Chapter 065

Chapter 065

During the national mourning period, marriages were forbidden.

Chu Ge and Dou Jinfang, originally set to wed on April 6, had to postpone their nuptials. After discussions between both families, they decided to reschedule for September.

The Emperor's funeral was always a complex and solemn affair, involving stages like 'stopping the spirit', 'small encoffinment', 'grand encoffinment', and 'donning mourning clothes'. The catafalque would be moved from the Qianqing Palace to the Shouhuang Hall in Jingshan before being buried in the royal mausoleum.

However, since Emperor Jianxing had only reigned for four years and the royal mausoleum was still under construction, the catafalque could not be buried immediately and had to remain at Shouhuang Hall.

For this reason, Lu Jingzhao sent He Zhong to supervise and ensure the mausoleum's timely completion.

During the 'donning mourning clothes' ceremony, everyone was required to wear coarse hemp garments, with Lu Jingzhao donning the heaviest mourning attire, ‘zhan cui’, to express profound grief.

Lengdong and Lianqiao, standing nearby, looked at the Empress, formerly the Crown Princess. With Lu Jingzhao’s accession, even before the coronation ceremony, he was already revered by officials as 'His Majesty', making her the Empress. Their eyes conveyed complex emotions. After a while, Lengdong whispered, “I don’t know whether to feel joy or sorrow.”

The Empress's menstrual cycle was delayed by four days. Usually, a delay of one to three days was normal, but beyond that, they would remind her and call for an imperial physician to take her pulse.

“It could be due to exhaustion. It’s hard to say.”

Lengdong nodded, “I’ll inform Her Majesty right away.”

She quickly approached Chu Yin and whispered something in her ear.

Chu Yin was surprised: “Really?”

But she didn’t feel any different.

When she was in Qingzhou, pregnant with twins, she felt extremely tired and even nauseous. Now, despite less rest following the Emperor’s death, she still felt strong. How could she possibly be pregnant?

“I don’t think so.”

Lengdong suggested, “Even if it’s unlikely, we should still have the imperial physician check to be sure.”

Chu Yin glanced at Lu Jingzhao and instructed, “It’s not convenient right now. We’ll call the physician after we return and rest this evening.”

Lengdong acknowledged her order.

Returning to her place, she let out a soft sigh.

If Her Majesty was indeed pregnant, it would be a joyous event. However, mourning during early pregnancy could be harmful, potentially unsettling the fetus. Unlike the Consort of Prince Jin, who was already six months into her pregnancy and hadn't visited the Qianqing Palace afterward.

Hopefully, everything would be alright.

Lu Jingzhao, who had to review petitions, turned to Chu Yin before leaving: “Since your father has returned to the capital, I think it would be better if he stayed here instead of going back to Jiangning. What do you think?”

His brother’s wedding would inevitably be postponed, and having their father travel back and forth at his age could be too exhausting. Therefore, Lu Jingzhao considered offering him a position as a court official in the capital.

Chu Yin was pleased with the idea, yet felt it might not be entirely appropriate.

“Wouldn’t immediately promoting my father-in-law after my ascension invite criticism?”

“Your Majesty, please reconsider.” She had addressed him as “Your Majesty” in her past life too, so it felt natural.

Even in coarse hemp clothes, her clear and delicate beauty, with eyes like lacquer and naturally red lips, remained striking.

Lu Jingzhao looked at her tenderly, “My father-in-law has already made significant contributions in Jiangning. Promoting him is completely justifiable and will be accepted by the officials. I don’t favor people unwisely. If your father were incompetent, he wouldn’t keep his official hat for long.”

Perhaps she was being overly cautious. Chu Yin gently pinched his wrist, then quickly let go.

It was a gesture of gratitude.

With a slight nod, Lu Jingzhao hurried off.

After experiencing the passing of their great-grandfather, Lu Zhe and Lu Zhen had matured a bit. Seeing the adults in silence and sorrow, they too spoke less, often quietly holding their mother’s hand, absorbing the somber atmosphere.

This memory would linger in their minds for a long time, but due to their young age, it would gradually fade.

Chu Yin herself didn’t remember anything from when she was four.

