Chapter 6 Extra 2: A Few Things About Pregnancy (Part 2)
Bai Hua and Ning Jue stayed at Yunruo Mountain Villa for over a month and have almost fully recovered.
The medicinal diet worked, and Bai Hua's morning sickness improved, which also increased her appetite. Seeing that Bai Hua's pale complexion had faded and she had regained her former rosy glow, Ning Jue discussed with her the preparations to return to the capital.
Naturally, Kong Pingsheng would accompany them.
Before they were about to leave, the owner of the manor and his wife warmly prepared a lot of things for them. They declined some of them, but had no choice but to agree to load the rest onto the truck.
With boxes and bags galore, an unsuspecting person seeing this would probably think the two of them drove into the villa and robbed it.
Everything else is insignificant, except that the signature specialty of Yunruo Manor, Guzhu Zisun tea, is very famous and precious in Beijing. The manor owner instructed his servants to load it into large wooden crates, making it seem like a cheap sale. However, Guzhu Zisun is not easy to grow, has a bright green color, and a delicate aroma. It is usually sold in small jars among the nobility.
Bai Hua understood, knowing that this was the good intention of the manor lord and his wife as parents.
They were worried that Young Master Kong would be lonely and friendless since he was new to the capital, so they prepared these teas for him in advance so that he could use them to make friends in the future.
After giving his son a few earnest instructions, Master Kong looked at Ning Jue and said sincerely, "My son will be following you from now on, young master. I'm counting on you to take care of him."
Ning Jue nodded, brushing aside his thanks: "It was nothing."
On the other side, Madam Kong held Bai Hua's hand and spoke gently and caringly: "The food on the road is simple and probably not as good as what you eat at the manor. Your appetite has only just recovered, and I'm really worried that if you eat cold or hard food later, your appetite will churn again. I've asked the cook to prepare lunch, which you can take with you in the carriage so you can eat it while it's hot on the road. However, I'm afraid that dinner might get stale and not be good for you, so I haven't asked anyone to prepare it. You can find a larger inn along the way where the food will be guaranteed to be clean."
Bai Hua felt that she hadn't done anything at all, yet she received such care from the other party, which made her feel a little guilty.
Although she knew that Madam Kong was treating her well for the sake of Young Master Kong's future, Bai Hua still felt a warmth in her heart from being cared for so sincerely.
She smiled and replied, "Don't worry, Madam, I've remembered everything. Also, we will keep Young Master Kong in mind and will never neglect our duties. If you miss Young Master Kong in the future, you can send a letter to contact him at any time to ease your longing."
Madam Kong placed her palm on Bai Hua's hand, her eyes filled with emotion: "Good, good..."
After a final, formal farewell, Kong Pingsheng mounted his horse with a flourish, waved to his parents, grasped the reins, and set off with the carriage.
As the carriage drove away, the figure on horseback beside it became increasingly blurry, slowly fading into a barely perceptible dot.
Meanwhile, the master and his wife remained rooted to the spot, their gazes fixed on their son, praying that he would have a smooth journey and achieve his ambitions.
...
Upon returning to the capital, Bai Hua, being pregnant, became a key figure under the protection of the Bai family, and was showered with concern and care as soon as she entered the house.
First, it was his elder brother, whose concern was tinged with a lesson.
“Huahua, if you ask me, you two should have returned from Xiangcheng much earlier. If you hadn’t been so playful and wasted time, you wouldn’t have been diagnosed with pregnancy on the way and delayed for so long because of your symptoms. You were pregnant and still had to travel all that way, of course your body couldn’t take it. Now do you finally realize that no matter how good it is outside, it’s not as comfortable as staying at home?”
Bai Hua replied perfunctorily, "Yes, yes, home is still the most comfortable."
Then there's my sister-in-law, who, during her visit, didn't forget to share her experience of getting pregnant.
Zhu Xijun: "Tell me in detail about any discomfort you experienced before. If our initial symptoms were similar, I can share some home remedies I used to alleviate them. By the way, do you have any particular dietary preferences right now? Do you prefer sour or spicy food?"
Bai Hua hasn't noticed any change in her taste yet; she usually likes sweets and that hasn't changed.
After she answered truthfully, Zhu Xijun stared at her still-flat stomach and then gave her some advice: "Then wait a little longer. If you still don't change your taste in food, you can also observe the shape of your belly. Whether your belly is pointed or round, the interpretations will be different."
"How could it be like this..." Bai Hua found it all quite novel.
