Chapter 67 (Extra) [VIP]
Chapter Summary: Days (Part 2)
Upon returning home that day, Xu Luchuan led Liu Shiyu to Chengfeng Pavilion. Fortunately, Xu Qinguo and Xu Luwei had been discussing court affairs late into the night and had not yet rested.
Xu Luchuan then told Xu Qinguo about his joint discussion with Liu Shiyu. Upon hearing this, Xu Qinguo did not stop them, and even promised to report to the Emperor on their behalf after the morning court session the next day. This reaction surprised Xu Luchuan.
It seems their Prime Minister has truly reformed himself.
So, at noon the next day, Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan packed their bags and embarked on their journey to Luoyang.
Outside the mansion gate, people have been waiting in their carriages for months.
Xu Jiaojiao jogged and finally squeezed through the crowd seeing them off, standing in front of Liu Shiyu. She held out some pastries she had taken from her third aunt's room, saying, "Princess sister-in-law, Luoyang is a long way. Take these to eat on the road."
"Thank you, Xiao Ba. I'll definitely send you some nice things when I arrive in Luoyang." The little girl's hospitality was so kind that Liu Shiyu couldn't refuse the snacks.
Outside the door, a harmonious atmosphere prevailed. Xu Luchuan stood in front of the car, smiling as he looked around. He realized that these people all seemed to have come to see Liu Shiyu off. But he didn't feel lonely. As long as Liu Shiyu could feel happy, he would be happy.
Then, glancing up at the afternoon sky, Xu Luchuan happily stepped forward and put his arm around Liu Shiyu's waist. "Alright, alright. Let's leave here. It's getting late, we should get going."
"Go back, everyone."
As Xu Luchuan finished speaking, Liu Shiyu waved goodbye to everyone with reluctance. The others also bid her farewell. Then, turning back, they boarded the car.
And so, the journey finally began.
But who would have thought that after such a lively send-off at noon, by evening Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan's carriage would circle around and stop again in front of the Xu residence? Just then, Xu Qinguo returned home from work. Seeing the two people getting out of the carriage outside, he couldn't help but frown and ask, "Didn't you leave at noon? Why are you back?"
Liu Shiyu stood in front of the carriage, supporting Xu Luchuan with a blank expression, while Xu Luchuan stood beside her, equally at a loss. This puzzled Xu Qinguo, who couldn't help but demand, "Tell me, what's wrong?"
“Father, Ayu, she…” Xu Luchuan said, turning to look at Liu Shiyu, who also turned to look at him, “She’s had a happy ending.”
"Really?" Xu Qinguo was overjoyed upon hearing this, but still maintained a composed demeanor.
Xu Luchuan carefully supported his beloved wife, replying without a moment's hesitation, "Absolutely true."
Xu Luchuan's words were true; it happened just over an hour ago...
They had only traveled a few dozen miles outside the capital when Liu Shiyu began to lean listlessly against him in the carriage, speaking weakly and listlessly. Xu Luchuan was truly worried about her condition. He then instructed Lian Yue to drive the carriage to a nearby town to find a doctor for Liu Shiyu.
Unexpectedly, when we arrived in Qinghe Town, we happened to run into Mr. Guangbai, who was traveling around providing free medical consultations.
Xu Luchuan quickly helped Liu Shiyu up and asked the doctor to take a look at her. "Young sir, please take a look at my wife."
"Wife, husband. What a coincidence! We're truly destined to meet." Guangbai greeted them warmly upon recognizing them. Seeing the listless Liu Shiyu, he added, "Wife, you don't look well. Sir, sir, there's an emergency here; please come and take a look."
Upon hearing the sound, the old gentleman put down the prescription in his hand, smoothed his robe, and came over. He was as taciturn as ever. When he reached her, the old gentleman glanced at the two seemingly familiar people before him, but said nothing. He then bent down to take Liu Shiyu's pulse.
Liu Shiyu was leaning against Xu Luchuan's chest, feeling breathless.
Seeing this, Xu Luchuan said in a deep voice in her ear, "Don't be afraid, Madam, your master is here."
Xu Luchuan was extremely anxious, but dared not show it. He could only wait patiently for the old man to give him a reassuring answer. A short while later, after slowly releasing Liu Shiyu's wrist, the old man said softly, "My lady, she's alright. She's just..."
One sentence made Xu Luchuan's heart leap into his throat. Before the old man could finish speaking, he hurriedly said, "Sir, what is it? Madam was fine yesterday. How come she is like this today? Please, sir, save her. I am willing to pay any price as long as Madam is well."
"My lord, don't panic. Didn't Master say that my wife is alright? Please listen to him again." Guangbai understood Xu Luchuan's feelings and tried to comfort him.
Seeing the deep affection between the two, the old man couldn't help but smile. "What I want to say is that the lady is simply experiencing good fortune."
"A happy event?"
