Chapter 62 Think it through
When Cen Yan woke up the next day, Zhuang Dongqing was still nestled obediently in his arms. He reached out and touched her, but she didn't even have a normal reaction.
Realizing something, Cen Yan went to the clean room and came back, then lay down with Zhuang Dongqing in his arms for a while.
Perhaps it was because he had lived in the east wing for so long, or perhaps Zhuang Dongqing had grown accustomed to being alone, but as soon as he got into bed, he vaguely sensed someone approaching. Unlike before, when Zhuang Dongqing didn't mistake him for Liu Fu and try to push him away, now…
Just as Cen Yan lay down, Zhuang Dongqing rolled over.
She would also subconsciously find a comfortable position to lie down in his arms.
He kissed Zhuang Dongqing on the forehead; the other was fast asleep.
After observing for a while and seeing that Zhuang Dongqing neither woke up nor reacted again, Cen Yan was certain that everything was alright before getting up.
While washing up, changing clothes, and choosing an outer garment, she thought of something and went to get Zhuang Dongqing's clothes to look at.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?"
Liu Fu took care of Zhuang Dongqing's daily life, while Cen Yan never interfered. So, Liu Fu was naturally puzzled by this sudden change.
Cen Yan glanced at the waistline and asked, "Was this batch all made around the beginning of summer?"
"Yes, Manager Liu sent someone to measure the young master's figure and then had it done."
"Have Liu Qi make another batch."
He murmured again, "But it takes time to do it."
“Okay, let’s pick two pieces from these first and have the grandmothers alter them, and give them some extra room at the waist.”
Liu Fu understood. "You mean, you're worried that the young master won't be able to fit into it after his pregnancy becomes visible?"
Cen Yan: "I feel like I'm growing faster lately, so I guess it's better to be prepared."
She paused, then added, "You can prepare it yourselves; there's no need to specifically tell your young master. Just keep an eye out for things and prepare in advance."
If Cen Yan's observation is correct, Zhuang Dongqing actually has some...
Liu Fu: "Okay."
After having breakfast and finishing his boxing practice, Zhuang Dongqing woke up. While he was still groggy, Cen Yan went in to check on him again to make sure he was alright before sitting down in the courtyard and making a cup of tea.
After Zhuang Dongqing finished getting ready and had a meal, Master Zhao arrived.
The pulse has returned to normal.
After taking a pulse, Cen Yan asked Master Zhao, "Will I need to move around more in the future?"
Master Zhao: "Yes, wait until the belly gets a little bigger."
Cen Yan seemed to be deep in thought.
Zhuang Dongqing quickly assured him, "Then I'll walk around the Prince's Garden more often and have Liufu make arrangements."
Cen Yan didn't say much, he just listened.
When Zhuang Dongqing remembered to go check on his flowers and plants, only Cen Yan and Master Zhao remained in the courtyard. Cen Yan asked, "If we're going to move them, shouldn't we hurry?"
Master Zhao was stunned for a moment before he realized what was going on: "Master, you mean..."
"Yes, I'm thinking about it, but I still need to find an opportunity."
Master Zhao pondered Zhuang Dongqing's pulse. "Young Master's health has improved considerably, but he is still not suited for travel. If you have such a plan, you need to settle down seven months from now."
Seven months... Zhuang Dongqing is almost five months pregnant now, which means there are still two months left.
"Understood."
After Hao San, Xu Si, and Liu Qi reported on their daily affairs as usual, Cen Yan kept Liu Qi behind.
"Have you received a reply to the letter you sent to southern Xinjiang?"
"I just got back and was about to report to my master that the Holy Maiden can't come, but she can provide some life-saving pills, which will be delivered by one of their priests."
Cen Yan: "Can the person stay?"
Liu Qi: "Their intention is to assess the young master's condition first before making any further decisions."
Cen Yan nodded, "Okay, you keep an eye on things, and it's best to keep them here."
When Cen Yan said something like that, it meant that the place had to stay. Liu Qi understood and nodded.
