Chapter 150 The Twin Princes Return to the Capital
Yanmao District is like a piece of carefully polished warm jade, showing increasing vitality on the coast of the South China Sea.
The crisscrossing wide streets are paved with bluestone slabs, washed smooth as a mirror by rain, reflecting the new buildings lined up on both sides.
Shops, inns, restaurants, workshops... the ink lines on the original planning drawings have now all turned into solid wall foundations and flying eaves.
Almost all the shops along the street are open, their signs fluttering in the salty and humid sea breeze. The shouts of hawkers in different accents, the sounds of bargaining, and the sound of traffic interweave into a grand melody full of the flavor of the city life, echoing day and night on this new land.
The rapid rise of prosperity from this barren land is the result of the hard work of countless people, not to mention the personal efforts of the royal family.
The fifth prince Nangong Yijun and the sixth prince Nangong Lintian, the two young princes who were once respected and prized in the capital, now have skin that has been coated with a layer of capable dark wheat color by the scorching sunshine of the South China Sea. Between their brows, which originally still retained a hint of youthfulness, there is now a calmness and decisiveness tempered by the wind and waves.
They are no longer at a loss when faced with account books and drawings as when they first arrived.
The cargo handling at the port, the complicated interactions between the newly established Maritime Customs Office and the maritime merchants from various countries, and even the minor unrest in the artisan district caused by the settlement of wages...
Both of them were able to analyze each and every issue in detail and handle them appropriately. The dignity of being of royal blood was still there in their eyes and brows, but it had been quietly blended with the efficiency and responsibility of a doer, and they truly had the air of being able to stand on their own two feet.
"My mother and father in the capital must be missing me terribly."
Dongfang Yuning sat in the spacious flower hall of the palace overlooking the sea, looking out the window at the busy harbor with sails, playing with a warm mutton-fat jade pendant in his hand, his tone filled with a bit of parental satisfaction.
"You two have been away from home for long enough. It's time to go back and visit."
Nangong Lintian, who was busy checking the accounts for a batch of newly arrived spices, raised his head and his eyes lit up when he heard this:
"My aunt is right! A few days ago, I received winter clothes sent by my mother through a messenger. She was wondering if we could get used to eating seafood here."
Nangong Chengrui, who was standing next to him, put down the port expansion blueprint in his hand, and a hint of admiration appeared on his calm face:
"Although the emperor didn't explicitly state it in the letter, his concern was evident between the lines. State affairs are heavy, and as his sons, we should return to spend some time with him."
"Um,"
Dongfang Yuning nodded with satisfaction, and then his smart and clever eyes turned, instantly switching to his skin-peeling nature.
"When we go back, we must be polite! What's the point of going empty-handed? It makes our Yanmao District look poor! It's just right to bring some of our local specialties back to Beijing to broaden its horizons!"
She clapped her hands, and the maid standing beside her immediately brought out a long gift list that had been prepared long ago.
"Here, this is for your sister, the Queen."
Dongfang Yuning pointed at the top of the gift list with his fingertips, his tone intimate and a little proud.
"This nine-phoenix screen, carved from deep-sea jade and bearing pearls, was presented to us by a merchant last month. It feels cool to the touch and would be most comfortable to place in Fengyi Palace in the summer.
Paired with three sets of Yueji Pavilion’s latest Haitianxia Liuguangjin summer dresses, the material is as light and thin as clouds, and it shimmers when you walk. I guarantee that my sister will like it!
Oh, there are also ten boxes of the special edition of Ice Skin Snow Powder, which has 10% South China Sea Pearl Powder added. As for the effect... hehe, let sister use it and experience it for herself! "
Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian looked at each other and saw a smile in each other's eyes.
This aunt, who is one year younger than them, has always been generous and precise in her filial respect for her mother.
"As for your brother-in-law, the emperor..."
Dongfang Yuning's tone was obviously much more casual, and his fingertips slid down the gift list.
"Here, by the way. Two jars of thirty-year-old South Sea Amber Liquor, to soothe my brother-in-law."
I'll also bring a set of newly made purple clay tea sets from Tiangongge, with a miniature "South China Sea Scenery Map" engraved on the teapot, so that while I drink tea, I can also look at the magnificent scenery of the sea under his rule. Well, that's it."
The brothers' lips twitched slightly as they silently noted this. This "by the way" gap was truly longer than the journey from Nanhai to the capital.
"You must never treat the Empress Dowager with disrespect!"
Dongfang Yuning's expression straightened up and his tone became serious.
"That three-foot-tall red coral tree, its entire body as red as fire, without any other color, is the treasure at the bottom of the ballast! Please bring it back to the Cining Palace safely!
Plus six boxes of 'Fairy Skin and Jade Bone Cream·Emperor Supreme Edition', the concentration of Lingquan is half a percentage higher than that given to the Queen, and it uses my specially blended Longevity and Eternal Spring Fragrance.
There is also a box of Hepu tribute beads, each one round and lustrous, the size of a fingernail, for my mother-in-law to play with in her spare time or to show to others."