After sending the children to rest with Xiao Dou and Qi Niang, Chu Yin waited in the hall for Imperial Physician Liu to check her pulse.

Touching her abdomen, she still didn’t feel pregnant, as it was quite different from her previous experience.

However, the diagnosis by Imperial Physician Liu was contrary to her thoughts.

“Truly pregnant?” Chu Yin’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, Your Majesty. You must take good care of yourself and not overexert.”

Worried about the fetus, Lengdong interjected, “But is it stable?”

“Certainly. Your Majesty’s practice of martial arts has contributed to her well-being.”

"Chu Yin still found it hard to believe."

"She was pregnant at such a time!"

"Which day could it have been?"

"Liu Yuanpan could predict it; the child must be full-term."

"Was it early March?"

"'Am I really pregnant?' she asked again."

"Thinking the Empress was simply overwhelmed with joy, Liu Yuanpan said with a beaming smile, 'Yes, you are indeed expecting. We must quickly inform the Empress Dowager and His Majesty.'"

"Chu Yin finally believed it."

"A slight smile curled at the corner of her lips as she instructed Rendong, 'Go and share the good news.'"

"Rendong quickly left to carry out the task."

"Empress Dowager Jiang was the first to arrive, holding Chu Yin’s hand with warm concern, a mix of relief and joy."

"Thankfully, all is well. From now on, you should rest in the palace and avoid walking around too much," she advised, eyeing her delicate daughter-in-law, "You’ve been working so hard these days without any discomfort. This child must be as strong as Jingzhao... When Jingzhao was born, he weighed seven pounds, with his little fists clenched tightly, such strength!"

"Chu Yin's mind immediately conjured images of him drawing the bow and arrow, and his hands often wrapped around her waist..."

"Pushing aside these thoughts, Chu Yin agreed with her mother-in-law's opinion, 'I also think this child is extraordinary.'"

"He never appeared in her previous life."

"He made her realize that her inability to conceive during this period could be changed."

"Lu Jingzhao arrived at the Eastern Palace shortly after."

"'When did you find out? You didn’t mention it this morning.' There was a faint joy in his eyes."

"'This morning I wasn’t sure, and I could hardly believe it...' After all, their efforts had been fruitless for so long."

"Understanding her, Lu Jingzhao turned to his mother, 'Although A-Yin is in mourning, now that she is with child, perhaps her diet can be more relaxed?' Otherwise, she would have to wait another fourteen days before she could eat meat."

"Empress Dowager Jiang nodded repeatedly, 'Of course,' and immediately instructed Madam Chen, 'Go take care of it.'"

"Madam Chen, happy for the Crown Prince and Princess, promptly left to carry out the order."

"Chu Yin had thought to object, but considering the difficulty in conceiving, she let it be."

"This child was also the emperor's grandchild, surely his spirit in heaven wouldn't mind."

"As Lu Jingzhao escorted his mother out, she tugged on his sleeve, advising, 'Jingzhao, you must take extra care of A-Yin. Assign more maids and eunuchs to attend to her. Although she and the baby are fine, she has indeed been tired these past few days.'"

"He listened patiently and agreed to everything."

"Returning to her side, he extended his arm to encircle her shoulders, pulling her into his embrace."

"They had refrained from intimate gestures lately, and he often returned late at night, with Chu Yin always asleep by then."

"'It seems Liu Yuanpan is somewhat useful after all,' he suddenly remarked."

"Chu Yin: '...'"

"She hadn't expected him to say that, but thinking about it, it made sense; he had indeed followed Liu Yuanpan's advice."

"'Will the emperor reward him generously?'"

"'No.'"

"'...Why not?'"

"'Not precise enough.'"

“……”

"That evening, the couple went to bed together, a rarity of late."

"Nestled in his arms, Chu Yin spoke of their children."

"'They’ve become more composed. Even though they don’t quite understand what’s happening, they stick close to me and don’t clamor for the emperor, knowing he’s busy...'"

"'I’ll make time to be with them soon.'"

"In Chu Yin's memory, he only became busier after ascending the throne."

"While acting as regent, he was somewhat constrained, but as the true emperor, he would have the freedom to pursue his grand plans and ambitions, inevitably spending less time with her and their children."

