Male pregnancy was not what Nian Jiaojiao had imagined.
At least, that was how it was for Yu Chuan.
There were no uncomfortable physiological reactions, no picky eating, and he slept well. Sometimes Nian Jiaojiao wondered if there really was a new life growing in his belly.
However, she gradually grew accustomed to it and was no longer as timid when facing Yu Chuan.
Because his behavior did not resemble that of a pregnant husband.
And while Nian Jiaojiao was enjoying a leisurely home life, she was unaware that trouble was already brewing.
...
The Prince of Duan's Estate.
"Are you sure?"
Bai Qingqing looked at his subordinate, disbelief etched on his face.
According to the information investigated by his subordinate, the stunning young girl who had saved him that day was Nian Jiaojiao.
And this Nian Jiaojiao was the village woman Nian Dabao, whom he had once looked down upon.
Now, this Nian Dabao not only had a completely different appearance but had also become the second-place scholar in the imperial examinations.
She was, arguably, exceptionally young and promising, with an unlimited future.
What made Bai Qingqing even more surprised and uncertain was that the novelist "Qinglian Jushi," whom he had always admired, was also Nian Jiaojiao!
The guard reporting at this moment knelt on one knee, lowering his head to reply:
"My subordinate has verified this through multiple channels and is certain."
Bai Qingqing remained silent for a long while before saying:
"You may go."
"Yes."
After the guard withdrew, Bai Qingqing felt as if his bones had dissolved, and he slumped onto the chaise lounge.
His life up until this point felt like a joke.
Bai Qingqing looked up at everything in the room.
The room was draped with low-hanging sheer curtains, and a purple-gold incense burner in the corner wafted fragrant smoke.
The tables and chairs in the room were made of fine sandalwood, intricately carved with various patterns. The four-poster bed he lay on was decorated with motifs of blooming wealth, with several layers of soft cushions placed on it, making it feel as if he were floating on clouds.
These were all things he had never dared to imagine before.
Yet, he now felt an immense emptiness.
And when he thought of Nian Jiaojiao, he felt as if he were completely filled.
He thought that if she was willing to be with him, he could forgive her for deceiving him before.
Thus, Bai Qingqing eagerly made his way to the entrance of the Prince of Duan's study.
At that moment, the Prince of Duan was discussing matters with a guest of her estate.
"Your Highness, Prince Ying has already won over several scholars. We are falling behind and must act quickly."
The strategist was earnestly persuading.
Her Prince seemed to have a procrastination problem. She had actually mentioned this matter to the Prince much earlier, but the latter was too engrossed in beauty and kept delaying.
Now, out of the top ten scholars, five had defected to Prince Ying, and the other four had joined other princes. Only one remained, but it was estimated to be difficult to persuade, as this individual clearly did not wish to participate in courtly struggles.
Prince Duan said with impatience:
"Can a few mere scholars alter the grand scheme of things?"
The strategist could only offer a wry smile.
Oh, my Prince, you look down on everyone, yet you fail to realize your current predicament.
The strategist now wished she could pack her bags and leave the estate.
But unfortunately, she had chosen the wrong person from the start, and other princely estates would not accept her.
Moreover, although this Prince was a good-for-nothing, her treatment in the estate was good. With her talents, she might not receive such importance in other estates...
Bai Qingqing, who had just arrived at the door, heard the entire conversation. Although he felt disdain in his heart and had a million reasons to look down on this Prince,
He quickly tidied his appearance, gently knocked on the door, and said in a soft, coy voice:
"Your Highness~ It's Qingqing~"
Prince Duan was annoyed by her troublesome retainer and, upon hearing Bai Qingqing's voice, felt as if she were hearing heavenly music.
She immediately called out:
"Qingqing, come in."
The strategist's brows furrowed so deeply that they could trap mosquitoes.
She was very displeased with this little husband who came to interrupt her important discussion with the Prince.
It was said that when choosing a husband, one should choose a virtuous one, and this one was not suitable.
After entering the study, Bai Qingqing did not even glance at the strategist and stumbled towards the Prince of Duan's embrace.
He knew that the Prince of Duan liked it this way.
As expected, the Prince of Duan was delighted by Bai Qingqing's actions. After embracing him, she said gently:
"Qingqing, why have you come so early today?"
Bai Qingqing said in a soft, sweet voice:
"I missed Your Highness~ But, am I delaying Your Highness from important matters?"
The strategist beside them sneered internally:
You know that?
But her Prince said:
"No delay, no delay. With Qingqing by my side, matters are resolved even faster."
Seeing the Prince of Duan say this, Bai Qingqing finally slowly revealed his intention.
"Your Highness, Qingqing just heard you discussing wanting to win over the current scholars."
The Prince of Duan did not suspect anything else and asked curiously:
"Yes, why? Qingqing, why are you suddenly interested in this?"
Bai Qingqing lowered his head and said:
"I just want to share Your Highness's worries. I think it would be better if Your Highness invited them to the estate for a feast. Your Highness's extraordinary demeanor will surely impress everyone."
Bai Qingqing did not directly mention whom to invite, merely offering a suggestion as if it were an afterthought.
The Prince of Duan's heart was filled with pleasure upon hearing this.
Why was it that when hearing the same words from Qingqing, she felt such a strong urge to act on them?
Thinking this, she cast a displeased glance at the strategist and said:
"Did you hear that? Why aren't you acting according to Qingqing's suggestion?"
The strategist: ...
As the strategist left, she cast a deep look at Bai Qingqing.
Given how well this man could speak falsehoods with a straight face, it was no wonder he was so favored.
When Bai Qingqing saw the strategist leave, a complex glint flashed in his eyes.
...
Nian Jiaojiao went out to buy Xuan paper and ink, but on the street, she encountered an "acquaintance" she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Wushuang."
Nian Jiaojiao walked out of the Ink Treasure Pavilion and met the icy, frosty woman walking towards her.
Wushuang was also stunned when she saw Nian Jiaojiao.
She did not recognize Nian Jiaojiao.
"Miss, do we know each other?"
In response to Wushuang's question, Nian Jiaojiao finally realized.
Because her disguise was shown to people from other families at the time, she had not been cautious about her "persona" with this friend she had met along the way.
Towards an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time, she had subconsciously called out her name.
Nian Jiaojiao coughed twice and said:
"Oh, everyone knows that Wushuang of Qingzhou is unparalleled in her qin skills. I once had the fortune to witness Miss Wushuang's graceful demeanor while playing the qin, hence I called out."
Wushuang did not reply after hearing this.
She felt that the way the other person had called out "Wushuang" sounded very familiar.
Wushuang had previously come to the Royal City to find Qiu Yu and his companions, but she had arrived too late. Nian Jiaojiao and the others had already left the Royal City.
For this reason, Wushuang felt a bit disappointed.
Later, upon returning to Qingzhou, she had also heard from an elder that Qiu Yu of the Qiu family had become a disciple of the White Bodhisattva and become a monk.
Wushuang simply found it strange.