Zhao Changdu no longer thought deeply. This was only the worst plan. Just thinking that his Ah Ying would marry someone else and accompany another man made his heart feel as if it was being squeezed by an invisible big hand, and a layer of black fog instantly appeared in the depths of his eyes.
No matter what the future holds, he swore that he would resolve the Qiang tribe as soon as possible, return safely to Bianjing, and have children with Ah Ying.
Gu Ying's head hurt a little. She unknowingly fell asleep in the man's arms.
She missed the ferocity and coldness in the man's eyes, and missed his "I'm sorry".
Zhao Changdu sat quietly for a while, listening to her calm, shallow breathing before the ferocity all over his body dissipated.
If he was an uncontrollable demon, Gu Ying was the only medicine that could restrain him.
If fate wanted to separate them, then he would go against the heavens.
The man's gaze was profound as he glanced at the beautiful scenery full of flowers outside the window.
He got up and carried the woman in his arms back to the main room.
...
After Gu Ying woke up, she still felt a little groggy. She didn't know if it was her illusion, but as her belly got bigger and bigger, the frequency of her drowsiness increased more and more, and the feeling of headache became more and more severe. She was just more enduring and didn't take it seriously after taking some medicine prescribed by Mrs. Lin.
In the past few days, she couldn't stand the pain a little and wanted to find Mrs. Lin for a consultation.
Mrs. Lin took her pulse and found nothing unusual.
It was normal for pregnant women to be prone to sleepiness.
But Gu Ying's complexion was a little solemn. She raised her right hand and gently pressed her temple, where there was a meridian, pulsating.
Mrs. Lin didn't understand, moved her hand away from Gu Ying's pulse, and also followed to massage the acupoint for her. "Ah Ying, have you been worrying too much recently?"
Gu Ying shook her head heavily, "No... My mother and I have figured out almost all the strange poisons in the medical books. It doesn't look like it was caused by the poison. Mother, what is wrong with me?"
She had experienced illness before. If it was just ordinary headache, it would be fine. But this disease came for no reason, leaving her at a loss and unable to treat it, making her a little irritable.
Mrs Lin thought for a while and said, "It's probably because your body's tolerance has decreased after pregnancy, so it caused the headache. In addition, you were busy working hard during the early stages of pregnancy, so it left sequelae. But... I'll try to find a way for you. Continue taking the pills."
Gu Ying nodded, "Okay."
It was better to have Mrs. Lin find a way than no way at all. She didn't think much more about it and concentrated on preparing Concubine Wan's birthday gifts.
There were many people entering the palace this time, and the Gu family also received a post. As the eldest daughter, Gu Shuang also had to enter the palace, as well as Ning Si, who would not be absent this time.
Gu Ying hadn't seen Ning Si for a long time. She heard that she was locked up in Prince Duan's Mansion and was very worried about her.
Now that she had the opportunity for Concubine Wan's birthday, she just wanted to see Ning Si.
...
Three days later, it was Concubine Wan's birthday.
Concubine Wan's birthday this time was personally hosted by the Emperor. The parade was very grand. Not only did the imperial edict cancel the curfew and allow the common people to celebrate together, the palace also ordered the officials to scatter copper coins and set off firecrackers all over the city.
As soon as it dawned, the whole Bianjing city was filled with the sound of firecrackers and became lively.
Early in the morning, Gu Ying took the carriage with the prince.
Mrs. Lin was still unwilling to take the carriage with Zhao Hui, but today there was no way. Even if it was for outsiders to see, she had to keep up appearances for the Duke's Residence.
Gu Ying was a little worried and kept lifting the carriage curtain to look ahead from time to time.
The carriage was driving on the palace avenue. Zhao Changdu was worried about her safety and unpleasantly pulled her back to his side, "Don't worry too much about mother's side. Zhao Hui is there."
Gu Ying tilted her head and blinked.
She was not worried that the Duke would do anything to her mother. She just felt that Mrs Lin became a little nervous as soon as she heard Concubine Wan's name, and she didn't know why.
Zhao Changdu murmured, "Even if Concubine Wan has great power in the palace, she wouldn’t dare to act rashly there. But you, Ah Ying—" The man's dark eyelashes drooped down, carrying a strong sense of oppression.
Gu Ying was stunned, "What's wrong with me?"
Zhao Changdu narrowed his phoenix eyes dangerously, bent his slender fingers, scraped her nose tip, and said lightly, "Remember to stay away from Li Yang."
"I have nothing to do with him. Ah Du is jealous again for no reason."
Gu Ying's eyes were filled with brilliant smiles. She shrugged her nose and took a bite of his fingers.
Her expression was like a lazy yet agile cat.
Zhao Changdu was deeply attracted by her lively and charming eyes. Overcome by emotion, he hugged her in his arms and couldn't help but kiss her.
It wasn't until the carriage shook as it entered the palace that Gu Ying tidied up her messy clothes with her face flushed red before getting off.
From a distance, the Gu family's carriage also stopped.
Gu Shuang ran over happily, grabbed her hand, her eyes shining bright like stars, "Sis, I haven't seen you for a long time. Are you well?"
Gu Ying smiled and said, "I'm very good. How about our fourth sister?"
Gu Shuang's face was full of joy. Her black hair was styled into a beautiful and delicate bun, studded with pearls and jewels.
She was dressed up today, wearing a peach red embroidered auspicious cloud cheongsam, with two green palace ribbons around her waist, setting off her plump rosy cheeks even more delicate and alluring, evidently she had been living a good life recently.
"Mother gave birth to a brother. Little Qingqing is so well behaved. Sis, come visit when you have time. You will definitely like little Qingqing."
The girl had a bright smile that made people feel comfortable.
Gu Ying thought for a while and smiled, "After leaving the palace, I'll come back to visit in a couple of days."
Gu Shuang was extremely excited, her eyes eager, "Then I'll come to pick you up sis, okay?"
The corners of Gu Ying's mouth rose in a smile, "Okay."
No wonder Gu Shuang was so enthusiastic to her. The Duke's Residence helped Fu Xun, so the Fu family also looked at her in a new light. The marriage between the Gu and Fu families was finally on the agenda.
The marriage of the little girl had been delayed again and again by the Fu family. Seeing others start ridiculing her, she must have felt uncomfortable.
Now that the two families were about to set a wedding date, the little girl must have been extremely happy.
Gu Ying was about to take Gu Shuang into the palace when Ye Qingchi finished talking to the prince and happened to come over to ask about her condition.
Gu Ying was fine, but Gu Shuang, who was chattering just now, suddenly stopped talking when she saw Ye Qingchi. The palm-sized little face instantly became nervous.
