Chapter 76 I'll feel sorry for you when you're sick.
After a long while, deliberately light footsteps and hushed conversations came from outside.
Xiao Jingzhan's eyebrows twitched slightly as he gently pushed open the window crack.
The eldest son, Xiao Chengyu, was being led by his wet nurse, his little hands carefully holding a wooden bowl that seemed to contain something.
The little one, with a serious expression and a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, toddled towards the bedchamber. The wet nurse coaxed softly, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince and the Empress haven't gotten up yet. We'll come back later..."
“But… Yu’er misses Father, and… wants to show Father…” Xiao Chengyu muttered softly, staring longingly at the door of the bedchamber.
Xiao Jingzhan's cold, hard heart melted instantly. He smiled silently, gently closed the window, and walked back to the bedside. Su Jingyu had also woken up and was rubbing her eyes as she looked at him.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?"
"Yu'er is here." Xiao Jingzhan bent down and kissed her forehead. "My darling, sleep a little longer. I'm going to go see her."
He dressed neatly and gently opened the palace door. Outside, Xiao Chengyu, who was confronting his wet nurse, saw him and his eyes lit up instantly. He called out in a clear voice, "Father!"
Xiao Jingzhan bent down and scooped his son up in his arms. The little guy had gotten heavier and stronger. He looked at his son's rosy cheeks and asked, "What are you doing here so early?"
Xiao Chengyu held up the wooden bowl in his hand like a treasure: "Father, look!... The beans have sprouted!"
"Mother said that when Father comes back, they will... will grow up! Yu'er waters them every day!" In the wooden bowl, there is soft soil, and a few tender green bean sprouts timidly peek out, full of vitality.
Looking at the tender sprout that represents new life and hope, and then at his son's bright eyes full of expectation and admiration, Xiao Jingzhan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
"Yes, he's growing very well." He patted his son's head, his voice gentle. "Yu'er has done a good job."
Overjoyed by his father's praise, Xiao Chengyu's face lit up, and he twisted his body to get down, saying, "Father, Father, my younger brother and sister are awake too! Let's go see them!"
Xiao Jingzhan put his son down, took his little hand, and walked towards the side hall. There, the wet nurse was holding little Anning, who had just woken up and was still a little drowsy.
Xiao Chengye lay quietly in the cradle, sucking his fingers, his big, dark eyes looking around. When he saw them, he suddenly grinned and giggled with his toothless little mouth.
Xiao Jingzhan shuddered, an indescribable surge of emotion and satisfaction washing over him. He stepped forward and took his daughter from the wet nurse. The tiny, soft bundle, smelling of milk, nestled in his arms, curiously clutching a strand of his hair. He carried Anning to the cradle, watching Xiao Yu'er play with his younger brother.
Su Jingyu, wearing an outer robe, leaned against the door of the bedchamber, watching this scene with a smile. The morning light shone through the window lattice, bathing the father and his three sons in warmth and brightness.
Xiao Jingzhan looked at his wife, who was smiling radiantly by the door. Their eyes met, and no words were needed.
After a night's rest, Xiao Jingzhan was full of energy, and although Su Jingyu's waist was sore, her complexion was excellent, and her eyebrows and eyes revealed the charming spring feeling of being deeply loved. After breakfast, the Emperor and Empress sent someone to invite them, saying that they missed their grandson and wanted the family to reunite.
The Emperor and Empress naturally showered the Crown Prince with care and rewards upon his safe return, and also greatly praised Su Jingyu for managing the Eastern Palace, raising her children, and showing concern for the front lines.
The Empress held Su Jingyu's hand and inquired in detail about the medicinal herbs and supplies sent to the border. Upon hearing that they were remarkably effective, she repeatedly said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."
The three children were the absolute stars of the day. Xiao Chengyu recited a newly learned poem in front of his grandfather. Although his recitation was immature, his pronunciation was clear, which earned him high praise from the emperor, who also rewarded him with imperial calligraphy and painting.
Xiao Chengye and Xiao Anning were held in the Emperor and Empress's arms in turns. One was quiet and well-behaved, while the other was lively and babbling, which made the Emperor and Empress laugh heartily and shower them with rewards. For a time, the Lizheng Hall was filled with laughter and joy.
After lunch, the Emperor and Empress wished to keep the children playing in the palace, so Xiao Jingzhan and Su Jingyu took their leave. As they approached the palace gate, they noticed that the once bright sky had become overcast with clouds.
As they approached the carriage, a fine drizzle began to fall, carrying the chill of early spring and spreading dark spots on the bluestone slabs of the palace road.
"Oh, it's raining." Su Jingyu said softly, looking up at the sky. The rain was fine and not heavy, but it was enough to dampen her clothes. Today she was only wearing a slightly thin, pale yellow satin spring dress embroidered with magnolia branches. In order to appear smart in front of the Emperor and Empress, she had taken off her cloak earlier in the palace. Now, standing slenderly in the cool rain and the rising wind, she looked somewhat pitiful.
Xiao Jingzhan noticed it almost immediately. He frowned slightly and raised his hand to take off his dark-colored cloak embroidered with gold dragon patterns.
“Your Highness, there’s no need,” Su Jingyu quickly and softly stopped her, then stepped further down to the vermilion porch of the palace gate to avoid the drizzling rain. “The rain isn’t heavy. I’ll just wait here in the porch for the coachman to bring the carriage closer.”
Xiao Jingzhan stepped forward and subtly shielded her from most of the cold wind with his body. At the same time, he ordered He Yong beside him in a deep voice: "Go, drive the Crown Princess's carriage to the front of the corridor. Be careful not to let the rain splash into the carriage."
"Yes, Your Highness." He Yong accepted the order and immediately jogged off to make the arrangements.
While waiting, Xiao Jingzhan's gaze fell on Su Jingyu's slightly slender shoulders. Her pale yellow soft satin spring dress looked even more delicate under the gloomy sky. He raised his hand and deftly took off his thick, dark brocade cloak embroidered with gold dragon patterns.
"Your Highness..." Su Jingyu saw his movement and tried to stop him in a soft voice.
"Listen to me." Xiao Jingzhan's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable force. He had already shaken out his cloak, and the heavy fabric, carrying his body heat and the faint scent of pine, instantly wrapped her petite body tightly.
The cloak was too large for her, almost dragging on the ground, which made her look even more slender.
He carefully adjusted her collar, tied the silk ribbon around her neck, and gently pulled out a strand of hair that was covered by the cloak. His fingertips inadvertently brushed against the delicate skin of her neck, and the calloused touch made Su Jingyu tremble slightly.
"We mustn't be careless. If my darling gets sick, it will break my heart." He looked down at her, his movements incredibly gentle. His body heat lingered on her cloak, the warmth seeping into her heart.
Su Jingyu stopped resisting and obediently let him do as he pleased. She felt enveloped by that familiar and reassuring aura, her cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Hmm." Xiao Jingzhan was finally satisfied. He looked up at the rain again, almost half-encircling her, protecting her in the most sheltered and dry corner of the corridor.
Looking at the continuous rain before her, Su Jingyu suddenly recalled her childhood in a county town in Jiangnan. In spring, there was often such a light drizzle. She and her friends would sneak out of the house and splash in the water on the wet bluestone road. Her mother would always chase after her with an umbrella, scolding her while drying her wet hair... The memory softened her eyes and made her lips slightly upturned with a nostalgic smile.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com