Chapter 11 Extra Chapter 2: A Few Things About Pregnancy (Part 7)
This experience during her pregnancy was exceptionally unforgettable for Bai Hua.
Ning Jue wasn't lying to her; what was recorded in ancient medical books was true. She had experienced it firsthand and had the right to speak on it. Indeed, she was doubly sensitive, deeply ecstatic, and her soul felt as if it were about to leave her body...
The next day, Bai Hua woke up late.
The sun was high in the sky when she half-opened her sleepy eyes, casually turned over, and found that Ning Jue was not beside her, and even the bedding was cold.
According to custom, at this time, he would either have gone out to the General's Mansion or gone alone to practice his swordsmanship by the rockery in the back garden.
Bai Hua lay flat on her back, and after regaining her senses, she felt her limbs ache and her waist was stiff.
She knew this was the mildest reaction. After washing herself last night, Ning Jue carried her back to bed and massaged her carefully for a while, kneading her waist, pressing her legs, and massaging her shoulders, just in case she felt uncomfortable after sleeping all night.
However, discomfort was inevitable. After all, she had been pounced on by a hungry wolf and left to be slaughtered all night. It was a miracle that her fragile body and frame hadn't broken, even though the other person had eaten their fill of meat.
Bai Hua struggled to sit up, her legs feeling stiff. After a pause, she reached out and shook the red string bell by the bed curtains.
Soon, Xiao You, who was waiting outside the door, heard the noise and brought water into the room to help Bai Hua wash up and do her makeup.
Bai Hua slowly got out of bed and casually asked, "Xiao You, what time is it now?"
Xiao You replied truthfully, "It's almost Chen Shi (7-9 AM), and Miss has slept far too long. I wanted to come in and check on her, but the young master specifically instructed me before he left that we shouldn't make any noise outside. I dare not disobey the young master's orders..."
These words were spoken with a strong sense of grievance.
Bai Hua recalled that Xiao You seemed to have displeased Ning Jue last night, and she must have realized it herself, as she began to speak more cautiously.
Bai Hua: "You don't need to be so afraid of him. Don't worry, with me here, he won't get angry with you."
Xiao You asked hesitantly, "Miss...did I really disturb you back then?"
Bai Hua felt guilty and quickly shook her head to deny it: "No, no, don't overthink it. We... we were actually arguing at the time, and we were both in a bad mood, so we made a bit of a commotion and didn't have the mind to respond to what you said. It has nothing to do with you, don't worry."
Xiao You said in surprise and indignation, "Arguing? The young lady is currently pregnant, how can the young master be so impulsive and not know how to give in to her?"
There's no way around it; once you tell a lie, you have to go to great lengths to cover it up.
It's even possible that because of one lie, countless more lies will have to be told to cover it up.
Bai Hua added, "Yes, he realized his mistake later and quickly apologized to me. We made up last night."
Xiao You blinked, sighed and said, "That's good then. The young lady has suffered a lot during her pregnancy, and the young master really shouldn't have argued with her."
Bai Hua smiled, feigning a receptive tone: "You're right, I'll give him a piece of my mind when he gets back."
Xiao You was slightly relieved.
After washing up, Xiao You helped Bai Hua with her makeup. In the bronze mirror, the beauty's hair was half-disheveled, and her face was as pretty as a lotus blossom. Then, she applied powder and rouge to her lips, and made her eyebrows look like distant mountains. She then took pearls and jade from her full makeup box and placed a jeweled hairpin with flowers on her neatly styled hair.
After everything was finished, Bai Hua touched her face in front of the mirror and sighed softly, "Have I gained weight again?"
Xiao You replied with a smile, "Your body has indeed gained weight, but it doesn't show on your face at all. In fact, your complexion is much more radiant than usual, and you look as fresh and beautiful as a flower that has been nourished."
Bai Hua's gaze didn't leave the mirror as she smiled and playfully scolded her, "You're just trying to make me happy. How much of what you say can I believe?"