"Yes, aunt, I will escort you carefully."
Nangong Yijun responded solemnly.
"And my father and mother,"
When Dongfang Yuning mentioned his parents, his voice softened, with a hint of sweetness.
"Dad loves to write. That Dragon Yin Inkstone is an antique salvaged from a shipwreck on the seabed. The stone is as fine as baby skin, and the breath turns it into ink. I'll bring it back to him.
As for mother... ten rolls of the lightest and softest shark silk gauze, as thin as a cicada's wing, water-resistant, perfect for summer nightwear. Also, bring some Fairy Skin and Jade Bone Cream, and a few baskets of our freshest tuna and dried scallops, so she can try them."
She gave the order in one breath, thought for a moment, and added:
"We can't neglect the eldest brother and his wife, and the second brother and his wife either. We've prepared all kinds of South China Sea pearl jewelry, tortoise shell combs, and spice bags. As for the third brother..."
She smiled slyly.
"He's in Yanmao District helping me run the workshop. I'll give him his share myself later! Don't worry about it."
The gift list was a thick stack, which included almost all the rare treasures and new specialties that could be found in Yanmao District. Its value was inestimable.
The fifth and sixth princes took the order, but felt a heavy weight on their shoulders. This was not a gift for visiting relatives at all, but a sincere token of their love from their aunt, piled with mountains of gold and silver, as well as a silent but arrogant declaration to their family members far away in Kyoto - she was doing well in the South China Sea and was very wealthy.
Compared to the thriving hustle and bustle of the Yanmao District, the backyard of Prince Yong's Mansion is immersed in a peaceful and warm expectation.
Princess Nangong Yue's due date was approaching. She reclined on the chaise longue by the window of the Linshui Pavilion, her belly bulging like a full moon. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting warm patches of light on her body.
Amazingly, despite being so close to giving birth, she looked incredibly healthy. Her face was rosy, plump, and white, with a delicate complexion that showed no signs of pregnancy or fatigue, as if it were meticulously carved from the finest mutton-fat jade.
Her black hair was thick and lustrous, loosely tied with a simple jade hairpin, which made her look even more elegant and refined. This was all thanks to the meticulous care of Dongfang Yuning, a human-shaped spiritual fountain and top nutritionist.
Every day, Nangong Yue drinks a cup of warm and sweet spiritual spring water, paired with the spiritual fruit snacks specially provided in the space, which nourishes her like a fairy who has absorbed the essence of the sun and the moon, and her whole body exudes health and abundant vitality.
However, this peaceful beauty, in the eyes of the Prince Consort Chen Xiaoyun, could not at all ease the extremely tense string in his heart.
The black-hearted fox who used to be able to make things happen with a wave of his hand and was full of scheming, was now completely reduced to his original form of an anxious Husky.
As long as Nangong Yue frowned slightly, or held her waist and let out a small "ouch", Shen Xiaoyun would immediately shoot over like a frightened bird, his voice changing with nervousness:
"Yuer? What's wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable? Is your leg cramping again? Or is the baby kicking too hard? Do you want to call a doctor? No, call your aunt! Quick! Ask your aunt to come and take a look!"
He stuck to Nangong Yue almost all day long, leaving no blind spots, wishing he could turn into a piece of her clothing.
Whenever Nangong Yue drank water, he would test the temperature first. Whenever Nangong Yue stood up, he would immediately transform into a human handrail. Whenever Nangong Yue took two more steps, he would stand by her side, supporting her as if she were facing a formidable enemy, muttering to himself:
"Slow down, Yue'er, walk slowly, and be careful with your steps..."
The fox eyes that always sparkled with brilliance now only contained deep worry and a hint of barely perceptible fear.
"Xiaoyun,"
Nangong Yue was dizzy from his spinning, and she rubbed her belly helplessly, her voice carrying the soft and lazy feeling that was unique to pregnancy.
"I'm really fine. My aunt said that the child and I are as strong as calves. Don't scare yourself."
"That being said, this is the first child after all. The book says..."
Shen Xiaoyun immediately brought out the various pregnancy and childbirth books that he had recently studied thoroughly, trying to justify his anxiety.
"The book also says that pregnant women should keep a happy mood."
Nangong Yue interrupted him with a smile, picked up a jade bracelet with a rich green color that had just been presented by a sea merchant and was placed on the small table next to her. She admired the intoxicating green color in the sunlight.
"Look at this bracelet. My aunt said she'd leave it for our children as a betrothal gift or dowry. Do you think it will still be this clear when it's passed down to our great-grandchildren?"
Chen Xiaoyun: “…”
His mind is now full of the delivery process, risks, and accidents. How can he care about the water content of his great-grandchildren's bracelets?
This situation where the emperor was not anxious but the eunuchs were continued until the night when Nangong Yue really took action.
The night was as dark as ink, and the faint sound of waves could be heard. In Prince Yong's chamber, red candles flickered, and a warm atmosphere filled the air. A profound exchange of mind and body had just concluded, and the aftertaste lingered in the air.
