Chapter 96: Precognitive Dream (Qin Lie)
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Lingyi woke up from the cold last night and had to add an extra blanket, which was a bit cumbersome, but she made do with it.
Before going to bed tonight, Granny Zhao changed to a thick quilt. It looked heavy but felt soft and comfortable against her skin. Granny Zhao also added two hot water bottles on the inner blanket, making her feel warm and comfortable.
Granny Zhao was worried about Qin Lie going to the side courtyard, but Lingyi slept soundly in her cozy nest because she had figured out how to act in the future.
But as night fell, the two bathhouse mothers didn't cool down; instead, they grew hotter and hotter. She struggled to turn over and try to escape, but they still managed to catch up and keep warming her, making her sweat profusely, her mouth increasingly dry, and her discomfort worse and worse.
"Liu Cui..." she mumbled halfway through her call, then hoarsely corrected herself, "Granny Zhao..."
"What's wrong?" Someone spoke in her ear; it was a male voice.
She suddenly opened her eyes and saw Qin Lie's face so close to hers in the dim light, while she was nestled in his arms.
The bed was now draped with curtains, and the candlelight from the bedside lamp shone through, still dim, but enough for him to see the confusion in her eyes, "How does the General manage...?"
Before she could finish speaking, he blurted out the accusation, "You call yourself a princess of the imperial family? How can you sleep like this? Why do you have to stick to me on such a big bed?"
Lingyi glanced at herself, who was only two fists away from the wall, then looked at Qin Lie, who had already crossed the center line, and lowered her head in silence.
She had already thought it through clearly; from now on, whatever he said would be the truth, and she wouldn't refute a single word. In fact, even that question she had just asked was a confused and muddled remark. If she had been even a little more clear-headed, she wouldn't have asked it; she would have simply snuggled into his arms affectionately. So even though he was clearly lying through his teeth, she softly replied, "It's my fault; I'm crowding you, General."
Qin Lie narrowed his eyes, suspecting that she was subtly mocking him.
But this wasn't the time to dwell on those things. He asked again, "Why did you suddenly wake up and call out for people? Is something wrong with your body?"
Lingyi shook her head and said, "I just feel hot and very thirsty."
So she knows it's hot too? The room was heated by the underfloor heating, covered with such thick blankets, and even needed two bath mats; he was already dizzy from the heat and drenched in sweat.
They summoned the maid on night duty, changed the quilt, and Qin Lie changed out of his sweat-soaked undergarment. Only then did the two lie back down on the bed.
After all that commotion, neither of them could sleep. The tea in the room had gone cold, and it would take time for the maid to boil water; they could only wait. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, especially for Lingyi. Unable to lie flat, she could only turn to face Qin Lie, forced to keep looking at him. If she remained silent, it would seem as if she was deliberately holding a grudge against him because of their earlier unpleasantness.
She chose a relatively safe topic and spoke softly, "Today at my second sister-in-law's, I heard that the general is going to patrol the border?"
He hadn't expected her to know, and after a pause, he said, "We must set off tomorrow."
The decision was made during the day, and they set off the next day, prompting Lingyi to exclaim "Ah!"
He turned his head and looked at her shocked expression, thinking that she wasn't entirely indifferent to his whereabouts after all. But then he thought that she knew he was going to patrol the border and had gone to the side courtyard tonight, yet she did nothing but sleep soundly in her room. It was clear that she was still heartless. Frustration welled up in his heart again, and the words he spoke were like icicles under the eaves in winter. Although he didn't mean to hurt anyone, they were still cold and hard. "I came here today just to tell you this."
Lingyi gritted her teeth and asked, "When will the general return?"
He replied, "It will take anywhere from twenty-odd days to more than a month. They will send someone to inform me before they return." He paused, then stared at her and asked, "Is there something you need to ask?"
Of course, there is a reason. Lingyi can give birth to the child herself, but whether the father likes the child after birth is of paramount importance in the deep confines of the mansion. As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt, and Lingyi naturally wants him to see the child, or even hold it, as soon as it is born. She put on a worried expression and said, "It's just a selfish wish of mine. I hope the general can come back before the child is born. They say childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell. I'm afraid if you're not here."
Qin Lie was slightly moved when he recalled the hardships of her childbirth in her previous life, but her tearful appearance was clearly an act, which stirred up his resentment towards her for "leaving the father and keeping the child" in her previous life. He deliberately said, "Military affairs are important, and I can only try my best to come back before the child is born."
Lingyi blinked slowly. "Does the general know when the child will be born?"
Qin Lie sensed the doubt in her words and sneered, "I'm afraid I know better than you. On the eighth day of the twelfth month, I not only know when he was born, but I also know that his eyebrows and eyes look like yours, his skin color is like yours, and he's so delicate that he doesn't look like a boy."
With such looks, a daughter would definitely be incredibly cute, but it just so happens to be a son.
When he led troops into battle, he naturally preferred strong and robust boys.
