Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 102

They returned to the palace after the meal. Qin Ling seemed lost in thought the whole way, not speaking or looking around. She might’ve stumbled if Xiao Yu hadn’t been holding onto her the entire time.

Seeing her solemn expression, Xiao Yu asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

Qin Ling snapped out of her thoughts, “Nothing, nothing.” She just wanted to wait until seeing the physician tomorrow.

By the time they returned, it was already late. Xiao Yun had already gone to bed. Xiao Yu went to his room and left a bow he had personally made by his bedside.

The imperial couple washed up together in the inner chamber and retired to bed. Qin Ling slipped under the covers, turned away from him, and closed her eyes without a word.

Xiao Yu gazed at the back of her head, perplexed. “What’s really going on with you? Weren’t you fine just a while ago?”

“Nothing,” Qin Ling said lightly. “Your Majesty, rest early. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Xiao Yu placed his hand on her back, massaging the area between her shoulder blades with his fingertips. He prodded gently, but she didn’t turn around.

It had to be admitted that this emperor, despite being adept at managing state affairs, had never dealt with women’s emotions before. Xiao Yu suddenly lifted her and pulled her into his embrace.

The man’s long lashes drooped. His large hands, unusually restrained today, refrained from exploring elsewhere. Only a flurry of delicate kisses landed on Qin Ling’s neck and lips.

Men and women were inherently different. In no time at all, Qin Ling sensed the dangerous heat and hastily pushed him away.

Xiao Yu raised a hand, murmuring, “Ah Ling, I didn’t mean to…”

Before he could finish, a wave of nausea surged through Qin Ling’s chest. “I…”

Xiao Yu propped himself up on the bed, meeting her gaze, his voice hoarse. “What’s wrong with you? Let’s talk…”

Qin Ling couldn’t help but retch lightly, raising a hand to cover her mouth faintly. “I might have it.”

Having given birth before, she wasn’t as naive as when carrying Xiao Yun. Last month’s cycle hadn’t arrived, and she sensed something was amiss. It wasn’t until that feeling of aversion to food arrived just now that she guessed, with near certainty, that she was expecting.

However, men were always slow on the uptake in such matters. “What do you mean?” Xiao Yu asked.

Qin Ling spoke softly, “I might be expecting.”

Xiao Yu’s furrowed brow deepened. “Expecting?”

Qin Ling was choked by this man’s slowness, her voice rising instantly. “Pregnant! A child! I might be pregnant!”

Each word from her struck him precisely in the heart.

Xiao Yu understood now, his arm trembling with a sudden shiver. Even though it would be their second child, he was still as if experiencing it for the first time, utterly shaken. His whole being visibly shrank at an alarming rate—

He swallowed, staring at her blankly, “…”

Qin Ling continued, “I haven’t confirmed it yet, but… my cycle didn’t come last month.”

Xiao Yu immediately sat up and pushed open the door with a bang. “Summon the imperial physician!”

Eunuch Sheng, being older and prone to dozing off in winter, was beginning to nod off. But upon hearing the emperor calling for the imperial physician at such a late hour, a barely perceptible smile surfaced, instantly brightening his eyes.

Physician Ning was leisurely gazing at the moon, contemplating a poem, when Eunuch Sheng stood at the entrance to the medical hall.

Eunuch Sheng said, “Could I trouble Physician Ning to come with me?”

Physician Ning set down his pen, experienced in his movements as he packed items into a medicine case. Anxious, Eunuch Sheng urged, “Physician Ning, please hurry. His Majesty is in a rush…”

Physician Ning weighed a bottle in his hand and said, “You’re saying I shouldn’t prepare a sobering potion?” Every Mid-Autumn Festival, His Majesty indulged until thoroughly intoxicated.

Eunuch Sheng tapped his forehead and said to Physician Ning, “Oh my, we need you to make a trip to Jingren Palace!”

Jingren Palace?

Physician Ning followed Eunuch Sheng to Jingren Palace, utterly confused.

Placing a white silk cloth on Qin Ling’s wrist, Physician Ning closed his eyes and felt her pulse. The royal heir was of utmost importance, and for the sake of his head, he confirmed and reconfirmed multiple times before speaking, “Congratulations, Your Majesty, and congratulations, Your Ladyship. Your Ladyship indeed has the pulse of pregnancy.”

The emperor, usually wearing a stern expression, couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile.

Eunuch Sheng hurriedly ushered Physician Ning away.

Though she was mentally prepared, when Qin Ling heard the words “pregnancy pulse,” she still froze for a moment. She couldn’t help but cover her abdomen involuntarily.

This meant… she was carrying a child.

This pregnancy was tougher for Qin Ling than the previous one, with severe morning sickness. Every visit, Physician Ning felt the emperor’s gaze like a sharp sword poised at his neck, chilling and unrelenting.

Medications were ineffective against the morning sickness, so they relied on dietary changes for relief. Yet, the various delicacies prepared daily in Jingren Palace kitchen had limited effect. Every time Qin Ling experienced morning sickness, Xiao Yu’s heart seemed to ache in tandem. It felt as though his soul had remained behind in Jingren Palace.

Although Qin Ling always said, “Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, there’s no need to come every day,” he persisted. Regardless of how late it was or even if she had fallen asleep, he would return to accompany her.

