Chapter 111: Time for Rest and Recuperation
Inside the main courtyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, "Guiyan Residence," it was so quiet that one could hear the dripping of a water clock.
Su Wanrou leaned against the rosewood chaise longue inlaid with mother-of-pearl by the window, covered with a soft silk quilt. Her lower abdomen was still flat, where the blood she and Gu Yangui had long awaited was growing. Half a month had passed since the winter hunt when the horses were startled. The bruise on her forehead had turned into a light yellowish-brown, and the pain on her body was gradually healing. However, the imperial physician's advice of "absolute rest" was like a golden rule, firmly "trapping" her in this small space.
Outside the window, the rare warmth of the winter sun shone, casting sparse shadows on the bare branches. At this time of year in previous years, she might have been listening to the head housekeeper report on affairs in the flower hall, checking the New Year's gift list, or accompanying Mingxuan in the greenhouse to learn to read and paint. But now, she spends most of her time in bed resting, her movements confined to this inner room and the adjacent warm pavilion.
"Madam, it's time for your medicine." The head maid, Qingdai, carried in a bowl of thick, dark medicine to help with pregnancy, and tiptoed in, followed by a second-class maid carrying a box of candied fruit.
The bitter smell of the medicine filled the air, and Su Wanrou frowned almost imperceptibly before relaxing her brow. She took the warm bowl of medicine, held her breath, and drank it all in one gulp. Qingdai immediately handed her warm water to rinse her mouth and then offered her a sweet pickled plum.
"How are you feeling today? Do you still feel nauseous or vomiting?" Qingdai carefully observed her complexion and asked cautiously.
"Much better, just a little stuffy." Su Wanrou put a plum in her mouth, the sweet and sour taste washing away the bitterness on her tongue. She looked out the window, where several sparrows hopped on the branches, which made her feel a little envious. "Husband...when will you return home?"
"The Duke went to the palace early this morning for a meeting and sent word that he will definitely return before lunch to have lunch with you, Madam," Qingdai replied with a smile, tucking the blanket around her. "If you're feeling bored, Madam, how about I read you some stories? Or perhaps I could ask the young master to come and keep you company?"
Su Wanrou shook her head: "Mingxuan should be studying with his teacher at this time, don't disturb him. I'll just rest for a bit, you can go now."
Qingdai responded with a "Yes," and quietly withdrew with her maid, gently closing the door behind her.
Silence returned to the room. Su Wanrou wasn't really tired, but this feeling of having nothing to do and having to rely on others for everything left her feeling empty and even gave rise to a faint, indescribable anxiety.
Born into a declining noble family, she had never lived a life of luxury, but she was well-educated and reasonable, possessing a certain pride and resilience. Marrying into the immensely wealthy Zhenguo Duke's mansion as his second wife, she knew all too well how many people were waiting to see her fail. For the past six months, she had worked tirelessly and cautiously, gradually managing the household affairs, establishing herself among the servants, and earning some respect among the noblewomen of the capital. But now, due to this sudden pregnancy and the need for rest, everything seemed to have returned to square one.
Although Steward Gu Zhong still reported important matters daily from behind the screen in the outer room, he mostly reported good news and never bad, and always stated that the final decisions had been "reported to the Duke" or "the Duke has already made a plan." Su Wanrou knew that this was Gu Yangui's order, meant to put her at ease. But this feeling of being completely protected and isolated from the affairs of the household made her feel like a fragile porcelain doll, rather than the dignified mistress of the Duke's mansion.
A couple of days ago, she vaguely overheard the maids gossiping that a certain steward in charge of purchasing supplies for the second household seemed to be causing trouble, embezzling money under the guise of the New Year's shopping. Normally, she would have investigated thoroughly, but now, she had just considered calling Gu Zhong to inquire when Qingdai and the other maids dissuaded her, saying, "Madam needs to rest and shouldn't overexert herself." When Gu Yangui learned of this, he directly ordered that such trivial matters should not bother Madam, and that the head steward of the outer courtyard should strictly manage the situation.
She handled it cleanly and efficiently, but it also left her with a sense of powerlessness.