Xiao You quickly raised her hand to assure him, her big eyes flashing with sincerity: "What Xiao You said is by no means flattery. Miss, look at yourself in the mirror, or ask the young master. If you don't believe the young master, there's also Miss Biao living in the courtyard. Surely there's one of us that you can trust."
When talking about her cousin, Bai Hua naturally recalled Ning Jue's suggestion from last night.
He said that if they were to arrange a marriage for his cousin in Beijing, they didn't have to limit themselves to people from Beijing; they could also consider Mr. Kong Pingsheng, who had come to Beijing with them from Yuncheng.
Young Master Kong is the young master of Yunruo Manor. His family is well-off. Although he is currently only a minor official in the capital, he has the ambition to join the army. Once he goes to Xiangcheng and is promoted due to his military achievements, his future will be limitless.
Judging by this person alone, he is quite good, far superior to some of the纨绔 (spoiled brats) in the capital who have only empty titles of nobility.
But Junman was far away in Xiangcheng, and she told her about the hardships of the border and the anxiety she felt every time she faced a battle... If her cousin really married Kong Pingsheng, she might have to follow her husband to Xiangcheng like Junman, facing the bleak winds and sand every day and worrying about her husband going to the battlefield to fight the enemy.
This matter involves many things, and Bai Hua still needs to think it over carefully.
"Did my cousin come by this morning?"
"I came here once earlier, and when I learned that you were asleep, Miss Biao returned to Jinxiu Pavilion."
Bai Hua: "Did my cousin say what it was about?"
Xiao You shook his head: "It shouldn't be anything important, I just came to visit you, young lady."
Bai Hua then asked, "Do you know where your son-in-law has gone?"
Xiao You replied, "The young master rode out early this morning, it seems he went to the mansion of the great general. You and the young master stayed up late last night. The young master is such a energetic person, but when he woke up this morning, his eyes were a little dark and he looked tired. For the sake of your health, you must not stay up until the middle of the night with the young master again."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua's face turned awkward. She quickly changed the subject and said, "I know, I'm a little hungry. Please serve the meal quickly. After I finish eating, I'll go to Jinxiu Pavilion to find my cousin. I'll have something to talk to her about."
Xiao You obeyed: "Yes, miss, this is the preparation."
...
Half an incense stick's time passed, and Bai Hua led Xiao You out of the main courtyard, through the covered corridor, and arrived at the Jinxiu Pavilion, the side courtyard where guests were received.
When they arrived, Rong Chifang was busy in the small kitchen.
Through the window frame, I could see her wearing a light-colored dress, very simple, yet it made her face look exceptionally charming. She used a light blue sash to tie her sleeves, neatly gathering up the originally loose hem of her dress, revealing her slender white wrists, making her movements even more skillful and nimble.
The aroma of steaming wheat wafted through the window, and Bai Hua's appetite was instantly whetted by it.
She recognized the aroma of her favorite chestnut cake and recalled that she had casually mentioned to her cousin that the best chestnut cake maker in Fanlou had recently left Beijing to return to his hometown, and it was a pity that she would never be able to taste such a fragrant flavor again.
Unexpectedly, my cousin kept this in mind and even peeled chestnuts herself to make pastries for her.
Bai Hua spoke up, calling out "Cousin".
Rong Chifang then noticed someone in the courtyard. She looked up and saw Bai Hua standing at the door. She smiled and greeted her, then quickly put down what she was doing and came out of the kitchen to greet her.
Bai Hua walked forward and asked, "Did you make chestnut cake, cousin?"
Rong Chifang replied, "Anyway, I'm bored in my spare time, so it's good to study how to make pastries. I can also learn a new skill at the same time. This batch is almost cooked. Hua'er, you have to help me taste it later. My cousin's chestnut cake is a bit inferior to that of the chef at Fanlou."
Bai Hua smiled and said, "My cousin is very skillful, so it can't be any different."
Rong Chifang had a speck of white flour on the tip of her nose. It was barely noticeable at first glance, but it was quite noticeable upon closer inspection.
Without reminding her, Bai Hua took out her own handkerchief and reached out to wipe her cousin's nose.
