Wei Luo's waistline became wider and wider. Her formerly small, slender, and seductive waist had already vanished without a trace. Not only was her belly protruding, her cheeks had also become round. The small peaches on her chest had turned into large, tender, and white steamed buns. If today wasn't the day that Zhao Liuli and Yang Zhen were visiting the palace together, Wei Luo wouldn't have been willing to go out no matter what. She felt that other people shouldn't see her current appearance. Before she went out, she looked at herself in the mirror for a long time. The more she looked, the more displeased she was with herself.

Wei Luo touched her belly, sighed, and said, "Little watermelon, once you're born, your mother really has to fix herself up."

On the side, Zhao Jie chuckled. It was probably because Wei Luo's appearance of sighing in despair was too cute. He walked forward to hug her. He nipped her ear and said, "No matter how your appearance changes, my Ah Luo will always be the most beautiful girl."

"No." Wei Luo pushed him away and sternly corrected him, "You can't say that. It'll make me complacent. I only temporarily look like this because I'm having a child and there's no other choice. I'll lose this weight once I give birth."

Zhao Jie's thin lips smiled. He looked at her without moving. With a lowered voice that had a tempting magnetism, he said, "But I'm only saying how I truly feel." In his heart, his girl always looked the best, especially in this moment when she was straightening her back and shoulders to support her round belly. Her petite body was nurturing their unborn baby. The curve in her bulging belly was the most beautiful curve in the world.

Wei Luo called him, "Smooth talker", but her tone was sweet.

Fortunately, Wei Luo clearly knew that Zhao Jie was only saying sweet words of love and didn't take these words seriously. It was enough just to hear these words.

On the way to the palace, Wei Luo silently said towards her belly, "Little watermelon, your mother has sacrificed so much for you. You definitely have to be safely without any complications. Don't torment your mother on your way out."

She had heard from Liang Yu Rong that giving birth would be very painful.

---

At Zhao Yang Hall, Zhao Liuli and Yang Zhen had already arrived a while ago.

Zhao Liuli was sitting on a red sandalwood arhat couch. There was a large, sapphire blue pillow behind her. With red cheeks, she furtively looked at Yang Zhen, who was standing in front of Emperor Chong Zhen and Empress Chen. Yang Zhen was wearing a red robe that was embroidered with a pattern of rippling water. His face was solemn as he respectfully answered their questions.

All in all, Yang Zhen appeared as calmly serious as always with his attention fully concentrated on the emperor and empress. Before Zhao Liuli married him and understood his inherent nature, she didn't have any complicated feelings when she saw him like this.

On their wedding night, Zhao Liuli didn't even have time to change out of her wedding dress before Yang Zhen had pressed her down on their bed.

Yang Zhen had tightly held her wrists and infatuatedly nipped at her ear while repeatedly calling her, "Your Highness." Later on, his voice became hoarse and he called her, "Liuli". Pressed underneath his body, Zhao Liuli couldn't move. She could only tremble and accept his numerous kisses.

When Yang Zhen had thrust inside, it had hurt so much that tears rolled down from her eyes. She bit his shoulder and sobbed out her pain. Yang Zhen knew that this was hard for her to take, but he couldn't control himself. He licked the tears on her face and didn't stop until he had opened her body completely.

After Zhao Liuli had sobbed for an hour, to the point that her small face was completely flushed and looked extremely pitiful, Yang Zhen carried the weaken Zhao Liuli to the cleaning room to wash up.

When Yun Zi led the palace servants into the inner room to clean up and they saw the utterly disorderly mess on the bed and wedding dress that was so soaked it could drip, their cheeks turned red one after another.

Emperor Chong Zhen had given Yang Zhen a few days off.

During the past few days, Yang Zhen didn't go anywhere. He stayed with Zhao Liuli for three days and three nights inside their room. No one came to bother them in the room, except for when the servants knocked on the doors to indicate that they had brought food and water. Zhao Liuli hadn't known that Yang Zhen would be so energetic. He had probably endured for a long time. All of his energy came out and was directed towards her body once they were married.

They had left behind traces of themselves in every corner of the bridal room; even the window ledge and desk weren't exceptions. Yang Zhen wouldn't even let her off when they were eating. While he was feeding her food, he still wouldn't leave her body.

Zhao Liuli felt that these three days had passed by very quickly, but also very slowly. If they didn't have to return to the palace to see imperial father and mother today, Yang Zhen might not have allowed her to leave their room.

