Chapter 59 The Body Seems to Be Pregnant...
"You're back quickly. I haven't even said a few words to you, and you're already protecting her again."
Xu Feixuan got up from her seat, left the study, and beckoned down from the second floor, instructing the servants to bring the things inside.
Leading the group was an elderly man who had been following Xu Feixuan. He had a kind and benevolent face and instructed several people to place some exquisite gift boxes in the living room.
Xu Feixuan didn't even lift her eyelids, and said casually, "I don't know if it's a boy or a girl, so I picked out some in various colors, and also asked some Suzhou embroidery masters in the garden to embroider some patchwork quilts and such, so that they can be used after the child is born."
Jiang Shiyuan followed them out and saw the various exquisitely packaged gift boxes on the living room table, her feelings were quite complicated.
When Huo Lan's power is sufficient to control everything, everyone makes way for her. First it was Huo Qi, and now it's the ever-assertive Xu Feixuan.
It seems that no one can stop her from becoming the mistress of the Huo family.
Jiang Shiyuan once felt inferior because of the huge gap in social status between her and Huo Lan. Although she had a stronger love for him at that time, she never thought that she could be with him in the end.
At that time, Huo Lan had just returned from abroad. He was still young and his foundation was not stable. He did not have power in the Huo family and could not give her enough security.
But now that he has finally overcome all difficulties to have her by his side, she no longer wants to stay with him.
Knowing that Xu Feixuan wasn't deliberately trying to cause trouble, Huo Lan relaxed a bit, but he still didn't want her to stay by Jiang Shiyuan's side for long.
"I will have these prepared, so you don't need to worry about them." Huo Lan coldly dismissed him, "It's getting late, you should go back and rest."
Xu Feixuan was not feeling well. Even though she clearly stated that she had agreed to him being with Jiang Shiyuan, he was still wary of her.
She had never given Huo Lan enough maternal love since he was very young. In his eyes, she had always been a serious, unapproachable, and almost indifferent person, and her attitude towards his father was even worse.
The death of Huo Lan's father was the final straw that broke the bond between him and his mother. From then on, he never treated Xu Feixuan as his mother again.
Xu Feixuan was overjoyed when she heard that Jiang Shiyuan was pregnant. She even hoped that Jiang Shiyuan would give birth to a child with whom she would have a close relationship.
She will learn to change her bad temper and make up for the love she didn't give Huo Lan in those years by giving it to his child.
However, Huo Lan did not appreciate it and was even somewhat annoyed.
Xu Feixuan's pride still wouldn't allow her to back down first. Seeing that Huo Lan was clearly trying to see her off, she had no reason to stay at Lingdang Xiaozhu any longer.
"I just picked out some baby clothes; nothing expensive."
Before leaving, he said to Jiang Shiyuan, "Although he is protecting you, it doesn't mean you don't have to do anything. In a couple of days, I'll invite some prominent ladies from Wancheng to have tea and a small gathering in the garden. You should come along and help entertain them."
He paused, then continued, "Don't stay cooped up in the study all day, it's so stingy... Also, wear the jade jewelry I gave you before."
After Xu Feixuan left, Huo Lan pulled Jiang Shiyuan into his arms, stroking her hair to comfort her, "You don't need to pay attention to her. If she comes again in the future, just have the bodyguards block her."
"As for that tea party, it doesn't mean much. Whether you want to go or not is up to you."
Jiang Shiyuan knew that Xu Feixuan brought her to the tea party specifically to announce her identity in front of everyone. Was she compromising or making concessions? Perhaps she had truly accepted her.
“Huo Lan, she is an elder.” Jiang Shi didn’t want to be the one to drive a wedge between her and her son. “No matter what, we must respect her. I’m getting a little tired of staying at Bell Pavilion and want to go out for a walk.”
"Okay." Huo Lan seemed to understand something, then added, "I'll have the bodyguards keep an eye on you and make sure you're not in any danger."
Jiang Shiyuan sighed softly. What danger could she possibly be in if she hadn't even left Huo Garden? He was just worried that she might be conspiring with someone else to leave him.
But Jiang Shiyuan simply didn't have the extra energy to plan an escape anymore.
Pregnancy made her body increasingly sensitive and prone to fatigue. In addition to following Anna's plan for recuperation and exercise, she was also preparing for her exams in the winter, leaving her with no time to spare.
