Chapter 94: First Signs of Pregnancy
Su Wanrou returned from the flower banquet at the Yongting Marquis's residence at the end of the Shen hour (3-5 PM). Winter nights fall early, and the lanterns hanging from the eaves of the carriage cast warm yellow halos in the twilight. Leaning against the soft cushions of the carriage, she listened to the rhythmic, muffled sound of the wheels rolling over the still-snow-covered cobblestone road. The fatigue from days of attending banquets gradually overwhelmed her, and she unknowingly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
In a hazy dream, she seemed to return to that garden of white snow and red plum blossoms, where a subtle fragrance wafted and figures moved about. The gentle smile of Lady Li, the wife of the Marquis of Yongting, the words of Lady Wang, the young mistress of the Earl of Anyuan, which carried a hint of inquiry and barely perceptible sourness, and the sincere or polite praises she received when she wrote the four characters "subtle fragrance and sparse shadows"... Scenes flashed by, finally settling on Lady Li taking her hand as she saw her off at the second gate, calling her affectionately, "Sister."
The carriage curtain twitched slightly, and a gust of cold air slipped in. Su Wanrou shivered slightly and woke up.
"Madam, are you cold?" Qingdai, who was traveling with the carriage, quickly turned the hand warmer back on and handed it to her, then pulled the collar of her crane cloak tighter. "We're almost home."
Su Wanrou shook her head, took the hand warmer, and held it to her chest. The warmth dispelled the chill. She lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and gazed at the majestic and solemn gate tower of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion in the twilight. The tension in her heart, which had been building up for the banquet, finally eased completely. That was her home, where the people she cared about and the people who cared about her were.
The carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the mansion gate. The steward, Gu Shun, and several capable servants, who had been waiting at the gate, immediately came forward to greet them.
"Madam is back." Gu Shun bowed respectfully, his face showing just the right amount of respect. "Master returned to the manor half an hour ago and specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a mutton hot pot to ward off the cold, saying that he would wait for Madam to return so they could have dinner together."
Upon hearing this, Su Wanrou's lips unconsciously curved into a smile, her heart warmed by a comforting warmth even more comforting than the hand warmer in her arms. As Qingdai helped her out of the carriage, she asked gently, "Is Master in the study or the main courtyard now? Where is Mingxuan?"
“Reporting to Madam, the young master received praise from his teacher at school today and is eagerly waiting for you to return so he can show you his calligraphy. He is currently in the warm pavilion in the main courtyard. The master is also in the main courtyard; he said he is handling some official documents there and is waiting for you.” Gu Shun led the way while carefully reporting.
Hearing that her husband and son were waiting for her, Su Wanrou's steps quickened. After passing through several courtyards, before even entering the main courtyard, she heard Mingxuan's clear, childlike voice coming from the warm pavilion, as if he were reciting some text, interspersed with Gu Yangui's deep echoes and occasional words of guidance.
The maidservant guarding the door, seeing it was her, quickly smiled and lifted the thick brocade curtain. A scent mixed with the warmth of silver frost charcoal and the faint fragrance of ink wafted in, instantly shutting out the harsh cold outside.
Inside the warm pavilion, Gu Yangui, dressed in a casual dark blue robe, sat by the window at the kang table, a book open beside him. Five-year-old Mingxuan, meanwhile, was lying on another small kang table, diligently writing large characters, his little face tense and focused.
Hearing the noise, the father and son both looked up.
"Mother!" Mingxuan's eyes lit up. He immediately put down his pen, slid off the kang (a heated brick bed) like a happy little bird, rushed to Su Wanrou's side, and proudly held up the large characters he had just written. "Look! The teacher praised my writing for improving today!"
Su Wanrou bent down and took the still-wet paper. On it were the two characters "家和" (Jia He, meaning family harmony), written in a slightly immature but already showing promise. She looked at them carefully, gently patted Mingxuan's head, and praised, "It is indeed very well written, with a proper structure. It has improved since the last few days. Our Mingxuan is really hardworking."
Upon receiving the praise, Mingxuan's face beamed with joy, and he rubbed against Su Wanrou's sleeve somewhat shyly.
Gu Yangui put down his book and walked over. His gaze fell on Su Wanrou's slightly tired but smiling face, a hint of gentleness appearing in his deep eyes, but his voice remained steady: "You're back? How did the flower banquet at the Marquis's manor go?"
