Su's father's eyes were slightly red, and although many thoughts filled his heart, in the end, he only said one phrase, "It's really good, really good..."
Su Zhiruan was also moved by this warm familial affection. In the original storyline, the character she replaced waited until death without ever seeing her parents again. Later, she heard that they were both forced to face death together.
Now that both elders had come to the Capital City, the original host's wish had been fulfilled too.
Su Zhiruan invited the elders into the palace. At that moment, palace maids served tea and snacks, "Lady, Minister Su, Madam Su, please have some tea."
This was also Su Zhiruan's first time in Kunning Palace. Before, the Empress Dowager had Su Zhiruan stay in Cining Palace for reassurance, and also because the nanny was by her side to take care of her. But Su Zhiruan had her status after all, and with the royal heir in her belly, she was bound to be granted a palace.
This palace, without a second thought, Shen Qi directly chose Kunning Palace—the palace of successive empresses.
The Empress Dowager had no objections, and she happily found many people to help her clean and decorate the palace.
The Noble Consort, after finding out, had a good fit of anger in her own palace.
After reminiscing with Su's parents, Su Zhiruan reluctantly bade farewell to the elders.
During the subsequent period of her pregnancy, she lived leisurely and comfortably.
Minister Su was originally a talent without opportunity. After entering the Ministry of Revenue, initially because of Su Zhiruan's influence, many officials regarded him as a relationship hire, but later, people discovered he truly had talent. He offered advice and policy for the Ministry of Revenue, and after being summoned by Shen Qi several times, it was found he was extremely capable, and perhaps he was even more suited for the Ministry of Justice, so he was dispatched there.
The Ministry of Revenue, anxious about this event, petitioned several times wishing to retain Minister Su.
Madam Su was adept at managing household affairs, she ran the residence in an orderly manner, and also met many ladies, which added many more smiles to her face.
Ever since Su Zhiruan became pregnant, Shen Qi, who originally didn't like visiting the harem, now wouldn't glance at the harem at all, always thinking of cozying up with her and being affectionate.
Especially since the Imperial Physician said that after three months of pregnancy they could still carefully continue marital relations, Su Zhiruan immediately noticed Shen Qi's eyes light up.
A man who had tasted sweetness, now seeing such a big treat swaying before his eyes, would certainly want to devour it in one bite.
As for the child, perhaps because of the system's blessing, he was very healthy, and Su Zhiruan felt no agony.
Even with the child, she seemed to be enveloped in a layer of love's glow, gentle and touching.
Autumn passed, winter arrived, and another New Year came.
The Capital City of Wang Dynasty had distinct seasons; when winter arrived, thick snow would fall, dressing everything in a coat of white, a sight too beautiful to behold.
On New Year's Eve, when the curfew was lifted for the public and following the conclusion of the palace banquet, Shen Qi took the well-wrapped Su Zhiruan and secretly left the palace to have fun.
"Ruanruan, be careful, the road is slippery," Shen Qi watched her happy expression, his eyes filled with warmth too. He then stepped forward to take her hand, both of their hands hidden in their sleeves, very warm. "Whatever you want to eat, I'll buy it for you."
Su Zhiruan looked around and when she spotted the candied haws, her eyes lit up, "Husband, I want to eat that~"
Upon hearing her address him, Shen Qi directly froze in the snow, "Ruanruan... what, what did you call me?"
Looking at him, Su Zhiruan obediently repeated, "Husband?"
In an instant, Shen Qi felt a tide of blood rush upward, finally flooding into his heart.
The noise around him was incessant, but his ears, his eyes, could only sense her presence.
"My lady, let's keep it this way in the future," Shen Qi said to her, his eyes brimming with emotion. Then, as the fireworks ascended and the noise of the crowd, the bustle, and the firecrackers all blended together, Su Zhiruan saw that once noble and distant Emperor embrace her tightly. She couldn't hear what he was saying, but she saw the shape of his lips—I rejoice in you.
*
When Shen Qi went to buy candied hawthorns, he saw his wife being chatted up by a man. His eyes instantly turned cold, and he looked at the man as if he were about to kill him. Yet, the man was oblivious and even scratched his head before continuing to talk to Su Zhiruan.
"I feel like it's getting colder, maybe it's because I'm wearing too little," the man said, then grinned at Su Zhiruan, stuffing a persimmon into her hand, "But having seen such a beautiful girl today made my trip worthwhile. Here, this persimmon is for you, may all your wishes come true!"
Su Zhiruan looked at the persimmon in her hand and couldn't help but find it amusing. She had been just standing there when the man passed by and suddenly exclaimed in admiration, and before she could say anything, he had said all he wanted to on his own.
Sensing that the temperature around her had frozen, she guessed that a certain "vinegar jar" had been overturned.
Deliberately she stroked her belly through her fox fur cloak, and with a smile, she said, "Thank you for your kindness, good sir. If my child in the belly knew, he would surely thank you for your blessing—oh right, my husband is here, I must take my leave."
After speaking, Su Zhiruan smiled and waved at Shen Qi, then quickly stuffed the persimmon back into the man's hand and turned to walk into Shen Qi's embrace.
It was at that moment that the chill in Shen Qi's eyes dissolved. He gave the man a cold glance, and upon seeing him stunned, only then did his own heart ease.
Su Zhiruan took a bite of the candied hawthorn held in Shen Qi's hand, not knowing why, but recently she favored these sour and sweet treats—perhaps it had to do with the child in her belly. She took another bite; it was indeed delicious.
After the fireworks had ended, the two returned to the palace.
*
In the months following the New Year, Su Zhiruan's belly gradually grew larger. The Newbie Gift Package provided by the system proved quite useful, as she never experienced any of the discomforts of pregnancy, not even morning sickness. Aside from indulging in lots of delicious food and becoming slightly plumper, everything else was well.
By early May, the weather had begun to warm up, and the temperature inside the Imperial Palace was too high. Usually, at this time, Shen Qi would stay at the palace for a period of time. The palace was spacious and cool, serving as the perfect retreat from the heat.
This time, for her sake, Shen Qi prepared five carriages to transport items for childbirth. The old nanny from the Empress Dowager's side was also brought along, as well as the baby's necessities and the Imperial Physician, all of whom were packed off to the palace.
Su Zhiruan's due date was drawing near, and these days she reduced her activity, usually accompanied by servants.
Everyone knew that this child was the Royal Family's first child. Both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were deeply invested; if anything untoward happened, they would all undoubtedly lose their heads.
On the night of the first day of May, Su Zhiruan felt her belly starting to hurt. She calmly called a palace maid, "Xiaocui, go summon the midwife and the Imperial Physician. Nuanqing, please inform the Empress Dowager and the Emperor; it seems I'm about to give birth—"
Upon hearing this, the two palace maids immediately helped Su Zhiruan onto the bed and rushed out to fetch people.