"Let's stop here for today. Staring at the screen for too long isn't good for your eyes. I'll take you to see what she's prepared for the child."
Huo Lan led Jiang Shiyuan downstairs and together they unpacked the exquisite gift boxes.
The gift box mainly contains children's clothes, a custom-made Hermès baby line, made of Pima cotton, each piece is extremely soft and comfortable.
In addition, there is a hand-carved sandalwood crib mobile, it is unknown when Xu Feixuan started preparing it.
“It’s only been two months…” Jiang Shiyuan became more and more irritated. This child did not come because of her expectations, but rather became a shackle that bound her. “It’s really unnecessary.”
"How could it be unnecessary? You need to start preparing for these things from the moment you became pregnant."
Huo Lan put the gift box aside, picked her up and placed her on his lap, his arm across her chest to avoid constricting her lower abdomen.
Since finding her, he has loved holding her and clinging to her more and more, wishing he could stay with her forever.
What do you think would be a good name for the child?
Jiang Shiyuan didn't answer his question, but instead changed the subject, "Have you been very busy with work lately? You look a little tired..."
Huo Lan closed his eyes and shook his head. "No matter how busy I am, nothing is more important than you."
“You don’t need to stay with me every day, I won’t leave.” Jiang Shiyuan said helplessly, “Don’t let the back-and-forth travel delay your important matters.”
"You can name the child. It can even have your surname, Jiang." Huo Lan gently nuzzled Jiang Shiyuan's cheek, her breath warm. "It's all up to you."
Jiang Shiyuan thought for a moment, then subconsciously asked, "If I take the surname Jiang, can I still get a share of your family's property?"
Huo Lan couldn't help but laugh out loud, reaching out to pinch her cheek, "You little ingrate, still thinking about the family fortune at a time like this."
He gently stroked her still flat stomach, as if he could already sense the life inside. "No matter whose surname she takes, she will all belong to him from now on."
"Then let's keep the surname Huo. Taking my surname will cause a lot of trouble."
Jiang Shiyuan pouted. For a child from such a wealthy family to take her surname, who knows how many rumors and gossips would follow.
Huo Lan affectionately ruffled her hair and pulled her closer into his arms. "Okay, whatever you say. How about the nickname Tuantuan? It's fine whether it's a boy or a girl."
Jiang Shiyuan asked with some confusion, "Why is it called Tuantuan?"
"Because he will be born in the spring when hydrangeas are in full bloom."
Jiang Shiyuan retorted, "Then why not call her Huahua?"
Huo Lan pretended to be serious and looked at her intently, saying, "It sounds a bit like a puppy's name."
“It does seem a bit like that…” Jiang Shiyuan asked again, “Then what’s his full name?”
"I haven't decided yet. Can you think about it with me? Don't leave me to think about it all by myself." Huo Lan's eyes showed a hint of grievance, as if he was deliberately trying to soften her heart. "I hope the child's name will be chosen by his favorite mother."
Jiang Shiyuan persisted, asking, "How do you know he loves me the most? What if he loves you more?"
“Then I’ll tell him that this is wrong.” Huo Lan lowered his eyes to look at her lower abdomen. “Mom carried Tuantuan for ten months before giving birth to her, so she should be the most important person in Tuantuan’s heart.”
Am I the most important person in your heart?
Huo Lan's next words came out so naturally, catching Jiang Shiyuan completely off guard.
She pretended not to hear, struggled a few times to get off his lap, and said, "I need to find some clothes to match the jade. Ordinary clothes definitely won't be able to hold up that set of jewelry."
Huo Lan wouldn't let her leave easily. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back into his arms, kissing her cheeks tenderly, not allowing her any resistance.
After kissing her, he seemed not quite satisfied and began to suckle her mouth, drooling all the way from her neck to her collarbone, not stopping until he made her body tremble.
Jiang Shiyuan felt a bit hot; her body seemed more sensitive and easily aroused after becoming pregnant.
You can easily end up in a wet situation.
"Your words are the most deceiving, so I don't believe them. I only believe your body; it's telling me that I'm the most important person to you."
Huo Lan pressed his forehead against hers, and smiled with satisfaction after seeing her reaction, but he was still not satisfied.
