Chapter 30

◎She is carrying twins◎

Having spent so long at the horse farm, Xue Lingyu felt covered in dust when she returned home and was eager to take a bath.

Jiang He was a very good rider and didn't make Xue Lingyu feel any jolted. However, her hands kept getting inappropriate, and with so many people watching in the riding arena, Xue Lingyu was too embarrassed to say anything openly.

When he took a bath, he noticed red marks on his waist, which must have been caused by Jiang He's rough handling.

Back in his room, he was still angry and deliberately ignored Jiang He.

Jiang He looked at him, who seemed to have been bullied, and even turned his back to her. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused him to become so temperamental.

"What's wrong?" Jiang He took the initiative to move closer, put her arm around Xue Lingyu's waist, and turned his gaze to her.

Xue Lingyu still had the warmth of his bath on him, and his hair wasn't completely dry, still feeling a bit damp. Jiang He lowered her head to sniff his fair neck and smelled a very fragrant scent.

She lingered there, so engrossed in the moment, that she lay down on Xue Lingyu's collarbone and refused to move.

Xue Lingyu was held in her arms and could not struggle. She pouted and complained, "My waist is covered with red marks you left during the day. The servants saw them when I was bathing."

Jiang He's lips lightly brushed against Xue Lingyu's fair skin, and she said in a way that left no room for questioning, "Then next time only I am allowed to see."

Even though she was so shameless, Xue Lingyu couldn't do anything about her.

In the end, Jiang He slowly untied his clothes, and the two of them warmed each other.

Jiang He carefully controlled her strength to avoid injuring Xue Lingyu.

Perhaps it was because her state of mind was different from usual, but Xue Lingyu didn't feel any pain this time. Instead, she experienced a taste of joy for the first time.

When it was all over, Xue Lingyu had to go to the bathhouse again.

Jiang He went along too, but she helped him dry his hair without doing so again, out of consideration for Xue Lingyu's health.

Emperor Wei was diligent in his duties, unlike those incompetent rulers who indulged in the beauty of the harem and neglected state affairs. Otherwise, the previous dynasty would never have stood by and watched her favor Jiang Wanyi.

Male beauty may be alluring, but it can also be a gentle knife, tempting emperors to depravity.

After careful consideration, the Emperor finally decided on the list of officials to be promoted and their positions to be filled, which was submitted by the Ministry of Personnel yesterday.

The most surprising thing is that the current Prefect of Jingzhao, Su Yawan, was promoted to Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, a second-rank official, and was in charge of the finances and taxes of the cities surrounding the capital.

The order caused an uproar in the previous dynasty.

The cities surrounding Kyoto are strategically important, and taxation is of paramount importance. Yet, this task was entrusted to a commoner with no background or connections. It's unclear what the Emperor was thinking.

Although Su Yawan is exceptionally talented, his seniority is considerably less than that of others.

The emperor, however, defied all objections and declared that the imperial decree was unchangeable.

Not long after Su Yawan learned of her promotion, the palace officials came to announce the imperial edict, summoning her to the palace.

Su Yawan was also very curious. Logically speaking, it would be good enough if she were given some honorary title that would look good on the surface and not offend other powerful families. But Emperor Wei actually gave her the position of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief.

It was clear that they intended to give her an important position, and even promote her to a confidante.

Emperor Wei always believed in trusting those he employed and not employing those he distrusted.

Three years ago, she personally selected Su Yawan as the top scholar, precisely because she cherished talent. Moreover, Su Yawan is now virtuous and talented, and has a good relationship with the Jiang family. In order to pave the way for the child of her beloved, she must make plans early.

By cultivating trusted confidants in the court, she can avoid widespread opposition when she decides to establish a crown princess.

In Emperor Wei’s view, one’s background does not determine a person’s character. Even if Jiang Wanyi were a penniless beggar, it would not stop her from having him in her heart.

Inside the imperial study, Su Yawan, dressed in official robes, kowtowed to the emperor, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Please rise, Minister Su." The Emperor smiled at Su Yawan. "I still remember your essay on the people's livelihood three years ago, which really impressed me. I haven't seen anyone who can analyze the people's livelihood so thoroughly in a long time. Minister Su's vision is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Su Yawan rose as ordered by the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty flatters me. I did not expect Your Majesty to still remember me."

