Chapter 29 Extreme Pampering
Inside the room, Su Jingyu was sleeping soundly in Xiao Jingzhan's arms by the desk. Xiao Jingzhan was reading a book casually, but his gaze mostly fell on the peaceful sleeping face of the person in his arms.
At this moment, Yun Shu whispered from outside the curtain, "Your Highness, Consort Liang, the imperial physician has come to check on Ping An's pulse."
Xiao Jingzhan gently pulled the delicate body in his arms closer and whispered, "Please come in, and be gentle."
Imperial Physician Zhang, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, carrying his medicine chest, entered with a bow and a composed demeanor. Just as he was about to perform the proper greeting, Xiao Jingzhan gestured to stop him. Understanding the gesture, Imperial Physician Zhang quietly stepped forward, knelt on the cushion, and began to take the pulse of Su Jingyu, who was still asleep.
Xiao Jingzhan stood to the side, his eyes fixed on Physician Zhang's expression, even his breathing becoming slightly softer, afraid of disturbing him. Only when Physician Zhang withdrew his hand and a relaxed smile appeared on his face did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
"How is it?" Xiao Jingzhan asked in a low voice, his tone filled with undisguised concern.
"Your Highness, please rest assured," Physician Zhang said, bowing slightly and speaking in a very low voice, "The concubine's pulse is steady and strong, the fetus is well-nourished, and both mother and child are safe. It's just that summer inevitably causes some internal heat and a slight deficiency in the spleen. I will prescribe a mild dietary therapy, and she can simply pay a little attention to her daily diet."
Xiao Jingzhan was not satisfied with this and pressed on, "Can heart fire affect sleep? Will spleen deficiency lead to loss of appetite? What should be avoided in daily diet? Is it appropriate to drink two cups of iced drinks a day? And..." He asked several questions in a row, meticulous in every detail. Even Yun Shu and Jin Shu, who were standing by, were secretly amazed. His Highness's concern for Liangdi was truly to the core.
Physician Zhang patiently answered all his questions, his heart filled with emotion. He had served in the palace for many years and seen countless nobles, but he had never seen a prince or grandson of the emperor, especially the crown prince, so concerned with the details of a concubine's pregnancy so personally and attentively. This Consort Su was truly the apple of the crown prince's eye.
After the consultation, Xiao Jingzhan was finally relieved and gestured for Yun Shu to escort Physician Zhang out. Just then, a eunuch entered carrying a white jade ice platter containing fresh lychees with red shells still glistening with dewdrops. These were lychees that Xiao Jingzhan had ordered to be sent back from the southern border by fast horse.
Xiao Jingzhan suddenly called out to Physician Zhang, who had already reached the door, "Physician Zhang, wait a moment."
Physician Zhang quickly turned around: "Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"
"These lychees are considered 'hot' in traditional Chinese medicine. Is it safe for pregnant women to eat them?" Xiao Jingzhan asked seriously, pointing to the plate of lychees.
Physician Zhang hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, lychees are sweet and warm in nature, and they nourish the spleen and liver. It is not a problem for pregnant women to eat a small amount; in fact, it can be beneficial. However, they should not eat too much to avoid generating heat."
"I understand, thank you for your help, Imperial Physician." Xiao Jingzhan nodded in relief.
At this moment, Su Jingyu was awakened by a slight noise. She lazily stirred, rubbed her eyes, and softly called out, "Your Highness..."
Xiao Jingzhan said softly, "Did I wake you up? Perfect timing, the lychees from Southern Xinjiang have arrived. Have a taste." As he spoke, he washed his hands, picked up a plump lychee, skillfully peeled off the red shell to reveal the crystal-clear flesh inside, and offered it to Su Jingyu's lips.
Su Jingyu had just woken up and was still a little groggy. Using his hand, she took a small bite of the chilled lychee flesh. The sweet juice burst in her mouth, cool and refreshing, dispelling the summer's restlessness. She squinted her eyes contentedly, like a cat being stroked, and smiled sweetly: "So sweet, thank you, Your Highness."
Looking at her satisfied smile, Xiao Jingzhan felt his heart melt, sweeter than the lychees themselves. He peeled another one, carefully removed the pit, and fed it to her lips again, his gaze so tender it could drip water: "If you like, use two more, but don't be greedy."
Standing aside, Physician Zhang watched this tender scene: the incomparably noble Crown Prince was so naturally peeling lychees for a concubine and feeding her to her mouth. The doting and focused look in his eyes was something he had never seen in any other member of the imperial family.
He sighed inwardly again, bowed respectfully, and quietly withdrew. This Lady Su's good fortune was truly enviable.
Meanwhile, inside the Risjeongjeon Hall.
The Emperor and Empress were also enjoying the lychees presented by the Crown Prince. The Empress peeled one open, put the tender white flesh into her mouth, and nodded in praise, "These lychees taste excellent. It's kind of Zhan'er to think of sending us these to cool us down from so far away."
The Emperor was in a good mood and said with a smile, "Zhan'er handled this task beautifully, with swift and decisive action, showing consideration for the people's plight. What's even more commendable is his meticulousness and thorough consideration of all matters related to epidemic prevention and disaster relief. All the senior officials in the court have praised him." He paused and looked at the Empress, "I heard that as soon as he returned to the palace, he went to the Liuli Pavilion. He seems to be quite interested in that Su family."
The Empress smiled slightly, her tone calm: "I have heard about it as well. That Su woman is blessed, and now she is pregnant again. It is only right that Zhan'er dotes on her more. As long as it does not affect important matters, I am happy to see the young couple being loving and harmonious." The more she looked at Su Jingyu, the more pleasing she became, after all, the child in her belly was the grandson she had longed for.
The Emperor nodded: "Yes, Zhan'er is sensible in his actions, I am at ease. It is a good thing that he values ​​relationships. It is not a blessing for the country if the emperor is too cold-hearted. As long as he keeps things in check, I am happy to see it succeed." He had absolute confidence in the Crown Prince's abilities and skills, and was not worried that he would let personal matters interfere with public affairs.
The Emperor and Empress savored the sweet lychees, praising their son's excellence and the warmth of their family. The palace was filled with a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. Despite the sweltering summer heat, the Crown Prince's filial piety made the day exceptionally pleasant.
Inside the Glazed Pavilion, Xiao Jingzhan fed Su Jingyu a few lychees, then forbade her to eat any more. He took a damp handkerchief and carefully wiped her lips and fingers. Su Jingyu leaned against him, looking up at his focused profile, her heart filled with sweetness. The cicadas continued to chirp outside the window, but inside the pavilion, only the coolness emanating from the ice mirror and the warmth of her lover's embrace remained.
At the Mid-Autumn Festival palace banquet, wine cups were clinked and toasts were exchanged.
More than four months pregnant, Su Jingyu wore a flowing, subtly patterned brocade palace gown. Although the style was loose to conceal her baby bump, the luxurious fabric and exquisite tailoring accentuated her radiant skin and refined elegance. The nourishment of pregnancy added a touch of gentle charm to her features, making her breathtakingly beautiful under the dazzling palace lanterns.
The moment she entered, she instantly attracted everyone's attention. There was amazement, envy, jealousy, and even some unspoken, complex looks hidden in the corners.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan held her hand tightly, protecting her by his side. His sharp gaze swept across the entire room, and the overly direct scrutiny instantly subsided.
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