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The two of them embraced quietly for a while until her sleepiness had completely dissipated, then the Emperor asked in a soft voice, "Are you hungry?"

Those carrying a child must eat for two, and it’s easy to feel hungry.

Lian Hua let go of the Emperor, nodded her head, and gently patted her belly, feeling that it seemed a bit more bulging than before.

She couldn’t resist sharing with him, "My Lord, touch this. Doesn’t my stomach seem bigger?"

The Emperor reached over with his hand; his large palm rested on her belly and felt it, but he didn’t notice any difference. Not even three months into her pregnancy, it wouldn’t show so quickly, and he suspected it was just the Little Concubine’s psychological effect.

He had his own thoughts but didn’t contradict, simply humoring her, "There’s been a bit of change."

"Right~" Lian Hua touched it again, now finding it somewhat magical. There was actually a child of His Majesty and hers in her stomach; she was really about to become a mother.

The Emperor watched her, a warm feeling in his heart, and reached out his hand to say, "Let’s get up, go wash up a bit, and don’t stay hungry."

Lian Hua smiled and rose to her feet, using the Emperor’s hand for support.

After she had washed up, sitting at the dining table, her hand trembled slightly as she picked up the chopsticks. She couldn’t help but coquettishly glare at the Emperor, blaming this chief culprit.

The Emperor chuckled softly, knowing her hand was sore, seized it, and rubbed it, then meticulously spoon-fed her.

Lian Hua became cheerful, acting like a boss, nodding towards the food she wanted with her mouth, and His Majesty would bring it to her lips; shaking her head when she didn’t want it, His Majesty would simply take it for himself.

This experience was both fresh and satisfying. No wonder His Majesty liked it when she fed him; the feeling of having food brought to your mouth was so good!

Lian Hua was in high spirits, feeling tempted to swing her legs, but she had barely started when His Majesty scolded her.

Seeing her lack of seriousness and her smug expression, the Emperor couldn’t help but gently slap her thigh, saying, "Mind your manners. If Nanny Qi sees you behaving like this, she will certainly scold you."

Lian Hua didn’t take it to heart and retorted, "Not at all. Nanny is very kind to me now."

It had been a long time since Nanny had scolded her; even when she saw Lian Hua sitting at an angle, she didn’t say anything. Lian Hua understood perfectly well; His Majesty thought he could fool her, but it wouldn’t be that easy.

The Emperor shook his head helplessly; his Little Concubine was the best at taking advantage of a situation. Sometimes naive, but at other times incredibly shrewd.

Now that Nanny Qi had fallen under her sway, indulging her even more than he did and becoming unhappy with just a few words from him, it seemed that no one would be able to control his Little Concubine in the future, alas.

Despite such thoughts, he felt it was just right. He never wanted her to change anything; instead, he was delighted that his Little Concubine felt at ease in front of him, not hiding herself, doing whatever she wanted. Seeing her smiling face filled him with satisfaction.

After Nanny Qi arrived at Canglan Court, noticeable changes occurred. Her spirit seemed better than before, she wasn’t as austere, and her face occasionally bore a smile. It was a good thing; he knew that his Little Concubine was a treasure, anyone who spent time with her would be happy and joyful.

Yesterday, he had Huang Zude take the Pulse of Peace for the couple. Nanny Qi was in excellent health, and his Little Concubine and the child were all well. Both were very good.

After breakfast, the Emperor took a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, his fingers couldn’t help but to caress her soft, full lips, stroking gently, captivated by the pleasant touch.

Lian Hua felt a tickling sensation, her mouth corners upturned, stifling a laugh, her eyes lowered, watching the hand on her lips. Wherever the hand moved, her gaze followed, a hint of cunning in her eyes.

The Emperor saw her expression and knew she was holding back laughter, and a playful mood arose. He joined in the fun, watching her reactions as he moved his finger back and forth across her lips, and finally couldn’t resist pinching them.

Lian Hua’s eyes followed her hands as they moved back and forth, seeking the right moment. She opened her mouth, aiming to bite his hand, but the Emperor suddenly withdrew, evading her bite.

Lian Hua started to complain, "No, no, Your Majesty, how could you withdraw your hand so quickly? Let’s try again!" She almost caught him.

She grasped the Emperor’s hand, gave it a shake, and wanted him to do it over.

The Emperor couldn’t help but be amused; his Little Concubine was truly adorable, like a child.

He played along another two or three times. Each time, he withdrew his hand just as she was about to bite, which made her coquettish and petulant, pouting with her lips.

Eventually, the Emperor let her bite him once, delighting her. She didn’t truly bite down, just applied a little pressure. If she actually bit him hard, she’d feel bad herself.

That morning passed amidst Lian Hua’s playfulness and laughter.

It made her exceptionally lively and excited that His Majesty could relax and spend time with her in Canglan Court.

Her mood was extraordinarily good, with a smile always on her face and sweet joy shining through her curved eyes and brows.

Nanny Qi was sensible enough not to come over to the Side Hall all day. Seeing that the Emperor and the young lady had a rare chance to be alone, she refrained from visiting.

With the Emperor there to watch over her, she wasn’t needed, and besides, the sight of the couple’s intimate affection was almost too much for her to bear.

That day, the Emperor and Lian Hua stayed together all the time. The Emperor read his books, and Lian Hua practiced her writing, occasionally asking for his guidance;

When Lian Hua went out to check on her peach tree, the Emperor stood up to accompany her;

Passing by the small peach tree, Lian Hua would tell the Emperor where the osmanthus wine was buried, eager to share the secret, and he responded with nods and praise;

Lunch as usual was a bowl of fetus-preserving medicine, which Lian Hua gulped down. The Emperor, feeling sorry for her, offered her some candied fruit, making her suddenly think that the medicine didn’t taste so bad after all;

In the afternoon, they still took a short nap. Lian Hua coquettishly asked the Emperor to join her, and he gladly agreed, holding her as they fell asleep;

In the afternoon, the Emperor reviewed petitions, and Lian Hua poured tea for him from time to time, staying obediently by his side, quietly doing her own thing without disturbing him;

When the Emperor felt tired and massaged the bridge of his nose, Lian Hua, seeing this, helped to knead his shoulders and dearly kissed his cheeks;

After dinner, they held hands and took a walk, talking about everything and anything. Of course, most of the time it was Lian Hua who spoke, while the Emperor listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with a comment;

The day passed simply yet beautifully. Each engaged in their own activities, exchanging smiles from time to time, feeling completely content and satisfied.

The Emperor felt that the day was very relaxing. Although it was simple, it was joyous and wonderful.

This was a feeling only to be had at Canglan Court with his Little Concubine, a sensation unattainable anywhere else. If all future days could be like this, it would be quite nice. It was akin to the leisurely days of the immortals.

His Majesty spent the day of rest quite content, save for one matter.

Taking advantage of the time Lian Hua was bathing, the Emperor came out to hear Cao De’s report on the investigation.

Surprised upon hearing about a fruitless effort, the Emperor inquired, "He took his own life?" This was the first time the culprit had faced such disarray.

Cao De spoke grimly, "That Seventh Master was very vigilant. When we were close to capturing him, one of our men slipped up, and he noticed something was amiss. He hadn’t engaged us in combat when he took poison on the spot, ending his life.

There was no saving him. All the documents on his person were forged. "

Cao De hadn’t encountered such a ruthless character in a long time. Every time they were close to catching him, he would slip away.