My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 83: Pregnant.　

　　He'd been incredibly busy these past few days, so busy that she hadn't even seen him during the day. 

　　On the one hand, she was worried about what had caused such a level of alert and frantic activity. On the other hand, the knot in their hearts regarding the late Emperor Jingning hadn't been completely untied. 

　　For some reason, she had a bad feeling about this. 

　　After thinking it over, she decided to find out what was going on. 

　　Worried about his health given his recent workload, Yun Ling had the Imperial Chef prepare some bird's nest soup and went to the imperial study.　　

　　But before she reached the door, she saw Grand Eunuch An hurrying towards her. “Your Highness, why are you here?” 

　　Yun Ling asked, “Is His Highness inside?" 

　　Grand Eunuch An replied, “His Highness and Lord Chen just returned from the Military Camp and are currently in a meeting. Shall I go in and inform him?” 

　　The Military Camp... 

　　Yun Ling frowned. What business would he have at the Military Camp? 

　　But since he was in a meeting, she decided not to disturb him. 

　　“No need.”　　

　　Handing the bird's nest soup to An Zhong, Yun Ling said, “Give this to His Highness when the meeting is over.” 

　　“Yes,” Grand Eunuch An quickly took it, then carefully observed Yun Ling's face and said worriedly, “Your Highness's complexion doesn't look very good. Are you feeling unwell?” 

　　“I may have been in the sun a little while ago. I'll be fine after resting. It's nothing.” 

　　“Yes.” 

　　After giving the soup to Grand Eunuch An, Yun Ling returned. 

　　Whether it was because of her restless heart or the sun, after resting for a while, Yun Ling still felt a little dizzy.　　

　　Lǜshuǐ brought over a bowl of chicken soup. Yun Ling took a couple of sips, then suddenly frowned, immediately putting down the bowl and uncontrollably vomiting. 

　　Lǜyī was startled. “Your Highness, what's wrong?”

　　Why would she suddenly vomit? 

　　Yun Ling couldn't help but vomit again, emptying the chicken soup she had just drunk. 

　　Lǜshuǐ hurriedly said, “This servant will go fetch the Imperial Physician.” 

　　Yun Ling rinsed her mouth and leaned weakly against the chaise lounge, her smooth brow furrowed as she struggled to regulate her breathing and suppress the nausea.

　　——　　

　　Lord Chen left the study with a tense and strained expression. He and His Highness had both worn such serious expressions these past few days. 

　　Officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue flowed in and out like water. 

　　Even An Zhong could see that the matter was of great importance. 

　　Xie Jue rested his arm on his forehead, tiredly rubbing his aching temples. He kept seeing her worried face from last night's dream. 

　　He hadn't woken her. 

　　He didn't want her to worry, and he kept the matter quiet within the Palace, but with her intelligence, she had probably sensed something was amiss.　　

　　He should tell her sooner rather than later. 

　　His handsome brows furrowed even deeper. Grand Eunuch An brought in a bowl of warm bird's nest soup, but Xie Jue had no appetite. “Take it away.” 

　　Grand Eunuch An quickly said, “This was sent by the Crown Princess.” 

　　Xie Jue's phoenix eyes immediately snapped open. “She came and you didn't tell me?” 

　　“Her Highness said she didn't want to disturb Your Highness's meeting, so she left. She didn't let me inform you,” An Zhong hesitated slightly, “And…”

　　“And what?”　　

　　An Zhong was about to speak when suddenly a young eunuch rushed in from outside and reported, “Your Highness, Crown Princess...Crown Princess is unwell! She's been vomiting!” 

　　Xie Jue's expression changed, and he immediately stood up and strode out of the study. “Have you sent for the Imperial Physician?” 

　　“We've already sent someone.” 

　　Xie Jue's thin lips were tightly pressed together, his pace quickening, a hint of anger in his voice. “How are you all serving? What unclean things did you let her eat?” 

　　The young eunuch quickly pleaded guilty, “Your Highness, forgive us, we carefully checked the food.” 

　　Hurrying into the bedchamber, Xie Jue forcefully pushed aside the beaded curtain. He saw Imperial Physician Zhang had already taken her pulse and was beaming at Yun Ling, who was leaning against the headboard. “Congratulations, Crown Princess. It's a happy pulse!” 

　　A happy...pulse.　　

　　Those two words rang in his ears, causing Xie Jue to suddenly stop in his tracks. 

　　At the same time, several palace servants in the room offered their congratulations. Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ joyfully exclaimed, “Crown Princess, you're pregnant—” 

　　Before they could finish, they saw His Highness the Crown Prince enter. 

　　The room erupted in unison, “Congratulations to His Highness the Crown Prince! Congratulations!” 