Her mother had passed away, but fortunately, her eldest sister-in-law was there to take care of her, which made Bai Hua feel much more at ease and grateful.
My niece, Xiaoyi, probably missed her terribly after not seeing her for a year. Since she came back, she keeps running to her room.
Zhu Xijun was worried that Xiao Yi's recklessness would disturb Bai Hua's rest, so she always tried to stop her. Xiao Yi would cry, which naturally softened Bai Hua's heart. She persuaded her sister-in-law to let Xiao Yi stay by her side, otherwise she would be very bored with nothing to do all day.
Zhu Xijun reluctantly agreed, but still couldn't help but give Xiaoyi a few more words of advice.
Little Yi, though small, is quite precocious. Remembering Bai Hua's promise before she left, she started asking, "Auntie, you said you'd tell me stories of chivalrous heroes when you came back. What fun and interesting things did you and Uncle encounter outside? I really want to hear. And Auntie, how did you get pregnant? Mommy said that as the baby grows, Auntie's belly will grow bigger too, is that true?"
“Hmm…” Bai Hua tried to organize her thoughts and find the right words, “Have you ever seen your mother when she was heavily pregnant? She looked like that.”
Xiao Yi asked, still confused, "Is my little brother in my mother's belly, and is my little brother in my aunt's belly too?"
Bai Hua smiled gently: "It could be a little sister. Xiao Yi, do you prefer a younger brother or a younger sister?"
Xiao Yi thought about it seriously, her eyes brightening as she said, "Little sister! Xiao Yi already has a younger brother, and wants to have a younger sister."
Bai Hua then followed the child's words and said, "Okay, then Auntie will try her best to have a little sister. Who knows, the little sister might be as pretty as our Xiao Yi."
The little girl is old enough to understand compliments. Hearing this, she happily touched her two little tufts on her head, then lowered her head a little shyly. She looked absolutely adorable.
Looking at Xiao Yi's charming and obedient appearance, Bai Hua couldn't help but yearn even more to have a daughter.
However, Xiaoyi wasn't so easily fooled. She quickly realized that her aunt hadn't told her a story yet, so she pestered Bai Hua again, "Auntie, did you encounter any monsters when you went out to play? Uncle can use a sword, did he protect you?"
Bai Hua often felt sleepy and tired after becoming pregnant, and indeed didn't have the energy to talk much.
Not wanting to disappoint Xiaoyi, Bai Hua quickly came up with an idea.
"Um... Xiaoyi, how about we wait for your uncle to come back and have him tell you a story? He's the best storyteller, definitely better than your aunt. Besides, he's a swordsman, the main character in the story. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyi thought for a moment and immediately replied, "Okay, okay, Uncle is amazing. Xiaoyi wants Uncle to tell a story, Uncle to tell a story."
That's settled.
Bai Hua used a clever escape tactic, dealt with Xiao Yi, and then peacefully took a nap in her room.
...
When she woke up again, Ning Jue had already returned.
He took over Xiao You's job and quietly stayed by her side in her room. As soon as she woke up, he immediately brought her tea and water, being extremely considerate and attentive.
Ning Jue handed over the water, saying, "Is your throat dry? Drink some water to moisten your throat."
Bai Hua took the cup, tilted her head back and drank all the warm water in it, then gestured, "Another cup, please."
Ning Jue naturally obeyed her orders and was happy to serve her.
After she finished her second glass of water, Ning Jue asked, "Would you like some more?"
Bai Hua nodded, thinking that lunch might have been too salty, otherwise why would she have such a dry throat after waking up?
After finishing the third cup, Bai Hua waved her hand and said she didn't want any more.
Ning Jue put the teapot and teacups back in their original positions, sat back down on the edge of the couch, and looked at her with a quiet expression, saying, "That's strange. It's not like you spent more than an hour trying to coax the child. Why are you the one who's so thirsty?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua realized what was happening, blinked, and said with a slightly guilty look, "Xiao Yi went to bother you? I always thought she was afraid of you and didn't dare to make trouble with you."
Ning Jue: "The child brought a message saying that her aunt asked her to come and see her uncle. Since Madam has made such an arrangement, how could I not cooperate?"
Bai Hua smiled and changed her posture, resting bonelessly on Ning Jue's lap, habitually showing affection to him.
"I wonder how my husband handled it? Xiaoyi is a very serious girl."
"What else can I do? The child has ten or a hundred questions waiting to be asked, and I have to answer them one by one until my throat is hoarse."
Imagining that scene, Bai Hua pursed her lips and suppressed a smile.