"Good news!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Shiyu, who had been slumped in Xu Luchuan's arms, suddenly sat up in surprise. She turned to look at Xu Luchuan, their eyes meeting in a mixture of astonishment and delight.
"Ayu, did you hear that? We're having a baby!" Xu Luchuan exclaimed with joy. Liu Shiyu, however, was filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and happiness. She hugged Xu Luchuan with a pitiful expression and murmured, "I heard that. But Xiao Lü, do you think we can still go to Luoyang?"
"I can't go."
Just as Xu Luchuan was about to reply, the old gentleman over there spoke first after hearing Liu Shiyu's words.
"My lady, you have a deficiency of Yin. It is really not advisable for you to travel long distances. I advise you to go home and rest to prepare for your pregnancy. Your symptoms just now were caused by overexertion. Please be careful. I will prescribe a Qi-tonifying formula for you later. Take it on time after you get home, and you will be fine."
The old man had said all he needed to say; whether they went or returned home was entirely up to them. Turning back, the old man led Guangbai away.
"Thank you, sir." Xu Luchuan watched the two leave, then patted Liu Shiyu's head. He then comforted her, "I know you really want to go to Luoyang, but you heard what the master said. It's not advisable for us to travel now. But if you really want to go to Luoyang, I will do my best to protect you."
"Ayu, don't be troubled. You can make the decision yourself."
"Let's go home." Liu Shiyu naturally wouldn't compare their child to the long journey. All she wanted was for Xu Luchuan to say, "My lord, let's go home. We can reach Luoyang anytime. Our child is our most precious possession."
Upon hearing this, Xu Luchuan smiled slightly, cupped Liu Shiyu's cheeks, and promised, "Then I promise you, after the child is born, the three of us will go to Luoyang together."
“It’s a deal then.” Liu Shiyu’s eyes shone as she looked at her husband, and Xu Luchuan looked at his wife with overflowing love. “It’s a deal.”
He couldn't bear to see her suffer even the slightest injustice, and that was the best solution.
That's how the scene of returning home from outside the mansion came about.
Liu Shiyu's bewilderment and Xu Luchuan's helplessness were entirely an act for Xu Qinguo's benefit. They wanted to give him a surprise, but the Prime Minister remained calm and composed. However, Liu Shiyu's pregnancy was the Xu family's first, and the eldest branch had been childless for many years. Logically, Xu Qinguo should have been overjoyed at the addition of a new member to the household.
But seeing Xu Qinguo's reaction, Liu Shiyu finally couldn't help but probe, "Father, are you unhappy?"
"Then... Erlang, hurry up and help His Highness into the mansion to rest. If anything happens to His Highness, I will hold you responsible." Xu Qinguo did not answer directly upon hearing this, but instead gave instructions to Xu Luchuan.
Didn't Xu Luchuan understand Xu Qinguo? He never showed his emotions, so Liu Shiyu wouldn't get an answer from him. But Liu Shiyu didn't seem to give up. He took the opportunity to take Liu Shiyu's arm, smiled with narrowed eyes, and said, "Madam, Madam. Since Father has instructed us, please come with me to the manor to rest. Don't let Father worry."
Liu Shiyu was coaxed by Xu Luchuan into stepping through the gate, but as she did so, she whispered, "Xiao Lü, is Father... really unhappy?"
"Guess."
With a broad smile, Xu Luchuan led his pregnant wife away. He knew without turning back that Xu Qinguo was secretly delighted behind them.
…
Time flies, and another summer has arrived.
Liu Shiyu is about to give birth, and Xu Luchuan has moved all the official business from the Court of Justice back home to be with her.
At noon, Xu Luchuan, afraid of disturbing Liu Shiyu's rest, sat alone at the stone table in the courtyard, sorting through this year's files. Suddenly, the door of Jihanzhai was pushed open, and Liu Shiyu, with a belly much smaller than that of a typical full-term woman, slowly stepped through the door.
She came to Xu Luchuan's side and straddled his lap without saying a word.
"Awake?" Xu Luchuan immediately wrapped his arms around Liu Shiyu's waist, afraid she would fall. Liu Shiyu, still half asleep, rested her forehead on his shoulder and replied, "Mmm."
It was a hot summer day, and Liu Shiyu was dressed in a thin dress. Her belly was pressed against Xu Luchuan's, and Xu Luchuan could feel the new life growing inside her.
This is the best memorial they left in this world.
Xu Luchuan cherished this child immensely. He eagerly awaited the arrival of this child, and Liu Shiyu felt the same way.
"Little Green, when will this little thing finally meet us? There's been no sign of it at all." Liu Shiyu straightened up and put her arms around his shoulders. Xu Luchuan gently placed his hands on her stomach.
He smiled and said, "Don't worry, it will come eventually. I just hope you can suffer less."