Yangxin Hall was filled with never-ending state affairs, reports from the borders arriving nonstop. In the stillness of the night, he gazed at her delicate figure and suddenly felt that even though the world revered him as a deity, all he could do was offer a glass of water, tuck in the covers—actually, he couldn’t assist much.

One late autumn evening, as usual, Xiao Yu returned to Jingren Palace.

She was still asleep.

Zhu Xin said, “Her Ladyship has been vomiting whatever she eats these days, feeling extremely weak. She didn’t have lunch and fell asleep. I didn’t dare to wake her.”

Xiao Yu murmured, “You may leave.”

The doors closed slightly, and she slept through until the wee hours, covered in sweat.

Knowing her penchant for cleanliness, Xiao Yu arranged for hot water to be brought in. When Qin Ling groggily awoke, the man was using a cloth to wipe her down.

Flustered, Qin Ling said, “Your Majesty, what are you doing?”

He gently held her ankle, “I heard you didn’t eat anything today. What’s going on?”

Qin Ling pulled her foot away from his grasp and sat, lowering her gaze. “I have no appetite.”

“Seeing you losing weight these past few days,” Xiao Yu looked at her abdomen, “perhaps… no more pregnancy after this.”

It was just an ordinary exchange, two sentences, yet it struck a chord in the pregnant woman. Without warning, tears began to flow, not just silently welling up, but sobbing uncontrollably…

The tears struck the man’s heart like thunder.

Xiao Yu held her close, soothing her back, but she remained unresponsive in his arms.

After some thought, Xiao Yu tentatively said, “This time, before the baby moves, I’ll definitely be with you.”

Tears fell like raindrops, she choked, “You can’t lie to me…”

“Alright, I promise you.” Xiao Yu gently patted her shoulder, his tone akin to coaxing a child.

This month passed swiftly, and it was already the end of the tenth month.

Qin Ling’s pregnancy had finally stabilized.

Although preparations for the expedition prevented the ceremony, Xiao Yu issued a decree. As he wrote, his hand trembled subtly.

Eunuch Sheng personally read the edict, “The alignment of the universe’s harmony resonates, love blossoms into the ability to nurture. The sun and moon attain their celestial roles, symbolizing perpetual expansion and elevation. Descendant of the esteemed Qin lineage, born into auspicious origins, inherit gentle and virtuous traits. Embracing a rightful position, adorned with treasures of gold and silver, you are established as empress. Embrace the spring’s joy of longevity, inspire a summer of clarity, and grace the serene warmth of winter. Cultivate an elegant atmosphere of harmony, commend diligence in daily endeavors, and lead the Six Palaces with humility and thriftiness. Embrace benevolence and compassion to embrace abundant blessings.”

Following the decree, within three days, they relocated to Kunning Palace.

As expected, Qin Ling getting the Phoenix Emblem drew murmurs within the palace, but it was within everyone’s anticipation.

In Jingren Palace, everyone was brimming with joy as they moved belongings to the new palace. Kunning Palace hadn’t undergone any renovations in years; everything remained unchanged—gilded roofs, gold-leaf paintings, even the positions of leaks and candlesticks inside the hall.

On the day of the move, Qin Ling sat on the couch, receiving a salute from the smiling Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin, “We humbly greet Your Ladyship.” Qin Ling smiled and rewarded the gesture generously.

In the fifth year of Yanxi, the first snow fell unexpectedly on the first day of winter.

The courtyard was immersed in fog, mist enveloping the door frames. Qin Ling sat on the couch, knees pulled close, the fireplace crackling in the corner. Gazing at the thick snowfall outside, her heart was unusually tranquil.

In the evening, Xiao Yu appeared at the entrance of Kunning Palace.

He wore a black crane-patterned cloak, the last rays of sunset casting a gentle glow upon him. His refined face sparked a smile upon meeting her gaze as if time had folded.

He walked straight to her and softly asked, “Are you still uncomfortable?”

Qin Ling replied, “A little.”

“Shall I have them bring dinner?”

“Yes, please.” Qin Ling supported herself on his hand as she got up.

As Qin Ling was carrying their child, Xiao Yu cared even more for her. He constantly attended to her needs, especially during meals, always mindful of her condition.

At any hint of nausea from Qin Ling, Xiao Yu would immediately set aside his own food to get water. His movements were swifter than the palace attendants’.

Today’s dinner went smoothly enough. The moment Qin Ling set down her utensils, both sighed in relief.

Suddenly, Xiao Yu said, “Ah Ling, it’s not cold outside. Let’s take a walk together.”

Qin Ling smiled and agreed.

Without an umbrella, they strolled within Kunning Palace, letting the snowflakes fall around them. Qin Ling was about to brush her forehead when the emperor unexpectedly grabbed both her hands.

She instinctively struggled, but he held on tighter.

Snow fell like a curtain between heaven and earth.

Amidst the mist, Qin Ling sighed, stamped her feet, and tugged at his sleeve, playfully saying, “I’m cold.”

“Just a moment.”

This was the first time recently that he didn’t immediately comply but instead held onto her hand stubbornly and walked for a while.

When he finally turned back to her, their eyes met.

Now, both of their hairs had been covered in white.