Ning Jue didn't finish speaking, but sighed and continued: "Also, that child asked me very seriously if I had encountered any monsters on the way... I had a headache and thought about it, so I could only say that I had caught a rabbit demon and then released it. The child then said that she also kept a little rabbit in her backyard, and now she was afraid that the rabbit was also a demon in disguise. So she asked me to go to the backyard with her tomorrow to see if the rabbit was a monster or not."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua could no longer hold back and burst out laughing. She then laughed so hard she almost fell over backwards.
"You really said that? I didn't expect my husband to be so good at fooling children. Xiaoyi actually believed you."
Ning Jue sighed and poked Bai Hua's forehead, saying, "Isn't it your fault for causing me this trouble? You know I'm not good at dealing with children."
Bai Hua raised an eyebrow and replied, "I don't think so. At least Xiao Yi used to be afraid of you, but now she loves playing with you. When our child is born, my husband will also be loved by the child and will definitely be a good father."
These words gave Ning Jue tremendous encouragement. His eyes lit up, and he asked uncertainly, "Really?"
Bai Hua nodded without hesitation: "Of course it's true. Husband, you can spend more time with Xiao Yi. It's pretty much the same with all children. If one likes you, most of them will like you too."
Ning Jue smiled and replied, "So, does that mean I absolutely have to take Xiao Yi to the backyard to find the rabbit demon tomorrow?"
Bai Hua spoke with a hint of sympathy, deliberately changing the tone: "It seems so."
Ning Jue pretended to be annoyed and raised his hand to slap Bai Hua's buttocks.
The slap, delivered through the thin fabric, produced a crisp sound that was not to be ignored, but it did not hurt.
Bai Hua's face immediately flushed red, her eyes glaring at him: "You hit me..."
Ning Jue: "This is not a fight."
Bai Hua pouted, feeling wronged, and then became spoiled: "Even if I do, I do. I made a sound, so be it."
Ning Jue retorted, "If there's any sound, then it doesn't count. That's not right. The noise was loudest when I was with you, so why didn't Hua'er complain that I hit you then?"
Bai Hua was furious. Since she was currently kneeling on his lap, she took the opportunity to retaliate by scratching his waist.
Ning Jue has this weakness: his lower back is very vulnerable.
He pursed his lips, barely suppressing a laugh, and playfully wrestled with Bai Hua. He even retaliated, but instead of tickling her, he cupped her proud, snowy breasts in his hands and weighed them in his hands. He wondered if it was just his imagination, but they seemed heavier than before.
Is it because the milk production is slow?
Ning Jue continued to knead Bai Hua's clothes with his right hand inside, but his thoughts drifted unconsciously.
Bai Hua took the opportunity to slap his hand away, then looked away, both ashamed and annoyed.
Ning Jue smiled and spoke without any hesitation in the inner chamber: "Hua'er, when you came close just now, I seemed to smell a faint milky fragrance."
Bai Hua, unable to bear it any longer, raised her hand and slapped Ning Jue across the face.
Of course, this has the same meaning as him spanking her buttocks; it's mostly about playful banter.
However, after all, you shouldn't hit someone in the face.
Although she wasn't really angry, she did look rather fierce.
Bai Hua felt uneasy and cautiously looked up at Ning Jue, afraid that he might actually be angry.
After waiting a while and seeing that he didn't speak, Bai Hua took the initiative to speak up: "You were deliberately embarrassing me just now, so I couldn't help hitting you. If you don't do that again next time, I will also pay attention not to hit you again, okay?"
She was kind and reasonable, but she never expected that her earnest advice would only result in Ning Jue becoming even more shameless and demanding.
He calmly countered with a question: "If I slap you, will you get me to bend down and kiss you in return?"
Bai Hua quickly straightened her clothes, glanced down at her ample chest, then glared at Ning Jue and warned, "You can't have such thoughts. What kind of father tries to steal a child before it's even born..."
Her voice trailed off as she spoke; Bai Hua was too embarrassed to utter such an inappropriate warning.
Ning Jue raised his hand to touch his brow bone and nodded in agreement: "Okay, I won't steal it."
He was unusually agreeable and readily agreed, which surprised and astonished Bai Hua.
But since the two were able to reach a consensus, the outcome was ultimately good, and Bai Hua breathed a sigh of relief.
With their disagreements resolved, the two began chatting idly.
Bai Hua took the initiative to ask, "By the way, how is Young Master Kong's matter?"