“Giving birth is always painful, but with you here, I’m not afraid of anything,” Liu Shiyu said optimistically, trying to comfort Xu Luchuan.
But to everyone's surprise, no sooner had she finished speaking than a dull pain began to throb in her abdomen. Xu Luchuan keenly noticed Liu Shiyu's unusual condition and asked, "Shiyu, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"The little thing seems to be making a move!" Liu Shiyu calmly stood up, but Xu Luchuan panicked and didn't know what to do. "Xiao Lü, quickly go and call someone!"
Xu Luchuan then came to his senses. He first picked up Liu Shiyu and took her back to her room before calling for help outside the courtyard.
Whether it was because Xu Luchuan's prayers were heard by the gods, or because the old man's prescription worked, Liu Shiyu gave birth to a baby girl in just two or three hours. Even the experienced midwife exclaimed that she had never seen such a smooth delivery.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, on the birth of your daughter."
Everyone offered their congratulations, but Xu Luchuan had no heart to accept them. He only glanced at his daughter before rushing into the newly prepared delivery room.
When he picked up Liu Shiyu, no one would have guessed that the one shedding tears was the prince consort. He held Liu Shiyu tightly without saying a word, and Liu Shiyu almost suffocated from the pressure.
"Little Green, if you keep tightening it like this, I'm going to... die!"
"Sorry." Xu Luchuan quickly loosened his grip a little, but didn't completely let go. Catching her breath, Liu Shiyu leaned against him and asked with a smile, "Am I good?"
"Impressive." Xu Luchuan shook his head against her face.
Hearing the occasional cries of a baby outside the window, Liu Shiyu spoke again: "Have you decided what to name your daughter yet?"
The child's name. Xu Luchuan had been thinking about it for the past few days, and he even consulted Xu Qinguo. Xu Qinguo only told them to decide for themselves, but just now a thought suddenly flashed through his mind, "Looking towards Luoyang from Jinling. How about Xu Wangluo?"
"Xu Wangluo." Liu Shiyu, weak after childbirth, spoke, her eyes gradually darkening, "It sounds nice..."
She fell asleep in Xu Luchuan's arms. Only after a long time did Xu Luchuan carefully lay her down. After tucking her in, he placed a grateful kiss on her brow. Gazing lovingly at Liu Shiyu's sleeping face, Xu Luchuan understood that with the birth of his daughter...
Their lives took a new turn from that moment on.
…
Many years later, on another day...
Xu Qinguo led a young child, whose hair was already in a bun, quietly through the corridor bathed in light and shadow. The child raised his little head and suddenly asked, "Grandpa, why don't you go to Luoyang with me?"
The childish voice reached Xu Qinguo's ears, and he gently replied, "Because Grandpa has very important things to do. Grandpa has to protect Shaoyuan and assist his uncle, the Emperor. Only when Shaoyuan is at peace can Grandpa rest easy, no matter where Nannan and her parents go."
"Will Grandpa come to see Nannan?" the child asked again. Xu Qinguo thought for a moment, "Grandpa will write letters to Nannan."
"Okay." The child didn't ask any more questions and just nodded obediently.
Xu Qinguo then fell silent.
The grandfather and grandson walked further and further apart until they stepped out of the mansion gate. The child, seeing Xu Luchuan and Liu Shiyu outside, excitedly called out, "Father! Mother!"
The two people whispering to each other didn't pay any attention.
"Is Madam sure this time? Don't let it be like last time when you took your daughter and went home empty-handed." Xu Luchuan asked with a smile, close to Liu Shiyu's ear. Liu Shiyu replied confidently, "Don't worry, my lord. I had a doctor examine her yesterday. There will be absolutely no problem this time."
Xu Qinguo looked at Xu Wangluo, who was being neglected beside him, and couldn't help but cough lightly as a reminder.
The two of them finally realized what was happening and smiled at their daughter, saying, "Luo'er, it's time to go. Come on~"
Xu Wangluo hid behind her grandfather and ignored him. But Xu Luchuan had a plan. He stepped forward, picked up his daughter, and coaxed her, "It's all your fault for talking to your mother and forgetting to greet Luo'er. To apologize, I'll buy you some lactose as a reward, okay?"
The child was easily coaxed and immediately smiled and hugged her father. After soothing his daughter, Xu Luchuan stood next to Liu Shiyu and looked at Xu Qinguo.
They gazed into the distance from beneath the high gate. No one spoke of parting. They only exchanged a smile.
Life is a long and winding road; some journey to the heavens, others remain in the halls of power. This journey has come to an end, and it's truly time to say goodbye. We don't know how we'll remember each other when we meet again, but at least for now, they look forward to reunion.
[Author's Note]
Friends, this concludes the article.
Thank you so much for your support. I'm also very happy to have met you and look forward to seeing you again.
We will all become better, and our days will become brighter and brighter.
Farewell, everyone. Goodbye!
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