Whenever Shi Qingyue had a holiday, Shi Wuxiang naturally had one too. Technically, it would have been fine if he did not go, but because they needed to deliver the betrothal gifts and marriage documents, and because the family no longer had a father, as the eldest son he had to shoulder part of the responsibility.
Yuan Zhao remained at home. Though he could not go out, he still anxiously paced around the room, eagerly waiting for them to return. After all, the wedding would take place next month.
The betrothal visit went very smoothly, since both families were already willing.
Yuan Zhao kept gazing out the window. The moment he vaguely heard movement outside, he immediately smiled and went out to greet them. “A’Xiang! Has everything been settled?”
“Mhm, everything’s settled.” Shi Wuxiang smiled as he took hold of his hand. It was warm and soft, with no signs of discomfort.
That year’s birthday was still lively as ever.
Probably because the due date was getting closer and closer, after dinner everyone was urged back to their rooms early by Madam Shi, leaving only the husband and husband alone together.
“Close your eyes.” Shi Wuxiang said softly.
Yuan Zhao obediently closed his eyes, then felt something cool and smooth being slipped onto his wrist.
“Open them.”
Yuan Zhao slowly opened his eyes and saw a bracelet around his wrist. The silver bracelet was delicate and beautiful, with small longevity locks and tiny bells hanging from it. When he moved slightly, they gave off crisp jingling sounds.
“It’s so pretty…” Yuan Zhao immediately raised his hand to examine it carefully. “You bought this for me?”
“I had it specially made.” Shi Wuxiang held his hand and looked at the bracelet with him. “The silversmith said wearing silver is good for the body. The little bells were added by me.”
Yuan Zhao could not stop smiling.
“You even know how to coax people now.”
“I’ve always known.”
“You’re talking nonsense again.” Yuan Zhao laughed and leaned against him. “But I really like it.”
Shi Wuxiang lowered his eyes and looked at him quietly.
Actually, he had prepared several gifts, but in the end he still felt these little things suited Yuan Zhao best.
Yuan Zhao was easy to satisfy.
As long as someone treated him sincerely, he would treasure it for a very long time.
“Does it feel tight?” Shi Wuxiang lightly touched his wrist. “If it’s uncomfortable, I’ll have them adjust it.”
“It’s not tight at all.” Yuan Zhao shook his wrist again, listening to the bells ring. The more he listened, the happier he became. “I’ll wear it every day from now on.”
“You can’t wear it while sleeping.”
“Why not?”
“It’ll press against your stomach.”
Yuan Zhao immediately lowered his head to look at his belly, then reluctantly agreed, “Alright then…”
Seeing his unwilling expression, Shi Wuxiang could not help laughing softly.
“You really like it that much?”
“Of course.” Yuan Zhao raised his head and looked at him seriously. “Because you gave it to me.”
The room suddenly became quiet.
Only the candlelight flickered gently, and outside the window the insects chirped faintly.
Shi Wuxiang suddenly lowered his head and kissed the corner of his lips.
Yuan Zhao blinked, then instinctively wrapped his arms around his neck.
“Careful.” Shi Wuxiang supported his waist. “You’re still being reckless.”
“You kissed me first.” Yuan Zhao argued confidently.
Shi Wuxiang laughed from exasperation. “And now you’re blaming me?”
“You’re the one who started it anyway.”
The two of them bickered softly for a while. In the end, Yuan Zhao tired himself out first. Leaning in Shi Wuxiang’s arms, he began feeling sleepy again.
Recently he had become especially drowsy.
Sometimes while talking he would suddenly lose focus, his eyes half-closing as he drifted off.
Shi Wuxiang touched his face and said softly, “Sleep if you’re tired.”
“But I still want to talk with you…”
“We can talk tomorrow too.”
Yuan Zhao struggled for a moment before finally surrendering to sleepiness. He leaned against Shi Wuxiang’s chest and muttered softly, “Then tomorrow you have to keep talking with me…”
“Alright.”
“And next year too.”
“Alright.”
“And when we’re old too.”
Shi Wuxiang paused slightly, then lowered his head and kissed his forehead.
“Mm. Even when we’re old.”
Yuan Zhao finally smiled in satisfaction and slowly fell asleep in his arms.
The little silver bells on his wrist lightly touched against Shi Wuxiang’s sleeve, making faint crisp sounds.
