Chapter 20: The Grand Princess Is Pregnant
Translated and hosted by bcatranslation
One evening, Madam Xu found herself in Deshan Hall, summoned by her formidable mother-in-law. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a potential marriage between the esteemed top scholar Gu Ling and Lu Wan Yi. Although advanced in years, the elder matriarch wielded substantial influence within the family. Madam Xu, distinguished by her third-grade ladyship royal title, was tasked with advocating on behalf of the family for this union, her presence alone adding considerable prestige to Lu Wan Yi’s prospects.
“Mother-in-law,” Madam Xu began with a frankness befitting her status, “while Gu Ling’s talents are indisputable, he is hardly the best match for Wan Yi. She deserves someone far superior!” Her opposition was rooted in deep concern for Wan Yi’s lifelong happiness. “Marrying him would be a decision she might regret indefinitely. Having raised her as though she were my own daughter, how could I possibly steer her towards such a fate?”
Her mother-in-law responded sharply, her words slicing through the tension in the room. “Your involvement in her upbringing doesn’t alter the fact that she is not your daughter. It seems your objection might be influenced by bitterness, perhaps due to your inability to accept the rejection of your own son’s marriage proposal. It appears you find it difficult to wish Wan Yi well.”
The discussion concluded with palpable bitterness, leaving the two women entrenched in a silent standoff. Nonetheless, Madam Xu had strategically ensured her objections were heard throughout the household, creating a deliberate distance from the proposed arrangement.
The following day, under the elderly lady’s directive, further inquiries confirmed Gu Ling as a beneficial match for Wan Yi, despite his modest social stature. The union was arranged quickly, the swiftness reflecting the Lu family’s urgency to secure the marriage.
On the brink of her twentieth birthday, Lu Wan Yi found her wedding scheduled just three months away. While the household buzzed with excitement, Madam Xu’s displeasure was barely veiled.
Meanwhile, amidst the family dynamics, the infant Lu Chao Chao, only five months old, remained blissfully unaware, her world filled with simple pleasures. Despite the visible discontent around her, Madam Xu found secret joy in the situation, often awakening from dreams with laughter.
As the seasons shifted, so did Lu Chao Chao’s wardrobe, her delicate arms resembling tender lotus roots. Her ethereal charm was accentuated by a noticeable red birthmark on her forehead.
During the Lantern Festival, Lu Chao Chao listened keenly to the maids discussing the celebrations, her desire to explore beyond her immediate surroundings growing evident. Now capable of sitting and vocalizing, though clumsily, she exhibited growth and curiosity about her environment.
The household was stirred once again when Deng Zhi, radiating happiness, informed Madam Xu of the grand princess’s pregnancy. “Really?” Madam Xu exclaimed, grasping her head maid’s hand tightly. “Blessed by the Buddha, indeed. After fourteen years of marriage and her continuous charitable acts, she has finally been blessed with a child.” This news added a layer of joy and hope amidst ongoing preparations and personal reflections.
Madam Xu’s connection to the royal family was unique, often visiting the palace due to her father’s esteemed position as royal tutor. Her deep, enduring bond with the grand princess began during their shared childhoods within those grand halls.
“Quick, prepare a congratulatory gift. Has the palace been informed yet?” Madam Xu asked, barely containing her excitement.
“They have been notified. The pregnancy is still in its early stages, and our household was among the first to be informed. A messenger was dispatched to the palace shortly after,” Deng Zhi clarified, highlighting the significance of the information.
The relationship between Madam Xu and the grand princess intrigued Deng Zhi, particularly since the grand princess seemed to hold Madam Xu in high regard, evidenced even by the sharing of her pregnancy news.
Caught off guard by the news, Madam Xu inquired further, “How far along is she?”
“Exactly three months today,” replied Deng Zhi, having confirmed this detail meticulously.
Madam Xu’s gaze turned to Lu Chao Chao, who was innocently amusing herself on the bed. It struck her that three months prior, the grand princess had expressed a desire for a child during a visit with Chao Chao.
Deng Zhi added, “The grand princess also mentioned she wishes to send a substantial gift to thank the little miss.”