"How about I make you happier?" Huo Lan's eyes grew darker and darker, like a bottomless abyss. "I've endured this for so long, can you help me too?"
Since learning of her pregnancy, he has been restraining his emotions every day. Although he still hugs and kisses her, he has stopped tormenting her. He often forces her to say sweet and mushy things, trying to satisfy his physical desires with these words.
Jiang Shiyuan's soft, warm body was his most potent aphrodisiac, yet he had to restrain himself from it.
"My sweetheart, tell me what you like best when I treat you like this..." He was lost in passion, determined to drag her down with him. "Tell me, your husband is the best, and you like it best when he's like this."
Although her body had already reacted, Jiang Shiyuan still pushed his head against her will, trying to keep his hot breath away from her.
"shameless......"
Huo Lan gently laid her down on the sofa and was kissing her passionately when he heard her words. He looked up, feeling a little aggrieved, and said, "How can you say I'm shameless again?"
"Jiang Shiyuan was born to be kissed by me until she was soaking wet, wasn't she?"
Huo Lan continued, only stopping when he was satisfied after another wave had passed.
He placed a soft pillow under her shoulder to make her more comfortable. He noticed that Jiang Shiyuan's eyes were shimmering with tears, and she hadn't quite recovered yet.
"So cute..."
His Adam's apple bobbed violently as he leaned down to kiss her lips passionately, stealing her breath.
"How can you be so well-behaved?"
“My dear, you’re seducing me.” He rubbed against the back of her legs, trying to calm his throbbing body. “Your eyes are so alluring, and your body is so soft and sweet.”
At the moment when the accumulated pleasure exploded, Huo Lan did not dare to press down on her. Instead, he propped himself up and carefully traced her slightly panting appearance with his eyes.
"The doctor said it will be stable in three months." He lowered his head and kissed her soft lips. "Just bear with it a little longer, okay?"
Jiang Shiyuan didn't open her eyes, but only reluctantly hummed a few times.
Who is really putting up with this?
Huo Lan straightened her clothes, adjusted her shawl, and carried her back to the bedroom to rest.
She's been going to bed early lately because she's still quite far along in her pregnancy and doesn't need to start prenatal education so early. So, her evening entertainment mainly consists of playing Go with Huo Lan.
Although Jiang Shiyuan's chess skills were not excellent, after being taught by Huo Lan a few times, he gradually figured out some tricks of the trade. Sometimes, even if Huo Lan let him win a few times, Jiang Shiyuan could still beat him.
Other evening entertainment options included watching archaeological exploration or cultural relic history programs, but all of them avoided the Liang King's Tomb.
Jiang Shiyuan was somewhat looking forward to the tea party in a couple of days. Although she didn't like the scene of those wealthy wives flattering each other and saying polite words, this was one of the few social events she had in a month.
Although she occasionally received Huo Lan's permission to go out shopping and relax with Cheng Yan, Huo Lan was still worried and had to follow her every moment, not daring to let her out of his sight for even a moment.
Cheng Yan complained almost every time, but seeing Huo Lan's extravagant way of paying with his black card without hesitation, her complaints became more and more flattering.
So Jiang Shiyuan didn't like going out with Cheng Yan much anymore, since she couldn't leave him no matter where she went.
But this tea party was different; only women could attend. If he stayed in the garden, he would be shameless.
Thinking of this, Jiang Shiyuan slightly opened her eyes and saw Huo Lan leaning against the headboard, carefully flipping through professional books on prenatal care.
Even though Lingdang Xiaozhu had a whole team taking care of her, he insisted on taking courses on pregnancy and childbirth, as if he were preparing for graduate school entrance exams.
Her heart wasn't made of iron; it couldn't help but soften, and sometimes she would reveal a touch of tenderness.
"Weren't you already very tired? How do you still have energy...?"
How does he still have the energy to do that to her, and then he's still full of energy to read books and take classes? His physical condition is just too good.
Jiang Shiyuan paused for a moment and then continued, "Get some rest. Being too tired is bad for your health."
"I'm not tired, I'm used to it." Huo Lan pursed his thin lips slightly. "Are you worried about me?"
"No, I was just wondering how you have so much energy."
It was too early, and Jiang Shiyuan couldn't sleep, so she snuggled into his arms and read with him.
