Chapter 294 - 293: Settling In
After traveling a long distance, Mingzhu was very tired.
Xie Yunzhen didn’t tease her on purpose this time. When he said bathing, he meant bathing, without asking for benefits like he did before.
Within less than half an hour, she was dressed comfortably and came out of the bathhouse.
The weather was still chilly despite the onset of spring, and catching a cold could be troublesome for a pregnant woman, so Mingzhu was dressed quite warmly.
In contrast, Xie Yunzhen was dressed lightly in a round-neck robe, already in his spring attire.
Mingzhu hadn’t forgotten about his old illness and instinctively touched his chest to check how many layers he was wearing underneath.
Xie Yunzhen was a military general and never forgot to practice his martial arts.
What she felt was solid muscle.
Even through the fabric, the vigorous strength underneath could be sensed.
Her wrist was grasped, the calloused finger pads grazing her delicate skin with a teasing intent.
Xie Yunzhen, with a faint smile, said, "It’s not even dark yet, don’t hurry."
Mingzhu frowned slightly, chiding him, "What nonsense, go put on another layer."
Now that there were no battles, he should take good care of his body.
Otherwise, if he falls ill with old age, the relapse of his old illness will bring him much suffering.
In the past, it was because of this old illness that he nearly fell into the Xiao Family’s hands.
Recalling it now, Mingzhu still felt a pang of fear.
She did not want to experience such things a second time.
Men have abundant energy, and Xie Yunzhen did not feel cold at all.
But feeling his wife’s concern, he was entirely at ease.
To make Mingzhu comfortable during her meal, he really did go and put on another layer.
Too tired to walk to the dining hall, Mingzhu ordered the maid to bring the food into the outer room.
When Xie Yunzhen came out changed, the meal had already been served on the table.
He glanced over the spread.
Some items were unsuitable for expectant mothers, so Xie Yunzhen had them removed, instructing they should not be prepared in the future either.
Jade hadn’t received the news beforehand and didn’t know that her mistress was already pregnant.
Thus, she had prepared the spread based on Mingzhu’s previous tastes.
With the master of the house giving orders, Jade quickly directed the maids to take away the unsuitable dishes.
This left only six dishes on the table.
Xie Yunzhen called the cook over to inquire closely about the spices used in the remaining dishes.
Only after ensuring they were fine did he allow Mingzhu to start eating.
Mingzhu thought he was being a bit excessive, "You can eat, I’ll just avoid them."
Last time she was pregnant, she hadn’t made such a big fuss.
But Mingzhu dared not say this out loud for fear Xie Yunzhen would start lecturing her again.
Xie Yunzhen said, "I would feel guilty enjoying things alone while you avoid them."
Mingzhu feigned surprise, "Conscience? You have one of those?"
Xie Yunzhen was taken aback.
So in his wife’s mind, his image hadn’t changed yet?
Slowly, he placed a piece of meat in Mingzhu’s bowl, "Don’t speak ill of me in front of the child."
As if agreeing with him, the baby in Mingzhu’s belly gave a little movement.
Seeing her body suddenly tense up, Xie Yunzhen knew the baby had moved.
He quickly put down his chopsticks and placed his large hand on Mingzhu’s belly.
A small force kicked his palm.
Even though it wasn’t the first time feeling it, the joy of becoming a father overwhelmed him instantly.
The curve of Xie Yunzhen’s mouth became more pronounced, recalling Mingzhu’s previous comment.
His smile was indeed inexpensively joyous...
Suppressing the urge to laugh, he said, half-jokingly, "Could it be this little one is a foodie, never resting during meals."
As he finished speaking, there was another bulging curve against his palm.
Both Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen could clearly sense the presence of the child.
Though past life experiences were not pleasant, Mingzhu had gained some experience.
"In another two months, movements will be more frequent, it won’t just be during meals that there’ll be fuss."
Xie Yunzhen lowered his eyes, not letting Mingzhu see the emotions in them.
In their past life, Mingzhu had visited his study many times, asking him to develop a bond with the child.
At that time, no matter what, he refused to feel her belly or even speak a word to the baby.
He truly regretted it.
Even though Mingzhu forgave him and they reconciled, he dared not forget the past.
Suddenly, a kiss landed on her pregnant belly.
Mingzhu’s cheeks burned red, pushing against Xie Yunzhen’s shoulder, "Focus on the meal."
"It’s not like there’s anyone else around."
Knowing that the couple disliked others serving them food, the maids had been directed out to the entrance by Jade.
Including herself.
No longer teasing Mingzhu, Xie Yunzhen returned to his seat.
"Since he’s so energetic, in a couple of months, I’ll invite a musician to the mansion to play tunes, let him learn about music."
This arrangement delighted Mingzhu.
Ever since becoming pregnant, Xie Yunzhen had been overly cautious, restricting her from eating this or going there.
Having someone play music for her was a pleasant prospect.
Xie Yunzhen had initially thought of inviting dancers into the mansion to entertain Mingzhu.
Yet fearing too many people might cause trouble, he abandoned the thought.
"Finish your meal and rest up, I have to go out for a while."
Yunzhen had come to guard the border, which was his duty, with many official matters awaiting him.
Recent times meant it would be hard to catch sight of him.
While eating, Mingzhu nodded.
"Attend to your business, don’t worry about me."
His most beloved woman and his unborn child, how could Xie Yunzhen not be concerned?
After thinking it over, he said, "I’ll make some arrangements to move official work to the front courtyard."
Mingzhu spoke with some complaint, "Won’t that turn the mansion into an office?"
Imagining it presented some inconvenience.
Then Xie Yunzhen said, "In that case, I’ll have them partition the estate, open a side gate, and have visitors for official matters use that entrance, keeping them out of personal areas."
Xie Yunzhen also wanted a clear separation between work and home, not bringing official duties into the mansion.
But setting the work location at the General Mansion meant that if anything happened to Mingzhu, he could be there promptly.
The General Mansion was large, with just the two of them living there, leaving plenty of space unused.
Allocating an area for Xie Yunzhen’s office was a simple matter.
Mingzhu made no further comments, "Handle it as you see fit."
Mingzhu entrusted him to make all final decisions, but as the mistress of the General Mansion, no matter the issue, Xie Yunzhen would still discuss it with her.
"I’ll have someone draw up plans, and you can choose where the gate should go."
Mingzhu didn’t shy away; when Xie Yunzhen asked her to decide, she accepted it straightaway.
"When will the plans arrive?"
Seeing her eagerness, Xie Yunzhen felt like laughing.
He hadn’t known before that Mingzhu was so impatient.
Touching her hair bun gently, "First, get some good rest. I’ll have the plans sent over in three days."
In the past two months, most time was spent inside a carriage.
Even a strong man like Xie Yunzhen felt exhausted.
A three-day rest would be good for her recovery.
Mingzhu said no more, focusing on her meal.
Her graceful manners, as she saw it, her chopstick movements were excessively beautiful in Xie Yunzhen’s eyes.
Mingzhu, overwhelmed by his intense gaze, couldn’t bear it.
"Eat."
She placed a piece of fish in his small bowl.
Xie Yunzhen deftly removed the fish bones, finally placing it back into Mingzhu’s bowl.
Mingzhu didn’t stand on ceremony; if he was willing to care, she would accept it willingly.
After the meal, Xie Yunzhen accompanied Mingzhu with a walk around the courtyard for a while.
Once she fell asleep, he went out to attend to official matters.