With the noisy censors out of the way and the company of his family, Zhao Mian's third trimester was not too difficult. By December, his belly had grown from a small ball to a large ball, and he felt uncomfortable in any position when lying in bed, which seriously affected his sleep at night.
The emperor's temper became more and more irritable due to lack of sleep, and the slightest thing could make him furious. Now he rarely met with his ministers, and even if he did, he would hang a veil to cover his body. But he did not completely ignore state affairs, and still insisted on reviewing memorials, and discussed some important state policies with Xiao Xiang every day.
In Yongning Palace, the emperor was furious over a memorial handed in by the Censorate. After reading it, he did not approve it and threw the memorial out.
"These censors may be seriously ill." The anger in Zhao Mian's eyes seemed to be about to take shape. "They actually want me to have more children, saying 'more children, more blessings' all the time - don't they know I'm suffering, bastards!"
"They really don't know." Zhou Huairang said honestly, "Everyone thinks it's your concubine who is pregnant with this child."
Zhao Mian said coldly: "I don't need your reminder, I'm just about to give birth, I'm not stupid."
The Yongning Palace trio are quite experienced in how to deal with an irritable emperor, but they have no idea how to deal with an irritable pregnant husband. This is Jiang Dehai's time to shine.
"Your Majesty and the Emperor are indeed biological father and son." Jiang Dehai picked up the memorial, sorted it out and put it back on the dragon table, and said with a smile: "When the Emperor was pregnant with Your Majesty, the last month was exactly the same as Your Majesty's now."
This was something Zhao Mian had not expected. His father had always had a good temper and rarely got angry, at least he had never seen it.
Zhao Mian asked suspiciously, "Really?"
Jiang Dehai smiled kindly: "I dare not deceive you."
Zhao Mian asked curiously, "Then how did father get here?"
Jiang Dehai walked to Zhao Mian's side and whispered to him, "At that time, whenever the emperor was unhappy, he would lose his temper at the prime minister and scold him. He would vent all his dissatisfaction and feel much better."
Zhao Mian imagined the scene of his serious and stern father being scolded by his father, and couldn't help laughing: "This is a good idea."
If Wei Zhenfeng could stay by his side during his pregnancy, he would probably scold her to death. Not only would he scold her, he would probably hit her, or even bite her. If he couldn't sleep well at night, Wei Zhenfeng wouldn't be able to sleep well either. If he felt like it, he could let Wei Zhenfeng serve him unilaterally. He was happy, but Wei Zhenfeng couldn't go into battle because he had to consider his belly.
Wei Zhenfeng's expression of being dissatisfied but not daring to be rude or complain must be very interesting.
But all this is just "if", Wei Zhenfeng is not by his side.
The smile on Zhao Mian's face gradually disappeared: "It's a pity that the 'sponsor' of the dragon seed is thousands of miles away, and I can't scold him."
Jiang Dehai suggested: "Your Majesty, would you like to write a letter to scold that Prince Beiyuan?"
Zhao Mian was very tempted, but after thinking it over, he shook his head: "At this time, it is better not to distract him."
Years ago, Zhao Mian received the last letter from Wei Zhenfeng. There was only one sentence in the letter: Mianmian, please accept the things first, and I will give you better ones later.
Along with the letter, there was also a delicate and unique gold seal engraved with the four characters "Princess Heng" from Beiyuan, as well as a set of court robes for Beiyuan's first-rank princess. The style was changed from women's clothing to men's clothing, and the color was Beiyuan's iconic crimson. It was embroidered with a glorious and gorgeous 翬翟 and clusters of flowers.
Zhao Mian stared at the words "Prince Heng's Concubine" for a long time, then laughed: "... How presumptuous."
How could he, the emperor of a dynasty, be interested in the position of a mere princess? Wei Zhenfeng even had the nerve to give her to him.
"And this Beiyuan court dress," Zhao Mian looked at the slender waist that was cut out, his eyes were cold, "How can I possibly wear it now?"
"Then the prince doesn't know about your majesty's current situation." Bai Yu kindly spoke up for Wei Zhenfeng, "Your Majesty, the 'better' that the prince mentioned must be the Beiyuan Phoenix Seal. Your Majesty only gave you a concubine position, which can only be considered a concubine in an ordinary family, but in the prince's heart, your majesty is the well-deserved, one-and-only principal wife. This time, your majesty has won a great victory."
