The Gu Residence.
Perhaps due to the effect of changing the water quality of the space well, Luo Ge did not experience the usual discomforts of late pregnancy, such as back pain.
The only issue was occasional soreness in her lower back, and her belly felt heavily weighted, requiring her to have someone accompany her when moving around.
However, she still loved to sleep as much as before, going to bed early every night and needing an afternoon nap.
As usual, after finishing her meal and resting for a while, she went for her afternoon nap.
But this time, it was not as peaceful as before.
"Mom," Gu Jinchen suddenly heard her murmuring in her sleep.
Seeing her frowning restlessly in her slumber, his drowsiness instantly vanished. He reached out and patted her back gently to soothe her.
"It's alright, it's alright."
However, the Luo Ge deep in her dream could not hear his voice.
In Luo Ge's dream:
In a small room, the young her was curled up on the bed, sweating profusely from her forehead, her pale face devoid of color.
In a daze, she instinctively called out for her mother.
In the cramped room, only the little girl's hopeful murmurs echoed, unanswered.
This was a scene from Luo Ge's childhood when she fell ill.
She was an orphan, while other children would have their mothers by their side in such times, she did not.
Perhaps it was for this reason that this experience left a deep impression on her.
Afterward, she would often dream of it, haunted by the unease.
But this time, unlike the previous unsettling nightmares, she seemed to vaguely hear a distant response.
The voice came from afar, echoing around her.
Gradually becoming clearer.
She thought she heard the voice saying to wait a little longer, they would be there soon.
Soon...
Upon hearing these words, she parted her lips, about to say something, but everything before her eyes suddenly disappeared into a hazy white.
And she woke up from this dream.
Unbeknownst to her, her forehead was now covered in sweat.
"Wife?" Gu Jinchen was wiping the sweat from her brow when he noticed she had awakened and spoke up.
"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"
Hearing his voice, Luo Ge came back to her senses, turning to look at him as her thoughts gradually returned. She shook her head lightly.
"It's nothing, I just dreamed of the past."
She had dreamed of this scene many times before and was used to it. However, recalling the words she heard at the end, she felt a strange sensation in her heart.
Hearing her explanation, Gu Jinchen frowned slightly but did not inquire further.
He glanced at the time outside, "It's still early, would you like to rest a bit more?"
Upon hearing this, Luo Ge shook her head, "I'll go for a walk later, I've worked up a sweat, and I want to freshen up."
"Alright."
Gu Jinchen did not say much more and went to ask Qiu Niang to heat some water for her to bathe.
With his wife's inconvenient condition, it was only natural for him to accompany her.
...After a simple wash-up, Luo Ge changed into fresh clothes.
They went for a stroll outside together. The Prince and Princess Consort were not around today, having gone out on some business.
They might be away for the next couple of days.
However, this did not prevent the curious villagers from approaching them.
Luo Ge could not walk very far, usually just staying within their residence or stepping out briefly by the front gate.
Their home was located at the end of the village, chosen for its tranquility, with few visitors on most days.
But today, there were quite a few people gathered at their front gate.
"Second son's wife, out for a stroll?"
"Looks like you'll be giving birth soon?"
"I heard it's your third child? My, you're truly blessed. Be sure to take care of yourself."
"..."
Seeing everyone chiming in with their comments, the young couple looked at each other in bewilderment.
But they still politely nodded and responded to each remark.
