Chapter 141: Before Departure (1)

After leaving the palace, Qi Ying returned to his family home. The entire family gathered in the main hall, even the rarely-seen Madam Qi emerged from her room. Everyone had waited for him for a long time, their faces beaming with joy.

After more than half a year of absence, there were quite a few changes at home.

His eldest sister-in-law, Han Ruohui, was pregnant again. It was said to be three months along and not yet showing, but his elder brother, Qi Yun, was already very cautious, always protecting his wife by her side. Hui’er had also grown up a lot. The six-year-old girl was lively and cute, having lost another tooth, making her speech sound funny. Nevertheless, as soon as she saw him, she ran over, hugged his leg, and happily called him “Second Uncle,” which was endearing. His fourth brother, Qi Le, was glowing with health. It was said that he had already exchanged birth dates with Cousin Zhao, and they would get married shortly after the New Year. His third brother had become thinner but remained spirited, everything else about him unchanged.

There was little change in his father and mother. However, his mother’s eyes welled up with tears upon seeing him return. His father comforted her with a mix of reassurance and helplessness, revealing a rare smile. His grandmother, old and frail, with silver hair, was also filled with joy. She scolded her daughter-in-law for crying on such a happy day while reaching out to call her second grandson over to speak with him.

The entire hall was filled with auspiciousness and joy.

After the gathering in the main hall dispersed, Qi Ying accompanied his father to escort his mother back to Jiaxi Hall.

Madam Yao had worried about her son for more than half a year, fearing every day that something might happen to him on the battlefield. Thus, she ate vegetarian meals daily and prayed earnestly to the Buddha for his protection. Now that she finally saw him return safely, she naturally felt immense joy and gratitude. Once back in her own domain without her mother-in-law around, she cried openly, much to the exasperation of both Qi Zhang and Qi Ying.

This bout of tears only stopped when she heard that her son would be going on another diplomatic mission to Northern Wei after the New Year. Madam Yao frowned in discontent, saying, “Why does it have to be you again? Is there no one else in this court? Everything seems to fall on you! Why don’t we all just quit our salaries and go home!”

Though her words were cathartic, they inadvertently criticized the Chancellor as well. The Left Chancellor uncomfortably coughed, his expression somewhat displeased.

This… this shouldn’t be said like that…

The Left Chancellor picked up his teacup, took a sip, leaned back slightly on the cushion next to his wife’s bed, and thought for a moment before speaking to his second son, “It’s most appropriate and stable for you to handle this matter. It will be tiring, but once it’s resolved, I’ll petition for your leave so you can come back and spend time with your mother.”

Qi Ying bowed his head in agreement.

Qi Zhang nodded, then sat upright and patted his second son’s shoulder kindly, saying, “You did an excellent job in the northern campaign. The new emperor has just ascended the throne, and this victory holds great significance for His Majesty. He will surely appreciate you for it.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Ying lowered his eyelids.

Whether Xiao Zihang would indeed feel grateful, he doubted and didn’t care much either way – he didn’t need anyone’s gratitude. As long as the country prospers and the family remains secure, that was enough.

He said nothing more, simply agreeing again.

Madam Yao had no interest in these matters of the court; she only wanted her children to be safe and prosperous. Seeing her husband pull her son aside to discuss official duties right after his return made her angry, and she started giving the Chancellor a hard time.

The Chancellor couldn’t stand his wife’s subtle jabs and immediately shut up, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. To appease her, he said, “Today is Laba Festival. Didn’t you personally cook porridge to give Jingchen? It’s just the right time.”

Sure enough, this diverted her attention.

Indeed, today was the Laba Festival.

Originally, it was one of Buddhism’s grand celebrations, marking the enlightenment day of Sakyamuni, also known as the “Dharma Treasure Festival” or “Enlightenment Assembly.” According to custom, Laba porridge should be consumed, also known as “Buddha porridge.” This festival was usually celebrated lavishly, but given the recent passing of the former emperor, the nation was in mourning, so the celebration was subdued. Each household simply cooked some porridge.

Madam Yao had indeed prepared the porridge early, waiting for her son’s return. Upon hearing the Chancellor mention it, she quickly summoned the servants to serve the porridge, forgetting to give him the cold shoulder.

Once the fragrant and glutinous porridge was served, the three of them enjoyed it together by the bedside, full of harmony and happiness.

Later, visitors came to see the Chancellor, so Qi Zhang went ahead to receive them. Madam Yao continued talking with her son but noticed he seemed somewhat distracted. She realized he must be thinking of Wenwen.

Madam Yao smiled, understanding their plight. They were at the peak of their affection, akin to honey blending seamlessly, but were forcibly separated by war, truly tormenting.

She sympathized deeply and said with a smile, “If you miss Wenwen, go back and see her. It’s been over half a year since you’ve seen each other; it must be hard on you.”

In fact, they had just met a few days ago and had been quite affectionate. Even though they hadn’t been apart for long, Qi Ying genuinely missed Shen Xiling and wanted to see her immediately.

