Chapter 110: A Mix of Joy and Sorrow
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Imperial Physician Zhou, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, came again to take the patient's pulse, as ordered by imperial decree.
Gu Yangui had barely slept all night, and there were faint dark circles under his eyes, but his gaze remained sharp and clear. He personally welcomed Physician Zhou into the inner room, dismissed the others, and left only Qingdai to serve him.
Su Wanrou had woken up and was leaning against a soft pillow. Her complexion was slightly better than the night before, but the bruise on her forehead was even more alarming. She extended her wrist, and Physician Zhou respectfully stepped forward, placed a silk handkerchief on it, and focused on taking her pulse.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, broken only by the occasional crackling of the charcoal brazier. Gu Yangui stood by the bed, his gaze fixed on Physician Zhou's face, not missing a single subtle change in his expression. Although he had already heard the diagnosis from the accompanying imperial physician yesterday, Physician Zhou was the head of the Imperial Hospital, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, and his diagnosis was the most authoritative.
Time seemed to pass exceptionally slowly. Physician Zhou closed his eyes and concentrated, his fingers gently pressing on Su Wanrou's wrist. After a while, he switched to his other hand. His brows furrowed and relaxed at times, causing Gu Yangui's heart to rise and fall with them.
Finally, Physician Zhou withdrew his hand, stood up, and bowed to Gu Yangui.
"Imperial Physician Zhou, how is my wife? Is the fetus still stable?" Gu Yangui's voice was tense, even to his own surprise.
Physician Zhou stroked his white beard, a relieved smile appearing on his face: "Your Excellency, the lady is blessed with great fortune, truly protected by His Majesty and the Empress. After careful examination, although the pulse of the fetus in the lady's womb is slightly more floating and slippery than the day before, due to the shock, its foundation is solid, and the signs of a dragon's roar are clear. There is no major problem for the time being."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yangui's tense jawline finally relaxed a bit, and his tightly clenched fist slowly loosened. Su Wanrou also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her hand unconsciously touching her lower abdomen. Feeling the faint but real signs of life, an indescribable warmth and strength welled up in her heart.
"However—" Physician Zhou changed the subject, his expression becoming serious.
Gu Yangui's heart, which had just settled, jumped again: "But what?"
"Madam, this fright is no small matter. Although it did not directly harm the fetus, it has damaged your vital energy and shaken your mind. The first three months of pregnancy are the most critical and require utmost caution." Physician Zhou looked at Su Wanrou and said solemnly, "Madam, in the days to come, until the pregnancy is completely stable, you must rest absolutely. You must avoid any extreme emotional fluctuations and also avoid fatigue and jolting. Your daily activities should be slow and gentle, and it would be best... to rest in bed as much as possible."
"Absolute rest?" Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback. This meant that she would be almost unable to handle any household affairs, and even her movement within the mansion would be restricted.
"Yes, absolutely rest is necessary." Physician Zhou's tone left no room for doubt. "The lady is young and has a good constitution, which is a good thing. But the more this is the case, the more we must not be careless. If she can get through this safely and take good care of herself, both mother and child will surely be safe. If there is any further mishap..." He paused, leaving the rest of his words unfinished, but the meaning was self-evident.
Gu Yangui immediately said, "We will follow Physician Zhou's arrangements. As for how to recuperate and what medicine to use, just tell us, and the household will do its best to cooperate." He looked at Su Wanrou, his eyes filled with reassurance and unwavering determination, "Wanrou, did you hear what the Physician said? From today onwards, you don't need to worry about anything, just focus on your pregnancy."
Looking at the undeniable concern in her husband's eyes and feeling the tiny life growing inside her, Su Wanrou nodded obediently: "I understand, and I will certainly follow the imperial physician's instructions."
Physician Zhou prescribed a formula to calm the mind and soothe the fetus, and gave detailed instructions on dietary and daily care before taking his leave, saying that he would come to the residence every day to check on the patient's pulse.
After seeing off Physician Zhou, Gu Yangui returned to the inner room and saw Su Wanrou leaning against the headboard, gazing at the bare branches of the trees outside the window, a hint of melancholy in her expression. He understood, walked over, sat down beside her, and took her hand.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling bored?"
Su Wanrou snapped out of her reverie and forced a smile: "No. It's just that I suddenly feel... like I've become a porcelain doll, unable to do anything." She had only just gotten the hang of managing the household affairs, and her interactions with the ladies of the various households were only just getting on track. She usually cared about Mingxuan's studies, but now she had to put everything aside. She couldn't help but feel a little empty inside, and she was also worried that if she didn't take care of things for a long time, the affairs of the household would become complicated again.