Rong Chifang was a little embarrassed and looked away awkwardly, saying, "I really... I was just handling some flour, and I made a mess of it everywhere."
Bai Hua said, "My cousin is much better than me. I steamed chestnut cake before, and it made the whole kitchen a mess."
Rong Chifang recalled that Bai Hua occasionally cooked when she was in Jiling, and the soups and snacks she made were quite good. She did not remember that Bai Hua had ever made the kitchen a mess.
So he casually asked, "Does Hua'er often cook after getting married?"
The event Bai Hua was referring to certainly didn't happen in Jiling, nor in the capital, but rather a time she spent alone with Ning Jue on Xianyang Mountain.
Those days were unknown to outsiders. No one in the Rong family knew except for her cousin. Even Bai Hua's family members were unaware that she had been used as a honey trap by her cousin. And her first encounter with Ning Jue was also due to such a twist of fate.
Bai Hua snapped out of her daze and replied casually, "I do it occasionally."
The first batch of chestnut cakes was almost done cooking, and Rong Chifang, keeping track of the time, went back into the kitchen to continue her work.
Bai Hua followed her inside and saw that there was still quite a bit of steamed and mixed chestnut filling in the porcelain bowl on the table. Obviously, her cousin was going to steam two trays of chestnuts, and the fresh chestnuts were also peeled to make two trays.
Bai Hua: "One drawer is quite a lot. Why did you prepare so much, cousin?"
Rong Chifang: "I asked the kitchen staff to buy some fresh chestnuts, but they bought too many. I thought it wouldn't be a waste, so I used them all. It's okay, Hua'er, try them. If you think they taste good, I'll have someone send some to the Bai residence. I remember my cousin's daughter, Xiao Yi, loves sweets."
Bai Hua: "Yes, Xiao Yi loves sweets. I'll go wash my hands now, let's make the second batch together quickly."
Rong Chifang immediately declined, not wanting Bai Hua to get involved: "No, no, you just wait. Hua'er is dressed so brightly and beautifully today, don't let the flour get on her dress."
Bai Hua didn't care about that: "It's alright, I just happen to have something I want to talk to my cousin about."
Rong Chifang raised her chin slightly, gesturing to the window: "Hua'er, stand over there. It's clean by the window, so it's the same whether you stand there or not."
Bai Hua had no choice but to comply.
Xiao You was perceptive; upon hearing this, she immediately went inside and brought out a rattan stool. After helping Bai Hua sit down, she consciously retreated to the courtyard so as not to disturb the two sisters' private conversation.
Bai Hua watched her cousin's busy figure, thought for a moment, and then got straight to the point.
"When Ning Jue and I were traveling, we passed through Yuncheng and met the owner of Yunruo Manor. The owner's only son aspired to join the army and later followed Ning Jue and me to the capital. He is currently an unknown minor official in the capital, but after a year, he will be selected into the army according to regulations. After that, he will most likely have the opportunity to go to Xiangcheng on the border for training and to seek a military position..."
Rong Chifang was placing the first tray of chestnut cakes onto a plate. As she smelled the aroma, she said to Bai Hua, "It smells quite good. Let it cool down a bit, and Hua'er can have a bite."
She placed the porcelain plate in front of Bai Hua before shifting her attention and asking, following Bai Hua's words, "Hua'er, do you want to share your travel experiences with me? I'm really curious about your rich experiences over the past year. The world is so vast, and there are so many amazing things. There are always new and interesting things that I've never heard of or seen before. Hua'er, you can tell me more about them when you have time, so I can also broaden my horizons."
Bai Hua blinked, realizing her cousin had misunderstood, and immediately explained, "No, no, the point I made just now was... the young master of Yunruo Manor, surnamed Kong, named Kong Pingsheng, is only one year older than my cousin."
Upon hearing this, Rong Chifang paused, taking a beat to realize the deeper meaning behind Hua'er's words, and her expression instantly became uneasy.