"Why are there so many technical terms in the books you read... Do you really need to read such complicated books?"
The book was filled with prenatal and postnatal care knowledge points, which seemed to enter Jiang Shiyuan's mind uncontrollably. It felt like if she looked at it a few more times, she could get a prenatal care certificate herself.
“That’s more scientific.” Huo Lan looked down at Jiang Shiyuan, who was in his arms with a puzzled expression, and cherished the quiet moment. “Just listening to others talk about it will never lead to a proper understanding. It’s better to learn it yourself.”
"and......"
Huo Lan smiled secretly, his eyes sly like a fox. He flipped to the front of the "Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing" book and made no attempt to hide it from Jiang Shiyuan.
"And it taught me so much more, like the mysteries of your body..."
Upon seeing the illustrated content in the textbook, Jiang Shiyuan blushed slightly, slid down from Huo Lan's embrace into the blankets, moved away from him, and turned her back.
She muttered, "Shameless..."
Two days later, the weather cleared up.
Jiang Shiyuan has a dedicated team to handle her clothing coordination, so she easily found dresses to match the heirloom jade jewelry necklace.
This is a custom-made Suzhou embroidery cheongsam, which took half a year to complete. It has a moon-white background and the collar and cuffs are embroidered with lotus patterns in extremely fine colored thread. It is elegant yet precious.
The imperial green jade necklace, translucent and glossy, weighed heavily on her slender collarbone, complementing her fair skin. Her striking beauty and graceful figure not only overshadowed the dazzling light but also added a touch of serene elegance.
The cheongsam was fitted, and although her belly wasn't showing, you could still see a little bit. Because she usually takes good care of herself, her figure wasn't bloated, but she had a unique charm.
Xu Feixuan knew that Huo Lan didn't want her to come to Bell Pavilion, so she only conveyed her opinion through the stylist; all the outfits were Xu Feixuan's ideas. In addition, she also wanted her to bring the 460 million yuan fancy blue diamond that Huo Lan had bought at the auction.
Jiang Shiyuan knew the purpose of Xu Feixuan's tea party. She not only wanted others to know that she was the beloved Mrs. Huo, but also that she was carrying Huo Lan's child, and that her status and position were unshakeable.
Jiang Shiyuan couldn't understand why Xu Feixuan had changed so much. In her eyes, even if she had a child with Huo Lan by blood, they were still unworthy of each other and would not be able to step into the Huo family.
Unable to understand, she simply stopped thinking about it and obediently put on the priceless, brilliant blue diamond.
She didn't want to be so ostentatious in front of others, but since she was already wearing the heirloom jade, she would still be the center of attention even without the priceless diamond ring, so she might as well be obedient.
After the clothes, jewelry, and styling were all done, the stylist took out Jiang Shiyuan's most expensive Chanel Everlasting Diamond handbag from her closet, a bag that she had almost never touched.
She remembered that she first saw this handbag in a magazine; it was a limited edition of only thirteen pieces worldwide.
Jiang Shiyuan was hesitant to move, because she could hear the sound of RMB clattering with every step she took.
Although she was used to living a life of extravagance, she rarely had the opportunity to bring out almost all of her most valuable possessions like today.
Huo Lan personally escorted her to the flower hall where the tea party was being held. Although he didn't go in, he didn't intend to leave either.
"I'll wait for you outside. The bodyguard will let me know if anything happens. Just have fun."
Huo Lan raised his hand to touch her cheek, but Jiang Shiyuan was too dazzling and beautiful today, making him hesitant to touch her.
Huo Lan frowned slightly, somewhat reluctant, "I really want to hide you away. You should only be seen by me."
"No... I want to go and take a look."
Jiang Shiyuan's rare display of coquettishness made Huo Lan's eyes light up, and he became even more reluctant to let go. "Why don't we go back? Those ladies aren't so easy to get along with."
Jiang Shiyuan, wearing flat shoes, appeared even smaller in front of Huo Lan. Her pouty expression adored him, and his eyes shone with an intense, undisguised affection.
Huo Lan continued, "Just have the maid go and tell them that you have a prenatal checkup today and don't have time to come over."
Not wanting to miss the chance to get some fresh air, Jiang Shiyuan quickly said, "It's been too stuffy staying at Lingdang Xiaozhu these past few days. I want to talk to more people."
