The old madam fiddled with her prayer beads. She truly didn’t want to interfere in Xiao Man’s affairs, primarily fearing estrangement from her son. But if Xiao Man made a mistake, she would wish to kill her to prevent her from disgracing their family name.
“By the way, Grandmother, I heard that Father is returning.”
The old madam opened her eyes and looked at Xiao Man in surprise. “It’s not your father’s usual day off. Why is he coming back?”
“I heard Prince Qin mention it. He said Father submitted a memorial requesting a transfer to the Shen Du Camp, and His Majesty has agreed. Father will soon take up his post at the Shen Du Camp, and then I’ll be able to see him every day.” Xiao Man smiled with innocent innocence.
Upon hearing this, the old madam’s face broke into a smile, and the concubines also looked pleased.
If Xiao Zhen returned home every day, they would naturally have to do their utmost to vie for his favor.
Yan Shi inwardly sneered. Xiao Zhen truly doted on this daughter, sacrificing the command of a hundred thousand troops in the Military Affairs Camp to transfer to the Shen Du Camp for Xiao Man!
“Do you know when he will specifically return?”
“Your granddaughter does not know. I imagine it will be within these few days.” Xiao Man’s gaze swept over Yan Shi inadvertently.
Yan Shi, Father will return soon, you must remain steady.
“It’s good that he’s coming back. If only Luo’er could return too.”
“The border is not peaceful now, so Brother probably can’t return for a while. However, he should be back for the year-end report. Then Grandmother will be able to see him.”
After Yan Shi left the main courtyard, she returned to her own. She retired early.
It was strange, but for the past month, she had been having dreams. She dreamed that Xiao Zhen came to her in the dead of night, and they were deeply affectionate, their bodies intertwined. But when morning came, she was alone again, casting a lonely shadow.
Yan Shi sat before the vanity mirror, looking at her elegant face. She considered herself not unattractive, with a graceful figure. Although not as stunning as Concubine Lin, who came from a pleasure house, she was still a beauty. Yet, Xiao Zhen was not fond of her.
“Xiao Zhen, do you truly have no affection for me at all?” Yan Shi asked dotingly. But thinking of the scenes in her dream, Yan Shi’s face blushed with shame.
If Xiao Zhen could be as gentle with her in reality as he was in her dreams, how wonderful that would be.
That night, Yan Shi had another soul-stirring dream. In her dream, she and someone engaged in passionate intimacy, exquisitely entwined. Upon waking, it was again a dream without a trace. While changing, she inadvertently discovered a few red marks on her chest. Thinking she had accidentally scratched herself in her sleep, she paid it no mind. She chose a high-necked dress to cover the marks.
The weather grew increasingly hot. Wearing a high-necked dress made it even more stifling. Cicadas chirped incessantly. Yan Shi felt unbearably hot and stuffy. Nanny Luo brought her some iced plum juice. It was sweet and sour, and Yan Shi drank two bowls in a row. Then she heard a commotion outside: the general had returned.
Yan Shi’s face lit up with joy. She immediately grabbed her skirt and walked out. Although Xiao Zhen was unfeeling, she had loved him for so many years, and it wasn't something she could simply let go of.
Xiao Zhen returned from outside, still in his battle armor, which was scorching hot from the summer heat. The steward quickly helped him to remove it. Yan Shi hurried in.
“The general has returned.”
Xiao Zhen nodded. “Have things in the manor been well these past few days? I heard that Man’er was almost in danger two days ago?”
Yan Shi harbored resentment. Xiao Zhen only cared about Xiao Man. His own daughter had been sent away to Cangzhou by the old madam, yet he didn’t even inquire about her.
“She accidentally fell into a secret chamber at Gan Ye Temple. She wasn’t injured, so the general need not worry.”
“That’s good.”
Yan Shi stepped forward to help Xiao Zhen undress and bathe. Xiao Zhen had been traveling all the way back and smelled of sweat. The odor overwhelmed Yan Shi, and she immediately couldn't stand it. She rushed to the side and vomited into a spittoon. After vomiting for a long time, she only managed to expel some sour water.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhen inquired, “Are you perhaps suffering from heatstroke due to the hot weather?”
“This weather is indeed hot, and I do feel a bit unwell. It’s likely some heatstroke. I’ll serve the general to wash up.” Yan Shi wiped her mouth and then returned to help Xiao Zhen bathe.
Xiao Zhen did not stop her, letting Yan Shi scrub his back. “Lu Yuan, go and summon the manor physician to examine Madam. Heatstroke can be serious.”
“Yes, General.”
“General, I’m fine.”
“As the mistress of the household, you must take care of your own health,” Xiao Zhen said coldly. “If you feel unwell, call the manor physician to examine you. Don’t hold it in. If you get sick because you hold it in, you will be the one suffering.”
Although Xiao Zhen’s words were harsh, Yan Shi was overjoyed. After all, his words were filled with concern for her. Her heart was filled with delight. However, the nauseous feeling surged again. To avoid displeasing Xiao Zhen, Yan Shi forcefully suppressed it.
Xiao Zhen emerged from his bath and changed into clean, comfortable casual clothes. The steward happened to bring the manor physician.
Because of the hot weather, both had sweat on their faces. Ye Qing was the first to pay his respects. “General, Madam.”
“Madam is feeling unwell, please examine her thoroughly.” Xiao Zhen sat down nearby, flipping through the chests he had brought back, which contained small trinkets he had collected for Xiao Man.
Ye Qing immediately asked Yan Shi to sit down and took out a pulse pillow, asking Yan Shi to extend her hand. As soon as he felt her pulse, his finger twitched. Then, as if disbelieving, he continued to feel her pulse. After confirming the pulse, he looked at Yan Shi.
Seeing the abnormality in Ye Qing’s expression, Yan Shi thought her illness was severe. “Dr. Ye, is there something unusual about my body?”
Xiao Zhen was fiddling with a crossbow he had brought back from the army, loading an arrow. Hearing Yan Shi speak, he looked up. “How is Madam’s health?”
Ye Qing immediately stood up, bowed, and replied, “To the General, Madam is in very good health. Congratulations to the General, congratulations to Madam. Madam is already one month pregnant.”
As soon as Ye Qing spoke, Xiao Zhen’s hand relaxed. The crossbow immediately shot out an arrow, which embedded itself in the wall next to Ye Qing’s neck. Yan Shi’s face had already turned ashen with fright.
“You quack doctor, you’re talking nonsense!” Yan Shi reacted and immediately scolded him. Xiao Zhen had not touched her the last time he was on leave, so how could she be pregnant?
“Madam, this slippery pulse, I should not be wrong in diagnosing it. Madam is indeed one month pregnant. If Madam doesn’t believe me, you can invite several other physicians from outside to examine you and see if they say the same thing I do.”
Yan Shi became anxious and quickly threw herself before Xiao Zhen. “General, you must believe me. I have absolutely done nothing to betray you. It must be this quack doctor colluding with villains to frame me.”
Xiao Zhen’s expression was cold, making it impossible to discern his emotions. His gaze fell on Yan Shi’s high-necked dress. It was so hot, wearing such a high neck was indeed strange. Xiao Zhen’s hand swept over Yan Shi’s chest, and the buttons fell off. His fingers unfastened Yan Shi’s clothing, and the rosy buds on Yan Shi’s chest were instantly exposed.