Chapter 95: Cautiously
After Physician Wang left, an eerie silence descended upon the inner room. The occasional crackling of the charcoal fire only accentuated the stillness of the place. Gu Yangui remained seated on the embroidered stool by the bed, holding Su Wanrou's hand tightly. Neither of them spoke for a moment, their gazes meeting, conveying an indescribable excitement and bewilderment.
The wave of ecstasy subsided slightly, leaving behind a more tangible and weighty realization—a tiny, fragile new life had already taken root in her womb. This realization caused the usually composed Duke Zhenguo to feel a rare sense of bewilderment.
His gaze fell, settling once more on Su Wanrou's still flat stomach. His cautious eyes seemed to be examining a priceless heirloom that had been lost and then regained, yet was incredibly fragile. He unconsciously tightened his grip on Su Wanrou's hand, so much so that she felt a slight pain.
"Husband?" Su Wanrou called him softly, moving her fingers.
Gu Yangui snapped back to reality and immediately loosened his grip, though his fingertips still trembled slightly. He took a deep breath, as if to calm his pounding heart, and when he spoke again, his voice was deliberately low and steady, yet it still betrayed a tense tone: "How are you feeling? Is there anything else that's bothering you? Is the nausea any better?"
A series of questions revealed an anxiety that left no room for error.
Su Wanrou felt a warmth and tenderness in her heart. She shook her head, a gentle smile spreading across her lips: "I'm much better now. Perhaps the pot of food was too strong. I just feel a little tired, but there are no other discomforts."
As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Yangui immediately got up and gently but firmly helped her lie down again. He pulled the quilt over her and covered her up completely, even tucking the corners of the quilt around her shoulders and neck, afraid that even a bit of cold air would get in.
"If you're tired, just lie down and don't get up." His tone was more serious than ever before, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were planning a crucial battle. "You've heard what Physician Wang said. The first three months are the most critical, and you need to rest absolutely. From today onwards, make sure the floor heating in this room is even warmer, and you can rest here in peace. Don't get out of bed or move around unless necessary."
Su Wanrou chuckled, feeling somewhat helpless at his alarmed expression: "Husband, I'm just pregnant, not seriously ill. Why do I need to stay in bed all day? Physician Wang also said that moderate movement is beneficial to the body."
“We’ll have to wait until after the first three months!” Gu Yangui was unusually stubborn on this matter. He glanced around the room and continued, “The carpet on the floor is still a bit thin. Tomorrow, we’ll replace it with the thick, long-pile carpet that’s a tribute from the Western Regions. It’s soft and silent underfoot, so even if you step on it occasionally, you won’t feel uncomfortable or cold. Also, have the edges of these tables and chairs carefully wrapped in soft cloth…”
He gave instructions one by one, down to the smallest detail, even taking into account all the potential "risks" inside and outside the dormitory. Su Wanrou looked at his profile as he pondered earnestly. His usually stern features softened with worry, revealing an awkward yet sincere concern. She swallowed back her words of objection, her heart swelling with sweetness, as if soaked in warm honey.
"I'll do whatever you say, my husband," she replied obediently, gently tugging at his sleeve. "You've been busy all day, my husband, sit down and rest."
Gu Yangui sat down again, but his gaze remained fixed on her face, as if he couldn't get enough of looking at her. After a while, as if he suddenly remembered something, he called out, "Qingdai!"
Qingdai, who had been waiting outside the door, immediately responded and entered, her face showing both undisguised joy and caution: "What are your orders, Duke?"
"Go and invite Granny Wang here," Gu Yangui instructed. Granny Wang was Su Wanrou's dowry maid; she was experienced and a trustworthy person.
Before long, Granny Wang strode in, her wrinkles crinkling into a wide smile. She first bowed respectfully, saying, "This old servant congratulates the Duke and the Madam!"
"No need for such formalities, Granny." Gu Yangui raised his hand to help her up, his expression serious. "The whole household is overjoyed that the Madam is pregnant. However, the Madam is young and this is her first pregnancy, so there may be some things that cannot be handled properly. Granny is an experienced elder, so you will need to take good care of the Madam's daily life from now on. If anything is amiss, please report to me immediately without any delay."
Wang Mama quickly composed herself and solemnly replied, "Your Excellency, rest assured, this old servant will do her utmost to take good care of Madam and will not dare to be negligent in the slightest! This is a great joyous occasion, and this old servant will do everything in her power to protect Madam and the young master from harm!"