Su Wanrou straightened up, met his gaze, and nodded slightly: "Everything is fine, thank you for your concern, husband. The Lady of the Marquis is very kind, and the plum blossoms in the garden are in full bloom." She paused, recalling Wang's words, and felt there was no need to hide it, so she casually mentioned, "During the banquet, the young mistress of the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion made a few jokes, but it was nothing serious."
Gu Yangui was no ordinary man. He could tell from just one sentence that the "joke" was definitely not pleasant to hear, and it might even involve his and his wife's affairs or his campaign. He frowned almost imperceptibly, but seeing that Su Wanrou's expression was calm and composed, without any sign of grievance, but rather with a sense of composure as if she had handled the situation well, he let it go and only said, "It's good that everything went smoothly. Let's eat first. The mutton hot pot has been stewing for a long time, and it'll warm us up."
The family of three moved to a side room for their meal. The steaming hot pot of mutton simmered and emitted a fragrant aroma, accompanied by several refreshing side dishes, making their mouths water. Gu Yangui personally picked up a piece of tenderly stewed mutton and placed it in Su Wanrou's bowl, and then served some dishes to Mingxuan.
During the meal, Mingxuan excitedly recounted the interesting things that happened at school, while Su Wanrou listened with a smile, occasionally responding with a few words. Gu Yangui didn't say much, but his gaze remained fixed on his wife and children, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
However, as she used it, Su Wanrou felt something was wrong. Normally she would find the mutton hot pot exceptionally delicious, but today, the rich aroma of the meat made her feel nauseous. She forced herself to eat a few bites of the mutton that Gu Yangui had placed on her plate and drank some soup, but then she felt a tightness in her chest and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on her forehead.
"Mother, what's wrong? You look a little pale." Mingxuan was the first to notice her unusual appearance. He stopped eating and asked with concern.
Gu Yangui looked over upon hearing the sound and saw that Su Wanrou's complexion was indeed poor, and her lips were somewhat pale. He immediately put down his chopsticks, reached out to touch her forehead, and found it slightly cool to the touch, not feverish. He asked in a deep voice, "Are you feeling unwell? Were you tired at the Marquis's residence today? Or did you catch a cold on the way?"
Not wanting to spoil their fun, especially since Mingxuan was watching so eagerly, Su Wanrou forced a smile and shook her head, saying, "It's alright, I'm just a little tired. I'll be fine after a rest."
But the nausea grew stronger and stronger, and she couldn't help it anymore. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief and gagged lightly.
Gu Yangui's expression turned completely serious. He immediately stood up and ordered, "Qingdai, help Madam back to her room to rest. Gu Shun, immediately take my visiting card and invite the imperial physician to the residence!"
“Husband, there’s no need to make such a fuss…” Su Wanrou wanted to dissuade him, but Gu Yangui stopped her with an unquestionable look in his eyes.
"Your face is already like this, and you're still trying to be strong?" His tone was firm and left no room for argument. "Let the imperial physician take a look, then everyone will be at ease." With that, he stepped forward, picked up Su Wanrou, and strode into the inner room.
Mingxuan followed nervously behind, his little face full of worry.
Gu Yangui carefully placed Su Wanrou on the canopy bed and covered her with a brocade quilt. Mingxuan knelt by the bedside, holding Su Wanrou's hand tightly: "Mother, you must take good care of yourself."
Looking at her son's worried little face and her husband standing by the bed with a furrowed brow, Su Wanrou felt both warmth and helplessness. She could only gently comfort Mingxuan, "Mother is fine, just a little tired. I'll be fine after a nap. Mingxuan, be good, go back with your wet nurse to rest. You have school tomorrow."
Gu Yangui patted Mingxuan's head and said, "Listen to your mother and go back first. Your father will stay here."
Mingxuan reluctantly followed his wet nurse, turning back every few steps.
Only the couple remained in the room. Gu Yangui sat down on the embroidered stool beside the bed, took Su Wanrou's hand in his, and gently stroked her slightly cool fingertips with his fingertips. His voice softened: "Where exactly is it that's bothering you? Besides nausea, is there anything else?"
Seeing the worry in his eyes, Su Wanrou said truthfully, "I just feel tightness in my chest, I feel nauseous when I smell greasy food, and I feel a little weak... Perhaps it's because I've been busy with the New Year's celebrations and banquets at various residences these past few days, or maybe my stomach is upset."
