Chapter 257 (The following is a separate, unrelated sentence:)
punish?
Looking at Xie Qingran's serious expression, Xiao Jue's mind raced as he tried to recall what he had done recently. After thinking for a long time, he still couldn't figure out what he had done wrong to make Xie Qingran so unhappy.
His eyebrows were furrowed tightly, and he gritted his teeth as he pulled Xie Qingran toward the next room.
Upon entering, Xiao Jue kissed her fiercely without saying a word.
Even though his heart was pounding, Xiao Jue knew that Xie Qingran was carrying two children and he couldn't make any rash moves. He could only lean on Xie Qingran's shoulder and breathe heavily.
Xie Qingran wasn't much better off. She took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress her inner desires, and reached out to gently touch Xiao Jue's cheek.
"You've been cooperating with the Shen family for a long time, but you didn't tell me and told me to stay away from them?"
"We are husband and wife, how could you... deceive me like this?"
Xie Qingran wasn't the type to be dramatic; she would definitely speak up if she was unhappy, especially since the worst thing between husband and wife is this kind of inexplicable misunderstanding.
She was certain that Xiao Jue loved her very much, but she also knew that love alone was not enough for a couple to live a good life together; they also needed to carefully cultivate their relationship.
So it was all because of this?
Xiao Jue shook his head helplessly at Xie Qingran's sullen expression, then took her hand and sat down on a chair nearby, saying softly, "I didn't mean to hide it from you. I just felt that this matter shouldn't be said unless absolutely necessary. It won't happen again in the future."
"Is there anything else you're hiding from me?" Xie Qingran raised an eyebrow and looked at Xiao Jue.
Naturally, there were many things being kept from her.
But Xiao Jue couldn't say!
He looked at Xie Qingran and said, "In terms of feelings and matters within the inner quarters, I have nothing to hide from you. Qingran, I'm sorry, but I cannot speak of matters concerning the military or the court."
Xiao Jue's willingness to speak so frankly already demonstrates exceptional honesty.
Xie Qingran didn't pursue the matter further, but simply nodded and leaned on Xiao Jue's shoulder: "At most one month, the border will definitely descend into chaos. Xiao Jue, don't hesitate then, lead your troops out to attack. Whether we can bring glory to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion depends on this!"
A month later, Xie Qingran's baby will be seven months along, which will be the most dangerous time. Xiao Jue really can't bear to leave.
He was deeply moved by Xie Qingran's resolute expression. He took her hand, kissed it gently, and said with a smile, "Are you really willing to let me leave?"
"I'm reluctant to part with it, but it's nothing compared to the entire Zhenguo Duke's Mansion."
"Don't worry, I will give birth to our children safely. I will protect them well."
Xie Qingran gently placed Xiao Jue's hand on her lower abdomen and smiled softly at him.
She didn't know what was going on with Xiao Jue outside, but Xie Qingran knew that Xiao Jue must be having a tough time.
Since that's the case, she must not cause trouble if she can't help.
"Having a wife like you is truly a blessing I earned in my past life."
"Qingran, once the matter at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is settled, I'll stay home with you and we won't go anywhere, okay?"
Xiao Jue had never been so attached to his home; in fact, he had always preferred the life of fighting on the frontier.
But ever since Xie Qingran came into his life, Xiao Jue has become reluctant to leave home and has started to become attached to his family.
"It's good that you're home. Let's have dinner together tonight. Let's invite your sister-in-law and a few of your nephews too." Xie Qingran smiled gently, kissed Xiao Jue on the cheek, and then told Baozhu to start preparing dinner.
When the two children came home from school and saw Xiao Jue in the yard, they immediately came over happily and chattered around him.
"Brother, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!"
“Brother, we were very good when you weren’t home. We even protected my sister-in-law and the baby in her belly.”
"Brother, are you leaving again this time? We can't bear to part with you, please don't leave, okay?"
The two children used to be too shy to speak when they saw Xiao Jue, but now they can express their care and longing in a great way. The barrier between them has completely disappeared, and they are as close as ordinary brothers and sisters.
Xie Qingran sat in a chair eating osmanthus cake, listening to the two children chattering away. Her hand unconsciously rested on her lower abdomen, and she smiled softly with her eyes narrowed. She felt her heart being slowly filled with happiness.
Xiao Jue hadn't expected that after being away from home for more than three months, his home would have undergone such a dramatic transformation upon his return. He was especially pleased to see the two little children so lively and adorable, which filled him with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude towards Xie Qingran.
"Second Uncle!"
Qin Shi led Xiao Jin in, and Xiao Jin, like a little bird, rushed into Xiao Jue's arms and gave him a big kiss.
"Second Uncle, I missed you so much, Second Uncle, I'm so glad you're back."
"Second Uncle, you've gotten so dark and ugly! Oh no, Auntie's definitely going to dislike you!"
Xiao Jin reached out and pinched Xiao Jue's cheek, his face full of worry.
"What nonsense are you spouting, you brat?"
Qin was both amused and exasperated by her son's disrespectful behavior. She reached out and took the child, then sat down next to Xie Qingran.
"Your belly is really big. I wonder if it will be difficult to give birth with such a big baby?"
Having been through similar experiences, Qin felt only worry when she saw Xie Qingran's pregnant belly.
Xie Qingran smiled shyly and then said, "My belly is a bit big, but it's not a big problem. The doctor said there are two babies inside, so it shouldn't be too difficult to give birth, right?"
"What? You're saying you're having twins?"
"This is truly a wonderful day! You two are so lucky to have two children at once!"
Qin immediately became excited and looked at Xie Qingran with envy.
Many children bring many blessings; who wouldn't want to have more children in their family? It's a pity they only have one child, Xiao Jin. What a pity, what a real pity.
"Is it a little brother or a little sister?" Xiao Jin leaned closer, looking at Xie Qingran's big belly with curiosity. "It would be great if there was a little brother and a little sister, then we wouldn't have to argue anymore."
quarrel?
Qin looked at Xiao Jin curiously and asked, "What's all the noise about?"
"Ayu said she hopes it's a boy so he can achieve great things in the future, but I prefer a little sister, she's soft and cute, so we're going to argue!"
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