As soon as Zhao Liuli thought of how absurd the past three days had been, she felt extremely embarrassed. Even right now, her entire body still felt sore and she had to be carried on a palanquin to come to Zhao Yang Hall today. Her legs were so weak that she couldn't even stand up. Imperial mother could probably figure out what had happened. It was entirely Yang Zhen's fault. Why didn't he show any restraint?! Zhao Liuli's cheeks flushed as thought about this.

After Emperor Chong Zhen and Empress Chen finished asking their questions, they seemed satisfied with Yang Zhen.

Empress Chen allowed Yang Zhen sit down, then she sighed with emotion and said, "Liuli is this empress's precious daughter. This empress has always extremely doted on her. Now that she's married to you, you have to treat to her well. Don't let this empress be disappointed in you."

Yang Zhen stood up to say, "Your Majesty, please be assured. This subjects is whole-heartedly devoted to the princess."

Empress Chen nodded and turned her head to look at Zhao Liuli, who was sitting askew against a pillow. Displeased, she reprimanded, "You're already a married girl. Why are you still not acting properly? Go down there to sit so that other people won't see you and laugh."

Zhao Liuli supported her waist and slowly sat up and got up from the couch. When she walked to Yang Zhen's side, she blew out her cheeks as she passed by him to sit at the nearby rosewood chair. Yang Zhen couldn't help curving the corners of his mouth. When he looked at Zhao Liuli, his eyes were overflowing with delight.

When he smiled like this, Zhao Liuli couldn't resist thinking about the things he had done to her. Her ears immediately became red and she looked away.

---

Not long after, one after another, Wei Luo, Zhao Jie, and the other princes and princesses came by. The entire family sat down together and talked for a while.

After lunch, the princes and princesses said their good-byes. Wei Luo and Zhao Liuli stayed in Zhao Yang Hall to accompany Empress Chen and talk with her. Zhao Jie, Yang Zhen, and Emperor Chen left the hall to go the imperial study.

Right now, it was very difficult for Wei Luo to do anything. Empress Chen and Zhao Liuli showed her the utmost care. When Zhao Liuli found out that the baby's movements could be heard, she was extremely curious. She gently pressed her ear against Wei Luo's belly and listened. "Imperial sister-in-law, why isn't it moving?"

Wei Luo said, "It's probably because it's not familiar with you and it's scared of strangers."

Zhao Liuli wasn't discouraged. She started speaking to Wei Luo's belly. She said words like, "I'm your aunt," and "You're called little watermelon, right? Could you talk with me?"

Seeing this sight, Empress Chen and Wei Luo wanted to laugh. Soon after, little watermelon started to move in Wei Luo's belly and stretched out a small foot. It could be counted as a greeting to Zhao Liuli.

Zhao Liuli felt surprised and joyful. "It can really hear me speak?"

Wei Luo also felt very interested. She placed her hand on her belly. Little watermelon really seemed as if it was responding. It replaced its foot with a small hand to touch Wei Luo's hand on the other side of her belly. Wei Luo's eyes suddenly felt damp. She had been pregnant for so long. This was the first time that she truly felt her child's existence. She really wished that it could come out sooner and wondered how it would look when it came out. Since it was Zhao Jie and her child, it definitely wouldn't be ugly.

---

It wasn't early anymore. The sun was moving towards the western horizon. Wei Luo and Zhao Liuli bid Empress Chen farewell and planned on returning to their respective residence next.

Empress Chen went with them to Qing Xi Palace's entrance to send them off. She rather ruefully said, "Seeing that the both of you are living well, I can put down the worries in my heart."

Zhao Liuli thought Empress Chen was only feeling sad because there was no one by her side anymore. She held Empress Chen's hand and said, "Imperial mother, don't worry. I'll frequently come back to the palace to se you. I definitely won't let you feel lonely."

Empress Chen helplessly said, "You're already married. How will it look if you frequently come back? Rather than hoping for you come to visit me, wouldn't it be better for me to hope that Ah Luo will frequently come to the palace to keep me company?"

Wei Luo said, "Once my child is born, I'll bring the child to see imperial mother. Once you have a grandchild to play and spoil, there won't be a reason for you to worry about not having people to accompany you."

Empress Chen smiled and said, "You're right. I'll just look forward to my grandchild's birth."

