Chapter 97
As the biting chill of winter settled in, Yunzhu found herself retreating indoors, avoiding the outside world. The frigid air and the unwieldy burden of her late-stage pregnancy made venturing out a nuisance she wasnât eager to endure.
Still, the annual ritual visit from Meng Shi and Gu Min was a highlight. They always brought Yunzhu's little niece, a bundle of energy and charm who held a special place in her heart. Yunzhu couldnât help but calculate the timeline in secret. Born in February, her nieceâs arrival coincided suspiciously with a night Yunzhu remembered all too vividlyâa night she suspected might also have planted the seed growing inside her now.
She could still picture it: the night she and Cao Xun had gone to admire the newborn. What started as an innocent visit unraveled into something far more primal. Cao Xun, misreading her casual words, had unleashed a ferocity that left her restless and on edge for nights afterward. It took timeâand effortâbefore she dared share his bed again. But oh, the bond that night had forged! It deepened her affection for her niece, making her feel an unshakable connection.
"As she grows, she looks more and more like her aunt," Yunzhu mused, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Sheâll grow into a beauty. Just watch."
Her little niece crawled across the couch with determined enthusiasm, her chubby hands gripping the edges like she owned the place. Yunzhuâs gaze softened, though her smile hinted at pride more than tenderness.
Gu Min sighed dramatically, "If only she looked more like you."
Yunzhu chuckled, but her humor sharpened when Meng Shi added with a smirk, "Thank goodness she didnât inherit her fatherâs looks."
Gu Minâs mind flashed to the towering presence of her husband, Li Yaoâa man of commanding stature but hardly known for subtlety. She glanced at her daughter, her lips curving into a smile laced with satisfaction. No regrets there.
Two days after entertaining her family, Yunzhuâs quiet reprieve was interrupted by Sun Yurong, who arrived with her son, Nian Geâer, in tow. The boyâs first birthday loomed on November 10th, and Sun Yurong came bearing an invitation. But there was concern too.
âYouâre due in a month,â she began, voice tinged with faux worry. âIf our little celebration sends you into labor, the Duke will have our heads. Stay home and send a gift instead.â
Yunzhu raised an eyebrow, her tone sharpening like a blade. âShameless, arenât you? Either forget my gift or host me at a proper banquet.â
Sun Yurongâs lips twitched in irritation. âIâm indifferent to you at the moment.â
âSpare me,â Yunzhu shot back. âYouâve been pregnant too. Itâs only a two-quarter-hour ride, and the carriage isnât bumpy.â
Sun Yurong sighed in resignation but held her ground. âFine. The invitation is sent. If the Duke doesnât mind you risking the journey, weâd love to see you thereâassuming youâre up to it, of course.â
Her words hung in the air, half a challenge, half an appeal. Yunzhu only smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. She had her answer, but she wasnât about to make it easy.
*
When Cao Xun arrived home that evening, Yunzhu handed him an invitation, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
He glanced at it, his voice calm but probing, "Do you want to go?"
She nodded, her expression a mix of eagerness and hesitation.
"Then I'll go with you," Cao Xun stated matter-of-factly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Yunzhu tilted her head, teasing yet pointed, "Arenât you worried about me? Iâm pregnant, after all. Even Yurong thinks I shouldnât be attending this kind of event."
Cao Xun's lips curled into a confident smile. "With me by your side, what is there to fear?"
The days slipped by, and soon, the Xu familyâs lavish first-year banquet was upon them.
At Duke Dingguoâs estate, their carriage had been meticulously prepared long before the event. The coachman, handpicked by Cao Xun before Yunzhuâs marriage, was a master of his craft, ensuring a ride so smooth it seemed the wheels barely touched the ground.
Inside, the carriage was a cocoon of luxury, lined with thick velvet blankets. Cao Xun helped Yunzhu inside with care, then eased himself onto the plush blanket, pulling her between his legs. She leaned back against him, her body snug against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder.
The closeness of their posture made their conversation intimate, voices low and warm.
"Todayâs the 10th of the lunar month," Yunzhu murmured. "By the 14th, the Marquis Mansionâs mourning period will be over."
She was referring to Zhang Xingjian, the Marquis of Huaiâan, who had passed away over a year ago. His wife, Liu Jing, and their children were finally emerging from the long, stifling mourning rituals.
Cao Xun pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, his voice soft yet firm. "Yes."
Yunzhu shifted slightly, her tone contemplative. "I still have a month before the baby arrives. Letâs visit them after the mourning period ends. Itâs only right."
Cao Xun agreed silently. Liu Jing, now a widow raising two children alone, deserved their support. But propriety mattered. He couldnât visit her directly without raising eyebrows, so he extended his help by inviting her family to his estate insteadâa delicate balance between generosity and maintaining appearances.