"How can this be compared?" Zhao Mian's tone softened a little, "Will I take Beiyuan's position as the queen seriously?"
Bai Yu smiled and said, "Of course not, but this is at least a token of your kindness."
Zhou Huairang was a little surprised: "But why doesn't Your Majesty just send the Beiyuan Phoenix Seal directly after the matter is completed?"
Zhao Mian didn't know what he was thinking of, and his expression suddenly changed.
Bai Yu quickly winked at Zhou Huairang. Zhou Huairang didn't know what he said wrong, and didn't dare to say anything. Jiang Dehai stepped forward to smooth things over: "Can I help Your Majesty put away this dress of Princess Beiyuan?"
Zhao Mian remained silent, but the moment Jiang Dehai reached out his hand, he hugged the clothes in his arms.
Layer upon layer of gorgeous cloth covered his belly, and the jade ornaments on top seemed to be surrounding him.
"He will succeed," Zhao Mian murmured, as if speaking to himself, "He will definitely bring the Beiyuan Phoenix Seal to me."
After this, Zhao Mian never received any more letters from Wei Zhenfeng. Not only that, the court also lost contact with Nan Jing's envoys in Beiyuan. The last news that came out was that Shengjing had sealed off the city without any warning, and people inside could not get out, and people outside could not get in. People in the city were panicked, the people stayed at home, and all the officials were in danger.
The storm is coming, and it will come faster than thunder.
This year, the people of Beiyuan Shengjing were destined to have a bad year. On the other hand, in Nanjing and Shangjing, after the Tianque Sect was uprooted in Nanjing, the drought in the suburbs of Beijing was relieved by the sweet rain. After the beginning of winter, there were two heavy snowfalls. The auspicious snow indicated a good harvest, and next year was another good year to look forward to.
On New Year's Eve, every household in the capital city drank Tusu, wrote peach charms, reunited and stayed up all night to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. The royal family was no exception.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, the family sat together and chatted happily. The Empress Dowager, who was old and exhausted, went back to the palace to rest. The little princess was sleeping soundly in the cradle, and Zhao Qi was trying hard to resolve his little son's fear of men.
"No matter whether you can have children or not, as long as you don't fall in love with a man, you can't have children." Having said this, Zhao Qi paused and asked uncertainly: "Wait, you like girls, right?"
Zhao Lin pointed at himself and emphasized: "Yes, I am!"
Zhao Qi shrugged: "That's fine, what are you worried about."
Zhao Lin hugged his father and cried loudly: "Who can predict accidents? I don't want to bear a child for a man, father!"
Zhao Qi sighed, patted his youngest son's head, and looked at his eldest son who was about to give birth to a man: "The imperial physician said that your brother will give birth in half a month. There is only so much time left. Can Wei Zhenfeng make it here?"
Zhao Lin shook his head. The current situation in Beiyuan was confusing and no one could give an accurate answer.
"If Wei Zhenfeng can't get here in time, it would be too easy for him." Zhao Qi got angry when he talked about this, "He doesn't have to take care of pregnant Mianmian, nor does he have to have his hair pulled and his fingers bitten when Mianmian gives birth. He can easily become a father."
Zhao Qi knew that Wei Zhenfeng's life in Beiyuan must have been difficult during Mianmian's pregnancy, and it might even have been very hard. But who cares? Wei Zhenfeng is not his son.
On the other side, Zhao Mian and Xiao Shiqing were talking about the current situation in Beiyuan. Xiao Shiqing said, "Shengjing has been sealed off for half a month, so I'm sure there will be a result soon."
Zhao Mian looked out the window at the night sky dyed red by the lanterns, and said absentmindedly: "Maybe there is a result, but we don't know it yet."
Perhaps, Wei Zhenfeng's victory news was on its way to Shangjing in a hurry.
Or maybe, Wei Zhenfeng... is on the way.
The new year is coming soon. Last year, he accompanied Wei Zhenfeng to Beiyuan to celebrate the New Year. To be fair, Wei Zhenfeng should come to Nanjing to accompany him this year.