Dongfang Yuning was like a sated and lazy cat, curled up in Nangong Ye's solid and warm arms, breathing shallowly, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyes, she was already half asleep and half awake.
Nangong Ye put one arm around her and gently patted her back with the other hand, coaxing his baby to sleep. His cold brows were softer than ever in the candlelight.
Just as the room was filled with warmth and tranquility, and both of them were about to fall into a sweet dream—
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The heavy and luxurious carved wooden door of the bedroom was slammed with such force that it almost broke the door panel.
Shen Xiaoyun's roar, which had lost all composure and was left with only panic and hoarseness, penetrated the door panel, like an owl crying blood, fiercely tearing apart the tranquility of the night:
"Uncle! Aunt! Quick! Open the door! Yue'er! Yue'er has started—!"
"boom!"
Like ice water poured over his head, the remaining sleepiness in Dongfang Yuning's mind evaporated without a trace in an instant.
She suddenly jumped up from Nangong Ye's arms, her movement so fast that it caused a gust of wind, and her long black hair fell on her shoulders like a waterfall.
The pair of eyes that were just as misty as spring water were now as sharp as an eagle, frighteningly clear, and instantly switched to the highest state of combat readiness.
【118! 】
Dongfang Yuning called out in his heart,
[Activate obstetric emergency plan A! Prepare the highest concentration of spatial spiritual spring water, extract immediately! Locate the painless fertility pill!]
All auxiliary medicine scanning and standby! Vital signs monitoring module fully activated, covering the delivery room where Yue'er is!
【Drip! 】
System 118's reaction speed was faster than lightning, and the cold mechanical sound now carried a sense of seriousness and efficiency.
[Emergency Plan A activated! High-concentration extraction of spiritual spring water in progress... Extraction complete! Painless fertility pill successfully located, in medical bay A-3!]
Potent hemostatic gel, uterine involution promoter, neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation nano-unit... all on standby! Vital sign monitoring has covered the target area, and data is being transmitted in real time! Host, ready to act!
Almost at the same time as the system responded, Dongfang Yuning had already turned over and got out of bed.
She didn't even bother to change out of her pajamas. She rushed barefoot to the huge rosewood wardrobe in the corner of the bedroom like a whirlwind.
She pressed a few times quickly on the intricate lotus pattern on the cabinet door with her bare hands. With an extremely slight sound of the mechanism turning, the cabinet slid open silently, revealing a secret compartment inside that was only wide enough for one person to pass through.
Inside were not ordinary clothes, but a strange space flickering with soft white light - her medical supplies storage.
Nangong Ye's reaction was equally swift. The moment Shen Xiaoyun knocked on the door for the first time, the lazy and gentle aura around him faded away, and the cold and calmness of the iron-blooded prince instantly returned.
He quickly grabbed an outer robe and put it on. Before he could even tie the belt, he had already rushed to the door like a ghost and pulled open the heavy door.
Outside the door, Shen Xiaoyun looked utterly miserable. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot, veins bulged on his forehead, his chest heaved violently, he was breathing heavily, and his brocade robe was wrinkled, clearly having run all the way here.
What was even more horrifying was that his pampered hands, with distinct joints, were now covered in sawdust and were trembling slightly.
Nangong Ye's eyes were as sharp as lightning as he caught a glimpse of a red lacquer column on the corridor not far away. The column was as thick as a bowl and carved with exquisite cloud patterns. Near the top of the column, there was a shocking crack that was broken by a huge force!
The fresh wood thorns at the broken end are turned outward in a hideous manner.
Nangong Ye's eyes twitched imperceptibly. This kid... was going crazy.
"Aunt! Quick!"
Chen Xiaoyun didn't bother to explain the matter of the corridor pillars. When he saw Dongfang Yuning turn around and come out from the secret compartment, he immediately screamed, his voice distorted and out of tune due to extreme fear.
Dongfang Yuning now had in his hand a palm-sized silver box made of neither gold nor jade, and a crystal bottle filled with emerald green liquid.
Her face was as stern as water, and her eyes were filled with the absolute calmness of someone who had experienced countless storms. She only whispered to Shen Xiaoyun:
"Why are you panicking? I'm here to keep them and their child safe! Brother Aye, calm him down! Don't let him cause any more trouble!"
Before he finished speaking, he shot towards Qixiayuan where Nangong Yue lived like a streak of light.
Without saying a word, Nangong Ye's big hand like an iron clamp instantly grabbed Shen Xiaoyun's arm, which was tense and about to rush out again due to extreme tension, and said in a deep voice:
"Trust Ning'er! If you go in now, it will only distract Yue'er! Wait here!"
"But...Uncle! Yue'er..."
Shen Xiaoyun struggled, blood almost dripping from his red eyes, and his voice choked with sobs.
"No buts!"
Nangong Ye's voice was decisive, with unquestionable majesty and power, and his eyes were as steady as a rock.
"Ning'er said it can be saved, so it must be saved! You, hold on!"
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