Gu Yangui nodded, then turned to Su Wanrou and softened his tone: "Jiaojiao, in the future, listen to the nanny's advice more often, and don't be willful."
Su Wanrou felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that he was doing it for her own good, and nodded obediently: "I know, my husband."
As they were talking, they heard soft footsteps and Mingxuan's low, urgent little voice from outside: "Father, is Mother awake? May I come in?"
Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou exchanged a glance, both seeing a smile in each other's eyes. Gu Yangui called out, "Come in."
The curtain was carefully lifted a crack, and Mingxuan's little head peeked in first. Seeing Su Wanrou sitting with a smile on her face, he breathed a sigh of relief and tiptoed in like a little rabbit. He walked to the bedside, first bowing respectfully to Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou, then leaning over the edge of the bed, his big, dark eyes fixed on Su Wanrou, and whispered, "Mother, are you feeling better? Are you still uncomfortable?"
Su Wanrou's heart softened, and she reached out to touch his little face: "Mother is alright now, I'm sorry to have worried Mingxuan."
Mingxuan frowned, looking like a little adult, and said seriously, "The wet nurse said that Mommy has a little brother or sister in her belly, and it will be hard for her body. She told me not to bother Mommy." As he spoke, he put his little finger to his lips and made a "shh" gesture towards Su Wanrou's belly, lowering his voice, "The little brother or sister should be good and not bother Mommy."
The child's innocent words and actions amused Su Wanrou, Wang Mama, and Qingdai, who couldn't help but chuckle. Even the usually serious Gu Yangui had a clear smile in his eyes. He reached out and pulled Mingxuan onto his lap, saying gently, "Mingxuan is right, Mother needs to rest. You're a big boy now, so from now on, you need to be more sensible in front of Mother. Don't make noise or run around, understand?"
Mingxuan nodded vigorously, his little face full of solemnity: "Yes! I know! I will protect my mother and my younger brother and sister!"
Seeing the father and son enjoying each other's company, Su Wanrou felt as if the little life quietly growing in her womb also sensed this anticipation and cherishing, and the feeling of being connected to her by blood became clearer and clearer.
Dinner was delivered separately to the inner room. Gu Yangui strictly followed the advice of the imperial physician and Granny Wang, instructing the kitchen to prepare extremely light and easily digestible food: well-cooked bird's nest porridge, several stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a bowl of chicken soup skimmed clean of oil. He also ate some with Su Wanrou, his gaze almost never leaving her throughout the meal. Seeing that her appetite was still good and she no longer felt nauseous, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
After dinner, the maids cleared away the dishes and served warm water for rinsing the mouth. Granny Wang then brought over a bowl of freshly brewed medicine to help prevent miscarriage; the dark liquid emitted a bitter smell.
Su Wanrou had always disliked bitterness, and her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly as she looked at the bowl of medicine. This subtle expression did not escape Gu Yangui's eyes. He took the bowl of medicine, tested its temperature, and then very naturally picked up a candied plum from the candied fruit dish on the small table next to him and offered it to Su Wanrou's lips.
"Put a plum in your mouth first to get rid of the bitterness." His movements were fluid and natural, as if he had done it a thousand times. Only the faint blush on his ears betrayed that he was not as calm as he appeared.
Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback, then smiled and obediently opened her mouth to put the plum in her mouth, the sweet and sour taste melting on her tongue. Then, she took the medicine bowl, held her breath, and drank the warm medicine in one gulp. A bitter taste suddenly rose up, and she couldn't help but wrinkle her nose.
Almost the instant she put down the medicine bowl, Gu Yangui had already handed her a cup of warm water, and with his other hand, he held a small white porcelain dish to catch the plum pit she spat out. His swift and considerate actions left Wang Mama and Qingdai speechless with admiration and a sense of relief: when had they ever seen the ruthless and decisive Duke serve someone with such meticulous care?
After rinsing her mouth and sucking on a sweet pear syrup candy offered to her lips, Su Wanrou felt the bitterness completely washed away, leaving only sweetness in her heart. She looked up at Gu Yangui, her eyes sparkling with dependence and shyness. Gu Yangui felt a warmth in his heart from her gaze, but his face remained expressionless. He simply raised his hand and gently wiped away a drop of water from the corner of her lips with his fingertips, whispering, "If you're tired, go to bed early."
That night, the inner chambers of the main courtyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were brightly lit until late into the night.