The doctor also said that the baby would be born in early December. Lingyi didn't expect that he actually knew. Although the details about the baby's appearance and skin color were all made up, the fact that he cared about the child, even if his tone was a bit harsh, still made her happy. "I hope it's really as the general said, a boy with feminine features, who will surely achieve great things in the future!"
When she smiled, her eyes crinkled, revealing a few small white teeth. Her fair face contrasted with her dark hair, like a magnolia blooming in the dark night.
The only drawback was that her voice was a little hoarse from thirst, and it no longer had the sweetness it used to have.
"Are you still thirsty?" The frustration in his chest suddenly dissipated, but his voice was inexplicably hoarse, even more so than hers.
"I'm terribly thirsty," she answered honestly, without suspecting anything.
He sat up halfway, picked up the teapot from the wooden table beside the bed, and poured himself a cup of tea.
Lingyi refused, saying, "General, the tea has gone cold; I cannot drink it."
She was so thirsty that she would have drunk it long ago. But now, pregnant, how could she dare to drink tea that had gone cold?
He looked at her and smiled slightly: "I have a way."
Lingyi was puzzled. She watched as he tilted his head back and drank half a cup, then suddenly leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
The tea he poured over her overflowed from her tightly closed lips, flowing down to her ears and into her hairline.
Since becoming pregnant, she has only drunk flower tea and fruit tea, and this time was no exception. For a moment, the sweet aroma of fruit filled the air around the two of them.
Qin Lie swallowed the tea in his mouth. He was still a little uncomfortable, but seeing her bewildered look, he couldn't help but lift her chin and command in a hoarse voice, "Open your mouth."
She didn't understand why he went to Aunt Sun's place and then appeared in her room at night. She also didn't understand why he was so cold and displeased just now, but now he was so affectionately feeding her water. Just like she still couldn't understand why he had left with a cold face for three months, but then suddenly changed his mind and brought her to the Prince's Mansion.
These past two days, at this moment, many things have been intertwined, and her mind is in a daze. Upon hearing this, she didn't have time to think much and subconsciously opened her lips slightly.
In Qin Lie's eyes, she seemed dazed and confused, yet so obedient, unbelievably so, that he wished he could swallow her whole. His Adam's apple bobbed several times before he tilted his head back to drink half a glass of water, then lowered his head to press his lips against her full, slightly parted lips once more.
By the time Lingyi realized what was happening, she instinctively tried to back away, but it was too late.
Behind her were the pillows, and in front of her was his hot breath. Knowing she couldn't escape, she could only close her eyes and accept it.
The tea, slowly poured over him, was no longer icy cold, but carried his body heat. It flowed down his throat like spring rain on parched land, relieving the dryness and bitterness. He fed him a sip, then looked up to drink his tea, then looked down to feed him again, little by little, sip by sip, with great patience and seemingly enjoying it immensely.
But his pleasure clearly didn't stop there. After several such incidents, he finished feeding her water but didn't look up to drink tea. Instead, he bent down and bit her, refusing to let go.
His thick tongue swept aggressively across her teeth, forcefully entangling with her tongue, brooking no refusal, and stirring up trouble in her mouth.
Since that dream, Qin Lie had never touched her again. He had almost forgotten how soft her lips were, how sweet her saliva was, and how beautiful the moans that escaped her throat were.
In the past, kissing was just for pleasure and excitement, but today it can't do anything else; it was originally just to quench thirst.
But once they pressed their lips together, he felt that just those two cherry lips and that piece of fragrant tongue were enough for him to kiss her until the end of time.
He held her close, making loud smacking noises as he ate, completely absorbed in his meal. Only when Lingyi gently pushed him away did he reluctantly pull back slightly. Seeing her wet eyes and dazed expression, he asked, "What's wrong?"
Lingyi gasped for breath, "General, the child... the child is kicking me."
Afraid he wouldn't believe her, she pulled his hand over and placed it on her stomach. The little figure inside kicked her belly with great force, and he could even feel the shape of the little foot in his palm.
This strength was so powerful that it was as if Huan'er, who was born crying like a mouse in his dreams, was a completely different person.
That makes sense, since the princess was never poisoned in this life, her child is naturally healthy.
Qin Lie was powerless to do anything but verbally defend her, saying, "In fifty-three days, after this brat is born, I'll teach him a lesson and avenge you!"
He spoke tonight like a fortune teller, his words baseless yet unequivocal. Lingyi found it hard to be comforted by such words; she was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, but she managed to muster the energy to respond, "General, are you so certain it's a son because you like sons?"
Instead of answering, Qin Lie asked, "And you? Do you prefer a son or a daughter?"
Lingyi doesn't care about gender; all her children are her precious treasures.
Back in the princess's residence, she had always hoped for a boy so that he could find his own way in the future. But now that she was in the prince's residence, things were different. She remembered Qin Lie saying that she was not allowed to have her child compete with Cheng Hui's child, so she smiled and said softly, "Of course I hope she will be a thoughtful daughter."