Gu Yangui understood her thoughts, gently pulled her into his arms, avoiding her wounds, and whispered, "Nonsense. You are doing the most important thing in the world right now—raising our child. The steward and nannies are handling everything in the manor. If there are any decisions they can't make, they will come back to me. You don't need to worry about it. As for Mingxuan, I will explain to him. He has always been sensible and only hopes that you can rest and recuperate in peace. As for social engagements outside, just decline them. Your health is the most important thing."
His voice was steady and powerful, carrying a reassuring strength. Su Wanrou leaned against his firm chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and the unease and loss in her heart gradually dissipated. Yes, what could be more important than the safety of her and her child?
"Mmm." She responded softly, snuggling closer to him affectionately. "I'll do whatever you say, my husband."
Just then, Mingxuan's cautious voice came from outside the door: "Father, is Mother awake? May I come in?"
Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou exchanged a glance, then he called out, "Come in."
Little Mingxuan, carrying a small red lacquered tray, tiptoed in with his short legs. On the tray was a small white porcelain bowl containing warm milk custard. His little face was full of tension and worry as he walked to the bedside, gazing anxiously at the wound on Su Wanrou's forehead.
"Mother, are you still in pain?" The little one's voice was trembling with tears. "This is some milk pudding that was just made in the kitchen. It's very calming. Would you like some?"
Seeing her son so sensible and considerate, Su Wanrou's heart melted instantly, and her eyes welled up with tears. She reached out and gently touched Mingxuan's head: "Mother doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you, Mingxuan, our Mingxuan is such a good boy."
Gu Yangui took the tray, tested the temperature himself, and then fed Su Wanrou spoonful by spoonful. Mingxuan lay by the bedside, watching intently with wide eyes, occasionally whispering, "Mother, is it delicious?"
A warm atmosphere filled the room, dispelling the fear and gloom of the past few days.
After breakfast and taking her pregnancy-stabilizing medicine, Gu Yangui urged Su Wanrou to lie down and rest again. He sat by the bed, processing the preliminary investigation files sent by the commander of the guards, his face gradually darkening as he read.
Although the Emperor and Empress ordered a thorough investigation, the trail went cold at a minor steward in charge of hay at the horse farm. That man was found dead in his room last night, having left behind a vague "confession" claiming that he had negligently used moldy hay, causing the horses to malfunction, and that he had committed suicide out of fear of punishment.
Everything seemed perfectly logical, yet it also betrayed a strong sense of ulterior motives.
Gu Yangui closed the file, his eyes flashing with a chilling light. He knew his opponent was cunning and swift, cutting off the obvious leads. But this only confirmed his suspicions—this was no simple accident or the work of some nobody. It was a meticulously planned conspiracy against his Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
He looked up at his wife, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed, his gaze becoming deep and resolute. No matter who the mastermind was, or how deeply hidden they were, he would uproot them completely. He could handle the infighting in the court and the grudges on the border, but those who extended their poisonous hands to his wife and children had crossed his line, and only blood would suffice.
When Su Wanrou woke up, it was already afternoon. Gu Yangui was not in the room; Qingdai said that the Duke had gone to his study to handle official business.
She had just finished drinking some bird's nest porridge when Granny Sun from the Empress's palace arrived again, this time bringing a personal letter from the Empress and several exquisite palace pastries. In the letter, the Empress spoke kindly, repeatedly urging her to prioritize the imperial heir, rest peacefully, and revealing that His Majesty had issued an edict reprimanding the officials in charge of the winter hunt's ceremonial processions, with some being fined or demoted as a warning to others.
This was undoubtedly a further attempt to appease the emperor and empress, and also a gesture made to show the entire court.
After Granny Sun left, Su Wanrou leaned against the soft pillows, holding a hand warmer in her hands, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She was happy that the fetus was safe and sound, that her husband was caring, and that the Emperor and Empress valued her; she was worried that she was suddenly "trapped" in this small bed, and that the enemy in the shadows had not yet been caught. The days ahead seemed peaceful, but in reality, there were turbulent undercurrents.
She gently stroked her still-flat belly and whispered, "Baby, you have to be strong. Stay safe and sound with Mommy. Daddy will protect us."
She knew that the days to come would be a test for her, for Gu Yangui, and for the entire Zhenguo Duke's Mansion. She had to remain calm and focus on her pregnancy, which in itself was the greatest support she could give her husband.
Outside the window, the thin winter sunlight filtered through the windowpanes, casting a warm glow on the bed. Gazing at that light, Su Wanrou's heart gradually calmed. With her husband sheltering her from the storms of life and her child nurturing hope within her, she had nothing to fear.
The story of Volume Three, "Our Harmonious Family," slowly came to a close amidst this atmosphere of joy and sorrow, hope and unease. But even greater storms and trials are brewing in the distance, awaiting the opening of Volume Four.
(End of Volume 3)
Volume 4: Through Thick and Thin (Chapters 111-140)
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