"'Being with them is secondary; the emperor shouldn’t overwork himself. That’s what truly matters.'"

"She didn't know how long she would live in this life. If they were to enjoy a lifelong bond, it wasn’t just her well-being at stake; Lu Jingzhao also needed to take good care of his health."

"'Alright, I’ll be mindful of that,' he promised."

"She shifted her position in his arms and closed her eyes."

"Even in the dim light, her fair and delicate skin was visible, as were her thick, long eyelashes."

"The faint fragrance that surrounded her evoked many intimate memories."

"His fingers traced from her slender waist up to her fuller chest, his body suddenly tensing, then slowly he relaxed his grip."

"Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to fall asleep."

"The next day, both Lu Zhuang and Lu Zhen learned of their mother's pregnancy."

"Lu Zhuang circled around Chu Yin, asking, 'Mother, where is the baby? I can’t see anything.' She looked no different than usual."

"'It’s still very small, probably about the size of a grape... You both started growing from that size too.'"

"Both children widened their eyes in disbelief, unable to fathom that they once were as small as grapes."

"'Really? How could my sister and I have been grapes?' Lu Zhuang shook his head in disbelief."

"Chu Yin chuckled."

"Upon hearing of Chu Yin's pregnancy, Lu Jingchen and his wife, Princess Baocheng, and others, still in mourning, couldn't visit in person. They sent extravagant gifts, almost as if emptying their homes. In contrast, Lu Jingrui, yet to be ennobled and typically lacking such rewards, sent simpler gifts like bird’s nest and some fruits, along with a pair of newly folded Bai Ze, symbolizing auspiciousness."

"Chu Yin carefully examined the Bai Ze, her mind drifting to the young man explaining the intricacies of paper folding."

"This must be a kind of technique!"

Chu Yin didn't believe for a second that his intentions were purely altruistic. He had suffered an arm injury at the age of seven, and his ability to endure so much pain at such a young age revealed the depth of his cunning. She knew she must remain vigilant.

Unfortunately, the passing of the Emperor meant that Lu Jingzhuo had to observe mourning, which would last for twenty-seven months.

By the time it ended, he would be twenty or twenty-one years old, and undoubtedly, his mother would begin arranging his marriage.

In her previous life, he had married the daughter of the Wei State Duke, a man who kept his cards close to his chest. Later, promoted to a military commander, he colluded with Lu Jingrui to imprison their son and usurp the throne. This time, Chu Yin was determined to prevent Lu Jingrui from having such a powerful father-in-law.

She needed to find a way to ensure Lu Jingrui would be appointed to a fiefdom early.

However, speaking of fiefdoms, she wondered how Lu Jingzhuo would treat Lu Jingchen and his wife...

The preparations for the ascension ceremony had only half a month, but nothing could be overlooked. It exhausted the officials of the Ministry of Rites and other departments, who worked relentlessly, day and night. The emperor's sudden death required a swift coronation of the new emperor to stabilize the nation and calm the people's hearts.

Worried about her daughter-in-law's well-being, Empress Dowager Jiang occasionally sent Mdm. Chen to the Eastern Palace to help with menial tasks, while Lu Jingzhuo also increased the number of maids and eunuchs serving Chu Yin.

She was entirely focused on nurturing her pregnancy.

Yet, just when she thought this pregnancy differed from her previous twins, she suddenly felt nauseous during breakfast.

Ren Dong hurriedly came to her aid, patting her back: "What's wrong? Do you feel unwell, or is it the smell of a dish? Should we call for Judge Liu?"

A maid swiftly brought a celadon spittoon.

Experienced, Chu Yin was not panicked: "No need for a physician. I'll be fine soon."

It seemed her pregnancies always involved some nausea, but fortunately, it wasn't severe.

Seeing she wasn't vomiting, the maid took the spittoon away.

With an oval face, phoenix eyes, and a slightly flat nose, Chu Yin instantly recognized the maid: Lian Qiao, who would request to leave the palace next year, would be replaced by this efficient maid, Man Qing.

Chu Yin remembered Man Qing's skill in hairdressing; at her death, Man Qing tearfully combed her hair for the last time, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

"What's your name?" she asked deliberately.

