Chapter 97

Chapter 97: The Baby Is Coming

After the cold energy left his body, Huo Zheng’s embrace became warm again. Chun Zhi felt very comfortable in his arms. Maybe it was because she had not rested well for two days; once she was full, drowsiness washed over her and she yawned.

He carried her back to the main room, set her gently on the bed, tucked the blanket around her, and said in a low voice: “Sleep well.”

Chun Zhi hummed, but did not close her eyes right away. She kept looking at him. He sat at the bedside and asked with a small smile: “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Chun Zhi said softly: “It’s nothing.” Compared to his frowning face in his fevered sleep, she liked him much more as he was now.

He asked: “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

She shook her head and said: “No.”

He said: “Then go to sleep.”

Just as Chun Zhi closed her eyes, there came a knock at the door. Huo Zheng was about to get up when Chun Zhi opened her eyes again.

Outside, a Shadow Guard reported: “Prince, there is an urgent letter from the capital.”

Chun Zhi murmured: “An urgent letter from the capital…”

Huo Zheng, not wanting her to worry, said: “Come in,” and had the Shadow Guard deliver the message inside. The guard entered, presented a secret letter with both hands, then bowed and withdrew.

It was already night. The lantern light in the courtyard was dim. The Shadow Guard came like the wind and left like the wind. Huo Zheng sat back down, opened the letter, and read it through in a glance. He said to Chun Zhi: “The year’s end is near. The Empress Mother is urging me to return to the capital.”

Earlier, because of the bloody purge at Prince Ning’s Residence, the emperor had ordered Huo Zheng confined for half a year. Huo Zheng left a double in his manor and slipped back to Nanzhou. Empress Wang had known he was not in the capital. Now that the term of confinement had long passed and he still had not appeared, the emperor was displeased. If he failed to show up at the New Year’s Eve Palace Banquet, even Empress Wang would not be able to shield him. Of course, Huo Zheng did not tell Chun Zhi these details. He only said: “It’s nothing. Rest easy and sleep.”

Chun Zhi said thoughtfully: “New Year is almost here. Even ordinary families gather together. It is not proper for you to stay in Dongzhou.”

Huo Zheng answered: “I only took the Revival Blossom two days ago. My body has not recovered yet. If I rush back to the capital right now, I might not hold up.”

Chun Zhi knew he was saying this for her sake, but she also worried his body truly would not stand the trip. For a moment she could not push him to leave, so she said after thinking it over: “Then rest a few days more before you go.”

It was already the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month. Even with a few more days of rest, he probably could not reach the capital by New Year’s Eve. But even if he missed New Year’s Eve, going back one day earlier was still better than later.

Leaning against the bedpost, Huo Zheng said: “I will not be well without two or three months of rest.”

Chun Zhi stared at him with wide eyes. She would give birth in just a few days, and he spoke of resting longer than her whole month of confinement. She understood he was not really staying to heal. He was staying for her.

She said gently: “You don’t have to keep me company here. At Song Manor the First Madam has the staff all in place, and the baby in my belly is very well behaved. I will give birth safely.”

He set the letter on the small table by the bed and, knowing he could not hide his plan from her, said directly: “Childbirth is like walking through death’s door. I am your husband. How could I let you face that door alone?”

“Huo Zheng…” Chun Zhi’s throat tightened. She had planned to raise the child by herself. Meeting the kind Song siblings, living in Song Manor, with a physician and maids to look after her, was already very, very good. And still, he meant to stay with her.

Huo Zheng stroked her hair and said: “I will take care of matters in the capital. You do not need to worry. Just eat well, drink well, sleep well, and bring the child into the world safely.”

Chun Zhi nodded.

He leaned against the bedpost and said softly: “Sleep. I’m right here with you.”

Chun Zhi yawned, closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep. This time she slept peacefully, and when she woke it was already late the next morning.

Sunlight spilled into the courtyard. The snow on the eaves had half melted, and water dripped, tick by tick. Chun Zhi went to the window and saw Huo Zheng practicing with his sword in the yard. Sword energy flashed and swept snow from the plum branches, and petals fluttered down like rain, filling the air with fragrance.

When he saw that she was up, Huo Zheng sheathed his sword at once, turned to her, and said: “You’re awake.”

Chun Zhi said: “I slept so long. Why didn’t you wake me?”

He replied with a faint smile: “The physician says pregnant women sleep more.” Ever since he learned she was pregnant, Huo Zheng had read many books about it and asked doctors for advice.

Chun Zhi’s lips curved. She was about to call for Qing Ye to bring hot water when she saw Huo Zheng step out. In a moment he returned carrying a basin of steaming water. He served her as she washed, moving so naturally it felt like a habit. When Qing Ye came in, Chun Zhi was already finished; the maid could only carry the basin out to pour the used water away.

They spent Little New Year’s Eve at Song Manor. The whole household was busy, and soon it was New Year’s Eve. In past years, the uncles from the Song Clan had come to the manor for the holiday. This year, after Song An Lan had nearly died and then been saved, his health was even better than before, and with Prince Chang’an living at Song Manor, none of those people dared to misbehave.

This New Year’s Eve, Song Wan’er was happier than anyone. Her elder brother’s illness had improved, and her sister and Prince Chang’an had made up. She had wanted Chun Zhi to be her sister-in-law, but fate fell a little short; being brother and sister in heart was also very good. Besides, if the child in Chun Zhi’s belly could be raised by his real father, that would be best of all.

They ate the New Year’s Eve dinner together, just the four of them: Chun Zhi, Huo Zheng, Song An Lan, and Song Wan’er. Without those uncles around to get in the way, peace filled the manor. Song Wan’er ran back and forth arranging all the dishes that she, Chun Zhi, and her elder brother liked. As for Prince Chang’an, for now he ate whatever Chun Zhi ate, and whatever she could not finish, he finished for her. The man who had once seemed cold and lofty now carried a bit of everyday warmth when he stayed by her side.

After dinner, the four of them went out into the courtyard to release sky lanterns. Song Wan’er made wish after wish, saying: “I hope Elder Brother stays healthy. I hope Sister gives birth safely. I hope every year can be like this.” The lanterns, full of wishes, rose into the night sky, and everyone at Song Manor looked up at the sky filled with lights.

Suddenly Chun Zhi cried out. A sharp pain seized her belly. She gripped her middle and said with a tight breath: “I think the baby is coming.” [Steady now. Hold on.]