Chapter 300 Pregnancy
The early summer breeze, carrying the delicate fragrance of newly blooming lotus flowers in the Imperial Garden, gently brushed against the beaded curtains of the side hall of the Qianqing Palace.
Narcissus leaned against the soft couch by the window, holding a book in her hand, but her gaze was somewhat unfocused, and there was a hint of languor between her brows that she herself did not pay much attention to.
In recent days, she has been feeling listless, occasionally feels nauseous in the morning, and has lost much of her appetite for her usual delicious meals.
She secretly had some guesses in her heart, but after giving birth to twins, her good fortune in getting pregnant disappeared.
Emperor Zhaoheng's health was damaged by Liu's cold medicine many years ago, making it difficult for women to conceive. If she hadn't been fed secret medicine since childhood, she wouldn't have given birth to three lovely children.
Narcissus thought that the summer heat had made her lose her appetite, and she was also quite busy during this time, so much so that she didn't even have time to summon Pei Jichuan to take her pulse.
I only use hawthorn soup to relieve nausea and aid digestion when I feel nauseous.
When Emperor Zhaoheng returned from court, he changed out of his heavy court robes into casual clothes and sat down next to her very naturally.
He was about to hug Narcissus, but as soon as he reached out, he noticed the faint dark circles under Narcissus's eyes.
Emperor Zhaoheng keenly noticed the weariness between her brows and her slightly paler face than usual, and his heart immediately tightened.
"Xian'er, are you feeling unwell?"
His voice carried obvious worry as he touched her forehead with his fingertips. "You don't look well... Tinglu, call Physician Pei over to take a look!"
Hearing Lu respond and was about to go, she was quickly stopped by Shui Xian.
Shui Xian leaned against Emperor Zhaoheng's chest, lazily shook her head, and forced a smile: "Perhaps it's just spring fatigue, nothing serious, Your Majesty need not worry."
However, Emperor Zhaoheng's brow furrowed even more deeply.
He knew that Narcissus was a resilient person and would never show the slightest weakness unless she was really unwell.
Considering her recent loss of appetite, his unease grew rapidly.
"Feng Shunxiang!"
He called out loudly, confident that he would not be stopped by the narcissus this time.
"Go to the Imperial Hospital immediately and summon Pei Jichuan! Quickly!"
Shui Xian wanted to say that she was fine and there was no need for such a fuss, but seeing Emperor Zhaoheng's undisguised nervousness, she swallowed her words and felt a warmth in her heart from his natural concern.
Feng Shunxiang urged him to hurry, which caused Pei Jichuan to rush over quickly with his medicine box, his forehead still covered in a fine layer of sweat.
After bowing respectfully, under the almost scorching gaze of Emperor Zhaoheng, he held his breath and carefully placed his fingertips on Narcissus's wrist through a silk handkerchief.
The hall was so quiet that one could hear the pleasant, crisp sound of the wind chimes tinkling in the wind outside the window and under the eaves.
Emperor Zhaoheng held Shuixian's other hand tightly, his gaze fixed on Pei Jichuan's face, not missing any subtle changes in his expression.
Ever since Narcissus gave birth to twins, which damaged her health, Emperor Zhaoheng had been worried about her well-being.
Both Pei Jichuan and Ana adjusted Shui Xian's body repeatedly.
A few months ago, after drinking herbal medicine for almost half a year, Shui Xian finally couldn't take it anymore, and Emperor Zhaoheng refused to drink it no matter how much he tried to persuade her.
Shui Xian, who originally had no interest in medicinal soup, seemed to develop a resistance to it after Emperor Zhaoheng's exaggerated concern.
This is why Narcissus has been feeling nauseous lately, and she seems to be avoiding Pei Jichuan.
Pei Jichuan focused intently on taking the pulse for a moment, his brows twitched slightly, and then disbelief flashed in his eyes.
Emperor Zhaoheng's heart seemed to be pulled by a silk thread. Just as he was about to speak, he saw him carefully switch to the other hand to confirm again.
Finally, he withdrew his hand, took a step back, lifted his robe, and solemnly knelt down on the ground.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your Majesty... Your Majesty's pulse is strong and smooth, like pearls rolling on a plate. In my judgment, it is nearly two months! The imperial fetus is healthy!"
Pregnancy is indicated!
The two words were like a thunderclap, or like sweet rain, instantly cleaving through the stagnant air in the hall!
Emperor Zhaoheng was taken aback at first, and then an indescribable bright light burst forth from his deep eyes!
He suddenly turned to look at Narcissus, gripped her hand tightly, so tightly that it almost hurt her, and his voice was filled with unbelievable excitement and overflowing affection.
"Xian'er! Did you hear that? Physician Pei said...we're going to have another baby!"
His usually calm and dignified face now revealed a look of unbridled joy, like that of a young boy, as if he didn't know how to express this immense happiness.
Just as Shui Xian had thought, Emperor Zhao Heng originally believed that he and Shui Xian would not conceive again.
Narcissus's good fertility was not publicized, but he knew that after giving birth to twins, Ana's superb medical skills had restored Narcissus's health to normal.
How could he make Narcissus pregnant...? Could it be...?
Before his speculation could take shape, it was thwarted by the joy that welled up within him.
Emperor Zhaoheng didn't think about it any further. He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the hall.
He abruptly returned to the bedside, leaned down to look at Narcissus, his eyes filled with undisguised excitement: "That's wonderful! Xian'er! That's really wonderful!"
Overjoyed, Emperor Zhaoheng immediately issued a series of decrees to Feng Shunxiang, speaking quickly and forcefully: "By imperial decree! To celebrate the Empress's pregnancy and to extend blessings to all people, a general amnesty is hereby granted, effective immediately!"