　　Xie Jue had already reached Yun Ling's side and asked Imperial Physician Zhang, “Could there be a mistake in the diagnosis? And why is the Crown Princess vomiting?”　　

　　Imperial Physician Zhang said, “This minister guarantees with my life that there is no mistake in the diagnosis. The Crown Princess is indeed pregnant, and the vomiting is a normal symptom of morning sickness. As long as she takes good care of herself, there will be no problems.” 

　　How could His Royal Highness ask such a question? If he, an Imperial Physician, even made a mistake in diagnosing pregnancy, that would be terrible. 

　　Xie Jue's tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he nodded repeatedly. “Good.” 

　　After everyone else left the bedchamber, only the two of them remained. 

　　Yun Ling's period had been late for quite some time, and she had a premonition, but with her worries these past few days, she had forgotten about it.　　

　　She was actually pregnant. 

　　Stunned, she could feel her heart pounding. 

　　Slowly raising her head, she looked into his eyes. 

　　Xie Jue looked down at her for a long time, his gaze falling on her flat abdomen, which showed no signs of change. 

　　There was actually a child inside. 

　　His dark phoenix eyes stared straight at her, his Adam's apple bobbing. He slowly lowered his head to rest his forehead against hers, his thin lips slowly uttering a slightly questioning phrase, “You have my child?” 

　　Even now, it seemed almost unbelievable.　　

　　Then, Yun Ling gave him an affirmative answer. “Yes, I have your child.” 

　　“Are you happy, Your Highness?” Yun Ling's eyebrows curved into a smile, a joyful and excited emotion rising in her heart. For the child arriving in her belly.

　　Xie Jue looked at her, not daring to blink, afraid of shattering the beautiful dream before him. Only when his wife smiled and threw herself into his arms did Xie Jue stiffly and carefully embrace her.　　

　　Her body was warm and soft in his arms, her strong heartbeat almost bursting his eardrums, gradually warming his stiff body... 

　　Ah Ling was carrying his child. 

　　This thought finally surged into his mind. Xie Jue hugged her tightly and closed his eyes. 

　　“Of course, I'm happy.” 

　　He felt his blood flowing, surging with heat, his whole body warming. 

　　Once, he lived under the suspicion of his so-called father and the scheming of his stepmother, surrounded by darkness. 

　　The only thing he could see was bright red blood, the blood of slaughter, hot and icy cold. 

　　The violent killing intent had followed him for over a decade, becoming a persistent demon in his heart.　　

　　But her body was so soft, her gaze so gentle, the words of concern she spoke, petal-like lips forming honeyed words, were more lethal than any sharp blade. 

　　And now, she carried his child. 

　　She hugged him, her body temperature against his chest incredibly warm. 

　　Warm enough to seemingly dispel all the darkness, to soothe all the violence. 

　　Heaven hadn't been too unkind to him. 

　　Lifting her chin, Xie Jue looked at her intently, studying her face. “Are you still feeling unwell anywhere?”　

　　Yun Ling shook her head. Suddenly, his kiss, like a sudden storm, fell upon her—her forehead, cheek, nose, and finally, her lips. 

　　Then he gently hugged her, his strength restrained, as if afraid of hurting her. 

　　Yun Ling didn't know why, but she suddenly felt like laughing, feeling such joy, burying her face in his neck. “Your Highness, are you finished with your work?” 

　　“Mmm…” Xie Jue said, “Matters of the state are not as important as being with you.” 

　　Yun Ling curved her lips. “I'm fine.” 

　　Then, she remembered something. “So it was the pregnancy that made me so sleepy. I didn't intentionally ignore you, Your Highness. Are you still angry?”　　

　　Xie Jue's body stiffened. 

　　After a moment, he leaned his head to kiss her dark hair, then her soft earlobe. “Even if I were angry, what could I do to you?” 

　　“Besides, I really can't be angry with you.” 

　　She threw herself into his arms, looking at him expectantly, and he had already surrendered. 

　　As long as she was by his side, everything was fine. 

　　He hadn't spoken much to her these past few days, both because of his busy schedule and because he was afraid she would worry and ask questions. 

　　Thinking of this, Xie Jue's eyes darkened. 

　　At this time, his Ah Ling was pregnant. How could he rest easy?

　　……　　

　　The sky outside gradually darkened. Palace servants set out the evening meal; the dishes were plentiful, prepared with extra care by the Imperial Chef, including several light and appetizing desserts. 

　　But Yun Ling had just vomited and had little appetite. Xie Jue had a palace servant bring half a bowl of her favorite soup, blew on it to cool it, and brought it to her lips. “You're carrying a child now. You have to eat.” 