Gu Yangui did not go to his study to handle official business as usual. Instead, he ordered some important documents to be moved to the outer room of the inner chamber. He sat behind the rosewood desk by the window, but was somewhat absent-minded, his gaze constantly drifting to the hazy figure on the canopy bed in the inner room. After reviewing a few reports, he was about to get up to go in and take a look, but seeing that Su Wanrou was breathing steadily and sleeping soundly, he retreated back to the outer room.
The maids and servants on night duty were on high alert, walking silently and even breathing softly, for fear of disturbing the peaceful sleep of those in the inner chambers.
The next morning, Su Wanrou woke up in an extremely tranquil atmosphere. The underfloor heating was very warm, and the air was filled with the faint, soothing fragrance of incense. She stirred slightly, and Qingdai, who was guarding the outer room, entered silently like a cat, a smile on her face, and asked in a low voice, "Madam is awake? Would you like to get up?"
Su Wanrou rubbed her eyes, feeling much better. The nausea and weakness had also dissipated, so she nodded.
Qingdai stepped forward to help her get up, her movements even gentler and slower than usual. Warm water for washing was always readily available, at just the right temperature. When combing her hair, she gently brushed through the strands, afraid of hurting her in the slightest.
Breakfast was as light and delicate as ever, and her tastes were clearly taken into consideration, with several of her favorite snacks added. She had just finished eating and rinsed her mouth when Granny Wang brought in a bowl of warm, nourishing soup, smiling broadly as she said, "Madam, this is a ginseng and black-boned chicken soup that this old servant watched the kitchen simmer this morning. It's excellent for replenishing qi and calming the fetus. It's cooked perfectly, and all the oil has been skimmed off. Would you like to try some?"
Under Wang Mama's eager gaze, Su Wanrou ate another half bowl of soup. Just as she put down her spoon, Gu Yangui came in from outside. He had obviously just finished practicing his boxing, and there was still a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. He had changed into a dark-colored casual outfit, which made him look even more upright.
He first took a close look at Su Wanrou's face, and seeing that her complexion was rosy and her eyes were clear, he breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief and asked, "How are you feeling today? Is there anything else that's bothering you?"
"I feel much better, my husband, don't worry." Su Wanrou replied with a smile, "I just feel refreshed and have no discomfort."
Gu Yangui nodded and sat down beside her, but still gave her some words of advice with some concern: "Even though you feel better, you can't be careless. The imperial physician said that the first three months are the most crucial. I have already given the order that from today onwards, all the household affairs will be handled by Gu Shun and the head housekeepers, and they should not disturb you unless absolutely necessary. You should also decline all invitations and banquets from other households. Your only priority now is to focus on your pregnancy."
His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable resolve. Su Wanrou knew this was for her and the child's good, so she naturally complied: "I will follow my husband's arrangements."
As they were talking, the steward, Gu Shun, respectfully replied from outside the door: "Master, Madam, the palace and several familiar households have heard that Madam invited the imperial physician yesterday, and they have all sent people to inquire about her well-being. What do you think..."
Gu Yangui pondered for a moment and said, "Report the Empress and the elders truthfully, but make it clear that the Lady needs to rest and is not suitable to receive guests for the time being. As for the others, just reply that the Lady has caught a cold and needs to rest for a few days, and there is no need to say anything more."
"Yes, this old servant understands." Gu Shun accepted the order and left. The Duke's mansion is a prominent and influential place, and the lady's pregnancy is a joyous occasion, but before the pregnancy is stable, the fewer people who know, the better, to avoid any trouble. The Duke's arrangement is indeed a mature and prudent move.
For a time, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion seemed to have become a tightly guarded fortress, and Su Wanrou was the most precious treasure in this fortress that needed to be carefully protected. Everyone in the mansion, from masters to servants, spoke and acted with utmost caution, and even the air was filled with an atmosphere of joy and tension.
Su Wanrou leaned against the soft couch by the window, covered with a soft fox fur blanket, gazing at the lingering snow in the courtyard outside. Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes, warming her. She gently touched her lower abdomen, which was still flat, but she could clearly feel a cherished and carefully protected happiness, just like the warm winter sun, gently enveloping her.
She knew that from now on, this "cautious" approach would likely become the norm. Behind this norm lay her husband's profound love and care, the sincere expectations of the entire household, and her boundless responsibility and anticipation for the little life within her womb.
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