"Furthermore, the national tax rate will be reduced by 10% for a period of one year!"
"I hereby order the Ministry of Rites to immediately prepare for a banquet and celebration in the palace. I wish to share this joy with the Empress and all the people!"
A general amnesty and tax reduction were granted because the Empress was pregnant! What an honor!
Throughout history, very few empresses and concubines have received such treatment.
Upon hearing this, all the palace servants inside the hall knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" and "Long live the Emperor!"
Shui Xian leaned back on the couch, feeling the wave of joy that had swept through the palace and even the world because of her. Looking at the emperor beside her, who was unable to contain his excitement, a sense of ultimate honor and satisfaction as a woman and as an empress flowed through her body like a warm current.
After the decree was issued, Emperor Zhaoheng's protection of Shui Xian was instantly raised to an unprecedented level.
He personally helped her up, carefully guiding her back into a seated position, as if she were a fragile, rare treasure.
Emperor Zhaoheng waved his hand, ordering all the palace servants to retreat outside the hall and await orders. He personally tucked the thin blanket that had slipped off her and gently instructed her, "From today onwards, do not trouble yourself with anything. Everything is for your sake and the imperial heir in your womb."
In the days that followed, all sorts of precious pregnancy tonics and rare jade artifacts were delivered to the palace like a flowing stream.
Emperor Zhaoheng even began to inquire about her diet in great detail, personally reviewing the menus prepared by the imperial kitchen. He even personally determined the routes and distances she took for walks and required the palace servants to follow her every step of the way.
The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching both the imperial court and the inner palace.
Shui Xiu had left the palace a few days ago for some business, but upon returning, she rushed over immediately.
With a genuine smile on her face, she congratulated Narcissus.
But after dismissing the palace servants, she held Narcissus's hand, her eyes revealing deep worry.
"elder sister."
She called out the old name softly, her tone full of concern, "I am truly happy for you. But... you gave birth to Yongning, and then immediately after that, you gave birth to Princes Qingyan and Qinghe. Your body was already somewhat worn out."
"It's only been a short time, and now... Has Physician Pei said whether the pregnancy is stable? Is your body able to handle it? I'm really worried that you're overworking yourself."
Shui Xiu's worries did not involve power or honor, but only concerned Shui Xian's own health.
This pure sisterly affection warmed Shui Xian's heart. She took her sister's slightly cool hand in return and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, Xiu'er, I know what I'm doing."
"Physician Pei said the pregnancy is very stable. I will take good care of myself and won't push myself too hard."
She looked at her sister's still slightly furrowed brows and smiled, "Silly girl, this is a happy occasion, you should be happy."
Shui Xiu was only slightly relieved after her sister repeatedly assured her.
Perhaps she still had some worries in her heart, but looking at her gentle and smiling sister in front of her, Shui Xiu didn't know what to say. She just stayed by her sister's side, chatting with her about the future and sharing her experiences from leaving the palace a few days ago.
——
That night, Emperor Zhaoheng embraced Shui Xian as they lay on the large dragon bed.
Only a dim palace lantern remained in the hall, creating a warm and tender atmosphere.
The man's warm palm gently caressed her back, filled with boundless tenderness.
In the heat of passion, his kisses landed softly on her neck, burning hot, and his hand, which was used to igniting flames in her body, instinctively slipped inside her thin nightgown and caressed her delicate skin.
However, just as his fingertips were about to touch that still flat and smooth abdomen, his movement suddenly stopped.
He took a deep breath as if he had been burned by something, his chest heaving violently as he forcefully suppressed the surging emotions within him.
Emperor Zhaoheng closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his eyes had regained their clarity, but the deep blackness showed how much he had been suppressing his emotions.
Narcissus held his hand, her voice unconsciously carrying a touch of coquettishness.
"Your Majesty, it's alright..."
Emperor Zhaoheng watched as her gaze deepened, and he couldn't resist leaning over to kiss her lips.
The gauze curtains of the dragon bed hung low, and the candlelight flickered slightly on them. From the slightly open gap, the sound of daffodils breaking could be heard.
In the end, even though Emperor Zhaoheng was holding Narcissus, who was sweating profusely and completely relaxed, they didn't finish the encounter.
His voice was unusually hoarse because of lingering lust.
"Xian'er... for you, and for our child, I... can endure it."
After saying that, he actually let go of her, got up from the bed, and went straight to the bathhouse.
Soon, the faint sound of cold water being splashed could be heard.
Narcissus lay in the warm brocade quilt, listening to the sound of water. She recalled his forced restraint earlier and found it somewhat amusing, yet her heart was filled with an indescribable sweetness.
An emperor who ruled the world could restrain his most primal desires for her and her unborn child; this tenderness deeply moved her heart.
At that moment, Narcissus suddenly remembered something.
She waited until Emperor Zhaoheng had rinsed off the cold water and returned to his bed before turning to face him and speaking softly.
"Your Majesty, the drafting of the regulations for the Women's Academy has reached its most crucial stage. Many details need to be finalized, and I'm thinking..."
"No."
Before Shui Xian could finish speaking, Emperor Zhao Heng gently interrupted her.
He turned to face her, his hands, slightly cool from the cold water, gently stroking her cheek.
“Those trivial matters should be handled by the capable female officials below, or let Shui Xiu take on more of the responsibilities.”
"Your most important task now is to rest and recuperate, and keep a happy mood. I cannot allow any trivial matters, not even the slightest bit, to bother or tire you out."
His tone remained gentle, even coaxing, but the decisiveness in his words made Narcissus's heart sink slightly.
In the end, Narcissus silently swallowed back the words she was about to say.
"Um."
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