Qi Zhenzhen slowly helped Gu Sinian out of his clothes and into more comfortable sleeping attire, her expression unreadable, as if she hadn't heard Gu Sinian's words.
Of course, this was only on the surface. She was truly perplexed. The Old Madam was a woman herself; could she have so readily arranged suitable companions for the Old Protector of the State without batting an eye? Previously, regarding the matter of the蛊虫 (gu worms), the Old Madam had even stiffly apologized and promised compensation. So, providing Gu Sinian with people was her form of compensation?
Seeing Qi Zhenzhen remain silent, Gu Sinian grew a little anxious. "You know I'm not that kind of person."
Qi Zhenzhen nodded.
"How about we move out?" Gu Sinian pondered.
After saying this, Gu Sinian felt it was increasingly feasible.
The people in the mansion all harbored their own agendas, and he was truly weary of any entanglement with them.
If the Duke's mansion was good, then let them have it.
Qi Zhenzhen's eyes sparkled. Moving out would indeed be wonderful.
But what about her mother-in-law?
Madam Qin treated Qi Zhenzhen exceptionally well. Qi Zhenzhen knew her mother-in-law suffered inwardly and couldn't bear to leave her alone in the Duke's mansion to face those wolves.
However, if her son and daughter-in-law moved out, the mother-in-law following them would inevitably lead to gossip.
"If we move out, what about mother?" Qi Zhenzhen asked. Da Feng Novel Network
"I've always wanted to tell Mother to divorce him. Back then, I still hoped his gaze would linger on me. I was young then, and stubbornly focused on this. I even resented Mother, resenting her for not being favored by him. Now, I want to slap myself from that time. Mother no longer has any feelings for him; wasting her youth for him is not worth it," Gu Sinian said calmly.
For a son to wish for his mother to divorce her husband would surely shock people if it got out.
Qi Zhenzhen agreed and nodded. "Yes, Mother should have her own life, rather than spending the rest of her years confined to that one small world. I'll sound out Mother's thoughts later!"
After eating, Gu Sinian began to feel drowsy. After days of travel, now that he was relaxed, his eyelids could barely stay open.
Seeing this, Qi Zhenzhen personally went to make the bed.
Gu Sinian glanced at her visibly protruding belly and felt it would be difficult for her to bend over. He quickly stood up and gently moved her aside to sit. "I'll make the bed."
Gu Sinian's movements were swift and efficient. Qi Zhenzhen recalled that before their marriage, Gu Qing had been by his side, so he was accustomed to doing such tasks.
After smoothing out every wrinkle, Gu Sinian helped her to the bedside.
He truly wanted to do something, but...
Gu Sinian shook his head and helped Qi Zhenzhen onto the bed.
"You sleep on the inside," Qi Zhenzhen said, not moving.
Gu Sinian looked confused; he always slept on the outside.
"I get up to use the restroom many times. If you sleep on the outside, it will be inconvenient and disturb your sleep."
"You sleep inside, and I'll accompany you when you get up."
Qi Zhenzhen couldn't refuse him and thus complied, lying down on the inner side of the bed.
Gu Sinian pulled her into his embrace. "Is it very strenuous?"
"The baby is very well-behaved and hasn't caused much trouble," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
Gu Sinian gently placed his hand on Qi Zhenzhen's belly, feeling it was truly miraculous. A small life was gestating within, a life connected to his blood, a boy or a girl? Regardless of whether it was a boy or a girl, he would love them and fulfill his responsibility as a father, protecting them as they grew. Whatever their desires, he would do his best to satisfy them, ensuring they wouldn't resent him as their father when they grew up.
Gu Sinian gently caressed Qi Zhenzhen's belly. Suddenly, the spot he was touching moved, and his hand was lightly pushed.
Gu Sinian froze completely, afraid to move his hand. He spoke with a slight stammer, "It, it moved, Zhenzhen, how, how can it move?"