Emperor Qingwen was very fond of Xu Zekun, but this was also earned by Xu Zekun's courage and ability to go through life and death. He did not dare to be arrogant and immediately bowed: "It is a blessing for me to be appreciated by the emperor. I dare not take credit for it."
Emperor Qingwen was in high spirits. Seeing Xu Zekun still as unmoved as a mountain, he said, "Why don't you dare take credit for it? You have done a great job this time. I will reward you greatly. Tell me, what do you want?"
Xu Zekun suddenly had an idea: "Your Majesty, my concubine is pregnant. I have been childless for many years, and I finally got this good news. If Your Majesty is willing to bless me, it would be my honor."
"Oh? That's good news!" Fang Yanran was the imperial concubine's sister, so Emperor Qingwen naturally knew something about her family. Thinking that she was so old, other families had children all over the place, but she still had no children. He couldn't help but feel some sympathy for her, and with a wave of his hand, he bestowed her with a lot of things, including good medicines for preserving the fetus, and a longevity lock that symbolized good luck. Even Yao Susu was rewarded with a lot of fabrics and jewelry.
Xu Zekun left the palace contentedly. The things bestowed by the emperor were not only for good luck, but also to prevent people from looking down on Susu. When Susu gave birth to a child, he would ask for an imperial decree to promote her to a noble concubine. By paving the way for him now, things would be easier in the future.
Others who knew the inside story thought that Xu Zekun would ask for a promotion for himself after completing such a good job, but they didn't expect that he just asked for a lot of rewards, which were not very meaningful, and were even for his children at home?
This... is really puzzling.
Xu Zekun ignored it. His achievements were so great that they threatened the emperor. What he wanted to become was the right-hand man of Emperor Qingwen, rather than seeking fame and reputation, climbing up step by step and becoming someone that Emperor Qingwen feared.
Marquis' Mansion
Xu Zekun came back from the palace, and Lianxin and Banxia took inventory of the emperor's rewards. The child was not born yet, and the longevity lock and other items were not needed, so they were put into the warehouse first.
As for the reward for Yao Susu, he planned to send it to Yingxue Pavilion tomorrow.
Lianxin and Banxia took stock of it for a long time. This imperial gift was indeed exquisite and amazing.
It was already past noon when Lian Xin stepped forward and said, "My Lord, everything has been packed. Would you like to take a bath and go to bed?"
She originally thought that it was so late, Xu Zekun must be resting in Linfeng Residence, but unexpectedly Xu Zekun said: "Take the things for Aunt Yao and go to Yingxue Pavilion."
Lanterns were hanging under the corridor of Yingxue Pavilion. Yao Susu had heard that Xu Zekun was coming, so she had been waiting under the corridor. Yuping and Yuzhan tried to persuade her for a long time but failed.
Xu Zekun spotted a blurry figure from a distance and hurried over. Upon closer inspection, he saw it was indeed Yao Susu. He immediately frowned, "It's so cold? Why are you waiting outside?"
Yao Susu was wrapped in a snow-white cloak, but her slender figure could still be seen. Her palm-sized face was radiant under the light. At this moment, she smiled and greeted him: "Master."
Xu Zekun took advantage of the situation and put his arms around her. He held her hand, which was indeed a little cold. He couldn't help but scold her lightly: "Look at how cold your hand is. You're pregnant, you should be careful."
The two entered the house. Yao Susu was visibly happy and asked Yuping to make the tea that the old man liked to drink.
Seeing her so happy, Xu Zekun felt relieved. He hugged her and said, "Don't worry, look what I brought you."
At this time, Lianxin and Banxia brought the things in their hands closer. Yao Susu took a look and saw that it was tribute satin printed with fashionable patterns, and a complete set of jade hairpins and rings as white as jade.
"It's so beautiful." Yao Susu snuggled in Xu Zekun's arms and exclaimed in admiration. There was joy and appreciation in her eyes, but no greed.
Xu Zekun smiled and lowered his head and said, "This is a reward from the emperor."
"Your Majesty?" Yao Susu was surprised.
Xu Zekun dismissed the servants and then explained everything to Yao Susu: "There are also some things for the children. I'll show them to you when I have time."
Yao Susu really didn't expect that Xu Zekun took such a big risk to go to Wuzhou, and the reward he asked for in the end was for her and the child.
It is such an honor to be given as a gift from the emperor.
Xu Zekun was startled by the sobbing sound. He lifted Yao Susu's chin and saw two lines of tears on her delicate face. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Why are you crying?"
Yao Susu hugged Xu Zekun's waist tightly and buried her whole body in his arms: "Master is so good to me."
Xu Zekun also noticed something unusual about Yao Susu at this moment. She was not usually such a crybaby, but today she was particularly clingy.
He patted her on the back and asked, "Unhappy?"
Yao Susu's face was full of spring, but her eyes seemed to be filled with mist. She pursed her lips and said nothing. Xu Zekun saw her tearful look and felt extremely distressed. He said softly, "Tell me about it."
Yao Susu's eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes were still red. Then she said, "Master, Susu... just... missed you very much."
Xu Zekun didn't expect such a response and couldn't help laughing: "Didn't I come to accompany you?" After returning yesterday, Xu Zekun talked to his mother very late, so he didn't come to Yingxue Pavilion. He went to the palace early this morning and was still too late.
Xu Zekun wondered if Yao felt he had neglected her? And were pregnant women always so sentimental?
Yao Susu pursed her lips, snuggled in Xu Zekun's arms, and said slowly with an absolutely weak posture: "When we were in Wuzhou, you were with me day and night. Now that I have returned to the capital, my heart suddenly feels empty, as if I have returned to the life before... I was counting the days waiting for you." As Yao Susu spoke, Xu Zekun seemed to see her waiting for him in Yingxue Pavilion. Thinking of her figure in the corridor just now, Xu Zekun couldn't help but feel a pain in his heart.
Thinking of Yao Susu, who was weak and helpless, the only one she could rely on in this huge marquis' mansion was him.
His eyes softened, he held her body, and said softly, "Then I'll spend more time with you in the future, okay?"
Yao Susu didn't dare to agree immediately, but raised her little face and said cautiously: "Master, is it that Susu doesn't know the rules?"
Her washed eyes were clear, and her pupils were full of Xu Zekun. Xu Zekun felt a pang in his heart, and he held her hand tightly and said, "No."
Thinking of how she was bullied by Diao Nu when she was sick, Xu Zekun felt even more pity for Yao Susu. With such a weak personality, he had to stay by her side.
The two chatted for a while, and Xu Zekun put his big hand on Yao Susu's pregnant belly: "Are they well behaved today?"
Yao Susu nodded: "Except for moving around for a while before dinner, he was very well behaved the rest of the time."
Her baby was in good condition and had already experienced fetal movement. The first time, Xu Zekun was extremely excited.
"They must be hungry. You must eat on time. I went to the palace today. The emperor gave me some fine official swallows. I told the kitchen to stew one for you every day."
Yao Susu felt sweet in her heart and nodded: "I will listen to you."
Xu Zekun chuckled, picked up Yao Susu and carried her to the bed.
The bed curtains fell, and Xu Zekun placed his arms on either side of Yao Susu, pecking her face again and again: "Susu, I miss you too."
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