Su Yawan hadn't expected that she would leave such a deep impression on the Emperor, since during the three years she served as the Prefect of Jingzhao, she rarely had the opportunity to meet the Emperor alone.

“I naturally value talented people.” The Emperor looked at Su Yawan with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"My promotion of you to Right Vice Censor-in-Chief this time was actually partly motivated by personal reasons." Under Su Yawan's questioning gaze, the Emperor dismissed the palace servants and said slowly, "I heard from Attendant Jiang that you are on good terms with Jiang He, so you must be somewhat familiar with commerce. Therefore, I have assigned you to be in charge of taxation. I hope you will not disappoint me, Minister Su."

This move was not only to promote Su Yawan, but also to elevate the Jiang family and secretly cultivate loyal followers for the Jiang family and the nobles in the palace.

Su Yawan understood the unspoken meaning behind Wei Di's words.

She kowtowed respectfully again, saying, "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to ensure that you do not disappoint me."

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction: "In that case, I am relieved. However, I have not yet found a suitable candidate to replace you as the Prefect of the Capital. I will have to trouble Minister Su to continue to serve in this position for a while longer."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Su Yawan couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Once this news gets out, I wonder how many people will be envious of her.

Despite receiving such a great honor, Suyawan remained calm and did not become arrogant.

The Emperor was recently troubled by the Fifth Prince. Seeing that Su Yawan was also a promising young man, he had an idea. "I wonder if Minister Su is married?"

Su Yawan paused for a moment, then replied truthfully, "No."

She didn't know why the Emperor would ask her such a question, but Su Yawan's first thought was the Fifth Prince who had been bothering Jiang He recently. The Emperor doted on this only younger brother and had spent a lot of effort selecting outstanding young men from noble families for him.

She was born into a family of commoners, and the idea of ​​marrying a prince was something she never dared to dream of, let alone the infamous Fifth Prince.

Emperor Wei did indeed have this idea. Su Yawan was Jiang He's good friend. If she married the Fifth Prince, the Fifth Prince would definitely give up his feelings for Jiang He.

Su Yawan comes from a humble background. If she marries a prince, he will certainly not mistreat her. Moreover, given Su Yawan's abilities, she will surely be able to secure an imperial title for the fifth prince in the future.

Just as the emperor was about to speak, a eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, someone from Consort Jiang's palace says that Consort Jiang is unwell and would like to invite you to come over."

Emperor Wei's expression changed drastically. He only instructed Su Yawan to discuss it another day before rushing over.

In the eyes of the Emperor, the child in Jiang Wanyi's womb was already the future Crown Princess. This matter was of great importance and concerned the national dignity, and there could be no mistakes.

Jiang Wanyi must not have any accidents happen to her.

After Jiang Wanyi became pregnant, she started experiencing morning sickness. She couldn't eat anything and only wanted to eat sour things all day long, but it was only mild and she could still control it. However, she didn't know why she vomited for a long time today and didn't drink a drop of water for half a day.

The palace servants were anxious and went to report to the young emperor.

The imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy also rushed over upon hearing the news.

With so many people present, Jiang Wanyi felt a little guilty. He wiped his mouth, suppressed his stomach discomfort, and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I'm fine. I heard from palace maids who have given birth that pregnant men always have to go through this. I'll get used to it after vomiting for a while."

His hands were extremely cold, and the Emperor couldn't help but frown, but he refused to say a word of blame. He simply patted his back gently, wanting him to feel more comfortable.

"I can't bear to see you even slightly unwell, Wanyi. Don't push yourself. I'll stay with you. Let the imperial physician examine you."

As the emperor spoke, he glanced at the imperial physician behind him, who immediately stepped forward to examine Jiang Wanyi's pulse.

Jiang Wanyi did not object. He had just consulted the imperial physician, who said that as long as he took good care of himself, he would be able to give birth to the child smoothly.

You might encounter some hardships along the way, but they are not major problems.

Either way, the result is the same.

"Your Majesty!" The imperial physician, after taking her pulse for a while, suddenly knelt down and exclaimed excitedly, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, the Lady is carrying twins!"

Jiang Wanyi suddenly loosened her grip on the handkerchief, clearly surprised.

Instead of being overjoyed by the twins, Emperor Wei asked, "Then why is he in so much pain?"