Huo Lan remained silent, suppressing his possessiveness. "Alright, but you only have two hours. I'll come pick you up at four o'clock to take you back to Bell House."
Jiang Shiyuan nodded and left the flower hall of Huo Lanwang.
It seemed that the farther away she was from him, the more relaxed she felt. In the past month, she had rarely even left the Bell Pavilion, let alone stayed out of Huo Lan's sight.
Although Huo Lan sometimes had to go out when he was busy with work, she always had an unease that he might come back at any time, which did not make her feel any more at ease.
As Jiang Shiyuan approached the flower hall, she was greeted by a warm fragrance and the scent of clothes and hair.
Several jeweled ladies were chatting with Xu Feixuan, but when she entered, their laughter paused subtly for a moment, and all eyes seemed to converge on her.
Besides a few slightly older women, there were also wives of similar age to Jiang Shiyuan, who must have come with her mother-in-law.
Jiang Shiyuan glanced at the group and saw Shen Chuqing sitting on the sofa drinking tea. However, she wasn't sitting next to Xu Feixuan, but at the end of the sofa, chatting with a stylish young woman.
Jiang Shiyuan's attire was simply too eye-catching. The visiting ladies, who were used to being surrounded by jewelry and studying luxury goods and haute couture every day, could almost immediately estimate her value from head to toe.
Xu Feixuan took everything in, scoffed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. She simply nodded slightly to Jiang Shiyuan and said, "Come and sit down." She pointed to the empty seat next to her.
The invited ladies were unaware of Huo Lan's marriage. Their information was still based on Huo Lan's "no marriage" statement at Shen Chuqing's engagement party. Therefore, they couldn't help but scrutinize and doubt this young woman, who was worth a fortune and sat next to the host as soon as she entered the room.
Who could this be, putting on such airs?
Wearing flat shoes, with a slightly protruding belly, it couldn't be from eating too much on such an important occasion; she looked pregnant.
Xu Feixuan took a sip of tea and introduced her casually, "This is my daughter-in-law, her name is Jiang Shiyuan."
Jiang Shiyuan nodded politely, and was about to stand up when Xu Feixuan silently stopped her.
“My daughter-in-law is pregnant and is feeling bored at home, so I came over to chat with everyone. Please feel free to chat as you like.”
Shen Chuqing stood up from the side, took the purple clay teapot handed to her by the maid, and began to pour tea for the ladies.
They knew that Shen Chuqing was Huo's second uncle's prospective daughter-in-law, a person of high status, so they quickly flattered her.
Shen Chuqing remained poised and elegant, befitting the mistress of the Huo family. "Since you've come to Huo Garden as a guest, I naturally need to take good care of you."
"As expected of a top student from an internationally renowned art school, every gesture exudes an elegance that others cannot imitate."
Mrs. Xu, dressed in a bright green cheongsam, praised the woman, but then, fearing she might overlook the real Mrs. Huo, she turned to ask Jiang Shiyuan.
"Miss Jiang, may I ask which prestigious university you graduated from abroad, and what your major was?"
Just as Jiang Shiyuan was about to answer, Xu Feixuan interrupted her. She sipped her tea calmly, but her tone was full of a chilling sense of oppression, no less than Huo Lan's.
"She's my daughter-in-law. We've been married and registered for a long time. That's what Mrs. Xu calls her..."
Upon hearing Xu Feixuan's words, Mrs. Xu's expression changed drastically, and she quickly changed her form of address, "Don't take my words to heart, Mrs. Huo."
Jiang Shiyuan smiled slightly and said gently, "How could that be? You're too kind."
The topic shifted back to Jiang Shiyuan, who was treated like a star surrounded by admirers. Everyone's conversation revolved around her, and no one dared to ask any more detailed questions. Instead, they praised Jiang Shiyuan's beauty and Huo Lan's affection for her.
Shen Chuqing put down the purple clay teapot in her hand, but at this moment she couldn't even get a word in edgewise.
She was clearly Xu Feixuan's favorite prospective daughter-in-law back then...
Looking at Jiang Shiyuan's priceless attire, Shen Chuqing felt a little resentful.
At that time, she was just one step away, just one word from Huo Lan, and now she would be the one sitting in the main seat.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