As though quietly responding to this lifetime of tenderness.
“Come.”
Madam Shi raised her cup. “Let us wish Ah Zhao a happy birthday.”
“Happy birthday!”
There was no happiness greater than celebrating a birthday while carrying a child.
Yuan Zhao could not drink alcohol, so the liquid in his cup was sweet plum juice instead—but he drank it with the same bold spirit as wine, looking as though he had gotten drunk off plum juice alone.
After dinner, he began opening gifts.
They were all strange and interesting little things: bracelets, bead chains, embroidered handkerchiefs, all fresh and delicate.
Madam Shi gave him a pair of shoes and several small baby garments.
Yuan Zhao quietly teared up, smiling as he showed the shoes to Shi Wuxiang. “Mother knew my feet have been getting tight lately. These are new shoes for me.”
Shi Wuxiang nodded gently, his voice unusually soft. “Mother is very good to you.”
“And you?”
“I?” Shi Wuxiang looked at him. “I am also good to you.”
Yuan Zhao, satisfied, continued opening gifts. Though they were all seemingly simple and inexpensive things, they were the small objects he liked most.
As night fell, a damp earthy scent spread outside.
Yuan Zhao sniffed and closed the window. “It’ll probably rain tonight. Xia Lian, tell the servants to put everything in the courtyard away.”
“Yes.”
“How do you know?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
“Smell,” Yuan Zhao said. “The smell of cloudy days and rainy days is different. Rain smells like something rising from the soil—muddy and fishy. If I smell that, I know it will rain. I’ve never been wrong.”
Shi Wuxiang thoughtfully nodded. He could indeed feel a faint chill coming in from the open window.
They did not dwell on it. The candles were extinguished, and they lay down in bed.
Yuan Zhao now had to sleep on his side and no longer curled into Shi Wuxiang’s arms as before. Instead, he pressed his back—and even his lower body—firmly against him, as if trying to melt into his flesh.
Shi Wuxiang was pushed out of bed several times in the night. Each time he could only sit up, pull him back inward, and hold him again.
But tonight, the other was not behaving.
He kept squirming and rubbing.
Shi Wuxiang slapped his backside and rasped, “Behave yourself. No mischief.”
“How is this mischief?” Yuan Zhao kept moving, still bold in matters like this. “Isn’t this just what we should be doing? If you don’t want it, then leave.”
Shi Wuxiang held his waist and bit his ear, restrained to the extreme. “Don’t tempt me now. Want me to deal with you?”
Yuan Zhao was not afraid at all. He chuckled. “Then deal with me quickly. Please, Ah Xiang~”
Since learning of the pregnancy, the two had completely abstained from intimacy. Occasionally sparks would flare, but Shi Wuxiang always forced himself to stop.
A man who had resumed abstinence after tasting desire could hardly remain unmoved for long. Yet he also feared harming Yuan Zhao.
“Ah Xiang… husband~” Yuan Zhao called again.
Those eyes filled with tears in an instant, and Shi Wuxiang finally sighed.
He lowered his head and kissed the corner of his lips. “I know. Be good. Tell me if you feel uncomfortable.”
Yuan Zhao nodded obediently.
The earlier resistance melted away, leaving only quiet submission and nervous anticipation.
“Don’t be afraid,” Shi Wuxiang soothed him softly.
He wiped away the sweat on Yuan Zhao’s forehead.
Yuan Zhao clutched the bedsheet with one hand and supported his belly with the other, trying to ease the weight.
Pregnancy made him more sensitive than before. Shi Wuxiang knew this better than anyone.
It took only one time for him to feel exhausted, yet still unsatisfied.
They ended up continuing several times.
By the end, Yuan Zhao had cried himself into sleep, tear stains still on his face.
Shi Wuxiang cleaned him carefully, then held him close and fell asleep satisfied.
A peaceful night.
When Yuan Zhao woke again, he felt as if he had been beaten all over—sore in his knees, arms, and everywhere else.
“Pregnancy allows moderate marital relations and may even help childbirth, but excess will disturb the fetus.”
The doctor arrived for his daily pulse check and immediately understood what had happened the night before. It was nothing serious as long as the body was not harmed.
Yuan Zhao’s face turned red, eyes watery.
The maid Xia Lian quickly asked, “Does he need medicine to stabilize the fetus?”
“The fetus is stable. No need for medicine. In fact, tonic herbs should be used sparingly, or it may cause excessive fetal growth and difficult labor.”
