Chapter 66 "Take a rest, my husband has worked hard..."
Such rumors began circulating after Ling Xun decisively asked the emperor for a marriage decree. In those people's mouths, the reason for this was that she took advantage of the fact that the two of them were living together in the same mansion, a lonely man and a lonely woman, and took the opportunity to seduce the naive Prince of Zhenbei. She was completely a vixen.
Ling Xun, on the other hand, picked them all clean.
"It's just the wild imagination of some fools, sister, you don't need to take it to heart. To be honest, it's all my fault." Ling Xun felt a little apologetic and gently comforted her.
There was a hint of coldness in his eyes. He had been strictly controlling these rumors, but they persisted and had even reached Bai Xuerou's ears.
Bai Xuerou shook her head slightly and smiled, "I don't really care. I knew this day would come when I made the decision. To me, they are just irrelevant people. I just find it funny. You can't stop these people. They only want to believe what they want to believe, whether it's the truth or not doesn't matter."
Seeing that Bai Xuerou was genuinely not angry, Ling Xun felt relieved. He didn't think he couldn't stop her; there was always a way.
"My sister is always so open-minded, I should learn from her." He smiled and kissed Bai Xuerou's fingertips.
Bai Xuerou chuckled.
"You can't learn that." She was just too lazy to care, and she was also in a bad mood. She couldn't let other people's opinions make her uncomfortable.
As she spoke, she looked at Ling Xun beside her. This man had never liked wearing red, but now that he was getting married, the news had finally spread. The red outfit made his vibrant color, which had been suppressed by his sharp and calm aura, even more obvious, yet it made him even more attractive. His beauty was androgynous, and almost the mermaids couldn't take their eyes off him.
Bai Xuerou finally understood why this person didn't like wearing red.
But it really is beautiful.
Bai Xuerou made no attempt to hide her admiring gaze, looking at Ling Xun with almost praising eyes.
“You look even better in red than I imagined. Wear it more often, okay?” She couldn’t help but raise her hand, wanting to touch Ling Xun’s neck, which looked even whiter against the red backdrop, but she stopped halfway and let her hand fall on his lapel, sliding down along the embroidery there.
Ling Xun's expectations were dashed, and he felt a pang of disappointment as his throat tightened.
“If my sister likes it, I’ll only wear it for you to see,” he said.
"Okay." Bai Xuerou smiled, but when she saw Ling Xun's vaguely longing gaze, she awkwardly withdrew her hand and urged, "You should go out now, don't keep the guests waiting."
"Alright. All of you, leave." Ling Xun responded, but then said this.
The servants who were serving her all retreated, and Bai Xue Rou unconsciously became a little nervous before Ling Xun leaned in and kissed her.
“Ling Xun.” She refused.
Ling Xun lowered his voice and said, "Sister, I'll just kiss you once, just once."
It was supposed to be a kiss, but in the end, Bai Xue Rou's lips were completely devoured, and she finally managed to pull his hand out of her clothes with great difficulty.
"This is outrageous! Stop making a scene and get out of here!" she scolded, a strange feeling still lingering on her chest.
Ling Xun agreed, looked away, and once again adopted a dignified and upright demeanor.
Bai Xuerou glared at him, then couldn't help but laugh.
Ling Xun went out to greet the guests, while Bai Xue Rou leaned against the wall and rested for a while. She then got up, changed into some light clothes, and went out for a walk in the courtyard, hoping to familiarize herself with the place.
It was already dark when the palace lanterns under the eaves were lit, and red silk was hung on the trees, creating a joyous scene.
She was exhausted, so she didn't wander around for long. She just walked a few steps, took a quick look, and went back to rest while listening to someone report on the affairs of the courtyard.
There were countless old women, maids, and so on.
Most of them were old people from Zhiwei Academy, and the rest were those who followed Ling Xun. However, with such a large academy, it was inevitable that many new people would be promoted.
Bai Xuerou found out everything clearly and called someone to come and check. Before she knew it, the crowd had dispersed and Ling Xun came into the house.
He seemed to have drunk quite a bit, his face flushed, almost as beautiful as a spring flower, and his fair and soft eyes sparkled.
She stood up to speak, but Ling Xun smiled at her, called her "sister," opened his arms, and pulled her into his embrace.
"miss you."
"I'm here." Bai Xuerou wanted to say that it had only been a little over an hour, but after thinking about it, she gave up and said gently.
Ling Xun laughed in her ear, pulled her to sit down, and held her on his lap.
"That's wonderful, we're married." He rested his chin on Bai Xuerou's shoulder, his voice brimming with uncontrollable laughter.
After drinking, he became more and more blunt, and looked a bit silly. Bai Xuerou couldn't help but laugh. She felt a little uncomfortable smelling alcohol on him, so she said, "Let's wash up first."
"No, I want to be with my sister-in-law."
"I'll stay outside with you; the smell of alcohol on you makes me uncomfortable," Bai Xuerou advised.
Even when drunk, Ling Xun still put Bai Xue Rou first, and immediately agreed upon hearing this.