And then there's Mingxuan… Although the child is sensible, he comes to her bedside every day after school, vividly recounting the interesting things that happened at school, or showing her his newly written words and drawings like treasures. But she can sense that the child is becoming increasingly cautious when he comes, speaking in hushed tones, afraid of startling her. That deliberate thoughtfulness, however, makes her heart ache. She misses even more the days when she could run and play with him in the yard, and when she could pretend to be serious when checking his homework.
What troubled her most was the shadow of that "accident." Although Gu Yangui and the Emperor and Empress both claimed that the matter had been handled properly, she was not an ignorant girl. The horse's madness was suspicious, and the steward's "suicide" only made things more suspicious. For the past two weeks, things had been calm outside the manor, but she could occasionally sense the oppressive atmosphere brewing from the deep melancholy in Gu Yangui's brows when he returned home late, or from the sudden increase in his personal guards.
The enemy lurks in the shadows, their target possibly her husband or the child in her womb. She, however, is trapped on this bed piled high with brocade, seemingly powerless to do anything but rest and prepare for childbirth. This feeling of passively waiting, of having her own and her child's safety entirely in the hands of others, is not pleasant.
With a soft creak, the door was pushed open, and Gu Yangui, exuding a crisp, cold aura, walked in. He had clearly removed his cloak in the outer room to dissipate the chill before entering, and was only wearing a dark-colored casual robe, which made his broad shoulders and narrow waist appear even more striking, giving him a majestic and elegant appearance.
Upon seeing that Su Wanrou was awake, his cold and stern expression softened instantly. He walked a few steps to the bedside, naturally reached out to check her forehead temperature, and gently stroked the healing wound on her forehead.
"You look better today." His voice was deep, with a hint of weariness that was barely perceptible, but his gaze toward her was gentle and focused. "Have you taken your medicine on time? What would you like for lunch? I'll have the kitchen prepare it."
"I've drunk it all. Lunch can be anything, there's nothing I particularly want to eat." Su Wanrou smiled and held his large, slightly calloused hand. The warm touch calmed her slight unease. "Are you busy with court affairs? My husband looks a little tired."
"It's nothing, just trivial matters." Gu Yangui said casually, not wanting her to worry, and sat down on the edge of the couch, taking her slightly cool hand in his palm. "But you, staying cooped up in the room all day, are you bored?"
Su Wanrou lowered her eyelashes, leaned gently on his shoulder, and whispered, "It is a bit stuffy. Husband, am I... useless? I can't help with anything in the household, and you still have to worry about me all the time."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yangui tightened his arms, holding her more securely. He gently brushed his chin against the top of her head, his tone firm and unwavering: "Nonsense. You are carrying our child now, making you the greatest contributor and the most important person in this manor. I will handle things outside. You just need to take good care of yourself and give birth to the child safely. That will be the greatest help to me and the Duke's manor."
He paused, then softened his voice further: "I know you're concerned about the affairs of the household and worried about chaos. But don't worry, Gu Zhong is an elder, and the household rules are strict; things won't get out of control. Even if something does happen, can't your husband handle it? All you need to do now is relax."
Just then, Mingxuan's deliberately lowered, yet excited voice came from outside: "Is Father back? Is Mother awake? My teacher praised my calligraphy for improving today!"
Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou exchanged a smile and said loudly, "Come in."
Xiao Mingxuan flew in like a happy little bird. He first bowed respectfully, then approached the bed and presented Su Wanrou with a neatly written piece of calligraphy, as if showing off a treasure: "Mother, look!"
Su Wanrou looked closely and saw that it was indeed much neater than a few days ago, and the strokes were beginning to show style. She sincerely praised, "Mingxuan is great, you have made great progress."
The child's eyes sparkled with pride at the praise, and he began chattering about the fun things that happened at school. Gu Yangui sat to the side, watching his wife and children interact, his eyes gentle. He reached out and pulled Mingxuan to his side as well, the two figures, one big and one small, protecting Su Wanrou in the middle.
Sunlight streamed through the window, warmly bathing the family of three and outlining their cozy and tranquil silhouettes. At that moment, the anxieties and undercurrents lurking beneath the calm seemed to be temporarily dispelled by this warmth.
Feeling her husband's care and her child's dependence, Su Wanrou unconsciously placed her hand on her lower abdomen.
For their sake, she had to remain calm and at ease.
However, this period of "rest" has only just begun. The real storm may be brewing quietly after this winter's warm sunshine.
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