“Yes.”
Yuan Zhao then asked carefully, “I get hungry quickly… can I eat more?”
“Yes, but not excessively.”
Only then did he feel reassured.
As days passed, the Shi household grew increasingly busy.
Shi Qingxiu’s wedding on the twenty-eighth had already spread through the area, and many came to send gifts in advance.
The original plan was to host everything in the town, but as more guests arrived, Shi Wuxiang decided to hold a banquet at the restaurant as well, so Yuan Zhao would not have to travel.
On the wedding day, the Shi household was bustling early in the morning.
Yuan Zhao insisted on getting up, even though he was tired. As the elder sister-in-law, he still needed to observe propriety.
“I’ll receive guests at the restaurant,” Yuan Zhao said.
But Shi Wuxiang shook his head. “We’ll go together. The ceremony in the city finishes early, and we’ll make it in time for the bride’s procession.”
Only then did Yuan Zhao relax slightly.
At the restaurant, guests came and went, offering congratulations.
“Congratulations, Master Shi. Is the madam’s health well?”
“We finally get the chance to congratulate you on your pregnancy…”
Shi Wuxiang accepted all blessings calmly, his expression gentle throughout.
The banquet ended smoothly.
On the way home, Yuan Zhao collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. “Wedding banquets are delicious… but so tiring.”
Shi Wuxiang massaged his legs. “Good thing you didn’t go to the town. Otherwise you’d be worse off. Still think I’m restricting you?”
“I never thought that,” Yuan Zhao said honestly.
“I just wanted to eat the banquet anywhere.”
Shi Wuxiang chuckled. “That’s good.”
“Massage my shoulders… my arms… my face…”
“I understand, young master.”
Shi Wuxiang did exactly as told.
On the other side, the wedding in the town also proceeded smoothly.
The residence was spacious, now only occupied by Madam Shi, Shi Qingxiu and his wife, and a few servants—quiet enough for a newlywed life.
They stayed in the town for three days after the return visit, then went back to live in the county town. After all, Shi Qingyue was still studying at the academy, and living in the town was especially inconvenient.
After all the guests had left, Madam Shi Zhang went to their room and softly reminded them, “A’Yue, Mother is going back to rest. Hot water is boiling in the kitchen. You two should also rest soon.”
“Understood, Mother.” Shi Qingyue replied, his face flushed red, then turned and exchanged a smile with Tao Xiangyue, who was also blushing.
The night was still long.
Yuan Zhao’s belly was getting bigger and bigger. On top of that, it was his first pregnancy, so he was extremely careful. The whole family treated him like their eyes, protecting him closely. If the situation had allowed it, Shi Wuxiang would have wanted to stay at home with him no matter what.
He himself was also very careful, afraid that something unexpected might happen.
After Tao Xiangyue followed them to the town residence, she was also very obedient. She always remembered her mother’s teachings and stayed at home to keep Yuan Zhao company.
“Sister-in-law, I’ll pour you another cup of tea.” she said softly, still a little cautious.
Having just arrived at the household not long ago, it was somewhat difficult to integrate. But she knew that as long as she pleased Yuan Zhao, she could gain a foothold.
Yuan Zhao was slightly surprised. He waved his hand, “No need, there are servants for this. Don’t be so restrained. If you act like this, I won’t be used to it, and you won’t be used to it either.”
“I… no, sister-in-law, I…” Tao Xiangyue didn’t know how to respond for a moment. Her “sister-in-law” words had struck her heart, and she felt ashamed of her awkward behavior.
“It’s fine. Once you marry in, this is your home. You don’t need to come find me and Mother every day. Even if you just stay in your room doing nothing, it’s fine. Mother doesn’t care about these things, as long as you live properly with A’Yue.” Yuan Zhao said everything sincerely.
Wasn’t he the one who, in the beginning, took care of A’Xiang wholeheartedly and did all the household work himself?
Now even less is required of Tao Xiangyue—she only needs to live well with A’Yue, and that’s enough. Naturally, she can do that.
Hearing that everything he said was from the heart, Tao Xiangyue stopped being overly stiff and nodded shyly, though her shoulders relaxed a little.
“I just want to get along well with sister-in-law, and I also want mother-in-law to think I’m a good daughter-in-law. The more I think about it, the less I know what to do.” she said.
