Since Jiang Chuwei was diagnosed with pregnancy, Emperor Lin Muheng, who is usually busy with state affairs, has started to try his best to squeeze out a lot of time from his busy work to accompany her.
He cared for Jiang Chuwei meticulously, as if there was nothing more important in the world than taking good care of her.
Moreover, in order to better meet Jiang Chuwei's various needs and preferences during her pregnancy, Lin Muheng even consulted his ministers.
During a court assembly, taking advantage of a break after discussing important state affairs, Lin Muheng suddenly asked, "My esteemed ministers, do your wives have any particular favorite foods or activities during their pregnancies?"
After saying this, he looked at the ministers below the stage with a sincere expression. His earnest and humble manner of seeking advice was quite amusing.
However, faced with the emperor's sudden question, the ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, unsure of how to answer.
After all, their wives usually had servants to take good care of them when they gave birth, and the men, as heads of the family, rarely had to personally concern themselves with these details.
So at this moment, most ministers were thinking: Why should we bother with such a thing?
Seeing that the ministers remained silent, Lin Muheng pondered to himself: Could it be that the current occasion was inappropriate?
Just then, Minister of War Song Hao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty! My wife craved sour foods during her pregnancy, and she was also prone to mood swings and getting angry easily. Sometimes, when I was busy with official duties and came home a little late, she would throw a tantrum."
Upon hearing this, Lin Muheng immediately perked up and quickly asked, "Did you especially crave sour foods when you were pregnant with your eldest son?"
He looked at Song Hao with anticipation, maintaining his humble and inquisitive attitude, because he had heard that most mothers of unborn sons crave sour flavors.
Upon seeing this, Song Hao quickly and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, it's not necessarily only those pregnant with boys who crave sour foods. When my wife was pregnant with a daughter, she also preferred sour foods."
Then, he went on to describe in detail other aspects of his wife's pregnancy, speaking frankly and without reservation.
Unfortunately, time flies, and now his children are all grown up, while the days when his wife was pregnant are long gone.
Upon hearing Song Hao's words, all the ministers were speechless, secretly thinking: "Song Hao is too good at flattering the Emperor! Who knows whether what he said is true or false!"
However, when they saw that the emperor actually asked them for advice with a humble attitude, these ministers panicked and began to rack their brains to think about the dietary preferences of their wives or concubines when they were pregnant.
In an instant, the once solemn and dignified imperial court was transformed into a place where people exchanged parenting experiences.
That day, Lin Muheng had just finished court and couldn't wait to order the imperial kitchen to quickly prepare all kinds of sour foods and send them to Fengning Palace.
Before long, palace maids and eunuchs filed in and placed a table full of slightly sour delicacies in front of Jiang Chuwei.
Looking at the dazzling array of sour foods in front of her, Jiang Chuwei's eyes widened in disbelief—how could anyone possibly eat so many sour things?
She felt very wronged because she had never mentioned having a preference for sour foods!
At this moment, Lin Muheng picked up a piece of sour plum cake with great interest, personally brought it to Jiang Chuwei's lips, and said gently, "Come on, Wei'er, try this."
Jiang Chuwei had no choice but to open her mouth and take a small bite, but in that instant, her brows furrowed tightly, showing none of the enjoyment Song Hao had described.
Seeing this, Lin Muheng quickly put down the pastries in his hand and asked anxiously, "What's wrong? Does it taste bad?"
Jiang Chuwei shook her head and replied softly, "Husband, I am still in my early pregnancy and do not have any particular favorite foods yet."
Upon hearing this, Lin Muheng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "So that's how it is. I was worried that the imperial kitchen wasn't cooking well enough! In that case, just tell me what you'd like to eat, and I'll have someone bring it to you right away."
Jiang Chuwei smiled and reached out to hold Lin Muheng's hand, saying softly, "Thank you for your concern, husband. Actually, I think the food prepared by Granny Li is the most to my liking. As long as I can eat that, that's enough."
Lin Muheng then gave up.
However, at this moment, he couldn't help but wonder to himself: "Could it be as I guessed, that Song Hao is so old that his memory is distorted?"
Just as he was wondering about this, Granny Li suddenly brought out a table full of mouthwatering delicacies.
Each dish, whether in color, aroma, or taste, was a feast for the eyes.
Jiang Chuwei glanced at the table and saw it laden with delicacies. Her mouth watered instantly.
Lin Muheng, standing to the side, felt the same way, as the table full of delicious food was simply too tempting.
It should be noted that the two of them never liked having anyone serve them meals, so at this moment, only the two of them sat facing each other in this huge palace, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.
During the meal, Lin Muheng also kept an eye on Jiang Chuwei's preferences.
After careful observation, he discovered that even after becoming pregnant, Jiang Chuwei's tastes did not seem to have changed much.
Seeing the Empress enjoying her meal so heartily, Lin Muheng was in a great mood and unconsciously ate an extra bowl of rice than usual.
That being said, Jiang Chuwei's body has indeed undergone many changes since she became pregnant.
One of the most obvious problems is that one is very prone to drowsiness. Often, not long after finishing a meal, drowsiness will come like a tidal wave.
However, if one only indulges in sleeping and doesn't exercise, it will probably not be beneficial for future childbirth.
So, Jiang Chuwei mustered her spirits and pulled Lin Muheng along to take a walk in the Imperial Garden to aid digestion.
As they walked, they arrived at the former plum garden.
Looking at the empty land before her, Jiang Chuwei couldn't help but fall into deep memories.
Thinking back to the first time I met Consort Mei here, the entire plum garden was filled with a refreshing fragrance that was intoxicating.
Unfortunately, times have changed. Now, not only has this plum garden been completely cut down by the late emperor, but Consort Mei has also long since passed away, her fragrant soul departing into the distance.
By a twist of fate, Consort Mei's son has ended up being raised by her.
Thinking of Lin Mulang, Jiang Chuwei's smile spread across her face...
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