Qin Lie had seen how reluctant she was to part with Huan'er in his dream, but he never expected her to give this answer. He paused and said, "That's a real pity. This time, the princess is probably destined to be disappointed."
He leaned closer to Lingyi, resting his chin on her shoulder, gently nuzzling her cheek and ears, feeling them gradually warming, making his voice tender and lingering, "But it doesn't matter, we'll have many children in the future, maybe the next one will be a daughter, preferably looking exactly like you..." He thought for a moment and then shook his head, "Let's not, when she grows up, who knows how many rascals will have their eyes on her, I'll probably have endless worries then..."
He murmured softly, gently biting her ear, wanting to linger and be intimate for a while longer, but then the door creaked open, and the maid on night duty came in carrying a water jug.
When Chunying was around, she severely suppressed the other maids in the courtyard. In the end, only a few twelve or thirteen-year-old maids were left to serve in the courtyard. They never served her personally. Although they knew the general rules, they obviously had no sense of propriety at all.
He deliberately cleared his throat. If it were Zhao Mama, Mingzhu, or other palace maids, they would have immediately retreated silently. But now... the little maid only felt that her master was extremely thirsty, so she poured water, rinsed cups, and brewed tea even more diligently, being meticulous in every step. However, Qin Lie himself had previously asked her to quickly boil the water and bring it in immediately, so now she had no reason to reprimand him.
When the diligent maid finally closed the door and left, and he wanted to continue, the princess was already fast asleep.
He gently shook her arm, but because he couldn't bear to use too much force, he couldn't wake her up.
Staring helplessly at the top of the tent, thinking about leaving early the next morning, Qin Lie couldn't help but blame himself for yesterday.
Why were you in such a hurry? You felt you couldn't stay in this mansion for even a moment longer, and you didn't want to look at her for even a second longer. That's why you reported to your father that you couldn't wait even a day to go on patrol.
Even if we stayed another day? It's so dark and late at night, let alone being affectionate, we haven't even had a proper conversation.
Naturally, he didn't have much to say to her, but as soon as she entered the palace, he had to go out and had to explain many things to her in order to prevent her from making any mistakes.
He sighed inwardly, pulled the person into his arms and lay down. He only slept for two hours that night, and they had to set off before dawn.
The movement startled her awake. Her husband was going on a long trip, and as his wife, she should have packed his things. She hadn't done that, but at least she should have helped him get dressed and see him off. Lingyi struggled to get up.
Qin Lie stopped her, saying, "You're not feeling well, and it's cold inside. You don't need to get up to serve me."
Lingyi lay there watching him put on his clothes, then his light armor, and finally his boots.
Although he acted quickly, it was still quite a long time. She seemed to remain silent throughout, but in reality, she was very conflicted.
I'm struggling with whether or not I should say something.
If she says something about being reluctant to part, will he think she's being too sentimental?
But if you say nothing, it seems too cold.
She really wished Qin Lie would just leave without a word like before, so she wouldn't be caught in this dilemma and unable to make up her mind.
Qin Lie put on the cloak and turned his head to see her staring at him intently, biting her lower lip, her face full of struggle.
He paused for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face. He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, his fingers tracing her lips, not allowing her to torment that little bit of rosy blush any longer. He chuckled and asked, "What? Don't want me to leave?"
Lingyi lowered her head and kept her eyes closed, remaining silent.
Qin Lie knew she was shy, so he didn't press the matter. He stroked the long hair at her forehead and said, "It's my duty. Now that you've married me, you'll have to get used to it. After I leave, be good, be a good girl..."
He was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly realized that what he said was not auspicious, so he stopped abruptly. After pausing to calm himself down, he continued, "Don't be afraid. I'll leave Qin Xiaoshan in the outer courtyard. You can send someone to find him no matter what happens. I'll also come back before you give birth."
Upon hearing this, Lingyi finally looked up at him, her shy eyes glistening with tears. "General, the border is bitterly cold. Please take good care of yourself. The child and I will be waiting for you to return to the palace."
A simple sentence, yet Qin Lie felt a surge of emotion within him. He cupped her cheeks in his hands, lowered his head, and gently kissed her forehead. He intended to leave after a brief touch, but his burning lips moved uncontrollably, first across her nose, then her cheeks, then her ears, finally settling on her lips.
The sky was pitch black, and all was quiet except for the candlelight casting the intertwined shadows of the two people on the wall beside the bed. The sticky, wet sounds of their lips meeting, mixed with soft breaths and moans, echoed softly in the room from time to time.
Qin Lie only got up and left when he had no choice but to leave.
Once the door closed again, Lingyi withdrew her reluctant gaze, let out a long sigh, and completely relaxed, her face, buried in the pillow, was full of smiles.
With a child, a formal status, and Qin Lie not by her side, there has never been a better time since she got married than now, or the time to come.
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