The maids had already made preparations, and there was a special bathing pool in the side room. Ling Xun always did these washing and grooming things himself and never let the maids get close.
The maids put down their clothes, handkerchiefs, and other bathing supplies, and then all withdrew.
Bai Xuerou hesitated for a moment, but still didn't go in.
Even though they were husband and wife, she still couldn't quite let go.
Bai Xuerou sat outside, waiting for someone else to come out, but before long she heard Ling Xun calling her.
"elder sister."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a little embarrassed. Just as she was about to pretend she hadn't heard, Ling Xun called out again, so she had no choice but to get up and brace herself for going in. After walking through the corridor and pushing open the door, a wave of humid heat hit her. She carefully made her way forward, lifted the curtain, and finally reached the edge of the hot spring.
Ling Xun was lying by the hot spring, looking up at her with a smile.
His jet-black hair was loose and disheveled, strands clinging to his shoulders and chest when wet. In the rising steam from the hot spring, he looked up at her with a smile, as beautiful as a fairy emerging from the mist.
Bai Xuerou suddenly remembered that time at Luoxian Temple, when he stood in the morning mist.
It was just as thrilling.
That was the first time she realized his feelings, and now, the two are already married.
“Sister.” Ling Xun reached out his hand.
Bai Xuerou squatted down, deciding to be more lenient with the drunkard.
Moreover, with a face like that, who could be very loving and critical?
"What's wrong?" she asked.
The next moment, Ling Xun straightened up from the water, hugged Bai Xue Rou in his arms, and then put her back into the water.
“Sister,” he whispered in her ear, his voice hoarse.
The love potion stopped acting up after Bai Xue Rou became pregnant. Ling Xun explained that it would only recur a month after she gave birth.
Although the two slept together every night during this period, they did not do anything inappropriate.
After all, Bai Xuerou was pregnant.
Until now.
The two were already married, so everything they did was perfectly legitimate, and the baby in her womb had already passed the most dangerous first trimester.
The water in the hot spring churned, splashing up sprays of water, accompanied by soft murmurs.
This was the first time Bai Xuerou had realized how agonizing slow lovemaking could be—
After all, you can't expect a young person who has just started eating to know how to restrain themselves.
The first few times, Ling Xun's strength was so deep that Bai Xue Rou almost doubted that she would die in bed.
But this time it was incredibly slow.
Bai Xue Rou was forced to shed tears, which Ling Xun licked away with kisses.
After that, Bai Xuerou couldn't even remember when she left the hot spring and went to bed, because the two of them did it again later.
Naturally, Bai Xuerou slept until late morning the next day.
For Bai Xuerou, married life was much the same as before; she still had the same things to do and the same people to ask for her attention.
The only difference is the accommodation; the old place is still there, but it's a longer walk back... There's no way around it, Chonghua Academy is too big.
Bai Xuerou and Ling Xun had discussed the name Chonghua, and she didn't understand why Ling Xun would choose this name.
Although Ling Xun did not realize the problem, he humbly asked for advice.
Bai Xuerou chuckled and asked him, "Don't you think Chongguang and Chonghua look alike?"
Chongguang is Lingxun's horse.
Ling Xun then understood and couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.
He hadn't really paid attention; he just thought the name 'Chonghua' was suitable, so he used it.
He was dazzling and worthy of his beloved.
On the third day after her wedding, Bai Hanwen and Bai Xuerou were delighted to see that Bai Xuerou looked radiant. After having a meal together, they talked to Bai Xuerou about their plans to return to Yandu.
"Father, Mother, why are we going back so soon?" Bai Xuerou asked in surprise, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Although she and Ling Xun had agreed to go to Tangshan, they could still set off in October. At that time, she would only be four months pregnant, and she could still hide it if she was careful.
Bai Xuerou was also worried, fearing that her parents would overthink things.
Little did she know, her fears would never come true, because the two elders were about to leave.
“First, your grandparents are at home, and your father and I are worried about them. Second…” Song said, smiling as she looked at her husband, her eyes teasing.
“These past few days have been quite hectic. Countless people I’ve never even met have come to visit. It’s really annoying,” Bai Hanwen said.
He doesn't object to people having ambitions; he doesn't mind if they want something from him. But when it comes to his own daughter, he's not happy.
The marriage between Bai Xuerou and Ling Xun was already the subject of much gossip, so how could he possibly want to cause her any more trouble?
After much thought, I decided it was better to go back home.
Bai Xuerou wanted to persuade him again, but she couldn't bring herself to speak after hearing these words.
She married at sixteen, young before marriage, and hadn't seen her father for many years afterward. Her impression of him was still that he liked peace and quiet, which was indeed annoying.
Ling Xun, on the other hand, knew his master better. He knew that his master was not simply aloof and arrogant, but had many ways of blending in with the world, and could guess his thoughts.
He secretly wanted to spend more time with Bai Xuerou and didn't want anyone to bother her, but he also didn't want Bai Xuerou to be unhappy or worried, so he still asked her to stay, saying that if she found it troublesome, he could help her.