After Wei Luo and Zhao Liuli left Qing Xi Palace, Zhao Liuli and Yang Zhen left first while Wei Luo sat inside the carriage and waited for a bit before Zhao Jie came out through the palace's main doors.

Wei Luo thought Empress Chen's recent words and she had a peculiar feeling. She asked, "Has imperial mother said anything to you recently?"

Zhao Jie brought her onto his lap and fiddled with her fingers as asked, "What's wrong?"

Wei Luo said, "Imperial mother didn't seem happy today. She's probably feeling lonelier in the palace now that Liuli is married. And, she doesn't seem like she has any intentions of forgiving His Majesty. I'm worried that she's feeling too lonely by herself. I want to come to the palace more often in the future to keep her company."

Zhao Jie kissed her small face and said with a smile, "Of course, you can. Just wait until after you give birth."

Right now, Wei Luo's belly was becoming bigger and bigger. It wasn't convenient for her to go out and she might also meet danger on the way to the palace. Thus, it would be safer for her to stay at home.

Wei Luo considered for a moment. She nodded and said, "I previously asked you to arrange for more people at Bao He Hall. Have you arranged it yet?"

Zhao Jie said, "I did this a while ago." As he scratched her nose, he deliberately joked, "How can I not obey Ah Luo's words?"

Wei Luo pouted. Just as she was about to say something, the carriage shook and stopped on the road.

Zhao Jie lifted the curtain and asked, "What happened?"

The carriage driver replied, "To respond to Your Highness, the carriage in front of us broke and is blocking the road. Should we take a detour to return to the residence?"

Zhao Jie said, "Take a detour then."

Through the gap from the lifted curtain, Wei Luo caught a glimpse of a girl standing next to carriage in front of them. She was wearing a lavender jacket and skirt. This girl was definitely Gao Qing Yang without a doubt.

Wei Luo had the carriage driver stop the carriage again. At the very least, she did have previous interactions with Gao Qing Yang, so she asked her if she wanted a ride home. After all, Duke Zhen's residence was near Prince Jing's residence. In addition, the sky looked gloomy and seemed as if it would rain soon. Who knew how long she would have to stand her before she could go home?

Gao Qing Yang thought for a moment before coming into the carriage without acting bashful. After she sat down, she gratefully said, "Thank you Your Highnesses."

Wei Luo asked, "Where did you go before? Why did the carriage break down?"

Gao Qing Yang was sitting across from them. She explained, "I went out to buy some inksticks from an ink store. I was planning on going home and using them to practice calligraphy. Unexpectedly, one of the wheels on the carriage suddenly broke and I had stop by the side of the road.

Wei Luo nodded and said, "We're heading home now. Once we reach home, I'll have the carriage driver drive you to Duke Zhen's residence."

Gao Qing Yang didn't refuse. She sincerely thanked her again, "Thank you Your Highness."

Wei Luo shook her head and said, "No need."

---

They quickly arrived at Prince Jing's residence's entrance. Zhao Jie carried Wei Luo down from the carriage. When they turned around, they saw a person standing tall and straight at the front of the entrance.

In front of the vermillion-lacquered doors, Wei Chang Hong was wearing a bluish-green robe made with ramie fabric. He was as calm and soothing as the rustling sound between pine trees and as elegant as the lofty clouds. The servants at the entrance had recognized him and knew that he was Princess Consort Jing's younger brother. They didn't dare to slight him and had asked him to go inside to sit down. Unexpectedly, he had said no and stood outside until now.

As soon as Wei Luo saw Chang Hong, she was so startled that she came out from Zhao Jie's embrace. She lifted up her delicate green skirt that was embroidered with a pattern of orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums as she went up the stairs. She stopped next to Chang Hong and asked, "Chang Hong, why did you come here? Why didn't you go inside to sit down? It's so tiring to stand out here."

Wei Chang Hong showed a faint smile and said, "The servants said you would be coming back soon, so I decided to wait here for you for a bit. I still have to return home after I speak with you."

Wei Luo tilted her head and asked, "What happened that so urgent?"

"It's not anything urgent." Wei Chang Hong took out a bright red sachet that was embroidered with a pattern of a hundred children from his sleeve. He lifted up Wei Luo's hand and placed the sachet on her palm. "Fourth aunt specially went to Da Ci Temple to request a safety charm for you. The charm is inside this sachet. For the time being, keep this charm for your child. Once he or she is born, give it to your child to wear. Fourth aunt says it can guarantee a lifetime of peace."