“Then do nothing at all.” Yuan Zhao said. “When you were matched, did they ever require you to do everything? Since Mother agreed to this marriage, isn’t it because she was satisfied with you?”
“It’s still different. I can’t be like sister-in-law…” Tao Xiangyue said, glancing subtly at his belly.
This was the family’s precious treasure; naturally, he could act without restraint. But she had just entered the family. If she did nothing at all, people outside would say she was lazy and bring shame to the Shi family.
Yuan Zhao looked at her suspiciously. “Why would you think that? Before this, I didn’t get pregnant for three years, and Mother still treated me very well. True feelings are exchanged with true feelings. They don’t depend on these things.”
Only then did Tao Xiangyue truly understand. She nodded again, still shy, but her shoulders loosened further.
Summer was often rainy. Just after they finished talking, the sky turned dark, looking like a heavy rain was about to come.
The servants of the Shi family immediately went to work, scrambling to cover everything that needed covering. Then the heavy rain arrived as expected.
The sound of crashing rain was like someone pouring water down from above. If one were caught in it, they would likely catch a cold.
The window had originally been left slightly open, but when the wind from the rain blew in, the cold air rushed inside. Even though it was summer, it still felt chilly.
Xia Lian quickly went to close the window and also brought a thin blanket to cover him. “This servant will go have the kitchen make ginger tea. You must drink two bowls.”
“Understood.”
Yuan Zhao’s body was special now; he could not easily fall ill, and even if he did, he could not casually take medicine. Rather than enduring illness, prevention was most important.
Tao Xiangyue watched with some envy. Although her family was somewhat wealthy, it was not enough to hire servants. Even without her mother saying anything, she knew the Shi family was her best destination now.
On the other side.
Dehou Academy.
Today before noon, the sun was bright and blazing. The academy instructed students to take out all the books from the library to air them out. Drying them in good weather would remove the damp, musty smell and instead bring out the scent of ink and paper.
“Master Chen, isn’t the number of books being aired today a bit too many?” Shi Wuxiang looked at the students carrying books back and forth. Normally, this amount should have already been finished.
“Too many? The books in the library are almost eaten by mice. If we don’t take them out to dry and deal with the mice, who will be responsible if they’re all destroyed?” Master Chen said, sounding righteous, though his tone carried contempt.
Shi Wuxiang disliked talking to such people the most—always speaking with hidden barbs, as if speaking properly would cost them intelligence.
Chengdu had always been one who joined any excitement. He directed students while saying, “Then it’s whoever eats them who takes responsibility. As long as there is sun, they can be aired every day. Why rush to finish everything today?”
“Is Master Chen about to die tomorrow?” Shi Wuxiang asked directly, without any roundabout phrasing.
One sentence caught everyone off guard.
Master Chen froze in place, suspecting he had misheard.
After reacting, he pointed angrily at Shi Wuxiang. “You brat! How dare you speak to an elder like this! Truly disgraceful, completely unreasonable!”
“If you don’t like hearing the truth, then don’t listen. Honest words offend the ear. Master Chen should broaden his mind.” Shi Wuxiang said calmly. “I haven’t even said anything worse yet. Don’t be so fragile.”
“Shi Wuxiang! Don’t rely on your power to disrupt the academy. Airing books is something every teacher and student should do. Why are you opposing it!” Teacher Zhao and Master Chen sided together, turning their criticism toward him.
Shi Wuxiang clicked his tongue lightly, his handsome face full of impatience. “So I only criticized him and not you? Teacher Zhao also wants to argue with me?”
Teacher Zhao gritted his teeth. He did not dare.
Shi Wuxiang was too lazy to deal with them further. Seeing that the amount of books being aired had far exceeded the original plan, he directly led the students of Class Dingyi away.
Chengdu and the others followed suit. The courtyard immediately had far fewer students left. In truth, those remaining were not willing either; collecting them later would also be troublesome.
Perhaps even heaven was helping Shi Wuxiang and the others. Just after they returned to the academy, before the books had finished drying, heavier weather arrived.
“It’s raining!”
“Hurry! Quickly gather the books!”
“Students of Class Ding, stop watching and come out to collect books!”
Shi Wuxiang sighed helplessly and quickly led his students into the rain. After all, these were delicate, precious books—once soaked, they would likely be ruined.
After thinking it over, Shi Wuxiang also rushed into the rain curtain.