Ning Jue replied, “Everything has been arranged. When the Prince learned of my return to the capital, he specially hosted a banquet to welcome me back. Duan Yi was also present at the banquet. During the banquet, the Prince invited me to work under him again, but I declined and took the opportunity to express my intention to recommend someone.”
Bai Hua: "The Prince has always valued and appreciated you. He will definitely take the talents you recommend seriously. I think Young Master Kong will soon be able to gain a foothold in the capital. In that case, Master Kong and his wife can rest assured."
Ning Jue: "Introducing Young Master Kong is not difficult. It's just that the Prefect Li of Yuncheng is too much of a bully and a real bureaucratic parasite. When I introduce Young Master Kong, I will also explain in detail how he had no way to join the army. Your Highness is already at odds with Prince Rui, and you know that Prefect Li is only able to do evil because of Prince Rui's protection, so you are naturally furious. In addition, Young Master Kong himself is a witness, and the registration form he submitted earlier is physical evidence. With both witnesses and evidence, Prefect Li can only pray for good fortune."
Bai Hua was excited upon hearing this and quickly asked, "What will Prefect Li do? If he's cornered, will he retaliate against Master Kong?"
Ning Jue comforted her, "Don't worry, the prince's men are thorough in their work and won't leave any loopholes that would give Prefect Li an opportunity to retaliate. This time, the prince has made an example of him, and no one can protect him. Losing his official position is the least of his worries."
This is truly gratifying!
Bai Hua felt even more relaxed and hugged Ning Jue, kissing him on the side of his neck: "The elimination of the corrupt officials in the court is all thanks to my husband's righteous help."
Ning Jue put his arm around her and smiled, saying, "Why are you putting all the credit on me? If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have bothered to help you."
"Of course not." Bai Hua had long known that he was being hypocritical, and she chuckled as she exposed him. "My husband is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He is clearly doing loyal and righteous things for the country and the people, but he always tries to absolve himself of any responsibility. Actually, I noticed before that my husband is now suited to be an official. Now that we are back in the capital, does my husband have any thoughts about re-entering the officialdom?"
Ning Jue thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "My ambitions lie elsewhere."
He never wavered in his ambitions, nor did he care about fame, fortune, or posthumous reputation.
Bai Hua said no more. She supported any decision or choice he made, whether it was to go to the highest court or to the farthest reaches of the martial world. No matter which path he took, she was willing to walk with him.
Ning Jue brought up another matter: "When we left Duyuan a year ago, apart from sending Xiao You back to the Bai residence, all the other servants were given silver and dismissed. Now we've recalled about half of them, and the rest will be selected slowly. There's no rush. You can rest assured and recuperate at the Bai residence. With your sister-in-law by your side to take care of you, I feel more at ease. But after a month, we should return to our own courtyards."
Bai Hua nodded, knowing that this arrangement was appropriate.
As a married woman surnamed Bai, how could she stay at her brother and sister-in-law's house forever? Although her brother and sister-in-law treated her very well, she was still polite.
Bai Hua agreed, "I'll follow your arrangements. But do you really not need me to manage things at the gatehouse? For example, the selection of new maids for the mansion should be approved by the mistress."
Ning Jue replied, “The old nanny Li who used to manage the back garden of Duyuan is a reliable person. It would be better to entrust this matter entirely to her. Although it sounds like it’s just a matter of selecting a few people, it is actually quite troublesome. I don’t want you to worry about this while you are pregnant.”
Bai Hua pouted and said, "But I can't just do nothing, can I? I'll slowly become lazy and ruin myself."
Ning Jue thought for a moment, then suddenly had an idea: "How about letting Hua'er decide on the selection of the cooks? I'll arrange for the cooks to go to the Bai residence first and cook a few meals for you. You can try their cooking skills one by one, and we'll keep the ones you like best. What do you think? Eating and drinking are extremely important matters, and the decision should definitely be left to the mistress of the house."
This isn't assigning her tasks; it's practically feeding her delicious food.
The cooks who were introduced to Duyuan were all exceptional; each of them possessed a unique skill in cooking.
Ning Jue would do anything to make her happy.
Bai Hua knew she was being a bit arrogant because of her favor. She snorted and pretended to be reluctant: "Alright, commoners only care about food and clothing when they become officials. As for such an important matter as choosing a cook, I'll handle it personally."
Ning Jue looked at her with doting eyes and flattered her, "Yes, who told our Hua'er to be the mistress of the house?"
Bai Hua was amused by him again.
Author's Note: Second update today [shy]
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