CHAPTER 689: CHAPTER 689: MORNING SICKNESS

Dong’er was infuriated.

"You’re doing this on purpose!"

She sized up Chun Xing from head to toe.

She saw Chun Xing dressed in a light green skirt, with a turquoise belt tied gracefully around her waist, accentuating her slender waist and rounded hips.

Her face was smeared with cosmetic powders, her hair adorned with jade hairpins and silver earrings, her wrists adorned with Twisted Silver Bracelets, and her cheeks decorated with floral patches.

Her oval face with almond eyes seemed to speak, the glances she cast were full of charm, and hinted at a myriad of amorous feelings.

TSK-TSK!

With all this adornment, Chun Xing exuded an allure that was hard to ignore.

If Dong’er couldn’t see what she was aiming for, she really wouldn’t deserve to be the chief Maid.

She immediately sneered with a raised eyebrow and a mocking look.

"OH MY!"

"You’re not even a concubine yet, and you’re already dressing like one?"

Having struck a nerve, Chun Xing rolled her eyes at her.

"What nonsense are you babbling about? After all, I serve closely by His Lordship’s side. Do you expect me to dress as poorly as you?"

As she spoke, Chun Xing carried herself with an indescribably superior air, as if she were truly someone of high stature.

Dong’er scoffed coldly.

"Serving closely by His Lordship’s side? You make it sound as if you’ve served him many times!"

"If I’m not mistaken, the Marquis hasn’t even seen you yet!"

"HUMPH! Weren’t you just transferred to the Marquis’s study thanks to some Silver you spent on connections? You really think you’re so capable!"

Dong’er absolutely detested such women who aimed to climb into his bed.

All the women who get close to the Marquis have ill intentions, all of them wanting to bully the Young Miss, every single one!

Chun Xing’s true colors were exposed, and she was seething.

"You!"

Dong’er made a face at her.

"PAH! What about you!"

"The Young Miss and the Marquis have a good relationship. Even if you throw yourself at the Marquis, he won’t give you a second glance!"

Chun Xing fumed, her face twisted and contorted in rage.

"Oh really?"

"Alright then! You just wait for Chun Xing!"

"Once I become the Marquis’s concubine, I’ll take care of you!"

Dong’er immediately pretended to be scared and patted her chest.

"Oh my, I’m so scared, Concubine Chun Xing~"

She elongated her final words, her tone brimming with disdain.

Chun Xing was so angered she could explode.

Unable to proceed, she could only turn and leave.

Dong’er watched her retreating figure and couldn’t help but spit in disgust.

"Concubine indeed, PTUI! Who do you think you are? HUMPH!"

With a cold snort, Dong’er left as well.

She estimated it was almost time. The Marquis and the Young Miss still needed to wash before bed, so Dong’er had to go get water.

The night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, the Hou Mansion was bustling again.

Ni Manxue, tired from most of the night, had to force herself to get up. Xia Tingfeng was very sympathetic.

"Managing such a large household is hard on you!"

Ni Manxue smiled.

"What’s my little hardship compared to yours, Marquis! You’re the one toiling away outside."

He was on duty day in and day out, sometimes not returning home for several days. Even when he did return, he often just fell asleep immediately. How could she not feel concern for him!

Xia Tingfeng drew her into his embrace, consoling her with gentle words.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine!"

Then he put on his armor and went to the palace for duty.

「In the palace」

The New Year was drawing nearer every day.

After the twenty-third, once Zhao Junyao officially stopped his work for the holidays, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began distributing New Year’s gifts.

The rigid atmosphere in the palace gradually eased, and everyone became more lively. The Honored Ladies also started to visit one another.

With the plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden now in bloom, everyone often went there to sit and brew tea.

As Zhao Junyao passed by the Imperial Garden, he could sometimes hear the women’s laughter and joyful chatter.

Every time this happened, Zhao Junyao would smile.

Look! With the Empress gone, the entire Harem is at peace!

So, life goes on without the Empress, doesn’t it!

Thinking this way, he felt increasingly joyful, and his steps became much lighter.

However, beneath the thick festive atmosphere, things weren’t going well at Qingya Residence.

Because Xia Ruqing had started vomiting again—morning sickness!

Ever since Imperial Doctor Zhang confirmed she was carrying twins, her condition had declined. The two little ones seemed to be fighting in her womb, turning her world upside down.

Watching Xia Ruqing propped against the bed’s edge, retching until she was faint, Zhao Junyao’s heart bled for her.

Imperial Doctor Zhang knelt to one side, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Zhao Junyao, on the other hand, paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back—left to right, right to left, relentlessly, his brows furrowed tightly.

Li Shengan felt dizzy just watching him.

"Isn’t there any other way?" Zhao Junyao demanded angrily.

He could handle the most difficult issues at court, but when it came to Qingqing, her discomfort rendered him completely helpless. This feeling of being out of control was extremely frustrating for Zhao Junyao. He resembled a lion about to roar, intimidating and frightening.

Not only Li Shengan but even Imperial Doctor Zhang felt a chill at the back of his neck.

SIGH!

"Your Majesty, there are ways, but... they are a bit troublesome!"

Zhao Junyao’s eyes went cold. He suddenly bent down and grabbed Imperial Doctor Zhang by the collar.

"I’ve been anxious for so long! Why didn’t you speak up sooner? What does trouble matter? Get to preparing now!"

Imperial Doctor Zhang was somewhat stunned but hurriedly kowtowed.

"Your Majesty, not all food causes vomiting in pregnant women. Depending on the individual’s constitution, there can be different things they can eat that won’t induce vomiting or cause discomfort!"

Zhao Junyao sighed in relief. "Then what can Qingqing eat?"

Imperial Doctor Zhang wiped his sweat. "Your Majesty, we must try them one by one!"

With countless dishes in the world, who knew what Her Ladyship could or couldn’t eat? Of course, they had to try.

But to Zhao Junyao, this didn’t seem like a problem. "Then go try!"

As long as Qingqing felt a bit better, what did trouble matter?

No sooner had his words fallen than Li Shengan quickly agreed and went to inform the Imperial Kitchen.

Zhao Junyao sat by the bed, patting Xia Ruqing’s back and soothing her in a gentle voice.

"Qingqing, what do you want to eat?"

Just the mention of food made Xia Ruqing want to vomit again.

Zhao Junyao quickly patted her. "Alright, alright, I won’t mention it again!"

Xia Ruqing finally felt a little better.

Zi Yue brought a cup of tea for her to rinse her mouth. She then lay weakly on the bed.

Just then, Zi Su suddenly came in.

"Your Majesty, Your Ladyship, someone from Ningshou Palace has brought a message, saying the Empress Dowager invites Your Majesty to join her for the midday meal!"

Zhao Junyao felt impatient upon hearing this and had yet to respond when he heard Xia Ruqing bend over and vomit again with a retching sound.

Zi Su immediately knelt down. "Your Ladyship must forgive me. This servant did not mean to!"

Xia Ruqing waved her hand in despair. "It’s alright, withdraw!"

Zhao Junyao looked at Xia Ruqing with heartache. Though he wanted to stay, his mother was calling him from the other side. He hadn’t visited her in a long time and owed her that courtesy. So, after making sure Xia Ruqing was settled, Zhao Junyao proceeded to Ningshou Palace.

Upon his arrival, the Empress Dowager greeted him with a warm smile.

"Imperial Son!"

Zhao Junyao’s tense expression softened, and he quickly performed the formal bow.

"I pay my respects to Mother!"

"Rise quickly. It’s warm inside; come and warm up!"