Cen Yan: "I've thought long and hard about who should take care of the child in the future, and none of the current ones are suitable. How about we ask Grandma?"
There are several grandmothers in the mansion, but if we were to mention one in this situation, we would only be referring to one grandmother who took care of Cen Yan from childhood. She has always lived in her fiefdom. When she returned to the capital, she was worried and wanted to come along, but Cen Yan thought the capital was too chaotic. In addition, although the grandmother was still capable, she was not young, so he left her in her fiefdom to live out her retirement.
Liu Qi said happily, "I was just worried about that too. If Grandma is willing to come, that would be the best."
Cen Yan: "Let's write to ask first. Grandma is not young anymore. If she's willing, then let her come."
Without a second thought, Liu Qi replied, "Of course I'd be willing!"
After speaking with Master Zhao and giving instructions on the arrangements for the priests of the Southern Frontier, Cen Yan slowly got up and went to find Zhuang Dongqing.
Zhuang Dongqing has recently taken a liking to tinkering with flowers and plants, though he doesn't seem to take much care of them. He mainly does it to relax and stretch his muscles when he has nothing else to do.
I was confined to my room for the past two days due to health reasons, but I was finally free today, so I went to the garden.
As Cen Yan approached, Zhuang Dongqing was holding a small shovel and digging in the soil.
The servants were about to greet Cen Yan when he gestured for them to be quiet.
After observing for a while, it became clear that things weren't very convenient. His belly had grown, his center of gravity had shifted, and squatting was awkward; it probably wouldn't be very comfortable. Cen Yan whispered a few words to his attendant, then squatted down as well, picked up some seeds lying to the side, and asked, "What are you planting?"
"Roses, Uncle Li said that these can bloom even in colder weather. Right now, the garden is full of summer flowers planted in winter, so we'll plant these to make up for it."
As he spoke, he wiped away his sweat.
Looking up, I belatedly realized it was Cen Yan asking the question.
Moreover, the two of them were very close, and Zhuang Dongqing could see Cen Yan's thick, distinct eyelashes.
"..."
Cen Yan grabbed Zhuang Dongqing's arm: "Be careful, why are you backing away? Don't fall."
"Oh, oh oh."
When she lost her balance, Zhuang Dongqing panicked for a moment, but fortunately Cen Yan caught her.
After he finished speaking, the servant brought over the small stool. Cen Yan nodded to Zhuang Dongqing, who understood and sat down.
After washing his hands and wiping his face, Zhuang Dongqing held his water glass and realized that Cen Yan had picked up his small shovel and taken over his work.
"..."
Zhuang Dongqing's eyes darted around. "You...aren't you going to handle official business? Why did you suddenly decide to come over?"
Cen Yan said cheekily, "Guess."
"..."
Zhuang Dongqing: "I won't guess!"
Cen Yan smiled, the morning light illuminating his face, his smile so bright that it made Zhuang Dongqing's heart leap with joy.
Cen Yan suppressed a laugh: "I remember when you first came to the Prince's Mansion, you weren't like this."
Back then, I was as timid as a quail. When I saw him and bowed, I wished I could keep my head down and be extremely cautious.
Zhuang Dongqing: "Times have changed."
Cen Yan planted the shovel in the ground, looked up and stared directly at Zhuang Dongqing, "Oh? Tell me the difference."
"..."
Zhuang Dongqing stared at Cen Yan, speechless for a moment. Then, seeing a slight smile appear on Cen Yan's face, he suddenly understood and said, word by word, "You, intentionally, did it."
"Wow, you've noticed that! Young Master, you have such keen eyes!"
Zhuang Dongqing didn't want to talk anymore.
Having already brought up the topic, Cen Yan wisely said, "Why are you hiding? It's so early in the morning. What did I do to displease you?"
Zhuang Dongqing glanced sideways, about to speak, when Cen Yan said, "Don't say you don't, I'm not blind."
Cen Yan had said everything.
Zhuang Dongqing looked at Cen Yan with puffed-up cheeks for a while, then deflated.
He honestly replied, "I don't know how to say it."