Rong Chifang became even busier, kneading the dough incessantly, her eyes lowered, and she spoke with difficulty: "Hua'er, didn't we agree not to mention this matter? I came to the capital simply to take care of you, without any selfish motives of climbing the social ladder. Perhaps Mother has such intentions, but I absolutely do not. Do you believe me, Hua'er?"
Bai Hua: "Of course I believe you. If my cousin were only thinking about how to get something out of me, why would I want to do my part for your marriage? A few years ago in Jiling, my cousin took good care of me. Now, within my ability, I also want to help my cousin find a good husband."
Rong Chifang stopped, her expression slightly grave: "But in the end, it is our Rong family that has wronged you. My brother has harmed you... Even if I have been kind to you in some way, it cannot make up for it."
Bai Hua spoke calmly and with tolerance: "He is still him, and you are you. I shouldn't be angry with you both just because you both have the surname Rong. The previous entanglements had nothing to do with my cousin. My husband also said to stick to the facts and that my cousin was innocent. We still want to have kinship ties with my cousin in the future."
At this point, Bai Hua asked, "Has there been any news about my cousin outside?"
Since the sudden death of the Left Prime Minister, Rong Linyan has disappeared without a trace. He didn't even show up when the Rong family returned to Jiling from the capital in disgrace. Two years have passed, and Bai Hua has become indifferent to many of the past grievances. Although she is not completely without resentment, she doesn't feel anything special when she mentions them.
Seeing that Bai Hua's expression was normal and that it was just a casual remark, Rong Chifang felt slightly relieved.
She sighed and replied truthfully, "We have no idea where my brother is now. He sends a letter home every few months, but the letter only says he's safe and sound, without explaining anything else. He doesn't even come home for the New Year. We have absolutely no idea how he is doing or what his current situation is..."
Bai Hua couldn't understand why Rong Linyan kept hiding. Could it be that he was afraid of Ning Jue's retaliation against him later?
She had already agreed with Ning Jue that they would not pursue the matter of Rong Linyan kidnapping her on the orders of the Left Prime Minister, and there had been no initial attempts at retaliation. Afterwards, they had no intention of dealing with him.
Bai Hua couldn't understand it, so she simply gave up on the matter.
"Yes, it's good that you're safe."
Bai Hua simply replied with this sentence, and apart from that, she really couldn't comment on anything else.
Putting Rong Linyan aside, let's get back to the topic of her cousin. Bai Hua persisted, saying, "So, let's forget about those dirty things like you owe me and I owe you. Let's just talk about finding a suitable husband. I've already found a few suitable men to introduce to you, and there's also the young master Kong I mentioned today. Which of these men are you more interested in, cousin? If you really can't decide, how about we meet them one by one?"
That's really shameful to say. Married women are indeed less reserved and much bolder when they speak.
Rong Chifang blushed and said in a muffled voice, "I...I'll leave it to Hua'er and my cousin-in-law to arrange."
They finally agreed!
Bai Hua's eyes lit up, filled with the joy of successfully arranging a match, and she immediately nodded: "No problem, leave it to us."
Seeing Bai Hua so excited, Rong Chifang couldn't help but chuckle, but she was too shy to laugh, and even her neck turned blush.
She reached out and pushed the porcelain plate containing chestnut cake towards Bai Hua again, changing the subject and saying, "It should taste good now, Hua'er, try it."
...
After dinner time, Bai Hua finally met Ning Jue.
He rarely came home this late. Since returning to the capital, he had not agreed to rejoin the service of the Grand General, preoccupied with her pregnancy and needing care, and did not want to waste his energy on other matters.
However, occasionally, when the Grand General urgently needed someone, he would call Ning Jue over to discuss and participate. In addition, now that Chen Fu had just gotten married and taken Jiu Qiu on leave to travel around the capital, and Duan Yi had lost his arm, the Grand General was used to calling Ning Jue along whenever he had any orders.
The situation is probably similar today.
Bai Hua said with dissatisfaction, "Duan Yi has gotten used to calling you that. It's happened three or four times this month, and he always drags you out until this late."
After Ning Jue returned, he first went to the bathhouse to clean himself, otherwise his travel-worn appearance would easily annoy her. He was now well aware of this.
