These words conveyed the Marquis of Anguo's unwavering support, which put everyone present at ease.
Xin Jiuwei said gratefully, "I will remember your kindness, Madam. Please tell Madam that I will take good care of myself and live up to your expectations."
After seeing off Granny Cui, the atmosphere in the hall became even warmer. Xin Jiuwei ordered the tonics to be put away, then sat back down in the main seat, a gentle smile on her face: "With the Old Madam and Her Highness the Princess overseeing things from behind, we feel more confident in our work. Alright, the matters concerning the labor force in Liulin County and the inspection of the canal transport are settled. Everyone has worked hard; let's call it a day. Report back immediately if there are any developments."
Everyone rose to take their leave. Lin Jingshu stayed behind, walked to Xin Jiuwei's side, carefully examined her face, and whispered, "Wei'er, tell me honestly, are you feeling unwell? I noticed you rubbed your temples a few times just now, and your complexion doesn't look quite right."
Xin Jiuwei pulled Lin Jingshu to sit down, dismissed those around her, and then whispered, "Sister, don't worry. Perhaps you've been thinking too much these past few days and are feeling a bit tired. Your appetite has also been a little poor, and you sometimes feel nauseous when you wake up in the morning."
Lin Jingshu was stunned for a moment, then her eyes widened in disbelief and ecstatic joy! She grabbed Xin Jiuwei's hand, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Wei'er! You...your symptoms...could it be...you're pregnant?!"
Xin Jiuwei's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded gently, her eyes glistening with tears, a mixture of shyness and joy at becoming a new mother: "I secretly consulted a familiar imperial physician a couple of days ago... and he said... I'm almost two months pregnant. But the pregnancy is only just stabilizing, and it's such a turbulent time, with Brother Xun not by my side... so I was thinking of waiting until things are more stable before..."
"My dear sister!" Lin Jingshu was so excited she almost cried, hugging Xin Jiuwei tightly. "This is such a joyous occasion! His Highness would be overjoyed if he knew! You, how could you keep such a big thing from me! Your health is the most important thing! From today onwards, postpone all those troublesome and stressful matters! Pregnancy safety is the top priority!" She immediately transformed into a busybody, nagging on and on, "Are you taking the pregnancy-safe medicine prescribed by the imperial physician on time? What would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen prepare it and send it over! Also, the charcoal in this council hall is too strong; the council sessions should be shortened from now on..."
Xin Jiuwei was amused by her nervousness, a warm feeling welling up inside her: "Sister, I'm not that delicate. The imperial physician said that as long as I don't overwork myself and keep a peaceful mind, I'll be fine. This child... came at the right time, and at the wrong time." She stroked her still flat belly, her gaze gentle yet tinged with complex worry, "Brother Xun is at the front lines, and my brother is at Tongguan. The undercurrents in the court are still simmering... I only hope that this child will bring good fortune and help us through this difficult time."
"Definitely!" Lin Jingshu said decisively. "This is His Highness's eldest son, a lucky star sent from heaven! With him here, the morale of the people at home will be more stable! Sister, listen to your older sister, we must tell His Highness about this! With such a great victory at the front, His Highness should return to the capital. It would be a double celebration!"
Xin Jiuwei thought for a moment, then finally nodded: "Okay. I...I'll write a letter to Brother Xun myself."
Tongguan, General's Mansion.
Xin Kui's stitches had been removed and replaced with a lighter dressing. Although she still couldn't use her left arm, she could walk. The afternoon sun shone brightly as she sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, a thick medical book open before her. With a pen in her right hand, she diligently copied down prescriptions for treating wounds from swords and arrows, as well as epidemics. The sunlight shone on her focused profile, softening the coldness of her battlefield appearance and revealing a serene gentleness.
After finishing his military duties, Xin Yunzhou strode into the courtyard. He had changed into a brand-new set of dark-colored casual clothes, which made him appear as upright as a pine tree. Upon seeing Xin Kui, his cold and stern expression softened instantly, and he slowed his pace.
"What are you looking at?" He walked to the stone table, his tall figure shielding Xin Kui from some of the sunlight.
Xin Kui looked up and saw it was him. A faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips: "These are prescriptions for wound medicine and detoxifying powder commonly used in the army, as well as a few prescriptions for preventing and treating epidemics. I thought that since both the capital and Yingzhou are engaged in disaster relief and epidemic prevention, they might be useful. So I compiled and copied them out, and will ask someone to bring them to you, Miss, when Your Highness returns from his campaign."
Xin Yunzhou sat down beside her and picked up the paper she had copied, examining it closely. The handwriting was neat and elegant, the names of the medicines, dosages, and processing methods meticulously marked. A warm feeling and pride welled up within him. His Xin Kui not only protected him on the battlefield but also shared his burdens and did her best for the people from the rear.
"Well written," he praised sincerely, his gaze falling on her injured left shoulder, his brows furrowing slightly as usual. "Does the injury still hurt? Are you applying the ointment the medic prescribed on time?"
“It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Xin Kui put down her pen and moved her left shoulder to show him. “Look, I can move it now, but my strength hasn’t returned yet. I apply the ointment every day, and the old scars are fading.” She paused, looking at the deep tenderness in Xin Yunzhou’s eyes, and said softly, “Yunzhou, don’t always frown. I’m really fine.”
The sound of "Yunzhou" made Xin Yunzhou's heart tremble. Ever since the day he impulsively confessed his feelings and received her response, this affectionate name had become the sweetest imprint on his heart. He reached out, not to touch her wound, but to gently brush away a stray strand of hair that had been blown by the wind from her cheek, his movements clumsy yet tender.
"Hmm." He responded softly, his gaze fixed on her face. "When we return to the capital, I will hire the best imperial physicians and use the best medicine to make sure you don't have any scars."
Xin Kui's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her eyes: "It's okay to have a scar. This is... a mark to protect you." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, but it was filled with utmost sincerity.
Xin Yunzhou's heart burned with desire, wishing he could immediately pull her into his arms, yet he was mindful of her injuries and the fact that it was broad daylight. He could only hold her right hand, which rested on her lap, tightly, palm to palm, conveying a silent promise and fervent emotion.
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