Yunzhu understood this nuance and appreciated the care with which her husband handled sensitive matters. "Sheâll know your intentions," she reassured him, her voice gentle yet assured.
Cao Xunâs gaze sharpened as he shifted the subject. "Her son, Zhang Huâhe has potential but a complicated past. The former crown prince used him and his companions ruthlessly, leveraging them to undermine his rivals. That kind of exposure can leave scars."
Yunzhuâs curiosity was piqued. "Heâs so young, though. Just sixteen next year. What do you plan to do with him?"
"Iâll keep him close for a year," Cao Xun replied with a decisive edge, "and then send him to the border. Itâs the only way to toughen him up without putting him directly in the line of fire."
"Will you tell the Emperor about this?" she asked, her tone probing but tinged with concern.
Cao Xun chuckled, brushing off her question. "You worry too much. Focus on the baby. Let me handle everything else."
Yunzhuâs hand instinctively moved to her growing belly. Her eyes locked onto his, fierce and unwavering. "How can I not worry? If youâthe Emperorâs uncleâstay safe, then my child will have a future worth fighting for."
Cao Xun leaned in, his voice dropping low and possessive. "With me here, no harm will touch either of you. Thatâs a promise."
Cao Xun placed his hand over hers.
Cao Xunâs fingers were long and firm, his palms radiating warmth as they pressed over Yunzhuâs delicate hand, his fingertips brushing softly against her abdomen. Her breaths caused their hands to rise and fall in an intimate rhythm.
Then, suddenly, a faint movement beneath the fabric caught their attentionâa quiet, undeniable shift that made Yunzhuâs eyes widen in surprise.
She glanced at Cao Xun, her gaze questioning, uncertain. But his eyes met hers, steady, gentle, and filled with an unspoken promise. "Donât worry," he murmured, his voice low and assured. "To protect you and our child, Iâll make damn sure no one abandons us. Iâll be the man you deserveâa father, a protector, everything."
From the moment heâd cradled her trembling form on their wedding night, Cao Xun had made up his mind. This woman, now his wife, would never sufferânot under his roof, not while he drew breath.
Everything sheâd ever knownâthe luxuries, the respect, the untouchable confidence she carried in her parentsâ homeâwould remain hers. She would stay as bold and untamed as ever, with no fear, no compromise, because he would ensure no one dared to diminish her light.
Husband and wifeâthey were supposed to share joys and sorrows. Yet deep down, Cao Xun didnât need her sacrifices or her strength. He wanted her heart, her fire, her unwavering affection. Did he expect her to stand by him in his darkest hour? Perhaps not. But it didnât matter. He would guard his power, his status, his prideâfor her sake, if nothing elseâso sheâd never have a reason to leave.
Yunzhuâs sharp voice cut through his thoughts, a challenge wrapped in sarcasm. "What are you trying to say? That Iâm some power-hungry woman whoâll leave you the moment you fall?"
Cao Xun chuckled, calm and unshaken. "Of course not. Youâre better than that. But if I ever lost everything, I wouldnât blame you for wanting more. Iâd even let you go willingly, so you wouldnât have to settle for a man unworthy of you."
Yunzhuâs expression hardened, skepticism flickering in her eyes. There was something too smooth, too practiced in his words. Before she could argue, he leaned closer, his tone soft but cutting. "But tell me thisâif that day ever came, would you really stay and face the storm with me?"
Her silence was answer enough, her hesitation betraying her. Smirking, Cao Xun bent to her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "See? You canât even lie to me."
Yunzhuâs cheeks flushed a furious red, her embarrassment spreading to the tips of her ears. Before she could snap back, he brushed her face with a featherlight kiss, his voice dipping into a sultry murmur. "Donât feel ashamed. I admire you for being so real. No pretense, no fake vows you donât mean."
She gritted her teeth, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Fine, but donât think you get off so easily. Letâs flip the script. What if I were the one to changeâif I became scarred, ugly, and unrecognizable? Would you still look at me the same?"
Without missing a beat, Cao Xun answered, "Without question."
Her laughter was sharp and disbelieving as she slapped his chest, her voice laced with playful venom. "Youâre not just vain, youâre a liar!"
Outside the carriage, the coachman couldnât help but grin as the Dukeâs deep, unrestrained laughter echoed into the crisp air, filled with the kind of joy only Yunzhu could summon.
*
After leveraging favors from Sun Yurong and Liu Jing, Yunzhu continued to raise her child at home, while also engaging in various activities. Each morning, Cao Xun would accompany Yunzhu for a walk before heading out. He would promptly return home to be with her, seldom socializing with others. Even Emperor Xining in the palace knew that his uncle was now focused on two things: state affairs and his wife.
