Chapter 104: The Invitation to the Winter Hunt
The rumors were quickly quelled by Gu Yangui's swift and decisive actions, and the capital returned to a state of tranquility, as if the undercurrent had never occurred. Inside the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, life returned to its former warmth and peace, except that the servants were even more careful in their service. Everyone knew that the lady and her unborn child were the Duke's most precious possessions, and no mishap was allowed.
It was the winter month, and the weather was getting colder. Several days of sunshine had passed, and the snow had not yet melted, shimmering with tiny golden light in the sunlight. That afternoon, Su Wanrou was leaning against the couch by the window in the warm pavilion, covered with a soft fox fur coat, holding a travelogue in her hand, reading it idly, but her gaze often drifted to Mingxuan outside the window, who was building a snowman with his servant in the courtyard, a gentle smile on her lips.
Granny Wang brought in a bowl of freshly stewed bird's nest soup. Seeing her looking out the window, she smiled and said, "Madam, please rest assured. Qingdai and the wet nurse are watching over you. The young master will come in after playing for a while. He won't get cold."
Su Wanrou withdrew her gaze, took the white porcelain bowl, and sipped it slowly. The bird's nest was stewed just right, sweet and soothing to the throat. She was now pregnant, and although her pregnancy was not yet showing, her appetite and energy were worse than before. Everyone in the mansion was trying different ways to prepare nourishing and delicious meals for her.
"Thank you for your trouble, Granny," Su Wanrou said softly. "It's not that I'm worried, it's just that seeing Xuan'er having fun makes me happy too."
Looking at her mistress's increasingly gentle and serene demeanor, Granny Wang felt gratified: "The young master is becoming more and more lively, which shows how well you are taking care of him. This morning, before leaving, the Duke specifically instructed that there might be an imperial decree from the palace later, so that you could be prepared."
"An imperial decree?" Su Wanrou asked, slightly surprised. "Do you know what it is?"
"This old servant doesn't know either. The Duke only said it was related to the winter hunt."
Just then, they heard footsteps and a maid's greeting outside; it was Gu Yangui returning. He took off his chilly cloak, warmed his hands by the charcoal brazier, and then entered the warm chamber.
"My husband has returned early today." Su Wanrou put down the porcelain cup and was about to get up.
Gu Yangui quickly took two steps and pressed down on her shoulder: "Don't move, be careful not to get dizzy from standing too fast." He sat down on the edge of the couch, naturally took her hand, and noticed that her fingertips were slightly cool, so he wrapped them in his warm palm and gently rubbed them.
"Have people come from the palace?" Su Wanrou asked.
"Hmm." Gu Yangui nodded, his expression unchanged. "His Majesty has decided to go to the Western Garden for a winter hunt in three days. As is customary, he has issued an edict ordering meritorious officials and high-ranking ministers to accompany him."
Su Wanrou understood. The royal winter hunt was an important event at the end of the year, serving both as a training ground for martial arts and a social gathering between the emperor and his subjects. Given Gu Yangui's status, he would naturally be among those accompanying the royal entourage. Remembering his earlier concerns, she considerately said, "If my husband is worried about me staying at the manor, I will feign illness..."
“No need.” Gu Yangui interrupted her, his gaze falling on her still flat stomach, with obvious worry. “You are heavily pregnant now, and the journey is tiring. The West Garden is even colder than the city. I have already petitioned His Majesty to stay in the capital to accompany you.” He now wished he could keep her by his side at all times and cherish her in his hands. How could he bear to let her suffer such a bumpy ride?
Su Wanrou, however, detected a subtle hint of regret in his tone. Gu Yangui was a military general, with a natural passion for hunting, especially since it was an important occasion to demonstrate imperial favor and status. He had declined without hesitation for her sake, a gesture that warmed her heart, but she did not want to become a burden to him.
She grasped his large hand in return, her smile gentle yet firm: "Husband, I'm not that delicate. The imperial physician said the pregnancy is stable, and some movement is actually beneficial. Staying cooped up in the mansion all day is rather boring. The winter scenery of the West Garden must be magnificent; I'd like to go for a stroll and see the sights." She paused, a sly glint in her eyes, "Besides, last time during the spring hunt, I was carried in on horseback and didn't get a proper look. With you by my side this time, what do I have to fear?"
Her mention of their first encounter during the spring hunt softened Gu Yangui's cold, hard features instantly. He gazed at his wife; her eyes held no reluctance, only complete trust and a hint of longing for the outside world. He knew she genuinely wanted to go and didn't want him to miss this important occasion because of her.
Gu Yangui pondered for a moment. Indeed, after several examinations by the imperial physicians, Jiao Jiao's pregnancy, apart from some initial drowsiness and weakness, was otherwise fine. The West Garden Palace was well-equipped, and with his capable staff and meticulous care, there should be no problem. More importantly, after the previous rumors and gossip, he wanted her to go out for a walk, clear her mind, let everyone see how much he valued her, and completely dispel any remaining prying eyes.
"Alright." He finally nodded, gently stroking her lower abdomen with his large hand. "Then we'll go together. But you must follow my arrangements for this trip. Don't push yourself. If you feel unwell, let me know immediately."
"I'll do whatever my husband says." Su Wanrou smiled radiantly and nestled into his arms with a look of dependence.
Three days later, before dawn, carriages and horses were already lined up in front of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. Gu Yangui, dressed in a black riding outfit with a dark cloak over it, stood tall and straight as a pine tree. He personally helped Su Wanrou, who was wrapped up tightly except for her fair face, into the spacious and comfortable carriage. The carriage was lined with thick white tiger-skin rugs, and a heater was placed in the corner, making it warm and cozy. Mingxuan, also dressed in a bright red riding outfit, was excitedly blushing and was carried by his wet nurse to a small carriage in the back.
"Drive slowly on the road, and be careful," Gu Yangui instructed the coachman and his guards in a deep voice.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency, we understand," the coachman and the head guard quickly replied.
Gu Yangui leaned down and instructed Su Wanrou inside the carriage, "If you feel any bumps, have the carriage stop and rest. I'll be at the front of the convoy; if you need anything, have the guards call me immediately."
"I understand, my husband," Su Wanrou replied with a smile through the carriage window. "Hurry up and get on your horse, don't be late."
Gu Yangui then mounted his horse, reined in it, and rode at the head of the caravan. His dark cloak fluttered in the morning breeze, and his handsome, resolute profile was like a sculpture in the dim morning light. Wherever he passed, the other nobles and their carriages gave way and paid their respects, demonstrating his extraordinary status.
The convoy slowly made its way towards the West Garden in the west of the city. Su Wanrou leaned against the soft pillows, looking out at the bleak winter scenery and the orderly procession through the slightly lifted carriage curtain, a sense of peace washing over her. She knew that the winter hunt might not be entirely smooth sailing, but as long as that reliable figure, as steadfast as a mountain, was by her side, she had nothing to fear.
The royal procession was majestic and grand, with banners obscuring the sun. As the convoy drove out of the capital and headed for the Western Garden, a grand winter event gathering the empire's top nobles slowly began. This time, Su Wanrou was no longer a passive participant; she would, as the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, confidently walk towards the hunting grounds where her marriage had been arranged.
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