Therefore, he didn’t decline his mother’s kindness and awkwardly said, “Then I’ll go back now... Thank you, Mother.”

Even though they had parted ways just a few days ago, that brief meeting was far from enough to quell their longing. That evening, when Qi Ying returned to Fenghe Garden, Shen Xiling was still overwhelmed with emotion, throwing herself into his arms and refusing to let go.

The servants were perceptive and silently withdrew from the room upon seeing this, leaving the two alone.

Previously, during their time in the military camp, they couldn’t control their passion. Now, being at home, they had even fewer inhibitions. Consumed by longing, they spoke briefly before kissing, eventually moving to the bed.

Although they had been intimate many times, Shen Xiling still found herself unable to resist Qi Ying’s kisses. His touch easily sent shivers of pleasure through her, and this feeling was mutual. Though he was usually aloof and reserved, he often became passionate for her. They were like dry wood and fierce fire, igniting a blaze with every touch.

However, tonight Qi Ying was very restrained. Despite the tempting sight of her smooth, round shoulders peeking out, he forced himself not to look – okay, maybe he looked a few times – alright, he did kiss her a bit – but other than that, he didn’t do anything.

Holding her tightly, he struggled with restraint. Shen Xiling also felt somewhat… uncomfortable. She nestled against him, tugging at his clothes, her beautiful eyes misty and irresistible.

Unable to withstand her gaze, Qi Ying covered her eyes with his hand. In the darkness, she heard him sigh beside her ear, “Can you be a little more obedient…”

His voice was unusually low and hoarse.

As if she had wronged him.

That voice pleased Shen Xiling, filling her with a strange sense of satisfaction. She wore a mischievous yet proud smile.

She obediently let him cover her eyes and said, “I’m the most obedient… It’s you who keeps looking for trouble.”

She was complaining about him.

Her small, pale hands fumbled with his clothes, as if inviting him for a secret rendezvous, or perhaps telling him… he didn’t have to restrain himself.

Qi Ying grew more and more agitated, unable to deal with this little girl. He could only hold her tighter.

Though he valued propriety, he wasn’t rigid. Their relationship had naturally progressed to this point. Whether things happened a little earlier or later didn’t really matter, especially since he desired her so much.

But after his diplomatic mission, they would leave Jiankang. There would inevitably be some travel and disruptions, and if she were to become pregnant, it would cause inconvenience on the road.

He still hoped she could be as safe and comfortable as possible.

Unfortunately, the young girl was naive and unappreciative, still tormenting him. Qi Ying was both amused and exasperated. He grabbed her mischievous hands and explained with a sigh, “I’m worried that if you become pregnant, it will be inconvenient for us to travel together.”

Shen Xiling had been obediently letting him cover her eyes, but upon hearing the word “pregnancy,” she perked up. She pushed his hand away, her face flushed red, her eyes wide open, seemingly dumbfounded. She looked at him, mumbling, “Pregnancy… pregnancy?”

Clearly, she had never considered this possibility before.

This child…

Qi Ying sighed again and sat up first. The little girl followed suit, and they both leaned against the headboard, semi-reclining. She naturally snuggled into his arms, listening to his amused question, “What, are you scared?”

Shen Xiling wasn’t scared; she just hadn’t thought about it before. Hearing about it now made her curious.

Pregnancy…

She would become pregnant, have his child… Then, they would have a complete family together…

With him, with her, with Little Dumpling, perfect and whole.

Shen Xiling’s eyes brightened.

She had never had a complete family growing up. Though she knew her parents loved her dearly, due to unavoidable reasons, her family was incomplete.

But soon, she would have a complete family.

With the only man she deeply loved.

He would surely be a wonderful father… So gentle and broad-minded, good at teaching, and stern when necessary – he would raise their Little Dumpling well! He could read books with Little Dumpling, teach him to ride horses, and take him to see lanterns, go on spring outings, and set off firecrackers!

All those moments from her childhood when she regretted not having a father by her side, he would be there. Their Little Dumpling would grow up happily and without any regrets.

How wonderful.

Shen Xiling was truly happy and became even more excited about life after leaving Jiankang.

She nestled in his arms, placing her small hand in his large palm. Unable to resist, she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling like a spirited little kitten, murmuring, “I’m not scared at all. I just… I just never thought about it before.”

Her cheerful demeanor delighted Qi Ying too. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, saying nothing more.

Shen Xiling, however, was still eager to talk. She held his hand, excited yet somewhat shy, and asked, “So… Master, do you prefer a boy or a girl?”

This child… Just moments ago, she acted as if she’d never considered the possibility of pregnancy, and now she was already thinking so far ahead, planning whether the child would be a boy or a girl.

Qi Ying was somewhat helpless. Upon hearing her question, he looked down at her with an amused expression, which made Shen Xiling blush even more. She stammered an explanation, “I… I was just asking. It doesn’t hurt to talk about it…”