　　Yun Ling knew he was right and tried to suppress the nausea rising in her throat, lowering her head to take a sip of the soup. 

　　As soon as it touched her tongue, the greasy taste rushed into her throat, causing a wave of nausea. She turned her head, unable to hold it back, and vomited again. 

　　This time, she couldn't suppress it, tears welling up in her eyes.　　

　　It was terribly uncomfortable. 

　　Xie Jue's brows furrowed in alarm; he quickly put down the bowl and went to gently pat her back. “What's wrong? What's wrong?” 

　　Why was she vomiting so violently? 

　　Yun Ling shook her head with her eyes closed. 

　　After a long while, she finally calmed down, took the tea offered by Lǜshuǐ, rinsed her mouth, and slowly sat up.　　　　

　　Xie Jue gently wiped the moisture from the corner of her lips; his furrowed brows were etched deep with worry. 

　　Yun Ling had just vomited; her rosy little face was now pale, her dark hair slightly disheveled, a few strands sticking messily to her forehead. She looked uncomfortable and pitiful, like a small, injured cat curled up in pain. 

　　Xie Jue's heart felt as if it had been cruelly twisted into a knot, aching with a sharp, sour pain. 

　　He held her in his lap, kissing her forehead and eyelids repeatedly to comfort her. “Okay, okay, if you're feeling unwell, don't eat.” 

　　Turning to the palace servants, he said, “Take all this away.” 

　　“Yes.”　　

　　Several palace servants quickly and efficiently removed all the food. 

　　The greasy smell gradually dissipated. 

　　Yun Ling felt a little better, closing her eyes and leaning against him without speaking. 

　　She had vomited twice today, and her energy was already depleted. Combined with her initial discomfort, she was too weak to speak. With her cheek against his chest, she eventually fell asleep without realizing it. 

　　Time passed slowly. Xie Jue held her for a long time, remaining still, afraid of waking her. 

　　After an unknown amount of time, when he heard her breathing becoming even, Xie Jue carefully lifted her and gently laid her on the bed. 

　　He instructed Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ to take good care of her and report to him immediately if anything happened before leaving.

　　……　　

　　Imperial Physician Zhang returned to the Imperial Medical Office, where he was preparing medicinal herbs. The Crown Princess's pregnancy was a momentous event, and no mistakes could be made. 

　　At that moment, a eunuch arrived to announce that His Highness the Crown Prince summoned him.　　 

　　Fearing some problem with the Crown Princess, he quickly put down the herbs and went out. 

　　Following Grand Eunuch An into the hall, he saw the Crown Prince sitting on his throne, his dark sleeves hanging down, his long lashes casting shadows, his expression grave. 

　　Imperial Physician Zhang dared not overthink, quickly bowing his head. “Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.” 

　　Xie Jue raised his eyes and said directly, “I ask you, what methods can alleviate the Crown Princess's persistent vomiting? Will it harm her body?”

　　So he had come to inquire about the Crown Princess's condition.　　

　　Imperial Physician Zhang replied, “Your Highness, there is no need to worry. It is normal for women to experience vomiting during pregnancy. I can prescribe some calming medicine, and the Crown Princess will feel better after taking it.” 

　　“Throughout history, giving birth has always been a perilous endeavor for women, but as long as the Crown Princess takes good care of herself, she should be able to deliver safely without any complications.” 

　　After a long pause, Xie Jue spoke again. 

　　“This is the Crown Princess's first pregnancy, and I am anxious and unsettled; I truly cannot relax.” 

　　He stood up and walked step by step to Imperial Physician Zhang's side, leaning in to speak in a low voice. 

　　“In any situation that arises, the Crown Princess's health is the priority. I want you to ensure her safety without any mistakes or oversights." 

　　Imperial Physician Zhang quickly bowed his head. “I will do my utmost to fulfill your wishes.”

　　——　　

　　The night was long and dark, far from dawn. 

　　Only two candles were lit in the bedchamber, casting dim shadows within the silken curtains. 

　　Yun Ling, who had been sleeping soundly, now fluttered her eyelashes and slowly opened her eyes. 

　　She had slept for a long time and woke early. 

　　After a moment of adjustment, she opened her eyes and met his dark, sleepless gaze. 

　　She was startled. 

　　Could he have been watching her all night?　　

　　“What time is it?” Yun Ling's voice was still a little muffled from sleep. 

　　It was too warm under the covers, and she was uncomfortable. 

　　“It's only the early hours of the morning,” Xie Jue said, seeing her secretly lifting the covers. He pulled her closer into his embrace. “You're pregnant. Why aren't you properly covered?” 

　　Yun Ling blushed slightly when she saw that he had discovered her little mischief. “It's a little hot.” 

　　“Your Highness, why aren't you sleeping?”

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