In the twelfth lunar month, according to the doctor, the baby could potentially arrive at any moment.
Though Cao Xun desired to remain at home at all times and had important duties to attend to, he couldn't ignore his responsibilities. Furthermore, he knew his presence wouldn't make much of a difference. Whenever he expressed a desire "I would stay with you," Yunzhu would promptly shoo him away.
Before they knew it, it was already the middle of the twelfth lunar month.
The court granted officials annual leave, allowing Cao Xun to finally stay with his wife every day.
Yet, their child seemed to have no intention of entering the world to meet his parents. Unaware of his father's growing anxiety, the baby remained firmly nestled in his mother's body, as immovable as a mountain.
Cao Xun was enduring it as best as he could. After the doctor checked the pulse that day, he couldn't help but inquire about Yunzhu behind her back, "The baby is already full term and not yet born. Could it be..."
The doctor smiled reassuringly and said, "Do not worry, your wife's pulse is normal, and both mother and son are fine."
Despite the Duke's concerns, he couldn't intervene in this matter and couldn't display his worry in front of Yunzhu.
In his absence, Yunzhu confided in her mother, "If the child is not born soon, I think he will lose his mind. Last night, I just shifted a little and he immediately sat up, startling me."
Meng shi envisioned the situation and remarked with a smile, "After all, he is also a first-time father. No matter how extensive his experience in officialdom is, it is of no use in this situation. Besides, he is nervous because he cares for you both. When meeting a wife like you, I do not know how indignant he would be if you simply screamed and slept by yourself while pregnant."
Yunzhu smiled, expressing her supposed displeasure towards Cao Xun, but inwardly feeling content.
To pacify her son-in-law, Meng shi sought assistance from Li Yong to speak with Cao Xun.
Li Yong was unable to convey much, primarily because Cao Xun held a more composed stance than him in the political arena, leaving him unable to assert his influence in front of Cao Xun.
However, Li Yong still felt the need to show concern, so he sent his eldest son, who was already a father himself, to be with them.
Li Yao was forthright and zealous, and he happily accepted the invitation. He even brought up the idea of sharing two altars of Immortal Drunk, intending to drink and converse with his brother-in-law.
Unexpectedly, during Cao Xun's hospitality, Li Yao promptly set the wine jar on the ground, stating, "I need to take care of Yunzhu tonight. Drinking might cause some complications."
Li Yao likely had other reasons for his anxiety. He readily agreed to take care of his sister and enjoyed his own drink while exchanging experiences with Cao Xun, "Do not be agitated; being worried will not help. I also find it pointless to practice swordplay in the yard by myself, so just send somone to fetch me, and I will spar with you."
Cao Xun recalled the day when Gu Min gave birth to a daughter. He accompanied Yunzhu to the Duke of Ningguo's Mansion to wait for news. In the yard, he witnessed Li Yao pacing back and forth anxiously, and finally, he lay down outside the window of the delivery room.
When Gu Min cried out, he also cried out "A Min" and he continued to cry as the child was born and let out a cry from inside the room...
After dinner, Cao Xun sent Li Yao away and continued to stand guard for Yunzhu in the backyard.
The couple lay on the bed. Yunzhu asked about what her brother had said, asking Cao Xun about Li Yao's superficial words. Cao Xun mentioned that even he himself couldn't do what Li Yao had promised.
Yunzhu responded, "Elder brother cares about you as well. He wouldn't care about anyone else."
Cao Xun nodded, "Yes, when you give birth, I will have a drink with him."
Yunzhu chuckled, "Drink until you reek of alcohol. You and my brother can sleep together in the guest room for the night."
Cao Xun hugged her from behind, "Then I won't drink anymore and I'll sleep with you all night."
Yunzhu was content and peacefully fell asleep to the sound of his rhythmic breathing.
*
Yunzhu couldn't say how long it had been when she suddenly felt a slight pain, sharp enough to wake her up, yet still within a bearable range.
Beside her, she could hear Cao Xun's steady breath.
Her mother, sister-in-law, and Sun Yurong had previously briefed her on the birthing process. Yunzhu had made all necessary preparations, feeling neither panic nor fear. There were even moments where she believed this might be another false alarm. She lay quietly, silently counting the labor pains.
At times, they were regular, while at others, they lingered for a long time. Half-asleep, she patiently awaited the break of dawn.
After breakfast, the pain finally became evident on Yunzhu's face and she could no longer conceal it.
The midwife and the doctor instructed the maids to get ready, and the concierge was dispatched to notify the Duke of Ningguo. Cao Xun accompanied Yunzhu, slowly strolling the yard.