Gu Yangui, however, didn't think as simply as she did. He recalled that Su Wanrou's period had been a few days late last month, but at the time he attributed it to the changing seasons affecting her cycle and hadn't paid much attention. Now, combined with these symptoms of nausea and fatigue, a vague yet heart-pounding guess quietly surfaced in his mind.
He stared intently at his wife's still-flat stomach, his gaze deepening. Could it be... that possibility?
But he didn't say it aloud, afraid that if it wasn't true, he would be disappointed and it would only put more pressure on Su Wanrou. He just tightened his grip on her hand and whispered, "Don't overthink it, let's wait for the imperial physician to arrive."
Physician Wang from the Imperial Medical Bureau was acquainted with the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. Upon receiving the visiting card, he dared not delay and quickly arrived with his medicine chest.
"Thank you for making this trip so late at night, Physician Wang." Gu Yangui stood up to greet him, his expression normal, but the urgency in his tone betrayed his true feelings.
"Your Excellency is too kind. It is my duty." Physician Wang bowed and, not daring to delay, immediately went to the bedside.
Su Wanrou stretched out her wrist and placed it on the pulse pillow. Qingdai gently lowered the bed curtains, revealing only a section of her slender wrist.
Physician Wang focused his mind and placed three fingers on Su Wanrou's wrist pulse, examining it carefully. The room was quiet, save for the occasional soft crackling sound from the charcoal brazier. Gu Yangui stood to the side, his eyes fixed on Physician Wang's expression, even his breathing unconsciously becoming softer.
At first, Physician Wang frowned slightly, as if he was carefully examining the pulse. After a moment, his brows relaxed, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face. Then, he switched to the other hand to take the pulse again.
This time, he took a longer time to examine the patient, subtly adjusting the pressure with his fingertips, as if trying to detect some faint and peculiar pulse. Gradually, a look of understanding flashed in his eyes, followed by a smile.
Finally, he withdrew his hand, stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Gu Yangui, and said with a humble smile, "Congratulations, Your Excellency!"
Gu Yangui's heart skipped a beat; the guess almost burst from his chest. He forced himself to remain calm, but his voice inevitably tightened: "Imperial Physician Wang, what is He Xizhi? My wife, she..."
Physician Wang smiled and said, "Madam, this is a sign of a slippery pulse! Judging from the pulse, you should be pregnant, but it is still early, about a month or so. Your pulse is not very strong and powerful yet, so you need to take good care of yourself for some time."
A slippery pulse! Pregnant!
Despite having a premonition, when the imperial physician confirmed the good news, Gu Yangui was overwhelmed by a surge of immense joy. He instinctively looked towards the bed curtains, and through the layers of drapery, he could almost see Su Wanrou's surprised and shy face. He had fought on the battlefield for many years, remaining calm even in the face of a collapsing mountain, but now his heart pounded like a drum, and even his fingertips trembled slightly.
He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and asked in a low voice, "Is this true, Physician Wang? Are you sure it's a pregnancy pulse?" It wasn't that he doubted the physician's skills, but the surprise was too sudden, and he needed to confirm it again and again.
Physician Wang smiled understandingly and said, "Your Excellency, please rest assured. I have been practicing medicine for decades, and I am quite adept at diagnosing pregnancy. Although it is early stage, the pulse is slippery like a bead, and the signs of swirling movement are already apparent, which is undoubtedly a sign of pregnancy. However, the lady's pulse is slightly weak, which is probably due to recent overwork. The pregnancy is not yet stable, so she needs to rest well and avoid worry, fatigue, and emotional fluctuations."
Inside the tent, Su Wanrou froze upon hearing the words "slippery pulse." She instinctively reached up to touch her still flat stomach, where… there was already a small life? The result of her and her husband's blood? After the immense shock and disbelief came indescribable joy and a touch of bewilderment. She… was going to be a mother? A real mother?
In her ecstasy, the doctor's subsequent admonition about the "unstable pregnancy" clearly reached her ears, adding a touch of cautious tension to her already soaring heart.
Gu Yangui received a definitive diagnosis, a huge weight lifted from his heart, and joy filled his chest. He immediately said to Physician Wang, "Thank you, Physician! Please prescribe a safe and effective formula to prevent miscarriage. We will prepare any necessary medicinal herbs immediately."
