her to the royal villa in the suburbs of Beijing for a short stay to relax and unwind.
The villa was beautiful and the air was fresh. Upon arrival, Su Jingyu's mood indeed improved. After finishing his urgent official business, Xiao Jingzhan saw her leaning against the window looking at the scenery with a smile in her eyes. On a whim, he changed into a smart black outfit.
"My dear, would you like to see me practice my spear technique?" He walked to her side and asked, looking down at her.
Su Jingyu's eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly.
The villa had a huge training ground. Xiao Jingzhan held a black gold spear, his figure as upright as a pine tree. He started with a stance, his aura instantly rising. Then, the spear moved like a dragon, flashing with cold light, thrusting, parrying, sweeping, and slashing, his movements swift as lightning, yet fluid and natural, carrying a chilling aura of killing intent.
The gun whistled through the air, swirling fallen leaves into a flurry. In the sunlight, his figure moved nimbly and gracefully, like a dragon in flight, the black spear seemingly coming to life, transforming into streaks of black lightning.
"Good!" The surrounding guards couldn't help but cheer.
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