Upon hearing the Princess Consort's words, Luo Ge's eyes lit up: "How fortunate, we brought a physician with us on our journey. His medical skills are impressive. Why don't we have him examine you, Sister?"
Hearing the Prince of Nanyang refer to Gu Jinchen by his given names and as "brother," the Princess Consort dropped the formalities.
They were not the type to fuss over etiquette, and they felt that Luo Ge and her husband's personalities were a good fit with theirs.
Not to mention that Luo Ge and her husband had saved the life of their beloved Little Crown Prince, making them even more inclined to treat them informally.
A physician praised by the Princess Consort was bound to have exceptional medical skills, far beyond ordinary physicians. Upon hearing this, Luo Ge could not help but turn to look at Gu Jinchen with interest.
Gu Jinchen had been attentive to his wife, and seeing Luo Ge's expression, he instantly understood and nodded to her.
"Then we shall bother the Princess Consort," Luo Ge smiled in response.
"Not at all," the Princess Consort replied with a smile, immediately instructing someone to summon the physician.
Considering the Prince of Nanyang's presence, they had a folding screen set up in the room, allowing the physician to examine Luo Ge's pulse behind it.
Outside, at some point, Gu Jinchen had put down what he was holding and perked up his ears to listen to the happenings behind the screen.
"Jinchen, there's no need to be so tense. She won't be lost," the Prince of Nanyang remarked with amusement at his demeanor.
Hearing the teasing, Gu Jinchen coughed and nodded, his ears reddening slightly.
However, he was feeling rather expectant, as he had overheard Luo Ge's earlier conversation with the others, anticipating whether she was carrying twins.
Regardless of whether it was one or twins, he was pleased either way, but he was curious and eager to find out.
Behind the screen, seeing the old physician furrow his brow, Luo Ge and the Princess Consort grew concerned.
"How is it?"
"Do not worry, Princess Consort. Allow this old one to examine further," the old physician responded, stroking his beard and focusing intently once more.
After a long while, he withdrew his hand and put away his diagnostic cloth, removing the folding screen.
"How is it?" Upon seeing the screen removed, Gu Jinchen stood and approached Luo Ge, while the Prince of Nanyang looked at him and then turned to the physician.
The old physician bowed to the group: "To the Prince and Princess Consort, and the Lord and Lady, the Lady's pregnancy is stable and without major issue, except..."
The physician paused briefly, unconsciously glancing at Gu Jinchen.
Everyone looked puzzled: "Except what? Speak freely."
Hearing the Prince of Nanyang's words, the old physician glanced at Gu Jinchen again for some reason.
"Except that the Lady has three fetal pulses. Two pulses are stronger, while one is slightly weaker, but with proper care, it should be fine."
"However, a multiple pregnancy requires more attention than a single one. The Lady will need to take extra care of her body during this time."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was stunned. Three fetal pulses, triplets?
Even the Prince of Nanyang glanced at Gu Jinchen a couple of times.
Gu Jinchen was dazed, instinctively looking at Luo Ge's belly, his mind momentarily blank.
Meanwhile, Luo Ge and the Princess Consort were pleasantly surprised, not expecting triplets.
The few little ones looked bewildered as they joined in staring at Luo Ge's belly.
After leaving behind two prescriptions for nourishing treatment and a few reminders, the old physician took his leave.
"Ahem." Once the physician had departed, the Prince of Nanyang cleared his throat, looking at Gu Jinchen as if he wanted to say, "You sly dog, you."
But considering his public persona, he remained silent.
"Since Sister has no issues, then Jinchen, you can be at ease. Just remember the physician's advice to take good care of Sister's health."
Hearing the Prince of Nanyang's rather formal words, Gu Jinchen nodded.
"Thank you, Prince, for your advice."
The Princess Consort also took Luo Ge's hand, and the two leaned in to whisper to each other.
"Sister, you are truly fortunate."
For some reason, Luo Ge felt a hint of teasing in the Princess Consort's words, but she obediently smiled and nodded.
"That old physician has impressive skills. Since your condition is not ordinary, I will instruct him to visit regularly to monitor your health."
"Take care of yourself as well. If anything arises, you can seek me out in Qingyang City." Noticing the time, the Princess Consort knew they should depart soon.