Man Qing turned around, placed the spittoon on the floor, and bowed: "Your Majesty, I am called Man Qing."

"Hmm, nice name. Alright, you may go."

Ren Dong glanced at Man Qing, thinking how fortunate the maid was to have caught the Empress's attention with so little effort.

"Your Majesty, the coronation ceremony is tomorrow. Do you have any instructions?" she asked.

Lu Jingzhuo would undoubtedly have to leave the palace before dawn to worship at the Temple of Heaven and inform the ancestors before the coronation ceremony. Normally, she would rise early to see him off, but with her pregnancy, Lu Jingzhuo would certainly not allow it, and neither would her mother-in-law.

Chu Yin said, "Just like usual."

Lu Jingzhuo returned to find her already asleep.

He had intentionally come back early, even before the hour of Hai (9-11 PM).

He thought Chu Yin might have something to discuss with him, given that his coronation was imminent.

After the coronation, he would be the true emperor, and Chu Yin the true empress. She had always cared about these positions and power; surely she must be somewhat excited and joyful? But instead…

Could it be that being pregnant made her that tired?

Lu Jingzhuo reached out to caress her peaceful face but eventually withdrew his hand, not wanting to wake her.

Chu Yin did not wake up until the hour of Si (9-11 AM).

Calculating the time, Lu Jingzhuo should be preparing to return to the palace.

After finishing the carefully prepared breakfast in the dining room, she leaned on Ren Dong and went outside the hall.

The children were already playing in the courtyard and gathered around her when they saw her.

"When your father comes, you must call him 'Father Emperor'."

"Father is coming back so early today?" Lu Zhu was surprised, scratching his head, "Call him 'Father Emperor'? Like we call Great Grandfather 'Father Emperor'?"

"Yes, because now Father is like your Great Grandfather, both are true Dragon Emperors."

They didn't quite understand but easily grasped the term "Father Emperor," and they both could say it.

Soon, there were footsteps from outside.

Chu Yin looked up expectantly.

Entering her view was a man wearing a crown and bright yellow imperial robes, dazzling and radiant, just as she remembered.

The children were momentarily stunned at first sight, but then rushed towards him after a moment.

"Father Emperor!" they called out crisply.

Lu Jingzhuo looked down with a smile, ruffling their little heads: "Did your mother teach you that?"

"Mhm," they nodded.

He then turned his gaze towards Chu Yin.

Chu Yin bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects. Congratulations on your ascension, may Your Majesty enjoy endless blessings and longevity."

Releasing the children, he helped her up.

"What time did you get up today?"

"Around the hour of Si."

She slept quite long.

His eyes landed on her barely noticeable belly, asking, "Feeling very tired?"

"It's alright, just a bit sleepy at times."

"Was it like this before?" He wasn't around when she was pregnant with the twins until their birth.

"Yes, but the twins were a bit more troublesome," Chu Yin glanced at Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen, "This one is calmer…" She had barely finished when she felt a tightness in her throat, thinking to herself that this child really couldn't handle any praise…

She quickly covered her mouth.

Ren Dong saw this and immediately instructed a maid to fetch the spittoon.

"What's wrong?" Lu Jingzhuo, not understanding the situation, lifted her face, "Do you feel unwell?"

"Nothing much, just a bit…" She stepped back.

But he kept hold of her.

Unable to hold back any longer, Chu Yin vomited with a "wah" sound.

In that instant, Lu Jingzhuo felt a warm sensation on the back of his right hand.

The smell at the tip of his nose was also quite strange.

He stiffened, struggling to accept the situation, but Chu Yin hadn't done it on purpose; it wasn't something to blame her for.

Just after his coronation, and she had vomited on his hand…

Chu Yin was extremely mortified, realizing it was quite an unfortunate incident.

She hurriedly took out a handkerchief, intending to wipe his hand: "It's all my fault, I should have prepared a spittoon in advance…"

It seemed this wasn't the first time.

"You never told me you were vomiting," Lu Jingzhuo said, frowning as he snatched the handkerchief with his left hand, first wiping her mouth, then suddenly remarked, "How exactly is this child well-behaved?"

Just a tiny thing and already causing trouble for his mother!