He sat down next to Bai Hua and replied with a smile, "Next time he orders me around, I will use Hua'er's words to refuse him. But this time, let it go. Madam Duan is unwell, and Duan Yi is trying to do two things at once, so he is indeed a bit lacking in energy."
Bai Huaguan asked, "How is Madam Duan? Is her condition serious?"
Ning Jue replied, "Don't worry, it's just a minor cold, nothing serious."
Bai Hua was relieved and thought for a moment before saying, "Then I'll go and visit Madam Duan when she's feeling better. After all, Madam Duan and my mother were old friends, and I should show my respect. Besides, she treated me very well when we were in Ye City."
Speaking of this...
In fact, Bai Hua was unaware of the relationship between Madam Duan and her mother until she overheard it during a casual conversation with her brother.
Only then did she realize why, back in Ye City, Madam Duan's eyes couldn't help but overflow with pity when she saw her.
It turns out that there was a reason behind all the strange occurrences.
Ning Jue agreed, "Alright, that's how it should be. Once Madam Duan's health has improved, I'll accompany you to visit her."
After discussing this, Bai Hua gestured to Ning Jue to help her retrieve a sky-blue, slender-necked, round-bellied porcelain vase from the second shelf of the antique display case.
Ning Jue had never seen this before. After handing it to her, he asked curiously, "What is this?"
Bai Hua didn't hide anything and replied truthfully, "My sister-in-law brought it a few days ago, saying it's to be applied to the stomach to prevent stretch marks."
Ning Jue smiled and said, "Doesn't Hua'er ask me to check every day? Don't worry, I've checked carefully, and there's absolutely no wrinkle."
Bai Hua pouted, "It would be better if I applied it; it would make me feel more at ease."
Ning Jue listened to her and spread out his hands, saying, "Let me do it?"
Bending over to apply the product was indeed uncomfortable. After thinking about it, Bai Hua readily gave it to him. In any case, she was willing to take on the risk of developing stretch marks for him. He was working hard right now, and Bai Hua felt at ease.
The essential oil in this porcelain bottle is too slippery when applied to the skin; it makes my skin feel doubly sensitive when I rub it in my palms.
In addition, Ning Jue's palms were already calloused from holding the sword hilt for many years. The rough stimulation traveled in circles on Bai Hua's abdomen, deepening over time. She couldn't help but frown and gently bit her upper lip.
"Is it comfortable?"
"Apply it carefully."
Ning Jue smiled innocently: "I was applying it carefully. I was so meticulous, not missing a single spot. Isn't that what you call applying it carefully?"
Bai Hua's body felt weak and she unconsciously bent one knee, her waist swaying slightly, which was very alluring.
Ning Jue lowered his gaze, his hands moving without stopping, alternating between his palms and fingertips, not wasting a single drop of the essential oil.
"Stop, stop for a moment."
"Not now. We need to let the skin absorb it as soon as possible after applying it, otherwise all our hard work will be in vain."
Bai Hua was helpless, her lips trembling. The itching and tingling sensation spread from her waist and abdomen to every part of her body, and even her breathing became heavier.
Finally, the wiping was finished. After a long and arduous process, Bai Hua finally let out a long sigh.
Just as her curled toes were about to relax, Ning Jue suddenly grabbed her left ankle, the grip being quite forceful. He clearly remembered that it was her left leg that had been bent just now.
"you……"
Before Bai Hua could react, Ning Jue reached under her skirt with his clean hand and touched something. He immediately smiled knowingly.
Before Ning Jue could even open his mouth to tease her, Bai Hua's cheeks had already turned completely red, her face flushed with ochre, she was truly embarrassed and ashamed.
Ning Jue sat down leisurely, and of course, he didn't let her off easily.
His light, airy tone, like a hook pulling her up and down, said, "So wet, Hua'er looks even more like she's made of water since she got pregnant."
Author's note: My next book will be "Spring Tide Plays with Orioles," continuing the sibling trope with a forceful and domineering takeover!
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