Wei Zhenfeng had promised to spend the New Year with him as much as possible. Every time before, Wei Zhenfeng had done his best.
Wei Zhenfeng always manages to give him surprises.
What if Wei Zhenfeng can do it this time
If Wei Zhenfeng doesn't come, he will have to give birth to the child alone.
He doesn't want this.
Zhao Mian supported himself on the table and slowly stood up: "Father, Father, I want to go out for a walk."
"Now?" Zhao Qi asked worriedly, "It's so late."
Zhao Mian insisted on going for a walk, so Xiao Shiqing asked Zhao Lin to accompany him.
Zhao Mian held the heater in his hands, put on a fox fur coat to protect his stomach from the wind, and walked south with his silly brother.
Zhao Lin asked: "Where do you want to go for a walk, my brother?"
Zhao Mian said: "Taihua Gate."
Even on New Year's Eve, the palace gates were still heavily guarded. On New Year's Eve, the emperor arrived in person, and the guards were shocked and wanted to kneel down to pay their respects. Zhao Mian exempted them from the ceremony and asked, "Have you had your meal?"
The leading imperial guard was flattered and said, "Thanks to your majesty's grace, we have just finished eating the dumplings sent by the Imperial Food Bureau."
Zhao Mian nodded and asked, "Is there anyone entering the palace tonight?"
As soon as he said this, Zhao Mian realized that he had asked a stupid question. If there really was someone unexpected entering the palace, the news would have reached his ears immediately. Why would he have to brave the cold night to come here and ask in person
As expected, the imperial guards gave him a negative answer. Zhao Mian looked up at the towering palace wall, unwilling to give up: "I want to go up and take a look."
Walking up the stairs was a little difficult for Zhao Mian now. He refused Zhao Lin's help and climbed up the wall step by step, slowly and steadily. The snow-white fox fur slid across the long steps with his steps, and the torches reflected his arrogant and cold face, which was as elegant and beautiful as ever.
Zhao Mian stood at the highest point in Shangjing, looking at the lights of thousands of houses, the shining candles, and the road that led directly from the city gate to Taihua Gate.
There was no curfew in Nanjing, but the streets were exceptionally quiet tonight. The hustle and bustle was locked in the homes, and the streets were filled with the overflowing noise. I wonder if among these vague sounds, there will be the sound of galloping horses.
He looked at it for a long time, so long that his younger brother standing behind him couldn't help but stamp his feet and breathe out: "Brother, aren't you cold?"
"It's not cold," Zhao Mian said calmly, "If you are cold, go back first."
Zhao Lin decisively refused: "How can that be possible? I have to watch you."
I don't know how much time had passed, the lights in the city gradually dimmed, one by one went out, and the road was still empty.
Zhao Mian also began to feel cold.
Trying your best never means certainty, and it seems that he really wants to have a child of his own.
Zhao Mian slowly closed his eyes: "Let's go back."
Zhao Mian stood at the top of the long steps and didn't want to go down at all.
The long steps were still as high and long. He was so steady when he was going up, but he seemed to have no strength left when he was going down.
Zhao Lin asked: "Brother, why don't you move?"
"My body is too heavy, I can't walk anymore." Zhao Mian looked down at the ball in his pocket, and suddenly gave up on himself, not wanting to maintain his dignity, "I'm like a turtle."
Zhao Lin was greatly surprised: "Brother, how can you say that about yourself! You are much more noble and beautiful than the little turtle!"
Zhao Mian's forehead jumped: "What I mean is that I am like a little turtle, walking and stopping, very slowly."
Zhao Lin suddenly realized: "Then I will carry my brother back!"
As he said this, he squatted down with his back to Zhao Mian.
Zhao Mian pressed his brows and said, "Can't you see my belly?"
"Then I'll hold you?"
"No need." Zhao Mian took the initiative to extend his hand to his brother, "Just hold me up."
Zhao Lin carefully supported his brother and led him down step by step.
"Zhao Lin, I have a piece of advice for you. Whether you like a boy or a girl, don't have a long-distance relationship." Zhao Mian looked down at the long steps under his feet and said softly, "Because it's really... too uncomfortable to be able to stick to the person you want to stick to."
(End of this chapter)