But seeing Luo Ge's condition, she felt a warm affection and could not help but offer more reminders.
Hearing the Princess Consort's words, Luo Ge smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Consort. I will be mindful, and you should take care as well."
"Mm."
Seeing the ladies had finished their exchange, the Prince of Nanyang spoke up.
"Very well, it is getting late, and my wife and I should be on our way. Take this item with you, and if anything comes up, you can use it to find me."
The Prince of Nanyang took out a white jade carving of a handsome horse and handed it to Gu Jinchen.
The Prince and Princess Consort of Nanyang had been married for many years without children until they heeded a rumor and visited a temple outside Yiyang Town to pray to the Buddha, finally conceiving their Little Crown Prince.
This visit was to fulfill that vow, but they had been unexpectedly delayed by the events that transpired.
Now, it was time for them to depart.
Understanding the Prince of Nanyang's intention, Gu Jinchen did not refuse and accepted the jade carving with a bow.
"Thank you, Prince."
"Mm, about what I mentioned to you before, have you not reconsidered?" Gu Jinchen's abilities were undeniable, a true talent.
The Prince of Nanyang valued and cherished talent, and naturally did not wish to let a promising individual slip away. He had previously invited Gu Jinchen to join his service, but Gu Jinchen declined.
However, the Prince still felt regretful at potentially missing out on such a promising talent.
Hearing the Prince of Nanyang's words, Luo Ge also turned to look at Gu Jinchen.
She was aware of the matter the Prince spoke of, but she did not know Gu Jinchen's decision.
However, if he chose to accept, she would support him, as it concerned his future and depended on his own wishes.
Gu Jinchen understood the Prince's intentions but smiled and shook his head: "It is my loss not to accept the Prince's kindness."
Hearing Gu Jinchen's response, the Prince of Nanyang sighed: "Very well, very well. Everyone has their own aspirations, and I cannot compel you. In that case, we shall take our leave for now. Perhaps we will have the chance to meet again."
"Very well."
As the adults bid farewell, the little ones' eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
The Little Crown Prince clung to his two elder brothers: "Brothers, you must come and play with Chu when you have time."
"Yes, we will."
"If we have the chance, we will definitely come, and we'll bring Brother Yun Yan too."
"Mm, let's pinky swear on it."
"Okay." The little ones linked pinkies, sealing their promise, before the Little Crown Prince reluctantly let go.
As Princess Consort left the tavern and boarded the carriage with Luo Ge and the others, they gradually disappeared from sight.
"Alas." For some reason, watching this scene, Luo Ge felt a sense of reluctance in her heart, and she let out a light sigh.
Gu Jinchen wrapped her tightly in his cloak, afraid she would catch a chill.
While dealing with those thieves these past few days, the Princess Consort and her party had invited Luo Ge and the others to stay in town for a few days out of courtesy.
During this time, Luo Ge had been with the Princess Consort.
Seeing Luo Ge's reluctance now, Gu Jinchen assumed it was because she had grown accustomed to the Princess Consort's company over these past few days, and that was why she was reluctant to part ways.
"You'll see her again in the future," he said quietly to her.
"Mmm." Luo Ge nodded and looked away, but then noticed Gu Jinchen kept unconsciously staring at her belly, which puzzled her.
"What are you looking at?"
Gu Jinchen rubbed his nose. "I'm just a little surprised."
"Cough, cough..." Hearing this, Luo Ge choked a little.
She was surprised too, not expecting that after he became utterly obsessed, he would get her pregnant with triplets.
[Author's Note:
I've read that according to traditional Chinese medicine, it's not possible to diagnose how many fetuses a woman is carrying by feeling her pulse. However, some highly skilled traditional Chinese physicians can apparently determine the gender of the fetus after three or four months of pregnancy.
What's written in the story is just for the sake of the plot, my dear readers. Don't let me mislead you.
Muah~ Love you all (˃⌑˂ഃ)❤]
[2022.11.13
Earlier today, I saw a colleague trying to cause trouble over the triplets thing. My feisty temper couldn't handle it, so after arguing with them, I deleted their comments.
But I still need to explain to you all that the premise for me giving my daughter triplets is that she has a cheat code and is guaranteed to be safe. So there's no need to worry.]