Cen Yan bent down again to help him dig a hole. He was strong, and after digging one hole, he moved to another spot and leisurely began to dig the next one.
Zhuang Dongqing felt the atmosphere of the conversation became more relaxed as she avoided looking directly at him.
Seeing that Cen Yan wasn't urging her, she thought for a moment and suddenly realized, "We... are... like this?"
Cen Yan heard it vaguely.
They looked up, their eyes met, and slowly, in the morning light, a blush rose on Zhuang Dongqing's face.
Zhuang Dongqing blurted out without thinking, "That's just how I am."
"It has no other advantages..."
"You...are you really sure?"
"Oh right, no, no backing out halfway through!"
Cen Yan: "Does that mean I can back out now?"
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
Zhuang Dongqing said fiercely, "No!"
Cen Yan smiled and said, "That's fine."
"I……"
"I know."
Cen Yan picked up the flustered words and went back to his work. He hadn't wanted to look at Cen Yan earlier, but now Zhuang Dongqing inexplicably wanted to lift his head up and make him look at him.
Cen Yan: "But I've already thought this through. Instead of asking me, why don't you ask yourself if you've really thought it through?"
Compared to Cen Yan, Zhuang Dongqing was more like the one being pushed around.
Cen Yan dropped the shovel, moved a few steps closer to Zhuang Dongqing, their knees touching, and placed Cen Yan's hand on Zhuang Dongqing's knee, looking up at him and asking, "Are you going to back out?"
Zhuang Dongqing shook his head; that wasn't what he meant.
Cen Yan smiled again. Up close, he looked incredibly alluring, and Zhuang Dongqing's heart fluttered again.
"I've already said I'm extremely fond of you, young master. Is this what you want to hear me say?"
His voice was much lower, and as his breath came, Zhuang Dongqing's throat bobbed.
Zhuang Dongqing shook her head again, but her face looked even healthier, rosy and flushed.
"What else could it be but needing praise first thing in the morning, wanting me to come up with all sorts of ways to compliment you?"
"!no."
Their eyes met, and Cen Yan smiled. Zhuang Dongqing couldn't stand his gaze and whispered, "I just need to get used to it."
"I... I haven't," Zhuang Dongqing swallowed the word "dating" and said in a different way, "I've never liked anyone."
Cen Yan's eyebrows twitched slightly, he understood, and said gently, "Then I am truly honored."
"..."
This guy is so good at talking, help!
The fact that they were so close made Zhuang Dongqing feel like her face was being repeatedly rubbed against the ground.
He's just a piece of trash! Ugh!
We've slept together so many times, how can we be talking about it and still feel embarrassed?
Yes, his face felt hot. Although he was used to it, after picking at it, just thinking about it made his face inexplicably hot.
The person in front of me likes me.
That's great, it just so happens to be something he likes.
It was like a dream.
Thinking this, Cen Yan noticed that Zhuang Dongqing's ear tips had also turned red.
Look at her, she's so cute.
Actually, he was a little dazed, but perhaps he and Zhuang Dongqing expressed themselves differently. Zhuang Dongqing was embarrassed, while he just wanted to be close to her.
Yes, even if it sounds a bit saccharine.
But he wanted to keep Zhuang Dongqing under his watchful eye, never leaving her side.
For example, he was very satisfied with this conversation.
Cen Yan was tempted and leaned forward slightly. Realizing what he was about to do, Zhuang Dongqing turned her face away.
Cen Yan raised an eyebrow, "You won't let me kiss you?"
"No, there are so many, there are people watching."
Zhuang Dongqing's voice was also soft, her eyes were lowered, and her eyelashes trembled violently.
Cen Yan didn't speak, just stared at him, until Zhuang Dongqing couldn't stand it anymore and suggested, "How about we go back inside?"
"sure."
Cen Yan leaned close to Zhuang Dongqing's ear and made a condition: "How about we take off our clothes when we get back?"
"..."
My face is hot enough to fry an egg on.
After a while, Cen Yan heard Zhuang Dongqing reply softly, "Okay, okay then."
So good.
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