Wei Luo clutched the sachet. When she raised her head to look at Chang Hong, her lips curved into a smile and she said, "Thank fourth aunt for me when you go back. I'll definitely have my child wear it."

Wei Chang Hong nodded and glanced at Zhao Jie, who was standing behind Wei Luo. Although he didn't look happy to see him, their gazes weren't as mutually hostile as before. Chang Hong didn't stay to say anything else. He started walking forward after saying, "I'm going home."

Just as he was about to raise his foot, the gloomy sky started to rain. The sudden sound of the raindrops hitting the ground caught them off guard.

Wei Chang Hong froze for a moment. He hadn't brought an umbrella when he came out today and had ridden here on a horse. The tall, fine steed didn't care about being rained on. It even lifted up its hooves underneath the downpour.

Wei Luo looked at Chang Hong, then she looked at the carriage that hadn't left yet. She had a sudden idea and ordered Jin Lu to bring an umbrella over. Very quickly, Jin Lu came back and said, "Your Highness, here's the umbrella that you wanted."

Wei Luo took the umbrella, brought the double-ring oilpaper umbrella to Wei Chang Hong's hand, and pointed at the black, flat-roofed carriage at the entrance. She said, "Miss Gao's carriage broke down and she came back here with us. Chang Hong, since you're here and it's raining heavily, could you send Miss Gao back home just in case?"

It was just rain. What could possibly go wrong? Wei Chang Hong glanced at Wei Luo. Her intention was extremely obvious, even a blind person would be able to see. A moment later, Wei Chang Hong looked away. Holding the umbrella, he rather helplessly said, "Okay, I'll send her home."

Wei Luo smiled. She reminded him again, "Be careful on the way there. Don't rush."

Wei Chang Hong mounted the horse, opened the double-ring oilpaper umbrella, and tightened his legs around the horse to urge it towards the carriage. He said to the driver, "Let's go."

Hearing his words, the carriage driver raised the whip and directed the horse in the direction towards Duke Zhen's residence.

Inside the carriage, Gao Qing Yang had heard Wei Luo and Wei Chang Hong's conversation and wasn't quite sure of Wei Luo's intention. A while later, she lifted up the corner of the curtain and saw Wei Chang Hong riding a horse near the carriage. The rain was falling fast and heavy. It had already soaked one side of his sleeves, but his handsome face was still unhurriedly looking straight ahead.

Gao Qing Yang contemplated for a while before saying, "My home isn't far away from here. I don't need you to come with me. You can go home."

Hearing her words, Wei Chang Hong finally turned his head to look at her. Separated by a curtain of rain, she couldn't clearly see Wei Chang Hong's expression. His voice was mixed with the clamminess of the rain and the pure smoothness of spring water as he slowly said, "If I go back now, I can only ride my horse back. If I come with you to Duke Zhen's residence, I can ride inside the carriage to go back home. Tell me, which option do you think I'll choose?"

Fine, so it was because of this carriage. Gao Qing Yang felt as if she had worried over nothing. She put down the curtain and peacefully sat back down. She didn't pay attention the person outside again.

The carriage quickly reached Duke Zhen's residence. This rain had come rapidly and had also left rapidly. In the time it would take to burn an incense stick, the rain had decreased significantly until there were only leftover raindrops.

Gao Qing Yang held her servant girl's hand for support as she came down from the carriage. She glanced towards Wei Chang Hong and said, "Thank you, Sir Wei."

Wei Chang Hong sat on the horse as he expressionlessly looked at her without saying a word.

So rude. Gao Qing Yang understood his natural disposition and didn't lower herself to argue with him. She took the umbrella that the servant girl handed to her and started to walk into Duke Zhen's residence.

But, just as she had taken one step, she heard a noisy clamor behind her. It was followed by someone yelling, "Miss, be careful!"

Gao Qing Yang turned her head to look and saw a black horse rushing towards her. The horse seemed to have suffered from a shock and couldn't be controlled. As it charged in her direction, it shook off the servants that tried to stop it. Gao Qing Yang was too startled and only instinctively fell backwards two steps, but it wasn't enough to avoid the horse. She could only watch as the horse lifted up its front legs and strike them down at her body –

"Miss!" A servant girl called out.