But Bai Hanwen had already made up his mind, and Ling Xun's persuasion was to no avail.
However, after glancing at Ling Xun, he felt much more satisfied.
Bai Hanwen was very proud of this disciple.
But that only applied to his disciples. If he were to marry his daughter, he would inevitably find her too clever. He knew his own daughter; although she was clever, she wasn't particularly outstanding, and she was even less of a match for Ling Xun.
The key is that this kid seems quiet and unambitious, but he's actually quite cunning and calculating. You wouldn't normally notice, but he's definitely not a good person.
Bai Hanwen had been worried ever since he learned about this, because with Ling Xun's cunning and shrewdness, it would be too easy for him to scheme against his Chunniang.
He had seen Ling Xun's changing expression, and seeing how much he cared for his Chunniang, he finally felt a little relieved.
The Bai couple packed their bags and set off five days later to return to Yandu.
At the same time, the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion also began to pack up and prepare to set off for Tangshan.
Many people in Chang'an had guessed that Ling Xun was going to Tangshan, after all, he had asked the emperor for the Tangshan Imperial Palace a long time ago.
However, no one believed he was simply seeking refuge from the cold with Bai Xuerou; most people thought his true intentions lay with the Wu region.
That area is already in Jiangnan West Circuit, and it will only take three days for fast horses to reach the front line where the Zhenbei Army is stationed.
If Ling Xun so desires, he can directly control the Zhenbei Army's operations remotely.
Of course, some people think that Ling Xun is blinded by Bai Xuerou. After all, since their marriage, Ling Xun has been visibly radiant and anyone can tell that he is in a very good mood.
Moreover, more than ten days after the wedding, Bai Xuerou was invited to banquets, but she declined them all. According to news from the Prince's mansion, the two spent every day together, and even when the Prince of Zhenbei was handling official business, Bai Xuerou was allowed to listen in.
What woman could be like that?
Even if the couple has a good relationship, they rarely involve the women in their family in official matters.
This rumor has caused countless people to feel envious.
But this is just speculation.
Some people considered going along, but after hearing that the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion didn't want anyone to follow, they all gave up.
This situation makes it seem more like there's a conspiracy at play.
There were many rumors circulating, but under the covert influence of the people from the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, no one considered the possibility that Bai Xuerou might be pregnant.
By the time everything was settled, it was already late September.
Ling Xun and his companion set off for Tangshan.
Tangshan is a long way from Chang'an. Even traveling lightly on horseback takes six or seven days, and traveling slowly with luggage takes about a month.
Fortunately, the two of them weren't in a hurry, and treated this trip as a leisurely vacation. By the time they arrived at Tangshan Imperial Palace, it was almost November.
The weather has turned completely cold; this trip was definitely to escape the cold.
Bai Xuerou was almost five months pregnant, and her belly was quite noticeable. Fortunately, it was already cold, so she put on a cloak and hugged her furry sleeves, making her less conspicuous.
Ling Xun thoroughly cleaned up the palace, leaving only trusted people, but even so, he could not be careless.
His trusted confidants had already gone ahead to make arrangements inside and outside the house.
The carriage proceeded inside, and the two were led by their trusted servants. Ling Xun helped Bai Xuerou out of the carriage, and once inside the palace, Bai Xuerou finally relaxed. Suddenly, she frowned and exclaimed, "Oh dear!"
"Is she being naughty again?" Ling Xun reached out and pulled her into his arms, placing his hand on her stomach.
Sure enough, the little guy inside was moving around, doing who knows what.
Since the baby was four months old, the little one has started to show signs of labor, and now it's getting more and more intense.
"Little one, don't be naughty," Ling Xun said in a low voice, as if to scare him, and then gently rubbed Bai Xue's belly.
Bai Xuerou chuckled, "Why are you trying to scare her? She won't understand anyway."
After massaging him like this, I don't know if the little guy felt the warmth from his father's hands or if he was just comfortable from the massage, but he really stayed still.
Ling Xun said seriously, "It seems you understood."
Bai Xuerou gave him a reproachful smile.
It was clearly a coincidence.
After the two settled down, Bai Xuerou unconsciously supported her waist with her hands, and Ling Xun helped her sit down and massaged her legs.
"Just have a maid do it, you sit down," she said softly, trying to pull him down to sit.
Ling Xun didn't move and said, "It's okay, I'll do it."
Bai Xuerou looked at him and couldn't help but smile.
After their marriage, Ling Xun never delegated anything related to her, handling everything personally. She was initially unaccustomed to this, and in fact, she still is.
But Ling Xun insisted, so Bai Xuerou had no choice but to go along with him.
Ling Xun carefully massaged Bai Xuerou's legs, and then rubbed her shoulders, arms, waist and back intermittently, which Bai Xuerou helplessly grabbed with a smile.
"Alright, alright," she said, bringing him tea. "Take a rest, you've worked hard, my husband."
Ling Xun couldn't help but look at her, his ears turned red, his heart pounded, and he even forgot to take the tea.
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