Chapter 293 - 292: The Border Fortress
The border is far from the capital, and Mingzhu is pregnant, so she can’t travel quickly.
After stopping and starting, it took nearly two months to reach the border.
At this point, Mingzhu’s pregnancy was showing, and if she wore thin clothes, her belly would be quite obvious.
Their accommodation has already been arranged—it’s in the General Mansion in Yanzhou City.
The carriage stopped at the mansion’s gate, and the steward led the people to greet them at the door.
The first to get off the carriage was Xie Yunzhen. He wore a dark purple brocade robe, his stature was tall and he had a dignified and noble demeanor.
His appearance was quite different from many military generals, looking more like a refined scholar.
After the driver set down the steps, Xie Yunzhen tested them; they were very stable.
Only then did he reach out to help Mingzhu out, his gaze fixed tightly on her feet.
Mingzhu couldn’t help but smile and cry, "How long has it been, and you still haven’t gotten used to it?"
As her belly grew day by day, Xie Yunzhen became increasingly anxious.
He feared she might stumble getting on or off the carriage, and even when she walked normally.
Perhaps due to being overly anxious, he often slept poorly, waking about every hour.
Only by touching her pregnant belly or hearing her breathe could he feel at ease.
Xie Yunzhen was indeed anxious, the more obvious Mingzhu’s pregnancy appeared, the more unsettled he became.
Afraid of being careless and causing her harm.
His thin lips were tightly pressed, and only when she stepped down the last stair did he slowly exhale.
He didn’t let go of Mingzhu’s hand, naturally held it tight.
With their palms touching, Xie Yunzhen felt a bit more reassured.
If it weren’t for his wife’s shyness, not allowing him to hug and cuddle her in public.
He would’ve preferred to hold her waist to keep her wholly protected.
The steward approached, with a goofy smile, "General, madam, the main courtyard has been tidied, after such a tiring journey, please return to the mansion to rest."
Everyone from the steward to the serving maids were old acquaintances of Mingzhu.
"Uncle Wu, thank you for your hard work during this time."
"It’s what I should do."
Uncle Wu gestured, "Jade has been thinking of you, were it not for organizing matters in the courtyard, she would’ve flown out to meet you."
Jade was Uncle Wu’s daughter, who previously served Mingzhu for a time at the border.
Her personality was similar to Gold, so Mingzhu picked her.
Xi Yu got off the next carriage, grousing, "Did you two forget about me?"
In this journey to the border, Xie Yunzhen brought quite a few people.
Xi Yu was among them.
Xie Yunzhen said to Uncle Wu, "Take the guest to the guest courtyard, serve them well."
Xi Yu wanted to chat further, but considering Mingzhu’s condition, he had to postpone his plans.
"Yanzhou City looks interesting, after resting, I’ll go out for a stroll."
He wasn’t Mingzhu’s exclusive doctor, so naturally, he didn’t need to confine anyone to the mansion.
Xie Yunzhen handed him a General Mansion’s token, "Don’t go too far."
Xi Yu toyed with the token, smiling slyly, "With this, can I walk sideways now?"
Xie Yunzhen clicked his tongue, "Don’t let yourself be steamed and eaten like a crab."
Xi Yu: "..."
Mingzhu was already used to their interactions.
She made no note of it and followed the steward, walking into the mansion.
Reaching a fork, the steward led guests to the guest courtyard while mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen were guided by maids to the main courtyard.
The architecture of the General Mansion was different from that of the capital; grand and heavy, rugged yet sophisticated.
Not elegant, but with its unique charm.
Months later, back at the border, Mingzhu was in good spirits.
It felt like breaking free from shackles.
With fewer twists and turns, as long as Xie Yunzhen had no change of heart, she should live happily here.
Being led by Xie Yunzhen, heading toward the main courtyard.
Everything was orderly in the mansion, as they observed, Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen were quite satisfied.
It took nearly a quarter of an hour to reach the main courtyard.
Jade awaited at the courtyard entrance with others, her gaze fell on Mingzhu’s belly, her pupils widened.
If she remembered correctly, before the court army returned, the General’s injuries hadn’t fully healed.
How is it that, so quickly, madam has children?
She quickly came forward, "Madam, are we having a young prince?"
Mingzhu teased, "Or perhaps I’ve just gotten fat?"
Jade laughed and cried simultaneously, "I’m not gullible, just try fooling me!"
She carefully supported Mingzhu’s arm, "There are steps, be cautious."
That level of anxiety was comparable to Xie Yunzhen—if not exceeding it.
Xie Yunzhen was very pleased.
The foremost requirement in arranging people to serve Mingzhu was always prioritizing her safety.
Knowing that Mingzhu disliked pomp, yet under current circumstances, having more eyes on her was undoubtedly better.
Walking into the main house, everyone attended to their tasks.
Some went to unload luggage, others served Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen tea.
After such an enduring journey, they finally arrived, Mingzhu sat perfectly still, unwilling to move.
Xie Yunzhen, lacking formality, crouched before Mingzhu, "Are your feet sore? Let’s change your shoes, have someone massage your feet."
They were a bit sore.
But Mingzhu just wanted to rest rather than move.
"Once the luggage is organized, bathe and change, then massage."
Pregnancy easily tired her, Xie Yunzhen understood.
He had someone prepare warm water.
While waiting, his distinctly jointed hands gently massaged Mingzhu’s calves.
In the main courtyard, several maids were newly assigned.
Witnessing this, their eyes almost popped.
In their understanding, a master massaging his wife’s feet was unheard of.
Unexpectedly, this impossible act took place.
It seemed their mistress was truly cherished!
In close-knit mansions, the servants’ respect for the mistress partly depended on the master’s attitude.
Xie Yunzhen’s actions were conspicuous, instantly solidifying Mingzhu’s status as the head mistress.
This was the person precious to the General, also the master managing household affairs, and must be well-served.
Xie Yunzhen wholeheartedly massaged Mingzhu’s legs, as the child in her belly grew, her discomfort increased.
Sometimes her legs cramped, making sleep elusive.
In a past life, she endured the entire pregnancy alone; Xie Yunzhen hadn’t helped.
For this, he often felt regret.
Just wanted to make up to Mingzhu, compensate for every moment he missed.
Currently, Xie Yunzhen’s sole focus was attending to Mingzhu.
As for losing face as a man, that didn’t concern him.
After half a cup of tea, the bathroom was ready with hot water.
Xie Yunzhen easily picked her up, "I will continue massaging later."
Not having to walk, Mingzhu gladly enjoyed his service.
Her slender arms lightly encircled Xie Yunzhen’s neck, praising, "Ah Zhen, how are you so good?"
She had now found Xie Yunzhen’s weakness: the more she praised him, the better he performed.
Xie Yunzhen’s lips couldn’t help but raise, yet he maintained his demeanor.
"Praise me a little more, I might help you bathe."