"That's natural." Doctor Wang walked to the table, picked up his pen to carefully consider the prescription, and gave detailed instructions on various precautions, such as how to eat and how to live, leaving no detail unattended.
Gu Yangui listened intently, as if receiving the most important military report, nodding occasionally and carefully noting down the imperial physician's instructions. He then instructed the steward, Gu Shun, "Immediately obtain the medicine according to the imperial physician's prescription, using the best ingredients. Also, spread the word that from today onwards, the Madam needs to rest quietly, and all matters in the mansion should not disturb her unless absolutely necessary. Everyone should be careful in their actions and words, and not disturb the Madam."
"Yes! Yes! Congratulations, Master! Congratulations, Madam!" Gu Shun was also overjoyed, responding repeatedly and going out to make the arrangements with light steps.
After prescribing the medicine and giving a few more instructions, Physician Wang took his leave. Gu Yangui personally escorted the physician to the door and instructed that he be generously rewarded.
When he returned to the inner room, Qingdai had already hung the bed curtains back up. Su Wanrou sat leaning against the headboard, her face still slightly flushed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, seemingly still somewhat incredulous, and softly called out, "Husband..."
Gu Yangui walked to the bedside and sat down, taking her hand in his. This time, his palm was burning hot. He gazed at Su Wanrou, his eyes deep like a starry sea in the dark night, surging with excitement, joy, and a hint of nervousness and solemnity as a new father.
“Jiaojiao,” he called her by her childhood name, his voice deep and magnetic, “we…have a child.”
A simple sentence, yet it seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, striking Su Wanrou's heart heavily. Her eyes instantly welled with tears—tears of joy, emotion, and indescribable happiness. She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion: "Yes...we have a child."
Gu Yangui reached out and gently stroked her lower abdomen, his movements careful as if touching the most precious treasure in the world. It was still flat, but he could feel a faint yet tenacious life quietly growing there.
"You heard what the imperial physician said," Gu Yangui looked at her, his tone more gentle and serious than ever before. "From today onwards, you are not allowed to worry about anything. Just take good care of yourself. Leave the affairs of the manor to the steward and the nannies. I will also take good care of Mingxuan. You just need to rest and recuperate. Tell the kitchen what you want to eat, and have the maids serve you whatever you want to do. Under no circumstances should you overwork yourself, understand?"
Seeing his tense expression as if facing a formidable enemy, Su Wanrou's heart softened, and she nodded obediently, "I will listen to my husband."
That night, the lights in the main bedroom of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion stayed on for a long time.
Although Gu Yangui had ordered that the news not be widely publicized to avoid disturbing the pregnancy, the core servants and those who served him closely naturally knew about it. A secret yet immense atmosphere of joy and tension quickly spread throughout the Duke's mansion.
Every servant who heard the news wore a genuine smile and moved with even greater care, afraid of disturbing the lady who was resting during her pregnancy. The kitchen was busy all night, preparing various light and nourishing soups and dishes according to the instructions of the imperial physician and Granny Wang (Su Wanrou's dowry nanny, who was very experienced).
The next day, when Su Wanrou woke up, she felt as if the air in the mansion was different. The maids served her with even more meticulous care, their eyes filled with cautious joy. Breakfast was specially prepared rice porridge, accompanied by a few extremely light side dishes, as if afraid that even a little bit of oil would make her uncomfortable.
When Mingxuan came home from school, he rushed to see her immediately. The little guy seemed to be infected by the tense yet joyful atmosphere in the mansion. Although he didn't quite understand what had happened, he knew that his mother needed special care, so he became exceptionally well-behaved. He leaned over the bed and whispered to Su Wanrou, even saving some of the candy he had just received at school for her to "sweeten her mouth," which made Su Wanrou's heart melt.
Gu Yangui moved most of his official duties back to his residence so he could spend as much time as possible with Su Wanrou. Although he wasn't good with words, his meticulous care and constant attention made Su Wanrou feel more at ease than any sweet words.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, once known for its imposing and austere atmosphere, was now quietly enveloped in a joyful yet anxious anticipation because of this newly sprouted life. Su Wanrou, gently stroking her still-flat belly, felt her husband's care, her son's affection, and the heartfelt blessings of everyone in the mansion. She felt that life couldn't be more perfect than this. However, she also knew that this was only the beginning, and the road ahead required her to walk it with even greater care and strength.
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