The imperial physician said, "Twins are a difficult pregnancy, and Your Highness's health is not very good, so discomfort is inevitable. Remember to rest well and keep a good mood."

Jiang Wanyi asked in confusion, "Why wasn't it diagnosed as twins before?"

The imperial physician further explained, "Twins are usually not diagnosed until after three months. Your Highness must be extra careful during your pregnancy. If you experience any discomfort, please speak up immediately. Fortunately, this is just normal morning sickness, and Your Highness's health is fine."

Emperor Wei's expression softened upon hearing that Jiang Wanyi was unharmed.

She held Jiang Wanyi's hand tightly, exclaiming sincerely, "Wanyi, you are truly my lucky star."

For many years, no one in the harem had given birth to an imperial heir, but unexpectedly, Jiang Wanyi was able to conceive twins at once.

Such good fortune is not something that ordinary people can have.

Jiang Wanyi's complexion was not good, and her hands were trembling, but she still forced a smile at the Emperor, "Your Majesty is my lucky star."

Twins are an auspicious sign. The Emperor ignored the opposition from the previous dynasty and directly issued an edict appointing Jiang Wanyi as a first-rank attendant, allowing her to rest assured during her pregnancy.

As the Jiang family's fortunes rise, they are on the verge of becoming related to the imperial family through marriage.

After leaving the palace, Su Yawan was preoccupied and did not go home immediately. Instead, she drove to find Jiang He.

She recounted the scene of being summoned today: "Today I was in the Imperial Study when His Majesty brought up my marriage. It seemed he wanted to betroth the Fifth Prince to me, but Brother Wanyi seemed to be unwell, so His Majesty left in a hurry."

She had only heard that Jiang Wanyi was favored before, but now that she had seen with her own eyes how much the Emperor valued him, she believed it.

Jiang Wanyi stroked the wine glass. "News has come from the palace that my brother is pregnant with twins."

Su Yawan's fingers trembled involuntarily.

Jiang He looked at her face and said, "You and I have been friends for many years. You should know what His Majesty means. The Jiang family used to be merchants, but it is impossible for them to remain just merchants in the future."

Su Yawan felt a mix of emotions, but said calmly, "I would help you based on our past relationship, not to mention that Brother Wanyi saved my life."

Back then, she mistakenly entered the palace of Consort Xue. If it weren't for Jiang Wanyi's rescue, she probably wouldn't have survived.

Lady Xue was of noble status and was respected by the Emperor at the time, while she was just an ordinary person.

A note from the author:

I've recently been obsessed with the "Tianshui Apple Guy" on Douyin (TikTok) with his catchphrase, "Tianshui apples, Tianshui people, wanna eat some, baby?" So I suddenly had this idea to do a giveaway and pick one lucky person to eat Tianshui apples with me! Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 2022-01-13 20:38:26 and 2022-01-14 20:58:27!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Wang Junkai's Little Sweetie (10 bottles); Dongpiao and &a (4 bottles); Wanyi Rongfeng and 57028157 (1 bottle each);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!

◎Latest Comments:

Words cannot express my feelings; I can only try my best to nourish you with nutrient solution. Can you feel my boundless affection?

I really like both the female lead, the male lead, and the emperor/brother pair!

I'll raise them and see who Su and my brother like respectively.

[Speaking of which, does "Taifu" mean "Taifei"? Wasn't Xue Taifu the Phoenix Prince before? What should we call the Prince after that? "Taijun" sounds so Japanese, haha]

I want to know, what happened to that Dr. Xue...?

[Waaaaah, Wan Yi and her boyfriend are so sweet!]

[People from Tianshui came paddling across the river, hahaha]

[The author's imagination is amazing! Grab a bottle of nutrient solution and let's keep brainstorming!]

Apple Apple

I've already uninstalled TikTok.

Hahaha, great!

Seeing that my brother is pregnant with twins, but his health isn't very good, I'm so afraid that childbirth will be like being stabbed by a giant knife (○Д○)

[Go go go go go go go!]

I want to know, what happened to that Dr. Xue...?

I really love Emperor Wei and Jiang Wanyi as a couple. I think Emperor Wei is one of the better emperors in terms of love and family. For example, I think he's very good to Jiang Wanyi. I hope Emperor Wei and Jiang Wanyi can have a happy ending!

-over-