As the pain intensified, Yunzhu halted. Cao Xun leaned over to observe her face.
Yunzhu cast a resentful gaze at him as her eyes gradually dulled.
With no other choice, Cao Xun asked, "Is it painful?"
Yunzhu found it indescribable.
Cao Xun fell silent for a moment, then suddenly pinched his left wrist. "I can't alleviate your pain, but I can share it with you."
Yunzhu looked at him in disbelief, then rolled up his sleeves, uncovering a red mark on the fair skin inside his arm.
She attempted to pinch him, but the unbearable pain caused her to release her grip. However, she couldn't leave behind any marks as profound as Cao Xun's.
In frustration, she exclaimed, "What good is it for you to feel this pain? You might as well say some soothing words to comfort me."
Cao Xun also longed to offer comforting words, but observing her furrowed brow and obvious discomfort, he found himself unable to conjure up false sentiments.
When Meng Shi and the others arrived, Yunzhu was assisted into the delivery room by two midwives. The men waited in the courtyard.
Gu Min emerged once and quietly spoke to Li Yao. Upon returning, Li Yao relayed to Cao Xun, "The midwife indicated that Yunzhu's labor is progressing smoothly. She may give birth around noon. Let's not be too anxious."
As Li Yao spoke, his feet seemed to falter. Yunzhu was his beloved sister since childhood, and he was equally nervous!
Compared to Li Yao's visible unease, Cao Xun appeared much calmer. He stood resolutely in the courtyard, as steady as a pine tree, with a composed countenance as he gazed at the doors and windows of the delivery room.
Uncomfortable with the sight, Li Yao went to his father and voiced his displeasure softly.
Having observed for a while, Li Yong noticed his son-in-law making subtle movements with his hands behind his back, apparently a method to release tension. People display anxiety differently; in any case, Li Yong held the belief that his son-in-law was not as indifferent as his son claimed.
Time seemed to stretch out indefinitely.
Li Yong and his son exchanged positions several times, and Cao Xun also sat in the main room outside the delivery room, his right hand always resting on his left arm.
Finally, while others were having lunch, the sound of a baby crying resonated from the Duke Dingguo Mansion.
Li Yong and his son both released a sigh of relief, and Cao Shao, who was left waiting outside due to his status, also felt the burden lift from his shoulders.
At the doorway of the delivery room, Cao Xun stood up upon hearing the merry voices of the midwives announcing the birth of the baby, his gaze fixed intently on the door curtain.
Soon, Meng shi emerged, a swaddled bundle cradled in her arms.
Laughter, like a warm wave, emanated from her mother-in-law, urging Cao Xun forward. He took the swaddling clothes with a tenderness that belied his anxious gaze, never once shifting his attention from the delivery room.
Two quarters of an hour later, the door swung open. Cao Xun, the first to enter, found Yunzhu radiant, the afterglow of childbirth painting her face. Her smile, soft and reassuring, dispelled his lingering worry. "It went much smoother than I thought," she whispered, her voice infused with relief.
Beside the rumpled bed, Cao Xun perched on a chair, his gaze tracing the lines of worry etched on her brow and the damp tendrils of hair clinging to her skin. Unsure of words, he reached out, his touch a gentle weight on her shoulders, careful not to press too deeply.
Yunzhu, finding solace in the warmth of his embrace, smiled faintly. "Waiting outside, were you? Anxious?"
His voice, a low murmur in her ear, carried a quiet conviction: "It's alright." The calmness in his tone seemed at odds with the memory of him pinching his own arm earlier. She nudged him, urging him to sit up, then gently asked him to rolled up his sleeves.
Cao Xun's smile was a tart mask. "No need for a pinch," he said, his voice laced with defiance. "I'm well aware of your displeasure."
Yunzhu's gaze held his, her challenge clear. "Awareness isn't enough, is it? Show me."
A beat of silence. Then, with a deliberate sigh, Cao Xun rolled up his sleeve.
Yunzhu's eyes met the inflamed flesh, the angry red edged with purple, the telltale stain blooming on the fabric beneath. She looked away, the air thick with unspoken emotions.
Cao Xun gently lowered his sleeves, gathering his wife close once more. His voice, a soft murmur against her ear, soothed, "We bear the weight of this together, both the pain and the resolve. Though your burdens remain, know that mine lighten with each step we take hand-in-hand."
Yunzhu, tempted to argue his foolishness, found herself moved by his unwavering dedication.
Their eyes locked, his crinkled in a tender smile, as he leaned in for a kiss. In that moment, the promise of a shared journey, through joy and sorrow, bloomed, painting their future with the colors of love.