This connection between the grand princess and Chao Chao, born amidst peril, was deemed by Madam Xu as a matter of fate, not to be widely publicized. “The bond between the grand princess and Chao Chao is a matter of fate, not to be widely discussed,” she insisted, determined to protect Chao Chao’s privacy.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Deng Zhi nodded in agreement.
Resolved to visit personally, Madam Xu acknowledged the significance of the grand princess’s pregnancy and the depth of their friendship. It was the least she could do to show her support.
Just then, Lu Yuan Xiao burst into the room, fresh from his studies and eager to spend time by his sister’s cradle, where he had been diligently reciting books daily.
“Yuan Xiao, today I need you to take extra care of your sister. She’s begun to crawl, and we must ensure she doesn’t fall. I might return quite late,” Madam Xu instructed, confident in the bond between her children.
Lu Yuan Xiao responded with enthusiasm, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll look after her well,” his voice filled with pride. Despite knowing his recitations might not match his sister’s ability to absorb and understand, his role as her brother filled him with a unique sense of pride and responsibility. He laughed, a mixture of amusement and resignation, acknowledging his sister’s remarkable learning capacity, which seemed to overshadow his own efforts, yet bolstering his determination to be the best brother he could be.
“Little Chao Chao, your third brother has come to visit you once again,” he announced with a hint of amusement in his voice, pausing to listen to his sister’s chatter before entering the connecting room. Glancing around, he noticed the maids stationed outside, giving them a moment of privacy.
Seizing the opportunity for some mischief, Lu Yuan Xiao proposed a playful bargain, “Do you want to go out and play? If you give your brother a kiss, I’ll sneak you out. What do you say?” His grin was mischievous, reminiscent of a wolf donning the guise of a grandmother from classic tales.
The eight-month-old Lu Chao Chao, unable to contain her excitement, pleaded with her brother. [Brother, dear brother, please take me out!] Her anticipation was palpable, heightened by the allure of the lantern festival—an event she longed to witness not just for the spectacle, but to observe the young couples that would be out and about.
Ahem, or more accurately, she was keen to observe the young men and women in the crowd.
She reached out to him with arms as delicate as lotus roots, her anticipation evident in her shining eyes.
As Lu Yuan Xiao lifted her into his arms, he was struck by her substantial weight, which he found oddly comforting. “Goodness, seems like all this muscle I carry has its perks!” he thought, amused at the notion of his sister being both a burden and a treasure.
Lu Chao Chao planted a kiss on her brother’s cheek, leaving behind a trail of drool—a sign of her affection that made Lu Yuan Xiao’s eyes crinkle with happiness. Her sweetness and softness were incomparable.
“Not enough, try to woo your brother a bit more,” he teased, enjoying their playful interaction.
After a moment of thoughtful sucking on her fingers, Lu Chao Chao, with a face scrunched up in contemplation, hesitantly offered her drool-covered finger to him. [Here, I managed to grab a bowl at noon with my hands, and there’s still some flavor of the meat on my fingers… I’ll… share it with you] she said, her big eyes filled with reluctance and a hint of protest. This was a precious offering from her, especially considering she had eyed the meat bowl for quite some time before she could finally grab it.
Lu Yuan Xiao couldn’t contain his laughter at the gesture, his heart swelling with love for his sister’s adorable antics. “Eat it, eat it, I won’t fight you for it,” he chuckled, tears of laughter streaming down his face.
Flashing a toothless grin, Lu Chao Chao withdrew her finger, her innocence and charm overwhelming.
“Chao Chao, you should try to suck on your fingers less. They might become smaller and turn pale,” Lu Yuan Xiao advised gently as he prepared two sets of clothes for her, considering the warm weather, and changed her diaper. Over time, he had become quite adept at caring for his sister.
He then informed the maids, Jue Xia and Ying Xue, that his sister would be taking a nap and that he would stay with her. He asked them not to disturb them unless necessary, creating the perfect cover to sneak out while his sister rested.
The maids nodded in agreement, and with the door closed, Lu Yuan Xiao skillfully carried his sister on his back, quietly opened the window, and leapt out into the freedom beyond.
[Wahhh, the scent of freedom! How exhilarating…] Lu Chao Chao exclaimed with joy, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of adventure as they embarked on their secret outing together.